Last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars claimed the AFC South and became the ninth team in the last eight seasons to go from worst to first in their division.As we turn our attention to the upcoming season, we'll rank the chances of each last-place finisher from 2022 to win its division in 2023.8. Arizona Cardinals2022 record: 4-13Notable additionsFree agency/TradesDraftLB Kyzir WhiteOTParis Johnson Jr.QB Joshua DobbsLBBJ OjulariWR Zach PascalLeaving the NFC West's basement will be a tough task for the Cardinals, who seem destined to land the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft. Arizona lacks star power on both sides of the ball and enters the season with the least talented roster in the league. The team will line up in Week 1 without its biggest stars from 2022: Kyler Murray remains sidelined after suffering a torn ACL in December, J.J. Watt retired, Zach Allen left in free agency, and DeAndre Hopkins was released.Arizona also recently cut veteran quarterback Colt McCoy, who was originally expected to replace Murray. That left Dobbs, a journeyman who's 0-2 as a starter, and fifth-round rookie Clayton Tune as the club's QB1 options for Week 1. Not ideal for first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon.Coming off a 4-13 campaign, the 2023 Cardinals don't look anything like that team that turned heads and made the playoffs in 2021. To make things worse, the NFC West features two playoff teams from 2022 - the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers - and also has a recent Super Bowl champion in the Los Angeles Rams.7. Houston Texans Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty2022 record: 3-13-1Notable additionsFree agency/TradesDraftTE Dalton SchultzQB C.J. StroudS Jimmie WardLB Will AndersonG Shaq MasonC Juice ScruggsWR Robert WoodsWR Tank DellRB Devin SingletaryLB Denzel PerrymanThe Texans are starting a new era and just landed potential franchise cornerstones in Stroud and Anderson in the top three of April's draft. Combine that with the arrival of first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans - the former 49ers defensive coordinator who's the reigning Assistant Coach of the Year - and it's easy to see Houston as one of the offseason's biggest winners. Playing in an AFC South without an established juggernaut also helps.That said, to win the division for the first time since 2019, Houston will have to top the Tennessee Titans - a playoff team when fully healthy - and a Jaguars squad that's at least a step ahead of the Texans with Trevor Lawrence entering his third NFL season. The Indianapolis Colts are also rebuilding and have a lot of upside after drafting quarterback Anthony Richardson fourth overall.The Texans ranked 30th in points scored and 27th in points allowed in 2022. The franchise's moves this year kicked off its rebuild nicely, but it'll take more than one solid offseason to fix this roster. Given Houston's lack of proven stars, the club likely needs more time to become a division contender.6. Denver Broncos2022 record: 5-12Notable additionsFree agencyDraftDL Zach AllenWR Marvin MimsOT Mike McGlincheyLBFrank ClarkG Ben PowersRB Samaje PerineYear 1 of the Russell Wilson era in Denver was a disaster and saw the Broncos fire coach Nathaniel Hackett before the 2022 season even ended. They finished last in the AFC West for the third straight year, and Wilson tossed 16 touchdowns - his worst career single-season mark. But the Broncos, who have Wilson under contract through the 2028 campaign, hired coach Sean Payton to help put the nine-time Pro Bowler's game back on the right track.It's hard to imagine Wilson going back to his 40-TD form. But we should expect Denver, now coached by one of football's most respected offensive minds, to be more competitive. The Broncos are welcoming running back Javonte Williams back from injury and have an improved offensive line. The next big question is how healthy the team's receivers will be, as Jerry Jeudy is dealing with a hamstring injury, and Tim Patrick has already been ruled out for the year. Defensively, Denver boasts a talented secondary featuring Pat Surtain and Justin Simmons. A healthier Randy Gregory and the arrival of Allen and Clark can be huge for the club up front.If the challenge of reviving Wilson's career and putting together a watchable offense wasn't tough enough, the Broncos still have to compete in an AFC West that includes the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs led by Patrick Mahomes, who's 11-0 in his career versus Denver. Kansas City has won seven consecutive division titles. Oh, and the star-studded Los Angeles Chargers also have a high ceiling with Justin Herbert. Even if Denver improves, it's very unlikely it'll win the AFC West. A more realistic scenario for the Broncos is to finish third in the division over the Las Vegas Raiders and potentially keep a wild-card berth within reach.5. Washington Commanders2022 record: 8-8-1Notable additionsFree agencyDraftQB Jacoby BrissettCB Emmanuel ForbesOT Andrew WylieCB Jartavius MartinOL Nick GatesWashington is in a division with three playoff teams from last year, including the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. On paper, the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and Eagles all look better than the Commanders, who have several question marks on offense.The biggest unknown is at quarterback, where Sam Howell is taking over after starting one game as a fifth-round rookie in 2022. Howell passed the test in his only appearance, but the jury is still out on whether he's capable of being the starter for a full season. Washington also has a new face coordinating the offense in Eric Bieniemy, who's set to call plays for the first time in his coaching career. In addition to an inexperienced QB, Bieniemy inherited an offense that featured an unimpressive run game and an unreliable offensive line. Washington added to its O-line, but are Wylie and Gates enough to fix the unit?Finding consistency at quarterback remains the biggest challenge for Washington under head coach Ron Rivera, who's started eight different QBs in three seasons with the club. Things can get very interesting if Howell lives up to the hype, though, as the Commanders' defense should remain solid while being led by one of football's most talented defensive lines.It'll be interesting to watch the Commanders in 2023 as they kick off a new era on and off the field. As hard as it is to imagine them winning the NFC East, keep in mind that this division hasn't had a back-to-back champion since 2003-04. Maybe it'll surprise us again this year.4. Cleveland Browns Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty2022 record: 7-10Notable additionsFree agency/TradesDraftLB Za'Darius SmithWR Cedric TillmanWR Elijah MooreDT Dalvin TomlinsonS Juan ThornhillDL Shelby HarrisDEOgbonnia OkoronkwoThe Browns addressed their biggest needs in the offseason. Smith and Okoronkwo give the team experience and depth on the edge to complement Myles Garrett. Cleveland - which named Jim Schwartz as its new defensive coordinator - particularly struggled against the run and to generate sacks in 2022, so adding Tomlinson and Harris also made a lot of sense. Offensively, with Moore and Tillman joining Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones, it's easy to get excited about Cleveland's wide receiver corps. The same can be said about the offensive line and the running back room, which lost depth but still features four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb.But the Browns won't go from worst to first if quarterback Deshaun Watson doesn't put his game back on track. Watson was rusty in his return last year after missing the entire 2021 campaign and serving an 11-game suspension in 2022 following his trade from Houston to Cleveland. He posted a 79.1 passer rating while completing 58.2% of his passes in six games with the Browns. Cleveland hopes another offseason with the team will benefit the three-time Pro Bowler in what'll be his first full campaign as a starter since 2020.Competing in the AFC North is always tough, and both the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens enter the season a step ahead of the Browns. But if Watson knocks off the rust and shows he can still play at a high level, Cleveland should have enough firepower to compete.3. Chicago Bears2022 record: 3-14Notable additionsFree agency/TradesDraftWR D.J. MooreOT Darnell WrightLB Tremaine EdmundsDL Gervon DexterLB T.J. EdwardsCB Tyrique StevensonRB D'Onta ForemanDL Zacch PickensG Nate DavisDLYannick NgakoueChicago going from having the NFL's worst record to winning the division in one year isn't as unrealistic as it may sound, given the team's potential and the uncertainty of the competition within the NFC North.The Bears' roster has holes, but it's significantly better than last year's. Justin Fields turned heads as a rusher in 2022 and could become one of football's most dangerous quarterbacks if he improves as a passer. The arrival of Moore gives him a legit No. 1 weapon who has three 1,000-yard campaigns under his belt. Plus, Chicago's O-line should improve with Wright and Davis. Defensively, where the pass rush will come from remains a concern. But the additions of Edmunds and Edwards and another season for a secondary that features promising defensive backs should help.Let's not forget that the NFC North could be open for the taking. The Minnesota Vikings, who won the division in unconvincing fashion last year, still have holes on defense. The Aaron Rodgers trade to the Jets left the Green Bay Packers with the unproven Jordan Love under center. And though the Detroit Lions look more prepared to break through than Chicago, they still have a lot to prove.Yes, there are a lot of ifs regarding the Bears. It'll be a surprise if they win the NFC North this season. But the current state of the division - and the fact that Chicago could have the most exciting quarterback in the division in a few months - leaves the door open for the Bears to go from worst to first.2. Atlanta Falcons2022 record: 7-10Notable additionsFree agency/TradesDraftS Jessie BatesRB Bijan RobinsonDL Calais CampbellOT Matthew BergeronDL David OnyemataCB Jeff OkudahLB Bud DupreeQB Taylor HeinickeTE Jonnu SmithThe Falcons are far from the strongest team on this list, but they land at No. 2 thanks to playing in the NFL's weakest division. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South last season with an 8-9 record, while Atlanta finished with the same record as the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. With Tom Brady now retired after three seasons with the Bucs, there aren't any established contenders in this division anymore.Atlanta brought in new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, and landing Bates, Campbell, and Onyemata tackled big areas of need for a defense that's ranked 19th or worse in points and yards allowed for five straight seasons. Robinson should have an immediate impact offensively while giving the Falcons perhaps football's deepest running back room, featuring 1,000-yard rusher Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson. Add receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts to the conversation, and quarterback Desmond Ridder shouldn't complain about the weapons supporting him.Ridder is the team's biggest question, as Atlanta decided to ride with the 2022 third-round pick for the upcoming season. The second-year passer started the final four games of his rookie campaign, completing 63.5% of his passes for 708 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. The Falcons went 2-2 in those games. The unproven 24-year-old could live up to his QB1 hype in coach Arthur Smith's play-action-heavy scheme with a stronger run game around him.Though the Falcons may not enter the season as the favorites to win the NFC South, no one should be surprised if they top the group at the end of the campaign to win their first division title since 2016.1. New York Jets Rich Schultz / Getty Images Sport / Getty2022 record: 7-10Notable additionsFree agency/TradesDraftQB Aaron RodgersDEWill McDonaldRB Dalvin CookCJoe TippmannWR Randall CobbWR Mecole HardmanWR Allen LazardDL Al WoodsOn paper, arguably no other NFL team improved as much as the Jets, who landed Rodgers and Cook, among other starters, as part of a busy offseason. With Rodgers in town, New York has its best quarterback since Brett Favre in 2008. And the Jets, who boasted an elite defense in 2022 and roster some of the league's best young players, give the four-time MVP a solid supporting cast that includes receiver Garrett Wilson, corner Sauce Gardner, and running back Breece Hall.The Jets likely would've made the playoffs last season if it wasn't for their quarterback struggles. They won seven games despite starting three different passers. In 2023, the team is riding with one of the greatest QBs of all time.Not only did New York improve its roster at the most important position, but other AFC East teams have more questions now. Yes, this is a competitive division that includes potential Super Bowl contenders. However, with Von Miller still sidelined and following the Stefon Diggs drama, the Buffalo Bills don't look as strong as in previous years. The Miami Dolphins won't have star corner Jalen Ramsey until at least December, and availability has been an issue for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has yet to play a full season since entering the NFL. The New England Patriots enter the campaign as the group's fourth-best team, given their uncertainties offensively.Not all teams that look solid on paper click, and a lot has to go right for the Jets to meet the sky-high expectations surrounding them. This is a team that hasn't made the playoffs in 12 consecutive seasons. But New York's offseason efforts this year tackled most of its needs and gave the team enough firepower to compete against any team - and even dream about playing in the Super Bowl again.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In 1935, the Lions' victory in the NFL title game proved Detroit was a sports juggernaut. Concurrent triumphs by the Tigers in the World Series and Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final, combined with Joe Louis' ascent to boxing superstardom, inspired President Franklin D. Roosevelt and every state governor to sign a plaque naming Detroit "the City of Champions."In 1953, iconic Lions quarterback Bobby Layne led a last-ditch touchdown drive to edge the Browns by a point in the NFL final. The pioneer of the two-minute drill, Layne was a Hall of Famer and an alumnus of Matthew Stafford's high school. He missed a championship rematch in 1957 because of injury, but Detroit romped anyway, demolishing Cleveland 59-14.Bobby Layne looks to pass in the 1953 NFL title game. George Gelatly / Getty ImagesWhat a difference 66 years make. Detroit has one playoff victory since the '57 title. No NFL team has lost more games since the 1970 merger, per Stathead. The Lions possess more winless seasons than Super Bowl appearances (the count is 2-0). They'll fail to clinch a division title for a 30th straight campaign if they undershoot expectations in 2023.That's right: Detroit's a popular pick to top the NFC North. Winless in 1942 and 2008, absent from the playoffs since 2016, the Lions have inspired belief that they'll shake up the conference this season.The 2022 stretch run teased the Lions' potential. They finished on an 8-2 tear, rose to fourth in the NFC in point differential, and remained in playoff contention until the season finale. Quarterback Jared Goff ranked fifth in touchdown throws (29) and sixth in passing yards (4,438). Beyond tallying 9.5 sacks, Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up Aidan Hutchinson dropped into coverage to fool and intercept Aaron Rodgers and Daniel Jones.

The NFL season is just around the corner. While some teams have more to be excited about than others, each club has areas to lean on to succeed. After beginning the series by finding every NFC team's biggest strength, we continue with a look at the AFC.NFC / AFCBaltimore RavensPlaymakers on offense Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt sounds unusual for a franchise that's long been built on its stout defense to expect its offense to carry the load, but that's where the Ravens find themselves in 2023. Not only did Baltimore lure back dynamic dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson with a lucrative contract extension, but the front office finally surrounded him with serious firepower. Aside from their dominant running game that includes Jackson and the likes of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, the Ravens also signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor while drafting Zay Flowers, too. Add those receivers to a group of pass-catchers that features Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman, and you get the most complete offense that Jackson has ever had.Buffalo BillsJosh AllenThe bottom line is that Buffalo will go as far as Allen takes it. The 27-year-old has led the Bills to three straight division titles, with their playoff exits in that span only coming when the team ran into a quarterback playing at an equal or higher level than Allen (Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow). The signal-caller's chemistry with wide receiver Stefon Diggs is almost telepathic in nature, but Allen also has the ability to elevate others around him. Don't discount his dual-threat ability, either. Allen has thrown for 25 touchdowns while also rushing for over 700 yards in each of the last two seasons.Cincinnati BengalsWide receiver roomThis one is obvious when looking at the Bengals' depth chart. Cincinnati's wide receiver room is one of the best in the entire NFL, with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Chase and Higgins - two of the biggest rising superstars at the position - have recorded 1,000-plus-yard campaigns in each of the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Boyd is as reliable as they come in the slot, as he's put up 700-plus yards every year since 2017.Cleveland BrownsGround-and-pound offenseEven with three-time Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson entering his second season under center with the Browns, the team's biggest strength is its running game. Nick Chubb, one of the league's top backs, is coming off a career-high 1,525-yard season, his fourth consecutive 1,000-plus-yard campaign. He owes a big part of his success to the big men blocking up front for him in the trenches. Cleveland's offensive line has been one of the NFL's best units for years, and that remains the case in 2023.Denver BroncosCoachingIt should be a night-and-day difference as the Broncos go from having Nathaniel Hackett to Sean Payton roaming the sideline. There's no sugarcoating it: Denver was a mess in almost every aspect last season, especially in leadership and game management. Thankfully, a proven winner and culture-builder like Payton should repair the Broncos' woes. Payton finished with a .500 or better record in 11 of his 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He's also never carried worse than a 7-9 record as a head coach.Houston TexansSafety tandem Cooper Neill / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Texans have a lot of young talent to keep an eye on, but when it comes to an area they can rely on, look no further than the deep protectors of the secondary. Jalen Pitre is entering Year 2 after a phenomenal rookie season that saw him collect five interceptions and 147 combined tackles. Pitre also has help on the way in the form of free-agent signee Jimmie Ward, who recorded five interceptions over the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.Indianapolis ColtsVeteran leadersThere isn't much to smile about in Indianapolis with the nasty and public feud between the Colts and disgruntled running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor was supposed to be a major piece of the offense alongside rookie Anthony Richardson, but that isn't shaping up to happen due to a trade request and a PUP list stay. Instead, the true strength of this Colts team will come from its locker room leaders to steer the ship through rough waters. Veterans like Quenton Nelson, Shaq Leonard, and DeForest Buckner will need to rise up to the occasion in what could be a turbulent 2023 season.Jacksonville JaguarsAerial attackIt's been more than two decades since the Jaguars had a passing attack that looked as formidable as the one they have now, and not since the days of Mark Brunell has Jacksonville had a quarterback set to launch into the atmosphere of superstardom. Trevor Lawrence, the former No. 1 pick, enjoyed a great sophomore season in 2022 and is set to run it back this year with the same weapons in Christian Kirk and Evan Engram. However, he'll have a new alpha in the receiver room in the returning Calvin Ridley.Kansas City ChiefsPatrick MahomesNot much needs to be said here. The Chiefs have been the AFC's strongest team over the last five years, and that's solely because of Mahomes. What's concerning for the rest of the conference is that Mahomes somehow continues to get better. The reigning Super Bowl MVP set new career highs in completion percentage (67.1%) and passing yards (5,250) last season.Las Vegas RaidersSkill-position playersThe Raiders have a tall task ahead of them if they hope to be competitive despite an unbalanced roster and playing in the tough AFC West. Luckily for them, they have two of the game's top weapons at their respective positions in Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs. Adams put up over 1,500 receiving yards last season, while Jacobs led the NFL in rushing with 1,653 yards. Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow are also great pieces in the receiving room.Los Angeles ChargersWide receiver depth Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Sport / GettyJustin Herbert will have no shortage of weapons to throw to this upcoming season. The usual standouts in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams return, but the Chargers have now also added TCU product Quentin Johnston to the mix. Johnston is another vertical threat like Williams but also possesses rare YAC ability for his size. Rounding out the receiver room is Joshua Palmer, who actually led the team's wideouts in receptions (72) last year. Not bad for a fourth option.Miami DolphinsSpeedy wide receiversThe Dolphins carry the potential to turn any play into a home run, and that's largely thanks to the wide receiver partnership of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Both wideouts have done wonders, not only for the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa but also for the ceiling of this Dolphins team. Hill proved he didn't need Mahomes in his first year in Miami by putting up 1,710 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Waddle averaged a league-high 18.1 yards per catch.New England PatriotsSecondaryThere isn't a true ace card in the Patriots' secondary, but that doesn't mean they don't have a good hand. Jonathan Jones, Kyle Dugger, Marcus Jones, and Jack Jones combined for 11 interceptions last year. This secondary also got a massive injection this offseason in the form of first-round cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The safety group also contains quality depth in Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills, and Jabrill Peppers.New York JetsLeadership under centerIt's hard to settle on one area that stands out for the Jets. The defense is equipped to defend against the pass and get after the quarterback, while the offense features top skill-position players such as Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Breece Hall, and new signee Dalvin Cook. With a strong, balanced roster on paper, the biggest difference from last season is the leadership that can help this team overcome a lengthy playoff drought. That leadership comes in the form of four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers, who can demonstrate traits of a winning culture both on the field and in the locker room.Pittsburgh SteelersPass-rushersIt's the pass-rushing department that shines brightest for the franchise known for legendary defenses. With the three-headed monster of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cameron Heyward, the Steelers are going to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Highsmith is coming off a career-high 14.5 sacks last season, while Heyward recorded at least 10 sacks for the second straight year. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Watt should also pick up right where he left off now that his injury-plagued 2022 campaign is in the rearview mirror.Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyIf the Titans hope to get back to their winning ways, they're going to have to rely on Henry again. That's not much of a surprise, as that's been the team's blueprint for ages. Even though Henry is now entering his age-29 season, he doesn't seem to be slowing him down. The three-time Pro Bowl running back received a league-leading 349 carries for 1,538 yards last year.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and finished among the top seven each of his last seven years in the contest.In an effort to help you find trades that could improve your fantasy team, we present the Dynasty Trade Value Chart.You can use this chart to compare players and build realistic trade offers. Values are based on 12-team PPR leagues.Follow the links below to see the trade values for each position.Dynasty Rankings & Trade Values

The Dallas Cowboys and right tackle Terence Steele agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $86.8 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Steele's new deal reportedly contains $50 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $91.8 million.The 26-year-old has been a mainstay on Dallas' offensive line since being added as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He was forced into the lineup as a rookie due to multiple injuries to teammates and started 14 games while appearing in two more.Steele's 2022 campaign was cut short after he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 14. He was in the midst of a strong season, allowing just one sack in 439 pass-blocking snaps.The veteran offensive lineman is expected to be ready for Week 1.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expects wide receiver Kadarius Toney to play in the season-opening game Thursday against the Detroit Lions, according to Nate Taylor of The Athletic."Right now, he's good to go," Reid said Sunday. "He's moving around pretty well. We'll take it day by day."Toney missed most of training camp after suffering a knee injury in the opening practice and undergoing surgery.The 24-year-old - who was acquired midseason last year from the New York Giants - is projected to lead the Chiefs' wideout group alongside Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore.Toney struggled to make a significant impact in the regular season following the trade, recording 14 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns in seven appearances.However, he produced the longest punt return in Super Bowl history (65 yards) to set up a Chiefs touchdown while also adding a receiving score in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert are heading into their fourth NFL season since entering the league as two of the top three quarterbacks selected in the 2020 draft.Burrow tore his ACL in his rookie season but has since led the Bengals to back-to-back AFC North titles and a Super Bowl appearance in 2021.Herbert, on the other hand, won the Rookie of the Year award in 2020 but has only managed to take the Chargers to one wild-card game, which they lost to the Jaguars last season.These two immensely talented quarterbacks have been - and will continue to be - compared to each other for the duration of their careers. So far, the edge has to go to Burrow as the better performer through three seasons, but oddsmakers suggest Herbert has a chance to close the gap in 2023.FuturesMarketBurrowHerbertMVP+700+1000OPOY+2500+3000Lead NFL in

You're going to make a bet on a team to win the Super Bowl, and said team might even make it to Las Vegas in February. Then, for two weeks, you won't have a clue what to do.Betting isn't just about picking a team and keeping your fingers crossed. You're always going to be wondering if you should try to middle, hedge, or pull the dreaded cash-out.I'll tell you what to do now. Flip on over to the conference champion odds and just bet your team(s) there. The payout won't be the same, but once we get to Super Bowl week, you'll have wished you had conference championship winnings in your pocket to use for the prop menu in the big game.Psychologically, there's less temptation to make a negative expected value play before conference championships. So instead of taking a shot at the Super Bowl, let's grab a pair of teams from each conference.AFC champion oddsTEAMODDSChiefs+350Bills+450Bengals+500Ravens+900Jets+1000Dolphins+1200Jaguars+1300Chargers+1300Browns+1600Broncos+2500Steelers+3000Patriots+4000Colts+5000Raiders+5000Titans+5000Texans+10000Ravens (+900)The Ravens aren't priced like the Bengals, Bills, and Chiefs because they haven't had the same recent playoff success. Why is that? It's simple - their former MVP quarterback has been unavailable for the latter half of the last two seasons. This season, Baltimore is certainly better equipped to keep Lamar Jackson in the lineup. There's also no guarantee Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes will stay healthy all year.After playing in just seven games in 2020 and 2021 combined, left tackle Ronnie Stanley started his 2022 season in Week 5 and only played a few games with Jackson. Meanwhile, center Tyler Linderbaum received a good PFF grade in his rookie year. Having those two positions locked down is critical. For any offensive off-days, second-year defensive coordinator Mike McDonald has had a full offseason to build a scheme around tackling machine Roquan Smith, and the team is deep enough to withstand early-season injuries.When we get to the playoffs, the Ravens are capable of winning on the road if need be, and who's more reliable in a game-winning situation than Justin Tucker?Dolphins (+1200)You could make the case for the similarly priced Chargers here, especially since they're favored in a Week 1 tilt, but with both teams likely back in the playoffs, I'll trust the Dolphins to win those do-or-die games. Miami has more competition, but winning the AFC East might require a good enough record to get the bye for being the No. 1 seed, while the Chargers' Kansas City-sized hill is harder to climb.The Dolphins' high-octane offense can fuel a great regular season, and the team also has the built-in addition of a high-level cornerback when Jalen Ramsey returns from injury late in the year. We have less scar tissue in trusting Mike McDaniel over Brandon Staley in the playoffs, so that's the tiebreaker here.NFC champion oddsTEAMODDSEagles+25049ers+400Cowboys+600Lions+1000Seahawks+1100Saints+1300Vikings+1600Falcons+2500Bears+3000Packers+3000Giants+3000Panthers+3500Rams+4000Buccaneers+5000Commanders+5000Cardinals+10000Cowboys (+600)We're going down a bit of a different route in the NFC with one favorite and one long shot. Though the Chargers can be excited about Kellen Moore taking over offensive play design and play-calling, that doesn't mean his old team, the Cowboys, will completely fall apart.We've discussed Dallas' offensive potential with a healthy Dak Prescott in breaking down a few betting markets, but Dan Quinn's defense shouldn't be overlooked, as it was seventh in yards per play allowed, third in sack percentage and fourth in turnover margin. While the Cowboys' playoff run ended somewhat sadly, bringing the 49ers to the wire is a sign of good things to come.Packers (+3000)At 30-1, just get yourself a home playoff game and we'll go from there. That's all we want out of a long shot, and we'd be happy to take our chances with a first-round matchup with an NFC wild-card team. If the Packers can win the NFC North with a better record than the NFC South winner, they could get a home playoff game against someone other than a deadly 5-seed like the Eagles or Cowboys.Of all the quarterbacks who aren't stars yet, former first-round pick Jordan Love has as good a skill set as any to jump into that conversation, and there's enough talent on defense to support any stumbles the offense has.While we're not hedgers by nature, having a 30-1 ticket in the NFC championship would provide plenty of room to maneuver. If that matchup is with Dallas, we can sit back and enjoy a profitable game regardless of the outcome.Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although there's a lot of excitement around the Jets ahead of the 2023 season, New York general manager Joe Douglas is aware that the preseason hype doesn't mean anything."We're excited to be in the conversations as one of the better teams in the league," Douglas said Thursday, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. "Excitement doesn't win games. We've got a lot to prove."After starting three different quarterbacks and missing the playoffs last season, the Jets acquired four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in a trade from the Green Bay Packers. New York also brought in four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook and wide receivers Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, among others.In addition, the Jets had a top-five defense last year and feature a 2022 draft class that includes wideout Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner. New York is looking to end the league's longest postseason draught at 12 straight campaigns.Several Jets players have embraced the high expectations regarding the team. Cook recently said winning the Super Bowl is a "very realistic" possibility for N.Y."I'll let everybody debate what that looks like," Douglas said when asked what a successful 2023 season would be for his club. "We're not running or hiding from any expectations that are out there. I think, when the dust settles, you want to be in the conversation as one of those teams that can compete for a Super Bowl. You get a ticket into the dance and anything happens."Coming off a 7-10 season, the Jets kick off their 2023 campaign at home against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, Google, and Stitcher.In this episode, Boone goes over the latest news and opens up the fantasy mailbag to answer your questions.

Aaron Rodgers is in high spirits as he prepares to make his regular-season debut with the New York Jets.While discussing his time in New York thus far, the veteran quarterback likened the experience to a really good dream."I told a friend this has felt like waking up inside of a dream, this whole experience - a beautiful dream," Rodgers said Thursday, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. "So many times you have a great dream and you wake up and you're like, 'I just want to get back into that thing,' and you can't quite get back into the dream. I've woken up inside of that dream, it feels like. That's been really, really special."The Jets acquired the 39-year-old Rodgers in April as part of a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers, with whom he spent the first 18 seasons of his career.Since joining the Jets, Rodgers said he's often stopped to reflect on how happy he is in his new surroundings."I won't say it out loud a lot," he said, "but I'll just sit back with the guys in the room and take a second sometimes and (think), 'How cool is this?'"The Jets kick off the 2023-24 season Sept. 11 with a Monday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes believes his team can win the NFC North for the first time this season.Holmes said Friday his confidence is "very high," according to ESPN's David Woodyard. "We've gone through a lot of darkness to get to this place."The Lions went 3-13-1 in 2021, Holmes' first year as general manager, but the club finished with a 9-8 record a season ago despite starting the campaign 1-6.The team has never won the NFC North. The Lions' last division crown came in 1993 when they topped the then-NFC Central with a 10-6 record.Detroit became a popular pick to make a push in the NFC this offseason, which shocked Holmes."It was a little surprising for me because we didn't make the playoffs," Holmes said, per Woodyard. But the 44-year-old welcomes the excitement. "We're not scared of the expectations."The Seattle Seahawks beat the Lions for the NFC's final wild-card spot in 2022. The teams both finished the campaign 9-8, but Seattle downed Detroit 48-45 in Week 4, thus winning the tiebreaker.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Travis Kelce really wants teammate Chris Jones to return to the Kansas City Chiefs - and the star tight end isn't above begging."Ah man, Chris, can you please come back? You're really scaring me, man. I don't get it," said Kelce on his "New Heights" podcast. "You must know something that I don't know because I just don't get it."I really want to get another Super Bowl ring with you, brother. This is me bargaining you to just come back and play football for the Chiefs. Please, we need you. We need you bad. And I don't know what the situation is."While Travis is desperate for Jones to come back, his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, is hoping the star defensive tackle stays away as long as possible."Well, I think the situation is you guys aren't paying him enough, and I think he should hold off as long as possible, especially past, when do we play? Week 10. Week 10!" joked Jason.The veteran Jones is subject to a $50,000 daily fine for his training camp absence as part of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. He could miss game checks if his holdout extends into the regular season.The 29-year-old - who's entering the final year of a four-year, $80-million extension inked in 2020 - is reportedly seeking a deal worth more than $30 million per season. Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald currently tops all non-quarterbacks with a contract that averages $31.6 million.The Chiefs said they have no intention of trading Jones, who was key to the club's Super Bowl success last season. He finished with a career-high 15.5 sacks and was third in Defensive Player of the Year voting.Kansas City opens its season Thursday, Sept. 7 against the Detroit Lions.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans set a deadline of Sept. 9 - one day before Tampa Bay's first regular-season game - to receive a new long-term contract, his agent said in a statement Friday, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Evans - who's entering the final year of a five-year, $82-million deal he signed in 2018 - will cut off negotiations if he hasn't been extended by Week 1."Despite our efforts over the past two years - and the professionalism of Bucs general manager Jason Licht and assistant general manager Mike Greenberg - we have not received an offer to stay in Tampa," wrote Evans' agent, Deryk Gilmore. "This is disappointing to Mike as he sees other teams step up to keep key pieces and players that are important to their organization."Evans is seeking a contract similar to Cooper Kupp's three-year, $80.1-million contract with the Los Angeles Rams that included $75 million in guaranteed money, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times."We are giving the Bucs until the start of the regular season to make him a Buc for life, and if that cannot happen, 100% of Mike's focus will be on football and his future and where he can continue to make an impact," Gilmore wrote.Gilmore indicated Evans will look to leave as a free agent in 2024."Mike wants the next phase of his career to be with an organization who wants him and wants him to help with a Super Bowl," he wrote.Licht said in mid-August that he wants Evans to retire with the NFC South club."I can't see Mike playing anywhere else," Licht said. "I hope and think we can figure something out so he can retire a Buc. We want Mike to be here long term."Following the retirement of Tom Brady, the Buccaneers seem to be entering a transitional phase, with a host of veteran players released ahead of free agency and an apparent focus on bringing in younger talent.Meanwhile, former No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield beat out Kyle Trask for the team's starting quarterback job.Evans, widely viewed as one of the best players in Tampa Bay's history, set an NFL record last season with his ninth straight 1,000-yard campaign to start a career.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL season is just around the corner. While some teams have more to be excited about than others, each club has areas to lean on to succeed. Let's look at the biggest strength of every NFC squad.NFC / AFCArizona CardinalsSpeed at receiverThe Cardinals are expected to be one of the league's worst teams. However, they have some juice at the receiver position, which can help quarterbacks Josh Dobbs and Clayton Tune while Kyler Murray is out. Marquise Brown has been one of the better deep threats in the NFL since being drafted in the first round in 2019. Wideout Rondale Moore has elite quickness, as evident by his 4.32 40-yard dash. Brown and Moore can keep Arizona's offense somewhat stable without the dynamic Murray.Atlanta FalconsOffensive weaponsAtlanta can beat teams in a variety of ways on offense. Starting wide receivers Drake London and Mack Hollins are both 6-foot-4 and can tear squads apart in the intermediate area of the field, while Scott Miller brings speed at the third receiver spot to stretch out the defense. Mix in matchup nightmare Kyle Pitts with running backs Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and Cordarrelle Patterson, and this offense will give defensive coordinators headaches all season.Carolina PanthersStrong secondary Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / GettyCornerback Jaycee Horn hasn't allowed a touchdown in coverage since Week 1 of his rookie campaign, according to PFF. The 23-year-old has played in only 16 games since being a first-round pick in 2021, but he's fully healthy heading into his third season and has All-Pro potential. The Panthers added veteran safety Vonn Bell to play with Xavier Woods on the backend of the defense, and the reliable Jeremy Chinn is expected to be Carolina's nickel cornerback. The other outside cornerback job is up in the air as Donte Jackson stumbled in the preseason and has struggled to stay healthy. However, this secondary has the chance to be one of the league's better units.Chicago BearsWide receiver roomChicago hasn't seen two wideouts eclipse 800 receiving yards in a single season since 2016. That should change in 2022. The Bears made a splash this offseason by acquiring D.J. Moore, who's surpassed 1,100 receiving yards three times since entering the NFL in 2018. Darnell Mooney has been reliable when healthy and is a nice complement to Moore. Chicago dealt a second-round pick for Chase Claypool at last year's trade deadline and will look for him to bounce back after a disappointing 2022 campaign. Claypool exceeded 100 targets and 850 receiving yards in his first two seasons. Dallas CowboysDefenseEdge rusher Micah Parsons has transformed the Cowboys' defense. Since being selected 12th overall in 2021, Dallas has recorded back-to-back campaigns with a top-10 scoring defense. There's optimism the club can make it three straight. The Cowboys fixed their most glaring need by acquiring cornerback Stephon Gilmore for a fifth-round pick, and he should help solidify the backend. Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams, and Dante Fowler are as good a pass-rushing unit as you can get in the NFL.Detroit LionsOffensive lineThe Lions have a top-three offensive line when healthy. Despite suffering the fifth-most games lost by injuries last season compared to other offensive lines around the league, Detroit's unit still anchored the NFL's fifth-best scoring offense. Halapoulivaati Vaitai returns to the starting lineup after missing all of last season with a back injury. He'll help solidify the right side of the line next to former first-round pick Penei Sewell. Jonah Jackson, Taylor Decker, and Frank Ragnow are entering the season healthy, rounding out a scary unit for opposing defensive fronts.Green Bay PackersDefensive starsThe Packers are going with a ton of youth on the offensive side of the ball, but they have two stars on defense who can keep this team in playoff contention. Green Bay's pass rush slowed last campaign after edge rusher Rashan Gary tore his ACL in Week 9. The squad went from second in pressure rate with Gary to 28th without him. His return to the lineup is massive for a young Packers squad. And don't forget about cornerback Jaire Alexander, who earned his second All-Pro nod in 2022.Los Angeles RamsStar power Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Rams lack depth across the board. Nonetheless, they have two superstars who can help them make some noise in the NFC. Aaron Donald is still the best defensive tackle in football and can wreck an offense's game plan weekly. Cooper Kupp was on pace for another historic campaign in 2022 before an ankle injury forced him to miss the final eight games. He finished with 75 catches on 98 targets for 812 yards and six touchdowns in nine contests. Donald and Kupp can counter the lack of talent elsewhere on the roster.Minnesota VikingsJustin JeffersonWide receiver Justin Jefferson won the Offensive Player of the Year award in 2022 and still has room to grow as he just turned 24. The LSU product has averaged a remarkable 108 catches for 1,608 yards in his first three NFL seasons. Jefferson carried the Vikings to victory in Week 9 last campaign against the Buffalo Bills with an all-time magnificent catch.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's wife regrets publicly airing her husband's struggles to relate to his teammates."I spoke on a topic that I think, it's relatable, to the fact that it's hard to relate to someone who is ten years younger than you," Kelly Stafford said in an interview with Detroit Local 4's Christy McDonald. "And I do think that's entirely true. But I'm not in an NFL locker room. I'm not spending every day with these teammates."I say all the time, probably not the best if your wife's name is in the media if it's talking about sports. I felt pretty bad last week. I put my foot in my mouth pretty good last week."Kelly made headlines after she revealed on a recent episode of the "The Morning After With Kelly Stafford" podcast that her husband is having difficulty connecting with his younger teammates. She added that Matthew misses the days when teammates played games together in the locker room and believes the younger Rams players are too focused on their phones.The 35-year-old star is among a few players over 30 on Los Angeles' roster to begin the season. Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Tyler Higbee are also on that list.Matthew has yet to address his wife's comments publicly.However, Rams head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday that he wasn't concerned with Kelly's remarks, believing them to be a joke at his signal-caller's expense."And I know Kelly well enough to know that she was probably taking a good old rib at the old man as her husband's getting older playing, but this guy's done a phenomenal job, and I know how much he loves his teammates and how much they love him," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We've hit on players, coaches, and teams as a whole to have high-end (or, in some cases, low-end) results this season. With a portfolio of high-payout results, we now need some safer wagers to balance things out. Those come in the form of evenly-priced win totals. Instead of hoping to cash one or two big futures market payouts, we'll hope to win more than we lose on teams that might not have a long-shot bet that makes sense.NFL win total oddsTEAMTOTALOVER/UNDERChiefs11.5-135/+115Eagles11.5+100/-12049ers11.5+115/-135Bengals11.5+125/-165Bills10.5-145/+125Jaguars10.5+140/-165Ravens9.5-175/+150Cowboys9.5-165/+140Jets9.5-125/+105Chargers9.5-125/+100Lions9.5-125/+100Dolphins9.5+100/-120Saints9.5+105/-125Browns9.5+110/-130Steelers8.5-145/+125Seahawks8.5-145/+125Falcons8.5-130/+110Vikings8.5-125/+105Broncos8.5-105/-115Titans7.5-125/+105Bears7.5-125/+105Packers7.5-120/+100Panthers7.5-110/-110Giants7.5+100/-120Patriots7.5+120/-140Colts6.5-115/-105Rams6.5-105/-115Commanders6.5+110/-130Raiders6.5+110/-130Buccaneers6.5+120/-140Texans5.5-165/+140Cardinals4.5+150/-175Nineteen of the NFL's 32 teams are lined in the meaty part of the curve at 7.5 to 9.5 wins. It just goes to show the razor-thin line between a team like the Ravens, who - based on win totals alone - could be considered the seventh-ranked team in the NFL, and the Patriots, who could be ranked 25th.With just a couple of exceptions, we'll play some win totals toward the middle on the expectation that mediocre teams are more likely to gravitate to an 8-9 record and that it's hard to win games in the NFL.Best bets49ers under 11.5 wins (-135)Go hunting for a sportsbook with the 49ers lined at 11.5 wins at -150 or better on the under. San Francisco is by no means mediocre, but its road schedule is loaded with teams that are underrated, if not dangerous. Being high on the Steelers in markets like Coach of the Year and the last undefeated team means we're leaning pretty hard toward Pittsburgh in Week 1. Throw in games at Jacksonville, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Washington, and the 49ers, who are not as deep on defense and the offensive line as in years past, could slip up in games the market gave them a good chance to win when this win total was set months ago.Bills under 10.5 wins (+125)A 10-7 record is a good season for most, but it would be a disappointing campaign in Buffalo, so we're getting a plus price on the Bills' under in a loaded AFC East. The Bills' pass rush was non-existent after Von Miller tore his ACL last season, and he's already set to miss the first four games of this year. Completing the defense is a lot to ask of a 34-year-old, especially with an aging secondary that's seen its share of injuries the last couple of years. The schedule is loaded, particularly on the road, which might provide the rare opportunity to get points with Buffalo, but makes +125 on this under worth a bet.Vikings under 8.5 wins (+105)We haven't discussed the Vikings much because there have been more positive things to say about the Lions, Packers, and Bears in other markets. But the one main way we can fade Minnesota - returning a terrible defense and a potentially creaky, lame-duck quarterback - is by betting that it finishes under .500 this season.Titans over 7.5 wins (-125)We like the Titans to make the playoffs, and we're willing to take a taste of them toppling the Jaguars to win the AFC South. If the conference is too rough, and the Jaguars end up building on their finish to last season, we can at least save some face by winning back some capital on Mike Vrabel to get back over .500 for the season.Bears under 7.5 wins (+105)The plays are spectacular, and Justin Fields' numbers might be worthy of an Offensive Player of the Year award. However, both things were true last year, and the Bears didn't win any of the games that those plays occurred in. Not enough was done to build a winner just yet, and the win total market asks the Bears to flirt with .500. Not this year.Panthers under 7.5 wins (-110)Thanks to their big draft pick swap, the Panthers have tied themselves historically to the Bears, and this year, they'll join them as fades in our betting portfolio. Unlike Chicago, Carolina had to give up the capital to get Bryce Young, and the on-field price the Panthers will pay is that they won't get back to seven wins this season.Patriots over 7.5 wins (+120)The Patriots will be low-variance game-to-game, but if they can function on offense, they might be high-variance in how many games they win. That said, their defense should be good enough to raise their floor higher than this win total suggests.Rams under 6.5 wins (-115)The Rams might get two freebies against the Cardinals, but they still need to beat five other teams to crawl over this total. With just three above-average players, two of whom have contemplated retirement, I'll bet that the Rams are far worse than most are willing to admit.Commanders over 6.5 wins (+110)Quick, who's better: the Giants or the Commanders? We might have been one debatable penalty call away from Washington being the surprise playoff team last year. Of course, it would've helped the Commanders if they had a real quarterback. They might have one this year, and - at 6.5 - they're not being asked to come as close to the playoffs as they were last year.Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL won't take any action against Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill over an incident with a South Florida marina worker in June, a league spokesman told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Hill resolved his dispute with the man he was accused of assaulting at Haulover Marina in Miami in late July.The receiver was under investigation by Miami-Dade police for assault and battery. Hill and the man - who worked for a charter company - reportedly got into an argument after Hill's crew tried boarding a boat without permission.A video appeared to show Hill hitting the back of the man's head before being restrained.The 29-year-old led the Dolphins with 119 receptions and 1,710 yards in 2022, his first season with the club.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings and T.J. Hockenson agreed to terms on a contract extension, the team announced Thursday.According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the extension is a four-year, $68.5-million pact with $42.5 million guaranteed. The $17.125-million average annual value makes Hockenson the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.Minnesota traded a second-round pick in the 2023 draft and a fourth-rounder in the 2024 draft to the division-rival Detroit Lions for Hockenson during the 2022 campaign.The 26-year-old hauled in 60 catches for 519 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games with the Vikings last year.Hockenson battled an ear infection and lower-back issues during the offseason, but head coach Kevin O'Connell feels "very good" about the tight end's availability for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.Hockenson was selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Lions. The 6-foot-5 target has 246 receptions, 2,587 yards, and 18 touchdowns in 57 career games.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. will miss at least the first four games of the regular season after being placed on injured reserve Thursday.Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Wilson was placed on IR due to "a midsection injury compounded by a finger injury," according to Adam Beasley of Pro Football Network.Raheem Mostert is in line to lead Miami's backfield in Wilson's absence, while De'Von Achane and Salvon Ahmed should act as the primary backups.Wilson joined the Dolphins from the San Francisco 49ers in a midseason trade last year. He produced 392 yards and three touchdowns in eight games in Miami, and 468 yards and two scores in eight games in San Francisco.Mostert led the AFC East club in rushing with 891 yards last season. Achane joined the Dolphins as a third-round pick in April and is dealing with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason. Meanwhile, Ahmed has 532 yards across three seasons in Miami.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Defensive Rookie of the Year has become a phenomenal predictor of which players will keep offensive coordinators up at night for years to come.Three of the last four winners are generational defensive players. Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa are considered two of the league's best defensive players. Sauce Gardner is labeled as the best defensive back heading into his second season.Chase Young's injuries have derailed his trajectory the last couple of seasons, but he's as impactful as any defensive end if he can regain even some of the dominance he showed three years ago.More so than the offensive winners, DROY recipients have a much more immediate impact on their team and the league.Earlier this week, we broke down the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. Now, let's break down the next crop of potential defensive game-changers.Defensive Rookie of the Year OddsPlayer OddsWill Anderson+400Jalen Carter+600Tyree Wilson+800Christian Gonzalez+900Devon Witherspoon+900Emmanuel Forbes+1500Lukas Van Ness+1500Jack Campbell+1800Brian Branch+2000Calijah Kancey+2000Deonte Banks+2000Felix Anudike-Uzomah+2000Nolan Smith+2000Joey Porter Jr.+2200Drew Sanders+2500Myles Murphy+2500Will McDonald IV+2500There's been a trend over the last decade for Defensive Rookie of the Year winners.The last four recipients were selected in the top 12. Three of the last four were taken within the top five.Eight of the last 10 winners were top-15 draft picks. Only one was taken outside the first round.Following that trend, only six guys on this year's board qualify as top-15 picks - Will Anderson, Jalen Carter, Tyree Wilson, Devon Witherspoon, Lukas Van Ness, and Will McDonald.Anderson, who the Texans drafted third overall after selecting potential franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud No. 2, was a no-brainer as the first defensive player taken. There's nothing more valuable defensively than someone who can get after the quarterback, and the edge rusher from Alabama was a nightmare for opposing SEC passers.Anderson had 80 solo tackles, 27.5 sacks, and 48 tackles for loss in his last two seasons for the Crimson Tide. He should change the complexion of Houston's defense in Year 1.But while Anderson is the clear-cut favorite, but there are some notable names with longer odds.You don't have to search down the board too far to find an absolute stud expected to make an instant impact. Jalen Carter was an unquestioned top-five talent according to draft evaluators. However, off-field legal issues made many teams skeptical, which led to Carter's fall to the ninth pick.But one team's question mark is another team's gold. On a stacked Georgia defense, Carter had 83 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks while winning two national championships in his college career.According to reports from Eagles training camp, he's been a playmaker. The admiration he's received is unlike what any other rookie on either side of the ball has earned this year.All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson said he can "play at a really high level right now." Eagles running back Rashaad Penny said he hasn't seen anyone like Carter since Aaron Donald, who was the last defensive tackle to win the award.Philadelphia's slightly thin and aging at defensive tackle, so Carter's opportunities will be endless, which is unusual for a rookie defensive lineman.The expectations for Carter skyrocket with every ounce of praise his veteran teammates deliver. But it sure sounds, and looks, like he can live up to it.Pick: Jalen Carter +600Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter @soshtry for more betting coverage.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although New York Giants wideout Jalin Hyatt is switching his jersey to No. 13 for the upcoming season, the rookie insists he isn't trying to emulate Giants legend Odell Beckham Jr."There's no story behind it. I just want to start my own legacy with it and do my best for the Giants in No. 13," Hyatt said, according to team editor Michael Eisen.OBJ famously wore No. 13 while with the Giants from 2014-18, compiling 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns on 390 receptions during that span. The recently released David Sills donned the number during the preseason, while Hyatt sported No. 84.Hyatt met Beckham during the pre-draft process while both were working out in Arizona."I was surprised he knew who I was," said the 21-year-old Hyatt. "It shows a lot of love that he has for the Giants. A lot of respect for him."The Tennessee product lauded OBJ's time in New York, which featured three Pro Bowls, two second-team All-Pro selections, and an Offensive Rookie of the Year award. However, he again asserted he's not trying to echo Beckham's legacy."What he did here - had a great career with the Giants and kind of took over," Hyatt said. "I was a fan when I was young watching him. ... But just with the jersey number, it's just one of those things I wanted to start my own legacy. I like low numbers, and if I had to choose a number it'd be 11, but it's retired here, so can't go with that one, so 13 would be the next option."Beckham appears to be in favor of Hyatt donning the number.

New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster refuted a rumor that he's dealing with a debilitating knee injury.Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said Smith-Schuster's knee is "a mess" and "could explode at any point" during a recent appearance on NBC Sports Boston.The wide receiver pushed back Wednesday, stating his knee is strengthening."I don't think my knee is a ticking time bomb," Smith-Schuster told Karen Guregian of MassLive. "If anything, it's something that's getting stronger every day."The 26-year-old, who signed a three-year deal worth up to $33 million in free agency, suffered a knee injury during the AFC Championship Game while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.Smith-Schuster admitted to needing all of the two-week break before the Super Bowl to get ready, but he was able to play and finished the Chiefs' win with seven catches for 53 yards.The wideout added that he underwent a "clean-up" procedure in the offseason that has allowed him to fully participate in Patriots workouts."It feels great," he said. "I haven't missed practice since (training camp started)."Smith-Schuster produced 933 yards, the second-highest mark of his career, during his lone season in Kansas City.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Josh Jacobs says any differences between him and the Las Vegas Raiders during his contract dispute weren't personal but simply a matter of business.Jacobs, who held out for a large portion of the offseason after being franchise-tagged, signed a one-year contract worth up to $12 million last week. The deal gives Jacobs a raise over the $10.091-million franchise tag."I mean, shit, we here," Jacobs said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "We made it happen, so it ain't no hard feelings now. It's a clean slate with me."He added: "No hate on each side. I understood it, but at the same time, I understood my value, too. So it was just about meeting in the middle."The 25-year-old led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,653 yards but was unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal with the Raiders before the franchise tag deadline in July. Jacobs was among three franchise-tagged running backs who couldn't fetch extensions this offseason, joining Saquon Barkley and Tony Pollard.Despite his absence from the Raiders' offseason activities, Jacobs was pleased with how his on-field sessions have been going since returning to the team."Physically, I ain't missed a step," Jacobs declared. "I came in, and it didn't feel like I missed a step."The Raiders open the season against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 10.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers have no plans to trade reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa despite the pass-rusher still being absent due to a contract holdout."No. Real simple," general manager John Lynch said Wednesday when asked if the team would consider moving Bosa, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.Bosa hasn't been with the club since training camp opened as he seeks a long-term contract that figures to make him among the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL.Lynch added that there aren't any new developments in contract talks.Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that he expected Bosa and the 49ers to have found common ground on a new deal by this time, according to NFL Network's Clayton Holloway. Shanahan joined Lynch in saying that a trade isn't in the pass-rusher's future.Bosa is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which is slated to pay him a base salary of $17.9 million, per Spotrac. He is subject to a $40,000 fine for each missed practice during camp, but Lynch previously said the team will waive the financial penalties once he returns.The 25-year-old captured Defensive Player of the Year honors last season after posting a league-high 18.5 sacks.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, Google, and Stitcher.In this episode, John Paulsen of 4for4.com joins Boone to discuss the latest news and the players whose stock has risen or fallen most during the preseason.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard confirmed that the franchise and star running back Jonathan Taylor remain at odds."I'm not going to sit here and give you some rosy picture like everything's OK," Ballard said Wednesday, according to NFL Network's James Palmer. "No, it sucks. It sucks for the Colts. It sucks for Jonathan Taylor, and it sucks for our fans. It just does."While Taylor is still seeking a trade, Ballard expressed an interest in finding a solution with the former All-Pro back."I have great respect for Jonathan Taylor. ... Even when it gets hard, I won't quit on the relationship. I won't do it. I think too much of the young man. I think too much of what he's given our organization and how hard he's played for us," Ballard said.Indianapolis reportedly entertained trade offers from multiple suitors, including the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers. The Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos also reportedly expressed interest.Ballard confirmed that the Colts granted Taylor permission to seek a trade after the two sides couldn't find common ground on a possible extension. The 24-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2023.Indianapolis reportedly didn't receive the first-round pick or equivalent compensation package offer it was looking for prior to Tuesday's imposed deadline."Jonathan is valuable. At the end of the day, I'm not just going to let him walk out the building. That's not the best thing for the Colts," Ballard added, per CBS' Jonathan Jones.Ballard said that Taylor's still dealing with pain following offseason ankle surgery. The Wisconsin product is set to miss the first four games of the season after the Colts opted to keep him on the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday. Taylor can still be dealt ahead of the Oct. 31 trade deadline.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and finished among the top seven each of his last seven years in the contest.Follow the links below to see his 2023 rankings.Half PPR

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Opportunity is everything in fantasy football. If a player can't get on the field, they won't have a chance to produce on your roster.The following depth charts are designed to give fantasy owners insight into the players who are projected for starting roles, as well as the backups who are next in line in case of injury or ineffectiveness.These depth charts reflect a combination of current rosters and projected fantasy value.Fantasy Depth Charts

The AFC is loaded. The Chiefs, Bills and Bengals are all Super Bowl contenders attempting to knock each other out after winning their divisions in the last two seasons. However, all three have divisional challengers. Remember when we heard about how the AFC West might be the toughest division ever last summer? We might be saying that about the AFC East this year - and the North looks just as tough!A bet on a team to win its division isn't about which one is the best or which we think will even win. Odds are just another way of expressing implied win probability. Like any other bet we make, picking a team as the best bet for its division means that we think it's at least 5% more likely than the translated percentage.AFC WestTEAMODDSIMPLIED PROBABILITYChiefs-19065.5%Chargers+32523.5%Broncos+65013.3%Raiders+14006.7%Passing on the Chiefs at plus money to win the AFC West last year was honestly dumb. However, if our belief that there was value in the Chargers at +240 had sound logic, then +325 is going to be hard to pass up this time around.You already know the case for the Chargers. They're a highly talented team with a quarterback who should be the next superstar at the position. They've been involved in down-to-the-final-play thrillers with the Chiefs, falling to a 99-yard interception return and a Travis Kelce game-winning touchdown in the final minute of overtime. Instead of losing by three, if the Chargers had beat the Chiefs by three, they'd both have 12-5 records.Maybe your doubt that it'll ever work out for the Bolts is enough to account for a 42% gap in their implied win probability. But the talent and schedule strength are too close not to bite again - especially if Justin Herbert doesn't have to play with broken ribs and the new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, puts him in better positions to succeed.Pick: Chargers (+325)AFC NorthTEAMODDSIMPLIED PROBABILITYBengals+15040%Ravens+22530.8%Browns+37521.1%Steelers+45018.2%I'm invested in the Steelers' success, but 18.2% is about right in a tough division. I'd rather play Pittsburgh in Coach of the Year, the last undefeated team, and other markets in which it'd have a strong chance of cashing bigger tickets if the team wins the AFC North.The Ravens seem like they're taking Georgia's offensive scheme - which made Stetson Bennett unstoppable - to the next level. They've surrounded Lamar Jackson with the best talent he's had yet. Ronnie Stanley is back healthy at his blind side, and their defense completely turned around once Roquan Smith filled their hole as a captain in the middle of the field.Throw in the best special teams, and the Ravens might be back to being the best team in the AFC North. After all, they almost won a playoff game in Cincinnati without a functioning offense. The 31% implied probability is too low of a number.Pick: Ravens (+225)AFC SouthTEAMODDSImplied probabilityJaguars-15560.8%Titans+32523.5%Colts+55015.4%Texans+90010.0%My interest in the Titans has bloomed late in the offseason. It took this long because they're probably the last team I'd think about while walking down a fairway during summer downtime.DeAndre Hopkins slides Treylon Burks into his proper WR2 role, Chigo Okonkwo has dangerous measurables, and Derrick Henry is backed up by Tulane stud Tyjae Spears. The weapons are sneaky good for Ryan Tannehill.Tennessee went 11-6 and 12-5 in 2020 and 2021, respectively. It started last year 7-3 before injuries threw things off the rails. Meanwhile, the Jaguars were 3-7. Are the final seven games of 2022 enough to create this much of a probability disparity? The widespread desire for Trevor Lawrence to make an exciting jump this season is creating value for the Titans in what is a two-horse AFC South race.Pick: Titans (+325)AFC EastTEAMODDSIWPBills+12544.4%Jets+25028.6%Dolphins+30025.0%Patriots+85010.5%Put me in the category of those who aren't all about the Aaron Rodgers era in New York. I'll take some of their assigned implied win probability of 28.6% and put that elsewhere in the division.Like every team in the division, the Bills will still be a tough matchup, but I can't come around to the idea that they're 44.4% likely to win the division. They also don't meet the plus-5% threshold of a bet-worthy 50/50 shot.The Dolphins and Patriots are left. Miami will have to wait to see the benefits of adding Jalen Ramsey, but as long as Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy, the offense is good enough to complement even an adequate defensive unit. The questions around Tagovailoa are why we're getting this type of price, which is the key to making this bet versus a standard "yes or no" prediction. Miami was available for as long as +375 to win the AFC East this summer, so they've been bet down to this number. But it might not be enough.Pick: Dolphins (+300)Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned to practice in full pads Wednesday for the first time since suffering a calf injury at the beginning of training camp.

With the NFL season beginning in just over a week, the focus is rightfully on the teams that can win now and the players who can get them there.But a new crop of superstars entered the league in April's draft. While most of them are likely years away from impacting winning, it's worth paying attention to the guys who will be atop the NFL in a few seasons.Almost all of the recent Offensive Rookie of the Year winners became household names for at least a few years regardless of their position.Let's find out who's likely to be the next player to join the NFL's pantheon.Offensive Rookie of the Year oddsPlayer OddsBijan Robinson+250Bryce Young+500Anthony Richardson+550Jahmyr Gibbs+900C.J. Stroud+1000Jaxon Smith-Njigba+1500Jordan Addison+1500Quentin Johnston+2000Zay Flowers+2200Jalin Hyatt+2500Will Levis+3000Odds via theScore BetThe Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson eighth overall, a sign he'll immediately have a sizable role in the offense. However, the Falcons aren't projected to win many games this season as they will rely on second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder and first-year running back Robinson. Nothing screams "rebuild" like that combo.With a rebuilding team, patience is key. Ridder is the more important project because quarterback is the more essential position, but Robinson is the player who should be ready to shine instantly.Robinson rushed for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns last season at Texas. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and was the clear choice as the first running back off the board.Running backs aren't exactly at a premium these days. Drafting one in the top 10 is like reading a print newspaper - there are teams, and people, who still do it, but it's rare.From 2015-18, five running backs were selected in the top 10. Robinson was the first running back drafted in the top 10 since Saquan Barkley in 2018, and Barkley won Offensive Rookie of the Year. Robinson's top-10 selection speaks volumes about his potential based on how undervalued the position has become.The Falcons' offense will rely heavily on the run game, especially considering it boasts the seventh-best offensive line in football, according to PFF.Forget rookies: Robinson is projected as one of the best running backs in the league full stop. He has the fourth-best odds to lead the NFL in rushing at +1200, behind Nick Chubb, Derrick Henry, and Jonathan Taylor.If he did it, he would be the first rookie running back to accomplish the feat since Ezekiel Elliott in 2016. Elliott was the runner-up for OROY to his teammate Dak Prescott.Robinson's rushing yards line is 1,075.5. If he rushes for over 1,000 yards, he'll be in a great position to take home the honor, barring an incredible season from a quarterback or wideout.No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young is the second favorite and the top quarterback on the odds list. The Panthers were solid in 2022 before Young's arrival, and the addition of Miles Sanders at running back gives him some more help. Young has the intangibles to be the next great quarterback from Alabama.The last two quarterbacks to win the award were Justin Herbert and Kyler Murray in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Herbert threw for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns his rookie year, while Murray threw for 3,772 yards and 20 touchdowns.The oddsmakers set Young's passing yards at 3,200.5 and his touchdowns at 22.5. With Robinson expected to put up massive numbers, Young would have to sprint past those totals to capture the award.Four wide receivers were drafted in the first round - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jordan Addison, Zay Flowers, and Quentin Johnston. All have odds of +2200 or shorter to win.Among wideouts, Addison has the best chance at a memorable rookie campaign. The Vikings receiver has the best odds to have the most regular-season receiving yards by a rookie at +275, despite being the fourth wide receiver selected.Smith-Njigba was the top receiver off the board in April. However, he recently underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his wrist. He should be back in the next few weeks, but will start his inaugural season on the sideline.Addison's insertion into one of the NFL's highest-scoring offenses as its second wide receiver makes his candidacy strong. He's lining up alongside Justin Jefferson, the best receiver in the league. Jefferson's presence commands an incredible amount of attention from defenses, allowing Addison space to roam.The Pittsburgh product will also be catching balls from Kirk Cousins - a terrific passer - in an offensive system that attempted passes on 62% of its plays last season.Addison is a long shot, but if Robinson flops and no quarterback shines, it's Addison's award as potentially another great receiver in Minnesota.Picks: Bijan Robinson, +250, Jordan Addison +1500Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter @soshtry for more betting coverage.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki says his confidence level in Mac Jones is "really high" heading into this season, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN."He makes it fun to go out there and play," Gesicki said. "We're always joking around, but when it's time to lock in, he's leading the offense and done a great job doing so."Jones went 6-8 in 14 starts last season, throwing for 2,997 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He dealt with an ankle injury that forced him to miss three games, and the 24-year-old ultimately took a step back in his sophomore campaign after leading the Patriots to the playoffs in 2021."Obviously, Mac is our quarterback," Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater said, according to Khari Thompson of Boston.com. "We've got a lot of belief in him. We support him."The Patriots waived quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham on Tuesday before re-signing them to the practice squad Wednesday.Jones will have a new offensive coordinator this season in Bill O'Brien, who spent the last two seasons at Alabama under the same role. The Crimson Tide had a top-five points-per-game offense in the FBS in both seasons under O'Brien.The Patriots kick off their season Sept. 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots are bringing back quarterback Bailey Zappe after waiving him Tuesday, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.The 24-year-old received offers from seven other teams but opted to return to New England's practice squad, adds Pelissero.Zappe, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was a surprise release ahead of Tuesday's deadline to trim rosters, as most expected him to be New England's primary backup behind Mac Jones.Zappe has appeared in four career games, including two starts. He's completed 70.1% of his passes for 781 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.The Patriots also re-signed Malik Cunningham to their practice squad after placing him on waivers, a source told Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. The undrafted quarterback out of Louisville also played snaps at wide receiver during the preseason.Jones was briefly the only quarterback on New England's roster when the team released Zappe and Cunningham.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers had "legitimate interest" in trading for All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and were negotiating with the Indianapolis Colts, sources told ESPN's Stephen Holder.The Dolphins were previously reported as one of the main suitors for Taylor, whom the Colts opted to keep Tuesday after a self-imposed deadline came and went without a deal.Indianapolis granted Taylor permission to seek a trade amid a deteriorating relationship with the running back caused by the team's unwillingness to extend him this offseason. However, the Colts reportedly didn't receive an offer that matched their asking price of a first-round pick or an equivalent package.The AFC South club made "wild requests" of the Dolphins, including asking for up-and-coming receiver Jaylen Waddle to be included in the deal, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.The Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears were also apparently interested in Taylor.The 24-year-old will miss at least the first four games of the regular season after the Colts decided to keep him on the physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury. But Taylor can still be traded prior to the Oct. 31 deadline, and there is still interest around the league, a source told Holder.Green Bay already has Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon atop its running back depth chart. Jones produced 1,121 yards and two touchdowns last season, while Dillon racked up 770 yards and seven scores.Taylor earned the NFL's rushing title in 2021 with 1,811 yards but endured an injury-ravaged 2022 campaign.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFC is the conference you want to play in - at least from a branding point of view, as it's often thought of as wide open. That might be insulting to teams not named the Eagles, 49ers, and perhaps Cowboys - the big fish in the conference pool - but, when broken down at the divisional level, there are no free rides, even for those considered a cut above a small pond of four teams.A bet on a team to win their division isn't about who's the best team or who we think will even win. Since odds are just another way of expressing implied win probability, for context, we'll translate those odds into how likely the betting market thinks it is that each team wins their division. Like any other bet we make, picking a team as the best bet for their division means that we think it's at least 5% more likely than the translated percentage.NFC WestTEAMODDSImplied Probability49ers-16562.3%Seahawks+20033.3%Rams+85010.5%Cardinals+40002.4%Heaven forbid we apply some logic to sports betting, but the 49ers' season win total of 10.5 seems low on the surface. They're one of the three prime contenders in the conference, so you would think an 11-6 record is easily attainable. However, the market has been available to bet all offseason and piles of money have not come in on the over, or they have, and oddsmakers don't care. Let's say San Francisco splits the difference and wins 11 games. The team becomes somewhat vulnerable as the odds-on favorite to win the NFC West.Brock Purdy stepped in and kept the 49ers' momentum going, winning the final six games of the regular season, but only two of those came against playoff teams. One of those was the Seahawks, who the Niners beat again in the playoffs before edging Dallas for a spot in the NFC Championship. The Cowboys game is the one worth focusing on for 2023.The 49ers mustered just 312 yards in that contest. It was a stark difference to what Purdy had faced during the season, and 2023's schedule includes road trips to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Jacksonville, and Philadelphia outside the division, plus visits from the Cowboys, Bengals and Ravens. All seven of those teams will be a challenge akin to that NFC divisional-round game, unlike the Commanders, Raiders, and Cardinals, who all started backup quarterbacks against the 49ers' defense.The Rams and Cardinals aren't stepping up to steal the division, so their combined 12.9% implied win probability has to go somewhere.The Seahawks have a revamped defense that should have as many as seven starters that it didn't have last season, while the offense has a far better idea of what it has than it did at this time last year. Seattle has a far better chance of winning the NFC West than its current implied probability suggests, making the team a bet at +200 or better.Pick: Seahawks (+200)NFC NorthTEAMODDSImplied probabilityLions+14041.7%Vikings+27526.7%Packers+37521.1%Bears+40020.0%We've been on this train since Aaron Rodgers finally left Green Bay in March, and there's no reason to disembark now. Jordan Love will be an adequate replacement for a quarterback who produced a QBR below 40 last season. Love and the speedy young receivers the Packers have surrounded him with will fit what Matt Lafleur wants to do on offense. With the return of Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and shutdown corner Jaire Alexander, the defense has impact players at all three levels.The defending champion Vikings are set to take a potentially large step back, the Bears didn't do enough to augment their roster around the occasional spectacular plays from Justin Fields, and the Lions' price is far too short for a team that was neck-and-neck with last year's Packers.Pick: Packers (+375)NFC SouthTEAMODDSImplied probabilitySaints+12544.4%Falcons+20033.3%Panthers+37521.1%Buccaneers+90010.0%Sure, let's grab the team that was horrendous against the spread last year and then lost the greatest quarterback of all time. That makes sense.You probably don't like Todd Bowles as a head coach, but the favorite in the NFC South is Dennis Allen, who has a 18-47 career record.You probably don't like Baker Mayfield, but the team with the most buzz in the NFC South is quarterbacked by Desmond Ridder.Let's say that a team with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, Vita Vea, Devin White, Lavonte David, Shaq Barrett, and a veteran secondary has a 15% chance to repeat as division champions. That makes them a bet at a price miles away from the Bucs' expectations last year.Pick: Buccaneers (+900)NFC EastTEAMODDSImplied probabilityEagles-13056.5%Cowboys+18535.1%Giants+85010.5%Commanders+16005.9%Thanks to quarterback injuries, we never got to see the Cowboys and Eagles match up at full strength. The Eagles were full value for nearly winning the Super Bowl last season, but you could argue their 14-3 record was built on a soft schedule. Luckily for football fans, Philadelphia's schedule gets a little more interesting.Had the Eagles' slate been slightly tougher last year, the Cowboys' 12-5 record might have been closer to division title-worthy. The Cowboys' season-opening loss to Tampa Bay looks wackier after seeing them crush the Bucs in the playoffs, and a Week 18 loss was meaningless. If Dallas finishes 14-3, while the Eagles go 13-4 this season, we shouldn't be surprised.Pick: Cowboys (+185)Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Staggering to the finish line last season, the Jets lost six straight games from Week 13 onward to bomb out of the playoff picture. Their NFL postseason drought, the longest in American sports, reached a dozen years.New York's low point in 2022 somehow preceded the losing streak. Zach Wilson passed for 77 yards in Week 11 in an unsightly 10-3 defeat to the Patriots. The Jets didn't move the ball past their 36-yard-line in the second half. A defensive masterclass went to waste when New England scored on a punt return with five seconds left.Days later in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers confirmed he'd been hurting. The four-time MVP quarterback played with a broken throwing thumb for more than a month as the Packers slipped in the standings. Jordan Love relieved him in an ensuing game. The Packers got hot in December but missed the postseason for the fourth time in Rodgers' 15 years as the starter.Last season frustrated Rodgers and made him look diminished, but that's in the past. As the Packers begin a new era with Love, Rodgers aligned with the Jets to work toward ending skids that date to 2011. A second championship has eluded Rodgers, the NFL's oldest QB, for as long as his new squad has been absent from the playoffs.Rodgers has a flair for drama. He led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV as a No. 6 seed before losing four subsequent NFC title games. He was fined for violating league COVID-19 policies in the midst of his latest MVP year. He contemplated retiring this winter during a stay in a 300-square-foot dark room in Oregon. Rodgers emerged into the light, then engineered his move to the Jets upon hearing from his agent that Green Bay was shopping him. Mike Stobe / Getty ImagesThe teams sealed the blockbuster trade on the eve of the draft, reuniting Rodgers with Nathaniel Hackett. The Jets offensive coordinator held the same job in Green Bay before his disastrous tenure as Broncos head coach lasted only 15 games. Excited to team up again, Rodgers restructured his contract to accept a $35-million pay cut over the next two seasons, affording the Jets cap flexibility as they aim to contend.Rodgers is wearing No. 8 in New York, the digit he donned at Cal two decades ago as a JUCO transfer from Butte Community College. He turns 40 in December. His window to win is now.The Brett Favre parallels are rich and inescapable. Favre orchestrated a trade from Green Bay to the Jets in 2008 when his first-round understudy - Rodgers - overtook him as a fourth-year pro.The fleeting partnership in New York disappointed. Favre played through a bicep tear, tossed as many interceptions (22) as touchdowns, and had to sign with the Vikings in 2009 to rejuvenate his career.Rodgers departs Green Bay as the club's all-time passing touchdowns leader with 475. He needs to throw 34 TDs to vault Favre for fourth place on the NFL leaderboard.Rodgers will eclipse Peyton Manning if he's productive with the Jets for two seasons. Starring for three might springboard him past Drew Brees. That would line up with Rodgers' preferred timeline to hand the reins back to Wilson.Rodgers can accomplish more in the NFL but has nothing left to prove. Except for Manning and Tom Brady, no quarterback has built a stronger case to be enshrined in Canton, according to Pro Football Reference's Hall of Fame Monitor. Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, and John Elway, who played in less pass-happy eras, all trail him in the rating by some distance.Rodgers' career trumps Favre's, but they remain tied in titles. A one-ring wonder in Green Bay, Favre's regrettable cross-body interception cost the Vikings their chance to win the 2009 NFC Championship Game.If all goes to plan in New York, Rodgers would become the second QB after Brady to play in the Super Bowl in his 40s, and he'd emulate Brady and Manning by leading a second team to the Lombardi Trophy. He upped the degree of difficulty by moving to the AFC. Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes all crowd his path to the big game.After Brady and Rodgers, the league's oldest passer last season was Joe Flacco, who underwhelmed in his brief stint as Jets starter at age 37. Mike Stobe / Getty ImagesQuarterbacked in 2022 by Wilson, Flacco, Mike White, and Chris Streveler, the Jets ranked last in completion percentage (56.9%), second-last in touchdown throws (14), and fourth-last in expected points added per dropback (-0.081) as tracked by Ben Baldwin. No wonder New York failed to score a TD in an NFL-high five games.The QBs' misfires intensified an old problem. Consistently unwatchable on offense, the Jets have produced the fewest points in the NFL over the past 10 seasons, per Stathead. They're also last in that span in completion rate and interceptions. They've finished in the top 10 in scoring once since 1998, rising to ninth in the Favre season.Defense - the backbone of Rex Ryan's dearly remembered playoff teams - is a franchise strength again.The Jets rocketed from 32nd to fourth in points allowed over Robert Saleh's first two seasons as head coach. Sack artist Quinnen Williams sparked New York to PFF's No. 3 team pass-rush grade in 2022. Cornerback Sauce Gardner's elite 45.9% reception rate when targeted guaranteed he'd be the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Sarah Stier / Getty Images Steph Chambers / Getty ImagesAdding playmakers was an offseason priority. The Jets signed Dalvin Cook, a stalwart 1,000-yard rusher and cap casualty in Minnesota, to split backfield touches with Breece Hall and Michael Carter. Budding superstar Garrett Wilson headlines a receiving corps that expanded to include former Packers wideouts Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as Mecole Hardman, a two-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs.The Jets believe Rodgers can rediscover his excellence. He owns the NFL's lowest career interception percentage (1.4%) and led all QBs in EPA/play in 2020 and 2021, per Baldwin's database. Rodgers was turnover-prone and cratered to 21st in EPA/play last season yet connected on as many big-time throws as Mahomes (33) to tie for fourth league-wide, per PFF. His targets had a 7.9% drop rate, way up from 4.2% the previous season.Whether the offensive line can protect Rodgers is an urgent question. The Buccaneers sacked him six times on 10 dropbacks during a mid-August joint practice. Compelled by the NFL to participate in "Hard Knocks," Saleh berated the unit in an early episode.

Justin Jefferson was undoubtedly the best wide receiver in the NFL last year. He dominated opposing defenses by leading the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards.The combination of these jaw-dropping stats earned the Vikings' wideout Offensive Player of the Year honors and put him in consideration for the MVP award.However, Jefferson appears to have some stiff competition from Ja'Marr Chase for the best wide receiver crown in 2023 - or at least oddsmakers believe so.The two former LSU teammates are neck-and-neck in a number of betting markets - not to mention they are also going first and second overall in the majority of fantasy drafts - which would suggest the gap between Jefferson and Chase is closer than some may believe.Let's take a look at their odds in futures markets and their season-long props.FuturesMarketJeffersonChaseMVP+10000+10000OPOY+1100+1100Lead NFL In

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was putting together a Hall of Fame-worthy resume before injuries derailed his promising career in recent years.Not only did Thomas have to contend with significant ankle and toe ailments, but his recovery from two surgeries was complicated by his body rejecting the hardware used to aid the healing process."I don't want to use this as an excuse," Thomas told ESPN's Katherine Terrell. "But also, when you get surgeries and they put hardware in, sometimes your body rejects the hardware."He added: "Your body responds and healing responds to it. Whatever, I guess is, the 1%? I guess I'm in that category."Thomas led the NFL with 1,725 yards (ninth-most all-time) and 149 catches in 2019, earning Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pro honors. It was his fourth 1,000-yard campaign and third 100-catch year in his first four NFL seasons.However, the 30-year-old played just seven games in 2020, missed the entire 2021 season with a torn deltoid and other ligaments in his left ankle, and only appeared in three games last year before needing surgery on his toe.Now seemingly healthy, Thomas returns to a new-look offense spearheaded by free-agent quarterback Derek Carr and sophomore stud receiver Chris Olave.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Trey Lance addressed the recent trade that sent him from the San Francisco 49ers to the Dallas Cowboys for the first time, saying he's happy with the change of scenery."When I heard Cowboys, I had a big smile on my face," the quarterback said Tuesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.Dallas acquired Lance last week in exchange for a fourth-round pick, ending the signal-caller's disappointing stint with San Francisco.Lance entered the NFL surrounded by high expectations after being drafted No. 3 overall in 2021. After backing up Jimmy Garoppolo for most of his rookie campaign, the North Dakota State product started 2022 as QB1 before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. The 23-year-old attempted just 102 passes in two years with the 49ers."I learned a ton. ... just very thankful for everyone there," Lance said of his time with the Niners, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. "It's not how I expected it to go. It's not how I think a lot of people expected it to go. But I believe that everything happens for a reason. I think I'm here for a reason. Regardless of what it is, just want to try to find a way to help the team.""I've got to learn and earn every opportunity I get," he added, according to Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News.Lance, who plans to wear No. 15 moving forward, is now part of a quarterback depth chart headlined by two-time Pro Bowler Dak Prescott. Dallas also rosters Cooper Rush, who went 4-1 while replacing an injured Prescott in 2022."(Prescott) welcomed me with open arms," Lance said of Prescott, per Machota. "That meant a lot to me. Just tons and tons of respect for him."Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently said the Lance trade isn't about Prescott, who's expected to begin negotiating a new contract soon. Jones added that the move makes sense for his team both short and long term.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller will start the 2023 season on the physically unable to perform list, the team announced Tuesday.Players placed on the PUP list to start the season have to miss at least the first four games of the year. Miller will be eligible to return in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.Miller is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 11 of the 2022 campaign. He was placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp.Buffalo signed Miller to a six-year, $120-million deal last year. The 34-year-old suited up in 11 games in 2022, recording eight sacks and 21 tackles.The Bills also traded pass-rusher Boogie Basham to the New York Giants on Tuesday. Buffalo has Greg Rousseau, Leonard Floyd, A.J. Epenesa, Shaq Lawson, Kameron Cline, and Kingsley Jonathan left on its edge rusher depth chart.Miller has 123.5 sacks and 561 tackles in 161 career games. Buffalo opens its season Sept. 11 against the New York Jets.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills are trading defensive end Boogie Basham and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round selection, the team announced Tuesday.Basham has tallied 37 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, eight QB hits, and an interception in 23 career games.The 6-foot-3, 281-pounder joins an edge rushing group that features Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, and potentially the recently added Isaiah Simmons. Thibodeaux, selected with the No. 5 pick in the 2022 draft, and Ojulari paired up for 9.5 sacks and nine TFLs in a combined 21 games last year.Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, and Leonard Floyd are slated to be Buffalo's primary pass-rushers.The Bills selected the 25-year-old with the No. 61 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is ready to move on and focus on Week 1 despite failing to sign a long-term extension before the regular season."At this point, I'm just focused on being the best teammate I can be and being there for my guys and getting ready to play a game again, getting focused on the season," Wilkins said Tuesday, per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. "As far as all that goes, whether or not something gets done, my focus is on the season. We've got a game to play in two weeks."Wilkins sat out team drills over the last two weeks while seeking a contract extension. The 2019 first-round pick is entering the last year of his rookie deal and is set to earn $10.73 million in 2023, according to Spotrac.Wilkins' representatives and the Dolphins couldn't agree on the guarantee structure of the contract proposals, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter."At the end of the day, nobody wants to be a Miami Dolphin more than me," said Wilkins, who added that he never considered requesting a trade from Miami. "Nobody wants to work for this organization more than me."Multiple teams reached out to the Dolphins to inquire about Wilkins, but the AFC East club wasn't interested in moving him, according to Schefter.Miami recently rewarded another defensive lineman with a lucrative extension, signing Zach Sieler to a three-year, $38.65-million deal. Wilkins praised Sieler on Tuesday."Honestly, I couldn't be more proud, more happy, more excited for someone than Zach Sieler," Wilkins said, per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel.Wilkins, a team captain last year, enjoyed his best NFL seasons in the last two campaigns. The 27-year-old set a career high with 98 tackles (16 for loss) in 2022 while amassing 3.5 sacks and forcing two fumbles. The Clemson product has racked up 290 tackles and 11.5 sacks since Miami drafted him 13th overall in 2019.It's been a lucrative year for interior defensive linemen. Five of the seven biggest deals among defensive tackles were signed in 2023, including Quinnen Williams (New York Jets), Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee Titans), Daron Payne (Washington Commanders), and Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants), who all inked lucrative extensions with the teams that drafted them. Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams tops the position with a $31.66-million average annual salary.The Dolphins kick off their 2023 season on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 10.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts aren't trading disgruntled running back Jonathan Taylor - at least not before the team's self-imposed deadline.Indianapolis isn't expected to deal Taylor on Tuesday, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN. Without a trade in place, Indy announced that the 24-year-old was placed on the physically unable to perform list, which means he'll miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season.The Miami Dolphins engaged with with Colts in trade talks regarding Taylor, but Miami's first offer was reportedly rejected. The Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears apparently also showed interest in acquiring the former Pro Bowl tailback.Indy originally planned to move Taylor by Tuesday before announcing its initial 53-man roster for the upcoming campaign. The club was seeking a first-round pick or multiple Day 2 selections as part of a trade. However, the Colts didn't find what they felt to be the right deal, according to Schefter.Indianapolis can still trade Taylor, but he'd be ineligible to play the first four games of the season on another team. This year's trade deadline is Oct. 31.Taylor has topped 1,000 rushing yards twice since the Colts drafted him in the second round in 2020. He finished last year with 861 yards and four touchdowns while missing six games due to injury. The Wisconsin product, who underwent offseason ankle surgery this year, led the NFL with 2,171 scrimmage yards and 20 total touchdowns in 2021 en route to claiming a first-team All-Pro berth.In their first four weeks of the 2023 campaign, the Colts face the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Los Angeles Rams.With Taylor sidelined, Indianapolis' running back depth chart is headlined by Zack Moss, Deon Jackson, and fifth-round rookie Evan Hull. Moss ranked second on the team with 76 carries for 365 yards and one touchdown in eight appearances in 2022.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orelans Saints are trading kicker Wil Lutz to the Denver Broncos, the Saints announced Tuesday.The Saints will receive Denver's 2024 seventh-round pick in exchange.Lutz reunites with coach Sean Payton, who he played for with the Saints. The kicker has appeared in 97 games, all in New Orleans. He owns a career field goal rate of 84.6% and has made 97.6% of his extra-point attempts.The 2019 Pro Bowler can also handle kickoff duties. He averages 63 yards per kickoff attempt with a 66.1% touchback rate.Brett Maher was the only kicker on the Broncos' roster ahead of the trade. He's made 81% of his field goals in 54 career games with the Dallas Cowboys and Saints. Maher was reportedly waived, according to 9NEWS' Mike Klis.Lutz, 29, is in the final year of a five-year, $20.25-million contract that he signed with the Saints.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL running backs had an offseason meeting to discuss why they're undervalued, blissfully unaware that Josh Jacobs won the rushing title last season while being listed at 40-1 - essentially proving the point they were hoping to debunk. That's essentially the same hopes that Rachaad White has this season, meaning that almost anyone - with the opportunity to have over 300 carries - can lead the league in rushing yards.Nick Chubb doesn't bother with much production in the passing game, but you know what you're getting with him on the ground. For his career, he's always been between 5.0 and 5.6 yards per rush. You can pencil him in for 300 carries and 1500 yards. Fading the favorite here means finding someone who can top that.Odds to lead NFL in rushingPLAYERYARDSTOUCHDOWNSNick Chubb+425+750Derrick Henry+850+1000Jonathan Taylor+900+1100Bijan Robinson+1200+1400Josh Jacobs+1800+1400Saquon Barkley+1800+1600Tony Pollard+1800+2000Rhamondre Stevenson+2200+2800Najee Harris+2500+2800Aaron Jones+3000+2800Breece Hall+3000+2500Christian McCaffrey+3000+2000Javonte Williams+3000+7500Joe Mixon+3000+2000Justin Fields+3000+2800Kenneth Walker III+3000+4000Miles Sanders+3000+4000Travis Etienne+3000+2500Austin Ekeler+3500+1400J.K. Dobbins+3500+5000James Conner+3500+3300Jalen Hurts+3500+800Cam Akers+4000+3300Dameon Pierce+4000+6000Lamar Jackson+4000+4000Rashaad Penny+4000+4000Rachaad White+4000+10000Alvin Kamara+5000+6600Isiah Pacheco+5000+2800Raheem Mostert+5000+4000D'Andre Swift+6000+7500David Montgomery+6000+2800AJ Dillon+7500+5000Jahmyr Gibbs+10000+6000Antonio Gibson+15000+8000Odds available on theScore Bet, some touchdown leaders odds not listed above available at 60-1 or longerBest betsJosh Jacobs (+1800) to lead NFL in rushing yardsHow random has tailback success become? Jacobs won the rushing title by 115 yards, is still in the middle of his prime at 25 years old, and is 18-1 to repeat the feat.After a preseason holdout, Jacobs is back in the mix on a one-year deal. This means he's playing this season for another contract, and the Raiders will let him do it. Since there's no reason to limit his carries, why shouldn't he get 300-plus again this season? He's also shown he can average almost five yards per rush. If his production math is the same as Chubb's, why not back him to outpace the Browns tailback at four times the payout?Dameon Pierce (+4000) to lead NFL in rushing yardsIf there's anyone interesting in the odds range that Jacobs cashed from last season, it's Pierce. When it comes to competition for Texans carries, Devin Singletary and Mike Boone aren't it. Pierce fought his way to recognition from the coaching staff, then his aggressive style got him noticed outside of the building.Pierce's numbers don't jump off the screen, but an improved Texans team should keep the running game involved later into games. At which point, the 220-lb tailback could be trusted with 20 carries a game behind an underrated offensive line. Even a 4.5 yards per carry average would translate to more than 1,500 yards for the season.Isiah Pacheco (+2800) to lead NFL in rushing touchdownsIf we're just looking for scorers, is it too simple to go to the team that scores the most? The Chiefs had 61 touchdowns last season, but just 10 of them came from tailbacks. Pacheco saw an increase in carries throughout the season, and maybe Andy Reid wants to make life a little easier on Patrick Mahomes near the goal line with a big, powerful runner. Fifteen touchdowns are tough when you're trying to account for a third of your team's scores, but Pacheco - also capable of scoring from distance - just needs a quarter of the Chiefs' touchdowns to be in the mix here.David Montgomery (+6000) to lead NFL in rushing touchdownsSpeaking of keeping it simple, Jamaal Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season by four and is 50-1 to do it again after he left the Lions for the Saints. However, he's got Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara to compete with now. Meanwhile, Montgomery swoops in to replace Williams, and if Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson doesn't change a thing with how he calls plays at the goal line, Montgomery could replicate Williams' 17-touchdown season just by being in the right offense at the right time.Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys are trading defensive back Kelvin Joseph to the Miami Dolphins for cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, the Dolphins announced Tuesday.Joseph was selected with the No. 44 pick by the Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old played just 24% and 15% of the team's defensive snaps in the last two years, respectively, but has seen his special teams snap rate jump from 49% to 70%, per PFR.Igbinoghene joined the Dolphins as a 2020 first-round draft pick out of Auburn. He played a career-high 39% of Miami's defensive snaps in 2022 and dropped to just 17% of the special teams snaps after playing over 50% in the previous two seasons, according to PFR. The 23-year-old is slated to be a free agent next offseason after Miami declined his fifth-year option.Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore continue to headline Dallas' secondary, with Jourdan Lewis expected to play a depth role.Miami's defensive backfield is led by Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, and Eli Apple. Ramsey, whom the team acquired from the Rams via trade earlier in the offseason, is expected to miss a large portion of the regular season due to a meniscus injury.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Justin Jefferson took the least surprising leap in recent memory in 2022. We're not talking about the literal jumping ability that makes him capable of miracle catches like the one he made in Buffalo, but the predictable bump from 1,400 yards in his rookie season, to 1,616 in 2021, to over 1,800 last year and the winning ticket for most receiving yards.The market for most receiving yards suggests that there are only three receivers with a chance of running with Jefferson. The receiving touchdowns oddsboard indicates that it's far more open since 10 players scored more than he did last season.Odds to lead NFL in receivingPLAYER YARDS TOUCHDOWNSJustin Jefferson+500+1100Ja'Marr Chase+650+650Tyreek Hill+850+1400Cooper Kupp+1000+1100Garrett Wilson+1600+1600CeeDee Lamb+2000+1600Stefon Diggs+2000+1100Davante Adams+2200+1000A.J. Brown+2500+1000Amon-Ra St. Brown+3000+2500Chris Olave+3000+4000Jaylen Waddle+3000+2500DK Metcalf+3500+2200Travis Kelce+3500+800Amari Cooper+4000+2500Calvin Ridley+4000+2500Keenan Allen+4000+4000Mike Williams+4000+3000Tee Higgins+4000+2500Terry McLaurin+4000+6600Christian Watson+5000+3300DJ Moore+5000+5000Deebo Samuel+5000+10000Tyler Lockett+5000+4000Christian Kirk+6000+6000DeAndre Hopkins+6000+5000DeVonta Smith+6000+3000Jerry Jeudy+6000+6600Jordan Addison+6000+10000Mike Evans+6000+4000Odds available on theScore Bet, some touchdown scorers not listed above available at 60-1 or longerAssumptions are being made about Ja'Marr Chase's production since Joe Burrow's the most reliable quarterback throwing to the group at the top of the oddsboard. If he can play all 17 games, Chase is a good bet to continue a pace of 1,500 yards and double-digit touchdowns. However, with other weapons on the Bengals, and a team that should avoid playing from behind in the fourth quarter, there's not enough of a case to bet on a league-leading season from Chase at such short odds.Speaking of assumptions, the same goes for Garrett Wilson. However, Davante Adams' best season saw him average 97 yards per game with Aaron Rodgers.Best betsTyreek Hill (+850) to lead NFL in receiving yardsTyreek Hill had 1,632 receiving yards with two games to go despite Tua Tagovailoa missing three games earlier in the season. Unfortunately, Tagovailoa didn't play those final games, either. With Teddy Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson at the helm, Hill managed just 78 yards in the last two games. Had he kept up his average of 108 yards per game, he would have finished with 1,849. That's the type of high-end season of which Hill is capable - a second straight season of career-highs in receptions and targets with a healthy Tagovailoa.CeeDee Lamb (+2000) to lead NFL in receiving yards

Patrick Mahomes led the NFL in passing by more than 500 yards last year and had six more touchdowns than second-place Joe Burrow. Mahomes' average of 308.8 yards per game amounts to a game and a half's worth ahead of his nearest competitor. But Kansas City's quarterback wasn't the favorite to lead the league as he was +900 - the third choice. That's not the case heading into this season.Odds to lead NFL in passingPLAYERYARDSTOUCHDOWNSPatrick Mahomes+260+225Justin Herbert+500+1100Joe Burrow+800+450Josh Allen+850+500Kirk Cousins+1000+3000Dak Prescott+1500+1800Jared Goff+1800+4000Tua Tagovailoa+1800+1800Aaron Rodgers+2000+700Matthew Stafford+2000+4000Trevor Lawrence+2000+3000Deshaun Watson+2500+4000Jalen Hurts+2500+6000Russell Wilson+2500+2500Geno Smith+3000+3500Derek Carr+3500+6000Lamar Jackson+3500+3000Jimmy Garoppolo+4000+3500Jordan Love+5000+7500Kenny Pickett+5000+10000Odds available on theScore Bet, players not listed above are at 60-1 or longerThe projections were otherwise pretty accurate last season: Justin Herbert was the favorite and Tom Brady the second choice. They finished second and third, respectively. That goes to show that this market requires the winner to be consistent throughout the 17-game season and doesn't usually lend itself to a long shot winner. For example, Kenny Pickett can have a handful of 300-yard games but won't average that for a full season.Betting on Mahomes at +260 seems fair at first glance. However, last year was the first time he's led the league in yardage. Even during his epic 5,097-yard season in 2018, Ben Roethlisberger edged him by 32. Mahomes missed three games in 2019 and then lost the passing yards title in 2020 because he sat out a meaningless Week 17 game.Basically, Mahomes is going to get beat by injury, Week 18 rest or another quarterback making a run at 5,000 yards - but probably a combination of the three.The AFC is competitive, so we can't assume the Chiefs will be the top seed and sit Mahomes in Week 18. And, of course, we can't predict injury. All we can do is look at which quarterback might have a massive statistical season - like Roethlisberger, Jameis Winston in 2019, Deshaun Watson in 2020, and Brady's career-high 5,316 yards in 2021.Best betsDak Prescott (+1500) to lead the NFL in passing yards

The NFL's Comeback Player of the Year is the one award with slightly arbitrary criteria. Everyone's definition of a comeback is a little different.Sometimes a comeback player is someone who returned from a horrific injury - like Alex Smith in 2020 and Joe Burrow in 2021.Other times, it's awarded to a player whose career was headed downhill but was resurrected by a great season - like Ryan Tannehill in 2019 and Geno Smith in 2022.This year's award has unique circumstances encompassing it, which has led to some interesting, and slightly baffling, odds.Comeback Player of the Year oddsPlayerOddsDamar Hamlin-275Russell Wilson+1800John Metchie III+2000Lamar Jackson+2000Tua Tagovailoa+2000Breece Hall+2500Calvin Ridley+3000Cooper Kupp+3500Odell Beckham Jr.+3500Dameon Pierce+4000Jonathan Taylor+4000Matthew Stafford+4000Trey Lance+4000Foster Moreau+5000D'Andre Swift+6000J.K. Dobbins+6000Jimmy Garoppolo+6000Baker Mayfield+7500Carson Wentz+7500Chase Young+7500Odds via theScore BetDamar Hamlin is a substantial favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year. It's almost unheard of to have this big of a favorite for any NFL award.This award is about narrative as much as it is performance. The oddsmakers seem to think Hamlin's story will carry tremendous weight with the voters.Hamlin living a normal life in itself is an improbable comeback. The fact he's playing football less than a year removed from suffering cardiac arrest during an NFL game defies all odds.However, the winner of this award usually produces impressive numbers to earn the honor, which is why the pricing is questionable.Hamlin isn't guaranteed to make the Bills' final 53-man roster. If he does make the cut, he'll be a backup safety with Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer returning to their starting duties.Hamlin's journey should, and has been, recognized as one of the great stories in NFL history as he is not only healthy, but has inspired change by providing awareness of - and access to - AEDs, the device that helped save Hamlin's life.However, that doesn't mean it'll be rewarded at the NFL Honors next February if there isn't sufficient on-field production this season.It's possible voters gift Hamlin the honor despite little on-field impact just because of how remarkable his story is, but it's hard to assume it'll still be top of mind for voters months from now.Because of how short Hamlin's odds are - and how lengthy everyone else's are - there is no value in placing a bet on him.Finding someone with a great plot who is also in a position to produce great stats is the recipe for a winning ticket.The case for quarterbacksRussell Wilson's story fits the blueprint that Tannehill and Smith outlined. Wilson, however, was never benched like Smith or cut like Tannehill. Wilson is a Super Bowl champion and has been a starting quarterback for over a decade despite declining the last couple of seasons and the array of doubt about his future.Even if Wilson has a tremendous bounce-back season, it's not as much of a comeback as it is the ebbs and flows of a lengthy career as an NFL quarterback.Wilson did get knee surgery following last season, but it didn't prevent him from missing any significant time. It'd be head-scratching if Wilson somehow wins.Tua Tagovailoa also suffered a scary moment on the field last season. He dealt with concussions throughout the season and missed parts of six games, including the Dolphins' playoff contest.A quarterback has won the award each of the last five seasons. If any quarterback is primed for a special season and has the comeback narrative attached to him, it's Tagovailoa.Baker Mayfield could follow a similar path as Geno Smith did. Mayfield, like Smith, has been completely written off but given an opportunity to start. If Mayfield can lead the Bucs to a better record than expected, he'll earn the award and some staying power in the league. However, the Bucs' roster surrounding Mayfield is pitiful, while the Seahawks had a ton of talent around Smith.Pick: PassThe case for other positionsWith few quarterbacks primed for a true comeback, this is the year the award is handed back to the wide receivers. Calvin Ridley should have a great season with the Jaguars, but the circumstance of his comeback almost disqualifies him from the award.He was suspended last season for gambling on NFL games. As the NFL cracks down on players betting, would the league really allow Ridley to win this award and be lauded for his comeback? I don't think so.John Metchie III will catch the attention of voters if his stats qualify. Metchie missed his entire rookie season battling leukemia and recovering from a torn ACL.However, Metchie is on a bad Texans team and receiving passes from a rookie quarterback, which may make it difficult to rack up the necessary catches and yards.Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. are the two smartest bets to win this award. No one's seen Beckham Jr. play in a meaningful game since he was catching touchdowns for the Rams in the Super Bowl. He's now paired with quarterback Lamar Jackson on a potentially dangerous Ravens offense. Beckham Jr. is reportedly healthy, and with little depth at wide receiver, he should see a boatload of targets.Kupp was considered the best receiver in football in 2021 before only playing nine games in 2022 due to a high-ankle sprain. If Kupp can return to his pre-injury production level, he'll be in position to win the award and help revamp a Rams offense with low expectations this season.Chase Young is an interesting candidate at +7500. Young suffered a season-ending ACL tear midway through the 2021 season, and his recovery was lengthy as he only returned for the final three games of last season.If Young returns to his explosiveness as a dominant edge rusher, he'll be in the mix. But he'll have to have a recognizable impact visually and in the boxscore. A defensive player has won the award just once since 2001 - Eric Berry in 2015 after battling back from cancer.Pick: Odell Beckham Jr. +3500, Cooper Kupp +3500Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter @soshtry for more betting coverage.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.