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

The folks at Papa John's Pizza seem to have realized that a fight with the NFL wasn't one they were going to win.After the pizza restaurant's CEO John Schnatter blamed the NFL for declining sales two weeks ago, the official league sponsor released a statement Tuesday backing off the initial comments.

Three NFL players made Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for sports personalities - Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones, and Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor.Stafford, 29, became the highest-paid player in NFL history when he signed his five-year, $135-million contract before the season.Jones, 28, made an appearance in the Super Bowl and invested in a $200-million real estate development near Atlanta that will bring retail space, apartments, and a 21-story hotel and condominium to the area.Chancellor, 29, also signed a lucrative three-year, $36-million deal.Among the other personalities on the list were Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, boxer Canelo Alvarez, Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban, San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, and UFC champion Amanda Nunes.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Week 10 of the NFL regular season helped identify which teams are elite. Most of the league's elite teams won again, while some of the bad ones showcased why they will be spending January on vacation. There are a handful of teams somewhere in the middle. A few are barely hanging on to their wild card spot, and others on the verge of irrelevance.Here are the highlights - and lowlights - from Week 10's QB performances:Brady, Patriots dominate BroncosAfter starting 2-2, the Patriots have reeled off five straight wins, making it look like the AFC title game will again be played in Foxborough.The Broncos, who had lost four in a row going into Sunday, were playing a team that had definitively hit their stride. Taking on the Patriots must have felt extremely challenging for Denver, a team which is a shell of their former championship ball club 22 months ago.New England, per usual, is one step ahead of everyone else in the NFL. In an era of mobile, playmaking quarterbacks, the Patriots are showing the league that having a pure pocket passer is still possible.Tom Brady can still throw it. His accuracy and arm strength have not waned in recent years. Like great baseball pitchers who can throw into their mid-40s, Brady will be able to play for a long time if he chooses.Brady's full understanding of the game puts him ahead of other great signal callers. He sees blitzes, reads coverages, and finds weaknesses in the defense he faces each week. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick aren’t just playing chess while others are playing checkers, they're both grand masters who see their moves two steps ahead of their opponent.As teams drafted and schemed to stop the Patriots’ passing game, New England deployed a different offensive approach, and Belichick began drafting athletic tight ends to take advantage of mismatches against linebackers and weak covering safeties. This is why Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez were such a challenge in game preparation for most teams.Gronk has developed into a superstar, and he has been receiving superstar treatment from defensive coordinators as a result. Secondaries are doubling Gronk, similar to what they attempted to do with Randy Moss in his heyday.Then, Belichick took the next step and started drafting and signing non-traditional running backs. The Patriots currently play four: Mike Gillislee, Dion Lewis, James White, and Rex Burkhead. Each player can run the football like a traditional back, but more importantly, all can win one-on-one matchups in the passing game.Sunday, as the once-dominant Broncos defense double-teamed Gronk, the Patriots continually sent him on decoy missions to open up room for the running backs. Brady is the perfect quarterback to diagnose non-traditional coverages such as these, finding the best remaining matchup on the field.The Broncos have been a great man-to-man team for years, but mostly in coverage on wide receivers and tight ends. They were tested, and exposed, by a team that took advantage of linebackers trying to cover versatile backs.This is next-level football. I bet few, if any, NFL teams go into games looking for matchup advantages with multiple running backs versus the opposing team's linebackers. Sunday night, it looked like the Patriots built their game plan around their pass-catching backs.This didn’t just happen overnight. The Patriots have prepared for this type of offense, continually signing non-traditional skill position players. Belichick is adding “football players” to his roster, not just position specific athletes.The Patriots lead the NFL in passing yards, despite not having an elite receiver. This is the most dangerous passing attack in the league because of its balance, and a quarterback who knows how to use his weapons.A new era for Brees, surging SaintsSince an embarrassing opening-game loss to the Vikings on Monday Night Football, the New Orleans Saints have won seven of eight games, putting them in the driver’s seat in the always competitive NFC South.Nobody has done more for the Saints organization than Drew Brees and Sean Payton. Since their arrival in 2006, the Saints have consistently been one of the best offenses in the league, with Brees setting numerous NFL records, and nearly every Saints record.The dominant Brees/Payton era was in jeopardy following an 0-2 start this season, however, those thoughts were short-lived. They have since found their way and are again near the league lead in offense - only this time, it's because of a top flight running game, ranked third in the NFL.When the Saints signed Adrian Peterson last offseason, the thought was that, as Brees approached 40 years of age, redesigning the offense to rely more on the running game would take some of the load off him.This has come true, except that Peterson is no longer on the Saints’ roster. Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara have been rushing the ball for a healthy 5.2 yards per carry, combining for nearly 1,000 rushing yards.Running the ball has meant fewer attempts for Brees, making his life much easier as a quarterback. He is currently connecting on 71 percent of his throws. Because of the running threat, New Orleans is getting more one-on-one coverage on the outside, something Brees hasn’t seen since his days of handing the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego.Generally, a higher completion percentage equals lower yards per attempt. This is not true with Brees. The Saints are gaining over eight yards every time Brees drops back to pass. This puts him fifth in the NFL. Being in the top five in completion percentage and yards per attempt rarely happens. Brees is having another Pro Bowl year at 38.The Saints defense has also significantly improved. Currently, they are ranked 8th in total defense and 6th in points scored. As their running game has kept their offense on the field longer, the defense has been playing with more energy and grit this season. No longer is the defense considered a weakness.Cam Jordan, Kenny Vaccaro, and A.J. Klein have made this a feared unit, which isn’t something that can be said about many Saints defenses in the Brees/Payton era.Goff, Prescott reverse rolesA year ago, Jared Goff was being called a bust, and Dak Prescott was looking like one of the great fourth-round finds in NFL Draft history. Though Prescott continues to look like he will be, or is, an elite quarterback, Goff’s sophomore season has completely changed his "bust" perception.On Sunday, Goff had one the best games of his career. Conversely, Prescott was sacked six times by Atlanta’s Adrian Clayborn. Goff’s success and Prescott’s harassment were due to a flip in their offensive line play and running games.Sean McVay’s zone running scheme, combined with play action, has completely changed the Rams franchise. Goff, who is a great deep-ball thrower, is leading the league in yards per attempt at 8.5. Unlike last year, the Rams are maximizing running back Todd Gurley's talent.As linebackers and secondary players inch closer and closer to the line of scrimmage to stop the Rams’ running game, McVay is calling play action concepts that take advantage of nosey safeties.Sunday, Goff connected with speedster Robert Woods on a 94-yard post route. Coming off his play action fake, Goff noticed two Texans defenders 10 yards from the line of scrimmage, doubling slot receiver Cooper Kupp.With the help of a tighter than normal split, a creative formation design by McVay, Woods had one-on-one coverage with outside leverage on cornerback Johnathan Joseph. A post route from Woods, one of the fastest players in the league, left Joseph in the dust. Goff’s deep throw was perfect. McVay’s design was perfect. And the Rams are smiling at 7-2.On the flip side, Prescott got a taste of what Goff felt for the majority of his rookie season. Playing without running back Ezekiel Elliott and left tackle Tyron Smith, the Cowboys' offensive line was exposed.If a quarterback doesn’t have a legitimate running game, he better have a great left tackle. The Cowboys had neither on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, Prescott had one of his worst games as a pro, throwing for only 176 yards in a blowout loss to Atlanta.I believe Scott Linehan is an excellent NFL offensive coordinator, and I’d be surprised if his game plans going forward don't focus on helping the left side of his line. The Cowboys miss Elliott, but they may miss Smith more.Around the League

The NFL is going ahead with a bold broadcasting decision this Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams visit the Minnesota Vikings.Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen will be making his broadcasting debut, despite an expected return from injury in Week 12. The Panthers are on a bye this week, allowing Olsen the freedom to explore a potential career move when his playing days are finished.He joins Matt Hasselbeck and Marcus Allen as the only other players to have worked as analysts while still playing.Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, whose team leads the NFC North with a record of 7-2, spoke to both the NFL and FOX about having Olsen pulled from the game, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The Vikings will play the Panthers, who are second in the NFC South with a record of 7-3, in Week 14. As top NFC contenders through 10 weeks, a potential playoff matchup can't be ruled out at this point, either.Spielman's request to have Olsen work a different game this week was declined. However, Olsen will not be allowed in the production meeting or walkthrough.FOX Vice President of Communications Eddie Motl released the following statement:"We are excited for the opportunity to make this Sunday's broadcast fun and insightful with Pro Bowler Greg Olsen. We fully respect the Vikings concerns and will limit the amount of pre-game access allowed to Greg. We look forward to welcoming him in the broadcast booth and giving viewers a unique perspective this Sunday," Motl said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Voting for the 2018 Pro Bowl opened Tuesday and can be found here. While choices are fairly obvious at the most prominent skill positions, it can be quite difficult to make selections in some less glorified areas that don't have obvious stats to back the candidacies.Here's a look at eight underappreciated selections to help voters fill out their ballots.Evan Engram, TE, GiantsEveryone is probably going to ponder giving their vote to the usual suspects in Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, or Zach Ertz, but don't forget about Engram. The Giants rookie has been fantastic on a 1-8 team and is tied for second in the league in touchdowns among tight ends. Engram also has 40 catches and is averaging more than 11 yards per reception, and is doing it all even though opposing defenses are keying on him thanks to numerous injuries in the Giants' receiving corps. - Michael AmatoWill Fuller, RS, TexansFuller started his season with seven touchdowns through his first four games, but hasn't found the end zone since Tom Savage took over for an injured Deshaun Watson in Week 9. With plenty of qualified receivers having a larger sample of production, give Fuller the vote as a returner and allow him the chance to experience another high-end quarterback. - Esten McLarenTommy Bohanon, FB, JaguarsThe trend of sending fullbacks who are actually just large running backs to the Pro Bowl needs to stop. Bohanon has no rushing yards on just two attempts, but his blocking ability and overall performance can be credited in part with reviving a true power running attack alongside Leonard Fournette in Jacksonville. Under Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone, the Jaguars have looked like a playoff team despite Blake Bortles remaining their quarterback, in large part due to what Bohanon has brought to the table. - Mitch SandersonKevin Byard, FS, TitansMost fans would be shocked to learn Byard leads the league in interceptions with six. On a nondescript Titans defense, the sophomore is making a name for himself by adding 51 tackles and a league-leading 18 passes defensed. Those stats are often dominated by corners, not free safeties. - Michael McClymontDarius Slay, CB, LionsSlay ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 9 cornerback. The keystone of a Lions pass defense ranked 12th in the league by Football Outsiders, it's largely Slay's presence that has the team ranked fifth in DVOA against opposing No. 1 receivers. Slay shares the league lead with 13 passes broken up, and sits third with four interceptions. - McLarenDeForest Buckner, DT, 49ersBuckner's 45 tackles trail only Khalil Mack among defensive linemen, and he's managed to excel this season on a woeful 49ers squad. The second-year defensive tackle also disrupts the game in other ways, recording three passes defensed, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Buckner certainly isn't the reason San Francisco has managed only one win in 2017. - AmatoChris Jones, DE, ChiefsNo longer known as the guy who had the unfortunate incident at the combine, Jones has been tearing it up on the Chiefs' defensive line this season. After producing three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception against the top-ranked Eagles in Week 2, Jones hasn’t been able to put up such gaudy stats as teams have focused on taking him away. Still, Jones has done his job as an interior lineman, freeing up his teammates to get pressure in the backfield and stuff the run. - SandersonVince Williams, LB, SteelersT.J. Watt gets the headlines, Ryan Shazier the adulation, and James Harrison commands the respect, but Williams is the Steelers linebacker that should receive the Pro Bowl nod this year. Through nine games, Williams is having a career season. He's six tackles away from setting a new personal best and is halfway to the 10-sack goal he set for himself this year.- McClymont(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said the plan remains for tight end Greg Olsen to make his return from a broken foot after the team's Week 11 bye, according to Steve Reed of The Associated Press.Olsen sustained the injury in Week 2 and is eligible to come off injured reserve in time to help the Panthers as they embark on a playoff hunt.Rivera left open the possibility that the plan could change, but added that he likes where the veteran is at in his recovery.Olsen had just three catches for 28 yards before he was sidelined. In his place, Ed Dickson has hauled in 25 passes for 382 yards and a touchdown.Olsen will spend the bye week doing color commentary for FOX Sports.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Drew Brees is enjoying his 17th NFL season, while playing in the final year of his contract with the New Orleans Saints.The 38-year-old has New Orleans in contention in the NFC this year, and he's not looking to the future for now."I'll handle 2018 when 2018 gets here, but right now I'm in the moment, I'm in 2017," Brees said on XTRA 1360-AM, according to Nick Shook of NFL.com."We're trying to get a little bit better each and every week. I feel like we've got a great opportunity ahead of us and I don't plan on leaving New Orleans ever."Brees has accounted for a significant chunk of the Saints' salary-cap dollars, but hasn't had any discussions with the team about a contract moving forward. New Orleans doesn't appear to have a succession plan in place, however."Hopefully, I know all of that stuff takes care of itself when it's supposed to. I have not approached them about any contract. We just have a great understanding here," Brees added. "Listen, we're going to go through this season and we'll revisit it in the offseason. Right now, I'm in the moment."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In the topsy-turvy NFC, four teams that missed the playoffs last season currently lead their respective divisions.The Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Rams have put themselves in prime positions to reach the postseason and have seven weeks left to take control of the conference.Which team do you have the most confidence in?The Eagles have the best record at 8-1 and the largest cushion from other division contenders. The Rams lead the league in point differential, but have the second-hardest remaining schedule. The red-hot Saints are riding a seven-game winning streak, but have four division games left to play. The Vikings have a top-10 offense and top-five defense, but also a brewing quarterback controversy.You make the call.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Don't look now, but the Minnesota Vikings have emerged as one of the top teams in the NFL.The Vikings are 7-2 and have a commanding two-game lead in the NFC North. They sport one of the NFL's top defenses and only five teams have a better overall point differential.One reason for the improvement has been the offensive line, which crippled this franchise a season ago. It's certainly not one of the top units in the league this year, but it's been far better, and has allowed Minnesota's skill players to shine.But there's also been hardship on the offensive side of the ball in 2017.Quarterback Sam Bradford was terrific to start the season against the Saints, but is now on injured reserve. The offense has since been backup Case Keenum's show, although Teddy Bridgewater is now available to play.The Vikings also lost phenomenal rookie running back Dalvin Cook after just four games. Cook quickly proved to be a difference-maker, and there's been a clear drop-off to Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray.Meanwhile, Minnesota has only gotten seven games from its presumed No. 1 wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, who's battled injuries this season. He's put up some big numbers when healthy, but has also produced some lackluster performances.So, with all the moving parts on the Vikings' offense, what's been the constant? Clearly Keenum is exceeding expectations. He's been poised and productive under pressure, is throwing the ball well, has shown the athletic ability to extend plays, rarely takes sacks, and values the football.But maybe most importantly, Keenum is getting the ball to the one true constant, and a huge reason why the Vikings sit at 7-2: Adam Thielen.Certainly, this 27-year-old wideout has taken a very unconventional path to stardom - signed in 2014 as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State - but he's produced like a player with elite pedigree.In the first game of the season, Thielen torched New Orleans for 157 yards on nine catches. On Sunday, he did the same to Washington with 166 yards on eight grabs. In between, he's been steady and reliable, but has also been a big-play guy whom defenses must honor down the field.Thielen's almost always exactly where he's supposed to be on each play, and routinely displays excellent timing with Keenum.In doing so, he's racked up 793 receiving yards through nine games - third in the NFL - and is the only player with at least five receptions in every game. He's been targeted 33 more times than any other Vikings receiver and has 19 more receptions than Kyle Rudolph, who's second in both categories and is having a consistent season in his own right.Thielen is tough, along with being a sharp, crisp route runner with outstanding hands. He has very good body control, better speed and quickness than he's given credit for, and displays excellent footwork overall. His consistency is impeccable, not just on a week-to-week basis, but also on a route-to-route. When he catches the ball, it usually results in a first down.You can easily see why Keenum - or any quarterback for that matter - would trust him in any down-and-distance situation. Keenum knows exactly where Thielen will be, and that he'll come through for him. Few receivers in the NFL offer such a level of comfort to their quarterback.Over their next four games, the Vikings host the Rams before traveling on a short week to Detroit on Thanksgiving, and then to Atlanta and Carolina - a very difficult slate.But Keenum can keep the Vikings on track as the starter, and a massive reason why is his fantastic on-field chemistry with Thielen, Minnesota’s best player thus far in 2017.Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast." Find him on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The battle Jerry Jones has waged with the NFL and its compensation committee over an extension for commissioner Roger Goodell has led to speculation the league could force the owner of the Dallas Cowboys to sell his team.Jones laughed off the suggestion in an appearance on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday morning."I've had not one inkling of communication with the league office or any owner that would suggest something that laughable and ridiculous," Jones said, according to Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News.Jones restated his intention to sue the league and the compensation committee if it moves forward with an extension for Goodell. He added his issue with it comes down to timing."He has 18 months (left before the contract expires). We've got all the time in the world to extend him. We need to slow this train down," Jones said, per Todd Archer of ESPN.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.QuarterbackBlake Bortles, JaguarsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Browns31%$2The pickings are pretty slim at this point in the season when looking for quarterbacks, and despite throwing a pair of late-game picks against the Chargers, Bortles may be your best option going forward. He gets the Browns this week, the Cardinals after that, and then the Colts, who he torched for 330 yards in Week 7 on the road.Jay Cutler, DolphinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Buccaneers17%$1From a fantasy perspective, Cutler has been good, but not great, for several weeks now. The Buccaneers' secondary should allow him to continue that streak, which may not be very attractive, but if you need a quarterback at this point in the year, it's not getting much better than Cutler.Joe Flacco, RavensNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Packers11%$1The Packers have a banged up group that should give the Ravens the confidence to be aggressive with their passing attack this week. Flacco had his highest total yardage of the season against the Titans before his Week 10 bye, and should look to build on that as he'll have a healthier group of targets.Running BackRex Burkhead, PatriotsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Raiders11%$20Picking which Patriots runner is going to be a startable fantasy back each week has been a crapshoot so far this season, but Burkhead may be developing into a more reliable asset. With Mike Gillislee inactive against the Broncos, Burkhead had a season-high 13 touches for 63 yards and a touchdown.Jamaal Williams, PackersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Ravens6%$20By process of elimination, it appears Williams will be getting plenty of touches against the Ravens this week with Aaron Jones out with a knee injury and Ty Montgomery's rib injury flaring up. The rookie had 21 touches for 74 yards coming off the bench last Sunday.Samaje Perine, RedskinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Saints7%$12With Rob Kelley injured, Perine will get a chance to shine against the Saints, who have been playing uncharacteristically great defense. The Redskins gave Perine at least 19 carries in two early-season wins, so they may revert to that strategy to get a much needed win this week.Danny Woodhead, RavensNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Packers35%$11Woodhead is expected to practice this week for the first time since being injured in the season opener. He should give some clarity to the Ravens' backfield, though he may only act as a receiving back in his first action. Woodhead has played in just three games since the start of the 2016 season, so it may take time for him to become a central piece in the offense.Austin Ekeler, ChargersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Bills4%$6Ekeler's fumble cost the Chargers a win on Sunday, but it shouldn't totally deter the team from giving him more touches as the rookie piled up 109 total yards and two receiving scores against a talented Jaguars defense. With the possibility Philip Rivers can't play this week, the Chargers would likely lean on Ekeler and the rushing attack.Kenyan Drake, DolphinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Buccaneers58%$4Drake looks to have beat out Damien Williams for the starting job in Miami as he gained 73 more yards on the same amount of touches Monday night. Drake has shown the ability to be a home-run threat with runs of 42 and 66 yards in each of his last two games - the latter being the longest rush of the season for Miami.Theo Riddick, LionsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Bears42%$1Riddick has had his best games of 2017 in each of the last two contests. After hauling in four catches for 62 yards against the Packers in Week 9, Riddick averaged 8.8 yards per carry last Sunday against the Browns' fourth-ranked rush defense. With the Bears doing nothing particularly special against the run - they rank 15th in the NFL in run defense - Riddick could find room for some big plays.Wide ReceiverCorey Davis, TitansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Steelers48%$25Davis started the year hot with six catches in the opener, but was sidelined with a hamstring injury until Week 9. After a so-so effort in his return, Davis doubled up his catches in his second game back and should be fresher than most of his teammates for Thursday night's matchup with the Steelers, who are without Joe Haden.Josh Doctson, RedskinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Saints29%$15Doctson hit a career high in catches with four during Sunday's loss to a stingy Vikings defense, and the Redskins continue to push him to be their No. 1 wideout. He could be in for tough sledding if he draws Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore this week, but head coach Jay Gruden seems content on making Doctson a star, so expect him to get his fair share of looks.Jeremy Maclin, RavensNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Packers58%$8Maclin had far and away his best game as a Raven before his Week 10 bye, hauling in nine catches for 98 yards as he appeared to find chemistry with Flacco. The Packers struggled with deep coverage against the Lions two weeks ago, and now face Maclin, who specializes in the long ball.Marqise Lee, JaguarsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Browns59%$8Lee has been the Jaguars' top receiver this season after losing Allen Robinson. Without facing a true shutdown cornerback against the Browns, he should have a big day in Cleveland this week.Jamison Crowder, RedskinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Saints54%$5Crowder was expected to start the year as the only Redskins receiver with much of any experience with Kirk Cousins. Though it took some time, Crowder and Cousins seem to have found their chemistry, hooking up for 199 yards on 13 catches over the last two games.Tyrell Williams, ChargersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Bills39%$2With Travis Benjamin struggling this season, the Chargers have started to use Williams as their deep threat as he's averaging 15.5 yards per catch. Williams can also line up in the slot as a safety valve if Kellen Clemens has to start in place of Philip Rivers.Kenny Stills, DolphinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Buccaneers37%$1Stills led his team in receiving during Monday's ugly beat down, and continues to average over 12 yards per catch. Against the Buccaneers' porous secondary next week, Stills should have one of his most favorable matchups of the season.Tight EndCharles Clay, BillsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Chargers43%$8Clay did not get much action in his first game back from injury on Sunday, but that was more to do with the Saints dominating time of possession. Clay was lighting it up before his injury and should have the chance to return to form with the Bills' sputtering run game.Greg OIsen, PanthersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBYE59%$8Olsen won't be playing in Week 11 as the Panthers head into their bye week, but there's a good chance he returns to action when Carolina takes on the Jets in a favorable matchup. If you wait until the Panthers announce his return to pick up the veteran, you may be too late.Eric Ebron, LionsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Bears34%$1Ebron seems to be motivated by his reported trade availability. After sticking in Detroit through the trade deadline, Ebron has had three of his four most productive games and will have the opportunity to keep the trend going in Chicago.Tyler Kroft, BengalsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Broncos53%$1The Broncos have really struggled to contain tight ends this season. While Kroft has not been the most troublesome to cover this year, there's a strong possibility he notches a red-zone score in Denver.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 3-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers own the worst record in the NFC South, but that's unlikely to factor into the playing status of quarterback Jameis Winston once he is medically cleared from his current shoulder injury.Head coach Dirk Koetter and general manager Jason Licht expect Winston to return as soon as possible, despite Licht hinting last week at an extended absence."I do,'' Koetter said when asked if he believes Winston will play again in 2017, according to Rick Stroud of TampaBay.com. "From what I know, I do. But again, it was rest him for two weeks, see where he's at. We talked to multiple doctors. That's what the plan is. There's really nothing to add to that right now. I know Jameis is planning on playing again and there's been no discussion between Jason, myself of him not playing again. That would all be something that would have to come up in the future.''Ryan Fitzpatrick started for the first time this season in Week 11 against the New York Jets and led the Buccaneers to a 15-10 victory. Fitzpatrick threw for just 187 yards with a touchdown and an interception.Winston was completing passes at a career-best rate of 61.4 percent before finally being sidelined by the injury he has battled through for much of the season. He has 10 touchdowns with six interceptions through parts of eight games, with the limited playing time putting him on pace for career lows in both statistics.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Cam Newton was tired of the Carolina Panthers' defense getting all of the glory.Newton took it as a challenge when the defense vaulted to the league's No. 1 ranking last week, saying it was time for the offense to strive to match them.Newton did his part on Monday night, throwing for 254 yards and four touchdowns and running for 95 more as the Panthers piled up a franchise-record 548 yards in a 45-21 rout of the Miami Dolphins.''It's nice to see them have this type of breakout game,'' Panthers coach Ron Rivera said of the offense, which had 30 first downs and converted 11 of 14 third downs.Said Newton: ''I still feel like we are scratching the surface of our potential in this offense. We have to trust in our ability to execute our coach's plan.''Newton improved to 5-1 in Monday night games, while averaging 270.5 yards per game with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.''There is something about this stage with him,'' Rivera said. ''He played a tremendous game.''Jonathan Stewart ran for a season-high 110 yards, and Newton had a 69-yard jaunt on a read option as the Panthers racked up 294 yards on the ground. It was Stewart's first 100-yard game since last December at Washington.Rookie Christian McCaffrey scored touchdowns rushing and receiving, and Devin Funchess caught five passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers (7-3) remained a half-game behind the NFC South-leading Saints heading into their bye week.Newton had his share of fun on the field.After being tackled on his 69-yard run, an exhausted Newton laid on the ground smiling and shaking his body as if trying to get feeling back into his legs.Teammates joked with Newton that backup quarterback Derek Anderson could have scored on the play.''When you ain't got no gas left and your check engine light is on and blinking, get gas at the next stop or so, man, you just have to try to celebrate when you can celebrate, brother,'' Newton said. ''I was just hoping coach didn't come back with another run play for me.''He tiredly handed off on the next two plays.''Everything was fun out there,'' said Funchess, who became the team's No. 1 receiver when Kelvin Benjamin was traded to Buffalo two weeks ago.Jay Cutler had 213 yards passing with two touchdowns and one interception for the Dolphins (4-5), who have lost three straight. Jarvis Landry and Julius Thomas both caught TD passes for Miami.The game turned with 41 seconds left in the first half, when Luke Kuechly made a leaping interception along the sideline with Carolina leading 10-7.Four plays later, Newton connected with tight end Ed Dickson on a 7-yard touchdown pass. That opened the floodgates as the Panthers scored touchdowns on five straight possessions in their most explosive output of the season.''In an eight-minute span, the game got away from us,'' Dolphins coach Adam Gase said. ''It snowballed. We couldn't prevent the big runs once they got going.''The Panthers had entered the game 21st in the league in total offense and 24th in scoring.''We get to watch them - that's the fun part,'' Kuechly said of the offense.It was a big game for Stewart, who fumbled twice in last week's 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons.''He might have been playing with a chip on his shoulder, but we just wanted to get him to that second level,'' Panthers offensive tackle Matt Kalil said.The Dolphins have put themselves in a difficult situation in a tight AFC playoff race.''There are pieces in the locker room. I truly believe that,'' Cutler said.McCAFFREY STARTSThe Panthers gave McCaffrey the start at running back over Stewart, who fumbled twice last week against the Falcons. McCaffrey didn't let them down, combining for 50 yards and two scores, including a nifty 4-yard touchdown run where he faked out two Miami defenders.McDONALD RETURNSDolphins safety T.J. McDonald returned to the starting lineup after serving an eight-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, but it didn't help the struggling Dolphins defense.DRAKE'S BIG RUNKenyan Drake provided the big play for the Dolphins, breaking free for a 66-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.NEWTON'S NUMBERSNewton passed Dan Marino for the third-most total yards (passing and rushing) in a quarterback's first seven seasons. Newton trails only Peyton Manning and Matt Ryan in that category.INJURIESDolphins: Reported no injuries.Panthers: Rookie wide receiver Curtis Samuel left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury after dropping a would-be touchdown pass in the end zone. ... Center Tyler Larsen suffered a foot injury but returned to the game.UP NEXTDolphins: Host the Buccaneers on Sunday in a game that was rescheduled from Week 1 because of Hurricane Irma.Panthers: Visit the Jets on Nov. 26 after a bye.---More AP NFL: http://pro32.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 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 quarterback Ben Roethlisberger added himself to the growing contingent of NFL players taking issue with Thursday Night Football."It's miserable, it's terrible, they need to get rid of this game I think," Roethlisberger said during a radio appearance on a local Pittsburgh station, according to John Breech of CBS Sports. "Just play on Mondays and Sundays. It's so tough on guys, you're beat up, you're banged up. It's a very violent, physical game we play."Roethlisberger and the Steelers are set to face the Tennessee Titans in the Week 11 version of Thursday Night Football. Players from teams all over the league have been vocal about their disdain for the short weeks because of health concerns, with Seattle Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin going so far as to say the Thursday nighters should be "illegal.""You've got to let your body recover a little bit," added Roethlisberger. "Even a week, you're still not fully recovered by Sunday to Sunday, you're still dealing with bumps and bruises and things just continue to build up throughout the season. When you go on such a short week, man, it's just not good. I don't know many players that like it. It's a tough thing to do, but you know, you've got to do what the league says."Of the 32 teams in the league, 30 were scheduled to appear on Thursday Night Football game this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It seems the Dallas Cowboys can only snicker at reports saying they could be punished for attempts at interfering with commissioner Roger Goodell's contract extension with the NFL.Related - Report: NFL owners issue warning to Jerry Jones after threat to sue leagueCowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones addressed rumors that his team could lose draft picks or possibly be forced to sell the team over the conflict, relaying that the franchise is not anti-Goodell."I think that's laughable," Jones told KRLD-FM on Monday, according to Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News. "I think that's - we don't take that serious in the least bit."And our thought process and Jerry's thought process is we want what's in the best interest of the league. We're not against Roger (Goodell). We just don't know if this is the time to be talking about major contract extensions when the league certainly has several challenges in terms of where we are as a league, whether that's our ratings, whether that's our concerns with our sponsors."All 32 owners approved the league moving forward with Goodell's extension offer in May, though Ezekiel Elliott's suspension and issues that have come up during the season regarding the national anthem have reportedly changed Jones' mind.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was placed in the concussion protocol Monday after self-reporting symptoms to the team, head coach Anthony Lynn announced, per Greg Beacham from the Associated Press.Rivers never came out of Sunday's overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he did appear to make helmet-to-helmet contact with A.J. Bouye during an interception return on his final snap of the extra frame.

It seems some owners across the NFL aren't too pleased with Jerry Jones' attempts to block a contract extension for commissioner Roger Goodell.A group of six anonymous owners on the NFL compensation committee made a move to block interference from Jones in Goodell's contract talks Monday by issuing a cease-and-desist warning to the Dallas Cowboys owner, according to Ken Belson of The New York Times.Recently confirming the possibility of taking legal action against the league, Jones suggested that specifics of any Goodell extension should be reviewed by all owners rather than select members of a committee. If Jones does not comply with the warning, he could reportedly face a number of punishments from the league, including fines, suspensions, and having draft picks confiscated.Despite Jones' efforts, all indications from compensation committee chairman and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank are that Goodell's extension is still very much in the works."The committee is continuing its work towards finalizing a contract extension with the commissioner," Blank said Monday. "The negotiations are progressing and we will keep ownership apprised of the negotiations as they move forward. We do not intend to publicly comment on our discussions."Jones has adamantly stated that his actions are not as a result of Goodell's decision to suspend Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott, instead saying his reason is to make the contract talks more transparent, according to Belson.If any penalties were to be imposed on Jones, it would be Goodell himself that would be required to administer the punishment.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks are set to sign cornerback Byron Maxwell to a one-year deal, days after losing Richard Sherman to a season-ending Achilles injury, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The move reunites Maxwell with the team he began his career and played for from 2011-14. He previously starred opposite of Sherman in Seattle's vaunted Legion of Boom, before leaving for a mammoth contract from the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.Maxwell last played for the Miami Dolphins, but was released Oct. 24. The 29-year-old had eight tackles and one forced fumble in eight appearances with the Dolphins this season.Maxwell has recorded 10 interceptions over his seven-year career, including a career-high four with the Seahawks in 2013.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants offered a statement from management Monday, in which co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch supported embattled head coach Ben McAdoo, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Families and lawyers of former NFL players say they've faced numerous roadblocks in their efforts to access concussion settlement money, Ken Belson of the New York Times reports.Former players diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and other maladies have not received the payments that were promised to be readily available when needed.While players have had to dig for paperwork when filing a claim, the league argues the requests are meant to deter fraud."This is not a settlement. This is about paying sick men as little as possible," said retired defensive lineman Andrew Stewart.To this point, more than 1,400 players have filed claims. They're seeking up to $5 million each. Only 140 claims have been approved.Orrin Brown, an administrator of the settlement, said much of the claims that have returned to the players have been for missing paperwork.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns' fortunes just got worse.The Browns announced on Monday that linebacker Jamie Collins is out for the rest of the season with an MCL injury."He's one of our best players, one of our leaders ... we'll miss him but that's football," head coach Hue Jackson said.Collins sustained the injury after getting tackled following an interception in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.The Browns signed Collins to a four-year deal in January after acquiring him via trade with the New England Patriots last season.In six games played this year, the 28-year-old had 31 total tackles, one sack, and the aforementioned interception.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A member of the Cincinnati Bengals claims to have overheard officials swearing at linebacker Vontaze Burfict on multiple occasions, including at least three times this past month, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Burfict has been disciplined by the league for on-field behavior numerous times. His latest incident was an ejection from Sunday's game for contacting an official, when he brushed the referee's arm aside.Related: Bengals' Burfict won't be suspended for contacting officialAccording to Schefter, one source close to Burfict says the 27-year-old believes he's being targeted by officials.However, an NFL spokesman refuted claims of unfair treatment of Burfict.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears Vontaze Burfict won't miss any action, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Cincinnati Bengals linebacker won't be suspended for making contact with an official on Sunday.Burfict was ejected during the second half of the Bengals' loss to the Tennessee Titans after contacting an official while arguing a call. The argument came just two plays after he was flagged for unnecessary roughness. It was the first ejection of Burfict's career.The hard-hitting linebacker has already missed three games this year due to suspension for a hit during the preseason.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Staley knows what it feels like to win an NFC Championship game. He did so as a starting left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.The Niners won't be getting back there this season, but after they won their first game of the year Sunday over the New York Giants, Staley felt the same feeling."I've been part of a lot of wins with this franchise over the 11 years I've been here. This win felt just as good as winning the NFC Championship," Staley said after the game, according to Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News."It was unbelievable. Because I know how close this team is. On the outside looking in, we're 0-9 and a young team. Not everybody sees what we see in the locker room."If the 49ers don't win another game all season, Sunday's victory will almost certainly be the equivalent of booking a trip to the Super Bowl.- With h/t RedditNFLCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If you're surprised by Adrian Clayborn's six-sack performance against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, you're not alone.Even the Atlanta Falcons defensive end was astonished by his stats."I only have one move and it worked," Clayborn said after the game, per Alex Makrides of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith missed the game with groin and back issues, and Clayborn took advantage of Smith's replacement, Chaz Green, all afternoon.Clayborn entered the game with two sacks after eight games. He's never topped two sacks in one game in his entire seven-year career.Related: Clayborn secures hefty bonus with 6-sack effort as Falcons best CowboysIn fact, the 2011 first-round draft pick is generally regarded as a bust. But on Sunday, Clayborn busted through for a career day."They chipped me some and it hurt," he said. "I definitely felt it and when they didn't I took advantage of it."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints apparently received an update regarding Daniel Lasco, as the injured running back will reportedly miss the remainder of the season due to a bulging disc, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, citing sources.On a more positive note, Rapoport added that the injury is not believed to be career-ending.Related: Saints' Lasco taken off field in ambulance with spine injuryLasco suffered the injury after striking a Buffalo Bills player with his head during a kickoff in the second quarter of Sunday's matchup. was stretchered into an ambulance and then taken to hospital.The second-year pro has been used primarily on special teams this season, and has not recorded a carry.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's never been easy for Mike Zimmer.Labeled a career assistant, Zimmer spent 14 years on the sidelines before he was handed his first head-coaching opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. The path hasn't become any smoother since.Yet, despite season-ending injuries and near constant quarterback turmoil, Zimmer has his Vikings riding a five-game winning streak to a 7-2 mark. They share the second-best record in the league even though Case Keenum has started seven games under center and rookie running back Dalvin Cook was lost for the year after four games.Zimmer deserves Coach of the Year consideration for the way his team has managed adverse circumstances throughout his entire tenure.His first year at the helm was hijacked by Adrian Peterson's suspension. After appearing in just the first game of the season, the former MVP running back was suspended for the rest of 2014 for a child-abuse case in which he used abusive discipline on his son. The Vikings finished that year 7-9.Peterson returned in 2015, and while facing public scrutiny for allowing him back on the field, the Vikings went 11-5 and reached the playoffs.But in 2016, Teddy Bridgewater shredded his knee in an offseason practice and Peterson was limited to three games due to a torn meniscus.To save their season, the Vikings scrambled to trade a first-round pick and other compensation to land Sam Bradford from the Philadelphia Eagles. The blockbuster move allowed Minnesota to finish the year 8-8. That record was attained despite Zimmer almost losing his right eye and requiring eight different surgeries to repair a torn retina.This year, Bradford opened the season with perhaps the best performance of his eight-year career. The quarterback efficiently dissected the New Orleans Saints by going 27-for-32 for 346 yards and three passing touchdowns in a 29-19 victory. And that would be just about the last the Vikings would see of him.Bradford was sidelined for five of the next six weeks with a knee injury and was finally placed on injured reserve Wednesday.Cook, meanwhile, was rushing for nearly 5 yards per carry as the Vikings' bell cow before he went down for the year in Week 4 with a torn ACL.No Bridgewater. No Bradford. No Cook.The Vikings had plenty of reasons to feel sorry for themselves and go in the tank, but Zimmer wouldn't let them.Instead, Keenum, the third quarterback up, has done more than manage. He's completed 65 percent of his passes and ranks third in the league in Total QBR, behind only Deshaun Watson and Dak Prescott and ahead of MVP candidates Carson Wentz and Tom Brady.After 10 weeks, the Vikings rank ninth in total offense, 12th in passing offense, and 10th in rushing offense.The defense remains one of the league's best. Minnesota sits fifth overall in total defense and 10th in sacks with 25 on the year.The Vikings began the year with low expectations. Vegas had the team winning 8.5 games and finishing second in the NFC North. Ten weeks in and they've almost reached that total.Zimmer has entered most weeks not knowing who his quarterback would be Sunday. Bradford is now on IR and Bridgewater is patiently waiting his turn as he sits behind Keenum.It's not an ideal situation and it's certainly not one that other coaches envy. But it's one Zimmer has learned to adapt to."Zimmer is never gonna be an excusemaker. And his attitude trickled down," general manger Rick Spielman said to Michael McKnight of Sports Illustrated in September.Zimmer recalled how his former boss, Bill Parcells, told him after Bridgewater's injury that "they're not gonna cancel the games. You gotta figure it out."The Vikings - thanks in large part to the exploits of their head coach - have figured out a way to be at the forefront of the NFC playoff picture.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones is expected to miss three-to-six weeks with an injured MCL, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports, citing a source.The rookie left Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears and had an MRI scheduled for Monday.Jones took over starting duties when Ty Montgomery suffered an injury in Week 5. He's played in parts of six games and has racked up 70 carries for 370 yards and three rushing scores.Montgomery also picked up an injury Sunday, exiting the game with a rib ailment. The extent of his injury has yet to be determined.Jones' fellow rookie running back Jamaal Williams finished Sunday's game and led the Packers with 20 rushes for 67 yards. He'd be in line to start if Montgomery is also forced to miss time.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 team at the top of the NFC East is not the one most people expected through 10 weeks of the season. Covers checks in on the opening line for a key clash involving that team, along with three other Week 11 games, with insights from Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.

The Atlanta Falcons will likely be without star running back Devonta Freeman for next Monday night's game at Seattle due to a concussion, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.Freeman suffered his second concussion of the season Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, leaving the contest in the first half and remaining on the sidelines.It's a big loss for the Falcons in a tough road environment. Freeman leads the team with 515 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season.Tevin Coleman will see the bulk of the carries in Freeman's absence.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Though Colin Kaepernick landed the cover of GQ magazine's "Men of the Year" issue, the former NFL quarterback didn't speak to the publication in an interview.Instead, Kaepernick chose to remain silent, as he's found his silence has amplified his protest against police brutality and the oppression of colored people in America.The magazine's editors instead spoke with those in Kaepernick's inner circle: filmmaker Ava DuVernay, rapper J. Cole, activist Tamika Mallory, and others.Kaepernick did, however, agree to be photographed in Harlem, invoking images of Muhammad Ali from the 1960s when he trained in the streets of New York as local children surrounded him.

It's no secret what the New York City tabloids believe the Giants should do next after their embarrassing loss to the previously winless San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.Head coach Ben McAdoo's face was plastered all over the city papers Monday morning.

You come at the king, you best not miss.Omar Little of "The Wire" may have defined the New England Patriots better than anyone could. After the team stumbled out of the gate to begin this season, many believed its defense was in absolute shambles.But it turns out New England merely used the opening quarter of the year as a warmup and has now rounded into top form, stifling teams with the precision you'd expect from a Bill Belichick unit. This was on full display Sunday night, as the Patriots trounced the Denver Broncos 41-16, a scoreline that may actually be flattering to their once-rival.New England led the NFL in scoring defense in 2016, allowing 15.6 points per game en route to capturing its second Super Bowl in three years. The Patriots did so with workmanlike efficiency; only Dont'a Hightower, Malcolm Butler, and Devin McCourty would register as mainstream names, as the sum of the parts outweighed the individual pieces. After the Patriots signed Stephon Gilmore and David Harris in the offseason, many were quick to blame the new additions for ruining the team's cohesion. However, as most early-season themes tend to be, that narrative was absolute nonsense.During their current five-game winning streak, the Patriots have held opponents to 13.4 points per game, a total that would best last year's mark and would rank first again in 2017. New England also ranked eighth in turnover differential coming into Sunday's game, a statistic that's often predictive of sustained success. Writing the Patriots off would be perilous as November marches on.New England is coached by the greatest defensive mind in history and is once again perched atop the AFC standings at 7-2. The defense may not have a single All-Pro, but it's greater than the sum of its parts. If that isn't the Patriot Way, nothing is.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett isn't remotely apologetic for continuing his career after being released by the Green Bay Packers.Bennett was released by the Packers on Nov. 8 with a "failure to disclose a medical condition" designation, which he disputed, saying the team tried forcing him to play through a shoulder injury.Now with the Patriots for a second time, Bennett is doing everything he can to help his team win its second consecutive Super Bowl despite his shoulder pain. He caught three passes for 38 yards as the Patriots routed the Denver Broncos 41-16 on Sunday."Last week I thought I was going to be on the IR ... right now, I'm just like f--- it," Bennett told reporters postgame, via Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal.

DENVER (AP) Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes and the New England Patriots matched their own AFC record with their 12th consecutive road victory, pummeling the Denver Broncos 41-16 on Sunday night.These teams have represented the AFC in the last four Super Bowls, and the Broncos (3-6) were hoping a visit from their rivals would help shake them from their funk, one that included a 28-point loss at Philadelphia a week earlier. With a win, ''the swag, the energy in this locker room, it'll skyrocket,'' suggested Aqib Talib.Instead, the Broncos fizzled.They saw their losing streak reach five games, their longest skid in seven seasons, and they lost back-to-back games to the Patriots (7-2) in Denver for the first time since 1966.Avoiding Von Miller all night and throwing for 266 yards on 25-of-34 passing, Brady improved to 8-9 against the Broncos, the only team he has a losing record against, and won for just the fourth time in 11 trips to Denver.His 86th regular-season road win broke a tie with Peyton Manning for most all-time.The Patriots also won a dozen consecutive road games from 2006-08. The NFL record is 18 set by the Joe Montana-led San Francisco 49ers from 1988-90.Speaking of historic, the Patriots for the first time since 1979 had a special teams takeaway, a blocked punt and a kickoff return for a touchdown, a trifecta that fueled a comfortable 27-9 halftime lead.The Patriots went three-and-out to start the game but rookie Isaiah McKenzie's muffed punt - his fifth fumble of the year - led to Brady's 14-yard TD toss to running back Rex Burkhead and set the tone for another head-scratching performance by the bungling Broncos, who that fancied themselves contenders after a 3-1 start.After kicking a 39-yard field goal, Brandon McManus failed on the ensuing kickoff to get in front of returner Dion Lewis, whose 103-yard return down Denver's demoralized sideline made it 14-3.Then, Burkhead sliced through the line to block Riley Dixon's punt at the Broncos' 30-yard line, leading to Stephen Gostkowski's second field goal.When the Broncos finally forced another punt in the fourth quarter, they were whistled for 12 men on the field, giving the Patriots a fresh set of downs. Brady took advantage of that gaffe by throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to James White, making it 41-16.That capped a 16-play, 94-yard drive that ate up 7 minutes, 31 seconds.Brock Osweiler hooked up with Emmanuel Sanders five times for 114 yards in the first half but Denver stalled twice in the red zone and also at the Patriots 21, settling for field goals while the Patriots were scoring touchdowns.Brady hit tight end Dwayne Allen from 11 yards out, Allen's first catch of the year giving the Patriots a 27-9 halftime lead.Even when the Broncos finally found the end zone on Demaryius Thomas' 8-yard TD catch, the Patriots responded quickly with a 7-yard TD run by Lewis.BENNETT'S BACK: Tight end Martellus Bennett was active - and productive - for New England just a few days after he saying the Green Bay Packers of pressuring him to play through a shoulder injury. Green Bay waived Bennett with the designation that he ''failed to disclose a physical condition,'' but Bennett said the Packers were aware of his balky shoulder when he signed him. He said it got worse during the season and he elected to have surgery. When the Packers waived him, the Patriots grabbed him.His first catch covered 27 yards.MILESTONE WIN: Patriots coach Bill Belichick moved into a third-place tie with Tom Landry on the all-time head-coaching list for wins, with 270. He trails only Don Shula (347) and George Halas (324).INJURIES: Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater went out in the first half with a pulled hamstring.Broncos tight end A.J. Derby was knocked out with a shoulder injury.Umpire Jeff Rice was carted off in the third quarter after hitting his head on the ground when Patriots linebacker Trevor Reilly bowled him over on during a Denver punt.UP NEXTPatriots: At Oakland Raiders at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca (elevation 7,280 feet). The Patriots are staying in Colorado all week, practicing at the Air Force Academy (elevation 6,621) feet to acclimate to the altitude.Broncos: Host the Cincinnati Bengals.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL---Follow Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapletonCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There are few things Hollywood loves more than a good sequel.Eighteen years after the 1999 Rams shocked the football world and captured Super Bowl XXIV, the 2017 version is making waves as one of the most surprising teams in recent memory. The Rams are no longer mired in mediocrity borne of Jeff Fisher's lack of imagination, and are instead thriving in a way few could've expected under wunderkind head coach Sean McVay.The 1999 Rams won the Super Bowl a year after going 4-12, and became lionized as "The Greatest Show on Turf." This year's Rams are poised to run away with the NFC West, coming off a 4-12 season marred by indecision and internal feuding. Here's how the two teams compare:Both among most improved teams in historyHeading into Sunday, the 2017 Rams were the most improved team of the past 31 years, while the 1999 Rams ranked fifth in year-over-year improvement, according to Football Outsiders' DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). The Rams then routed the Houston Texans 33-7, continuing their rise as one of the most unexpected juggernauts of the modern era.

Marquise Goodwin took the field with the heaviest of hearts on Sunday.Shortly after his San Francisco 49ers bested the New York Giants 31-21 for their first win on the season, the wideout revealed on Instagram he and his wife, Morgan, had lost their prematurely newborn son earlier that morning."Unfortunately we lost our baby boy due to some complications, and had to prematurely deliver him early this morning around 4am," Goodwin wrote. "Although we are hurt, I am grateful for the experience and grateful that God blessed me with a wife as courageous and resilient as Morgan. The pain (physically, mentally, & emotionally) that she has endured is unbelievable. Please pray for the Goodwin family."Goodwin valiantly dug deep to take his sole reception of the game 83 yards to the house in the second quarter. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports, he left Levi's Stadium immediately after the game.

Despite reports that he could be fired, New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo still has the support of one of his best players.Following the team's loss Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers - who entered the game with no wins in 2017 - All-Pro safety Landon Collins said McAdoo "needs to be the coach next year," according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.The Giants had reportedly not planned to make a decision regarding changes to the coaching or front-office staff until after the season, although Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported Sunday that a loss to the 49ers could be the end of the road for McAdoo.Both Collins and McAdoo also denied reports that the coach had lost the team after a blowout loss to the Rams last week.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ezekiel Elliott finished fourth in MVP voting last year, and if he wasn't suspended for the next five games then he'd likely be in the mix again this season, but the Dallas Cowboys showed Sunday their left tackle is just as - if not more - important.Four-time All-Pro lineman Tyron Smith was sidelined by a back injury against the Atlanta Falcons, and quarterback Dak Prescott may now have a pretty bad back as a result.Prescott was under complete and utter siege all afternoon, as Falcons pass-rusher Adrian Clayborn dominated Smith's fill-in, third-year pro Chaz Green.Clayborn finished the game with a franchise-record six sacks - after only recording 7.5 sacks over the previous two seasons combined - and made Green look incompetent again and again."That pretty embarrassing play," FOX broadcaster Troy Aikman, normally reserved in his commentary, said of Green at one point, as transcribed by NFL Network's Rich Eisen. "It's about as bad as I've seen anyone get beat in a football game in all my years of watching football."Admittedly, the running game isn't as strong without Elliott in the lineup as it is when he's in there. But even he has only averaged 4.1 yards per carry this season.And while it didn't always look pretty against the Falcons, as a team, the Cowboys still averaged 4.9 yards per rush. Alfred Morris went for 53 yards on 11 carries, though he only mustered 19 yards on the nine carries that sandwiched his back-to-back big runs of 14 and 20 yards.Prescott, meanwhile, spent the day picking himself up off the ground. And when he wasn't, he was getting rid of the ball earlier than usual. With the pass-rush getting to him almost instantaneously, Prescott wouldn't dare to so much as dream about trying to stretch the field. He averaged just 6.1 yards per pass attempt, the second-lowest figure he's registered this year.And one look at Prescott's face Sunday should be enough to know that Smith - not Elliott - was the Cowboys' most valuable missing star.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn took advantage of the Dallas Cowboys' ailing O-line to net himself a healthy six-figure bonus on Sunday.The 29-year-old accounted for six of the team's eight sacks on quarterback Dak Prescott in a 27-7 victory, the franchise-record effort bringing him to eight on the season and triggering an incentive bonus worth $750,000 - assuming he ends the season on the roster - ESPN's Field Yates reports.Clayborn has the Cowboys to thank, at least in part, for his lucrative afternoon, as he lined up against backup offensive tackles Chaz Green and Byron Bell - both of whom played in injured star Tyron Smith's stead for the bulk of the contest. The defensive end's fourth sack of the game earned him a $250,000 bonus that required six on the season, a figure he tripled in the fourth quarter with his sixth takedown. In addition to breaking a record previously owned by 1990s Falcons fixture Chuck Smith, Clayborn stuffed his stat line with a pair of forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.Sunday's victory brought the Falcons' record to 5-4.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Teddy Bridgewater didn't get to play in his first game being active since the 2015 playoffs, but just suiting up certainly had his emotions all over the place.Before the Minnesota Vikings' win over the Washington Redskins, cameras caught Bridgewater wiping tears from his eyes as he took the bench in uniform after recovering from a potential career-ending knee injury.

Chicago Bears head coach John Fox challenged a Benny Cunningham run that was initially ruled down at the 2-yard line in Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers, hoping for it to be reversed for a touchdown.Instead, the Bears watched helplessly as the call was changed by referee Tony Corrente to a fumble out of the end zone, resulting in a touchback and Green Bay taking possession.Relate: John Fox's challenge accidentally results in Bears turnover"Looking at the review, he did not step out of bounds and started lunging toward the goal line," Corrente explained, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "As he was lunging toward the goal line, he lost the ball in his right hand first, probably, I'm going to guess, 2 feet maybe short of the pylon."As he got even closer, the left hand came off. We had to put together two different angles in order to see both hands losing the football. After he lost it the second time, it went right into the pylon. Which creates a touchback."Fox defended the decision to challenge after the game, saying the Bears had "every indication" Cunningham scored and that the coaching staff didn't even think about the ball coming loose."Maybe you can see (Cunningham fumble) after looking at it 50 times, like some people are able to do," Fox said, according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. "But during our look, during the game, that wasn't even discussed."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The only matchup between two winning teams on Sunday did not produce the game most fans were hoping for - unless you cheer for the New Orleans Saints.The Saints won their seventh straight game in dominant fashion, decimating the Buffalo Bills on the road by a score of 47-10, but the scoreline alone does not do their performance justice.Here are four other statistics that illustrate just how well the Saints played in this game, in what was Bills' worst home loss since 2007:Consecutive run playsWhile Drew Brees has been the leading force of the Saints' top-ranked attack since he arrived in New Orleans in 2006, he had very little to do in the second half of the game.In an effort to show they were able to do whatever they wanted to their opponent, the Saints ran the ball 24 straight times in the second half.Twenty-four.And they still kept scoring, converting a touchdown or field goal on the next five drives after going with the almost all-rush attack, before kneeling three times to close out the final drive of the game.The Saints attempted only one pass after the 12:25-mark of third quarter, surely upsetting Brees' fantasy owners, as he finished with 184 passing yards, completing 18-of-25 attempts.Rushing TDsThe Saints finished only nine yards short of the franchise single-game rushing record with 298 yards against the Bills, despite both Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara surpassing 100 yards, but they did break their own record for most rushing scores.New Orleans ran for a TD six times on Sunday, breaking the team record of five set in 1979. It was the first time since 2004 that a team had six rushing scores in a regular-season game.Different TD scorersThe Saints didn't just lean on Ingram to do all the heavy lifting.Though he scored three touchdowns on his own, Ingram was not alone in the end zone as Kamara, Brees, and Trey Edmunds also made trips to pay dirt.Brees almost broke up the 24-play rushing streak, but he bailed on a passing play to scramble in for a seven-yard touchdown. Edmunds saw his first action from the backfield Sunday with nine carries for 48 yards and a score, entering the game with only three career touches, each coming on kick returns.Time of possessionBills fans didn't get many chances to even pretend their team could score enough points to make it interesting, as the Saints' offense dominated time of possession, holding on to the ball for 41:23.New Orleans pulled off some excruciatingly long drives, controlling the first-down battle 32-10 by gaining 20 first downs on the ground, and notching seven drives lasting at least eight plays.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the talent to be the AFC's best team, and it's felt that way for some time now.But, just like they've done regularly over the past few seasons, the Steelers played down to the level of their opponent in Week 10, almost falling to the woeful Indianapolis Colts, who've been embarrassed on more than one occasion this season by teams with far less offensive firepower than Pittsburgh.The Steelers ultimately persevered and dug themselves out of a 10-3 hole at halftime to win 20-17, but they can't shrug off their flaws just because they eeked out the victory - especially while the AFC remains ripe for the taking.While the New England Patriots are the class of the conference, they aren't the same juggernaut of years past - at least not yet. Meanwhile, the Chiefs' hot start has cooled off, and the Steelers' speed on defense has already proven to be the perfect foil to Kansas City's offense.Beyond that, the AFC is a wasteland of huge disappointments like the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos, and overachievers with significant flaws like the Jacksonville Jaguars.This season is the best - and maybe last - opportunity for this iteration of the Steelers to finally fulfill its potential and make the Super Bowl run that most have expected for years.However, that won't happen if the Steelers' inconsistencies on offense - especially from Ben Roethlisberger - aren't fixed come playoff time.Roethlisberger's performance against the Colts was a microcosm of his disappointing season. He looked terrible early, throwing an interception and struggling to get anything going downfield.The veteran pivot eventually found his form and led an impressive game-winning drive, but it's clear he's far from the player he once was, and sooner or later, his team won't be able to compensate for his growing flaws.And the Steelers' schedule won't offer many opportunities for the team to exorcise its demons.Week Opponent11vs. Titans12vs. Packers13at Bengals14vs. Ravens15vs. Patriots16at Texans17vs. BrownsOutside of a Week 15 game against the Patriots - which could have huge playoff-seeding implications - and maybe next Thursday's game against the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh likely won't be pushed by any remaining opponent.And that's a major problem.At 7-2, the Steelers are all but certain to make their fourth straight playoff appearance, but just making the tournament hasn't been good enough for this team for a long time.Pittsburgh is that smart kid in class who knows all the answers, but keeps getting distracted and is sometimes too focused on looking the part rather than reaching the heights they know they can.It's beyond time the Steelers grew out of this phase. If they don't, they could be taught a painful lesson come January.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman was knocked out of Sunday's game with a concussion, but a previous opponent believes he actually suffered the ailment last week.After Freeman exited with a concussion against the Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis - who faced the running back last Sunday - tweeted that the injury actually happened when they faced off, and that Freeman should have been removed from that game.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett was placed in the concussion protocol following Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.Brissett did not speak to the media after the game.The quarterback briefly went into the medical tent for evaluation, then headed back to the sidelines. Scott Tolzien took the field but Brissett replaced him before he could take a snap.Brissett finished 14-of-24 for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. However, he was sacked three times and suffered nine hits throughout the contest.The Colts now enter their bye week, giving Brissett a chance to recover before the team's next game. If Brissett can't play, except Tolzien to take over as the starting quarterback with Andrew Luck shut down for the year.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman was diagnosed with a concussion Sunday after exiting early in the first quarter versus the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced.Freeman lasted only two carries before he was forced out of the contest.The two-time Pro Bowler came into Sunday's affair with 512 rushing yards and five touchdowns for the season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden suffered a broken fibula in Sunday's victory over the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Mike Tomlin announced.The injury will keep Haden out indefinitely. If it ends his season, the 28-year-old will need to wait at least one more year to make his long-awaited playoff debut. Haden spent the first seven campaigns of his career with the Cleveland Browns before signing a free-agent contract with Pittsburgh in the offseason.The Steelers hope Haden will be able to return this season, based on a potential six-to-eight-week recovery, according to NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala.Haden has recorded 16 tackles, one sack, and one interception in nine contests with the Steelers this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.