AFCNew England Patriots running back Dion Lewis is the AFC's Offensive Player of the Week, joining wide receiver Julian Edelman and quarterback-turned-kicker Doug Flutie as the only players in franchise history to win both the offensive and special teams awards. He racked up 153 total yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills.Cornerback Mike Hilton is the first Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back to be named Defensive Player of the Week since Troy Polamalu in 2013. He made six combined tackles and three sacks in the Steelers' rout of the Houston Texans.Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker won the Special Teams Player of the Week Award for the second time in his rookie season. He went 5-for-6 from field-goal range while successfully making both of his extra-point attempts.NFCLos Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley is the first NFC running back since the inception of the Player of the Week Awards in 1984 to win consecutive weekly honors. He has totaled six touchdowns and 456 yards over the past two weeks.Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith picked off Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Hundley twice on Saturday to claim Defense Player of the Week honors. He added eight combined tackles for good measure.Carolina Panthers wide receiver Damiere Byrd used his first kickoff-return touchdown of the season to win the Special Teams Player of the Week Award. He went 103 yards for his third touchdown of the season, after scoring two offensive TDs in Week 15. His season ended shortly after, as he was placed on injured reserve with a leg injury.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera defended his decision to lead a chant for the team's owner, Jerry Richardson, amid allegations of workplace misconduct against the 81-year-old, including sexual harassment and using a racial slur toward an African-American scout."What I've always said is I know nothing about that. I can only speak for what he has been to me and the players," Rivera said Tuesday, according to the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person. "And that's why I did it."Video of the chant was posted to the Panthers' official website.

The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's NFL Editors, including Jack Browne, Michael McClymont, Mitch Sanderson, and Arun Srinivasan.1. New England Patriots (12-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan1111Previous Rank: 1stLike clockwork, the Pats appear to be the class of the NFL, but they can't afford a slip up against the Jets with the Steelers wrapping things up against the Browns. - McClymont2. Los Angeles Rams (11-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan2322Previous Rank: 2ndIf Jeff Fisher wants credit for this year's Rams, he should also take a huge amount of blame for somehow turning MVP candidate Todd Gurley into just a normal guy. - Browne3. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan3234Previous Rank: 3rdThe Steelers remained a dominant offensive force without Antonio Brown in the lineup and secured one more week of recovery for the wideout. They're staying hot at the perfect time. - Sanderson4. Minnesota Vikings (12-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan4443Previous Rank: 4thIt seems crazy that the Vikings went 24 years without a shutout. They may not last another month before getting their next one. - Sanderson5. New Orleans Saints (11-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan5555Previous Rank: 6thFueled by one of the best rookie classes in recent memory, Drew Brees and Co. are a terrifying offense ready to set the league on fire during the postseason. - Srinivasan6. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan6866Previous Rank: 5thThe Jaguars are one of the best defenses of all time, a notion that would be taken more seriously if they weren't, well, the Jaguars. No one wants to see them next month. - Srinivasan7. Carolina Panthers (11-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan7777Previous Rank: 7thWe all could take a page from Chosen Newton's book with the 2-year-old celebrating his father's success. Don't sleep on the Panthers this year as the elder Newton begins to heat up. - Srinivasan8. Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan9688Previous Rank: 8thThe drop-off from Carson Wentz to Nick Foles is significant. The Eagles will have to continue to squeak out wins in order to reach their desired destination. - McClymont9. Kansas City Chiefs (9-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan891111Previous Rank: 10thThe Chiefs' midseason freefall after looking like the best team in football means the majority aren't buying their turnaround, but Kansas City is still one of the AFC's more dangerous playoff teams. - Browne10. Atlanta Falcons (9-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan1011109Previous Rank: 9thIt's been a bizarre year for the defending Super Bowl finalists, but they could be a frightening team come January if they clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Panthers. - Srinivasan11. Seattle Seahawks (9-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan1212910Previous Rank: 15thSeattle remains alive in the playoff hunt, showing resilience to stay in the race despite their long list of key injuries. - Browne12. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan11101312Previous Rank: 11thSomehow, some way, the Ravens are one win away from the AFC's top wildcard seed with the league's 26th-ranked offense. - Sanderson13. Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan13131214Previous Rank: 13thThe Chargers aren't in charge of their own playoff fate with one week to go. Most teams in the AFC are hoping they fall short. - Browne14. Tennessee Titans (8-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan14151513Previous Rank: 17thThe Titans control their own destiny, but missing the playoffs would be a fitting result considering Marcus Mariota's shockingly dismal campaign. - Srinivasan15. Buffalo Bills (8-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan15141615Previous Rank: 16thIt may not feel that way, but Buffalo enters the final week of the season with a legitimate shot at the playoffs. - McClymont16. Dallas Cowboys (8-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan16161416Previous Rank: 12thThere's no two ways about it, the suspension to Ezekiel Elliott killed the Cowboys' season. - McClymont17. Detroit Lions (8-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan17171717Previous Rank: 14thSorry, guys. You can't complain that a blown call in Week 3 cost you the playoffs if you're going to lose to the Bengals in Week 16. - Sanderson18. Washington Redskins (7-8)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan19191819Previous Rank: 20thAn 8-8 season looks much better than a 7-9 season. A win against the Giants could be enough to keep Jay Gruden in D.C. - McClymont19. San Francisco 49ers (5-10)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan18212218Previous Rank: 24thPutting up 44 points against the usually dominant Jaguars defense is a huge accomplishment for Jimmy G and Co. San Fran will widely be fancied as a 2018 playoff contender. - Browne20. Arizona Cardinals (7-8)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan22182020Previous Rank: 22ndIf Bruce Arians does leave the Cardinals and wants to continue coaching, he won't be short on opportunities - either as a head coach or a coordinator. - Browne21. Green Bay Packers (7-8)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan20202121Previous Rank: 18thWhat is more embarrassing? Becoming the first team since 2006 to get shut out twice at home in the same year, or possibly needing to release your future Hall of Fame quarterback because you misunderstood the rulebook? - Sanderson22. Oakland Raiders (6-9)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan21221922Previous Rank: 19th"Hey, Derek. Any chance you haven't cashed that $40-million check we gave you in June have you?" - Browne23. Miami Dolphins (6-9)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan23252423Previous Rank: 21stIt's been a disappointing year in Miami, but things can end off on a sweet note if the Dolphins are able to eliminate the Bills from playoff contention. - McClymont24. Cincinnati Bengals (6-9)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan25262325Previous Rank: 29th"Should I stay or should I go now? If I go, there will be trouble. And if I stay, it will be double." - Marvin Lewis, probably. - Sanderson25. Chicago Bears (5-10)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan24272527Previous Rank: 28thMitch Trubisky broke the Bears' rookie record for passing yards this week. He has also thrown for less than 200 yards in eight of his eleven starts. So take that record with a grain of salt. - Sanderson26. New York Jets (5-10)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan27232926Previous Rank: 23rdThe Jets enter the final week with a shot at six wins, something completely unheard of before the season began. - McClymont27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan26242829Previous Rank: 26thThe Buccaneers simply can't compete in the NFC South if Jameis Winston continues to make a series of head-scratching mistakes, while Dirk Koetter's time may be up. - Srinivasan28. Houston Texans (4-11)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan29282724Previous Rank: 27thWill this be Bill O'Brien's last game with the organization? Time will only tell, as the Texans wrap up another subpar year submarined by Deshaun Watson's ACL injury. - Srinivasan29. Denver Broncos (5-10)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan28292628Previous Rank: 25thDenver has marginally improved in the last three weeks, but will it be enough to get Vance Joseph a second season? It shouldn't be. - Browne30. Indianapolis Colts (3-12)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan30303030Previous Rank: 31stThe state of the Colts' winter depends on Andrew Luck's health status. It's clear they can't afford another year without their franchise player. - Srinivasan31. New York Giants (2-13)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan31313131Previous Rank: 30thNow they're not even scoring points. What was the point of finishing out the final string of games with Eli Manning over Davis Webb? - McClymont32. Cleveland Browns (0-15)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan32323232Previous Rank: 32ndIt's almost over. I promise this time. - SandersonCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

"Black Monday" - the day every coach with a losing record or disappointed boss loses sleep every year - is less than a week away, and with a possible record number of moves to be made, the league will likely look much different in the coming weeks.Each move will have some sort of domino effect on the rest of the league's decisions, but before the chopping blocks are broken out, here are five predictions for what should be an exciting NFL coaching carousel:Bengals trade for one of their former OCsThe biggest reason Marvin Lewis has lasted this long with the Bengals despite never winning a playoff game is owner Mike Brown's love for continuity.With Lewis' tenure as head coach in Cincinnati finally looking likely to come to an end, the Bengals won't be looking for a complete overhaul on their staff. Former offensive coordinators Hue Jackson and Jay Gruden have moved on to the Browns and the Redskins, respectively, but both those teams may be looking for a change.Related - Report: Bengals interested in Redskins' Jay GrudenThe Bengals likely would rather pay a little extra to get someone they already know and trust than go through the bother of interviewing brand new candidates and deciphering who will be a fit without seeing them up close in action.Titans make playoffs, still fire MularkeyFor anyone familiar with the skill set Marcus Mariota showed while in college, watching Mike Mularkey use his quarterback in the most bland ways possible is infuriating. Mularkey earned goodwill from the Titans ownership and front office by avoiding complete disaster in 2015 and 2016, but that can only cut it for so long.The Titans can earn a trip to the postseason with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, or Week 17 losses by the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills. Tennessee handily defeated the Jags in Week 2 and will face a team with nothing more than bragging rights to gain with a win, so another victory certainly isn't out of the question.Related: Why Titans need to move on from Mularkey regardless of 2017 resultHowever, even if the Titans can break into the playoffs for the first time since 2008, it won't prove they are a team headed in the right direction, nor should it inspire confidence in Mularkey. Of their eight wins in 2017, only one has come against a team that has already secured a playoff spot. With a talented young quarterback, a solid team core, and a competent general manager, the Titans know they can do better than Mularkey.Gruden returns to one of his former teamsThe NFL has been without Jon Gruden as a head coach since 2008 and it is about time the former Super Bowl winner retreated from his broadcast booth to rejoin the league's sidelines.Gruden is reportedly eyeing a return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if the job becomes available. Dirk Koetter has looked lost as the Bucs' head coach since being promoted from offensive coordinator and has already admitted he's aware a change could be coming.The Oakland Raiders are also rumored to be looking for a new chief. Gruden, who spent four years as Oakland's head coach from 1998 to 2001, has the reputation and pedigree to justify the team firing Jack Del Rio, who is still guaranteed $15 million after this season. Gruden would also help keep fans in Oakland interested as the move to Vegas approaches and with the competitiveness of the roster in question.Eagles coaching staff gets raidedAs per NFL tradition, if a team comes out of left field to have a dominant season, its coaching staff will all be considered for promotions around the league.The Eagles are particularly rich with coaching talent at the moment with offensive coordinator Frank Reich, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo all expected to receive interest around the league. Should a Carson Wentz-less Philadelphia bow out of the postseason early, all three coaches have a higher likelihood of landing jobs as new teams will not have to wait too long for their availability.Schwartz has previous head coaching experience with the Lions, while Reich has served as an offensive coordinator since 2014 and has connections from his playing days. DeFilippo, 39, is a lesser-known candidate, but with the success of young coaches Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, he is expected to draw interest as a youthful presence who understands how to develop quarterbacks. He will also garner interest as an offensive coordinator, possibly under Reich or Schwartz.McDaniels reunites with former Patriots front-office execPatriots offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels has been one of the most popular names in discussions about potential head coaches for several years. However, he's made it clear he's not going to bolt from New England (again) for just any opportunity.However, as Bill Belichick's organization has become a breeding ground for quality coaches and general managers, there are now opportunities for McDaniels to build his own mini-Patriots elsewhere.Jon Robinson of the Titans, Bob Quinn of the Lions, and Jason Licht of the Buccaneers have all reached the general manager level thanks to careers started within the Patriots organization, and all three men lead teams that could be in the market for a new head coach and have established quarterbacks for McDaniels to work with.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are already locked in as the third seed in the AFC playoff picture ahead of Sunday's divisional contest against the Tennessee Titans - but they're not taking the game lightly.Head coach Doug Marrone confirmed Tuesday he won't rest players to prepare for the postseason and the club is "100 percent all-in on winning this football game.""Make no mistake about it, just so there is not a lot of talk during the week: When the players come in (Wednesday), we are talking about how we are going to play to win and do everything we possibly can to win this game, period," Marrone said, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "I am not even thinking about what happens beyond that, and that is the way we are going to go about our business this week."Jacksonville is coming off it's worst defensive performance of the season, giving up 44 points to the San Francisco 49ers. Offensively, they've dealt with medical issues lately as starters Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee, and Leonard Fournette have battled lower-body injuries.The Jaguars are in danger of facing the Titans two weeks in a row if they lose Sunday to Tennessee and the Baltimore Ravens lock up the fifth seed. The Jaguars and Titans may still face each other if Jacksonville wins, and if the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills each lose their Week 17 games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray was revealed by MRI to have a third-degree MCL tear suffered during last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Despite the injury, Murray believes he can play in Week 17's crucial matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars.The Titans can secure their first trip to the playoffs since 2008 with a win over the Jaguars, who have already locked up the AFC's third seed, on Sunday.Murray has split carries with second-year back Derrick Henry this season and has rushed for more that 66 yards just once, back in Week 3. Through 15 contests in 2017, he has rushed for 659 yards and six scores while contributing 266 receiving yards and one touchdown reception.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants safety Landon Collins was seemingly unable to conceal his disgust toward teammate Eli Apple during a radio segment Monday.Collins, who recently said Apple needs to grow up, took his criticism a step further, suggesting that the second-year cornerback is poisonous to the team."There is only one corner who needs to grow up and we all know who that is," said Collins, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "That would be the only person I would change out of our secondary group. Besides, the other two guys, (Rodgers-Cromarie) and (Jenkins), I love those two guys. They play hard. They love what they do. That first pick ... he's a cancer."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter appears to be on the hot seat, but he's uncertain of his future as the 2017 regular season comes to an end.The Buccaneers struggled throughout the year and are stuck in the NFC South basement at 4-11, while all three of their divisional rivals may end up in the postseason.While speculation continues to run rampant about Koetter's job security, the head coach said he hasn't spoken to the Bucs ownership about his role with the team."I do not have discussions with them about that, no," Koetter said via Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams.However, Koetter admitted he's not immune to the conversation surrounding him."Of course, I mean, it’s your life. It’s your life," Koetter said. "It's what you do. Just flip it around. Of course it is, but we all — players and coaches — we’re paid to do a job, and you try to do it to the best of your ability. That’s all you can do."The Buccaneers are scheduled to finish their season against the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 31.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots signed veteran linebacker James Harrison on Monday.Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the Patriots, but Harrison reportedly signed a one-year contract, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports.

Dion Lewis has done everything the New England Patriots have asked of him during his three-year tenure with the team.The Patriots have long run a model of finding players who can fill a specific role, rarely using them outside of their most obvious strengths. Lewis has proven this year to be the exception to this rule, forcing the Patriots to capitalize on all he has to offer.Once primarily used as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, Lewis' role has evolved over the past three seasons, as he molds himself to pick up any additional work he can find within the offense.YearRu. YardsY/ARe. YardsAVG20152344.838810.820162834.4945.520178035.21746.7Lewis' 2017 season reached a climax in Week 16, when he received career highs in rushing attempts (24) and total touches (29). He rushed for 129 yards and picked up another 24 as a receiver, scoring touchdowns via both methods.The game was the showcase of Lewis' career evolution into a true workhorse back, after entering the season as a potential training camp cut.

Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula is upset with the NFL's ruling to overturn wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin's touchdown catch in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots.And it's not just because he's a fan of his own team."They obviously weren't looking at the same television the rest of the country was looking at, were they?" Pegula said, according to ESPN's Mike Rodak. "You know what, you can probably find somebody in this country that disagrees (with the catch), and I know one guy would be (NFL senior vice president of officiating) Al Riveron sitting in New York City."But everybody I talked to - and they're not Bills fans and they're not necessarily anti-Patriots - they're all baffled by that call, which just wasn't consistent with what replay (should be)."The officials ruled on the field that Benjamin had caught a 4-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone that would have put the Bills ahead 16-13 (before the extra point) entering halftime.The scoring play was automatically subject to review by the NFL's replay office. It was then ruled that Benjamin had both feet in bounds, but he didn't have definitive control of the ball before stepping out, after appearing to make a one-handed grab."I don't know what's going on, but we have to fix it. And I'm not saying that as the owner of the Bills; I'm saying that as a football fan. We can't have stuff like this happening in our league," Pegula said.The overturned touchdown seemed to be the Bills' undoing in an otherwise excellent first half. The Patriots would outscore them 24-3 in the second stanza and finish with a 37-16 victory.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent linebacker James Harrison is visiting with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.The 39-year-old cleared waivers Monday after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.While Harrison was available on waivers with just $70,588 left owed to him for 2017, the Patriots seem to have opted to try signing him for less in order to have him on the roster for a potential playoff run. Perhaps more importantly, it would prevent him from returning to the Steelers on a cheaper deal.Harrison has played just 40 snaps this season, but is the Steelers' all-time sacks leader with 80.5. He recorded another two sacks in one season with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Should Josh Rosen declare for the NFL draft, it's widely expected the UCLA quarterback would be the No. 1 overall selection, a pick held by the Cleveland Browns.Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter earlier in the week that Rosen would prefer to play for the New York Giants over the Browns, and that he would be hesitant to declare for the draft if he were Cleveland's choice.Rosen's comments on Tuesday seem to back that report up, as the star pivot reiterated that going to the right team is his priority over going No. 1 overall."I'd rather be a lower pick at the right team than a higher (pick) at the wrong team," Rosen told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.Rosen could opt to return to UCLA for his senior season and play for new coach Chip Kelly, a man who is no stranger to the NFL.Despite battling injuries throughout the season, Rosen still threw for 3,756 yards and 26 touchdowns for the Bruins. He's expected to make a decision regarding the NFL draft in the days after the Cactus Bowl on Tuesday night against Kansas State.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones isn't overreacting to his team's elimination from playoff contention after Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks.Despite the team's fall from an NFC East title and a 13-3 record last season to an 8-7 mark through 15 weeks this year, Jones says head coach Jason Garrett's job is safe."I certainly know a lot about Jason Garrett. Because of that, I can quickly and candidly say his job is not an issue here, at all. ... It’s not in the best interest of the Cowboys to be considering a coaching change," Jones told Roy White III of 105.3 The Fan.However, Jones hasn't ruled out other changes to the coaching staff, according to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News.Garrett has served as Cowboys head coach since taking over on an initial interim basis in 2010, boasting a regular-season record of 66-53. He previously worked as the club's offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has denied that he and the club have agreed to part ways after Sunday's season-ending game.A report in Pro Football Weekly broke Thursday that the coach's tenure was coming to an end, but Arians responded by claiming he's yet to make a decision regarding his future."Never heard of the (reporter)," Arians told USA Today's Jarrett Bell in a text message Tuesday. "Nothing decided."Arians has been with the Cardinals for five seasons, compiling an impressive 48-30-1 record, and winning NFL Coach of the Year in 2014. Arizona's been hammered with injuries this season, currently sitting 7-8 on the campaign and out of the playoffs.The 65-year-old is under contract with the club through the 2018 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph intends on making a quarterback change for his team's Week 17 game against the Kansas City Chiefs."The plan is to play Paxton (Lynch). That was kind of the plan last week if he was healthy,” said Joseph, according to Andrew Mason of the team's website.Lynch was ultimately ruled out in Week 16 due to an ankle injury. Brock Osweiler received his first start since Week 11 in his place. He completed 22-of-38 pass attempts against the Washington Redskins, totaling 193 yards with one interception and no touchdowns.Lynch, the Broncos' first-round draft selection in 2016, made his lone appearance of the season in a Week 12 start against the Oakland Raiders. He completed nine of 14 attempts for 41 yards with one interception.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

An MVP race that was considered essentially over just weeks ago is suddenly red-hot as Todd Gurley continues his tear to end the regular season.After the injury to Carson Wentz, many declared Tom Brady the MVP as the 40-year-old quarterback continues to amaze. The award is likely still Brady's, but Gurley is certainly making things interesting after another monster game this past weekend.Here's how the MVP race stands with one week to play in the regular season.1. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots4,387 passing yards, 67.5 completion percentage, 30 TDs, 8 INTsBy the lofty standards we've come to expect out of the 18-year veteran, Sunday's performance could be classified as steady, but nothing more. Brady completed a whopping 75 percent of his passes, but only threw for 224 yards in a win over the Bills.While he did throw two touchdown passes to bring his season total to 30, Brady threw an interception for the fifth straight contest, something that may worry Patriots fans as the playoffs approach. While the past few weeks haven't been his best, the award is still likely his with a decent finish to the season against the Jets.2. Todd Gurley, RB, Rams1,305 rushing yards, 64 catches, 788 receiving yards, 19 total touchdownsIf this was an award for the hottest player to end the season, Gurley would easily take home the trophy. The Los Angeles Rams star had his third straight multi-touchdown game in a win over the Titans, totaling an incredible 276 yards of offense.Gurley did much of his damage in the passing game, catching 10 balls for 158 yards and two scores, including a massive 80-yard touchdown on a brilliantly run screen play. There's been only one running back win the MVP since 2007 so don't expect the 23-year-old to take home the hardware, but he's certainly made things more interesting with his torrid finish to the season.The only non-quarterback to win the honor over the past decade remains Adrian Peterson is his 2012 season that saw him rush for 2,097 yards. While Gurley's 1,305 rushing yards are significantly lower, his receiving totals make it an interesting comparison.

Any well-run fantasy league concluded Monday night, when the Philadelphia Eagles topped the Oakland Raiders 19-10.It was a miserable ending for most who needed fantasy points from the final game to mount a championship comeback. There were just two offensive touchdowns, scored by Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper and Eagles running back Jay Ajayi, while Derek Carr and Nick Foles threw for 140 and 163 yards, respectively, and combined for two touchdowns and three interceptions.For many, the 2017 fantasy football season came down to the final play from scrimmage.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.Sportsbooks would love to have all the lines up already for the final week of the NFL’s regular season, but enough uncertainties exist in pivotal games that some numbers will have to wait until Tuesday. Still, Covers has some insights on where the lines will land in Week 17, thanks to Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.

The San Francisco 49ers' surprising 44-33 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday elevated the hype surrounding quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to its highest level yet, and his former team took notice.“He’s done a great job," New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said, according to Ryan Hannable of WEEI. "You go in there and get the opportunity to play and win games, that is what we are all here for. It was good to see and good for them to beat Jacksonville, that really helped us. I am really happy for Jimmy and he’s worked really hard. It shows up when he goes out there and plays really well.”The Jaguars' loss coupled with New England's win over the Buffalo Bills earlier in the day secured a first-round bye for the Patriots in the AFC playoffs.Garoppolo, who the 49ers acquired from the Patriots at this season's trade deadline in exchange for a second-round pick, has completed 68.53 percent of 143 pass attempts through four starts, totaling 1,250 yards with four touchdowns against three interceptions. He also rushed for a score in the 49ers' Week 16 victory.Though many have credited the Patriots and Brady for their tutelage of Garoppolo through the first three-and-a-half years of his career, Brady says his former heir has fully earned his newfound success."It’s really a credit to him," Brady said. "You do what you can with the opportunities you get. I think it is great for any player and anyone who has been in the Patriots system to watch how the coaches prepare the players."You take what you can and use that in other places if that is where you go. Like I said, what they are doing is a credit to them. I don’t think anyone should take credit for what those guys have accomplished."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Jake Elliott kicked a 48-yard field goal with 22 seconds left, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the No. 1 seed for the NFC playoffs with a sloppy 19-10 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Monday night.Ronald Darby intercepted Derek Carr's pass and ran it back 52 yards with 54 seconds left, but was ruled down by contact at the spot of the pick. Nick Foles then completed four straight passes for 21 yards. After an incomplete pass, Elliott nailed his kick right down the middle.Derek Barnett returned a fumble for a touchdown after picking up a lateral on Oakland's final play from scrimmage.The Eagles (13-2) went to the Super Bowl and lost 24-21 to New England the last time they had home-field advantage following the 2004 season.Coming off a 12-4 season, the Raiders (6-9) were a popular pick to challenge the Patriots for the AFC title. But they've had a disappointing season and were eliminated from the playoff chase on Sunday.Still, playing for pride, Oakland nearly spoiled Philadelphia's Christmas.Carr threw a 63-yard TD pass to Amari Cooper to tie it at 7 early in the second quarter. Cooper was wide open after cornerback Jalen Mills tried to jump the route.Giorgio Tavecchio kicked a 25-yard field goal on the opening drive of the third quarter to give the Raiders a 10-7 lead.The teams traded turnovers on three straight possessions, starting with Patrick Robinson intercepting Carr and returning it to Oakland's 44.Eagles left guard Chance Warmack then caused Jay Ajayi to fumble when he tried to push the pile and hit his teammate. The Raiders recovered at their 30, but gave it back on the next play when Marshawn Lynch fumbled at the same spot.Philadelphia couldn't do much with excellent field position and settled for Elliott's tying 35-yard field goal.After Tavecchio missed a 48-yard field goal with 7:58 remaining, Foles threw a pass that bounced off Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz's hands and was intercepted by Reggie Nelson at the Eagles 37.But Philadelphia quickly got the ball back when Malcolm Jenkins stripped Jalen Richard and recovered it at the Eagles 16. The offense went three-and-out.Oakland's first drive ended with Carr throwing the ball away on fourth-and-2 from Philadelphia's 42.The Eagles scored on the ensuing possession when Foles tossed a 17-yard TD pass to Ajayi for a 7-0 lead. Corey Clement ran 2 yards on fourth-and-1 to extend the drive.STREAK SNAPPEDFoles had gone 170 passes without throwing a pick. It was the longest active streak in the NFL.MISSED CHANCESRaiders: Nelson dropped what should've been a pick-6 in the second quarter.Eagles: Elliott was wide right on a 33-yard field goal at the end of the first half.INJURIESRaiders: OT Vadal Alexander sustained a concussion.Eagles: DE Brandon Graham left with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter.UP NEXTRaiders: Host the Los Angeles Chargers (8-7), who are still in contention for an AFC wild card.Eagles: Host the Dallas Cowboys (8-7) in a game that has no playoff implications.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders were in a giving mood as they squared off on Christmas Day. The teams combined for three turnovers within four plays in the third quarter of Monday's game.First, it was Eagles cornerback Patrick Robinson intercepting Derek Carr.

HOUSTON (AP) Ben Roethlisberger threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a first-round playoff bye with a 34-6 win over the Houston Texans on Monday.Roethlisberger threw passes to six players as Pittsburgh (12-3) romped over the lowly Texans (4-11) despite missing NFL leading receiver Antonio Brown, who sat out with a calf injury.The Steelers led 20-0 at halftime after taking advantage of two turnovers by the Texans. Le'Veon Bell added a 10-yard TD run late in the third quarter and rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster made it 34-6 with an 18-yard touchdown grab in the fourth.Bell finished with 14 carries for 69 yards and Smith-Schuster had six receptions for 75 yards.T.J. Yates was 7 of 16 for 83 yards and a touchdown for the Texans, who lost their fifth straight game and for the eighth time in nine games. Yates made his second straight start since Tom Savage sustained a concussion. Yates left the game briefly on Monday to be evaluated for a concussion, and his replacement, Taylor Heinicke, sustained a concussion on his only full possession.Roethlisberger was replaced by backup Landry Jones with about six minutes remaining and the game well in hand.The Steelers hurried and harassed Yates all day with Mike Hilton leading the way with three sacks and three quarterback hits, Cameron Heyward adding two and forcing a fumble.The Texans couldn't do much right on a day their home stadium was overtaken by vocal Steelers fans waving their Terrible Towels. One of the few highlights came on an acrobatic 3-yard touchdown reception by DeAndre Hopkins in the fourth quarter. Hopkins deflected the ball with his right hand, reeled it in with his left and got both feet down before falling out of bounds for his NFL-best 13th touchdown reception.The Steelers took a 10-0 lead when Roethlisberger connected with Justin Hunter on a 5-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.Alfred Blue had a 48-yard run on the first play of the second quarter to get the Texans to the Pittsburgh 18-yard line. The Texans got to the 1 on second down later in that drive, but couldn't do anything on the next two plays before Yates was intercepted in the end zone.Pittsburgh added a touchdown on a 1-yard run by Roosevelt Nix on the ensuing possession. Heyward sacked Yates three plays later and caused a fumble recovered by Bud Dupree to give the Steelers the ball right back.Pittsburgh added a 36-yard field goal on the next drive to push the lead to 20-0.Yates was sacked again on Houston's next possession and injured on the play. He left the game to be evaluated for a concussion, forcing the Texans to play Heinicke.Heinicke finished that possession and remained in the game for the first drive of the third quarter while Yates was being evaluated. But Heinicke took a hard hit on a sack on the last play of that drive and had to be evaluated for a concussion, too.FAMILY TIMEJ.J. Watt didn't get to play on Monday as he recovers from a broken leg, but spent some time pregame with his brother, Pittsburgh rookie linebacker T.J. Watt. Houston's defensive end threw the ball around with T.J. and the brothers also posed for some pictures with their parents before the game.INJURY UPDATEHouston cornerback Kevin Johnson injured his knee in the third quarter and didn't return. ... Texans safety Corey Moore also injured his knee in the second half and didn't return.UP NEXTSteelers: Host the Browns on Sunday.Texans: Visit Indianapolis on Sunday.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans offensive lineman David Quessenberry made his regular-season NFL debut on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers.Quessenberry fought non-Hodgkin T-lymphoblastic lymphoma for three years before finishing his treatments in the spring. He was promoted to Houston's active roster last week, according to NFL.com's Chris Wesseling.The 2013 sixth-round pick was named a captain for Monday's game and saw action as an extra blocker in the Texans' "jumbo" packages.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Taylor Heinicke briefly replaced T.J. Yates at quarterback for the Houston Texans against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday while the latter was evaluated for a concussion.Yates left the game late in the second quarter after taking a sack, allowing Heinicke to play his first career snap before halftime. Heinicke started the second half and played one series before Yates cleared the concussion protocol.Heinicke, the fourth quarterback to play for the Texans in 2017, arguably outperformed Yates in his short time under center, as he went 1-of-1 passing with a 10-yard completion, while the veteran quarterback recorded just 8 yards with one interception across the entire first half.Unfortunately for Heinicke - who was signed off the Texans' practice squad Dec. 15 - his NFL debut was short-lived. He was ruled out of the game with a concussion of his own after the second half's opening series.After being cleared, Yates returned to the game as Houston's quarterback.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison went through waivers unclaimed and is now free to sign with any team in the league, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.Harrison, the Steelers' franchise sack leader, was waived Saturday. The 39-year-old collected three tackles and a sack in five appearances this year, and was frustrated by his diminished role through 15 weeks of the campaign.It remains to be seen if any team will come calling, but Harrison's agent said following the release he was under the impression his client still had a desire to play.Harrison posted five-plus sacks in each of the previous three seasons.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday, but owner Jerry Jones made it clear afterward head coach Jason Garrett won't be left to pay for the disappointment."Just so we're clear about it, I do understand frustration right after you lose a game that has as much meaningfulness as this ballgame, but I get to look at a lot of different things and have been around a lot of head coaches and coordinators," Jones said, via Todd Archer of ESPN. "I feel good about our head coach."A year after they won 13 games and earned the top seed in the NFC, the Cowboys were bounced from the 2017 playoff picture with a 21-12 loss at home to the ailing Seattle Seahawks.Dallas owns an 8-7 record this year, and is 66-52 over Garrett's tenure as head coach. However, the team has won just one playoff game since he took the reins in 2010."We'll just look at everything," added Jones. "We certainly will look at this game. We played a team that's got a good chance to be in the playoffs out there, and we will have a lot of time to think about it when that's not us in there. Believe you me, we'll be second-guessing some play-calls for sure, but that's not really what happened out there today. We played a good team. We let them hang in there way too long, and then as good teams do, they got inspired by some turnovers, and there you go."Garrett has long been under scrutiny, but Jones seemingly has never come close to pulling the trigger.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There are a plethora of situations during Week 17 in the NFL. A few teams are in the playoffs and have already clinched home field advantage or byes; others are postseason sides looking to improve their seeding. Then there are challengers who need the win to get in, or have a chance. Lastly, there is the largest group - teams which make up half the league - which have nothing to play for. These teams and players I’d like to focus on today.

The NFL won't feature Sunday Night Football on the final week of the regular season, instead scheduling every Week 17 game for the afternoon in an effort to preserve competitive fairness for playoff-hopeful teams.The league has capped every regular season since 1977 with a game on Sunday night or Monday night, but will leave NBC's Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth without a contest to call this year.

Jimmy Garoppolo has led the San Francisco 49ers to four straight wins, and running back Carlos Hyde believes he'll soon be steering a parade through the Bay Area."Minus our record, we're a really good football team," Hyde said after he and Jimmy G helped the Niners hang 44 points on the heralded Jacksonville Jaguars defense in an impressive home win, according to the Bay Area News Group's Cam Inman."Next year, we're going to win the Super Bowl."Garoppolo has been everything the 49ers hoped he would be - and then some - since they acquired him from the New England Patriots at the trade deadline, and San Fran is undefeated since inserting him into the starting lineup.The early returns on Garoppolo, along with the wad of cap space the Niners are projected to have this offseason, should allow them to leap into NFC contention next term. Garoppolo, though, wasn't so quick to hop aboard Hyde's bandwagon vow."I'll have to talk to him about that," Garoppolo told reporters with a chuckle. "We're dealing with the (Los Angeles) Rams next week and then we'll look at everything else after that."With the 49ers struggling mightily earlier in the season, Hyde said he wasn't interested in negotiating a new contract. However, he admitted Sunday he's ready to change his stance."I feel we've got a chance to go the Super Bowl next year and I don't want to go to another team," he said.Both Hyde and Garoppolo are scheduled to hit free agency this offseason. It's unlikely general manager John Lynch will let his new franchise quarterback get away, but Hyde's future is less certain given the declining value of veteran running backs around the league.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The inevitable conclusion of the regular season marks a particularly nerve-racking time for many of the NFL's head coaches.While the likes of Bill Belichick and Mike Tomlin have nothing to worry about, many others don't have the same luxury with the new year on the horizon. It was suggested by FOX's Jay Glazer during a pregame show on Sunday that 13-14 teams could change head coaches this winter.That may seem like an overestimate, and perhaps it proves to be just that come January. But, if there ever was a year for the coaching carousel to explode, this is it.Here's a look at who could be joining now-former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo on the unemployment line.Start packing your bags John Fox, Bears Fox's tenure with the Bears has been nothing short of disastrous, posting a 15-33 cumulative record through three seasons. Fox, along with general manager Ryan Pace, created a needless quarterback controversy, did nothing to elevate the team's talent level, and has been roasted for being effectively useless."We don't know exactly what we're doing," Fox revealed in November. Couldn't have said it better, John.Chuck Pagano, Colts Once lauded for being one of the NFL's most inspirational stories, it's clear that Pagano should've been ousted by the Colts years ago. Complicit in the nightmare that was Andrew Luck's 2017 season, Pagano didn't have a contingency plan, leaving many surprised that he was retained when general manager Ryan Grigson was fired in January. The Colts have missed the playoffs in three consecutive years, and it's time for new leadership.Dirk Koetter, Buccaneers Koetter's relationship with quarterback Jameis Winston has transparently fractured and the team appears to be stumbling backward instead of making any tangible progress. At the end of the 2015 season, Koetter was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach, and the Buccaneers' internal search may have blinded them to the wealth of talent on the open market. With a 13-18 cumulative record through two seasons, the Buccaneers have struggled to compete in the hyper-competitive NFC South. Koetter has to go.Vance Joseph, Broncos The Broncos rushed through their coaching search after Gary Kubiak retired and seemed to decide on Joseph before exhausting their options. He has not handled his first season in charge particularly well, fumbling through an abominable quarterback situation while suffering the organization's worst season since 2010.It's time to polish the resume Hue Jackson, Browns The Browns have been purposefully dreadful during Jackson's two seasons, but better times are ahead. Even with this in mind, 1-30 over two seasons just isn't going to cut it.Mike Mularkey, Titans A man of Mularkey's blandness should not be in charge of guiding a young quarterback as dynamic as Marcus Mariota. He was kept on after an interim stint in 2015 and did well enough to almost make the playoffs in 2016 before Mariota broke his leg. After a so-so 2017, it is time to hire an inspiring coach in Tennessee.Jack Del Rio, Raiders It was reported on Saturday that Del Rio has a 50-50 chance of returning to the Raiders next season, leading some to believe that he could be dismissed after what's been a disappointing season. Oakland was expected to be a Super Bowl contender in 2017 but regressed into a pumpkin. Given the immense amount of talent on the roster, this could prove to be a marquee destination.Jim Caldwell, Lions Lions owner Martha Ford and president Rod Wood were unwilling to give Caldwell a vote of confidence after the Lions were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday. The Lions looked to have built a balanced offense and decent defense, but have been unable to win a division title or make it past the wild-card round in his four years in Detroit.May be safe, but it's worth sweatingJay Gruden, Redskins Before the season, Gruden became the first coach in Dan Snyder's time as owner of the Redskins to be signed to an extension. It's now evident he has not met the expectations that come with the territory. At best, the Redskins will finish with an 8-8 record, marking the fourth straight season that Gruden has failed to collect double-digit wins. He has also been rumored to be a preferred candidate to replace Marvin Lewis with the Bengals, should he become available.Bill O'Brien, Texans The Texans were quickly becoming one of the most polarizing stories of the 2017 season, and O'Brien appeared to have built a strong rapport with his players after previously cycling through quarterbacks. Armed with rookie standout Deshaun Watson, the Texans were on the rise. Then, disaster struck.Watson tore his ACL during a non-contact play in practice on Nov. 2, subsequently plummeting the club out of the playoff race. O'Brien received a strong vote of confidence from Watson, who made it clear that he wanted to continue to thrive under him. But, don't forget the reports from late last season indicating tension between O'Brien and management. Will the two sides end up parting ways on the heels of another disappointing season?Mike McCarthy, Packers Green Bay is notoriously patient with its coaches. The effort to maintain continuity has played a prominent role in the organization's long-standing place among the NFL's elite. After missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2008, however, McCarthy's job security is now being called into question.Aaron Rodgers missing two months of action with a broken collarbone was, of course, a primary factor in the Packers' uncharacteristic season. In many ways, the diminished expectations that came with the absence of his star quarterback will work in McCarthy's favor. But not having a player to throw the team on his back each week also exposed a number of issues for Green Bay. After 12 years, might it finally be time for a change?Adam Gase, Dolphins Gase was rumored to be an offensive mastermind in Denver and Chicago, but the Dolphins have not been able to produce under his two-year guidance, ranking 27th overall in yards through Week 16.He forced his star running back out of town, may have done the same with Jarvis Landry - who will be a free agent in March - and has two quarterbacks who may very easily be out of Miami in the coming months. The Gase experiment has not worked so far and the stars are aligned for the Dolphins to move in a new direction if they see fit.Stepping down?Bruce Arians, Cardinals Arians has faced numerous health scares in the past and it seems possible he will retire at the end of the season. Although he's been resilient and headstrong, Arians told reporters in December that he would consider several factors, including his health, when making a decision about 2018. We may be seeing the last of Arians in the NFL.Marvin Lewis, Bengals It was reported that Lewis would step down from the Bengals at the end of the season, but he denied the veracity of the story, telling reporters that it caused unnecessary angst. We're not completely convinced, however, and with the Bengals slated to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year, it's clear that Lewis' time in Cincinnati has expired after serving as head coach since 2003.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Following the Carolina Panthers' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, head coach Ron Rivera called his players together in the locker room and requested they call out a chant for owner Jerry Richardson, who announced he intends to sell the franchise following sexual misconduct allegations.

Richard Sherman's season-ending injury has granted him more time to see what Seattle Seahawks fans have to say about the team on various social platforms.The veteran cornerback live-tweeted his thoughts Sunday afternoon as he watched the Seahawks beat the Dallas Cowboys to stay in the playoff hunt. He was not amused by some fans questioning the play and makeup of the club, which could tally double-digit wins for a sixth straight year next Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas, who's under contract for 2018 at a base salary of $8.5 million, according to Spotrac, chased down Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett after Sunday's 21-12 Seahawks victory to deliver a personal message:

Several teams clinched either their division or a playoff berth before Christmas Day in Week 16, clearing up the 2017 postseason picture.AFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord 1xyz-PatriotsEast12-32xy-SteelersNorth11-33xy-JaguarsSouth10-54xy-ChiefsWest9-65RavensNorth9-66TitansSouth8-7x- clinched playoff berth

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Jimmy Garoppolo threw two touchdown passes and ran for a third score against one of the NFL's stingiest defenses and the San Francisco 49ers won their fourth straight behind their new quarterback, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 44-33 on Sunday.The day wasn't a total loss for the Jaguars (10-5), who clinched their first division title since 1999 earlier in the afternoon when Tennessee lost at home to the Rams. But the defeat dealt a big blow to Jacksonville's hopes for a first-round bye. The Jaguars need to win next week and hope Pittsburgh loses twice to get a bye.The 49ers (5-10) saw their playoff hopes die a long time ago during an 0-9 start but the mood and play around the team changed dramatically after Garoppolo was inserted into the starting lineup earlier this month following a midseason trade from New England.He has led San Francisco to four straight wins but this one might have been the most impressive, considering the quality of Jacksonville's defense. The Jaguars came into the game having allowed the fewest points and yards passing in the league, while recording the most sacks.Garoppolo carved Jacksonville up, completing 21 for 30 passes for 242 yards with TD throws to George Kittle and Trent Taylor as San Francisco pulled away in the second half. Garoppolo improved to 6-0 in his career as a starter.Blake Bortles threw three interceptions for the Jaguars, including one returned for a touchdown by Dontae Johnson in the first half, after going three straight weeks without one in the best stretch of his career . Bortles threw for 382 yards and two touchdowns but it wasn't enough for the Jaguars.FAST STARTGaroppolo got San Francisco off to a fast start by completing five of six passes for 75 yards on the opening drive that was capped by his 1-yard TD sneak . That marked the first time the Niners scored a touchdown on their opening drive since Dec. 11, 2016, against the Jets and the first time Jacksonville allowed one this year.BAD TEMPERSSan Francisco scored on its first two drives, leaving the Jaguars frustrated on the sideline. Defensive lineman Malik Jackson and cornerback Aaron Colvin got into a heated argument near the bench that eventually was broken up by teammates. Jacksonville then committed two personal fouls by Myles Jack and Yannick Ngakoue on a TD drive in the second half. Jackson then committed a personal foul with 1:43 remaining to give the Niners a first down.MOMENTUM CHANGERThe 49ers appeared in control when Dontae Johnson returned a deflected interception 50 yards for a TD to put San Francisco up 16-0. But the Jaguars blocked the extra point attempt and Colvin returned it for two points. Bortles then led two straight touchdown drives to close the half, while Garoppolo was intercepted in the end zone by Barry Church after getting hit on the pass to leave the game tied at 16 at the half.INJURIESJaguars left tackle Cam Robinson (abdominal strain) and linebacker Blair Brown (concussion) left the game in the first half and didn't return.UP NEXTJaguars: Visit Tennessee on Sunday.49ers: Visit Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.---More AP NFL: pro32.ap.org and twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots secured a first-round bye as a result of the Jacksonville Jaguars' 44-33 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was the star again for the 49ers, completing 21 of 30 pass attempts for 242 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.The Patriots did their part by beating the Buffalo Bills 37-16 earlier in the day.New England would clinch home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Houston Texans on Monday afternoon. The Patriots would also lock up the No. 1 seed with a win over the New York Jets next Sunday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Todd Gurley is separating himself from the pack.The Los Angeles Rams star running back has posted his two most impressive performances of the season in the last two weeks - and possibly his career.Opponent Rush Yards Rush TDs Catches Rec. Yards Rec. TDsat SEA15233281at TEN1180101582Gurley has now amassed 1,305 yards on the ground this year, grabbing a hold of the rushing race. Le'Veon Bell looks to regain the title on Christmas Day. Gurley is also the first player this season to break 2,000 scrimmage yards (2,093) and leads the NFL in total touchdowns scored with 19.With injuries to Antonio Brown and Carson Wentz, the MVP race has thinned out. Tom Brady looks like Gurley's closest competition, but as the Rams' runner heated up in December, the veteran passer notched an interception in each of his last four games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott was predictably upset after Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, and keyed in on one of the most pivotal plays of the game.Related: Kelvin Benjamin's TD vs. Patriots overturned by controversial reviewBills wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin hauled in an apparent touchdown pass that would've given Buffalo the lead entering halftime. However, upon further review, the referees controversially overturned their initial decision and delivered a devastating blow to Buffalo's playoff hopes.Related: Twitter befuddled by Kelvin Benjamin's controversial overturned TDMcDermott said he couldn't believe the sequence of events during his media availability."I saw Kelvin’s catch before halftime as a touchdown. I’m at a loss how a play like that can be overturned," McDermott told reporters postgame.Bills running back LeSean McCoy also sounded off on the officials, implying that New England received an unfair advantage on the decision."Officials up here, they always find a way to get it right for the Patriots," McCoy told ESPN's Mike Rodak. "That's not the reason why we lost, but is sure would have helped out in the game ..."It's just crazy man, because you put so much into it, and then you get robbed like that. C'mon. That's a touchdown."Referee Craig Wrolstad explained the decision after the game."I think we looked at the angle where we had a foot drag early before he had control, and then we looked at when he had control and then we went back again to look at the feet," Wrolstad said to a pool reporter, via Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper. "It was determined clearly that he was not able to get his second foot down after he had control."The Patriots subsquently stormed through the second half to defeat the Bills 37-16.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

CINCINNATI (AP) Giovani Bernard ran for 116 yards and a clinching touchdown in the closing minutes, sending Cincinnati to a 26-17 victory Sunday that eliminated the Detroit Lions from playoff contention and gave Marvin Lewis a good moment in what was possibly his final home game as Bengals coach.Matthew Stafford and the Lions (8-7) couldn't take advantage of an injury-depleted team that gave indifferent performances the last two games. It was a fitting finish for Detroit, which opened the season 3-4 and repeatedly wasted chances to move to the forefront of the playoff chase.Tion Green's 5-yard touchdown drive put the Lions ahead 17-16 early in the fourth quarter, but defensive penalties extended Cincinnati's drive that led to Randy Bullock's go-ahead kick with 4:42 left.Given one last chance, Detroit self-destructed with a holding penalty, a false start and a short punt, allowing the Bengals (6-9) to finish it off in front of a half-empty stadium. Bernard broke free for a 12-yard touchdown run with 1:54 to go, sending fans to the exits.There wasn't much reaction from the small crowd when Lewis' name was announced as part of the pregame team introductions. He is finishing his contract and has been cryptic about whether he thinks he'll return for a 16th season.INJURIESLions: Detroit's offensive line was in flux again. Center Travis Swanson was out for the second straight game with a concussion, and guard T.J. Lang was inactive with a foot injury. Right tackle Rick Wagner missed his third game with an ankle injury.Bengals: LB Vontaze Burfict was back after missing two games with a concussion, but hurt his right shoulder shortly before halftime. Running back Joe Mixon - who also missed the last two games with a concussion - left with an injured right ankle in the first quarter, putting the onus on Bernard.UP NEXTThe Lions host the eliminated Packers. They're 3-4 at home this season. Detroit won at Green Bay 30-17 on Nov. 6.The Bengals play at Baltimore, which is in the thick of the playoff chase. The Ravens opened the season with a 20-0 win at Paul Brown Stadium.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars won their first division title since 1999 by virtue of the Tennessee Titans' loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.Jacksonville still has a shot at a top-two seed and a first-round bye and can improve its stock with a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Jared Goff threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp with 11:51 left, and the Los Angeles Rams held off the Tennessee Titans 27-23 on Sunday to clinch their first NFC West title since 2003.The Rams (11-4) came in needing a win or a loss by Seattle to secure the division. They took care of business themselves, with Todd Gurley II and Goff leading the way again.Gurley bolstered his argument for NFL MVP with 118 yards rushing and 158 yards receiving with two TDs. Goff finished with four touchdowns and 301 yards passing.The Titans (8-7) lost their third straight game, damaging their chances of ending their own playoff drought stretching to 2008.The Titans had the ball and a chance to win late in the game. On fourth-and-4 at the Rams 44, Marcus Mariota rolled right and chucked the ball incomplete under pressure from Connor Barwin.The Rams ran out the final 1:35 for their second straight victory and fourth in five games.OFFENSIVE STRUGGLESThe Titans scored only one offensive TD on DeMarco Murray's 6-yard run. Linebacker Wesley Woodyard scored Tennessee's first defensive TD of the season on a 4-yard fumble return. Ryan Succop kicked three field goals and missed a 45-yarder wide right.MISSING ZUERLEINGreg Zuerlein was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, and the Rams really missed their Pro Bowl kicker. Instead of letting Sam Ficken kick with Los Angeles at the Titans 32 on their opening drive, the Rams picked up a delay of game penalty the Titans declined. Then punter Johnny Hekker's pass intended for Michael Thomas was batted down. Ficken also missed his first point after attempt.When the Rams turned first-and-goal at the Titans 7 into fourth-and-18, McVay sent Ficken out for a 36-yard field-goal try. The kick bounced off the right upright no good.ONSIDE CONFUSIONIt looked as if the Rams benefited from a confusing sequence in the third quarter. After Murray scored on a 6-yard run, the Titans recovered an onside kick. But officials threw a flag, and referee Walt Anderson announced the Rams took their first timeout just before kickoff. Then he announced there was no timeout because the ball had not been put in play. Then he said, ''First down.'' The Titans kicked deep, and fans booed heavily.MORE TURNOVERSThe Rams forced a turnover on the opening drive for the eighth time this season. Linebacker Cory Littleton, starting with Mark Barron scratched, intercepted Mariota on the Titans' second play from scrimmage.INJURIESRams left guard Rodger Safford hurt his ribs late in the game, and Rams safety Marqui Christian hurt a shoulder.Murray was helped to the sideline with 2:23 left with an injured right foot.UP NEXTRams: Host 49ers.Titans: Host Jaguars.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL.---Follow Teresa M. Walker at www.twitter.com/teresamwalkerCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Cam Newton scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 35 seconds remaining to lift the Carolina Panthers to a 22-19 win over the upset-minded Tampa Bay Buccaneers and clinch a spot in the NFC playoffs.The Panthers (11-4) trailed most of the second half, but Newton drove the Panthers 59 yards completing 4 of 7 passes for 52 yards in the final 3 minutes before scoring on a what could have been a disastrous play. Newton fumbled the snap from the shotgun, alertly picked it up and then raced across the goal line for the go-ahead score.Newton celebrated the score by using the football as a prop, pretending to light a candle on a cake in celebration of his son Chosen's 2nd birthday.Carolina can clinch the NFC South championship with a win over Atlanta and a New Orleans loss to Tampa Bay.The Panthers sealed the game when Kawann Short sacked Jameis Winston on Tampa Bay's final drive, and forced a fumble that Julius Peppers recovered. Winston threw for 367 yards and a touchdown but was sacked six times and fumbled three times. The Bucs are 4-11.The Panthers offense struggled all day.Newton threw for just 160 yards and ran for 52 yards on 14 carries. Carolina's only touchdown in the first three quarters came on a 103-yard kickoff return by Damiere Byrd.Tampa Bay's defense set the tone early, limiting the Panthers to just 78 yards in the first half - the fewest in an opening half since Newton took over as Carolina's starting QB in 2012.SLOW START: The Panthers finished the first quarter with 7 yards of offense - their fewest yards in a 1st quarter since gaining 5 total yards in a 38-17 loss to the Packers in Week 7, 2014.ALL IN THE FAMILY: Danielle Kalil, the sister of Panthers offensive linemen Ryan and Matt Kalil, sang the national anthem. The crowd gave her a huge ovation and she was greeted by hugs from her brothers as she walked off the field.UP NEXTBuccaneers: Host Saints next Sunday.Panthers: Visit Falcons next Sunday.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Alex Smith threw for 304 yards and a touchdown, Kareem Hunt ran for 91 yards and a score and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins 29-13 on Sunday to clinch back-to-back AFC West titles for the first time in franchise history.Tyreek Hill had six catches for 109 yards, and Harrison Butker converted five field goals, as the Chiefs (9-6) dashed what faint postseason hope the Dolphins (6-9) still harbored.Jay Cutler threw for 286 yards and a touchdown, but a chunk of that came on a 65-yard toss to Jakeem Grant late in the first half. Otherwise, Miami struggled against a Chiefs defense that has been stingy and opportunistic the past two weeks.That's coincided with the return of Marcus Peters from his disciplinary suspension.The Chiefs' star cornerback had two interceptions and forced a fumble against the Chargers last week, a win that pushed them to the brink of the playoffs. He recovered a fumble and forced another on Sunday, giving Peters a hand in five turnovers the past two weeks.Both turnovers led to points, but they weren't the Dolphins' only costly miscues.They also were nailed for defensive holding four times, all of which came on three scoring drives for Kansas City. And the Dolphins inability to get off the field on third down, after holding opponents to 8 for 39 the past two games, was similarly deflating.Still, the Dolphins had the ball trailing 17-13 late in the first half, the outcome and their longshot playoff hopes were still in the balance. But they soon went three-and-out and the Chiefs added a field goal to make it 20-13 at the break, then another to start the second half.Even when the Dolphins made a crucial stop on fourth down to get the ball back later in the third quarter, they squandered the opportunity. Peters stripped Kenny Stills to give the Chiefs the ball, and Butker hit his fourth chip-shot field goal for a 26-13 lead with 12:19 to go.That gave a sparse crowd that turned out on Christmas Eve, braving slick roads from an overnight snowfall frigid wind chills at kickoff, plenty of time to celebrate a division title.Turn their thoughts toward a home playoff game in the new year, too.STATS AND STREAKSChiefs TE Travis Kelce had four catches for 47 yards and a score , and has a catch in 63 straight games. ... Chiefs coach Andy Reid improved to 5-1 against Miami. ... Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry had five catches for 51 yards, giving him a league-best 103 catches this season. ... The Dolphins had won seven of their last 10 against Kansas City. Their last loss at Arrowhead Stadium was in 2002.INJURY NOTESDolphins DT Vincent Taylor hurt his knee on the opening kickoff, while CB Alterraun Verner went down with a hamstring injury later in the half. Miami DE Andre Branch played despite a knee injury.UP NEXTDolphins conclude their season against the Bills next Sunday.Chiefs head to Denver on Sunday to finish their regular season.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore corralled an unusual, momentum-turning interception off his back , New Orleans made two defensive stands from inside its own 2-yard line, and the Saints clinched their first playoff berth since 2013 with a 23-13 victory over the rival Atlanta Falcons.Ted Ginn caught a 54-yard pass for a touchdown, which came just a few plays after Lattimore's interception and shortly before halftime. Mark Ingram used a sharp cutback to break loose for a 26-yard touchdown for New Orleans ( 11-4), which kept its tenuous hold on first place in the NFC South heading into the final week of the season.While the loss eliminated the Falcons (9-6) from the NFC South race, Atlanta can clinch a wild-card berth by beating Carolina in the final regular season game on New Year's Eve.The Falcons entered the game with a second straight division crown in their grasp, but they needed to beat the Saints. They squandered chances spectacularly, much to the delight of a deafening Superdome crowd - and certainly to the chagrin of scattered fans wearing Falcons red. The Falcons were taunted on their way to the game by a plane towing a banner that read ''28-3 Merry Xmas,'' a reference to Atlanta's Super Bowl collapse.Atlanta trailed just 6-0 when Lattimore's interception of Matt Ryan set the Saints up to double their lead.But early in the third quarter, Atlanta linebacker Deion Jones intercepted a passed that deflected off of Ginn's hands and returned it 41 yards to the New Orleans 2. But Devonta Freeman fumbled on a hit by Tyeler Davison two plays later and linebacker Manti Teo recovered.Early in the fourth quarter, Freeman was stopped short on fourth-and-goal from the 1, preserving a 20-3 Saints lead. One play earlier, Julio Jones caught a third-down pass with his feet in the end zone, but he was unable to pull the ball across the goal line after reaching back to make the catch and being quickly driven down. Atlanta challenged the spot, but the call on the field was upheld.Drew Brees completed 21 of 28 passes for 239 yards. Ginn finished with 76 yards receiving and Michael Thomas - who'd been listed as questionable with a hamstring injury - caught four passes for 66 yards. Brees became only the third quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 70,000 career yards passing, joining Peyton Manning and Brett Favre.Ryan was 22 of 36 for 288 yards. He was sacked five times, twice by Cameron Jordan.Jones had seven catches for 149 yards, but the Falcons' running game struggled.Freeman was held to just 36 yards on 11 carries.INJURY REPORTFalcons: Tight end Levine Toilolo was sidelined by a knee injury in the second half.Saints: Left tackle Terron Armstead left the game in the second half with a thigh injury.UP NEXTFalcons: Finish regular season at home against the Panthers.Saints: Try to wrap up the division title at Tampa Bay on New Year's Eve.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL---Follow Brett Martel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/brettmartelCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns clinched the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft with a 20-3 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday.It's the second consecutive year Cleveland own the top pick in the draft.The 0-15 Browns now have just one shot to avoid only the second winless season in NFL history, but face a tough task in the form of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.It's likely the Browns will look to use the top pick on a quarterback after missing out on Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson in the past two drafts. However, the projected top pivot in 2018, UCLA's Josh Rosen, reportedly would be hesitant to enter the draft if the Browns commit to him at No. 1 overall.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Another week, another catch controversy in the NFL.The New England Patriots got a stroke of luck (again) Sunday, as the Buffalo Bills watched as Kelvin Benjamin's spectacular touchdown was overturned on review despite arguably lacking sufficient evidence.Related: Kelvin Benjamin's TD vs. Patriots overturned by controversial reviewTwitter reacted predictably to the latest fiasco caused by the NFL's convoluted rulebook:

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin inadvertently became the subject of controversy Sunday afternoon against the New England Patriots.Benjamin appeared to record a touchdown that would've given the Bills a halftime lead over the defending champions, and his play was originally deemed a score.However, the play was reviewed, and the officiating crew determined Benjamin's foot wasn't on the ground while corralling the ball.

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