List/Grid Monthly Archives: December 2018
Players hate to see coaches fired, but at least they’re paid
Every year, while a dozen NFL head coaches are preparing their teams for the playoffs, nearly as many coaches are called into their general manager’s office and told they’re fired…
Seven New Teams Make Playoffs
More teams that failed to make the playoffs in 2017 are in this season than there are repeaters. Yep, seven of the 12 qualifiers didn’t make it last year, some…
Monday Sports in Brief
NFL CINCINNATI (AP) — The Bengals have fired coach Marvin Lewis, ending a 16-year stay in Cincinnati that included a record five straight playoff appearances without so much as one…
Handicapping the NFL MVP race: Where do Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Saints’ Drew Brees stand? Can Aaron Donald steal the award?
Donald has been the centerpiece of the Rams’ dominant defense, and should be the runaway favorite for Defensive Player of The Year. Lawrence Taylor was the last defensive player to…
LA Rams, 2018 NFC West Champs—The Year in Review
Game One versus the Oakland Raiders CB, Marcus Peters’ interception for touchdown Game Two versus the Arizona Cardinals Home opener: Are the Cardinals ever going to cross our fifty? Game…
Cardinals’ firing of Wilks is unfair and outrageous
For all of its efforts to improve diversity in leadership positions, the NFL is still lacking tremendously in that area, and this is just yet another example. Powered by WPeMatico
Warrick Dunn Disappointed In NFL’s Travis Scott Pick, Shoulda Been An Atlanta Artist!
Warrick Dunn NFL’s Travis Scott Pick?? … Disappointing 1 12/31/2018 12:40 AM PST Warrick Dunn says the NFL missed a huge opportunity by picking Travis Scott for its Super Bowl…
The NFL draft order is set
With their Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Arizona Cardinals secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Beneath the Cardinals in the draft order…
ICYMI in Week 17: Ravens hang on, move on after Browns scare
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, center, celebrates his interception with teammates Kenny Young, left, and Patrick Onwuasor in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland…
Lost in the shuffle? 7 new playoff teams since 2017
While the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams were mesmerizing pro football fans with their outlandish offensive onslaughts, something else might have gone unnoticed. More teams…
NFL Wildcard Picks: Seahawks Upset Cowboys and Ravens Beat Chargers Again
Saturday, January 05, 2019 The odds favor the Texans, and the sims are solidly on the Texans as well. The projected score is Texans 29 and Colts 24, and Houston…
Colts vs Titans Week 17: First half recap
The Colts got off to an incredible start in this play-in game against the Tennessee Titans. On the road in a game that will either send them to the postseason…
Saints installed as favorites for Super Bowl title
The New Orleans Saints march into the postseason as the consensus favorites to win Super Bowl LIII, according to sportsbooks across the nation. With the playoff bracket set, the Saints…
Ravens win AFC North, Eagles, Colts get wild cards
The playoff chase went down to the final minutes of the season Sunday, when Baltimore squeezed in as AFC North winner, and defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia got some help…
NFL roundup: Rams roll, gain No. 2 seed in NFCs; Texans wrap up NFC South
Brandin Cooks and Josh Reynolds each caught two touchdown passes from Jared Goff, and the Los Angeles Rams secured a first-round playoff bye with a 48-32 victory at home Sunday…
Chargers at Ravens playoff preview: Can Lamar Jackson deliver another win?
A preview of the AFC wild-card matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens When: Sunday, Jan. 6, 1:05 p.m. ET Where: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore Channel: CBS Line: TBD Injuries: In a drastic…
Playoff-bound Eagles get scare with chest injury to Foles
The Philadelphia Eagles were down to their third-string quarterback at the end of their playoff-clinching victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Nick Foles left the game with a chest…
Steelers edge Bengals 16-13 but miss out on AFC North title
The win they needed but at times didn’t act like they particularly wanted finally secured, the Pittsburgh Steelers lingered on the Heinz Field turf after a sluggish 16-13 victory over…
Winners and Losers: Cousins comes up small
In his first season after signing a huge contract with the Vikings, Kirk Cousins was an absolute bust, including Sunday’s loss in Chicago. Powered by WPeMatico
Colts off to fast start vs Titans
The Latest on Week 17 of the NFL’s regular season (all times Eastern): 9 p.m. Andrew Luck is proving simply untouchable, and he’s got the Indianapolis Colts cruising toward the…
The six highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL have something in common
The six highest-paid quarterbacks all have something in common other than making a boat-load of money in 2018. It’s actually not something good to have in common. It’s not a…
Falcons DT Grady Jarrett on appealing NFL’s Week 16 fine: ‘Hell yeah’
The Atlanta Falcons ended their season on a good note, with a victory over the Tampa Buccaneers, 34-32. But their star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett may go into the offseason…
Chargers top Broncos, get No. 5 seed
Philip Rivers passed for 176 yards and a touchdown, linebacker Kyle Emanuel returned a fumble for another score and the Los Angeles Chargers beat the host Denver Broncos in their…
George Kittle breaks record as San Francisco 49ers drop season finale to Rams, steaming towards No. 2 overall pick
LOS ANGELES — San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, three yards shy of setting an NFL record, with grass chunks clinging to his right sleeve, lined up in a…
How investing in the stock market is just like fantasy football
If you’re putting hours and hours into your fantasy football draft, the waiver wire and matchup prep, you could be using the same set of skills to invest in the…
Steelers struggle in 1st half against Bengals
The Latest on Week 17 of the NFL’s regular season (all times Eastern): 6 p.m. The Pittsburgh Steelers might not have to check the scoreboard to know their playoff fate….
Is Stephon Gilmore One Of NFL’s Best Cornerbacks? ‘Film Don’t Lie,’ He Says
FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore capped his fantastic 2018 season Sunday by shutting down yet another No. 1 receiver. Gilmore’s latest victim was New York Jets…
NFL: Patriots earns first-round bye; Texans clinch AFC South title
Tom Brady threw for three first-half touchdowns and the New England Patriots clinched their ninth straight first-round bye in the playoffs on Sunday with a 38-3 victory over the visiting…
Winners and losers from the Falcons’ last-second win over Buccaneers
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-32 on the back of a Matt Bryant field goal kick to close the game out. They got some great performances, but…
After an argument, Jonathan Allen disrupts Eagles kicker’s warmups by booting ball off the field
Jonathan Allen mentioned earlier in the week that spoiling the Eagles’ playoff dreams would make his Sunday. Well, before the Week 17 game, Allen also spoiled Jake Elliott’s warmup routine….
Jets vs. Patriots: Score, live updates, highlights from regular season finale
Although they have already clinched a spot in the postseason, the Patriots seeding is still very much up in the air as they head into their Week 17 matchup against the…
Florida OT Jawaan Taylor declares for NFL draft
Jawaan Taylor has decided to forgo his senior year at Florida to enter the NFL draft. The junior offensive tackle made the announcement Saturday after the Gators routed Michigan 41-15…
Jets at Patriots: Live updates and analysis
There’s a lot at stake for the Patriots as they finish their regular season Sunday against the Jets at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots clinched the AFC East last Sunday with…
Eagles at Redskins live: Score, highlights, analysis from NFL Week 17 game
Follow along live as the Eagles take on the Redskins in the regular season finale with hopes of getting into the playoffs. By Dave Zangaro Powered by WPeMatico
How the Rams and 49ers match up in Week 17
The Rams offense got its groove back in a victory over the struggling Arizona Cardinals and now it will go against another NFC West team limping to the finish. Quarterback…
Ask Farmer: Who are all the people on an NFL sideline?
Those folks down on the edges of the field literally wear many hats. In fact, it’s their various hats that set them apart, and there’s an entire color system the…
Perspective: Speed becomes a game changer for the NFL’s ratings and off-field controversies in 2018
Going into the season, there was no indication that the league had any facility with managing the social activism that begun to ripple through the organization. In contrast with the…
How does the NFL keep ratings up despite on- and off-field issues? Like the top players, it moves quickly
After a rough start to the season, NFL ratings have rebounded to where the games remain a reliable hit for the networks. ESPN has been crowing about an 8% jump…
NFL Week 17 Live-Stream Map, TV Schedule and Game Times
Several teams go into Week 17 with their seasons on the line. In some cases, it’s win or go home. Other clubs need victories and some help, but there’s still…
2019 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Top Prospects’ Landing Spots
The season will be finished for 20 teams at the completion of Sunday’s games. Those teams will have fallen short of the playoffs, and their concentration will be on the…
Chargers beat Broncos 23-9 despite feeble offense
Philip Rivers is back in the playoffs for the first time in five years and he’s not about to judge the quality of the latest one, a hard-fought 23-9 win…
Why was everyone so wrong about the NFC South in 2018?
The NFC South was supposed to be an all-time great division. It didn’t work out that way. Why not? Powered by WPeMatico
Vegas pick’em: NFL Week 17 winners against the spread
Everyone’s heard the warnings. Don’t bet Week 17, they say. The games are too unpredictable, the personnel too fluid and the desire too undetermined. That’s at least the case made…
When it comes to Week 17 playing time, please don’t tease
Will the Cowboys, with nothing to gain and no bye week, rest some starters in Week 17 against the Giants to get ready for the playoffs? They are saying it…
Insider: Can anybody, even a red-hot Derrick Henry, run on the Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts face the Titans Sunday for a playoff spot. Insiders Zak Keefer and Joel Erickson discuss what to expect on Sunday. The Indianapolis Colts hold their playoff fate…
Several key Bulldogs still pondering NFL decisions
NEW ORLEANS – It’s not all about money, necessarily. That was the word from Georgia’s Mecole Hardman and Isaac Nauta. The juniors are both giving serious consideration to turning pro…
Beyond Vic Fangio, 2 Bears assistants to monitor as coaching vacancies open
Vic Fangio is likely to come up in coaching vacancies around the NFL, but other coaches on the Bears staff could be up for other jobs as well. Powered by…
Rose Bowl: Why Ohio State’s Dre’Mont Jones bucked trend of NFL prospects skipping bowl games
When Ohio State defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones made his announcement earlier this month that he’d be entering the NFL draft, it came with an important clarification: He’d still be suiting…
NFL admits a bad pass interference call but ignores Steelers-Saints
The NFL has publicly admitted that an official made a bad pass interference call on Sunday. But not the ones everyone was talking about. NFL V.P. of Officiating Al Riveron…
Rams rule out star running back Todd Gurley for second consecutive game
Rams running back Todd Gurley will miss a second consecutive game because of knee soreness, but Coach Sean McVay on Friday expressed confidence that Gurley will be ready for the…
NFL WEEK 17: Our official predictions for who wins this weekend
Every week we pick each game of the NFL schedule against the spread. Heading into Week 17, motivation is key when considering how to bet the games, with some teams…
Brian Orakpo out, Marcus Mariota questionable for Titans
Officially, the Titans are playing wait-and-see with quarterback Marcus Mariota. They have listed their starting quarterback as questionable for Sunday’s win-and-in game against the Colts because of the stinger suffered…
Who will win the final weekend of season?
For Indianapolis vs. Tennessee, it’s winner gets into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the AFC North could come down to Baker Mayfield vs. Lamar Jackson. Powered by WPeMatico
Nothing Official, Just Some Offbeat NFL Awards For 2018
The Associated Press will hand out its individual NFL awards on the night before the Super Bowl in Atlanta. Aside from the meaning for both teams — the defending champs…
Brad Childress couldn’t resist pull of NFL’s new developmental league
Brad Childress picked up the phone last spring to find Jared Allen on the other line. Childress figured he was calling to make small talk, and it started that way….
Uninspiring group of coaching candidates may help NFL coaches keep jobs
It’s not that there aren’t capable candidates on the market. McCarthy is a former Super Bowl winner and could land another job quickly. Former NFL coaches Jim Caldwell and Chuck…
Once so attractive, Panthers-Saints finale now feels like a preseason game
Welcome to the rare NFL preseason game in December, where the result is meaningless but the game must still be played. When the NFL schedule came out in the spring…
All-Pro Harrison Smith eager to get Vikings into NFL playoffs
Harrison Smith made his fourth Pro Bowl this season, but you can bet this young man cares a lot more about getting the Vikings to the playoffs than personal honors….
Cowboys’ Crawford leads Canada’s top NFL export: D-linemen
Until the late ’90s, the joke among talent-seeking American football coaches, pro or college, was that Canada had only two things worth checking out. First, donut shops everywhere. Secondly, the…
Brandt: There’s ‘a ton of pressure on Patrick Mahomes’ in Week 17
The “Good Morning Football” crew discuss if Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes have pressure on him in Week 17. Powered by WPeMatico
Raiders should add dynamic, ballhawk safety in free agency or NFL draft
The Raiders’ need for a dynamic safety in the draft or free agency is clear. Who should they target in free agency or the draft? Powered by WPeMatico
Broncos, Steelers, Redskins lead this week’s Sorry Six
Running down the Sorry Six for this week in the NFL. It’s not pretty. Powered by WPeMatico
Packers Morning Buzz: Why Nick Saban wouldn’t be a good fit
Jim Owczarski, Olivia Reiner and Tom Silverstein discuss defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s interest level in becoming the Packers’ head coach. Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green…
10 potential replacements for Bills TE Charles Clay
The Buffalo Bills have stuck by running back LeSean McCoy, but they haven’t done the same for tight end Charles Clay. Despite both players having another year left on their…
A guide to Week 17: Predictions, playoff scenarios, more
ESPN NFL We’re previewing the Week 17 NFL slate with score predictions for each game from our Nation reporters, what’s at stake in the playoff picture and potential draft order…
Vikings have allowed NFL’s most fumble and interception return TDs in 2018
A year after leading the league in both scoring defense and yards against, the Vikings aren’t going to repeat either title in 2018. They rank third in the NFL in…
For NFL kickers, playing a position of peril creates a unique brotherhood
Zane Gonzalez was in no mood to be consoled. Then the Browns’ kicker, he was sitting on the team bench in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, head buried in his hands after missing…
Opinion: Lamar Jackson, Kirk Cousins and more face the most high-pressure situations in NFL Week 17
SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports’ Lorenzo Reyes helps you pick some winners heading into Week 17 of the NFL season. The pressure’s on as the final week of the NFL regular…
NFL coaching candidates we’d hire
ESPN.com The ground rules are simple: We asked a panel of our NFL experts — reporters, analysts, former players — to play general manager and rank five candidates who aren’t…
NFL Fun Power Rankings, final standings: Who’s been the most exciting team in the league this season?
Welcome back to the NFL Fun Power Rankings, where we rate teams based on how fun they are to watch instead of whether they’re actually good at winning football games. This…
NFL Fun Power Rankings, final standings: Who’s been the most exciting team in the league this season?
Welcome back to the NFL Fun Power Rankings, where we rate teams based on how fun they are to watch instead of whether they’re actually good at winning football games. This…
NFL’s Week 17 regular-season finale previews
Here’s a look at the Week 17 matchups for Sunday, including the broadcasting TV network for each game. Powered by WPeMatico
Michael Strahan rooting for Aaron Donald to break single-season sack record
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is three sacks short of Michael Strahan’s NFL record for sacks in a season, and Strahan is hoping Donald breaks the record on Sunday. Donald…
Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald not revealing whether this is his NFL finale
TEMPE, ARIZONA – Someday, obviously, Larry Fitzgerald will play in his last NFL game. Whether that game is Sunday, when his beleaguered Arizona Cardinals play at Seattle, is anybody’s guess….
DraftKings NFL: Week 17 Picks
I don’t like Week 17 for season-long fantasy purposes, but it’s a fun and challenging week for DFS with several teams jockeying for playoff seeding, and others getting prolonged looks…
NFL GPP Plays: Week 17
This article looks to uncover some underrated NFL DFS Tournament Options for large-field contests. The following write-ups were constructed early Friday morning, meaning injury information and news could alter the…
Fitzgerald mum, as usual, on whether this is NFL finale
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Someday, obviously, Larry Fitzgerald will play in his last NFL game. Whether that game is Sunday, when his beleaguered Arizona Cardinals play at Seattle, is anybody’s…
Dose: Williams Signs Extension
In a surprising move, the Chiefs rewarded veteran RB Damien Williams with a two-year contract extension worth up to $8.1 million and keeping him in Kansas City through the 2020…
NFL Exec Says Pizza Hut Partnership Has Been Fun, Authentic
NFL sponsors have been in a precarious position as of late. Brands like Nike have actively engaged with the league’s national anthem controversy, naming former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin…
The 2018 Pleasant Surprise FFL Team
Our next awards category flips the script…going to the other end of the spectrum…the 2018 All-Pleasant Surprise Team. This team is made up of guys who exceeded expectations, and made…
2018 NFL Playoff Picture: Who to root for in Week 17 if you are a Baltimore Ravens fan
A lot can happen in Week 17 for the Ravens. They could finish as high as the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, or miss the postseason entirely. Powered…
Rookie punter Dickson hopes to add new weapon for Seahawks
Considering how easily Michael Dickson has adjusted to the NFL and become one of the best punters in the league as a rookie, hearing that he was a bit anxious…
Thursday’s NFL: Kelce, Kittle chase Gronkowski’s record
Santa Clara, Calif. — Getting a Twitter follow from Travis Kelce was one of the major accomplishments this season for San Francisco 49ers second-year tight end George Kittle. Now heading into the…
Aaron Donald’s ‘thank you’ to Rams has included pursuit of NFL’s sack record
THOUSAND OAKS — The Rams gave defensive tackle Aaron Donald a new $135-million contract in August, and his gratitude has come at the expense of opposing quarterbacks. “I feel like…
Raiders rookie Arden Key should have ‘about eight sacks’ with better finishing
Key has gained far more experience that expected this season, as he was drafted to develop behind experienced pass-rushers. Powered by WPeMatico
NFL notebook: WR Jackson wants out of Tampa
Wide receiver DeSean Jackson has told the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he wants out of his contract to play elsewhere next year, ESPN reported Thursday. The Bucs would clear $10…
NFL’s Jay Ajayi on Nigeria’s role in Super Bowl win
The final episode of our Diaspora Diaries series comes from Philadelphia, where a Nigerian-British athlete has helped to make sporting history. The Philadelphia Eagles had never won the Super Bowl…
Reggie Bush compares Saints’ current situation to 2009 Super Bowl run
NFL Network’s Reggie Bush explains how the 2018 New Orleans Saints’ playoff run feels a lot like his run with the team nine years ago. Powered by WPeMatico
Nielsen’s top programs for Dec. 17-23
Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen for Dec. 17-23. Listings include the week’s ranking and viewership. Powered by WPeMatico
Top News: T.J. McDonald Recognized With 2018 Good Guy Award
X factor: One day after cornerback Xavien Howard was named Dolphins MVP for 2018, Head Coach Adam Gase offered one reason for Howard’s success: consistency. In answering a question about…
Expert Week 17 NFL Picks: Tips, Advice for Pick ’em pools
This is it — your last chance to make up ground or take home a weekly prize in your NFL pick ’em pools. TeamRankings’ experts are here with advice for…
Barkley getting ready to cap great rookie season
“We watched the whole season and he just continues to show up, he is a great football player, and I think everybody felt that way about him coming out of…
ESPN.com Names Andrew Luck, Darius Leonard Major 2018 NFL Award Winners
INDIANAPOLIS — The continuation of the Indianapolis Colts’ 2018 season hinges on the results of their Week 17 matchup with the Tennessee Titans this Sunday night. However, even if the…
Show him the money: Clowney set to cash in
Jadeveon Clowney was underwhelming in his first two NFL seasons, but his last two have positioned him for a big payday this offseason. Powered by WPeMatico
Here’s why Jadeveon Clowney is going to make a lot of money this offseason
When Clowney is playing like this, the only negative to his game is his penchant for undisciplined play. Those are penalties of aggression, which the Texans will happily take the…
Raiders DC Paul Gunther on DE Arden Key: ‘He should have about 8 sacks’
When the Oakland Raiders drafted defensive end Arden Key in the third round, the plan was to sit him behind Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin. The Raiders wanted him to…
Leonard: Giants rookie Saquon Barkley not giving up on rushing title as he chases down other major milestones
That is Ezekiel Elliott’s advantage, with 1,434 rush yards, on Barkley’s 1,198 in the race for the NFL’s rushing title entering Sunday’s season finale between the NFC East champion Cowboys…
Injuries can put serious hurt on playoff hopes of NFL teams
NEW YORK (AP) — Injuries are never an excuse. Not for players. Not for coaches. And not for fans. Still, the NFL teams that have the most success almost always…
Eagles need win, help from Bears to extend season
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles need to win and get help to keep playing and have a chance to defend their Super Bowl title. All the Washington Redskins can…
Why was everyone so wrong about the NFC South in 2018?
The NFC South was supposed to be an all-time great division. It didn’t work out that way. Why not? Powered by WPeMatico
