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.The Ravens travel to Pittsburgh on Sunday night. If the Steelers (10-2) win, they'll clinch the AFC North. They're also in great position to get a bye in the playoffs, fighting New England for the top spot in the conference. Meanwhile, the Ravens are the sixth seed, and a win against a hated divisional opponent would be gigantic for their playoff aspirations.For Baltimore to be successful, it has to follow a distinct blueprint. The Ravens need to play a low-scoring game. They have to win ugly. But they're facing a well-coached organization that plays to its strengths, especially this time of year.Here are four things the Ravens need to do to pull off the upset:Win on special teamsOne thing is certain with John Harbaugh's Ravens: They excel on special teams. That's no different in 2017. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has been victimized by several big plays in that area.When it comes to field goals, Heinz Field is a notoriously difficult place to kick, but Justin Tucker is a weapon in this capacity like none other, and he has plenty of experience in that stadium.It's also worth noting that the Steelers have moved to Martavis Bryant as their kickoff returner. Baltimore can't allow him to get free. If the Ravens can win this hidden yardage battle and create a big play in the kicking game, it will go a long way toward allowing them to play their kind of game.Be the more physical teamPittsburgh and Cincinnati engaged in one of the more violent games of the season Monday. The Ravens and Steelers are both operating on short weeks, but that contest could have taken a physical toll on the home team. And we know Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh is always a slugfest.If the Ravens can be the more physical team Sunday Night, that will go a long way toward wearing down Pittsburgh in what Baltimore hopes is a close, grueling game.Hit on deep shotsA staple during the Joe Flacco era in Baltimore has been his ability to stretch the field with his big arm and speedy wide receivers. We haven't seen much of that recently, but last week he connected with Mike Wallace on two big plays. We saw the Ravens dialing up deep shots on early downs out of regular/running personnel groupings.On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh has been hemorrhaging big plays over the past month or so. With Joe Haden out, it looks like rookie Cameron Sutton will make his first career start opposite Artie Burns at cornerback. The Ravens have more than their share of offensive issues, but expect Flacco to test Pittsburgh's secondary with deep balls often in this game. With Mike Mitchell out last week, Robert Golden showed he's lacking the necessary range for deep middle responsibilities at free safety. If Flacco can hit on one or two of these attempts, the Steelers could find themselves behind the eight ball.Also, with Ryan Shazier injured, the middle of the field looks extremely vulnerable for Pittsburgh's defense, and big plays could be the result, particularly after the catch on crossing routes. The Steelers were gashed on the ground last week, as well, and Alex Collins played well when these teams last met. Collins deserved more touches (nine rushes for 82 yards) than he got, and Baltimore could make up for that by giving him a heavy workload in this contest. Its receiving backs could also have an advantage over Pittsburgh's inside linebackers. Play action could become a key component for the Ravens, especially if Collins gets rolling early on. Baltimore's offense has been among the worst in football, but the Steelers' defense looks vulnerable.Bottle up BellThis one is easier said than done. Antonio Brown was effective despite a toe injury last week, but will that injury slow him down in this contest? Without Jimmy Smith in the lineup and with JuJu Smith-Schuster suspended, Brown's health will be something to keep an eye on early in this game. If he's operating at an elite level, slowing down Le'Veon Bell becomes all the more difficult. But a healthy Brown only put up 34 receiving yards in the first meeting between these teams. The Ravens are exceptional against the run, but Bell operates with ungodly volume and is bound to get his on the ground with enough touches.When these teams met in Week 4, he ran for 144 yards on a whopping 35 carries. But Bell is also difficult to contain in the passing game, as he has more receptions than any other running back in the NFL, and is 10th in the league overall with 66 catches. He has really hit his stride in this area over the past two weeks, racking up 194 receiving yards combined. Last week's showing was probably his most impressive of the season.Baltimore simply can't let Bell take this game over, even if it means leaving Brown in one-on-one coverage.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sashi Brown's stint as leader of football operations for the Cleveland Browns lasted less than two seasons. Since he was promoted to the position in January 2016, the Browns lost 27 of 28 games and took additional Ls off the field.Brown was fired on Thursday, with the team on pace for an 0-16 season. Three moves, in particular, led to his dismissal:Carson Wentz tradeThe Browns' history with quarterbacks has been heavily scrutinized. Heck, there's even a jersey chronicling the misery.Entering the draft in April 2016 armed with the second overall pick, the Browns were well positioned to draft their quarterback of the future. Instead, just over a week before the draft, the Browns traded their first-round selection and a fourth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for the eighth overall pick and other selections in the 2016, 2017, and 2018 drafts.The Eagles moved up to the second spot to take 6-foot-5 passer Carson Wentz.After one season, Wentz is a favorite to win 2017 NFL MVP. He has the Eagles tied for the best record in the league and a win away from clinching a playoff spot.What was the Browns' explanation for passing on what is likely the Eagles' franchise quarterback? Browns chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta revealed to ESPN that they didn't believe Wentz would become a top-20 quarterback.Head coach Hue Jackson was enamored with Wentz, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The front office wasn't.By passing on Wentz, Cleveland's search for a QB continued into this year's draft.Deshaun Watson tradeAnd in that draft, the Browns owned the first overall pick and the first-round pick acquired from the Eagles, the 12th overall selection.Again, Brown and his staff identified that no quarterback was worthy of the first pick. Then, the Houston Texans came calling about the 12 spot.With National Championship-winning quarterback Deshaun Watson still available, the Browns gave up the 12th pick for the 25th pick and Houston's first-round pick in 2018.The Texans drafted Watson, and upon earning the starting job in Week 2, he proceeded to set the NFL ablaze. He was a favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year before suffering a season-ending injury. But in seven games, he left no doubt he will be Houston's franchise quarterback going forward.As for Cleveland? The Browns used a second-round pick in the draft on Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer. They then proceeded to sit Kizer on four different occasions and bench him on another ahead of the trade deadline.Bungled AJ McCarron tradeBy Oct. 31, the Browns were 0-8 and cycling through quarterbacks. The San Francisco 49ers made a bold move for New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo and that left Cincinnati Bengals backup AJ McCarron as the prospect best able to change the Browns' fortunes immediately.Trades between the Browns and Bengals are rarities, but, with little time to spare before the deadline, the AFC North rivals agreed to conditions of a trade.What happened next is under some dispute, but what is understood is the required documentation from the Browns was sent to the league offices too late.Related - Report: Browns' owners irate at front office after failed McCarron trade

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis revealed wide receiver John Ross was concealing a shoulder injury before the team placed him on injured reserve Wednesday.Ross, selected ninth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, played sparingly throughout the year, and was benched after fumbling during a Week 2 loss to the Houston Texans.Lewis told Ross Tucker of SiriusXM NFL Radio that Ross "came clean" Wednesday after previously refusing to disclose the injury in hopes of playing again during his rookie year.It doesn't appear Ross will face further discipline, but it certainly adds closure to one of the most disappointing first-year campaigns of this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns have fired executive vice president Sashi Brown after the team's 0-12 start, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini.Head coach Hue Jackson's job is safe and he'll return next season."We have great appreciation and gratitude for Sashi's commitment and leadership to our organization but believe transitioning to someone with strong experience and success in drafting and building consistently winning football teams is critical to the future of the Cleveland Browns," owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement.Brown took over as Cleveland's executive vice president of football operations ahead of the 2016 season. Since then, the team has managed just one win in 27 games. A late-season victory in 2016 saved the club from finishing 0-16, but the Browns are four games from that distinction this year.Under Brown's watch, Cleveland traded top draft picks that allowed other teams to land franchise quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson. The Browns instead selected DeShone Kizer, who has been benched on numerous occasions for poor play, in the second round of the 2017 draft.They also bungled a trade-deadline deal for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron.Ahead of the upcoming draft, the Browns are stocked with picks.

Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon has denied sexual harassment claims levied against him by a former executive assistant and intends to fight the allegation in court.A lawsuit filed in California on Monday accused Moon of sexual harassment, sexual battery, and discrimination based on sex, among other damages."Warren Moon has yet to be served with the lawsuit ... but he is aware of the claims contained in it," Moon's attorney Daniel Fears said in a statement obtained by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Mr. Moon contends these claims are meritless, and he has every intention to vigorously defend himself in court."The accuser was hired as Moon's executive assistant in July, traveling around the country with him to various speaking engagements and appearances. However, she was demoted by Moon's marketing firm after she complained about his alleged sexual advances.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram is expected to play in Thursday's NFC South showdown with the Atlanta Falcons despite nursing a toe injury, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Ingram was listed as questionable for the midweek game and was expected to be a game-day decision.The Saints enter Thursday's game with a one-game division lead over the Carolina Panthers and a two-win cushion over the Falcons. The Saints can clinch a playoff berth with a win and a number of other results on Sunday.Ingram enters the contest as the league's fourth-leading rusher with 922 yards on the ground and nine rushing scores.In the midst of a career year, Ingram could reportedly trigger an incentive in his contract that would make him a free agent if he's named a first-team All-Pro in January.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints kept rolling on the weekend with a win over the Carolina Panthers, while the Atlanta Falcons lost their momentum with a tough home loss to the Minnesota Vikings.The Falcons will be looking to make a statement in the NFC South with a home victory over the red-hot Saints on Thursday, as the two clubs hook up for the first of two meetings in the next three weeks.With the line basically a 'pick 'em,' expect a close one in Atlanta.The wager: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (+1)It's unclear whether star rookie Marshon Lattimore will be able to play as he battles an ankle injury. Even if he's cleared to dress, he won't be at 100 percent, and that's bad news when Julio Jones is on the other sideline. While the Vikings held the star wideout in check, the Falcons are likely to scheme ways to find him early and often against the Saints.The Saints' rushing attack is as good as anybody's in the league, but the Falcons' run defense has been a stout unit since giving up 201 yards to the Panthers in early November. Look for Atlanta to slow down Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram and force Drew Brees to keep up in a high-scoring affair. In that scenario, we'll take the home team to get the win. Falcons 30, Saints 27Thursday picks record: 8-5-1Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, who's been limited to just one quarter of action since Week 2 of the season, returned to practice Wednesday."There's not going to be a pitch count as far as the number of plays," head coach Ron Rivera said of his tight end against the Minnesota Vikings, according to The Associated Press.Olsen originally broke his foot in the Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills and was placed on injured reserve. He made his return against the New York Jets in Week 12, but has been sidelined ever since with renewed soreness in the foot.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson has overstayed his welcome."He's gone," a team source said following Wilkerson's first-quarter benching in New York's Week 13 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.Though he signed a five-year, $86-million contract prior to the start of the 2016 season, the Jets could choose to sever ties early with their 30th-overall selection from the 2011 draft, creating an additional $9 million in dead cap, but saving them $11 million in cap space for 2018 in the process.They have a slightly easier out in his contract following the 2018 campaign, when cutting the struggling Wilkerson would create just $6 million in dead cap.Wilkerson, a seven-year veteran, has played in all 12 games this season, recording 40 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception.Wilkerson refused to answer any questions on Wednesday that weren't centered around the Denver Broncos, the Jets' Week 14 opponent.“If you ain’t got no Denver questions,” Wilkerson said, “You don’t need to ask me anything.”Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints' dynamic running back duo may be running on just a single engine when they face the NFC South-rival Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.Mark Ingram, the league's fourth-leading rusher, will be a game-day decision for the pivotal Week 14 game due to a toe injury, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.Ingram's listed as questionable on the team's official injury report.Ingram ranks fourth in the league with 922 rushing yards, with another 255 coming as a receiver. He has nine rushing touchdowns, already matching a career best set in 2014.His absence would leave rookie Alvin Kamara with a full workload this week. Kamara has a total of 1,220 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns while emerging as a favorite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.This week's key divisional matchup comes with the Saints holding a record of 9-3, two wins better than the 7-5 Falcons. The two teams will meet again in Week 16 in New Orleans.Saints rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore is also listed as questionable with an ankle injury.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers may be enjoying a resurgent year in terms of personal performance while helping the Chargers hold a share of first place in the AFC West, but at the age of 35, he's not letting the success mislead him when it comes to how much longer he'll be playing.“I don’t have a number in mind,” Rivers told the PFT PM podcast on Wednesday. “I can tell you right now it ain’t gonna be 45. I have no desire for it to be that long. I hope I help lead my son’s high school team to a state championship by the time I’m 45. I don’t think I’m gonna have a helmet on when I’m 45.”Rivers has improved his completion percentage, his pass rating, and his average yards per attempt from last season. Through 12 games, he's thrown for 3,292 yards and 21 touchdowns with a modest seven interceptions.Rivers has two years left on his current contract with the Chargers at a total base salary of $21 million. With the Chargers yet to draft an apparent replacement for their longtime franchise quarterback, Rivers is keen to remain a part of the team for whatever length of time may be left in his career."As we sit today I certainly hope so. I certainly hope to. It’s been an interesting transition with the move up north but I think I speak for my wife and my children, they would all say it’s gone smoother than anticipated thus far. Hopefully it’s a handful more years,” he said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story/video contains coarse languagePittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Mitchell, who's been fined four times by the NFL for taunting and dangerous hits, demanded a comprehensive rulebook following the suspensions handed out to teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster and Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka (the latter was reduced to a fine on Wednesday).

A California woman has sued Warren Moon for sexual harassment, with the allegation that the former star quarterback required her to wear a thong and share his bed during business trips for his sports marketing firm.According to Craig Whitlock of the Washington Post, the lawsuit also alleges the 61-year-old Moon committed sexual battery by grabbing the woman's crotch, and that he pulled off her bathing suit after slipping a drug into her drink on a trip to Mexico.The alleged victim began working as Moon's executive assistant in July and traveled with him for various functions around the country. She claims she was demoted after a couple of months for complaining about the sexual advances.After starring in the Canadian Football League for six seasons, Moon burst onto the NFL scene with the Houston Oilers in 1984. He would play 17 years in the league, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.The Seattle Seahawks, the organization in which Moon serves as a radio analyst, released a statement granting Moon's request for a leave of absence.

Injured Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has been transferred to a hospital in Pittsburgh, the team announced Wednesday.

New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Josh McCown will be the team's starting quarterback for the remainder of the season."I've been saying that," Bowles said Wednesday when asked about McCown's status, according to Manish Mehta from the New York Daily News.McCown was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 13.The 38-year-old has been a pleasant surprise, completing 67.8 percent of his passes for 2,880 yards, 18 touchdowns against eight interceptions, while developing a strong rapport with receivers Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse.McCown is a major reason why the Jets exceeded low expectations coming into the season and though it's unlikely they'll make the playoffs, he's kept the club competitive throughout the year.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL compensation committee informed the league's owners Wednesday that commissioner Roger Goodell signed a new contract, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.Terms weren't disclosed, but a source told Ken Belson of The New York Times that Goodell signed a five-year extension worth roughly $200 million that will keep him in power until the start of the 2024 season.The memo sent by the compensation committee cited a "nearly unanimous consensus" among the owners for finalizing Goodell's extension, added Florio.Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones attempted to derail the contract talks with Goodell following a dispute over Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension for domestic violence allegations.Jones reportedly threatened to "come after" the commissioner over the Elliott ban and considered suing the league if it continued negotiations for the new contract, though he later opted against it.Goodell will now be at the center of the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The current CBA is set to expire at the end of the 2020 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The dynamics of the AFC North appear to be rapidly changing, with the Steelers-Ravens rivalry no longer the division's most heated.The Steelers defeated the Bengals in one of the most violent games of the season Monday, which led to a suspension for Steelers rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster and a fine for Bengals safety George Iloka.Ahead of his matchup with the Ravens, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger noted a major difference between his rivalries with Baltimore and Cincinnati."The difference between this game and the Cincinnati game is these two teams - us and Baltimore - there's always a respect involved in it," Roethlisberger told ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "You're going to get hit really hard or you're going to hit somebody really hard, but you're going to help them up and say, 'Man, nice job.'"At the end of it, you're going to shake hands and give the other guy a hug and say that was a lot of fun and can't wait to do it next year. It's a fun rivalry in the sense that there's a lot of respect and there are two good football teams."The bad blood between the Steelers and Bengals has been brewing for years, stemming from a 2015 wild-card game in which Vontaze Burfict delivered a concussion-causing late hit on Antonio Brown. Players from both teams lobbed verbal jabs at each other throughout the 2016 season, and it doesn't seem like a truce is coming anytime soon.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said Wednesday the league will consider adding a targeting rule for next season, in the interest of public safety.Concerns about player safety arose again after New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski delivered a late hit which concussed Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White, while Monday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals proved to be one of the most violent affairs of the year.The league will also consider a sanction schedule for "non-football acts" which was exemplified by Gronkowski's late hit, Judy Battista of NFL.com reports.It appears the NFL is taking a page from the NCAA rulebook. Prior to this season, the NCAA instituted a targeting rule which calls for the ejection of any player who hits a defenseless opponent above the shoulder, or making "forcible contact against an opponent with the helmet's crown,"Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo confirmed Wednesday that Eli Manning will be reinserted as the team's starter for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys."I told Spags that I want to play and be the starting quarterback ... I wanted him to know that ... I'm happy that he went with that decision and that he has faith in me," said Manning.Spagnuolo also announced that Geno Smith will remain the backup for Week 14, with rookie Davis Webb continuing as the No. 1 quarterback, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.Webb's practice reps are increasing, added Spagnuolo, but he's yet to receive any first-team reps. Despite Manning regaining the starting job, Webb is still expected to receive game action over the final month of the season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants owner John Mara doesn't agree with defensive end Olivier Vernon kneeling during the national anthem.Numerous players have taken a knee during the pregame ritual to protest police brutality and racial inequality, in some cases continuing throughout the season. It has been a point of contention for the majority of the year, and Mara reiterated his stance against Vernon's protest."I've talked to him about his kneeling and I’ve told him how much I would prefer that he stand and we’ve talked about why he does that,” Mara said to ESPN New York. "As some people know, his father is a retired police officer in South Florida. He said he’s talked to his father about it and his father supports his decision. . . ."I don't agree with what he's doing, but I told him that I respect him as a man, I respect him as a player. I’m going to try to convince him to stand and I think at some point that he will, but this is something that he believes very deeply in and it’s going to be an individual decision. I know that's not a popular decision. I know by virtue of me telling you this right now that’s going to prompt a few hundred more letters and emails, but that’s the way it is."Vernon didn't respond to Mara's comments but it's unlikely either party is going to change their stance as the Giants' nightmare season forges on.H/T Pro Football TalkCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed Wednesday the team suspended cornerback Marcus Peters for this Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders."This was something Marcus and I discussed. I'm going to leave it at that," Reid told Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star.Peters tossed a penalty flag into the stands during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets and walked off the field, although he wasn't ejected for his actions.Reid refused to state whether Peters was suspended for throwing the flag, walking off the field, or both actions, Paylor reports. However, he said he made the decision based off Sunday's loss to the Jets.Peters was named to the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2016.The 24-year-old recorded 41 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and five pass deflections in 12 games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka's one-game suspension for a hit to Antonio Brown's head was reduced to a $36,464 fine on appeal, the NFL announced Wednesday.Iloka lowered his shoulder into Brown's helmet during a game-tying touchdown. The NFL also suspended Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for his illegal block on Vontaze Burfict, which came earlier on in the same drive. The rookie wideout lost his appeal, however.The veteran safety will now be eligible to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears and has avoided losing out on a $235,000 game check.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The last month of the regular season is upon us in the NFL, and while eyes are already being drawn toward January and playoff football, there's still a lot to get pumped about before then. Here are six of the best:Aaron Rodgers' return, miracle run at wild-card spotThe Green Bay Packers have barely kept their heads above water without their franchise player, but Aaron Rodgers' return could be imminent. The star quarterback is reportedly on track to play in Week 15, potentially kick-starting a run at a wild-card spot.The NFL world deserves to watch Rodgers tear through the last three weeks of the season (at Carolina Panthers, versus Minnesota Vikings, at Detroit Lions), reminding us all why he's the best player in football and lifting the Packers to another late-season miracle turnaround.Josh Gordon being ridiculous againThe NFL has been without one of its few "unicorns" for nearly three years, but Gordon returned with a bang in Week 13, catching four passes for 85 yards on 11 targets against one of the league's top corners, Casey Hayward.Few expected the wide receiver to look anywhere close to his old self after multiple suspensions for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. And while there was certainly rust, the Cleveland Browns wideout reminded us why he's one of the game's most fun players to watch.

X-rays on Matthew Stafford's throwing hand were negative after he suffered an injury during Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but it appears the Detroit Lions quarterback's status for Week 14 still remains up in the air."He's not out of the woods yet," said Lions head coach Jim Caldwell on Wednesday, according to Tori Petry of the team's official site. "We'll see what he can do as the week goes on. It's not like it's some insignificant injury."Caldwell added that Stafford is "progressing in the right direction," according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, but emphasized the veteran pivot needs to reach a certain level of functionality in his bruised hand to play.The Week 13 blowout loss to the Ravens sent the Lions to 6-6 and likely to the brink of playoff elimination in the highly-competitive NFC. If Stafford is unable to go Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions' chances of a late-season turnaround will dramatically decrease.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

AFCNew York Jets quarterback Josh McCown was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his three-touchdown performance in a 38-31 shootout win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Two of McCown's touchdown came on the ground, and the 38-year-old showed off his veteran poise by completing over 72 percent of his passes.Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle's stuffed stat sheet earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week accolades. The veteran took an interception back 45 yards for a touchdown, forced a fumble, and recorded a sack in a dominating performance against the Detroit Lions.Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell hit all three of his field goals, including the game-winner to help erase a 14-point deficit to the Cincinnati Bengals, to win the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.NFCRussell Wilson's masterful play during the Seattle Seahawks' win over the Philadelphia Eagles earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award for Week 13. The star quarterback threw for three touchdowns while spending most of the game running for his life. It's the seventh Player of the Week award for Wilson, tied for the most in franchise history with Shaun Alexander.Green Bay Packers defensive end Dean Lowry burst onto the scene in Week 13 with a 62-yard fumble recovery touchdown - the first score of his career. The second-year pass-rusher also added a sack for good measure.San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould was flawless in a revenge game against his former team, the Chicago Bears, making all five of his field-goal attempts. Gould single-handedly won the game for the 49ers, scoring all 15 points in the 15-14 win.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's NFL Editors, including Jack Browne, Michael McClymont, Mitch Sanderson, and Arun Srinivasan.1. New England Patriots (10-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan1st1st1st1stPrevious Rank: 2ndSurprise, surprise. New England is holding down the top spot. The Patriots have overcome a relatively slow start to batter teams into oblivion. Would anyone be shocked if they repeat as champions after an identical 14-2 record? - Srinivasan2. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan2nd2nd2nd3rdPrevious Rank: 3rdIn beating the Falcons in a scrappy, low-scoring affair, the Vikings proved they can get it done when Case Keenum is cold - a terrifying prospect for the NFC. - Browne3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan3rd3rd3rd4thPrevious Rank: 1stThe Eagles were bound to lose eventually and their matchup against the Seahawks could give them some insight ahead of a potential playoff showdown. - Srinivasan4. Los Angeles Rams (9-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan4th4th4th5thPrevious Rank: 5thCongrats to the Rams on earning their first winning season since 2003. Was it Sean McVay who said, "I'm not going 7-9, or 8-8, or 9-7"? - McClymont5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan7th5th6th2ndPrevious Rank: 4thThe Steelers deserve a huge amount of credit for fighting back from being down 17 points while also reeling from the loss of Ryan Shazier, who is reportedly improving in hospital. - Browne6. New Orleans Saints (9-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan6th6th5th6thPrevious Rank: 6thHow long before Alvin Kamara convinces everyone whose favorite team is eliminated from the playoffs to jump on the bandwagon? - Sanderson7. Seattle Seahawks (8-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan5th7th7th7thPrevious Rank: 9thIt's December and the Seahawks are striking fear in the hearts of potential playoff opponents again. - McClymont8. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan8th10th8th10thPrevious Rank: 10thThe Colts are the only team that can make Blake Bortles look like a good quarterback. Imagine if he didn't get to play them twice a year. - Sanderson9. Atlanta Falcons (7-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan9th8th11th9thPrevious Rank: 8thThis Atlanta team has been tough to figure out, but when it faces top teams such as the Vikings and Patriots, it looks to be showing its true colors. - Sanderson10. Carolina Panthers (8-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan12th9th9th8thPrevious Rank: 7thIt seemed odd the Panthers and Saints had the same record headed into Week 13, and Carolina's bevy of mistakes showed why. - Sanderson11. Baltimore Ravens (7-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan11th12th10th12thPrevious Rank: 13thIt's rarely pretty on offense, but the Ravens defense is championship caliber. If you take away the 44 points allowed to the Jaguars, Baltimore is giving up just 14.8 points per game. - Browne12. Los Angeles Chargers (6-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan10th11th12th13thPrevious Rank: 12thThe Chargers are even avoiding trap games now! This is going to be the most exciting team to watch in the final four weeks of the season. - McClymont13. Tennessee Titans (8-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan 13th13th13th11thPrevious Rank: 11thIf the Titans keep stringing together close wins against weak clubs, the playoffs will be a rude awakening. - Sanderson14. Dallas Cowboys (6-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan14th15th16th15thPrevious Rank: 20thIt wasn't a pretty stat line from Dak Prescott, but Dallas came alive Thursday during its 38-14 victory. Which Cowboys team will show up for the final four games? - Srinivasan15. Oakland Raiders (6-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan15th18th17th14thPrevious Rank: 19thHow nice was it to see Marshawn Lynch explode up the middle for a long touchdown run on Sunday and rack up 100 yards on the ground in the process? The only thing better would be a Beast Mode playoff appearance. - McClymont16. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan17th16th15th16thPrevious Rank: 15thAlex Smith did his best to quiet the haters and the Chiefs remembered they should probably throw the ball to Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Too bad neither point helped them end their dramatic losing skid. - McClymont17. Detroit Lions (6-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan19th14th14th18thPrevious Rank: 14thThe Lions aren't dead yet, thanks mostly to a reasonably soft schedule. But Jim Caldwell won't survive if Detroit falls apart down the stretch.- Browne18. Buffalo Bills (6-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan18th17th19th17thPrevious Rank: 16thThere's no shame in losing to the Patriots, but the Bills will need to block out the white noise and win out to have a genuine shot at the No. 6 seed. - Srinivasan19. Green Bay Packers (6-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan16th20th18th20thPrevious Rank: 22ndAfter a season dominated by injuries and off-field controversies, the NFL world deserves to watch Aaron Rodgers tear through the remainder of the Packers' schedule and secure a wild-card spot. - Browne20. Washington Redskins (5-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan20th21st21st19thPrevious Rank: 18thThe Redskins should officially focus on how they handle the upcoming Kirk Cousins showdown this fall, as the season is effectively over. - Srinivasan21. New York Jets (5-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan22nd19th20th22ndPrevious Rank: 23rdThe Jets deserve some credit for fielding an anemic roster and surpassing expectations, all while putting themselves in a position to get a franchise quarterback. Truly astonishing. - Srinivasan22. Arizona Cardinals (5-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan23rd22nd22nd21stPrevious Rank: 17thArizona's playoff hopes were effectively dashed on Sunday. Now they can get a jump on preparing for another one-last-shot year in 2018. - McClymont23. Cincinnati Bengals (5-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan21st23rd23rd25thPrevious Rank: 21stThe Bengals led for nearly the entire MNF matchup against the Steelers, but still found a way to lose the game - and with it, any remaining hope of a playoff spot. - Browne24. Houston Texans (4-8)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan25th25th24th23rdPrevious Rank: 24thTom Savage had the best game of his career and the Texans scored 13 points. Not great. - Sanderson25. Miami Dolphins (5-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan24th24th25th24thPrevious Rank: 26thThere's not much stock to be put in a Dolphins' rout of a Broncos team that has given up. Next up: the red-hot Patriots coming to town on Monday Night. - Srinivasan26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan26th26th26th26thPrevious Rank: 25thThis team is so far removed from the group that was expected before the season. Something needs to be done about the leadership group in Tampa. - Sanderson27. Chicago Bears (3-9)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan28th30th27th27thPrevious Rank: 27thThank God for Tarik Cohen. "The Human Joystick" is making Chicago's offense and special teams bearable. - Browne28. Indianapolis Colts (3-9)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan29th27th28th28thPrevious Rank: 28thFrank Gore is now the fifth all-time leading rusher. That's something special. Don't let the Colts' struggles take away from that. - Sanderson29. San Francisco 49ers (2-10)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan27th29th29th30thPrevious Rank: 31stThe 49ers are undefeated in the Jimmy Garoppolo era. - McClymont30. Denver Broncos (3-9)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan31st28th30th29thPrevious Rank: 29thThe Broncos lost their eighth straight and accused the Dolphins of trying to run up the score. The DOLPHINS! - McClymont31. New York Giants (2-10)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan30th31st31st31stPrevious Rank: 30thBen McAdoo and Jerry Reese were fired on Monday, giving the Giants a chance to learn from their mistakes and secure the best candidates available. What a nightmare year. - Srinivasan32. Cleveland Browns (0-12)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan32nd32nd32nd32ndPrevious Rank: 32ndHey, Hue, at least you won't be the first coach fired this season. That's a win! (Do the Browns still even remember what those feel like?) - BrowneCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Unemployed quarterback Colin Kaepernick was the recipient of Sports Illustrated's Muhammad Ali Legacy Award on Tuesday night.Kaepernick is the trailblazer for what have become silent protests during the national anthem at NFL games as a means of drawing attention to social justice issues and inequality.Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, said of Kaepernick: "I am proud to be able to present this to Colin for his passionate defense of social justice and civil rights for all people. Like Muhammad, Colin is a man who stands on his convictions with confidence and courage, undaunted by the personal sacrifices he has had to make to have his message heard. And he has used his celebrity and philanthropy to the benefit of some of our most vulnerable community members."At age 30, Kaepernick hasn't played in an NFL game since Week 17 of last season after opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers."This is not something that I am going to run by anybody. I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed ... If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right," Kaepernick said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Greg Hardy's mixed martial arts career may be heading to the place where his NFL career came to an end.The former NFL defensive lineman is planning to be part of Legacy Fighting Alliance's unannounced event in Dallas in mid-February, according to Brett Okamoto of ESPN. Representatives for Hardy and LFA apparently confirmed the plans on TuesdayThe 29-year-old Hardy owns a 2-0 record as an amateur fighter in the heavyweight class. He last played in the NFL for the Cowboys in the 2015 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL needs a league-wide upgrade at the kicker position.The 2017 season is making a strong suggestion that there should exist a middle ground somewhere between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' bold strategy of drafting a kicker (Roberto Aguayo at 59th overall in 2016), and the league's status quo for addressing the position - often as an afterthought and simply deploying the same has-beens who've been cut from team after team.Just three of the current top 10 kickers in terms of success rate are playing for the club that originally drafted or signed them as undrafted free agents.Here's a look at the poor performance numbers behind the position this season:1: Team has tried at least 10 field goals of at least 50 yards, with the Detroit Lions and kicker Matt Prater converting seven of 10 tries3: Number of teams without a 50-yard field goal6: Kickers currently on injured reserve in Week 146: Teams to have tried at least one field goal between the one and 19-yard lines, with the Lions' two attempts the most in the league. All seven attempts by the league have been successful7: Teams to have made every single extra-point attempt, with the Kansas City Chiefs leading the way at a perfect 30-for-309: Teams succeeding on fewer than 80 percent of their field-goal attempts - only one of those teams currently hold a playoff spot. Three teams made less than 80 percent of field-goal attempts in 2015, none of those teams made the postseason41: Kickers to have attempted at least one kick - field goal or extra point - this season66.7: The league-low success rate shared by the Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears, the only two teams below 70 percent72.4: Percentage of field goals made by the Buccaneers since selecting Aguayo 59th overall in the 2016 draft83.3: The league-worst success rate on extra-point attempts possessed by the NFC-leading Minnesota Vikings(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Additionally, the poor performance of the league's kickers is negatively affecting game strategy.Nineteen teams have attempted at least 10 fourth-down plays through 13 weeks, with only seven of those teams converting on more than 50 percent of their attempts. Just three teams have converted more than 10 fourth-down plays.Kicker ineffectiveness is forcing more teams to try for a fresh set of downs when inside opponent territory, as opposed to settling for three points. This has, in part, led to 11 teams winning or losing games by an average of three points or less through Week 13, according to TeamRankings.com.Eighteen teams had games decided by three or fewer points in 2016, while just seven played within the narrow margin in 2015.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster's one-game suspension for his blindside block against Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was upheld Tuesday following an appeal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Smith-Schuster issued an apology for the hit over Twitter after Monday's game.He'll miss the Steelers' Week 14 matchup with AFC North rivals the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis saw a lot of football over the course of his 17-year career.Still, Lewis thinks New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski took things to another level Sunday when he drilled defenseless Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White in the back of the head.Related: NFL upholds Gronkowski's 1-game suspension after appeal

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 early rankings for Week 14.Updated rankings (including PPR) will be released Thursday, with the final version coming down Sunday morning.Standard

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has made his first public statement since suffering a back injury in Monday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals that put him in the hospital.Related: Shazier still undergoing tests, expected to return to Pittsburgh this week

John Elway is not pleased with how the Denver Broncos' season has gone under first-year head coach Vance Joseph, though he's not planning on taking the same route as the New York Giants during the season.The Broncos vice president and general manager told Orange & Blue 760 radio on Tuesday that Joseph and his staff will finish out the season with the team."We're going to finish this season out," Elway said on Tuesday. "We know the expectations of the Denver Broncos. This has been a tough year. It's not what the Broncos are about. I'm embarrassed about it and will do my part to hopefully get this thing turned around next year."The Broncos are on an eight-game losing streak with nine defeats under their belt, securing the team's worst record since Elway has joined the front office. The Hall of Fame quarterback is not in favor of seeing his club rack up more losses for a higher draft pick in the final month of the year."The expectation of our Bronco fans should be for us to get this turned around," Elway said. "Before we get that done, we're going to take pride in what we do and finish this season as strong as we possibly can. I'd like to get us competitive. Losing is one thing but the way that we've lost is the most frustrating thing."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL appeals officer Derrick Brooks has upheld New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's one-game suspension for violation of the league's unnecessary roughness rules after hearing his appeal, vice president of football communications Michael Signora announced Tuesday.Gronkowski was issued the suspension for hitting Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback Tre'Davious White in the back of the head while the defender was on the ground following an interception.The veteran tight end apologized afterward, though he shared that the hit was a result of frustration brought on by the officiating.He will miss next Monday's game against the Miami Dolphins and will return for an AFC showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ben Roethlisberger loves to flaunt how tough he and his team play football, but he's hoping his son does not have to go through the same trials.After the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback watched several of his teammates and opponents leave Monday night's game with serious injuries, Roethlisberger discussed the difficulties of moving on after seeing dangerous plays develop on the field.He insisted that it is all just a part of the game, though he revealed that, while contemplating retirement in the offseason, he'd rather see his loved ones go a different route, athletically."And having kids, I hope my son plays golf," Roethlisberger told CBS Pittsburgh radio on Tuesday. "If he wants to play football that’s fine too but it’s a tough sport. It’s not for everyone."If he wants to do it, I’ll encourage it. If he doesn’t, I’m just fine with that as well."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier remains in hospital at University of Cincinnati Medical Center a day after being stretchered off the field during Monday night's game following a scary collision.According to a statement released by doctors at the hospital Tuesday, Shazier will continue to undergo testing and treatment on his spine injury for the next 24-to-48 hours with the expectation of returning to Pittsburgh soon after.

New Orleans has the best running back situation in the NFL.Teams such as Pittsburgh and Dallas have elite single players at the position, while the Patriots and Eagles get outstanding running back production from a multitude of sources. But it's the Saints who feature the top situation at this position in the league right now, and the combination of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara is a huge reason why New Orleans has been so successful this year.Over the last five games, the pair has averaged an insane 248.6 yards from scrimmage with the Saints only losing to the Rams during that stretch.These two aren't just your typical individual talents, as perhaps their greatest strength is their combined versatility and ability to complement one another. Ingram is known as a between-the-tackles power runner and he excels in that area, but he can also attack the edges and is a force in the passing game as well. And on Sunday, he showed his big-play ability by getting loose for a season-high 72-yard run.While his first few seasons in the league were defined by inconsistency, Ingram has been a constant in the Saints backfield for some time now. And to his credit, he keeps getting better and better each season. Over the past six seasons, Ingram has averaged 4.3 yards per carry or better, and he has pushed that number to an outstanding 5.1 yards per rush in both the 2016 season and this current one.As far as pass-catching goes, Ingram isn’t a sophisticated route-runner, but he has become reliable and highly productive in this capacity. Over his last 40 games, the running back has caught 138 passes - compared to just 53 receptions in his first 50 games.Kamara, on the other hand, has tons of breakaway ability and is considered more of a receiver and outside runner. But he is also extremely difficult to get on the ground and keeps getting better at running on the interior. He has truly become a machine, churning out yardage at an incredible rate, both through the air and on the ground.Per Pro Football Focus, there have been 317 instances of a running back recording at least 75 carries and 50 receptions in a single season since the NFL merger (1970). Of these, Kamara’s 2017 season ranks: first in yards per touch (8.42), first in yards per carry (7.05), and first in touchdowns per touch (0.08).However, Kamara didn’t come bursting out of the gate this season. He had just 83 rushing yards in his first four games, with both Ingram and veteran Adrian Peterson ahead of him on the depth chart. But the departure of Peterson meant more touches for Kamara, and he has taken full advantage of the added workload and is now clearly the frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. In fact, New Orleans is getting more from their rookie class than any team in the league and should bring home both the Offensive and Defensive (Marshon Lattimore) Rookie of the Year trophies ... but that's an article for another time.The fact is that Kamara is quickly becoming one of the most difficult players in football to tackle. He has exceptional vision and balance, which allows him to avoid huge hits while still keeping his feet moving forward for positive yardage. And of course, he has the ability to accelerate away from tacklers before they ever get a chance to wrap him up.He's still developing as a receiver, but has seemingly unlimited potential, and as mentioned above, is a better interior runner than many realize. Kamara seems to be improving every week in all capacities and has looked unstoppable in his last four performances. Is it possible the best is yet to come?(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)It also has to be noted that New Orleans' offensive line is as good as any in football. This is an organization that has always made it a priority to put premium resources into its front five, including the addition of first-rounder Ryan Ramczyk.That strong play is clearly paying off for everyone involved, but Ingram and Kamara also do a great job of creating yardage on their own. These two get a lot of production after contact while rarely being stopped behind the line of scrimmage.The Saints' stable of running backs is almost always among the leaders in receptions from the position. Sean Payton uses his backs in the passing game as well as any offensive mind in the league, and quarterback Drew Brees is a master of moving them around the formation to create mismatches based on what the defense is giving him.With Ingram and Kamara dominating, less is being asked of Brees. That isn’t to say this future Hall of Famer is now a “game manager,” but unlike past seasons in New Orleans, Brees doesn’t have to do it all himself. Ultra competitive, but also often cursed with a dreadful defense, Brees has gone to the air throughout his career more than quarterbacks should have to.While massive stats and deserved accolades have followed, Brees also has turned the ball over more in the process.This year, while Brees’ passing attempts are down from his norm and he doesn’t drive the ball like he once did, the quarterback's interception numbers are way down as well - he has actually thrown for his lowest interception rate of his entire career at 1.2 percent. That obviously helps Brees from an individual perspective, but the change in style has also made the Saints a better team, as has having a respectable defense.Brees has thrown for 269 yards or less on seven occasions this year, and the Saints are 6-1 and have averaged over 33 points per game in those contests. Now, there were some defensive scores in there, but nonetheless, that's remarkable when considering the massive producer Brees has been throughout his outstanding career.The Saints have truly experienced a shift, from their quarter slinging the ball all over the field in wild shootouts, to letting their two running backs and improved defense control the game. And they haven't missed a beat.Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast." Find him on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.Copyright © 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.Each week, Monty Andrews breaks down some of the underlying betting mismatches on the National Football League slate, giving you an inside edge when handicapping the schedule and setting your daily fantasy lineup.

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey is an old-school kind of guy; the type of coach that would happily run on first, second, and third down.He dubbed his offensive philosophy "exotic smashmouth" when he was hired due to its combination of traditional running concepts and new-wave designs that take advantage of Marcus Mariota and the offensive line's elite athleticism. While Mularkey's style hasn't been without its doubters, Derrick Henry perfectly encapsulated it Sunday during a game-icing 75-yard touchdown run against the Houston Texans.Faced with a third-and-5 with just under a minute to play and up by four (Houston has no remaining timeouts), the Titans used the Texans' aggressiveness against them to seal their eighth win of the campaign:Read and deceiveTitans quarterback Marcus Mariota is under center, while Henry is lined up alone in the backfield in the I-formation behind a heavy seven-man line (extra lineman and tight end next to the right tackle).Tennessee's plan is to take advantage of the Texans' need to get the third-down stop and the lack of experience of rookie outside linebacker Gimel President, who is the furthest Texan lined up to the left.Mariota turns his head as he pivots around to Henry, reading whether Gimmel is focusing more on him or the running back. Meanwhile, Henry takes a small, subtle step to his right to further draw President inside. In reality, the Titans' plan is to run left - right at the outmatched rookie.Fight for the edgePresident crashes down toward Mariota, who pitches the ball to Henry. At that point, it's a footrace to the edge - but not even a close one, as the Titans' deception has put President in a position where he's unable to even lay a finger on Henry.Elsewhere, the Titans' talented offensive line displays why it's one of the league's best.The advantage of Mariota reading President is that Tennessee can leave him unblocked, allowing star left tackle Taylor Lewan to quickly get to the second level. Lewan seals off the closest middle linebacker to Henry's side, giving the bruiser a clear path to the end zone.Also, Titans left guard Josh Kline is tasked with pulling all the way across the line to help block star pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the only Texan athletically capable of single-handedly blowing up the play or running Henry down. Kline's pull not only limits Clowney, but also draws President further inside by again signaling that a Mariota run to the right is on the cards.The key blockHenry easily leaves President in his wake and turns upfield. Lewan seals the inside, and receiver Harry Douglas completes a perfect blocking play for the Titans on the outside.Douglas' man, cornerback Kevin Johnson, mistakenly jumps toward the outside, clearly believing that's where Henry is headed. This allows Douglas to briefly get his body between the defender and Henry - and it's more than enough time for the back to turn on the jets.Off to the racesHenry is widely viewed as a between-the-tackles runner, but the former Alabama star is one of the league's fastest backs despite his impressive 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame.The runner reaches a top speed of 21.64 miles per hour on the run, tied for the fourth-highest mark of the season among all players with speedster wideout Tyreek Hill, according to NFL.com's Next Gen Stats.Veteran safety Marcus Gilchrist comes the closest to running down Henry, but his last-ditch effort is nowhere near enough to stop the freight train that is the Titans running back, who races into the end zone completely untouched.(Photos courtesy: NFL/Twitter)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady is famous for his fiery attitude during games, and the New England Patriots' star quarterback latest vent of frustration was aimed squarely at offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during Sunday's win over the Buffalo Bills.However, McDaniels downplayed the sideline squabble Tuesday, saying it's an occupational hazard when playing with the ultra-competitive Brady."It's a very competitive game and emotional game and things like that can happen," McDaniels said, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. "Being in the game a long time, and understanding that Tommy's a very emotional person and emotional player; it's part of what makes him great. You understand that those things happen, and it's never personal. You move on quickly from it, and we did and we have."I love Tom and all those things he stands for and all the things he does for our team. That's just a situation where you understand it and move on quickly from it and you focus on your job."

Victor Cruz didn't need to be in the New York Giants' locker room to know former head coach Ben McAdoo wasn't the answer to their problems.The free-agent receiver, who played for the Giants from 2010-2016, joined NFL Network on Tuesday, one day after McAdoo was fired, and didn't hold back on his former coach."I think it was long overdue," Cruz said. "I think it was a couple of weeks already too late."Once you see guys in that locker room start to give these anonymous reports about how he's handling them and practice on (Saturday), that's how you know he's completely lost the locker room and completely lost the players."Cruz played under McAdoo for three seasons (two as offensive coordinator and one as head coach), though the receiver missed the majority of those games due to injury.The 31-year-old pass-catcher also addressed Eli Manning's benching, calling it "one of the most disrespectful things I've seen in a very long time," and saying it was the biggest reason for McAdoo's dismissal. Asked whether the Giants' recent troubles would have happened under former head coach Tom Coughlin, Cruz said: "No shot."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka have each been suspended one game for violations of safety-related playing rules during Monday night's chippy game.Both players are appealing their suspensions, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing sources.

Derwin James' days in college football are over.The star Florida State safety announced via Instagram on Tuesday that he will forego the remainder of his collegiate career and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.James added he will not participate in Florida State's upcoming Independence Bowl matchup with Southern Miss.The decision is not surprising, as some have tabbed James in the past to be a top-10 talent in this year's draft, with both CBS Sports and WalterFootball.com ranking him the top safety in the draft class.James returned to the gridiron after missing almost all of 2016 to record 84 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions, one of which was returned 41 yards for a touchdown against Delaware State.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After years of enduring the Steelers-Bengals rivalry, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has grown accustomed to seeing questionable hits whenever the two teams meet.However, he did not appreciate JuJu Smith-Schuster's reaction after decking Vontaze Burfict with an illegal block on Monday. The Steelers rookie stood over Burfict - who has a history of attempting to injure Pittsburgh players - for several seconds after the hit. Though he was unaware of the extent of the linebacker's injury, it wasn't a great look for Smith-Schuster - especially when Burfict was stretchered off after the play.

Cam Jordan has been tearing it up as the leader of the New Orleans Saints' surging defense this season, and now finds himself chasing a rare accomplishment.With 10 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, and between six-to-eight pass defenses (depending on how official stats keepers tally) through 12 games this season, the Saints defensive end is comparing his balanced game to basketball."I'm trying to get this triple-double," Jordan told ESPN's Mike Triplett about his recent statistical success. "Before I start tooting my own horn - I'm not gonna do it - I don't know a defensive end who's doing what I'm doing."Jordan, who is referred to as "the best all-around defensive end in the National Football League" by defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, is correct in his assessment that no other player at his position is matching his numbers across all three categories.No defensive player has accomplished double-digit stats in sacks, tackles for a loss, and pass defensed since 2014, when J.J. Watt and Clay Matthews both met the mark. Watt won Defensive Player of the Year that season and became the first defensive player since Lawrence Taylor in 1986 to win the Bert Bell Award as the best NFL player voted on by the Maxwell Football Club.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Every Tuesday during the season, theScore's NFL editors run down the recommended waiver-wire pickups.Ownership percentages are based on Yahoo! leagues. FAAB bids are set at a $100 budget.QuarterbackJameis Winston, BuccaneersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Lions49%$4Winston returned from injury to complete 21 of 32 pass attempts for 270 yards and two touchdowns. It was his first multi-touchdown game since Week 7. The Buccaneers' schedule is loaded with some difficult divisional games down the stretch of the season, but he should provide reliable fantasy totals.Running BackAaron Jones, PackersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Browns35%$14Jones hadn't been used in his return from a two-week absence due to an MCL injury up until his first carry of the game in overtime. He took that attempt 20 yards for a touchdown. Fellow rookie Jamaal Williams had excelled in regulation so the two will likely continue splitting work, but Jones had been producing worthwhile solo numbers while in a timeshare with Ty Montgomery earlier in the season.Mike Davis, SeahawksNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Jaguars8%$13Davis totaled 101 yards in his first full game with the Seahawks, after leaving in Week 11 due to an injury. He averaged 4 yards per carry on 16 rushes, with another 37 yards coming as a receiver. J.D. McKissic received just two touches, leaving the upstart Davis in control of the backfield workload.Peyton Barber, BuccaneersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Lions5%$11Barber had been the Buccaneers' fourth-string running back for the majority of the season, but he received a shocking 23 carries in Week 13, adding four receptions. He didn't find the end zone, but he managed 163 total yards. Doug Martin was out due to a concussion and it was an easy matchup, but Barber has at least earned a semi-regular role.Tion Green, LionsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Buccaneers0%$4Another unlikely emergence from a disappointing and unproductive backfield, as Green rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in his first game on the active roster. No one has been able to claim the Lions' RB1 role this season, so there's some hope for Green with another favorable matchup up next.Wide ReceiverDede Westbrook, JaguarsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Seahawks28%$16Westbrook recorded six receptions for a second consecutive week, racking up a career-high 78 receiving yards. He has now seen a total of 25 targets over three games since being activated from IR, and has emerged as quarterback Blake Bortles' top option. The Seahawks' secondary is nothing to fear down field.Kenny Stills, DolphinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Patriots55%$10Stills, typically the top option when Matt Moore is leading the Dolphins' offense, caught five of 13 targets from Jay Cutler for 98 yards and his sixth touchdown of the season. DeVante Parker is no longer a factor, with Stills now the primary option for big plays.Marquise Goodwin, 49ersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Texans32%$8Jimmy Garoppolo instantly added some life to the 49ers' receiving corps, with Goodwin and Trent Taylor each having big games against the Chicago Bears. Goodwin led the way with eight receptions and 99 yards, and he should remain Garoppolo's primary focus.Josh Doctson, RedskinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Chargers7%$6Doctson scored a touchdown for the second week in a row, reeling in three of his five looks for a modest 26 yards. It's his usage in the red zone keeping him relevant, as Kirk Cousins and the coaching staff exhibit a lot of trust in him in jump ball situations.Tight EndLance Kendricks, PackersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Browns0%$2Kendricks has been a non factor all season for fantasy purposes, but he gains some relevance thanks to an appealing Week 13 matchup with the Browns. The Chargers' tight-end duo of Hunter Henry and Antonio Gate totaled 10 receptions for 113 yards in Week 13, and Kendricks has much more appeal than teammate Richard Rodgers. He's still stuck with Brett Hundley at quarterback for one more week, but this matchup has been too rewarding to shy away from.Stephen Anderson, TexansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. 49ers0%$1Quarterback Tom Savage had his best game of the season in Week 13, and Anderson was among those rewarded with a big fantasy day. He caught just five of a whopping 12 targets, but racked up 79 yards and scored a touchdown. He'll remain a focal point of the offense alongside DeAndre Hopkins, should Will Fuller remain sidelined.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)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.Each week during the pro football season, Covers Expert Art Aronson of AAA Sports looks at the NFL odds and tells you which spread to bet now, which one to bet later, and which total to watch as the week plays out.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans were provided with some encouraging news Tuesday morning, as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is reporting linebacker Ryan Shazier has begun to show movement in his lower extremities after a scary play in Monday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.Shazier was carted off the field after attempting to tackle Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone, and was reportedly diagnosed with a spinal contusion after being taken to hospital.Head coach Mike Tomlin did not provide a medical update at Tuesday's press conference other than to say Shazier remains in a Cincinnati hospital.Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert issued a statement following the game, confirming Shazier underwent both a CT scan and an MRI on his injured back, and he would remain in the hospital overnight despite not requiring surgery.The Steelers went on to earn a comeback 23-20 victory over the Bengals to bump their record to 10-2 on the season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There's a three-way tie atop the AFC West with four weeks to go in the regular season.The Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Oakland Raiders took different paths to 6-6, but after 13 weeks of play, they each have a shot at a division title and the playoff spot that comes with it.TeamRecordStreakChiefs6-64LChargers6-63WRaiders6-62WBroncos3-98LWho will win the wild, wild West? It's anybody's guess. But here's a prediction for how each team will finish out the year:ChiefsAfter five weeks of play, the Chiefs owned the league's best record and realistic odds of reaching the Super Bowl. Ah, what a time that was.