One of the NFL's most successful projects of the 2016 season is back, and is a little more organized this time.With the second year of "My Cause My Cleats" set to kick off in Week 13, over 100 players have already announced which charities they'll be supporting with their custom footwear.Some of the league's top stars have announced their charities, many of which are their own foundations:

Jamaal Charles will make his return to the city he called home for nine NFL seasons on Monday, and he's optimistic that fans will be happy to see him.The 30-year old Denver Broncos running back is set for his first trip back to Arrowhead Stadium since the Kansas City Chiefs released him in February. Adam Teicher of ESPN described Charles as "more hopeful than certain" he'd receive an ovation."I gave it my all for the Chiefs," Charles said. "People think I'm a traitor just because I play with the Broncos but I was just trying to get a job. At the end of the day, I'm happy the Broncos kept that dream alive for me ... My heart is always going to be with the Chiefs, after I retire."Despite numerous knee injuries leading to a great deal of time spent on the sidelines during his tenure, Charles remains the all-time leading rusher for the Chiefs with 7,260 yards. The running back hasn't appeared in more than five games in a season since 2014, but has managed to rush for 175 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries over four games so far this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower will not play this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a shoulder injury that could cause him to miss more time, a source told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.Hightower left Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons with the injury and did not return. He's made just 14 tackles with two sacks through five games this season.The sixth-year pro already missed two games this season with a knee injury.Veteran David Harris is expected to take Hightower's spot in the starting lineup.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' honor and team-first mentality have been integral in making them one of the most successful and prestigious franchises in all of North American sports.But sometimes it's best just to swallow your pride.The situation between the Steelers and receiver Martavis Bryant has devolved in such a way that it can be blamed on one thing: Pittsburgh's aforementioned stubborn, team-first attitude.Ever since Bryant reportedly first asked to be traded, the organization's front office has repeatedly stated it "will not trade a player just because he asked."Related - Rooney: We're not looking to trade Martavis Bryant

Roberto Aguayo has found his next shot at redemption, as the former second-round kicker joined the Carolina Panthers' practice squad Wednesday.Aguayo was cut in training camp by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after they traded up to draft him in 2016. He then failed to make the Chicago Bears' roster following a waiver claim.Head coach Ron Rivera was impressed by how Aguayo's handled the pressure of being a high pick after his first practice Wednesday."He kicked the ball very well - made all his kicks - and kicked off very well. He fit the bill," head coach Ron Rivera said, according to Bryan Strickland from the team's official site. "With the situation (starting kicker) Graham (Gano) had last week, we just feel we have to have a security blanket, and he was the best one we brought in."We had a conversation, talked about what happened (after being drafted high). It was interesting. He talked about some of the things he did and some of the things he felt, that he did feel the pressure of having been a second-round pick. It was interesting to hear him be very honest and upfront about it. I thought that was a good sign."Aguayo appears to appreciate being out of the spotlight with the practice squad placement."You go back to basics. It's humbling. It definitely is," said Aguayo. "It felt good to regroup, and then with the opportunity I had here I did well, and they chose me. It's great to be here."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant vowed to act more professionally Wednesday after he was demoted to the scout team and told he'll be inactive Sunday night."If I'm not traded, I'm going to work my butt off here, and whatever happens happens," he told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "You're not going to hear me complaining no more. I'm just going to be quiet and let everything fall into place."Bryant has reportedly been awaiting a trade out of the Steel City, but the Steelers have publicly stated they're not going to move him. The 25-year-old has been upset about his reduced role in Pittsburgh's offense following his return from a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy.Bryant didn't attend practice Monday after calling in "sick."Bryant has recorded 18 catches for 234 yards and one touchdown through seven games in 2017.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's been tough to separate the pretenders from the contenders this NFL season, as the teams we expected to be great are seemingly playing down to their competition, leading to an unprecedented level of parity.Over the past several seasons, the strongest indication of quality teams headed for a playoff run was point differential. Three of the past five Super Bowl matchups have featured the teams ranking first and second in the category at the end of the season, with the No. 1 team winning two of those contests, including last year's New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons thriller.Super BowlWinnerLoserPoint Diff. RanksLIPatriotsFalcons1/250BroncosPanthers10/1XLIXPatriotsSeahawks1/2XLVIIISeahawksBroncos2/1XLVIIRavens49ers11/4The 2017 season has a pair of surprising teams leading the category, with the degree of separation from the rest of the pack indicating their first seven games have been far from a fluke.TeamPoint Diff.RecordRams745-2Jaguars734-3Eagles536-1Chiefs465-2Seahawks404-2Saints384-2Steelers315-2Texans303-3Patriots295-2Vikings275-2The Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars lead the NFL in offense and defense, respectively, in terms of points scored and allowed per game. Both teams also rank in the top 10 of the category in which they don't lead, with the Rams possessing the 10th-best defense, and the Jaguars ranking ninth in offense.The Jaguars trail only the Buffalo Bills with a turnover differential of plus-eight, while the Rams are in the middle of the league with a neutral give-and-take rating.Both teams have relied heavily on their rushing attacks. The Jaguars lead the league with 169 team rushing yards per game, while the Rams come in at No. 6 with 127.6 yards per game.Starting running backs Todd Gurley and Leonard Fournette rank third and fourth, respectively, in rushing yards and second and first, respectively, in rushing touchdowns.Oft-ridiculed quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Jared Goff have improved on last season's disasters through seven games.NameYearCMP%AVGQB RateBortles201658.96.2578.8201758.77.1385.4Goff201654.65.3163.6201759.97.7490.3Neither has been playing at the elite level typically associated with Super Bowl quarterbacks, but they're staying out of the way while allowing the strengths of their respective teams to carry them.Suddenly neutral NFL supporters may want to jump on the bandwagon before space begins to run low and their loyalties are questioned.A Super Bowl featuring both the Jaguars and Rams is currently paying out at 169/1 on Bovada.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cam Newton prematurely left his press conference Wednesday after responding to a question about explosive plays by rolling his eyes and saying "next question."

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin vowed Tuesday that disgruntled receiver Martavis Bryant is not available via trade. That doesn't mean he'll be available to the Steelers on Sunday, however.Bryant told reporters Wednesday he was informed by the team he'll be inactive against the Detroit Lions due to "social media" outbursts, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.As a result, he was demoted to the scout team at practice, Fowler adds.Bryant said Tuesday that if the Steelers "don't try to include me more and continue to do the same thing, then I want out, period." He also lashed out on social media, admonishing fellow receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has gotten more attention in the offense.The Steelers responded by stating they intend to keep the fourth-year pro, but it appears he won't avoid punishment.Bryant said he's prepared for any fallback from his actions, according to Fowler.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ben Roethlisberger can no longer deny that receiver Martavis Bryant is unhappy. But he can't guarantee he'll meet Bryant's demands, either.After catching just one pass on Sunday, Bryant threatened that if the Pittsburgh Steelers don't include him more in the offense, he wants out of town.Roethlisberger responded to those demands on Wednesday."I'm not going to be a doctor and promise I'm going to save your life," Roethlisberger said, according to Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review."I'm going to tell him, 'If you're on your details and we're working together and I trust that you're going to be where we're supposed to be and you're there, good things will happen.'"Bryant was suspended all of last season for a repeated violation of the league's personal conduct policy. Through the first seven games of this season, Bryant has just 18 receptions for 234 yards and a touchdown.Roethlisberger said he had no clue Bryant was growing unhappy and would have preferred the wideout voice any displeasure with him directly."I'm the guy that throws the ball, so if you're unhappy about something, come talk to me," the quarterback said. "Maybe there is something we can figure out together to make it better."It doesn't appear things will get better for Bryant any time soon, as he was demoted to the scout team at Wednesday's practice, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Simeon Rice feels like he still has something left in the tank.The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end retired 10 years ago, but insists he is serious about coming back to the team at age 43."If they want a pass rusher, they should bring in a pass rusher extraordinaire who was one of the dominant pass rushers of any era," Rice told Jenna Laine of ESPN. "What is it going to cost? You don't have one."The Bucs recently placed pass rusher Noah Spence on injured reserve and sit last in the NFL in sacks. Rice believes he could still be productive in the right situation."My only request is you bring me in and let me play my brand of defense which is real pressure football -- sack fumbles and disruption," Rice said.Rice sits 19th on the NFL's all-time sack list with 122.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We're nearly at the halfway point of the NFL season and not many could have foreseen how things have unfolded.Many of the preseason betting favorites have fallen by the wayside and a number of underdogs have emerged.In the latest Super Bowl odds released by the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook, teams like the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams find themselves in the top 10 among favorites to reach the big game on Feb. 4.TeamCurrent oddsOpening oddsPatriots7-26-1Steelers9-210-1Eagles7-160-1Chiefs8-120-1Seahawks10-112-1Vikings12-125-1Falcons14-116-1Saints14-180-1Rams18-1100-1Cowboys20-110-1Raiders25-120-1Panthers30-120-1Broncos30-120-1Titans40-140-1Texans40-160-1Lions50-160-1Jaguars60-180-1Packers60-112-1Bills60-180-1Chargers60-180-1Redskins80-150-1Buccaneers80-140-1Bengals100-150-1Dolphins100-140-1Bears100-1100-1Ravens200-125-1Cardinals300-125-1Colts500-125-1Giants500-125-1Jets500-1100-149ers2000-1300-1Browns9999-1300-1The New England Patriots remain the odds-on favorite at 7-2, followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers at 9-2, and Kansas City Chiefs at 8-1.The Philadelphia Eagles jumped up from 60-1 to 7-1 entering Week 8 of the season. The Saints made a similar jump from 80-1 to 14-1, and the Los Angeles Rams have skied up the charts from 100-1 to 18-1.With Aaron Rodgers injured, the Green Bay Packers' odds have dropped from 12-1 to 60-1, and the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants both saw their odds plummet from 25-1 to 500-1.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins ruled quarterback Jay Cutler out for Thursday night's contest against the Baltimore Ravens, as he deals with multiple cracked ribs.Cutler suffered the injury in a Week 7 game against the New York Jets and four days appears too short a time for the veteran to heal for the Week 8 matchup.He was replaced in last week's contest by Matt Moore, who will presumably draw the start for the 4-2 Dolphins.Miami signed David Fales to serve as Moore's backup while Cutler is out.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick was invited by players to attend the next meeting with NFL owners, and he plans on accepting the invitation, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.Kaepernick wasn't in attendance at a recent meeting held between several players and owners. Active players Josh Norman and Malcolm Jenkins were present, as well as recently retired receiver Anquan Boldin.Related: Norman, Jenkins among 13 players attending NFL anthem meetingKaepernick's lawyer refuted reports that his client was invited to the event and chose to decline.The two sides vowed to meet for a follow-up discussion after the initial meeting lasted nearly four hours.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns placed No. 1 overall draft pick Myles Garrett in concussion protocol after he reported to the team facility with concussion-like symptoms on Tuesday.The move puts the rookie's status for the Browns' Week 8 game against the Minnesota Vikings in London, England, in serious doubt.Garrett missed the first four games of the season due to an ankle injury he picked up just before the campaign began. He played in the past three games and already leads the team in sacks with four.Cleveland will already be without franchise stalwart Joe Thomas for the rest of the season after he suffered a torn triceps last weekend. The Browns are scheduled to fly overseas on Thursday, making it likely their franchise defensive end won't make the trip either.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.Longtime Las Vegas oddsmaker Peter Korner sizes up this week’s NFL schedule and picks out some of the lines making him go “hmmm...” in Week 8.

AFCAmari Cooper's best game of the season came at the right time, helping the Oakland Raiders upset the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. Cooper, who entered the game with totals of 146 yards and one touchdown, went off for 210 yards and two scores. The Raiders will accept his continued drops if they're accompanied by more games like this.Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard recorded all three of his team's interceptions against Cleveland Browns quarterbacks DeShone Kizer and Cody Kessler to take home the Defensive Player of the Week award.Travis Benjamin's fourth AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award marks the most by a return specialist since he entered the league in 2012. Not only did he score his first punt-return touchdown of the season, but he added a 42-yard receiving touchdown for his second offensive score.NFCCarson Wentz, the second overall pick of the 2016 draft, joined Cam Newton and Russell Wilson as the only quarterbacks to win Offensive Player of the Week awards in each of their first two seasons over the past 25 years. His second four-touchdown game of the past three weeks brings his total to 17 on the year.Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson became the first defensive player ever to score two touchdowns of at least 75 yards in the same game, as he took both an interception and a fumble off Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to the end zone.Minnesota Vikings kicker Kai Forbath made all six of his field-goal attempts but missed his lone point-after try while putting up 18 of his team's 24 points in a 24-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The story of Smith-Schuster's stolen spokes has been solved.JuJu Smith-Schuster, a rookie wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, reported on Twitter on Tuesday that the bike he rides to the team facility had been stolen.By Wednesday morning, the bike had been turned in to the Mount Oliver Police Department in Pittsburgh.

The Cleveland Browns have opted for some level of continuity at the quarterback position, naming rookie DeShone Kizer the starter for their Week 8 game against the Minnesota Vikings in London, England, on Sunday.Kizer was benched two weeks ago for turnovers and ineffective play, but was back in the starter's role last week against the Tennessee Titans. However, he was replaced in the third quarter by Cody Kessler in a game the Browns went on to lose 12-9 in overtime to remain winless.Kizer was also criticized by head coach Hue Jackson for staying out late last Friday night.The rookie leads the league in interceptions with 11 and continues to make poor decisions in the red zone. Yet, the Browns chose against reinserting Kevin Hogan, who started in Week 6 in place of Kizer, or giving the job to Kessler, who went 10-of-19 passing for 121 yards and an interception after taking over against Tennessee.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seven weeks into his new profession, Tony Romo is already a hit.The rookie broadcaster has taken to his role as lead analyst for CBS Sports' top NFL games and the reviews have been favorable.In particular, viewers have been amazed by Romo's ability to forecast the upcoming play.Related: Watch - Clairvoyant Romo calls yet another play before it happensIt's something he's done correctly on multiple occasions, and he didn't expect it to garner so much attention."I don't think I do it that often," Romo said to Peter King of The MMQB. "I know the viral sensation of the world we live in, with social media everywhere. But I only do it maybe three times a game."I'm just trying to think along with the game, to say what I see. It comes down to years of experience, knowing the defense as well as the offense. It's been natural for me to feel what the quarterback is thinking and feeling at the moment."Romo entered into his new gig with the intention of relating to football fans."As far as what I say ... I want people to feel when the game's on the line how important the play is. It's like you're at dinner or in the bar with your buddy, and you look up at the game on TV and say, 'You gotta see this!' That's the way I want to do games," he said.And, as of now, he doesn't envision himself returning to the football field, stating that he "doesn't really think about that."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Good morning.Here's what's making headlines:Kershaw silences AstrosThe World Series got underway Tuesday after much anticipation, and it was Clayton Kershaw who owned the night.The perennial Cy Young candidate stymied Houston Astros hitters through six innings en route to a 3-1 win for the Los Angeles Dodgers.Kershaw struck out 11 Astros on just three hits, burying the narratives surrounding his past postseason performances.Here are 10 incredible feats Kershaw accomplished in Game 1.Dallas Keuchel turned in a solid performance on the mound for Houston, but it wasn’t enough as a pair of home runs from Chris Taylor and Justin Turner cashed in all three runs for the Dodgers.The blast gave Turner his 13th and 14th RBIs of the 2017 playoffs, breaking the Dodgers franchise record for a single postseason.Pelicans' Davis hobbledNew Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis left Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers after suffering a left knee injury, with head coach Alvin Gentry telling reporters postgame that an MRI of the knee came back negative.However, Gentry said the Pelicans will know more about the injury on Wednesday.Inconsistent health is the only blemish on Davis' otherwise fantastic resume. The 24-year-old is arguably the best two-way big man in the league and a top-10 player overall when he's able to stay on the floor. He made 75 appearances last year, but failed to crack 70 in each of his first four seasonsFreeney won't hang 'em upVeteran defensive end Dwight Freeney announced Tuesday that he's signing with the Seattle Seahawks.The 37-year-old joins an impressive front seven that already boasts Michael Bennett, Frank Clark, and Sheldon Richardson.Last year, Freeney played in 15 games for the Atlanta Falcons, making one start, while recording 10 tackles and three sacks. Freeney ranks 18th on the all-time sacks list with 122.5.Gortat sends warning to LonzoLonzo Ball can stand on his own two feet, but as opposing guards around the NBA target him, the 19-year-old rookie can rest assured that he'll have the support of his Los Angeles Lakers teammates.After Lonzo's father, LaVar Ball, said the Washington Wizards "better beware" in their Wednesday meeting with the Lakers because Lonzo "ain't losing again," Washington center Marcin Gortat tweeted that teammate John Wall would torment LaVar's son from the opening tip."The competitor in Lonzo, of course he didn't take it so well. With his teammates behind him, we didn't take it so well. We've just got to go and compete," Lakers forward Brandon Ingram said. "Of course everyone's gonna try to attack him because of who he is and what he does on the basketball floor. All we can do is have his back."Wall vowed to show "no mercy" against Ball and the Lakers.Agent alters story on FultzMarkelle Fultz's agent corrected his earlier statement regarding his client's ailing shoulder, saying Tuesday night that the NBA's No. 1 overall draft pick didn't have fluid drained from the area.Raymond Brothers, who represents Fultz, told ESPN that Fultz received a cortisone shot to reduce discomfort.Brothers said earlier Tuesday that Fultz had fluid drained from his shoulder before the season. Fultz was a strong shooter in his lone season in college, but his injury, coupled with the Sixers' apparent efforts to reshape his shooting mechanics, have produced poor results (33 percent from the floor and 50 percent from the free throw line).Bonus RoundHow C.J. Miles transformed himself into a feared shooterMiles has quietly become one of the NBA's most underrated specialists.What's the NFL's most impressive current streak?Eli Manning has made 210 consecutive starts, the most among active quarterbacks and more than older brother Peyton.(Photos courtesy: Getty and Action Images)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 (6-1)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan1st1st1st2ndPrevious Rank: 2ndThe Eagles have their savior and sit atop the small group of good teams this season. Could this be the year the Super Bowl drought finally ends? - Browne2. Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan2nd2nd3rd4thPrevious Rank: 1stKansas City is still in good shape despite two straight losses, but with two hungry opponents in the Broncos and Cowboys up next, the Chiefs need to put the pedal back down to the metal to stay atop the AFC. - Sanderson3. New England Patriots (5-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan3rd6th2nd1stPrevious Rank: 4thThat's the Patriots we all know and ... respect? New England's offense took it to Atlanta, and the defense finally looked solid. Any need for the fog machines though, Bill? - Browne4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan4th3rd5th3rdPrevious Rank: 3rdThe Steelers may lead the NFL in internal feuds, but Antonio Brown is submitting an MVP campaign and they remain the class of the division - somehow. - Srinivasan5. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan5th5th4th6thPrevious Rank: 5thHats off to the Rams. Whether this success lasts or not, they've gone from a bottom-five squad to one of few teams playing well on both sides of the ball in less than two months. - Sanderson6. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan6th4th6th5thPrevious Rank: 6thSeattle came out on top against the Giants in the battle of teams without offensive lines. The recovery from a 1-2 start seems to be almost complete, but the Seahawks are missing that marquee win. - Sanderson7. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan7th10th7th7thPrevious Rank: 11thHarrison Smith ought to be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, and the Vikings have weathered injuries at running back and quarterback. They're going to be a very tough out for the rest of the year. - Srinivasan8. Houston Texans (3-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan9th7th10th8thPrevious Rank: 10thOne of the league's highest-scoring offenses will have to contend with some of the NFL's best defenses in the second half. - McClymont9. New Orleans Saints (4-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan8th14th9th11thPrevious Rank: 13thThe Saints are among the hottest teams in the league. They can't possibly slip up against the Bears the way the Falcons and Panthers did before them. Right? - McClymont10. Buffalo Bills (4-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan10th12th12th10thPrevious Rank: 16thIt might not always be pretty, but the Bills are finding ways to win, and under Sean McDermott, they're playing with a newfound belief. When's the last time you could say that about Buffalo? - Browne11. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan13th17th8th9thPrevious Rank: 17thDemarcus Lawrence is on pace to break the NFL's single-season sack record. He's also an impending free agent. If the Cowboys don't break the bank to keep him, someone else will. - Browne12. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan12th9th15th13thPrevious Rank: 8thThe Falcons were nearly shut out by the team that haunts their dreams. That loss in Foxboro could have lingering effects on the remainder of the season. - McClymont13. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan 11th15th11th12thPrevious Rank: 14th#Sacksonville can kick back during the bye week and prepare for a stretch run that begins with five favorable matchups (Bengals, Chargers, Browns, Cardinals, Colts). - McClymont14. Carolina Panthers (4-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan14th8th17th16thPrevious Rank: 7thIf someone can explain this Panthers club to us, we're all ears. - McClymont15. Denver Broncos (3-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan16th13th13th15thPrevious Rank: 9thDenver's offensive line has been a major weakness the last few weeks and that needs to stop if the club doesn't want to miss a second consecutive postseason. - Sanderson16. Detroit Lions (3-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan15th11th18th14thPrevious Rank: 12thComing off the bye, the Lions will try to take advantage of a Steelers team that is dealing with internal strife. - Srinivasan17. Washington Redskins (3-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan20th16th16th17thPrevious Rank: 18thHuh, seems like letting both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon leave in free agency was a bad idea. - Browne18. Miami Dolphins (4-2)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan17th19th19th18thPrevious Rank: 21stTwo amazing comebacks have saved the Dolphins' season. It's going to get even better when Matt Moore proves he should have been Ryan Tannehill's replacement all along. - Browne19. Tennessee Titans (4-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan18th18th22nd19thPrevious Rank: 19thThe Titans struggled to put away the Colts and Browns in consecutive weeks, but remain in control of their division. Such is life in the AFC South. - McClymont20. Oakland Raiders (3-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan19th21st14th26thPrevious Rank: 26thIn a wild Thursday nighter, Oakland finally showed signs of having the offense everyone expected before the season. The Raiders need to keep building to fight their way back into the playoff picture. - Sanderson21. Green Bay Packers (4-3)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan21st23rd21st20thPrevious Rank: 15thBrett Hundley's audition as an NFL quarterback isn't off to a great start, but the bye week is a perfect time to assess his flaws and keep it moving. - Srinivasan22. Los Angeles Chargers (3-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan23rd22nd20th25thPrevious Rank: 25thJust like that, the Chargers are alive in the AFC West. They're still at the bottom, but they're making noise - which is more than you can say about their fan base. - Sanderson23. New York Jets (3-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan22nd20th26th23rdPrevious Rank: 22ndThe Jets will either rally from the backbreaking loss to the Dolphins or collapse into the team we all thought they'd be. The club's at a crossroads when it comes to head coach Todd Bowles' future. - Browne24. Arizona Cardinals (3-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan26th24th25th21stPrevious Rank: 20thWithout Carson Palmer - who was already playing questionably - the Cardinals may as well pack up and go home before Larry Fitzgerald gets hurt. No one wants to see that. - Sanderson25. Chicago Bears (3-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan24th26th23rd24thPrevious Rank: 27thIt'll likely take more than seven passes from Mitchell Trubisky for the Bears to get another win. They're stuck between tanking and run-of-the-mill mediocrity. - Srinivasan26. Baltimore Ravens (3-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan25th28th24th22ndPrevious Rank: 23rdThe Ravens have been good, and they've been bad, but they've never been forgettable - until now. Will anyone recall a single moment from this year's team come next fall? - Srinivasan27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan28th25th27th27thPrevious Rank: 24thJameis Winston has held up his end of the deal. The rest of the roster better join him before it's too late. - McClymont28. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan27th27th29th28thPrevious Rank: 28thIt's an hour-and-a-half drive from Cincinnati to Louisville, which is a roundabout way of saying that the Bengals should start scouting Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. - Srinivasan29. New York Giants (1-6)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan29th29th28th29thPrevious Rank: 29thThe Giants have never actually fired a general manager. Barring a miraculous turnaround, that could change this offseason. - Browne30. Indianapolis Colts (2-5)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan31st30th30th30thPrevious Rank: 30thIt doesn't get much more embarrassing than a shutout loss to a Jaguars team resting Leonard Fournette. Yet, incredibly, head coach Chuck Pagano remains employed. - McClymont31. San Francisco 49ers (0-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan30th31st31st31stPrevious Rank: 31stAfter performing admirably in every game until Sunday's 40-10 loss, it will be interesting to see if the 49ers bounce back to their previous form or if all the losing has worn them out. - Sanderson32. Cleveland Browns (0-7)BrowneMcClymontSandersonSrinivasan32nd32nd32nd32ndPrevious Rank: 32ndRound and round the quarterback carousel goes. Check back later this week to find out who'll start for the morose Browns! - SrinivasanCopyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran defensive end Dwight Freeney announced Tuesday that he's signing with the Seattle Seahawks.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is arguably the breakout star of the season and he's now drawing comparisons to all-time greats during his sophomore season.Wentz improbably leads the NFL with 17 touchdown passes and has emerged as a leading MVP candidate while steering the Eagles to an NFL-best 6-1 record.Eagles head coach Doug Pederson compared Wentz to a Green Bay Packers legend on Tuesday."A little bit of Brett Favre, honestly," Pederson said via Jared Dubin of CBS Sports. "He's got that mentality, he's got that aggressiveness that Brett had. Those are some of the skill sets that I see in Carson. That aggression, that ability to throw the ball down the field. And listen, I love quarterbacks that are willing to take a chance, take a calculated risk down the field. Favre was that way, and I see a lot of the same characteristics in Carson."Serving as Favre's backup from 1995-98 as a member of the Packers, Pederson's words are certainly high praise for his second-year standout.Pederson praised Wentz for getting the most out of his teammates and broke down the nuances between him and Favre in and outside of the pocket."You're seeing some of the same things that I saw in Brett in Carson: The toughness, the good, accurate throws, and eyes are down the field extending plays with his legs. And probably the one biggest difference is probably Brett was always referred to as 'the gunslinger' with a big arm that would just rip it in there. Carson's a little more calculated, but yet very accurate passer as well."Wentz is heading for stardom. Whether he can replicate a career that included 11 Pro Bowls, 3 MVPs, and a Super Bowl win like Favre's remains to be seen.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Justin Boone is coming off his fourth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition. Follow the links below to see his early rankings for Week 8.Updated rankings (including PPR) will be released Thursday, with the final version coming down Sunday morning.Standard

Bruce Arians isn't going anywhere any time soon.The Arizona Cardinals head coach refuted a report from ABC15 Sports on Tuesday that stated he wouldn't return for the 2018 season.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory is reportedly going to take his time before applying for reinstatement ahead of the 2018 season.Gregory was suspended indefinitely for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.He is eligible to apply for reinstatement on Nov. 6.Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke candidly about Gregory's potential reinstatement but didn't provide a timeline for his return."I wouldn't get into what we're going to do there, and what he's going to do there," Jones said Tuesday via 105.3 The Fan. "But I do know that as we move forward with the league relative to how we handle a situation like Randy Gregory, his opportunity to play will get better and better. He's, I think, the classic case of potentially what we ought to consider when we're looking at some of our substance issues."I'm just going to hold it at that. I don't want to speculate on whether he'll be on the field for us here at that time or not."Gregory's attorney, Daniel B. Moskowitz, released a brief statement via Pro Football Talk."Given the sensitivity of this matter, confidentiality of the program and Randy's privacy, I am unable to comment," Moskowitz said. However, I will confirm Randy has every intention of getting back on the football field."Gregory was billed as a top talent before entering the league but off-field indiscretions have significantly hampered his pro career. Only 24, however, Gregory has ample time to turn his career around.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colin Kaepernick is now gainfully employed, even if it's not in professional football.Kaepernick has received a book deal worth $1 million from Random House affiliate One World, reports Ian Mohr of the New York Post's Page Six.The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback was the first player to protest racial inequality and police brutality during the national anthem, and several players followed suit during the 2016 season.Protests during the anthem have been amplified this season. President Donald Trump asked owners to fire players who continue to protest during the anthem in a September rally, and his comments spurred several players and teams to protest after being initially hesitant.Kaepernick's representatives wouldn't comment on the reported book deal.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Reggie Bush is seeking a new club, but if he remains unsigned, he will retire at the end of the 2017 season.Bush, a free agent and last played for the Buffalo Bills during the 2016 season, where he finished with minus-3 rushing yards in 13 games."I still want to play, but if it doesn't happen this year, then I'm going to retire," Bush said to ESPN's Michael Rothstein. "I'm not going to miss a whole year and then try to come back for another season at 33 years old, it doesn't make sense."Although Bush struggled during his tenure with the Bills, he believes he could make a sizable impact as the season progresses. However, he said he'll be selective about any role he potentially takes on."I want to play this year. I still feel great. I still feel like I have enough left in the tank to play at a high level, but it's also going to come down to if there's a need for me on certain teams," Bush said. "And then also, if there is a need, it's going to have to be a good fit as well."I don't want to go back in a situation just to go back and play. Obviously want to be in a situation where I can obviously be used the right way, be effective, all those different things."Bush was one of the most prolific collegiate players in recent memory and a two-time national champion at USC. The running back won the Heisman Trophy in 2005, but his award has since been vacated after an investigation determined he received impermissible benefits.The running back was selected second overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, and was named an All-Pro punt returner in 2008.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sage Rosenfels is a former 12-year NFL quarterback who writes, does radio, and podcasts about the NFL and college football. Find him on Twitter @SageRosenfels18.I'll always hold a special place in my heart for backups. While starters get all the publicity and financial security, the backups live on the edge of the football team. They're a snap away from becoming the starter, and some are a bad game away from looking for a new job (possibly not in the NFL).Here's a look at the backup quarterbacks who were front and center Sunday:Matt is Moore than CutlerEntering his 11th year in the NFL, Matt Moore has seen a thing or two. In 2007, he was a rookie backup in Carolina. He was thrown into action and played in nine games. In 2010, he opened the season as the starter for the Panthers, who won only two games. John Fox and his staff were fired and Moore left in free agency to the Miami Dolphins. He's been there ever since.In his first season, Moore backed up starter Chad Henne. In week 4, Henne broke his arm and was replaced by Moore. The Dolphins began the 2011 season 0-7 before winning six of their final nine games. Moore was named the Dolphins' MVP, and Miami rewarded him by ... using its first-round pick in 2012 on Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.Over the next four seasons, Moore played sparingly. He re-signed with the Dolphins going into 2016 and played the best football of his career during the final four games. Not only was his 105 QB rating better than Tannehill's, he showed his toughness and grit in the Dolphins' playoff loss at Pittsburgh.This year, Tannehill was again made the starter before getting hurt in the first preseason game. Even though he played as well or better than Tannehill the previous season, he was again passed over for recently retired signal-caller Jay Cutler.On Sunday, Cutler injured his ribs early in the second half, and Moore entered the game down 21-14. As the Dolphins entered the fourth quarter down two touchdowns, Moore made a perfect throw to Kenny Stills for a touchdown to begin Miami's comeback.The play was signature Matt Moore. Faced with a third-and-7 from the 28-yard line, the Jets brought an all-out "cover 0" blitz in an attempt to sack the Dolphins out of field-goal range. Moore had multiple options but he knew he wouldn't have much time, as there were seven blitzers and only six blockers.Rather than being conservative and throwing the ball quickly, probably resulting in a completion short of the first down, Moore backed up to buy time for Stills to get to his proper route depth. Because of the cover 0 blitz, all Jets defenders had inside leverage on the Dolphins' receivers, using the sideline as their only extra "defender."Moore held on to the ball until the last second, then put plenty of air on the throw to allow Stills to separate from his defender, resulting in a Dolphins touchdown.More often than not, this is the type of play Moore has made as an NFL quarterback. He has never been shy to take a shot downfield, even if that aggressive style can have its drawbacks. Now in his 11th season, he has matured as a decision-maker. He still takes risks, but is more calculative and protective of the football.At heart, he's a gunslinger, but head coach Adam Gase has harnessed his playmaking skills and added an element to his game he didn't have before: game management.It looks like the Dolphins will be without Cutler for a few weeks, giving Moore another chance as an NFL starter. If he continues to win in what may be the toughest division in football, the AFC East, he should remain the starter once Cutler is healthy.Moore has always believed in himself, and his Dolphin teammates have had faith in him for the last seven years. It's time for the Dolphins' coaching staff and management to get on the Matt Moore train. He may be inconsistent, but he gives the Dolphins a chance to win every week. I'd like to see him get a chance to prove he's a legitimate NFL starting quarterback.Just in CaseI've stated my case for Case Keenum as the starting quarterback in Minnesota. He's 4-2 as a starter for the first-place Vikings, and he didn't play poorly in the two losses.Yes, the Vikings have one of the best defenses and special teams units in the NFL, but this Vikings offense has been solid this season. Despite losing Dalvin Cook to a torn ACL, their running game has come to life. Keenum has also been a dangerous quarterback running bootleg passing plays called by offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.That threat can cause defensive ends to chase the quarterback up the field on the bootleg fakes, opening up huge lanes for running backs. This is exactly what occurred Sunday on a 35-yard run by Latavius Murray. If Sam Bradford was in the game, the Ravens defensive end would have stayed home to play the run, and Murray would've been stopped for a minimal gain.This highlights how a mobile quarterback and a creative offensive coordinator can help their team run the football.Though the Vikings continue to win, the conversation about when Teddy Bridgewater will take the reins is well underway in Minnesota. All Keenum can do is state his case each week by leading his team to wins. He may not be the type of quarterback who blows you away with his huge arm or highlight-reel throws, but winning football games is the stat that matters most. "Just in Case" Keenum is getting it done up north.Brett ain't Brett - or AaronAfter 25 years of Hall of Fame-quality quarterback play, Green Bay fans got a rude awakening to what life is like without Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre.Though I think Brett Hundley will improve as this season progresses, his first shot as an NFL starter fell flat. He completed less then 50 percent of this throws for only 87 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. He was effective as a ball-carrier, but running quarterbacks don't regularly win football games.Hundley will probably have the rest of the season to prove to the Packers, and other franchises, that he can be an NFL starter. Rodgers has a chance to come back for the final couple games of the regular season, but if the Packers are already eliminated from the playoffs, there will be no need to put the league's best quarterback at risk.Rodgers' injury highlights two things for the Packers:1. The fact that he's this offense's lynchpin. In the seven-and-a-half quarters Rodgers has been absent, Green Bay has passed for less than 250 yards. While they ran the ball well Sunday, their passing game has been lackluster.2. How weak Ted Thompson's roster is without its Hall of Fame quarterback. We're seeing that in plain view. Conversely, Minnesota lost its starting quarterback after Week 1 and is in first place in the NFC North.Man for man, the Vikings' roster is much stronger and deeper than Green Bay's. They have a half-dozen pro-bowlers on defense and found a veteran quarterback in free agency that can win football games.Green Bay is a below-average team without Rodgers, and a playoff team with him.49ers try out their rookieC.J. Beathard had an up-and-down afternoon in his first opportunity as the starter in San Francisco.Having a rookie quarterback get the nod this early in the year wasn't what Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch had planned, but the 49ers' offense has been mostly pitiful with Brian Hoyer at the helm. Beathard showed some positive signs, completing 58 percent of his passes for 235 yards and running for a touchdown, but the 49ers need their quarterbacks to play great, even though they're working with a roster with below-average talent.Beathard should improve with every start, but it may not be enough to win many football games this year.Arizona cools downThe Cardinals could be without Carson Palmer, who will undergo surgery for his broken arm this week, for the rest of the season. This opens the door for Drew Stanton to again lead Arizona in the final stretch.Stanton played well in Bruce Arians' offense in 2014, going 5-3 as a starter. If he fails to ignite the Cardinals' offense, though, Arians could go to their other backup, Blaine Gabbert. Arizona is one of a few teams that carry three veteran quarterbacks.That insurance policy might pay off, but only if Stanton or Gabbert can keep them in the hunt in the NFC West. At 3-4, the Cardinals look like an early favorite for a top-10 pick in the draft. This could mean the end of the Palmer era in Arizona, as this crop of college quarterbacks is deep with talent.Rocky mountain lowSunday was the low point of the Denver Broncos' season. They lost at the L.A. Chargers, who previously hadn't won a home game. More importantly, they were shut out for the first time in 394 games.Trevor Siemian hasn't played badly this season, but this Broncos team needs a spark. Is it time to give the ball to backup Paxton Lynch, who was a first-round pick last year? Siemian's greatest strength is his short- and mid-range accuracy. He isn't a quarterback who makes big plays with his arm.Conversely, Lynch is a big athlete with a huge arm. He's raw and untested, but the Broncos need to try something else if they want to keep up with the Chiefs and Raiders in the AFC West.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants were billed as sleeper Super Bowl contenders prior to the season, as hard as that may be to believe now, and general manager Jerry Reese is taking responsibility for his team's disastrous start.Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a fractured left ankle, the team's upstart defense has regressed badly, and the Giants find themselves entrenched at the bottom of the NFC East."We're 1-6. This is not where we want to be, but this is where we are," Reese said Tuesday to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. "This is my roster. I'm responsible for everybody on the roster. I’ll take ownership where we are right now, the 1-6 start. I do believe we still have good players on this roster, I do believe that."Reese suggested the Giants grew complacent after reaching the playoffs in 2016."When you win 11 games, you've got a little bit of a swagger about you," Reese said. "Then you come back (thinking), 'Well, this is pretty easy, we won 11 games,' and we won 11 games with a rookie head coach. So you come back and think, well, we've already got 11 wins, and that’s just not how it works."Reese added, "I don't think we played as hungry as we did last year. I think that's evidence for me. I don't see the hunger coming out of the gate. We played hard in some games, but there is a difference between playing hard and having that hunger that you have to have to win in this league."Entering their bye week offers the Giants time to reflect upon their start. They'll need to essentially win out in order to make it back to the playoffs.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Before Sunday, the most impressive active streak in the NFL was undoubtedly Joe Thomas' run of consecutive offensive snaps. That ended, though, when the Cleveland Browns offensive tackle suffered a torn triceps Sunday, ending his mark at 10,363 straight plays without leaving the field.That was an incredible feat that may never be broken, but there are some other current runs in the NFL that now have an opportunity to be considered the most impressive.Eli Manning - 210 consecutive startsManning is often on the wrong end of jokes for his interceptions and facial expressions, but no one can deny the Giants pivot is tough.His 210 consecutive starts are the most among active quarterbacks and he recently passed older brother Peyton to put him second on the all-time list behind Brett Favre. Manning's number is even more impressive when you consider he's a fairly immobile quarterback who's played behind a subpar offensive line in recent years.The 36-year-old still has a ways to go to pass Favre's 297 straight starts and would have to play injury-free until deep into the 2022 season to do so.Antonio Brown - 4 straight 100-catch seasonsNot only did Brown have to be incredibly productive over this stretch - he had to stay healthy as well.The Pittsburgh Steelers wideout became only the second player to total four straight 100-catch seasons following the 2016 campaign, with Marvin Harrison being the other. Brown had 12 more catches than Harrison did, though, over his stretch. The 29-year-old has emerged as arguably the best receiver in the game and has tallied 52 catches already in 2017 with more than half the season still to play. Barring an injury, Brown seems like a lock to be the first receiver to accomplish the feat five years in a row.Matt Ryan - 61 straight games with 200-plus yards passingQuarterbacks posting consistent passing numbers have become the norm in today's NFL, but 61 straight games with at least 200 yards through the air is still remarkable from Ryan.The last time the Atlanta Falcons pivot didn't hit the 200-yard mark was all the way back in Week 10 of 2013. You'd think that even with all the weapons he has to work with, the 2016 MVP would have endured a rough outing somewhere along the way during this stretch. But even in last Sunday's game against New England Patriots that was played in a massive fog with limited visibility, Ryan still found a way to throw for 233 yards.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains coarse languageGeorge R.R. Martin isn't happy with the state of the New York Jets.The "Game of Thrones" author is a huge fan of the Jets and frequently muses about the team on his LiveJournal blog, titled "Not A Blog." In one of his latest entries, Martin shared his thoughts on the Jets' last two games and called for the replacement of quarterback Josh McCown.

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.Game to bet nowMinnesota at Cleveland (+9.5)The Browns went 1-15 in 2016 and it’s possible they’re worse this year.How bad is it? A Browns promotion to give a prize to one fan went awry when the seat chosen at random was unoccupied. Oh, and their best lineman (tackle Joe Thomas, who hasn’t missed a game since 2007, looks lost for the year with a triceps tear.Money is already heavy on the Vikings, moving the line a full two points from 7.5. Expect more Minnesota money to change the line even more, so if you like Minnesota, best jump now.Game to wait onDallas at Washington (+1)Ten of the 16 teams in the NFC, including these two, have either two or three losses. Catching the 6-1 Eagles is hardly out of the question, but this division game is vital for both.The Cowboys are an early season disappointment, and they’ll have to get their act together immediately to get back in the playoff picture. Dallas plays Kansas City, Atlanta and Philadelphia in its next three games.Washington, meanwhile, has a slightly easier schedule and would like nothing better than to slap down the ‘Boys and take a giant step toward turning the East into a two-team race with Philadelphia.Total to watchMiami at Baltimore (37.5)Totals this low used to be as rare as UFO sightings recent years but they seem to be coming back.The Dolphins are the second-lowest-scoring team in the league and their 1-5 record against the over reflects that. Still, there are signs that things might be moving in the right direction.The Fins have won three in a row they been able to move the ball in their last two games (Atlanta, Jets). Miami (4-2 SU) is in the thick of it in a rejuvenated AFC East. Baltimore’s offense has been all over the map, and inconsistent QB Joe Flacco is being asked questions like “Is the offense completely broken?”Yikes.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Actions speak louder than words in the mind of Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis.He's not taking kindly to the request from rookie running back Joe Mixon for a larger role in the offense.Related: Bengals' Mixon frustrated by lack of touches, points to Bell's workload"You should show maturity just like everybody else. Everybody wants to be out there all the time," Lewis said Monday, according to Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' website."But we’re not going to create a run when we are down by 12 or 15 (points). We’re not going to create it. I saw a ball go on the ground when he received two balls thrown to him, which are the same situation. We got to handle it all the time the correct way, and be strong enough to not be led into questions after the game, which unfortunately he doesn’t know enough about."Mixon - who complained about his lack of touches after Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh - is averaging 3.2 yards per carry through six games, gaining a total of 235 yards on 74 attempts with just one touchdown in his first season. He's added another 98 yards while catching all 14 of his targets.Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor was a little more lenient in his response, pointing to the overall struggles of the team as Mixon's largest hurdle to getting more work."When you have a 51-play game, no one gets it enough. And there were a couple plays we chose to put someone else in for particular things and it had nothing to do with Joe, it worked out that way,” Lazor said. “And then we get to that point in the game where it's a passing game to try to catch up to win the game."The Bengals rank just 29th with 16.3 points scored per game and are one of two teams to not yet reach 100 points on the season. Just two clubs are running fewer plays per game than the Bengals' 59.7, a statistic in which they ranked 11th last season with an average of 65.6 offensive plays.Copyright © 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." Every Tuesday, Williamson will look at four major developments from the previous weekend of NFL action.Which team made the biggest statement in Week 7?Some of the league’s big dogs - like the Patriots, Steelers, and Seahawks - showed they're not going away anytime soon. A talented team with big expectations, the Raiders also showed they shouldn't be buried after their thrilling Thursday night win over Kansas City. The Bills, Jaguars, Saints, Rams, and Dolphins won’t go away.But it was the Chargers who made the biggest statement by shutting out the Denver Broncos.All of a sudden, Los Angeles is right in the middle of the AFC West playoff race. And you know what? They might be atop the standings if they just had a reliable kicker for the first portion of the season. The Chargers have won three in a row and, while they have a difficult upcoming schedule, they made a statement to the NFL that they're not dead quite yet.Are the Patriots back to being the AFC's best team?Maybe, but that's selling the Steelers short. We know Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and New England have a Rock-Paper-Scissors relationship in the AFC with the Steelers as the team the Chiefs don’t want to see, the Chiefs as the team the Patriots don’t want to see, and the Patriots as the team the Steelers don’t want to see.Tom Brady is playing at an elite level right now, and New England’s offense remains incredibly strong. The Patriots dismantled Atlanta on Sunday night, including when the Falcons had the ball. But the Falcons' offense isn’t what it was a year ago and we can’t forget New England has allowed over 300 passing yards to every other offense it's faced.It's safe to say, though, that the mental mistakes on the back end of the Patriots' defense that led to so many big plays weren't going to continue, but let's not go calling New England’s defense “fixed” quite yet.While the Chiefs have lost two tough games in a row - against the Steelers and then on the road for a Thursday game in Oakland - they're still very much a contender. But the Steelers, on the back of their running game and defense, is the AFC team playing the best right now.Is it time for the Bengals to give Joe Mixon the lead role?Absolutely!Since Bill Lazor took over as the Bengals' offensive coordinator, the team has acknowledged it's Mixon’s backfield. There's still a role for Giovanni Bernard, especially in passing situations as Mixon was overrun Sunday in a glaring instance. However, protection has never been Bernard’s strong suit, and Mixon is the bigger and stronger player for such duties.But here's the crime: Mixon didn’t have one carry in the second half in Pittsburgh. Sure, the Steelers were leading, but Cincinnati was actually having success handing it to Mixon in the first half even though the Bengals were overmatched in the trenches.Therein lies the problem: The Bengals' offensive line just isn’t good enough and, since they've done little to address it over the past two years, there's little reason to believe it'll improve during the season's second half. Mixon is a fantastic talent who deserves tons of touches, but his rookie year projects to be a rocky one because of his blocking.Which NFC South contender is most likely to fall short?Well, I guess it depends on how you look at this division.First off, when previewing the season, I thought the NFC South was the best division in football and projected the Panthers to win it, followed by Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans, who I expected to however around .500. The Saints have been the only pleasant surprise of the group, though, and as it stands right now, is the top contender from the division.New Orleans is the only NFC South team that's scored more points than they've allowed. I still think Carolina could rebound, but it's hard to swallow that it just lost to a team that attempted seven passes.Atlanta is in third place at 3-3 after getting abused in New England, but the reality is the team very well could be 1-5 after barely beating Detroit and Chicago. The Falcons did beat Green Bay, but the Packers were dealing with a multitude of significant injuries.As for the Bucs, they're amongst the NFL's most disappointing teams. They could rebound for sure and are talented, but their defense is really worrisome, particularly the pass rush. To answer the question: Tampa Bay is the team in the NFC South most likely to fall short, but it's Atlanta that's least likely to live up to most people’s preseason expectations.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants' wide receiver corps is set to receive a boost following the team's Week 8 bye.Sophomore wideout Sterling Shepard - who suffered an ankle injury in Week 5 and hasn't played since - indicated he'll return after New York's week off."I'll be ready to go," Shepard said, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.The Giants will host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9.Shepard has caught 22 of 29 targets for 263 yards and a touchdown this season while primarily serving as the Giants' No. 3 receiver.With Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall both ruled out for the season, however, Shepard should quickly rise to the top of a receiving group that's been led by acting starters Roger Lewis and Tavarres King.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tuesday hasn't been a good day for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.The 20-year-old rookie tweeted a video of him walking to practice after someone stole his beloved bicycle:

NFL investigators are closing the case on Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry, citing insufficient evidence regarding the domestic violence allegations against him, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.Landry was therefore cleared of any violation of the league's personal conduct policy.A Florida state attorney previously declined to file charges against Landry in mid-September.His ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child testified saying he never caused her any physical harm.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It doesn't appear the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to grant Martavis Bryant his wish to be traded.Bryant confirmed his hopes of being dealt if his role in the offense doesn't change, but Mike Tomlin says that isn't going to happen.

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.QuarterbackAndy Dalton, BengalsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Colts55%$8Week 7 was an exceptionally low-scoring week with seven teams failing to record an offensive touchdown. Dalton leads a paltry group of available quarterbacks as Carson Palmer is yet another weekly starter set to miss extended time. Cincinnati's Week 8 matchup with Indy makes Dalton a must-get.Tyrod Taylor, BillsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Raiders58%$6Taylor put together a surprisingly excellent fantasy performance in Week 7 with tight end Charles Clay sidelined and receiver Jordan Matthews unable to do much. As his passing options get healthier, Taylor will rejoin the weekly starter ranks.Teddy Bridgewater, VikingsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidTBD3%$4Bridgewater has been all but officially ruled out for Week 8 and the Vikings will be on bye in Week 9, making Week 10 the earliest possible return date. Owners who've been relying on quarterback streamers to this point of the season could stash a potential top-tier starter for the most important part of the fantasy calendar.Running BackDion Lewis, PatriotsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Chargers29%$21Lewis received a season-high 13 carries in Week 7, racking up 76 yards with a long of 25. He caught just a single pass, but has established a sustainable role on the ground and will provide a consistently usable floor.DeAndre Washington, RaidersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Bills3%$15With Marshawn Lynch ejected from Oakland's Week 7 win over Kansas City, Washington was able to score his first rushing touchdown of the season. His style is much more similar to Lynch than Jalen Richard's (below), making Washington the most likely candidate to absorb the bulk of the rushing work during Lynch's one-game suspension, and possibly beyond.D'Onta Foreman, TexansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Seahawks13%$15The Texans come out of their Week 7 bye with Foreman coming off his best rushing game of the season. He outperformed Lamar Miller on the ground in Week 6, and should receive a near-equal workload going forward. His schedule also gets much more appealing beyond the tough Week 8 road matchup in Seattle.Jalen Richard, RaidersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Bills11%$12Richard has nearly even yardage totals as a rusher and a receiver this season, with only a quarter of his total touches coming through the air. He's the superior weekly complement to Lynch, but he's unlikely to gain much value in the veteran's absence.Matt Forte, JetsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Falcons30%$8Forte's touchdown potential remains incredibly low, but he's topped 80 total yards in consecutive weeks and has another nice matchup on deck.Marlon Mack, ColtsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Bengals41%$7Mack's usage remains sparse but his production has been strong with 4.9 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception. Meanwhile, starter Frank Gore has been averaging just 3.4 yards per attempt on the season. The Colts should turn to the rookie more often as they quickly fall out of contention.Matt Breida, 49ersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Eagles15%$6Breida's value hinges on the very possible trade of starter Carlos Hyde as the 49ers continue trending toward the top pick in the 2018 draft.Wendell Smallwood, EaglesNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. 49ers40%$6Smallwood led the Eagles' backfield in first-half usage against the Redskins, but his lack of production led to a greatly diminished role in the second session. He's still worthy of another chance in a very promising Week 8 matchup against San Francisco.Latavius Murray, VikingsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Browns42%$4Murray finally made himself noticed in Week 7, busting a 35-yard touchdown run against the Ravens in a game where nobody did much of note. He still holds less weekly promise than Jerick McKinnon, keeping him as more of a fantasy afterthought.Wide ReceiverCorey Davis, TitansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBYE25%$18As the Titans enter their bye week, this is the perfect opportunity to snatch up their soon-to-be No. 1 receiver. Eric Decker saw very little usage in Week 7, and tight end Delanie Walker suffered a bone bruise. Davis will have immense upside upon his return.Marvin Jones Jr., LionsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Steelers62%$16Jones is likely to take over as Matthew Stafford's No. 1 option with Golden Tate sidelined. He's already been used regularly in the red zone, and he'll have more consistent production for at least the next few weeks.Cooper Kupp, RamsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBYE42%$15Kupp enters his bye after seeing a season-high 10 targets against the Cardinals. He caught just four of them, but those included his third career touchdown. He's firmly ahead of Sammy Watkins in Jared Goff's progressions.Kenny Stills, DolphinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Ravens23%$12Stills has caught a total of five touchdowns in his past four regular-season games playing with Matt Moore. With Jay Cutler assured to miss at least the Week 8 Thursday nighter in Baltimore - and potentially several more contests - Stills should be a fixture in the game plan even if DeVante Parker returns.Josh Doctson, RedskinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Cowboys13%$12Doctson received a season-high five targets in Week 7, catching three. It wasn't quite the usage the Redskins hyped up heading into the matchup, but the increased role should continue as he moves above the rest of the receiving corps.JuJu Smith-Schuster, SteelersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Lions15%$10Smith-Schuster was again targeted just thrice against the Bengals, but recorded his third touchdown of the season. Disgruntled receiver Martavis Bryant caught one of just two targets for three yards, and seems to be behind the rookie, who's looking and performing like the No. 2 option.Kenny Golladay, LionsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Steelers15%$8Golladay has missed the past three games due to injury and hasn't done anything of note since a Week 1 game with two touchdowns. But if he suits up in Week 8, he'll accrue some of Tate's targets.Jermaine Kearse, JetsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Falcons53%$6Kearse was lucky to find the end zone with his lone reception on four targets in Week 7. Quarterback Josh McCown has been playing exceptionally well of late, likely instilling overconfidence in the Jets' receiving options. Be careful not to overspend.Ted Ginn Jr., SaintsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Bears52%$4Ginn has excelled over the past two weeks while continuing to play a large role in place of Willie Snead. His reliance on big plays typically makes him untrustworthy, but Ginn has caught each of his last 13 targets over the Saints' past three games.Marquise Goodwin, 49ersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat Eagles3%$2While the 49ers lost 40-10 against the Dallas Cowboys in C.J. Beathard's first start at quarterback, it's noteworthy that Goodwin shared the team lead in targets with Hyde. He also led the team with 80 receiving yards, bolstered by a 48-yard haul.Tight EndCharles Clay, BillsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidTBD17%$8As Clay nears his return, he's worth stashing. Fantasy managers typically shouldn't carry two tight ends at any one time, but an exception can be made for Clay as the clear and unchallenged No. 1 option in the Bills' passing game.O.J. Howard, BuccaneersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Panthers13%$4Howard continues to be targeted less than Cameron Brate, but the rookie is coming off a two-touchdown game. Meanwhile, Brate snapped his streak of four consecutive outings with a score. Both are worth roster spots in standard 12-team leagues.Benjamin Watson, RavensNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. Dolphins13%$2Watson caught all five of his targets in a game Jeremy Maclin didn't start and Mike Wallace departed early in the first quarter. In a year with very little tight end production, Watson is perfectly serviceable with consistent usage.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brandon Marshall is ruthless.The Denver Broncos linebacker showed up to the team's Halloween party on Monday night dressed as teammate Von Miller, complete with a cowboy hat, a bottle of Old Spice body wash, and a VHS tape labeled "sex tape."

Oakland Raiders star running back Marshawn Lynch's one-game suspension has been upheld on appeal, NFL VP of football communications Michael Signora announced Tuesday.Lynch will miss Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.The veteran runner was banned for shoving an official after running on the field and interjecting himself into a confrontation between Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters - his cousin - and several Raiders teammates during Thursday's matchup.Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington will see increased carries in Lynch's absence.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters has been diagnosed with a torn ACL and MCL following a Tuesday morning MRI, head coach Doug Pederson announced, per Dave Spadaro from the "Eagles Live Podcast."The Eagles initially believed Peters' ACL was still intact following the injury suffered in Monday night's win over the Washington Redskins. His 2017 season is over.Peters started all seven games for the Eagles this season and was ranked as Pro Football Focus' No. 3 offensive tackle.Halapoulivaati Vaitai replaced Peters on Monday night and is listed as the backup on the team's official depth chart.Peters will be 36 years old entering his 15th NFL season in 2018.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Terrelle Pryor was supposed to be the Redskins' go-to receiver after signing in free agency, but he's largely disappointed in his first season in Washington.And Pryor's campaign got worse ahead of Monday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, being benched in favor of Josh Doctson and playing only one snap in the first half."I don't know," Pryor said when asked why he didn't start, according to John Keim of ESPN. "Josh is great. He's a talented player. We have talented receivers. I know coach Jay (Gruden) wanted to get Josh involved more. ... We believe in coach, believe in how he coaches us, and whatever he says goes. I don't have any questions. You're not going to see any animosity or see me angry or whatever."Pryor finished the game with a season-low 30 snaps, catching two passes for 14 yards.Meanwhile, Doctson - a former first-round pick - struggled to make an impact in his expanded role, finishing with 39 yards on three grabs. It remains to be seen if Doctson's move into the starting lineup is a permanent one."We wanted to get Josh in there early," Gruden said of his decision to go with Doctson over Pryor at the X receiver spot.With the entire receiving corps underperforming, Kirk Cousins has been forced to look elsewhere, mainly breakout running back Chris Thompson. However, Cousins is still optimistic about the unit turning it around."It's a work in progress," Cousins said. "I don’t want to write a narrative until we have a full sample size of the season. There's a lot of football left. There's no reason he can’t have a very strong 10 games and really finish strong this season."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This NFL season has been weird, and the MVP race is no exception.Out-of-left-field candidates lead what is one of the weaker MVP groups in recent memory - especially after the loss of Aaron Rodgers.1. Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles1,852 passing yards, 61.9 completion percentage, 17 TDs, 4 INTsWentz leaped to the top of this group with a career day during Monday night's win over the Redskins.The second-year pivot has defied expectations following a lackluster rookie year. He still has issues, but his Houdini act versus Washington highlighted his rare skill set.2. Alex Smith, QB, Chiefs1,979 passing yards, 72.4 completion percentage, 15 TDs, 0 INTsHands up if you thought Wentz and Smith would be the frontrunners for MVP after seven weeks? ... Anybody?The Chiefs' veteran quarterback is playing with a new-found fire and aggression and should be commended for maximizing the elite weapons around him and for his amazing lack of turnovers.3. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots2,208 passing yards, 66.4 completion percentage, 15 TDs, 2 INTsAnother year, another MVP-type campaign from the five-time Super Bowl champion.Brady's numbers are spectacular as always, but his case is strengthened by playing with a league-worst defense and the loss of key man Julian Edelman.4. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers52 catches, 765 receiving yards, 3 TDsYes, wide receivers never win this award. But Brown is almost single-handedly keeping the Steelers' passing game alive, and he's on pace to get near his career high in yards and catches.Despite Ben Roethlisberger's erratic play, the star pass-catcher hasn't missed a beat and is one of the main reasons Pittsburgh sits at 5-2.5. Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs717 rushing yards, 25 catches, 285 receiving yards, 6 total TDsWhile Hunt's production on the ground has dropped off in the last two games following a historic start to his career, he still has 100-plus yards from scrimmage in every game this season.As a quarterback, Smith will always get more MVP attention, but Hunt and his insane ability to consistently break tackles is the driving force of the Chiefs' offense.6. Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans1,297 passing yards, 61.5 completion percentage, 15 TDs, 5 INTs, 202 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDsIf this was the award for the most fun player to watch, Watson would be the odds-on favorite.The rookie pivot exploded onto the scene after taking the reins in Week 2, scoring an incredible 17 total touchdowns and turning the perennially poor Texans offense into the top-scoring unit over that span.7. Drew Brees, QB, Saints1,652 passing yards, 69.1 completion percentage, 11 TDs, 4 INTsOnce again, Brees continues to be undervalued in MVP discussions. Maybe it was the Saints' 0-2 start or because the pivot's numbers, while great, are par for the course for him.But he could be a dark-horse candidate for the rest of the season with the defense finally improving and the offense completely in his hands after Adrian Peterson's departure.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Martavis Bryant made it perfectly clear Tuesday that he wants out of Pittsburgh if his role doesn't change.The frustrated wideout told ESPN's Josina Anderson that he won't re-sign with the Steelers if the team decides not to trade him and his role doesn't expand."If they don’t try to include me more and continue to do the same thing, then I want out period," Bryant said, adding: "By the end of whenever the trade deadline is. I mean if things don’t get better, then I got to go."Bryant did offer a small glimmer of hope for a resolution, though."I just want to be happy ... I would like for it to be here, but if not then oh well," Bryant said. "Just got to move on."The Steelers receiver also indicated he won't re-sign after 2018 if he doesn't get his wish.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.Week 8 of the NFL season doesn’t have any truly eye-catching matchups, but a couple of NFC East rivals could spice things up a bit. Covers checks in on the opening lines and early action for a quartet of games, with insights from Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins (no line)