Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman left Thursday's game against the Arizona Cardinals with a heel injury and is doubtful to return.Sherman landed awkwardly while attempting to make a tackle and walked off the field slowly.The star cornerback was later shown on the broadcast appearing to tell teammates that he tore his Achilles. He was also seen giving quarterback Russell Wilson a hug while he remained on the sidelines.

theScore's Justin Boone is coming off his fourth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition. Follow the links below to see his updated rankings for Week 10.The final rankings will be released Sunday morningStandard

Reports of Adrian Peterson's revival appear to be premature.Peterson was reignited during the Arizona Cardinals' 20-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, rushing for 159 yards on 37 carries. However, the first half of Thursday's game against the Seattle Seahawks proved to be a different story.The veteran running back fumbled during his first carry of the game, setting the tone ahead of a dismal first half for the Cardinals.Peterson's rough evening didn't stop there as he was wrapped up by several Seahawks defenders for a safety, giving his opponent a 9-7 lead. The running back finished the half with 17 yards on 11 carries.Russell Wilson opened the scoring, finding Jimmy Graham for a six-yard touchdown to give the Seahawks a 7-0 lead. However, the Cardinals quickly countered with a Drew Stanton passing touchdown, connecting with Jermaine Gresham for a 14-yard score, tying the game at 7.Seattle entered halftime with a 15-7 lead.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett stood during the national anthem ahead of Thursday's game against the Arizona Cardinals in support of the military before Veterans Day this weekend, Mike Tirico revealed on the NBC broadcast, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.Bennett has protested police brutality and racial inequality throughout the season by sitting during the anthem, drawing ire from some parties.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has accused the NFL and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank - who serves as the chairman of the competition committee - of misleading the league's owners in regards to Roger Goodell's contract extension negotiations, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, citing a letter obtained by ESPN.The league has replied, returning accusations that Jones, who has reportedly threatened to sue the NFL over Goodell's negotiations, has been the one misleading other owners about contract talks, adds Mortensen.An NFL spokesman said on a conference call Thursday that the league expects Goodell's five-year extension to be finalized soon, though he did not specify a date. The spokesman also said the owners unanimously voted for the league to move forward with offering Goodell an extension, however, the vote was done in May.Jones was terminated from his non-voting spot on the NFL's compensation committee by Blank on Saturday, citing the Cowboys owner's desire to sue the league as reason for dismissal. Jones believes "critical facts" have not properly been represented in Goodell's contract and that Blank has a biased relationship with the commissioner, making him unfit to be in charge of the negotiations."Commissioner Goodell's contract extension is a substantial commitment by the Owners, as more than $200 million is at stake, on top of the $200 million already paid to him," Cowboys general counsel Jason Cohen stated in the letter, which was sent to all owners. "This is in addition to the unique and largely unfettered power exercised by the Commissioner. Ownership can't have the Chairman let us down again."Jones' Cowboys and Blank's Falcons play each other this Sunday in Atlanta.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde refuses to discuss a contract extension until his team wins its first game of the year.Hyde is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2017 season but wants to help the 49ers avoid the dubious distinction of going winless first."I spoke to my agent about it, but I told him I don't want to talk about a contract extension or anything like that right now,” Hyde said to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. "I want to focus on getting our first win and finishing the season off. I told him once we get to that point, we can talk about it."Hyde has rushed for 494 yards and four touchdowns in nine games, operating as the centerpiece of the 49ers' offense.Although the 49ers appear to be angling for the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Hyde said he hasn't become disheartened."I'm just happy,” Hyde said. "I'm in a good place, despite our record, I stay positive in times like this. It's easy to be down and be sad, so I'd rather go in a direction to be positive."San Francisco continues its quest for its first win this season against the New York Giants on Sunday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is expecting commissioner Roger Goodell to be signed to a five-year extension soon, despite Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' reported attempts to block the move, league spokesman Joe Lockhart said on a conference call Thursday.Lockhart did not confirm a date for the contract to be finalized."The owners voted unanimously to authorize the compensation committee to enter into negotiations and offer the commissioner an extension of his contract through 2024," Lockhart said, according to ESPN, though he did not specify when the vote happened. "The 32-0 vote gives them the authority to enter into a contract extension."Jones is reportedly threatening to sue the NFL if the contract negotiations, which Lockhart described as "amicable," are successful. Jones has reportedly become annoyed with Goodell as of late due to the league's six-game suspension of Ezekiel Elliott. Lockhart says the NFL has not been made aware of a lawsuit being filed by Jones.Goodell has been the league's commissioner since 2006.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Director of Boston University's CTE center Ann McKee revealed that former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was strongly affected by the degenerative brain disease prior to his death.Hernandez committed suicide on April 19, five days after being acquitted of a double homicide. The former Patriots tight end faced life in prison for a previous first-degree murder conviction.CTE can only be diagnosed after a person dies, and McKee revealed Hernandez's degree of trauma was the worst the research center had ever experienced for someone that young."These are very unusual findings to see in an individual of this age," McKee said, via The Associated Press. "We've never seen this in our 468 brains, except in individuals some 20 years older."McKee also noted she had difficulty linking Hernandez's brain trauma with the murder of Odin Lloyd and subsequent suicide, but also said the symptoms of CTE impacted his brain negatively."We can say collectively, in our collective experience, that individuals with CTE -- and CTE of this severity -- have difficulty with impulse control, decision-making, inhibition of impulses or aggression, often emotional volatility and rage behaviors," McKee said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite their 1-7 start, the New York Giants don't plan to make any decision regarding changes to the coaching or front-office staff until after the season, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano.The Giants ownership is not concerned about recent comments from anonymous players about head coach Ben McAdoo losing the locker room, brushing off the remarks as typical behavior for a struggling team, adds Graziano's source.Giants safety Landon Collins also came out on Wednesday to defend McAdoo.The team's struggles have been more than just about their record, as veteran cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have been issued team suspensions. Additionally, a string of injuries have ravaged the Giants' offensive starting lineup.The Giants have not fired a coach during the regular season since 1978.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles signed defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan to a four-year contract extension, the team announced.The deal is worth $48 million and includes $26 million fully guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Jernigan has thrived in his first year with the Eagles, teaming up with Fletcher Cox in Jim Schwartz's attacking scheme to form one of the league's top interior tandems. He's racked up 17 tackles with 1.5 sacks through nine games.The 25-year-old was acquired from the Baltimore Ravens in an offseason trade that also involved a swap of draft picks. Jernigan was a second-round pick of the Ravens in 2014 out of Florida State.

The New England Patriots have claimed tight end Martellus Bennett off waivers after he was released Wednesday by the Green Bay Packers, the team announced Thursday.Bennett played for the Patriots last season, making 55 catches for 701 yards and seven touchdowns while helping the team win Super Bowl LI.The Packers cut Bennett with a failure to disclose physical condition designation on Wednesday. He was struggling to produce, catching 24 passes for 233 yards with no scores, and had stated via social media that he's leaning heavily toward retirement following this season.The Patriots will owe Bennett just $423,529 in base salary for the remainder of the year, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.Bennett will likely slot in as the second tight end behind Rob Gronkowski as offseason acquisition Dwayne Allen has yet to make a catch through eight games this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott's motion for an injunction on his six-game suspension has been denied by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network learned.As a result, the temporary stay he received on his suspension on Nov. 3 has been terminated.The court determined Elliott and his representatives "failed to meet the requisite standard" to have their injunction granted.The NFL can now suspend Elliott for the Cowboys' next six games. Dallas visits the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday and its five subsequent opponents are the NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and Oakland Raiders.Elliott would be eligible to return for the Cowboys' Week 16 contest with the Seattle Seahawks.Elliott's appeal of his suspension will be heard on an expedited basis and is expected to be set "for the next available calendar." Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that Elliott's next hearing will take place on Dec. 1.When ESPN's Dan Graziano asked what's next for the sophomore rusher, an NFLPA source responded, "he sits while we argue."While fighting the suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Elliott has played in the Cowboys' first eight games and recorded 783 yards and seven rushing scores for the 5-3 club.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater made his official return to the team this week after losing a season-and-a-half to the knee injury he suffered right before the 2016 campaign.He'll serve as a backup to Case Keenum when the Vikings play the Washington Redskins on Sunday, and he's looking forward to his first opportunity to take the field again after a long struggle to come back."Once I get out there in between those lines I have no regrets, no doubt. I'm just out there living my dream," Bridgewater said before Thursday's practice. "There was a time when the dream died, but the dream is still alive."He said he's keeping those who supported his journey at the front of his mind."Getting back out there, this is not only about me, this is about the people who counted me in. There were a bunch of people who counted me out, outside of this building and things like that," Bridgewater said."But, at the end of the day, it's about going out there and competing for these guys in this locker room and all the people who counted me in."Bridgewater was selected in the first round of the 2014 draft, but his next game will be just his 30th regular-season NFL contest. He's especially excited to rejoin his teammates."It's always hard when the guys are going to work and you have to go in the opposite direction. It's like when all the kids are going to P.E. and you have to go to detention or something like that," Bridgewater laughed. "It was hard, especially being a competitor and knowing how much these guys mean to me."I kinda didn't like the fact that I couldn't be out there, but I couldn't do anything about it but put my head down and continue to work hard."In Bridgewater's absence this season, the Vikings compiled a 6-2 record to grab the top seed in the NFC North.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For every home run like Calais Campbell, there's a free-agent move that doesn't pan out.Entering the final stretch of the regular season, there are a number of teams that can count themselves among those who struck out on their big-ticket free-agent additions. Here are eight regrettable signings from this offseason:8. Stephon Gilmore, CB, PatriotsThe year began poorly for New England's massive five-year, $65-million signing. The Patriots gave up more than 300 yards in passing in the first six games of the season. They still rank dead last in passing defense, but it appears Gilmore has begun to find his fit.Nonetheless, his replacement in Buffalo, Tre'Davious White, is in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation and the man he supplanted in New England, Logan Ryan, is outshining him in Tennessee.7. Brandon Marshall, WR, GiantsMarshall's season lasted just five games before a season-ending injury to his ankle, but even before that, it had been a disappointing first year with the Giants.Expected to draw attention away from Odell Beckham Jr., Marshall could only manage one catch in each of his first two games. He finished his campaign with 18, didn't break the 100-yard mark, and didn't record a touchdown.He has one year left on an $11-million deal and said he has no plans to retire.6. Lawrence Timmons, LB, DolphinsThe Dolphins invested just two years and $12 million into Timmons, hoping to plug a hole in the middle of their defense, but then he went AWOL.Miami suspended the linebacker in just the third week of the season. He has since rejoined the team, but he's provided just 41 tackles and two pass knockdowns in six games. The 11-year vet is on pace to produce some of his lowest sack and tackle numbers in years.5. DeSean Jackson, WR, BuccaneersOn his current pace, Jackson won't reach 1,000 yards this season. Though the speedy wideout has seen 55 targets and nearly seven per game, quarterback Jameis Winston has been unable to connect with him on deep balls. Jackson's longest reception went 41 yards and his longest touchdown was a 25-yarder in garbage time.At this rate, Jackson might not hang around for the length of his three-year, $33.5-million deal.4. Martellus Bennett, TE, PackersThe Packers signed Bennett to a three-year, $21-million deal thinking the veteran could be the final piece to a championship offense. Unfortunately for them, Bennett began talking about retirement one month into the season.Through seven games, the red-zone threat had 24 catches for 233 yards and no scores. He also was tied for third in the league in drops.With Aaron Rodgers injured and the Packers' season sinking fast, the team released Bennett on Wednesday, ending his short stint in Green Bay. Though after being claimed on Thursday by his former team, the New England Patriots, he may have a shot at redeeming himself before the year is up.3. Terrelle Pryor, WR, RedskinsThe Redskins handed Pryor $6 million for the converted quarterback to prove himself as a pro receiver, and his season has been a flop.Pryor has just 20 receptions after eight games. He's struggled with drops, apologized for his play and "loss of focus," and been supplanted by other struggling Redskins receivers.His monster 77-catch, 1,007-yard campaign last year with the Browns appears to be a mirage.2. Mike Glennon, QB, BearsAh yes, Mike Glennon. The man the Bears handed a three-year, $45-million contract only to trade up to draft Mitchell Trubisky weeks later.Glennon's second shot at a starting job lasted just four games and in that time, he threw five picks and lost three fumbles. Trubisky, a rookie with 13 games of starting experience at the college level, has already proven a more effective option for Chicago.1. Kenny Britt, WR, BrownsRather than keep Pryor after his aforementioned breakout campaign, the Browns let him walk and handed a four-year, $32.5-million contract to Britt.He has just 10 catches on the season. He's yet to top three catches in a single game and he has a mere 128 receiving yards in his five games played.For a team in desperate need of a No. 1 receiving threat, Britt has proven to be anything but.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green knows he made a mistake in a Week 9 fight with Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey.He's willing to pay the price, in the form a $42,000 fine levied by the league on Thursday, according to Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' team site.Green won't be appealing the fine as acknowledgment of the mistake he made when retaliating to a series of shoves from Ramsey. He choked Ramsey and threw him to the ground before landing a series of punches on his helmet.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marshawn Lynch may never leave Marcus Peters alone in his house again after the story the Kansas City Chiefs cornerback told on the latest episode of "No Script."As Peters recalled, he was staying at Lynch's house for a few weeks and decided to cook some lumpias (a spring roll-like dish found in Indonesia and the Philippines) that his mom and aunt had made him. He ended up falling asleep with the stove on and awoke to find the house filled with smoke."I forgot to turn the damn oil off. I think the heat and (expletive) and the grease started melting the microwave - the microwave, the plastic dropped in the hot (expletive) oil, and then the house caught on fire," Peters said."And I panicked. I ain't never been around no fire like that, like a real one that was burning and (expletive). When I seen the flames and (expletive), I was spooked."Peters eventually managed to put the fire out with flour. Lynch arrived home a short time later to find all of the clothes in his bedroom - including a brand new pair of white Louis Vuitton shoes - covered in soot.Watch the full episode below.Warning: Video contains coarse languageCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

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 big men up front rarely get the attention or accolades that they deserve.The old adage that "the game is won in the trenches" is often true. But in today’s fantasy football- and highlight-driven society, the work of the 300-pounders is regularly overlooked - and the guys up front that do stand out are usually big sack producers or offensive tackles with big reputations.Here are two big men on each side of the ball who might not come with notoriety, but are excellent undersold contributors. We excluded the pure edge defenders (they get enough credit) and focused on just the 300-pounders.Offensive LineBrandon Linder, Jacksonville JaguarsFew seem to realize it, but Linder has been exceptional since entering the league. Linder played a little tackle in Miami, but was considered a guard at the NFL level.While he could certainly hold his own at guard, Linder has been really settled in at center for the Jaguars. Linder missed some time in college through injury and recently with illness, but there is no denying his toughness. He has exceptional size for the interior, but rarely loses the leverage battle.Linder isn’t the most explosive, strong, or agile offensive lineman, but he is very smart, competitive, and tough. Those traits rub off on his Jaguars teammates and does what Jacksonville needs with its defense and rugged running game as the cornerstones of the organization.John Sullivan, Los Angeles RamsSullivan has had a long and successful career, really making a name for himself between 2011-2013 with the Vikings. A case could be made that the veteran is playing his best football this year at age 32 in his first year with the Rams.Los Angeles’ addition of Andrew Whitworth received much more publicity than its signing of Sullivan this offseason. Both veterans have helped turn one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines in 2016 into what is now an upper-tier unit. Sullivan’s ability to make all the line calls as well as his influence behind the scenes has paid off handsomely for his new team and the Rams' younger offensive linemen.During the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Sullivan started just one game, and most thought his career was essentially over. He is proving those people wrong in a big way this season.Honorable Mention: David Andrews, Joel Bitonio, Trent Brown, Demar Dotson, Ramon Foster, Rodger SaffoldDefensive LineTimmy Jernigan, Philadelphia EaglesJernigan entered the league with some fanfare and is a very talented player overall. He was shipped out of Baltimore after being asked to be more of a 3-technique defensive tackle because the Ravens had huge nose tackles. Therefore, Jernigan was asked to be more of an upfield penetrator.The ideal usage for Jernigan is a combination of the two, which is exactly what the Eagles are asking of him. With Fletcher Cox as the foundation of Philadelphia’s exceptional defensive front, no one will be leaning on Jernigan as a pure disruptor lined up on the outside shoulder of a guard.Instead, Jernigan gets to penetrate in this four-man front from a 1-technique position on a shade of the center. This is exactly how to best utilize Jernigan’s assets where he can be an equal force against the run or pass.Jernigan hasn’t gotten the notoriety he deserves. In fact, even Cox and the rest of the Eagles' defense hasn’t gotten due credit for Philadelphia being the NFL's only one-loss team. It will be fun to watch Jernigan, Cox, and the Eagles' great defensive line when they return from their Week 11 bye to battle Dallas' strong offensive line.Danny Shelton, Cleveland BrownsThe Browns are the worst team in the NFL, but one thing that they do well is defend the run. Shelton, the prototypical nose tackle, is a major reason why Cleveland has done so well at limiting opposing running games despite usually being down on the scoreboard.Players in Shelton’s mold are often considered dinosaurs because they don’t offer much as pass-rushers, but finding guys to control the interior of the line of scrimmage is easier said than done, and Shelton will push the pocket at times in passing situations.What is even more encouraging going forward is that Cleveland will hopefully have Myles Garrett for the remainder of the season, which makes all those around him better and will greatly boost the Browns' pass rush. Cleveland faces a slate of below-average offensive lines during the second half of the season.Next time you watch the Browns, keep an eye on Shelton and the fine work he is doing on the interior.Honorable Mention: Michael Brockers, Kenny Clark, Tyrone Crawford, Javon Hargrave, Matt Ioannidis, Steve McLendon, Michael Pierce, D.J. Reader, Mitch Unrein(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NBC may have stumbled upon something while navigating a fog.The broadcaster of Sunday Night Football and the remaining Thursday Night Football contests will experiment with its camera angle in next week's TNF matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.NBC announced Thursday that it will make its dual Skycam system the primary camera angle for the Week 11 opener.The network used the angle for much of the second half of the Week 7 game between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons when a thick fog descended upon Gillette Stadium.Related: 5 incredible photos from a foggy night in FoxboroThe camera angle was praised for its visual similarity to gameplay in the "Madden" franchise.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While he continues to rehab from a broken foot, Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen will get off his feet and on the airwaves next week.Olsen will make his broadcasting debut when he joins FOX Sports as an analyst for the Week 11 contest between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, the network announced.The assignment shouldn't conflict with his duties with the Panthers as it comes during the team's bye week. Olsen has yet to be activated from injured reserve.The 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist should provide rare insight from an active player, though he may focus much of his attention on fellow tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Tyler Higbee.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints announced Thursday that corner Delvin Breaux will remain on injured reserve, signaling an end to his season.Breaux opened the year on IR with a fractured fibula and was eligible to return after eight weeks on the shelf, but suffered a setback in his recovery.The New Orleans native has been a starter since signing with the Saints in 2015, but injuries limited him to just six games in 2016. He was expected to be a leader in the secondary this season, but in his place, rookie Marshon Lattimore and 2016 signee Ken Crawley have thrived for the 6-2, NFC South-leading Saints.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Videos contain coarse languageSeveral brave members of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempted the "One Chip Challenge" on Wednesday.The challenge involves eating a single Paqui chip made with the hottest chili pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper. As tight ends Greg Olsen and Travis Kelce showed us last month, it's no easy task.First up, outside linebackers coach Joey Porter:

The Indianapolis Colts announced Thursday that they've released top corner Vontae Davis.The move comes a day after the player and team argued through the media about whether his disappointing season was due to injury or simply poor play.Davis contended that he's been dealing with a groin tear. General manager Chris Ballard told a local radio station that the corner was healthy, but "hasn't played very well."Davis didn't make the trip to Houston for the Colts' game against the Texans last week. Head coach Chuck Pagano called it a "coach's decision" rather than an injury-related determination.It was reported late Wednesday night that Davis would opt for season-ending groin surgery.The 29-year-old was playing in the final year of his contract with the Colts and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next season.If Davis is claimed off waivers, his new team would have to foot the bill for the $4.235 million remaining on his deal, ESPN's Field Yates reports.Davis played in just five games for the Colts this season and tallied 21 tackles and two passes defensed. His two best seasons were 2014 and 2015; he was named to the Pro Bowl twice after recording four interceptions in each campaign. His play has declined sharply since.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Following Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage's 19-for-44 performance against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Bill O'Brien is making sure his No. 2 option will be ready if called upon."Tom's gotten some reps, T.J. (Yates) got reps. I'm not saying it was 50-50, but I'd tell you that T.J. got some good reps," O'Brien said, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "He got a decent amount. We're just trying to get him back into the fold of running the offense and just gave him a decent amount of reps, not more than a normal No. 2."Savage threw for just 219 yards at an average of 4.98 yards per attempt with one touchdown pass in his second start of the season.He was already pulled from a game once this year, getting O'Brien's notoriously quick hook in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He gave way to rookie Deshaun Watson who proceeded to steal NFL headlines for the next six games, before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in practice.Yates has spent four of his five seasons with the Texans organization, though just one of those have come in O'Brien's system. He last appeared in four games in 2015, completing 49.1 percent of 57 pass attempts with three touchdowns and one interception.Josh Johnson, who last played for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013, was signed Tuesday to replace Matt McGloin as the team's third-string quarterback.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Thursday Night Football features another divisional game, as the Arizona Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks in NFC West play.The clubs are surprisingly looking up at the Los Angeles Rams in the standings and are in need of a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, especially the Cardinals.With that in mind, expect a close one in the desert.The wager: Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (+6)Adrian Peterson wanted more carries and Bruce Arians has been more than happy to oblige the star rusher after his midseason trade from New Orleans. With Carson Palmer on the sidelines, Peterson carried the ball a whopping 37 times for 159 yards in Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers.Since coming over from the Saints, Peterson has topped the 130-yard mark in two of three games and has instantly become the focal point of the offense. With a middle-of-the-road rush defense, Seattle could have some issues slowing the veteran down.The Seahawks' four-game winning streak was snapped Sunday in dramatic fashion on a late Washington Redskins touchdown. Once again, Seattle struggled to rush the ball with no player finishing over the 100-yard mark for the 12th straight regular-season contest.Look for the Cardinals secondary to force Seattle to run the ball and keep this one low scoring, which will ensure an Arizona cover whether they win or not. Seahawks 21, Cardinals 17Thursday picks record: 7-2Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants are in the midst of the worst possible season imaginable, stuck in the NFC East basement at 1-7. It wasn't supposed to go this way, as they were considered by some a preseason Super Bowl sleeper pick.At the root of the dysfunction lies head coach Ben McAdoo, a wholly uninspiring choice who's reportedly lost some of the locker room already.Here are three reasons why the Giants should tune McAdoo out:Vilification of Odell Beckham Jr.Beckham is one of the NFL's premier talents and is the type of player every offensive-inclined mind like McAdoo dreams of coaching. Beckham is also one of the NFL's most flamboyant players and enjoys the perks of being a modern American superstar, regularly hanging out with Drake while exuding the style and flair for which every 25-year-old strives.Conservative sportswriters and fans alike often use Beckham as a symbol of modern excess and try to paint him as a diva. Most coaches would come to the defense of their franchise player, especially when he's never had an off-field issue. McAdoo, however, is content to let outlets suggest Beckham is the problem, well after he suffered a season-ending ankle injury. The infantilization and vilification of Beckham is sheer nonsense, borne of McAdoo's own insecurity. It's a key reason why he should be further tuned out.Throwing players under the busIf Bill Belichick's stoicism is the model for most coaches to emulate, then McAdoo missed the memo. Equating McAdoo's bland personality for quiet leadership would be a tragic miscalculation, and the Giants' head coach has been quick to feed his players to a fervent press corps in the world's largest media market. Two anonymous players told ESPN they've tuned McAdoo out, and it's no wonder why.McAdoo suspended Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for violating team rules, a veteran who otherwise has been universally respected throughout his career. Later, McAdoo would sanction Janoris Jenkins for missing practice and do nothing to repair either other player's reputation, while the Giants sank to the bottom of the NFC East. McAdoo also lambasted Eli Manning several times, despite his own reputation as an offensive genius.Great leaders don't absolve themselves of responsibility. In McAdoo's mind, it seems everyone but him is at fault for this calamitous campaign.Inability to make an imprint on playing styleAfter spending a year as the Giants' offensive coordinator, McAdoo was promoted to head coach after Tom Coughlin was forced to resign. McAdoo was billed as an offensive wunderkind and an offensive savior who'd breathe life into the team's stale concepts.Nearly two years later, that couldn't seem further from the truth. The Giants are averaging 16.1 points per game, tied for 28th with the Bengals. Meanwhile, the Giants haven't been able to adapt their offense since Beckham got hurt, nor have they shown any semblance of a running game. It appears the Giants may have bought way too high on their asset, and are now stuck with a head coach who's in way over his own head.Head coach of the New York Giants is one of the NFL's most coveted positions, perhaps in all of professional sports. It seems likely the Giants will have their fair share of inspiring candidates to take over for McAdoo later this winter.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis has decided to undergo season-ending groin surgery after consulting with doctors independent of the team, a source told Stephen Holder of the IndyStar.Davis made waves Wednesday when he said he's been battling a groin issue throughout the season, which he blamed for his on-field regression. His comments contradicted head coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Chris Ballard, who repeatedly said he was healthy and simply not playing up to par."I had a groin tear that I dealt with," Davis said Wednesday. "I got different opinions on it. One doctor said I should have had surgery, other doctor told me to let it heal. I took the let-it-heal approach. I came back and probably came back a little too early and in the process, I probably hurt my teammates."The Colts left Davis in Indianapolis last week as they traveled to face the Houston Texans, a move that made the two-time Pro Bowler feel disrespected.Davis missed the first three games of the regular season due to a preseason groin injury, but hadn't been listed on the injury report with a groin designation since returning.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo is coming under fire from his players and fans alike, but still has a prominent supporter in safety Landon Collins.The Giants have slumped to a 1-7 record after being billed as a sleeper Super Bowl contender prior to the season. Amid the struggles, two anonymous Giants players recently told ESPN that McAdoo has lost the team, largely due to his rigorous practices and propensity to call his players out in the media.Collins refuted that notion Wednesday."McAdoo has been leading the same way he led last year," he told ESPN."I don't knock the way he has been doing things. Fining people like crazy? If you don't follow the rules, you get in trouble because you got to pay the consequences. I wouldn't say he lost the team. I have the utmost respect for him. He's been doing a great job. Just trying to figure it out like we all are."McAdoo has it all," Collins added. "He can lead men. He can do whatever you say. He has the ability to do those things. It's not McAdoo ... it's everybody. Everybody has to look in the mirror, the coaching staff, the coordinators, the players, everybody."Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie echoed Collins' statements."At the end of the day we have eight more games to get it right," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "(The Rams game) was terrible. I ain't never seen nothing like that in my life. In that game you had people running wide open. Ain't no way in hell anybody expected us to come off a bye and play like that.""But I'm telling you (McAdoo) has our support, Rodgers-Cromartie added. "It's just been a tough season. It is what it is."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston expressed contrition for poking New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the back of the head during Sunday's loss - a move that instigated a fight that led to Bucs receiver Mike Evans' one-game suspension.Winston was on the sidelines and tapped Lattimore on the helmet during the game. The pair then exchanged words, which led Evans to come flying in and level the Saints' standout rookie with a shove to the ground."I just want to apologize on behalf of my teammates and Mike Evans for the incident that happened in the Saints game. That's something I can't do in the heat of the moment," Winston said, via ESPN's Jenna Laine. "My competitive nature (took over). Obviously I can't come off the field and make any gesture toward an opponent, let alone touch them. I can't do that, so I apologize for that."Winston also met with renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews to discuss his shoulder injury. The quarterback was pulled from Sunday's game after being awkwardly driven into the ground."(The visit) was standard protocol," Winston said. "All the doctors are working together to come up with what they think (is best). All I know is that for the next two weeks, I'm going to be rehabbing and getting my shoulder to 100 percent."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis attributed his poor play this season to a groin injury, contradicting an account continually provided by his team."I had a groin tear that I dealt with," Davis said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Mike Wells. "I got different opinions on it. One doctor said I should have had surgery, other doctor told me to let it heal. I took the let-it-heal approach. I came back and probably came back a little too early and in the process, I probably hurt my teammates."Davis suffered a preseason groin injury and missed the first three regular-season games as a result. He hasn't been listed on the injury report with a groin designation at any point since returning in Week 4.The two-time Pro Bowler was left in Indianapolis last week as the Colts traveled to play the Houston Texans. Head coach Chuck Pagano repeatedly said Davis' benching was a "coach's decision," and not related to any injury whatsoever."I can't really control what Coach P said," Davis responded.Colts general manager Chris Ballard backed his coach Wednesday, saying the veteran defender is healthy but just "hasn't played very well."

The Green Bay Packers released tight end Martellus Bennett on Wednesday.Bennett was reportedly released with the "failure to disclose a medical condition" designation, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.The veteran signed a three-year, $21-million contract on March 10, coming off a Super Bowl victory with the New England Patriots.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is scheduled to attend a hearing regarding his suspension Thursday in front of a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.Elliott is seeking a motion for an injunction which would block his suspension. The All-Pro was granted an administrative stay Friday, which allowed him to play in Sunday's win against the Kansas City Chiefs.The NFL issued a six-game ban to Elliott on Aug. 11, but the Cowboys star has avoided serving it by gaining numerous stays over the past three months.Elliott will miss Thursday's practice in order to attend the hearing. The Cowboys hope Elliott's presence will increase his chances of receiving an injunction that would allow him to play for the remainder of the season, Archer reports.Elliott is in the midst of another standout campaign. He ranks second in rushing yards with 783.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suggested Wednesday his throwing shoulder may not be fully healed from offseason surgery."I still have pain in my shoulder from time to time," he said to reporters, via David Newton of ESPN.Newton underwent a procedure in March to repair a partially torn rotator cuff. The Panthers took a cautious approach to his rehab, limiting his activity significantly in training camp and the preseason.

Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas is doubtful for Thursday against the Arizona Cardinals with a hamstring injury, head coach Pete Carroll confirmed.Thomas was previously considered a game-time decision.Bradley McDougald will likely start in Thomas' place.Thomas missed Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins with the injury. The five-time Pro Bowler suffered the injury while trying to catch Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins during an Oct. 29 victory.Through seven games, Thomas has 38 tackles, a forced fumble, and two interceptions.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains coarse languageWhile there were rumors of Josh Gordon's rights being shopped in advance of last week's trade deadline, he remains with the Cleveland Browns, and he returned to the team facility this week as part of his conditional reinstatement.When he's eligible to return to the field in Week 13, he'll be joining a team buried at the bottom of the standings and likely eliminated from playoff contention, barring some miraculous second-half run, with a little help from around the league.He isn't letting that dampen his enthusiasm."I'm here to help the team win," Gordon said, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon. "That's my first priority. Being the best football player I can be - that comes first and foremost. Anything else after that I have no control over. I'm here to help this team win and do that the best way I know now. That's being the best wide receiver."Gordon is the only receiver ever to record back-to-back games with more than 200 receiving yards, but he's been limited to just 35 career games due to a series of off-field issues.In a recent tell-all interview with GQ's Clay Skipper, Gordon confessed to playing "probably every game of (his) career" under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.Now wanting to be the best ever at his position, Gordon's already come a long way from doubting he'd ever get the chance to play again."I said, 'If I plan on having any type of a career, I'll stop.' But at this point I thought, If I want any type of a life, if I wanted to live, (I’ll stop). It was like, 'You're never going back to fucking work ever, if you can't figure out how to live. Because at this point in time, the trajectory, you're going to die. You're going to kill yourself,'" said Gordon.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When Deshaun Watson was ruled out for the season with a knee injury sustained at practice, the Houston Texans' season (for all intents and purposes) was lost, as it's now in the hands of Tom Savage.Watson didn't just lose the chance to take Houston to the playoffs, but also the 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year award that could have already had his name engraved into it. The honor is now sure to go to one of many eligible running backs, with no true candidates at other offensive positions.The 12th-overall pick was the only quarterback from the 2017 draft class to have played long enough, and well enough, to garner any sort of consideration. Mitch Trubisky took several weeks to get into games and still only has an ultra-thin version of John Fox's playbook at his disposal. And Week 1 starter DeShone Kizer has led the Browns to a winless first half.Just three wide receivers have been named Offensive Rookie of the Year this millennium. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Cooper Kupp have flashed promise at times but have impressed mostly when compared to the standard of rookie wide receivers rather than their running back counterparts. Top-10 picks Corey Davis and Mike Williams have missed far too much time due to injury and have not impressed when healthy.And with all due respect to Evan Engram, no tight end has ever won the award. Jeremy Shockey's 2002 Pepsi NFL ROTY award doesn't count. Running back Clinton Portis won the real award that year.Top ContendersKareem HuntHunt was the first to emerge, taking full advantage of his early screening in the season opener against the New England Patriots.He topped 100 total yards in each of his first seven games, including a debut of more than 200 yards. He has failed to hit the mark in each of his past two outings, and he hasn't found the end zone since Week 3. His average yards per attempt have been dwindling quickly, and head coach Andy Reid will need to find ways to get Hunt reinvolved if he hopes to climb back to the top of the class and help the Chiefs snap a spell that's lost them three of four games.Leonard FournetteFournette has topped 100 total yards in four of six games, scoring a total of seven touchdowns along the way with 4.6 yards per carry. He has, however, missed two games - one due to injury, and one for violating a series of team rules - limiting his contributions.Should the Jaguars retain their early hold on the AFC South title, Fournette would get some extra voter attention, but he'll need to stay on the field regularly and leave behind rising doubts.Alvin KamaraDethroning Adrian Peterson almost immediately to begin his NFL career will earn Kamara some bonus points. Mark Ingram is now in danger of losing the lead role due to Kamara's versatility and excellence as both a rusher and receiver. The Saints will need to lean on Kamara more to stay atop the NFC South.RisersChristian McCaffreyThe eighth rookie selected in the draft, McCaffrey ranks third in the NFL in receptions with 54. He has scored just one touchdown on the ground, with two others coming as a receiver. Still, he'll need to greatly improve on his 2.9 yards per carry and usurp Jonathan Stewart once and for all to gain enough consideration for the award.Joe MixonMixon seems to have finally surpassed both Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard, but he's gaining just 2.9 yards per carry with only two touchdowns on the year. He's been efficient in the passing game, averaging just over 10 yards per catch, but he's yet to record more than four receptions in a single game.Outside ChanceD'Onta ForemanA bounceback season from starter Lamar Miller has limited Foreman to a complementary role in his rookie campaign, but the team's shift to a run-first style while at the mercy of Savage could provide enough work for Foreman to gain notice. He's still unlikely to put together big enough games to make up for lost time.Marlon MackMack ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 34 running back, two spots ahead of incumbent Colts starter Frank Gore. He's unlikely to overcome the veteran's presence in the immediate future, but as the Colts become a footnote in the 2017 season, they could allow Mack to make his claim for a larger role in the years to come.Samaje PerinePerine is yet to impress even once, but all that stands between him and a starting job is Rob Kelley, making for an easier task than the ones standing in front of Foreman and Mack. He'll have little room for error if handed another chance at the starter's role.Eliminated from ContentionDalvin CookEverything was going in Cook's favor to start the year. Two games with 100-plus total yards, two touchdowns, and the lead role out of the backfield for what is now a division-leading team. If he could've maintained his pace while avoiding injury, he would've surpassed both Hunt and Fournette by now.Chris CarsonCarson still has an 80-yard rushing lead over all other Seahawks running backs, with only quarterback Russell Wilson ranked ahead of him in the statistic. He wasn't able to score a touchdown on just 49 attempts, but his 4.2 yards per carry behind the porous offensive line was easily the backfield's best.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is threatening to sue the NFL as well as some of his colleagues if they continue negotiations to extend commissioner Roger Goodell's contract, Ken Belson of the New York Times reports, citing sources.Jones has reportedly hired lawyer David Boies - currently being criticized for his legal work involving Harvey Weinstein - and revealed the news to the six team owners on the league's compensation committee last week.Goodell has drawn Jones' ire due to Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott's suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.Jones informed the owners of the Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans that they'll be served with legal papers Friday if the compensation committee does not cancel plans to extend Goodell's tenure, Belson reports.The committee was reportedly closing in on a five-year extension that would have kept Goodell as league commissioner through 2024. However, Jones was apparently holding up such talks back in September."If not for Jerry, this deal would be done," ESPN reporter Adam Schefter said Sept. 17.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jalen Ramsey isn't finished his verbal assault on A.J. Green.The Jacksonville Jaguars corner was asked what led to his fight with the Cincinnati Bengals receiver Sunday, and he was eager to divulge."I told Green he was soft and weak, which is true. I was out there spitting facts," Ramsey said Wednesday, according to Brian Chojnacki of First Coast News.Both players were ejected from the game after a shove from Ramsey led Green to bodyslam his opponent a couple of times, adding a few punches to the helmet. Neither will be suspended for Week 10.Ramsey indicated that he didn't say anything to Green about the receiver's family, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN, and admitted he tried to get to the Bengals' locker room after his ejection, but was stopped by security.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If not for an epic trade-deadline blunder, the Cleveland Browns would have another quarterback on their carousel of starters.That reality is not lost on rookie DeShone Kizer, who's now had time to digest the news that his team nearly completed a trade for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron. The deal only fell apart due to improper paperwork."It's just another way of letting me know I need to step my game up," Kizer said Wednesday, according to Patrick Maks of ClevelandBrowns.com.Kizer has struggled in his first season, particularly in the red zone. He's started seven games for the Browns and been benched or replaced twice.He's expected to remain the starter, however, something that would have been thrown into question had the team acquired McCarron.Kizer's completed 52 percent of his passes for 1,144 yards, three touchdowns, and a league-leading 11 interceptions.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.

Teddy Bridgewater may be off IR, but he's not quite ready for live action.The Minnesota Vikings activated the quarterback off injured reserve Wednesday, but Case Keenum will draw the start in their Week 10 matchup with the Washington Redskins, head coach Mike Zimmer announced.Zimmer assured Bridgewater is healthy enough to play, but the team is still "trying to get him ready to where everybody feels comfortable with him," Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.Bridgewater will dress for the game and act as Keenum's backup.Zimmer was asked if he's confident in Bridgewater if Keenum were to go down on Sunday."100 percent," he responded, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While the most entertaining trade deadline in NFL history passed last week, there is still plenty of fun to be had dealing players in fantasy football.As fantasy trade deadlines approach this week and next, we take a look at five players who have had inconsistent fantasy performances, but could be valuable assets to acquire for owners trying to make a push for the playoffs.Drew Brees, SaintsNext four weeks: at Bills, vs. Redskins, at Rams, vs. PanthersDespite failing to surpass 400 passing yards or three touchdowns in any game this season, Brees isn't having the ridiculously pass-happy campaign people are accustomed to as the Saints have fielded a more-balanced attack.However, "Breesus" is still in the top five in passing with a solid selection of targets and a good final stretch to the season. After facing the Bills' 26th-ranked pass defense in Buffalo this weekend, the Saints play all of their remaining games indoors or in warm weather environments.LeSean McCoy, BillsNext four weeks: vs. Saints, at Chargers, at Chiefs, vs. PatriotsNow is the time to pry McCoy from any frustrated owner who is convinced he's past his prime.After having his best performance of the year in Week 8, a fatigued McCoy didn't see as many opportunities against the Jets on three days' rest, putting up just 25 yards on 12 carries. The down outing should be excused as a product of the NFL's insistence to play midweek games, but after a 10-day break, McCoy should be ready for the Saints this Sunday.With more attention from opposing secondaries devoted to Kelvin Benjamin, McCoy's abilities as a runner and receiver will be a tall task for banged-up defenses in Kansas City and New England.Kareem Hunt, ChiefsNext four weeks: Bye, at Giants, Bills, at JetsThe star of the first half of the 2017 season has cooled off lately as he has not topped 100 rushing yards since Week 5 or scored a touchdown since Week 3.With three of the last four games being losses for the Chiefs, Hunt has not had the opportunity to run out the clock in the fourth quarter, where he had success breaking long runs early in the campaign.If you can survive without him for a week, he should reap the rewards of his bye as the wear and tear of an NFL season can be a lot for a rookie.Golden Tate, LionsNext four weeks: vs. Browns, at Bears, vs. Vikings, at RavensTate has been heating up lately, making seven catches for a total of 295 yards in three straight games. Because of that, you may have to pay a pretty penny to get Tate - but the investment should pay off.The Lions have arguably the best November schedule in the league and Tate has generally been a late-season gamer. He caught at least six passes in the Lions' final five games last season.With the Lions unable to run the ball at a sustainable pace, Tate should see plenty of targets that will set up the former running back for plenty of yards after the catch to work as an extension of the rushing attack.Jimmy Graham, SeahawksNext four weeks: at Cardinals, vs. Falcons, at 49ers, vs. EaglesThe Seahawks may not have the best schedule down the stretch, but that never seems to matter for them. Seattle's late-season success has been sustained throughout Pete Carroll's tenure and it's fair to expect Graham to be as much a part of it as anyone.In a year that hasn't been too kind to tight ends fantasy-wise, Graham started rather slow this season, but has seen an increase in targets lately, particularly in the red zone. In the final year of his contract, Graham may have some extra motivation to produce as the season moves forward.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings officially activated quarterback Teddy Bridgewater from the physically unable to perform list Wednesday.Quarterback Sam Bradford was placed on injured reserve, potentially ending his season, to make room on the 53-man roster.Wednesday was the Vikings' deadline to either activate Bridgewater or choose to end his season. He'll reportedly back up Case Keenum on Sunday against the Washington Redskins.Bradford has played just one half since an excellent performance in the season opener against the New Orleans Saints. He was hurt in that game, then re-aggravated the injury in his Week 5 outing against the Chicago Bears and was replaced by Keenum.Bridgewater hasn't played a regular-season game since 2015 after suffering a debilitating knee injury in a preseason practice last year.In just 29 games played since being selected 32nd overall, Bridgewater completed 64.9 percent of his 849 passing attempts, totaling 6,150 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions - though he cut down on his aerial mistakes drastically in his sophomore season. He's added 401 career rushing yards and four touchdowns.Keenum, signed this past offseason to serve as the backup to Bradford, has performed admirably in his fifth year in the league while making six starts and one relief appearance. He's completed 63.9 percent of 233 attempts for 1,610 yards and seven touchdowns, with three interceptions.His career-best 88.8 passer rating has earned Keenum at least one more start, but the 6-2 Vikings, who lead the NFC North by two wins, could turn to the superior Bridgewater whenever he's deemed fully ready.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

AFCIndianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton recorded his third game of the season of more than 150 yards, lighting up the depleted Houston Texans defense for 175 yards and two touchdowns while catching a modest five of eight targets. It's his second-best yardage total of the season, falling just short of his 177 yards in a Week 5 win over the San Francisco 49ers.New York Jets linebacker Jordan Jenkins was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week after recording two sacks and a forced fumble in a Thursday night victory over the Buffalo Bills.Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jaydon Mickens returned a Cincinnati Bengals punt 63 yards for his first NFL touchdown early in the fourth quarter to seal his team's 23-7 victory and secure the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week award.NFCLos Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff needed to complete just 14 of 22 pass attempts to rack up career highs of 311 yards and four touchdowns. Goff took full advantage of an inept New York Giants defense while completing passes at an average length of 14.14 yards, with five completions of at least 35 yards to five different pass catchers.Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby stepped up for a struggling defensive unit to make seven combined tackles for the third time this season, including his first sack of the year. He also recorded his first interception of the season, as he made it a rough day for rookie San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard.Justin Hardee joined fellow cornerback Marshon Lattimore as the second New Orleans Saints rookie to win an NFC weekly honor, taking home the Special Teams Player of the Week award. Hardee scored a blocked punt touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The most predictable aspect of this NFL season is the unpredictability of the NFC South.The division astounds on an annual basis. No one foresaw the Carolina Panthers going 15-1 on their way to the Super Bowl in 2015. The Atlanta Falcons' emergence as Super Bowl participants in 2016 was similarly shocking.Going into this season, prevailing expectations had the Falcons overcoming a Super Bowl hangover to ultimately challenge for a top seed in the NFC, and the restocked Tampa Bay Buccaneers likely ending their nine-year playoff drought.Instead, the New Orleans Saints (6-2) and Panthers (6-3) control the division entering the second half of the season.Remarkably, since the NFL realigned its divisions in 2002, only one team has repeated as NFC South champion.Team 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Falcons2nd4th1st3rd3rdPanthers4th1st3rd2nd2ndSaints3rd2nd2nd4th1stBuccaneers1st3rd4th1st4thTeam20072008200920102011Falcons4th2nd2nd1st2ndPanthers2nd1st3rd4th3rdSaints3rd4th1st2nd1stBuccaneers1st3rd4th3rd4thTeam20122013201420152016Falcons1st3rd3rd2nd1stPanthers2nd1st1st1st4thSaints3rd2nd2nd3rd3rdBuccaneers4th4th4th4th2ndThere have been more instances in which a team has gone from worst to first in the division (six) than there have been repeat winners. The Panthers won the South in 2013, 2014, and again in 2015.All of this tells us that the Falcons should have expected to drop in the standings after last season. They may have superior talent and the capability to command a 25-point lead over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, but the NFC South only makes exceptions for CarolinaThere's still time and opportunity for Atlanta to rebound, however. Though the team lost to the Panthers in Week 9, five of the Falcons' six divisional games come in the last six weeks of the season.They'll have to catch the Saints, though, who already have two wins in the division and play their final four NFC South games in the last five weeks of the year, including two matchups with Atlanta.Perhaps with the topsy-turvy nature of the NFC South in mind, the NFL scheduled many of its pivotal intradivisional games during the season's home stretch.Clearly, it's tough to forecast how well the teams will be playing, but with two games to make up on the Saints and Panthers, oddsmakers don't give the Falcons a great chance at repeating.TeamOpening OddsCurrent Odds1. Saints4-12-32. Panthers2-12-13. Falcons8-59-24. Buccaneers4-1300-1(Odds courtesy: Westgate Las Vegas Superbook)The odds also agree with the NFC South's bizarre history, predicting it's much more likely that the Panthers make the division's seventh jump from worst to first.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's offer to Colin Kaepernick for a one-on-one meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell was met with a request that a mediator be present, and that request has been denied, Kaepernick's attorney Mark Geragos said, according to ESPN."We responded immediately that Colin would be happy to attend," Geragos said in a statement obtained by ABC News. "Because of the grievance, we asked that a mediator be present. A mediator also would ensure that the discussions were productive and confidential and not used as a PR stunt or prop by the league. Colin's proposal was rejected."However, league spokesman Joe Lockhart told ESPN's Joe Trotter that the NFL has not heard back from Kaepernick."Mr. Geragos' statement alone violates the collective bargaining agreement, breaking the confidentiality of the grievance process. So he can save his lecture on PR stunts. The invitation remains open," Lockhart said.The league's invitation to Kaepernick comes on the heels of league meetings involving owners and players discussing the subject of protests during the national anthem. The movement began when Kaepernick took a knee during "The Star-Spangled Banner" last season. He has yet to play in the NFL since the end of that campaign, filing a grievance against owners for collusion.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Injured Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas was recently given a $3-million raise from the team, with $1.5 million coming in the form of a 2017 bonus and another $1.5 million being added onto his 2018 base salary.His $10.3-million salary next season will rank him as the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, and will add on to over $121 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac.Thomas appreciates what he calls a show of affection from the team he has spent his entire 11-year career with, making the Pro Bowl in each of the first 10 seasons."I think they realized it’s the right thing to do, and it sends a good message going forward to the rest of the players in the locker room," Thomas said in an interview with Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com.Thomas says the discussions began roughly two years ago, despite already being locked into a seven-year, $80.5-million contract he signed prior to the 2011 season. While the Browns continued to struggle over that time, Thomas extended his consecutive snap streak to 10,363 before sustaining a season-ending triceps injury this year."I’ve tried to go about my business as well as I possibly can, representing the organization, playing as well as I can, trying to be a team player, and they felt a market adjustment was not only good for me, of course, but good for them, good for their business, because when you reward players when you don’t have to, that sends a message to the locker room that says, 'If you do the right things and you put yourself on the line for this team, we’ll reward you, even if you’re under contract,'" Thomas said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the 2017 season all but over for the New York Giants, the 1-7 outfit has turned its attention to college quarterbacks.Co-owner John Mara directed his team to begin scouting the top quarterback prospects several weeks ago, ESPN's Jordan Raanan reports, citing multiple sources.Giants vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross has reportedly spent recent weeks attending games to scout UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen.If the season were to end today, the Giants would own the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. Such a selection would put them in prime position to take a star quarterback. The Giants also took Davis Webb in the third round of this year's draft as a possible successor to Eli Manning.Next season would be Manning's 15th in the league. It appears the Giants' search for their next franchise quarterback has begun in earnest.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. Philadelphia Eagles (8-1)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan1st1st1st2ndPrevious Rank: 1stCarson Wentz's MVP bid is gaining steam, and the Eagles can beat teams in so many ways. Now, Philadelphia can completely focus on securing the No. 1 seed - Srinivasan2. New England Patriots (6-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan3rd3rd2nd1stPrevious Rank: 2ndThe Patriots held opponents to an average of just under 13 points per game during their four-game win streak. Let's kill all false narratives surrounding the reigning champs. - Srinivasan3. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan2nd2nd4th3rdPrevious Rank: 4thIt was an enjoyable bye week for Pittsburgh, who just had to sit back and watch as its two closest divisional challengers and the Chiefs - a rival for the AFC's No.1 seed - all lost. - Browne4. Los Angeles Rams (6-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan4th4th3rd4thPrevious Rank: 6thThe exciting Rams lead the league in points per game and just might fill up the 90,000-seat Coliseum before long. - McClymont5. Kansas City Chiefs (6-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan5th8th6th7thPrevious Rank: 3rdThe Chiefs may have already wrapped up a division title, but losing three of their last four games won't help their visions of grandeur. - McClymont6. New Orleans Saints (6-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan8th9th5th5thPrevious Rank: 9thThree teams have started 0-2 and won six straight games: the '93 Super Bowl-winning Cowboys, the '07 Super Bowl-winning Giants, and the '17 Saints. Make of that what you will. - Sanderson7. Dallas Cowboys (5-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan6th6th7th9thPrevious Rank: 10thAs long as Ezekiel Elliott remains in the lineup, there are few teams equipped to beat this offensive juggernaut. - Srinivasan8. Minnesota Vikings (6-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan9th5th9th6thPrevious Rank: 7thTeddy Bridgewater's near-miraculous recovery is almost complete. It should become a question of when, not if, he takes over for Case Keenum. - Browne9. Seattle Seahawks (5-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan7th7th8th8thPrevious Rank: 5thThe slow-starting Seahawks can't keep waiting until after halftime to turn it on. Luckily, they have just three days before they're able to put that upset loss to the shorthanded Redskins behind them. - McClymont10. Carolina Panthers (6-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan10th10th11th10thPrevious Rank: 11thIt's been tough to get a read on whether the Panthers are actually good this year, but they're three games above .500 through nine games, so that counts for something. - Sanderson11. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan11th11th10th12thPrevious Rank: 14thJacksonville made the necessary move to keep their star rookie in line and still won 23-7. Time to stop treating the Jaguars like a joke. - Sanderson12. Buffalo Bills (5-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan14th13th14th13thPrevious Rank: 8thThe Bills were embarrassed on national television and will get to see if their playoff bid is real against a white-hot Saints team Sunday. - Srinivasan13. Tennessee Titans (5-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan 16th15th13th11thPrevious Rank: 17thIf the Titans can continue to score touchdowns instead of field goals, they have a good chance to make the playoffs in a weak AFC. - Sanderson14. Detroit Lions (4-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan12th12th17th15thPrevious Rank: 15thThe Vikings may have a two-game edge, but the Lions have a shot at running them down thanks to having the division's only healthy veteran quarterback. - Browne15. Atlanta Falcons (4-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan13th14th15th14thPrevious Rank: 12thWhen Julio Jones drops a wide-open game-winning touchdown in the end zone, it's just not your day. Maybe just not your season either. - Sanderson16. Washington Redskins (4-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan15th16th12th16thPrevious Rank: 18thThe Redskins are a hard team to figure out, but after a thrilling win against the Seahawks, don't sleep on this potential late-season giant. - Srinivasan17. Oakland Raiders (4-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan17th18th16th18thPrevious Rank: 21stWhile the Raiders aren't out of it just yet, they'll have to traverse a daunting second-half schedule to remain in the hunt. - McClymont18. New York Jets (4-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan18th17th21st17thPrevious Rank: 23rdForget the preseason narrative for now. Can the Jets actually force their way into the playoff race after running over the Bills on Thursday? - Srinivasan19. Arizona Cardinals (4-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan20th19th23rd19thPrevious Rank: 25thThe Cards have alternated wins and losses all season. And they just recorded a win. - McClymont20. Los Angeles Chargers (3-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan19th22nd18th25thPrevious Rank: 22ndUnfortunately for Philip Rivers and the pass-heavy Chargers, Jalen Ramsey won't be suspended for Sunday's game. - McClymont21. Denver Broncos (3-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan22nd23rd20th20thPrevious Rank: 16thDon't let Brock Osweiler's two interceptions fool you, he should - and could - have been picked off another three or four times. Only Paxton Lynch can save Denver's season. - McClymont22. Miami Dolphins (4-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan25th20th19th22ndPrevious Rank: 24thHas any 4-4 team looked less impressive than the Dolphins in recent history? - Srinivasan23. Baltimore Ravens (4-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan21st21st24th21stPrevious Rank: 19thAt 4-5, the Ravens aren't dead - yet. But Baltimore has to use its bye to figure out its offensive woes, even if that means a midseason change at offensive coordinator. - Browne24. Green Bay Packers (4-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan24th24th22nd24thPrevious Rank: 20thMike McCarthy is playing scared with Brett Hundley under center, and the Packers look set to fizzle out of the playoff picture without a fight. - Browne25. Houston Texans (3-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan23rd25th26th23rdPrevious Rank: 13thLet's try not to be too sad about what could've been if Deshaun Watson stayed healthy because things will get dark quick. Just try to look forward to the Texans' future with a franchise quarterback. - Sanderson26. Indianapolis Colts (3-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan28th27th25th27thPrevious Rank: 30th"Probably not the worst team in the AFC South" is about the best compliment the Colts are going to get this season. - Sanderson27. Chicago Bears (3-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan26th28th27th26thPrevious Rank: 26thChicago has been more competitive than most expected, but John Fox likely needs his team to go on a tear for the rest of the year to keep his job. - Browne28. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan27th26th28th28thPrevious Rank: 27thHow about the Bengals don't play for the rest of the season, and we replace their games with A.J. Green fighting various cornerbacks? - Browne29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan29th29th29th29thPrevious Rank: 28thSo an injured Jameis Winston starts a scuffle that gets Mike Evans (very deservedly) suspended? May as well bring back the Creamsicle jerseys because these Bucs are a total trainwreck. - Sanderson30. New York Giants (1-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan30th30th30th30thPrevious Rank: 29thIs it too early for the Giants to consider moving on from Ben McAdoo? New York looks like it has completely given up. - Srinivasan31. San Francisco 49ers (0-9)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan31st31st31st31stPrevious Rank: 31stIn case you're wondering why the 49ers might not play Jimmy Garoppolo at all this year, C.J. Beathard absorbed 16 hits Sunday. - McClymont32. Cleveland Browns (0-8)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan32nd32nd32nd32ndPrevious Rank: 32ndThe only thing more embarrassing than the Browns' on-field performances is the ridiculous in-fighting behind the scenes. - BrowneCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.