New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees became the third player to reach 70,000 career NFL passing yards during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.Brees joins Peyton Manning and Brett Favre in this exclusive club. Manning finished his career with 71,940 yards, while Favre ended with 71,838. Brees is expected to surpass both during the 2018 season.Warren Moon is also ahead of Brees for most yards in professional football history, having thrown for 49,325 yards in the NFL and 21,228 in the Canadian Football League (CFL).The Saints veteran is enjoying another outstanding season. Prior to Sunday's game, Brees completed 71.8 percent of his passes for 3,850 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan is inactive for a second consecutive week due to a shoulder injury, despite participating in all three practices this week.As a result, newly-signed Kenny Britt will likely have an expanded role Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.Hogan is a key piece of the Patriots passing game, and with a first-round bye all but assured, New England is likely being cautious with his return.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints will be able to call upon the services of receiver Michael Thomas for their crucial divisional battle with the Atlanta Falcons.Thomas is active for the game despite being a late-week addition to the injury report with a hamstring problem.The winner of Sunday's game will clinch a playoff berth and have a leg up on winning the NFC South.Thomas is the Saints' leading receiver with 1,085 yards and five touchdowns. He went off for 10 catches, 117 yards, and a touchdown in a Week 14 loss to the Falcons.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As of last weekend, changes were made to the NFL's concussion protocol.The league came under public scrutiny after Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage was allowed to return to a Week 14 game after exhibiting concussion symptoms on the field as well as those believed to be linked to a seizure.As a result, a neurotrauma consultant will be situated in the NFL's broadcast command center to provide oversight, and any player that exhibits seizure symptoms will be removed from the game, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports.Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said a day after Savage suffered his concussion that he would not have allowed the quarterback back on the field had he seen Savage's involuntary reaction to the hit that led to the concussion.Also new to the protocol is a stipulation that a referee must notify medical staff if he removes a player from the game due to suspected head trauma. Any player evaluated for a concussion must also be re-evaluated within 24 hours.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.On the day before Christmas, the NFL stuffed the schedule stocking with several key games for playoff positioning. Covers checks in on the action and line movement for a handful of Week 16 contests, with insights from Will Bernanke and Devyn Brackett, both with CG Analytics in Las Vegas, and Mike Jerome, lines manager for offshore sportsbook TopBet.eu.

The Carolina Panthers have an owner planning to sell up and an interim general manager, but the front office intends to begin extension talks with head coach Ron Rivera, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Rivera led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2015 and has them at 10-4 and in contention this season, but his contract only runs through 2018.Only tied to playing in Carolina until 2019, the team is looking for some semblance of stability.However, should Rivera become available, he's expected to draw significant interest, likely from the Chicago Bears, for whom he played for nine years and coached in two different stints.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Justin Boone is on pace for his fifth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition. Follow the links below to see his updated rankings for Week 16.Standard

UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen would reportedly be hesitant to declare for this year's draft if the Cleveland Browns intend to take him with the No. 1 overall pick, and would prefer to be drafted by the New York Giants, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Giants currently own the second overall pick.The young pivot has yet to announce whether he will leave UCLA for the NFL, though he reportedly won't play in the Cactus Bowl because of doctor's orders.Rosen plans to have a "serious conversation" with his parents over his future football plans, and Cleveland owning the top pick in the draft would likely be a factor in his decision, added Schefter.The 0-14 Browns are all but assured of landing the No. 1 overall pick, with the Giants two games ahead with two games remaining.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals are making contingency plans in the event head coach Bruce Arians decides not to return after the season, and those plans involve targeting Houston Texans bench boss Bill O'Brien, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.The Cardinals have reportedly been preparing for Arians' retirement. The 65-year-old is in his fifth year with the team and has battled serious health issues during his tenure, including cancer.If Arians moves on, O'Brien would be Arizona's top target, should he be available. O'Brien is in his fourth year as Texans head coach, and after three successive 9-7 campaigns, the team has battled multiple injuries to star players to sit at 4-10 this season.O'Brien has expressed a desire to remain in Houston, but would draw a number of suitors if he is made available.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to part ways with longtime head coach Marvin Lewis and their preferred replacement would be current Washington Redskins chief Jay Gruden, if he becomes available, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.The Bengals will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year and have been disappointing at 5-9. Lewis is rumored to be leaving the team at the end of the year.The Redskins will also miss the playoffs and currently sit at 6-8 on the year. Gruden signed a two-year contract extension in the offseason, but if Washington opts to clean house, the Bengals will target a reunion.Gruden served as the Bengals' offensive coordinator for three seasons from 2011 to 2013 before getting his first head job with the Redskins. Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson has also been linked to the Bengals, but Cincinnati would target Gruden first, according to Rapoport.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jon Gruden is interested in a return to NFL coaching and his preferred destination is his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.Gruden - who's rumored to be in play to return most offseasons - is reaching out to potential coaching staff hires to see if they'd be available should he land a gig, added Rapoport.Dirk Koetter is in his second season as the Bucs' head coach, but his team has been a huge disappointment this year after many pegged it as a sleeper Super Bowl contender following a strong offseason.Tampa Bay won Super Bowl XXXVII under Gruden's guidance. The head coach spent seven seasons in charge before being fired in 2009. He's served as ESPN's color analyst on Monday Night Football ever since.Gruden has expressed his admiration for Jameis Winston, and the Bucs would likely be seeking a head coach who could help mold the quarterback after an underwhelming third season in the NFL.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown is not expected to be fit for the wild-card round of the playoffs, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Brown partially tore the calf muscle in his leg during last Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots and has been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Houston Texans.The Steelers have already won their division and currently sit second in the AFC standings. They can sew up a first-round bye with a win or tie against the Texans and a loss by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who currently hold the third seed in the conference.If the Steelers fall out of the top two, they'd have to host a wild-card game on the first weekend of the playoffs and would likely have to do so without Brown.Brown thrust himself into the MVP conversation by leading the league in receiving with 1,533 yards as well as collecting nine touchdowns and several highlight-reel grabs throughout the season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Multiple teams have reportedly complained to the NFL that the Packers violated rules by placing Aaron Rodgers back onto injured reserve without the quarterback suffering a new injury, and argue Green Bay should be forced to release him as a result, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.NFL rules state a player is required to have sustained an injury that would put them on the shelf for at least six weeks to warrant their designation onto IR. If that isn't the case, the team is compelled to release the player.Rodgers returned for the Packers' game against the Panthers after an eight-week layoff due to a broken collarbone, but the loss in Carolina - combined with an Atlanta Falcons win Monday - knocked Green Bay out of playoff contention. When their elimination was confirmed, the Packers shut Rodgers down for the season.It's not believed Rodgers sustained a new injury against Carolina, though he did take significant punishment during the contest and coach Mike McCarthy said the quarterback was "sore" after the game.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas is expected to play in Sunday's crucial division matchup against the Atlanta Falcons despite being a late addition to the injury report with a hamstring injury, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Thomas has recorded at least 70 yards and a touchdown in each of the last three games and surpassed 1,000 yards receiving on the year in last Sunday's win over the Jets.The Saints and Falcons can each clinch a playoff berth with a win Sunday. A New Orleans win coupled with a Carolina Panthers loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would make the Saints champions of the NFC South.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings shut out an opponent for the first time in nearly a quarter-century, beating the injury-depleted Green Bay Packers 16-0 on Saturday night to stay in the hunt for a first-round playoff bye.Stefon Diggs caught a 4-yard pass from Case Keenum just inside the back line of the end zone in the first quarter for the only touchdown. The Vikings (12-3) have already clinched the NFC North and can secure a bye if Carolina loses or ties on Sunday against Tampa Bay.The Vikings forced an incompletion into the end zone on fourth-and-4 from the 14 early in the fourth quarter to turn away the Packers' last best effort to get into the end zone. Safety Harrison Smith ended another Green Bay drive with an interception at the Minnesota 5 late in the second quarter.Minnesota left frigid Lambeau Field with its first shutout since a 13-0 win over Detroit on Dec. 5, 1993. It was the first shutout over the Packers (7-8) since Nov. 14, 1971.The Packers managed to hold a 239-236 edge in total yards. They were still shut out twice in a season for the first time since 2006.In the their defense, the team fielded a lineup that often looked like one that coach Mike McCarthy would send out for a game late in the preseason. The Packers have already been eliminated from playoff contention.Starting outside linebackers Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Nick Perry (ankle/shoulder) missed the game, along with cornerback Damarious Randall (hamstring).Brett Hundley was 17 of 40 for 130 yards with two interceptions in taking over at quarterback again for Aaron Rodgers, who returned to injured reserve this week after missing seven games earlier in the year with a collarbone injury.The Packers didn't have leading receiver Davante Adams, who is in the concussion protocol, then lost wideout Jordy Nelson and tight end Richard Rodgers to shoulder injuries in the first half.Unable to connect on medium-to-long range passes, the Packers' best plays came when Hundley broke free for big gains with his legs.Not enough against the Vikings' stingy defense.Fans bundled up in parkas, huddled under blankets and sipped on free hot chocolate to stay warm. Purple-clad Minnesota backers celebrated in the stands on a night in which temperatures hovered in the single digits.''Skol! Skol,'' they chanted as if they were partying at U.S. Bank Stadium.Diggs finished with five catches for 60 yards. Case Keenum was 14 of 25 for 139 yards.INJURY REPORTVikings: LG Nick Easton left the game in the first quarter with an apparent right leg injury. ... LS Kevin McDermott (shoulder) left late in the second quarter, with backup TE David Morgan taking over snapping dutiesPackers: RT Jason Spriggs was carted off the field with what appeared to be a left knee injury on the first play from scrimmage. Justin McCray, who was starting at right guard for Jahri Evans (knee), slid over to tackle with Lucas Patrick taking over at guard. ... Out of playoff contention, the Packers appeared to play it safe with other injuries, ruling out Rodgers and Nelson, along with RB Aaron Jones (knee), after each player was hurt in the first half.UP NEXTVikings: Finish regular season at home against the Chicago Bears on New Year's Eve.Packers: Wrap up year with a visit to the Detroit Lions, also on New Year's Eve.---More AP NFL: https://pro32.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio has a 50-50 chance of returning next year, a league source tells Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.Del Rio was signed to a contract extension after the Raiders made it to the playoffs last season.He'd still be owed up to $15 million if fired, according to Dieter Kurtenbach of the San Jose Mercury News.Whether or not Del Rio stays or is shown the door in Oakland, offensive coordinator Todd Downing is expected to be fired at the end of the season, according to Florio.The Raiders have slipped to 6-8 and third in the AFC West through 15 weeks, after going 12-4 and finishing second in the division last season.This season, the Raiders rank just 19th in total yards of offense, and 22nd in points scored per game.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was a late addition to the injury report for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. He's regarded as questionable due to a hamstring injury, according to Herbie Teope of The Times-Picayune.Thomas caught 10 of 14 targets for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' Week 14 loss to the Falcons in Atlanta.The sophomore receiver has caught 94 of 136 targets on the season, racking up 1,085 yards and five touchdowns through 14 games. He has scored in three consecutive outings entering Week 16.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released franchise sack leader James Harrison just days ahead of their Christmas Day game against the Houston Texans, the team announced Saturday.Harrison has spent all but one season of his 15-year career in black and gold.The 39-year-old signed a two-year, $3.5-million extension in March, but has appeared in just five games this season. He has shared his disappointment with his lack of playing time and said in early December he wouldn't have re-signed had he known he would spend most of the season on the bench."There was no animosity or bad feelings. It's just the business of the NFL," Harrison's agent, William Parise, said after the move, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson. "I believe he still wants to play. We'll have to wait and see what happens with waivers."Harrison posted a note to Instagram Saturday thanking Steelers fans for their support.

Ryan Shazier made an appearance at the Pittsburgh Steelers facility on Saturday. The linebacker is recovering from a spinal injury and got around with the use of a wheelchair, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.Shazier suffered the serious injury in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 4. He underwent spinal stabilization surgery days after.Shazier began physical rehabilitation on Dec. 14.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's still unknown whether Josh Rosen will suit up for UCLA's Cactus Bowl showdown with Kansas State, but don't expect a decision on his future before then.The potential No. 1 pick in April's NFL draft reportedly wants to sit down and have a "serious conversation" with his parents before making a decision regarding his future, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.The junior enjoyed the most productive season of his career this year following an injury-riddled 2016 campaign, throwing for 3,756 yards and 26 touchdowns while completing 62.6 percent of his passes.The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants appear eager to find new quarterbacks, and with the franchises expected to pick side by side at the top of the draft, it's unlikely Rosen would spend much time on the board.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams are perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2017 season. After going 4-12 in 2016, the Rams are 10-4 and challenging for a first-round bye in the playoffs.Los Angeles can clinch the NFC West and lock up a playoff berth on Sunday, but what looked like a potential Super Bowl season is decidedly less so. Not after the team lost its unheralded MVP this week.Todd Gurley and Aaron Donald are just fine, but kicker Greg Zuerlein was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday with a season-ending back injury.Gurley may be the Rams' superstar and defensive tackle Donald their best player, but Zuerlein is overwhelmingly indispensable.Zuerlein was named to his first Pro Bowl this week, a much-deserved honor. Currently, he is the league leader in scoring. He's accounted for 158 points in 14 games this season. The next closest player is New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski with 137 points.The sixth-year pro was on pace to rack up 181 points this season, a total that would rank second in league history. He was also averaging 11.3 points per game, the best mark in the NFL.The impact of Zuerlein's place-kicking is easily quantifiable using these stats, but it may be best articulated by his fellow Rams."Certainly you always want to try to finish those drives with touchdowns, but I think when you have a player like Greg, you feel like once you get really inside that 40-yard line, we feel pretty confident that he's going to be automatic," head coach Sean McVay said in November.Quarterback Jared Goff echoed his coach's sentiments and discussed the team's assured ability to come away with points once past midfield.What an incredible luxury for a sophomore quarterback and rookie head coach.The Rams own the 10th-best offense in the game and the league's 12th-ranked defense, but without its All-Star special teamer, the team's playoff stay may be short-lived.Zuerlein made 38 of his 40 field-goal attempts this season. As a result, the Rams share the league lead in points scored with 438.Points are much more difficult to come by in the playoffs, and without the guarantee of a made kick from Zuerlein, the Rams are likely to struggle to score once they reach the postseason.They'll have to march further downfield and they'll have to improve their red-zone efficiency - which currently ranks 20th in the league - as the team converts just 54 percent of their trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns.Sam Ficken will stand in for Zuerlein for the remainder of the season and he's yet to convert a kick at the NFL level. In fact, he hasn't attempted a kick in the NFL since going undrafted in 2015.Los Angeles leads the league in field goals per drive. That's a recipe for defeat with insurmountable pressure set to fall on the boot of an inexperienced kicker.In order to contend for a championship, the Rams will have to call an audible on its current offensive approach. It's not impossible, considering McVay's ability to extract success out of the team in mere months, but while he can help Goff make changes at the line on the fly, McVay isn't allowed as much control in the kicking game.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jeff Fisher would like some credit for the Los Angeles Rams' current success.Fisher coached the Rams for the previous five seasons, but couldn't muster more than seven wins in any single campaign.In their first year with rookie coach Sean McVay at the helm, the Rams are 10-4 and on the brink of clinching their first playoff berth since 2004.Fisher believes he's had a hand in that."They're basically - I don't want to say my players, but I had a lot to do with that roster," Fisher said Friday on "The Midday 180," according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN."Left them in pretty good shape. And Sean, as he's proven in this very short period of time, is an outstanding young coach. And he's got the offense rolling, which they needed."Fisher was aboard when the Rams traded up to the No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft in order to select quarterback Jared Goff. While Goff struggled in limited appearances during his rookie year, he's thrived in his sophomore season."We knew that was coming," Fisher said of Goff's improved play. " ... That's why we traded up with (Tennessee) to get him, because we knew he had that kind of potential. We felt like both the quarterbacks had a chance to be franchise quarterbacks. We were right. Philly got theirs and the Rams got theirs."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If Stephen Curry gets his way, the two-time NBA MVP could soon add "NFL owner" to his lengthy resume.The Golden State Warriors star wasn't messing around when he tweeted to Diddy last Sunday that he was interested in joining a group to make a bid to buy the NFL's Carolina Panthers."I'm really serious about that. I think it's such a unique opportunity to impact my hometown," Curry told ESPN's Rachel Nichols. "It's kind of unprecedented, and a very unique situation. Knowing of what the storylines are around the NFL right now, maybe having a hand in that."So, we'll see how that plays out and take whoever along to ride with me. Whoever wants to come watch Cam (Newton) and everybody, hopefully win Super Bowls."Related - Report: Diddy, Kaepernick working to form ownership group to buy PanthersCurrent Panthers owner Jerry Richardson recently announced he was putting the franchise up for sale at the end of the 2017 season following sexual and racial misconduct allegations.Curry grew up in Charlotte, N.C., while his father competed for the Charlotte Hornets. The 29-year-old guard also played high school (Charlotte Christian) and college (Davidson) ball in the area.In September, Forbes calculated the Panthers' value at approximately $2.3 billion.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With bowl season in full swing, the NFL draft process is just around the corner, and if Friday was any indication, we are going to be hearing a lot about Josh Allen.The 6-foot-5, 233-pound Wyoming quarterback showed off his talents in Friday's Potato Bowl win over Central Michigan, and capped it off by declaring for the draft right after the contest.He immediately becomes one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft, with scouts forced to weigh his tantalizing physical attributes against severely underwhelming results.First let's look at the positives with Allen by using his strong performance against Central Michigan.Arm Strength

Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien is hoping his team's game on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers won't distract them from what really matters at this time of year.He's giving players and coaches Christmas Eve off ahead of the second-last game of the season."We'll enjoy time with our family, but you have the Pittsburgh Steelers coming in here so, to be honest with you, you got them on your mind," O'Brien said, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "But you have to spend time with your family and have as good a Christmas as you can have. I love Christmas, but it is hard with the game on Christmas."The Texans will enter their Week 16 game on the heels of a 45-7 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers also suffered a demoralizing loss in Week 15, losing to the New England Patriots after quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception at the Patriots' goal line in the final seconds of play.With the Steelers boasting an 11-3 record and vying for a first-round bye, O'Brien isn't stressing the holiday matchup with the Texans sitting at 4-10 and long out of the playoff race."I think it's more about what Christmas is about, if you know what I mean, and being together with your family and the spiritual side of Christmas. I have a lot of great memories of Christmas," O'Brien said.It's further proof of how O'Brien has endeared himself to his players despite the lost season, following recent praise from injured rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson."Coach OB is fun to play for. He's very tough on you. He wants you to be successful. I would love to have coach OB back and I'm ready to have him with me for my whole career," said Watson.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The four remaining division titles are up for grabs this week, with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles also being able to lock down home-field advantage through to Super Bowl LII in Minnesota.Playoff seeding will strongly influence this week's viewership, while a handful of key divisional matchups heighten the stakes.Here's how more neutral fans should be spending their weekend:Nope16. New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals - Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETViewers will need to go heavy on the under in order to get any sort of entertainment from this one. Both teams lack any sort of consistency on offense, while the Cardinals will lean on a new set of backups at both quarterback and running back. Offensive gaffes may lead to some semi-exciting defensive scoring plays.15. Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETThe fourth seed in the AFC West will pay a visit to the NFC East's third seed in a game that means nothing for either side. Watch only to see if Kirk Cousins can make a positive impression on one of his potential offseason suitors.If you're looking for a reason14. Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETThe Lions are still in competition for an NFC wild-card spot, while Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis has seemingly quit on his team with players following suit in last week's 34-7 loss to the Vikings.13. Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens - Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ETA very winnable game can thrust the Ravens toward the verge of the playoffs. They've scored a total of 109 points over their past three games but still don't offer much excitement. As 14-point favorites, according to Bovada, they're likely to spend most of the game trying to run out the clock.12. Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans - Monday, 4:30 p.m. ETThe Texans are coming off a 38-point loss to the Jaguars in Week 15. They'll return home to face a Steelers team missing (former) MVP candidate Antonio Brown. Watch to see what ridiculous stat line Le'Veon Bell can put up to help fantasy managers claim the championship.11. Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETWith a road trip to visit the Steelers in Week 17, this is likely the last game left for the Browns to avoid a winless season. It's also the easiest game of Mitch Trubisky's career to date. Check in to see what the No. 2 pick can accomplish, while seeing if DeShone Kizer can avoid having this be his final NFL start.10. Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETA win seals the AFC West for the Chiefs and they enter as 11-point favorites. The Dolphins immediately regressed following a surprise Week 14 upset of the Patriots in prime time. Expect another performance like their Week 15 outing.9. Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers - Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ETIt'll take a Vikings win and a Panthers loss or tie to clinch Minnesota's first-round bye. With the Panthers likely headed to victory, that leaves little consequence for this one as the Vikings' defense shuts down Brett Hundley in his return to the starting job.8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETA win or tie gets the Panthers back to the postseason. The Buccaneers looked better than anyone expected in Week 15, but that could have been equally due to the Falcons playing down to competition. The home-field crowd should have nothing to fear in Charlotte.7. Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETA Week 15 loss to the Chiefs was a significant setback for the Chargers, but they can get back on the inside track to the postseason with a win over the Bryce Petty-led Jets. They'll still need to stay focused on this week and avoid looking ahead to the Week 17 home matchup with the Raiders.Something for both sides6. Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles - Monday, 8:30 p.m. ETGiven the spotlight of Christmas night, the Raiders are unlikely to deliver up to the expectations of the time slot. This is another easy test for Nick Foles in his charade of replacing Carson Wentz.5. Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETThe game Bills fans have been waiting for. While a win won't clinch them their playoff spot, it'll set them up well, ahead of a Week 17 game against the Dolphins. A Patriots' victory secures home field through the AFC playoffs.4. Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETA win or a tie wraps up the NFC West for the Rams, or they can wait for a Seahawks' loss or tie. The Titans need a win of their own and some help in the form of losses by the Ravens and Bills. Watch to see if the Rams can replicate their complete performance against the Seahawks from Week 15.The cream of the crop3. Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers - Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETWith the Jimmy Garoppolo hype at its peak, the Jaguars cruise into town on the heels of the 45-7 dismantling of the Texans. A win or tie clinches the AFC South for the Jaguars, without them needing to be concerned with the Titans' result. A surprise 49ers victory would surely help boost last-minute sales of Garoppolo jerseys in the Bay Area ahead of Christmas.2. Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints - Sunday, 1 p.m. ETA win clinches a playoff berth for either team, while the Saints will also be watching for a Buccaneers upset of the Panthers. Home field for the Saints and the full services of rookie running back Alvin Kamara could help even up the season series following a 20-17 Falcons victory in Week 14.1. Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys - Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETThe Seahawks are charged with trying to contain a well-rested Ezekiel Elliott in the wake of an embarrassing 42-7 loss to the Rams at home. The loser will be dropped from playoff contention.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One of the top quarterback prospects in the country is officially headed to the NFL, as Wyoming star Josh Allen declared for the draft immediately after winning the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Friday.Allen certainly ended his collegiate career in style, turning in one of his best performances of the year in the win over Central Michigan. The 6-foot-5, 233-pounder threw three touchdowns and flashed his excellent arm strength throughout the contest.The junior is an incredibly intriguing draft prospect with comparisons ranging from Ben Roethlisberger to Jake Locker. He's widely-projected as a first-round pick, with some pundits listing him as a potential top-five selection.While Allen's physical traits are impressive, his play left a lot to be desired in his final collegiate season. Heading into Friday's game, Allen had completed just 56 percent of his passes on the season, with 13 touchdowns against six interceptions.While Allen played well against similar opponents to Wyoming, he struggled mightily against Power 5 competition. In games against Iowa and Oregon this season, he completed just 50 percent of his passes and threw three interceptions with no touchdowns.One of the teams that appears to be interested in Allen is the Denver Broncos, as John Elway was on the sidelines Friday to get a close look at the intriguing prospect..Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson isn't of the opinion that running back Isaiah Crowell is deserving of an added workload."Guys get frustrated when they want the ball; I get it," Jackson told ESPN's Pat McManamon. "He feels like he can help do more and help the team. I totally understand. Just how we handle those things is important, just as important to me as anything, and he understands. We will go from there."Crowell, who has averaged 7.7 yards per carry the past four games, was discontent following Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens - a game in which he received only five carries, one of which included a season-high 59-yard run.Jackson, however, wants to see more from his running backs."No, me and you, all five of us could have run through that hole," Jackson said after he was asked if Crowell was deserving of more carries. "Go back and look at the play, so I'm not saying that. Inspiring runs, just so we are all on the same page, are when you break tackles. It is the tough runs. It is when everybody is knocking the crap out of you and you find a way to still make 4 or 5 yards. That is running in the NFL. ..."Every hole is not going to be a 59-yard run. Sometimes you have to make your holes as a back, and I think the backs understand that."Crowell has produced as an everyday back despite the erratic workload. Entering Sunday, the 24-year-old ranks 13th among qualified running backs with 4.4 YPC and throughout his four-year career, Crowell has yet to finish a season with less than 3.8 YPC.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Linebacker Trent Cole announced he will retire as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on Christmas night, according to the team.The 35-year-old will serve as the Eagles' honorary alumni captain against the visiting Oakland Raiders on Monday.Cole was drafted 146th overall in the 2005 draft and spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Eagles, before ending his career with a two-year stint as a member of the Indianapolis Colts.The two-time Pro Bowler racked up totals of 617 combined tackles, 90.5 sacks, 21 forced fumbles, one interception, and one touchdown over 176 career games. He played in a total of eight playoff games with the Eagles.He played his final game with the Colts in Week 17 of last season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady lost his cool Friday when a member of the media prodded him about the reported dispute between his personal trainer Alex Guerrero and head coach Bill Belichick, who's allegedly banned Guerrero from the locker room and sidelines.

The New York Giants interviewed interim general manager Kevin Abrams for the permanent role on Friday, the team announced.Abrams joins Giants vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross as the second internal candidate to interview for the position. Current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick and former Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman have also met with the team. Of the four candidates, Gettleman - who spent 15 years as a personnel executive in the Giants’ front office - is reportedly considered the favorite.Abrams was named interim general manager after the Giants fired longtime GM Jerry Reese on Dec. 4. He previously served as the assistant general manager for 16 years.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One suspect is in custody after a local bomb squad and other emergency agencies were called to Lambeau Field on Friday afternoon.Green Bay police chief Andrew Smith said the suspect tried to drive into the stadium loading dock and hit several cars in the parking lot in the process, Jeff Bollier of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.No injuries were reported.Beat reporters shared multiple photos and videos depicting the bomb squad, as well as police and fire crews, at the Green Bay Packers' home stadium.

Sam Ficken swapped his desk job for a spot on the Los Angeles Rams' roster.The former Penn State kicker, who graduated with a degree in finance, was working at a brokerage firm in Connecticut when he got a call from the Rams, according to Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times. The NFC West powerhouse was in need of a replacement after Greg Zuerlein went down with a season-ending back injury. Ficken took part in tryouts Wednesday, beating out 11 other kickers for the job.His former employer wasn't sad to see him go."They said they hoped they never saw me again, which is funny, obviously," he said. "I think they're super thrilled for me."I've talked to them and they're more than excited for me about the opportunity."Ficken made 54-of-75 field-goal attempts during his time at Penn State. He attended a few NFL minicamps after going undrafted in 2015, as well as training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. This season, he made a bid to join the Kansas City Chiefs.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.Longtime Las Vegas oddsmaker Peter Korner sizes up this week’s NFL schedule and picks out some of the lines making him go “hmmm...” in Week 16.Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens (-13.5, 41)This game hasn’t budged much since it’s inception. I’m a little surprised even though the number was expected to be high considering the circumstances. I was thinking more on the 14-plus area and not afraid to push the button higher.Baltimore has its future in its own hands and two wins in the last couple of weeks assures the club of slipping ahead of Buffalo for the final wild card berth. My feeling is that the Ravens are going to get business done quickly and not fool around with a Colts team that has lost five games in a row. Indianapolis has scored 13, 7, 10, 16 and 17 points in those five losses and the way that Baltimore has scored the past three games (27, 38 and 44 points), the white flags may be out early.With this kind of spread, we’re definitely thinking Baltimore wins this game and in its last five wins, the scoring margin has averaged over 22 points. With more than enough incentive riding in this one, anything short of two touchdowns seems like a bargain for all of you who like laying the heavy wood.Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers (+4 .5, 42)This game opened at -5.5 and quickly dropped a full point to the current line. Personally, I had this either 6.5 or 7.No doubt about it, the Niners are looking good with wins in their last three games and four of five overall. But now they are playing one of the NFL’s hottest teams. Jacksonville represents a whole different level of competition which may prove to ground the high-flying San Francisco gold rush.The Jaguars are starting to click on offense scoring 45, 30 and 30 points their last three games and covering a four-spot doesn’t seem so impossible. The track should be fast at game time and the Jaguars are suited to capitalize on their momentum. Though San Francisco on the surface seems to be the hot play (as witnessed by the early action) Jacksonville has more incentive to win and position itself accordingly in the playoffs.If the line continues to fall, naturally the better the value for Jaguar backers. But I see this line going back up by kick-off so you might just want to press the button and get your ticket before the weekend starts.Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles (-9, 47)I’m surprised this game is even up right now. At least not until the Minnesota result is known. I made this a minimum of 10 believing the Raiders will be out of contention and Philly knows it needs the win long before this game gets underway.This line has no where to go but up and grabbing the best number would be right now as fast as you can before the surge gets this closer to my number. Oakland will have no incentive to play especially if the conditions are cold and snowy. With Minnesota’s win on Saturday, the Eagles will need to polish off the Raiders to keep their first-place standing heading into the final week.There is no value at any level with the Raiders here. Oakland’s offense has been winding down while the Eagles’ scoring hasn’t been hurt with Nick Foles in at quarterback the past two weeks. As the marquee match-up on national television, the Eagles should be primed to make a great showing before they get their bye in the first round of the playoffs two weeks from now.__Peter Korner is a long-time Las Vegas oddsmaker and analyst, working at the Las Vegas Sports Consultants and operating his own odds service, The Sports Club. Find out more about Pete and his storied career in the sports betting industry here.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite having a realistic shot at securing a playoff spot, the Baltimore Ravens have seen an alarming increase of "no-shows" in recent weeks, leading team president Dick Cass to issue a letter to season-ticket holders, suite holders, and sponsors."The numbers (of no-shows) are higher, and it is noticeable," Cass wrote in a 656-word letter sent out this week, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "There are a number of reasons for the no-shows, but surely the one-time protest in London has been a factor."Stemming from comments made by President Donald Trump during a speech in Alabama, where he pleaded for owners to release players who kneel during the anthem, approximately 27 Ravens players - including former team captain and middle linebacker Ray Lewis - protested the national anthem prior to a Week 3 game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Several teams and players followed suit.The following week in Baltimore, Ravens players knelt and prayed but stood for the anthem, and have since ended their protests. Cass has reached out to several fans who have voiced their displeasure."We have responded to your concerns about the protest by re-doubling the efforts of both the organization and our players to make the Baltimore area a better community," Cass wrote in the letter."We want the Ravens to continue to be a strong, unifying force and source of pride in our community. When the Ravens win, we can bring families and the community together. We've done that before, and we can do it again."The Ravens play the Indianapolis Colts at home on Sunday, and will conclude the 2017 season at M&T Bank Stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the 2017 regular season winds down, it's a great time to single out a few players who didn't live up to expectations this year. Obviously, this list could be extremely long, but we narrowed it down to just five in alphabetical order. Rookies have been excluded from the conversation.QB Derek Carr, Oakland RaidersThe Raiders' offense has taken a huge step backward this year, and it's fair to question the coaching and overall approach. Carr also injured his back early in the season and it's reasonable to wonder if that's bothered him all year.Still, he certainly hasn't taken the expected step forward this year. Carr is getting the ball out very quick - which isn’t uncommon for him - but it means he's rarely threatening defenses downfield even though the Raiders have an excellent offensive line. And not only is Carr rarely making (or attempting) difficult throws, but he's also putting the ball in harm’s way far too often.The biggest concern with Carr coming out of college was his ability to handle pressure, and maybe most concerning of all, he looks to have taken a step backward in that crucial area of quarterbacking. It's too soon and there are too many other factors at play to question if Oakland made a bad decision by giving Carr a massive long-term deal, but there's no denying the early returns are worrisome.WR Amari Cooper, Oakland RaidersNot to pick on the Raiders, but Cooper takes the cake here.There's no denying his great ability, as we've seen this 23-year-old play at a very high level for much of his career. He's what you look for in a true No. 1 receiver, but drops have plagued him since joining the league and he also has a history of slowing down late in the year while lacking big touchdown numbers.The drops have been a huge problem for Cooper again this season. And while the Raiders' offensive scheme hasn't helped, teammate Michael Crabtree is producing, isn’t he? Other than a 210-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Chiefs, we haven't seen nearly enough from Cooper.To be fair, Cooper hasn't been healthy of late, but the 62 yards he amassed in Week 1 was his next-best performance. In fact, he has five games this year with 10 receiving yards or fewer! Here we sit a few days before Christmas, and he's still short of 500 for the season. No one saw that coming.LB Dee Ford, Kansas City ChiefsAfter notching 10 sacks last season, many thought Ford had arrived and would live up to his first-round selection from 2014.Instead, he hasn't played well against the pass or run this season. Ford has just two sacks and also doesn’t set the edge well against opposing backs. That's partly because he isn’t a thickly built player and lacks power at the point of attack. His game is much more finesse than brute force, but he isn’t an extreme athlete for the position, and that goes for his pure speed and initial quickness as well.Staying healthy has also been a problem, which has been the case again this year. Even with Justin Houston and Tamba Hali on board, the Chiefs need much more from Ford than what they've gotten in 2017.CB Kevin Johnson, Houston TexansWith Kareem Jackson and Johnathan Joseph already on board, the Texans looked as though they had an embarrassment of riches at the cornerback position after selecting Johnson in the first round of the 2015 draft. Although lean, Johnson has very good height and length, fluid movements, and loose hips - traits that made him look like an ideal prospect for man-to-man coverage in the NFL.However, injuries have been a problem for Johnson since entering the league, and he lacks the necessary physicality for the position at this level. He's been picked on all season and has yet to really have a standout performance in 2017.Compounding matters, Jackson and Joseph have also been very underwhelming. Sure, losing Whitney Mercilus and J.J. Watt has hurt Houston’s pass coverage in a big way, but this secondary has performed like one of the worst in the NFL this year. Let's just say Johnson is fortunate that Antonio Brown won’t be playing on Christmas.WR Jordy Nelson, Green Bay PackersNelson has been without his main man, Aaron Rodgers, for a large portion of the season. But the unfortunate fact is that Nelson also looks done. He'll turn 33 this offseason and is going through a downright awful campaign.Nelson has exceeded 50 receiving yards just four times - most recently in the middle of October. Since then, he's averaged under 23 receiving yards across his last eight games. Once a big-play threat, Nelson is also averaging just 9.4 yards per reception this season. Even when Rodgers returned last week, Nelson mustered only three catches for 28 yards, so we can’t just blame Brett Hundley for the massive lack of production.Davante Adams is now Green Bay's No. 1 wide receiver, but is a free agent after the season. He'll also be sidelined in Week 16, which means Nelson should see a lot of Minnesota's Xavier Rhodes. The Nelson of the last few years would be up for such a huge challenge. That isn’t the case anymore.Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast." Find him on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The star of college football isn't too big for the Senior Bowl.Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield has accepted an invitation to play in the pre-draft showcase game.

Bill Belichick turned away any questions on Friday in reference to a report from the Boston Globe, which stated he had restricted the access of Tom Brady's personal trainer and business associate, Alex Guerrero."Yeah, this is another one with no sources, right?" Belichick said. "Yep, I'm not going to get into that. Yeah, because there are none mentioned."Together, Brady and Guerrero launched a therapy center and brand under the TB12 title. Brady credits Guerrero for much of his unique approach to training and his ability to play into his 40s."Look, we have a lot of people that work for our team outside of the team, and there are different relationships, different situations with dozens of other people," Belichick said. "So, I'm not going to go through a case-by-case of what everybody does and so forth. That would be impossible to do, and I'm not going to do it."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots will meet for the second time this season on Sunday. Along with playoff implications, the game will also feature a reunion between Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and Bills corner Tre'Davious White.In their first meeting, Gronkowski delivered an after-the-whistle shot to the back of White's head while he was lying on the ground. White was concussed on the play, while Gronkowski was flagged for unnecessary roughness and suspended for one game.Afterward, Gronkowski offered an apology through the media, but weeks later, White said he's yet to hear anything directly."No, I haven't heard from him, and I don't plan to," White said Friday on the NFL Network show "Good Morning Football."Gronkowski admitted he was frustrated during the contest against Buffalo. Though he registered nine catches for 147 yards, he was also flagged three times before his late hit on White, and was bothered by several non-calls.For his part, White said he plans on frustrating his opponent again this Sunday."I'm going to do the same thing I've been doing. I'm not going to change the way I play. I'm going out there and just get in his face and try to throw the timing off," he said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut. For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 16 rankings.StartNick Foles, QB, Eaglesvs. RaidersFoles' season debut in place of the injured Carson Wentz went as well as could've been imagined, as he tossed four touchdowns on 38 attempts. With just four interceptions on the season, the Raiders pose little risk.Fearless prediction: 293 yards passing, 2 TDsOther QBs to start

The Oakland Raiders' playoff hopes took a serious hit last Sunday, as a critical matchup with the Dallas Cowboys was lost in the dying seconds when quarterback Derek Carr lunged for a potential game-winning touchdown, but instead fumbled the ball through the end zone.The fumble resulted in a touchback that gave the Cowboys possession and allowed them to kneel on the next play, ending the game. The loss dropped the Raiders to 6-8, two games back of the AFC's current sixth seed."I honestly didn't think I was going to drop the ball," Carr said to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez about the lunge for the pylon.On the play, Carr dove and stretched the ball out with one hand in an attempt to cross the goal line, but lost control of the football before he could get there."When I took off to jump, in my head I thought it was a touchdown because I knew I had the corner," Carr said. "From a mindset standpoint, looking back, yeah, I want to do something different because we lost. But from making that decision, I always think of it in basketball terms - I'd rather take the last shot and miss it than pass it off and do it another way."Some criticized Carr for taking such a risk, especially considering the Raiders trailed by just three points at the time and could have settled for a game-tying field goal if they didn't score a touchdown.However, if faced with a similar circumstance, he said he'd do it all over again ... with better ball security."From a competitive standpoint, I'd try it, but with better technique, two hands, I don't know, but something to where we don't lose the game," Carr said. "But making that decision, I think I'd go for it again."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Little has been shared concerning the status of Ryan Shazier since the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker underwent spinal stabilization surgery days after suffering an injury in the Monday night contest on Dec. 4.Shazier did, however, make an appearance at Heinz Field on Sunday and watched the Steelers game from a suite at the stadium. It was his first public appearance since being hospitalized."We have seen some improvement that is encouraging," Shazier's father, Vernon, said to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. "We're taking it one day at a time."We do not know what tomorrow holds. It's a (daily) journey we don't know. But I know God is getting the message."Shazier's father could not share any specifics regarding his son's injury, but hinted that the situation remains critical."It's easy to be faithful in a storm, but we're not talking about a drizzle. We're talking about a hurricane, a category 5 (hurricane), lots of metaphors to describe it," Vernon Shazier said.Despite the significant injury to his 25-year-old son, Vernon would not speak negatively about the game of football."The reality of the game is that it's a violent sport," he said. "I naturally pray for those guys going out there every game. Any day there's a football game playing, I'm praying. About whether people should play, I don't think I'm at that point to think about it."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Each week during the NFL season, theScore's Dane Belbeck will handicap every matchup and offer up a three-pack of selected picks.Week 15 record (includes TNF): 8-5-3

Legendary sports broadcaster Dick Enberg died Thursday at his San Diego home, his daughter confirmed to The Associated Press.He was 82.Enberg's decades-long broadcasting career spanned a wide variety of illustrious sporting events, including the Super Bowl, Olympics, Wimbledon, the Rose Bowl, U.S. Open golf, NCAA basketball championships, and the Breeders' Cup, as well as NBA and MLB telecasts.Enberg, whose most famous years were spent on NBC, also served as a former play-by-play voice of the UCLA Bruins and the California Angels. From 2010 up until his retirement in 2016, he was the play-by-play voice of the San Diego Padres."We are immensely saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of legendary broadcaster Dick Enberg," Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler and managing partner Peter Seidler said in a statement. "Dick was an institution in the industry for 60 years and we were lucky enough to have his iconic voice behind the microphone for Padres games for nearly a decade. On behalf of our entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Barbara, and the entire Enberg family."Enberg's work earned him recognition from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (Gowdy Award), the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Rozelle Award), and the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Ford C. Frick Award).His wife, Barbara, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Enberg was supposed to board a flight to Boston on Thursday, where they were to meet, and that the family believes he died of a heart attack.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr may be public enemy No. 1 in Green Bay, but he's not altogether concerned by his newfound status.Barr drove Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers into the ground during an Oct. 15 game and the two-time MVP suffered a broken collarbone on the play, missing two months as a result.The Vikings travel to Lambeau Field with tensions running high, having clinched the NFC North while the Packers will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008.Asked if he's concerned about a hostile reception from the Packers' fan base, Barr appeared to be ready for the vitriol."It's Aaron Rodgers. It's one of the faces of the NFL. It's going to happen," Barr said via ESPN's Courtney Cronin.Barr has been inundated with threats from Packers fans, but has grown accustomed to it as the season marches on."It is what it is," Barr said. "What are you doing to do? I can't control that. I have to go about my business the same way I've been doing for the last - what's it, Week 16? Same old story."Saturday's game will be another chapter in the Vikings-Packers rivalry where Barr figures to be a central figure for years to come.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vince McMahon sold $100 million worth of WWE shares in order to fund a new business venture, which could include a new professional football league.This isn't McMahon's first foray into pro football, launching the ill-fated XFL in 2001 - which ceased operations after its lone season.McMahon is a savvy businessman and isn't likely to make the same mistakes again.Here are four things McMahon's new venture needs to do to become successful:Embrace the progressive nature of player politics This year, it became readily apparent that the NFL's tacit and blatant endorsement of conservatism has rubbed many players and viewers the wrong way. President Donald Trump waged war on the NFL, imploring owners to "fire" players who protested racial inequality and police brutality during the national anthem, a request that was met with backlash. The NFL also turned into a punchline for - in essence - blacklisting Colin Kaepernick when a host of inferior options found jobs.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is having a superlative season and few would be surprised if he wins Defensive Player of the Year for the first time.Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips went one step further Thursday."I was thinking more like most valuable player in the league," Phillips told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.Donald is in the middle of an outstanding season, recording 39 tackles, 11 sacks, and four forced fumbles as the Rams look to clinch the NFC West.Lawrence Taylor was the last defensive player to win NFL MVP, recording 20.5 sacks in 1986 while leading to the New York Giants to a Super Bowl victory.Donald would become the second defensive tackle to win the award, after Alan Page captured the accolade in 1971 while starring for the Minnesota Vikings.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vince McMahon sold $100 million worth of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) shares to fund a sports and entertainment venture which could include a professional football league.The CEO filed details with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday to fund Alpha Entertainment LLC. The filing noted the entity was "established to explore investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment landscapes, including professional football."Related: Vince McMahon files trademarks for UFL, United Football LeagueLast week, Alpha filed trademarks for URFL and UrFL, while VKM Ventures, another company led by McMahon, filed for UFL, United Football League, and "For The Love of Football."Alpha also filed five trademarks for the XFL, a defunct football league which lasted one season and was headed by McMahon. The XFL trademarks were abandoned from 2002-05.It appears McMahon is trying to re-enter the world of professional football after his first entry failed nearly two decades ago.- With h/t to ESPNCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL Network makeup artist Erin McParland provided a detailed account of alleged sexual assaults and harassment by on-air talent during her time at the company.McParland explained to Tim Rohan of The MMQB about how Eric Davis allegedly sexually harassed her and that she was warned by Jami Cantor - a fellow makeup artist who leveled allegations against numerous NFL Network employees and the company itself - about the toxic environment a few months after being hired in 2014.Davis' inappropriate advances allegedly began with sexually suggestive comments made in the makeup room and over Instagram direct messages. Davis allegedly tried to harass McParland during the 2016 BNP Paribas Open but she responded by telling him where she'd be in broad daylight. He then left her alone until the season began, but the unwanted conduct resumed.McParland explained: