Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien further defended his team's reaction to a scary scene on Sunday in which quarterback Tom Savage was allowed to return to the field after receiving a concussion.In the second quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, Savage was on the receiving end of a hit that put him on his back and left his hands twitching involuntarily.

(Warning: Story contains coarse language)Damarious Randall held Josh Gordon to one catch Sunday and later bragged about his performance, but the Cleveland Browns wideout remembers the affair differently.

The Cleveland Browns tried anything possible to achieve their first win of the season - even a desperation heave.Tied 21-21 in overtime with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer scrambled and threw a pass into the middle of the field that was intercepted. The turnover led to a game-winning score for the Packers.

The NFL announced Monday a new multi-year partnership with Verizon to stream live games on the telecommunications company's digital platforms, including Yahoo Sports.The deal, which begins in January, will allow Verizon to stream in-market and national games throughout the season to its various digital and mobile properties, regardless of the network.It spans five years and is worth close to $500 million per year, according to John Ourand and Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal.Verizon is currently paying the NFL $250 million per season on a deal that began in 2013."Verizon has been a key NFL partner, both in the distribution of games on NFL mobile and as a sponsor, since 2010 and we're thrilled to be both extending and expanding our relationship with them," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a release.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

D.J. Swearinger wasn't the only Washington Redskins player venting after Sunday's embarrassing loss, as star cornerback Josh Norman also had plenty to get off his chest."I came here to win a championship. If we're not doing that, what are we doing? Why are we here?" Norman told Kimberley A. Martin of The Washington Post.The Redskins were blown out 30-13 by the streaking Los Angeles Chargers in Southern California and were eliminated from playoff contention for a second year in a row as a result.After the game, Swearinger ripped his teammates' practice habits. Meanwhile, Norman began pondering his future with the club that gave him a five-year, $75-million deal in free agency just two years ago."I'm not going to be a part of something that's not going to go forward and win a championship," Norman continued. "That's serious. I don't care about the money, I don't care about the fame, I don't care about anything. The only thing I care about is that ring. You can strip me however you want to; strip all the titles I have to my name. If I don't win a championship, that means it's all for nothing."Washington signed Norman to anchor its secondary as a shutdown corner. Though he hasn't always looked as dominant as he did during his last year with the Carolina Panthers, the former All-Pro has generally held up his end of the bargain. The Redskins can't always say the same, having, at times, refused to stick Norman on the opposing team's best receiver.Such was the case against the Chargers - Keenan Allen made five of his six receptions when Norman was guarding someone else. Allen did burn Norman once - it came on a flea-flicker that fooled Norman, and the big play set up a 1-yard touchdown run for the home team."My play is fine. Everything they ask me to do, that's what I'm doing," Norman asserted. "But there's more that you can get out of me. There's more in me. ... I'm premium here at what I do, at my position, and in my career. ..."And I'm not here to point any fingers or throw any blame at anybody because I take everything upon my shoulders. I'm the guy that you look toward when something goes wrong or if something goes good. I take it as well as I give it. So, for me, this hurts."The Redskins have conceded six of their last eight decisions, giving up 30 points or more in all six losses. They're 5-8 overall.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Antonio Brown's latest great performance got the attention of the entire NFL community.The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver was clutch again Sunday night, hauling in 11 passes for 213 yards in a come-from-behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.Players flooded Brown's Twitter feed with praise, including Houston Texans wideout Deandre Hopkins, who trails Brown for the league lead in receiving by 276 yards.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.As the NFL season hits Week 15, the playoff push is reaching full throttle. Covers checks in on the opening lines for a quartet of key contests, with insights from Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.

With just two outfits securing their spots in the postseason during Sunday's slate of games, the NFL playoff picture remains about as nebulous as it was last week. Here's where all the hopefuls stand with three weeks left in the regular season:AFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord1.SteelersNorth11-22.PatriotsEast10-23.JaguarsSouth9-44.ChiefsWest7-65.TitansSouth8-56.RavensNorth7-6It came down to the wire, but the Steelers clinched the AFC North with a razor-close victory over the Ravens in Sunday's prime-time game, while the Pats can lock up the AFC East in a winnable trip to Miami on Monday night.Even with a win over the Seahawks, the Jaguars needed far too many dominoes to fall their way to lock up a playoff spot this week. But it may only be a matter of time. With the struggling Texans and 49ers on the docket before closing out the campaign in Tennessee, Doug Marrone's squad is in the AFC South driver's seat.Things are still looking up for the Titans despite Sunday's loss to the Cardinals, while the Bills remained in the thick of the wild-card race thanks to an overtime win over the Colts and the Steelers' last-minute heroics.In the huntSeedTeamDivisionRecord7.ChargersWest7-68.BillsEast7-69.RaidersWest6-710.DolphinsEast5-7The AFC West remains ripe for the taking with three weeks left. The Chargers are nipping at the Chiefs' heels following a lopsided win over the Redskins, and will have the chance to jump ahead in this coming Saturday's pivotal divisional meeting.The Raiders and Dolphins, on the other hand, might as well head back to the drawing board.NFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord1.EaglesEast11-22.VikingsNorth10-33.RamsWest9-44.SaintsSouth9-45.PanthersSouth9-46.FalconsSouth8-5The Eagles are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 - likely with Nick Foles, not Carson Wentz, under center - after besting the Rams, who have the Jags to thank for keeping them in the third seed with a win over their division rival Seahawks.Despite a loss in Carolina, Mike Zimmer's Vikings remain in complete control of the NFC North. And the Falcons will have to be up to the task in three straight divisional games to close out the regular season, as they still sit behind a pair of NFC South squads in the Saints and Panthers.In the huntSeedTeamDivisionRecord7.SeahawksWest8-58.LionsNorth7-69.PackersNorth7-610.CowboysEast7-611.CardinalsWest6-7Now nursing their loss to Jacksonville with a bevy of key defensive cogs on the shelf, the Seahawks will host the Rams next week in dire need of a W, while the Lions, Cowboys, and Packers all remain in contention after picking up victories this week.Wentz's knee injury and Ezekiel Elliott's imminent return should certainly bolster Dallas' chances of emerging from its Week 17 trip to Philly victorious, while the Pack must be praying to every known deity that Aaron Rodgers sees the field soon with tough tilts against the Panthers, Vikings, and Lions ahead.Despite getting the better of the Titans on Sunday, the Bruce Arians-led Cardinals will need a couple of opposing squads to implode to play beyond Week 17.Related: Assessing the NFC playoff race after Wentz's injuryCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers won one for injured star Ryan Shazier - and wrapped up the AFC North in the process.Chris Boswell made a 46-yard field goal with 42 seconds left and Pittsburgh's defense overcame a sloppy night to stop one Baltimore's last-gasp drive in the Steelers' 39-38 victory Sunday night.The Steelers (11-2) trailed by 11 points going into the fourth quarter but capped an emotionally trying week following Shazier's spinal injury to rally for their eighth straight victory and third division title in four years.Ben Roethlisberger threw for 506 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to top 500 yards passing three times. Antonio Brown caught 11 passes for 213 yards, including two long gains in the fourth quarter that allowed the Steelers to recover after blowing an early 14-point lead. Le'Veon Bell had 125 yards of total offense and scored three touchdowns.Baltimore's Joe Flacco threw for 269 yards passing with two touchdowns and one interception but was strip-sacked by rookie linebacker T.J. Watt on the Ravens' final snap.Alex Collins ran for 120 yards and a touchdown for the Ravens (7-6).Javorius Allen scored two touchdowns of his own and Baltimore appeared to have things well in hand after Allen's second touchdown run gave the Ravens a 38-29 lead with 6:44 to go.Then Roethlisberger and Brown went back to work. A 57-yard connection set up an 11-yard sprint by Bell with 3:29 to go. The Steelers forced the Ravens into a three-and-out and Roethlisberger calmly led Pittsburgh within field goal range, including a 34-yard lob down the sideline to Brown that set up Boswell's winner.The Ravens had one last shot, but Watt chased down Flacco as Flacco scrambled to buy time. The ball rolled out of bounds and the clock expired before the Ravens could get off another play.Shazier, who remains in a Pittsburgh hospital recovering from a spinal injury suffered last week against Cincinnati, told his teammates to finish the work he helped start, and the Steelers raced to a quick 14-0 lead behind Bell. He lined up in the slot and worked free for a 20-yard touchdown reception on Pittsburgh's first drive then bulled over from a yard out early in the second quarter to give the Steelers some breathing room.Then the adrenaline faded and the reality of replacing Shazier set in. The Ravens recovered from a slow start to get back in it, with Flacco finding Moore for a 30-yard score and Collins bouncing off a handful of defenders on his way to an 18-yard touchdown that helped Baltimore get to 20-14 at the break.HONORING SHAZIERThe Steelers spent the week trying to deal with the emotional toll taken by Shazier's injury while also trying to focus on the task at hand. Still, he remained very much a part of Pittsburgh's division-clinching win.Linebacker James Harrison took to the field shirtless during warmups even as temperatures hovered in the low-30s, a nod to one of Shazier's pregame rituals. Several players wore NFL-approved tributes to Shazier on their cleats. Defensive captain Cam Heyward carried Shazier's No. 50 jersey out onto the field during introductions and when Roosevelt Nix drilled Moore on the opening kickoff, Nix lifted his jersey to show a black T-shirt with Shazier's number on it inside a gold circle.UP NEXTRavens: Visit winless Cleveland next Sunday. Baltimore beat the Browns 24-10 on Sept. 17.Steelers: Will try to beat Tom Brady and New England for the first time since 2011 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.

The Philadelphia Eagles's massive win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday should have cemented the dominant NFC East champs as the premier team in the conference.But with quarterback Carson Wentz potentially tearing his ACL in the game, the NFC now appears more wide open than it has all season.Here's how the conference playoff race breaks down with three weeks to play:1. Philadelphia EaglesRecord: 11-2

NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills has initiated a review of all procedures pertaining to a concussion sustained by Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage during Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Network's Ian RapoportSills aims to speak with the relevant medical staff and review reports from an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant regarding the handling of Savage's diagnosis.Related: Texans' Savage out with concussion after scary reaction to hitSavage was seen twitching after taking a hit, but was cleared to return to the field without missing any action. The signal-caller managed a few more snaps before ultimately going to the locker room and being officially diagnosed during the ensuing series.According to NFL.com, Texans coach Bill O'Brien later told the media Savage had been evaluated and cleared for his brief return to the game by the consultant, only for the results of a second test to lead to his removal.Savage was later replaced by T.J. Yates.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones made the whole world aware of his displeasure regarding the extension of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's contract.Immediately before the finalization of the deal, Jones motioned to have contract talks pushed back another six months, according to ESPN's Seth Wickersham.Jones' suggested plan would still allow him to raise concerns over Goodell's ability to level discipline and other issues at the NFL's Special League Meeting on Wednesday.League sources suggested to ESPN that Jones' intentions could shift to campaigning for other significant staffing changes among the league's vice presidents.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 after clinching the NFC East and improving their record to 11-2 with a 43-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.The feat might have come at an exorbitant cost, however, as the team reportedly fears it may have lost quarterback Carson Wentz to a torn ACL in his left knee. The signal-caller exited the game after finding receiver Alshon Jeffrey for a two-yard score late in the third quarter, and was soon ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Should Wentz be sidelined as suspected, the Eagles will likely proceed with Nick Foles under center.The squad last saw a postseason in Chip Kelly's first year as an NFL head coach, going 10-6 behind a breakout campaign from Foles that saw him throw a gaudy 27 touchdowns to just two picks. They fell in the wild-card round that year to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 26-24.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown broke his left hand during the team's 23-0 loss on Sunday to the Denver Broncos, coach Todd Bowles told reporters after the game.McCown was 6-of-12 for 46 yards and no touchdowns before exiting the game in the third quarter and being replaced by Bryce Petty.Bowles said the team isn't certain whether or not the injury will end McCown's season. The Jets head to New Orleans to face the Saints next Sunday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's back-and-forth game against the Los Angeles Rams with a knee injury, the team confirmed.The signal-caller was evaluated in the sideline tent shortly after connecting with wideout Alshon Jeffrey on a 2-yard score, and then went to the locker room unassisted.Nick Foles took over under center.The severity of Wentz's injury has not yet been confirmed.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio wasn't trying to cover for anyone following his team's 26-15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in a pivotal battle for the rights to the AFC West, with both teams entering with 6-6 records.

LeBron James helped heal Cleveland's sporting heartache when the Cavaliers won their first championship in 2016, but the King's power doesn't extend to the lowly Browns.James watched on along with the Browns faithful as the team wasted arguably its best chance to win its first game of the season.Cleveland was up by 14 points at one point, but the Packers fought back, putting themselves in position to tie the game on the final drive.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes and the desperate Dallas Cowboys beat New York 30-10 Sunday to spoil Steve Spagnuolo's debut as interim coach and the return of quarterback Eli Manning to the Giants' starting lineup.Prescott threw a go-ahead 20-yard score to tight end Jason Witten with 7:38 to play to break a 10-all tie.Rod Smith scored on an 81-yard pass play with 4:08 to play and he added a 15-yard scoring run a little more than a minute later after an interception by linebacker Sean Lee.Prescott, who was 20 of 30 for 332 yards also threw a 50-yard scoring pass to Dez Bryant as the Cowboys (7-6) stayed in the playoff hunt with three games left in the regular season. Dan Bailey added a 21-yard field goal as the Cowboys finished with 454 yards.New York fell to 2-11.Manning, who got a standing ovation taking the field, threw a 1-yard TD pass to Rhett Ellison late in the second quarter that gave New York a brief 10-3 lead. Aldrick Rosas had a 39-yard field goal. Manning finished 31 of 46 for 228 yards with a touchdown and two late interceptions.The game capped a hectic week for the Giants that started Monday with the firing of second-year coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese and saw Spagnuolo promoted from defensive coordinator to interim coach. He coached the St. Louis Rams from 2009-11.The moves came with the Giants spiraling out of control in a season where much was expected following their first playoff appearance since 2011. Fans were also upset with the benching of Manning days earlier in a loss to Oakland, a decision that ended the two-time Super Bowl MVP's streak of 210 consecutive starts.This game was close until the final minutes. Dallas broke things open with a 54-yard catch and run by Cole Beasley on a third-and-2 from the Dallas 26. Beasley broke a tackle by Landon Collins and Collins hurt his ankle eventually making the tackle.With the Giants safety off the field, Prescott found Witten, a longtime Giants' nemesis, all alone on the next play.Smith took another short pass on a long TD catch and run and then he almost walked into the end zone.Bailey, who usually never misses a field goal against the Giants, had a 53-yarder hit the right upright in the second quarter and he was wide right from 50 in the third.The first half ended 10-all with both teams having long opening drives that ended in field goals and then getting late touchdowns passes.Manning found Ellison from a yard out to cap a 68-yard drive and Prescott drove the Cowboys 75 yards in four plays with Bryant breaking a tackle and scoring from 50.UP NEXTCowboy: at Oakland on Sunday night.Giants: host Philadelphia 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.

The Philadelphia Eagles will be without their top pass-catcher for Sunday's NFC clash with the Los Angeles Rams.The team declared tight end Zach Ertz inactive after he was limited in practice Thursday and Friday due to a concussion.While Ertz was medically cleared to play, he was still uncertain to suit up.Ertz leads the team in catches (57), is second in receiving yards (663), and shares the lead in receiving touchdowns (seven).Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman was taken to the locker room with a head injury during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.Peterman dove headfirst while scrambling and collided with Colts linebacker Antonio Morrison. He was slow to get up before leaving the field and was replaced by Joe Webb.The rookie Peterman went 5-for-10 for 57 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Kelvin Benjamin on an 8-yard strike for the game's lone score.Logan Thomas, who has pro experience at quarterback and now features at tight end, would likely serve as the Bills' emergency signal-caller if Webb gets injured.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders receiver Amari Cooper exited Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter with an apparent leg injury and is questionable to return.Cooper had his leg rolled up on from behind as he was blocking on a running play. He was tended to on the sidelines.Cooper sustained an ankle injury and a concussion on a hard hit in Week 12 and missed last week's game. He was cleared from concussion protocol and recovered enough from his ankle injury to be activated for Sunday's game.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage won't return to Sunday's game against San Francisco 49ers after being diagnosed with a concussion.T.J. Yates replaced him on the field.Savage had a scary reaction to a hit and went to the medical tent, but was cleared without missing a play.

Former New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz was decked out in an Eli Manning jersey Sunday for his return to MetLife Stadium.Cruz, who played for the Giants from 2010-2016, purchased the jersey to show his support for Manning after the quarterback's 210-game consecutive starting streak was snapped in Week 13.

Friends of a volunteer firefighter with terminal cancer have rallied together to grant his lifelong wish of going to the Super Bowl.Bill Duggan spent four decades volunteering for the Tarrytown and Valhalla fire departments in New York before he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, according to Tim Fleischer of ABC 7. He's no longer an active member of either department, but still helps out.After Duggan started treatment, family friend Michael Chillemi started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to send him to Super Bowl LII in Minnesota."He's a volunteer firefighter, and he has been helping everyone for 40-plus years," Chillemi said. "The least we can do is try to get him to a Super Bowl and make a dream come true."That dream came true Sunday when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell visited Duggan in Tarrytown to present him with tickets.

Matthew Stafford will start for the Detroit Lions in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarterback was listed as active after fighting through an injury to his throwing hand all week.Stafford left last week's game after suffering the injury. The veteran regularly plays while hurt, however, and reports from practice noted Stafford was throwing the ball well.The Lions enter the final quarter of the season two games behind the team currently holding the sixth and final playoff spot in the NFC.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nathan Peterman will make his second career start Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts. The Buffalo Bills named him the starter and listed Tyrod Taylor as inactive while the veteran continues to recover from a knee injury he suffered last week.Joe Webb will act as Peterman's backup.Peterman's first start was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Taylor was benched for a Week 11 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers and Peterman proceeded to throw five interceptions in the first half. He was eventually replaced by Taylor.The rookie will have to contend with the Colts and the weather, as it has snowed in Western New York.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper will play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Jack Del Rio confirmed to Jenny Dell of CBS Sports.Cooper's been fighting through an ankle injury.It's likely that Cooper's snaps will be monitored throughout the game, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano.Cooper suffered the injury during a Week 12 victory over the Denver Broncos.The 23-year-old has caught 42 passes for 499 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jameis Winston's relationship with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter is beginning to deteriorate, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Winston is reportedly upset Koetter didn't defend him while he played through a lingering shoulder injury. The quarterback is also incensed over the offensive game-planning and predictability of the team's scheme.The 23-year-old has completed 61.9 percent of his passes for 2,190 yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions in nine games.Koetter has posted a cumulative 13-15 record over his two seasons as head coach of the Buccaneers, previously serving as the team's offensive coordinator in 2015.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will undergo a CT scan this week on his collarbone to determine whether or not he will be medically cleared to make a return to the field, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on "NFL GameDay Morning."Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone in Week 6 and will be eligible to come off IR after Week 14, but he has said he would only return to action this season if he is fully healthy.He has recently resumed throwing and practicing with the team.The Packers enter Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns at 6-6 and two games behind the Carolina Panthers for the sixth and final playoff seed in the NFC. Green Bay will likely have to win out to reach the playoffs and has targeted Week 15 for Rodgers' return.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.The NFL is into its final four weeks of the regular season, and key games dot the Week 14 Sunday slate. Covers checks in on the action and line movement with Will Bernanke, lead analyst for CG Analytics in Las Vegas, and Scott Kaminsky, director of offshore sportsbook TheGreek.com.

A heartbreaking video of a Tennessee boy named Keaton Jones talking about being bullied at school has prompted Titans tight end Delanie Walker and others to reach out with words of encouragement.The video was first shared by Keaton's mother, Kimberly Jones, who said her son asked her to record it.Former NFL wide receiver Donte Stallworth retweeted the video Saturday, and then asked Walker and Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban to reach out to Keaton.

Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah is expected to be inactive for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Abdullah missed last week's game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a neck injury, but he's reportedly expected to be held out Sunday mostly due to his poor performance.Tion Green and Theo Riddick are expected to get the majority of carries in Abdullah's absence. Green made his professional debut against the Ravens, rushing for 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.Abdullah has rushed for 505 yards and three touchdowns on 150 carries.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders receiver Amari Cooper was expected to miss his second consecutive game this week, but he has seen enough improvement in his injured ankle to push to play against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini and Dan Graziano.Cooper will test the ankle in pregame warmup and if he is cleared to play, he will be on a "pitch count," per Graziano.The wideout suffered the ankle injury and a concussion on a hard hit versus the Denver Broncos in Week 12.The Raiders and Chiefs enter the critical AFC West duel tied at 6-6 with the Los Angeles Chargers for a three-way division lead.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.Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5, 38.5)The Bengals became only the third team leading by 10 or more points entering the fourth quarter to lose a game outright. NFL teams taking a 10-point or greater lead into the final frame are still 87-3 on the season.Having trouble putting up points on the board in the second half isn’t a new problem for the Bengals. Cincinnati ranks 30th in third quarter scoring (2.5 points) and 31st in fourth quarter scoring (3.4 points).LINE HISTORY: Most books opened with the Bengals favored by six points although a few spots in Vegas went with 5.5 instead. The spread seems to be holding at 6.5 at most locations. The total opened at 37 and has been bet up to 38.5.TRENDS:*The Bears are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell signed a contract extension in the offseason, the details of which weren't revealed at the time.It turns out, Caldwell was only extended through the 2018 season, with an option for the following year, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Caldwell has operated on short-term deals for the majority of his four-year tenure in Detroit.He's led the Lions to the playoffs in two of his four seasons and has the club at 6-6 and in playoff contention again this year.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Justin Boone is coming off his fourth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition. Follow the links below to see his updated rankings for Week 14.Standard

Simone Biles is set to make her debut as a Houston Texans cheerleader after being named an honorary member of the squad.The Olympic gymnast and Houston native joined the cheerleaders at practice Friday, where she was presented with her own pair of red boots. She'll also be on the field Sunday for the Texans' game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier is showing gradual improvement after undergoing spinal stabilization surgery earlier in the week, ESPN's Adam Schefter has learned.Shazier remains hospitalized after suffering an injury in Monday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.Doctors are controlling and limiting his movement and are waiting for swelling and bruising to subside before progressing with the rehabilitation process, Schefter reports, citing sources.A number of Steelers will take the field Sunday wearing cleats in support of Shazier.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants scheduled an interview with John Dorsey for their general manager vacancy before the Cleveland Browns hired him for the same position, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Dorsey was hired by the Browns on Thursday.Former Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman is now considered the favorite for the Giants opening. Gettleman worked for the Giants from 1999-2012.Kevin Abrams is currently serving as the Giants' interim GM.New York fired head coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese on Monday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz suffered what's believed to be his fourth concussion in two seasons last week and, as a result, his career is in jeopardy.Either by choice or the advice of team doctors, the 26-year-old might not be able to play again, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Fiedorowicz has been limited to five games this season. After playing in the season opener, he was placed on injured reserve with a concussion. He returned in Week 10 only to land on IR again last week with another concussion.The 6-foot-5 pass-catcher had a career season in 2016, hauling in 54 passes for 559 yards and four touchdowns. Concerned about his concussion history, the Texans included a stipulation in his contract that would reduce his base salary if he were cut due to concussions, according to Schefter.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman has emerged as the favorite for the New York Giants vacancy, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Gettleman served as the Panthers GM from January 2013-July 2017.The Giants fired head coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese on Monday with the team posting a disappointing 2-10 record.Gettleman has worked extensively for the Giants, serving as the team's pro personnel director from 1999-2011 before being promoted to senior pro personnel analyst for the 2012 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears Nathan Peterman will get another chance as the starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, as a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter the rookie will get the nod against the Indianapolis Colts with Tyrod Taylor questionable due to a knee injury.Peterman will certainly be hoping to avoid a repeat of his first career start a couple weeks ago against the Los Angeles Chargers, as the 23-year-old threw five interceptions in his first 14 passes and was pulled from the contest. Taylor was reinserted into the lineup but injured his knee in last week's 23-3 loss to the Patriots.The Bills are only one game out of the playoff race in the AFC, and with the lowly Colts in Buffalo on Sunday, a win is a must to keep their postseason chances alive.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears as though the Detroit Lions will have their leader for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that Matthew Stafford will start, barring an unforeseen setback to his injured hand.Stafford suffered the injury in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, leaving his status for Sunday's contest with the Buccaneers up in the air.His availability is essential for the Lions as their playoff hopes are teetering on extinction heading into Sunday. Stafford has the 10th-highest quarterback rating in the league this season, and sits fifth with 22 touchdown passes on the campaign. With the Lions struggling to run the ball yet again this season, Stafford will need to be on his game to make a push for the playoffs.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.