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Is there a storybook ending to the tale of the 2022 Buffalo Bills? The disruption phase of every traditional narrative arc continues to linger, and now the Cincinnati Bengals await as the next Big Bad on their quest to Super Bowl riches and resolution.

The NFL has little time for supposed fate, and yet a cocktail of Mother Nature, near-tragedy, A-lister injury, a three-decade-long wait for Lombardi redemption and all the inbetween nuances of football’s any given Sunday-any given snap mantra threaten to merge as the perfect imperfect finale.

As an on-field product Sean McDermott’s side persist to test the boundaries of full throttle every-down aggression, the face of which has been quarterback Josh Allen and an unerring belief in his mutant arm and ability to decapitate a defense no matter the circumstance.

They have become quintessential movie theatre football at both ends of the spectrum, from climactic deep-ball haymaker to one-too-many fearlessness. They teeter on the edge of chaos, more often than not though out-weighing sloppiness with devastating execution. And the NFL loves them for it.

There was 1.54 on the clock in the second quarter of their Wild Card win over the Miami Dolphins, the Bills facing a third-and-eight in the wake of a sack generated by the 256th Josh Boyer blitz of the day. Ken Dorsey’s reply was to dial up and disguise a quads concept (four receivers aligned to one side of the field), Khalil Shakir mirroring Gabe Davis’ curved inside release into an out before subtly transitioning to a post-route downfield; Allen had already wound up (granted, he needs little wind up) and dunked on an exposed secondary with the most Allenest of moonballs to meet the path of his receiver, only for the rookie to fumble a would-be 54-yard catch and likely walk-in touchdown.

The Bills had been up 17-6; it would have been game out of sight against a Skylar Thompson-quarterbacked Miami, who instead closed within three points by half-time before taking the lead on a fumble return immediately after the break and forcing back-to-back punts as Allen whiffed an easy third-and-seven completion to a crossing Shakir having missed an open Davis on his endzone-bound out-and-up pattern.

It was frenetic, Orchard Park could not settle, it was ‘what next?’ Bills football.

The Boyer blitz was unrelenting as he elected to throw every available Miami body at blunting the story’s main character. That he resorted to daring Allen to beat him was – while potentially a blueprint to luring 2018 Allen-esque mistakes against Cover 0/1 – testament to the ‘only so much you can do to slow him’ potency he has developed under center.

Buffalo’s superpower is their never-ending bucket of splash plays with which to snatch back momentum should it ever leave them. For every erratic Allen quirk a retaliating masterpiece is to be expected. They found a way again.

Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano were burning up the turf as they flew from tackle to tackle, Leslie Frazier barely flinched on the sideline while stylishly rocking the slanted beanie hat to leave his headset ear exposed, Allen was starting a new club as the only quarterback in the league willing to pick a fight with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, rookie cornerback Kaiir Elam was plotting his heroic game-icing fourth-and-six pass breakup. On the edge, high-charged Bills football.

Staring down a challenge has become part of their identity, They have needed it more than ever this year. And here they still are.

On Sunday, they face the Bengals for the first time since Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during their Week 17 Monday Night Football matchup. Harrowing scenes had seen Bills players and personnel being consoled on the field as they watched, and said their prayers, while medical staff administered CPR to their team-mate and brother, before taking a knee together at mid-field as Hamlin was transported to local hospital in Cincinnati and placed in intensive care overnight.

It prompted a league-wide outreach of support as the nation held its breath for the 24-year-old, who by Thursday had been reported to have opened his eyes and displayed remarkable progress before doctors removed his breathing tube on the Friday as Hamlin was able to talk with Bills players and coaches over FaceTime.

A draining week made for emotional scenes that weekend when the Bills hosted the New England Patriots in their regular season finale, Orchard Park playing stage to a flood of No 3 shirts and hats in tribute to Hamlin as Allen and co. dedicated the performance to the second-year safety, who would encapsulate his staggering improvement by tweeting a picture of him watching on from his hospital bed.

The rest was storybook stuff. On the opening play of the game, returner Nyheim Hines would punch the open lane and tear away for a 96-yard touchdown from kickoff to the sound a raucous Bills mafia. He would do it again in the third quarter, this time bouncing through multiple would-be tacklers to race home for a 101-yard score as a fired up city erupted once more. As if it the script could not get any better, Hines’ opener marked the team’s first return touchdown in three years and three months. A reminder: Hamlin wears No 3.

“If you want the truth, it was spiritual,” said Allen. “It really was. Bone-chilling. It was special.”

Fully-fledged magic could yet reach greater heights as John Brown proceeded to celebrate his 42-yard touchdown catch on the next drive by gifting the ball to one of the Bills trainers responsible for saving Hamlin’s life on the field that night.

To focus on football when football had temporarily lost all meaning or importance was a glowing reflection of an already tight-knit family that now had something else to galvanise them. And it hasn’t been their only obstacle.

In November, seven feet of snowfall in just 24 hours resulted in the Bills having to fly to Detroit for a relocated home matchup against the Cleveland Browns, before returning home and then heading back to Detroit to face the Lions on Thanksgiving four days later.

They battled treacherous conditions again in December when another snowstorm left players having to dig out their cars, the more pressing concern being the loss of at least 39 people in the area. The Bills have since surprised local resident Jay Withey with Super Bowl tickets in reward for his efforts in saving 24 people during the storm by breaking into a school to provide shelter.

Elsewhere away from the field, 2022 saw the Bills position themselves at the forefront of support for the local community following a racist shooting that resulted in the death of 10 black people in a supermarket in May, before rallying around tight end Dawson Knox in the wake of the death of his younger brother Luke in August.

On the field, many people’s pick for the Super Bowl was dealt a setback in Week Two when star defensive back Micah Hyde suffered a season-ending neck injury, before Hall of Fame-bound edge rusher Von Miller was also ruled out for the year with a knee injury picked up on Thanksgiving.

Four straight Super Bowl defeats from 1990-1993 remain an unyielding point of reference. So too does the Kansas City Chiefs breaking Bills hearts with 13 seconds left in last year’s Divisional Round matchup after Buffalo had spent the best part of a year devising a plan for Patrick Mahomes on the back of their AFC Championship Game defeat.

Allen attempts throws of 20+ yards at a preposterous rate and plays with interception fire like few others, while the Bills defense has itself been among the most susceptible to downfield bombs-away passes all year. They are box office, with some story to tell.

In Joe Burrow they meet a master of narrative demolition. But can anybody thwart these charged up Bills?

The NFL playoffs continue on Sky Sports this weekend, with divisional round double-headers on both Saturday and Sunday night; watch Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills on Sunday, live on Sky Sports NFL from 8pm

The NFL playoffs and continue on Sky Sports on Sunday with a triple-header of Super Wild Card Weekend action – starting with Dolphins @ Bills, followed by Giants @ Vikings and Ravens @ Bengals; watch live on Sky Sports NFL from 6pm, Sunday

Brock Purdy threw for three touchdowns and ran in another as he starred on his first career playoff start, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 41-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks to start Super Wild Card Weekend on Saturday.

Story of the Game

The 49ers – the NFC’s No 2 seed and riding a 10-game winning streak into the playoffs – trailed by a point at half-time as a stubborn Seattle outfit led 17-16 at the break. But a stirring second half showing by San Francisco, in which they scored 22 points in the space of 12 minutes at one point, secured their passage through to the divisional round.

The 49ers will now host the Minnesota Vikings next weekend, should they beat the New York Giants in their wild card clash on Sunday. If the Giants win, it will instead be either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Dallas Cowboys who travel to San Francisco.

Purdy, who was taken with the very last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, completed 18 of 30 passes for 332 yards, the rookie QB overcoming some early jitters to put in a hugely accomplished display.

Christian McCaffrey rushed 15 times for 119 yards and had a touchdown grab to see San Francisco into an early 10-0 lead, while Deebo Samuel had six receptions for 133 yards and a blistering 74-yard catch and run for a score as the Niners streaked clear of the Seahawks in the second half.

Seattle QB Geno Smith was 25-of-35 passing for 253 yards with two touchdowns, both to DK Metcalf – one a 50-yard stunner to see the Seahawks into the lead for the first time. But he also had an interception late in the second half, while he lost a fumble in the third quarter which is the point at which the game turned.

Metcalf had 10 catches for 136 yards and those two TDs, while rookie running back Kenneth Walker also found the end zone, in the second quarter, as he earned 63 yards on 15 carries.

Trailing 17-16 to start the second half, the 49ers immediately drove 75 yards down the field in 13 plays, with Purdy scoring on a one-yard plunge. And they wouldn’t look back from there.

With the Seahawks driving deep into 49ers territory, Smith was sacked by Charles Omenihu for a seven-yard loss, with the ball squirting loose and being recovered by Nick Bosa at the 30-yard line.

San Francisco then stretched ahead by two scores off the back of the turnover as Purdy escaped the rush and threw a seven-yard TD to running back Elijah Mitchell, with a two-point conversion to George Kittle following.

Just over three minutes later, Samuel turned on the turbo jets to take his TD 74 yards all the way to the house and effectively end the game.

Robbie Gould, who kicked four field goals in the contest, fired one through the uprights from 31 yards after Smith was picked off immediately after Samuel’s score.

Seattle and Metcalf would at least find the end zone once more for a consolation TD with just under two minutes remaining but then the Niners ran out the rest of the clock to book their spot in the divisional round and knock out their great NFC West divisional rivals.

Stats leaders

Seahawks

• Passing: Geno Smith, 25/35, 253 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
• Rushing: Kenneth Walker, 15 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving: DK Metcalf, 10 catches, 136 yards, 2 TDs

49ers

• Passing: Brock Purdy, 18/30, 332 yards, 3 TDs
• Rushing: Christian McCaffrey, 15 carries, 119 yards (& 1 receiving TD)
• Receiving: Deebo Samuel, six catches, 133 yards, 1 TD

What they said… ‘Purdy looked like Frank Tarkenton’

49ers quarterback, Brock Purdy: “We came out and had some momentum and Seattle did a good job tracking back.

“It’s playoff football; everyone is going to play their best from here on out. When our offense and defense are doing their thing, we’re hard to beat.

“We’ve got a goal of winning the whole thing. We’re in a tournament, so anything can happen. I’ve got such a great team, O-line, receivers, defense, across the whole board. It’s not a one-man show, I’m very blessed.”

Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll: “We chased him all over the place and he [Purdy] looked like [former Minnesota Vikings QB] Fran Tarkenton out there.

“Down 10-0 on the road with the fans going nuts, we did a great job to bounce right back. We were in it right to the end of the third quarter.”

What’s next?

The NFL playoffs continue on Sunday, live on Sky Sports NFL, with a Super Wild Card Weekend triple-header.

The Buffalo Bills first host the Miami Dolphins (kick-off, 6pm), before the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants do battle at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis (kick-off, 9.30pm). The evening wraps up with the Baltimore Ravens’ visit to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football (kick-off, 1.15am).

The wild card round then concludes on Monday night as Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host ‘America’s Team’, the Dallas Cowboys, live on Sky Sports NFL from 1.15am early on Tuesday morning.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

The best stats from Week 18 in the NFL; Tom Brady sets new completions record but returns first losing season of his career; Nyheim Hines becomes just the 11th player in NFL history to have two kick-off return TDs in same game; Rams return worst record by a defending Super Bowl champion

Sky Sports statistician – and big Buffalo Bills fan – Benedict Bermange picks out the best stats the NFL has to offer from Week 18, including Patrick Mahomes setting a new record for the most total yards in a season and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin avoiding a losing season for a record 16th-straight year…

The Kansas City Chiefs claimed the No 1 seed in the AFC with their win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes ending the season with the most total offensive yards in NFL history – comprising of 5,250 passing yards, 358 rushing yards and six receiving yards. Also, 28 of Mahomes’ 41 touchdown passes were to either running backs or tight ends this season, equalling the NFL record set by Y.A. Tittle of the Giants in 1963.

The Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South division title with victory over the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night – the first time the team has secured five successive wins since Weeks 8-12 of the 2005 season. The 2022 Jaguars join the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals and 2020 Washington Football Team as the only teams to reach the playoffs having started the season 2-6. The Jaguars also managed to score 10 points in the fourth quarter against the Titans, despite having -1 total yards.

Tom Brady set new NFL records both in pass attempts (733) and completions (490) for the 2022 season, but suffered his first career defeat in 12 games against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite winning the NFC South, Brady also suffered his first losing season as a starter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ending 8-9. But Brady will take solace in the fact that his career record is 7-0 against their opponents on Super Wild Card Weekend of the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys.

The Buffalo Bills clinched the No 2 seed in the AFC with victory over the New England Patriots, with Nyheim Hines becoming just the 11th player in NFL history to have two kick-off return touchdowns in the same game. The last player to achieve the feat was Leon Washington for the Seattle Seahawks against the Chargers in 2010.

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears to end the season with a record of 13-4 despite conceding more points than they scored this season. Their -3 point differential is the worst in NFL history by a team with a winning percentage of at least .750 in a season.

The Bears will have the No 1 overall pick in 2023 NFL Draft – the first time the franchise will have the first pick since 1947. On that occasion, they selected running back Bob Fenimore, who ended his NFL career with just one touchdown.

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have missed out on a playoff spot, due to the Miami Dolphins’ late win over the New York Jets, but head coach Mike Tomlin has now finished each of his first 16 seasons in charge with a winning percentage of .500 or better, the longest such start to a career by any head coach in NFL history.

The Steelers have now had 19 successive ‘non-losing’ seasons, the joint-second longest streak in NFL history. The only longer streak is the 21-year stretch of the Cowboys from 1965 to 1985.

The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the No 1 seed in the NFC with victory over the New York Giants – their 14th win of the season. On both previous occasions when they have won at least 13 games in a regular season. They reached the Super Bowl – in 2004 and 2017. The Eagles led the NFL with 70 sacks this season, the first team since the 1989 Vikings to have that many in a single season.

The Seahawks snuck into the playoffs with an overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams, coupled with defeat for the Green Bay Packers to the Detroit Lions on Sunday night. Quarterback Geno Smith set franchise records for completions, pass attempts, completion percentage and passing yards. Running back Kenneth Walker led all rookies this season with 1,050 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. In addition, Tariq Woolen led all rookies with six interceptions.

The Rams clinched the worst record by a defending Super Bowl champion in history, ending their season at 5-12. No other reigning champ had ever lost more than 10 games. The San Francisco 49ers and Giants played in strike-shortened seasons.

Brock Purdy led the 49ers to a 10-straight win and became just the fourth rookie quarterback to win each of their first five starts. The others were Mike Kruczek and Ben Roethlisberger – both with the Steelers, in 1976 and 2004 respectively, and Dieter Brock of the 1985 Rams.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

The final NFL Sunday of the regular season sees the Patriots travel to the Bills, needing a win to book a playoff spot; the Eagles can clinch the NFC No 1 seed with a home win over the Giants and the Packers host the Lions as part of a ‘wild card’ battle – live on Sky Sports NFL from 6pm

The Kansas City Chiefs secured the No 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs with a 31-13 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night.

Story of the Game

Given the NFL’s decision to cancel the Monday night game between Buffalo Bills (12-3) and Cincinnati Bengals (11-4), after Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field, the Chiefs knew coming into Saturday’s contest that a win would clinch the top seed in the conference.

But due to an agreed change in the playoff structure by the league on Friday, given the extraordinary circumstances of the past week in the NFL, the Chiefs are not guaranteed home-field advantage for the AFC Championship game should they go that far in the playoffs.

There was a moment’s applause held for Hamlin ahead of the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, with players from both sides seen in ‘Love For Damar’ t-shirts, showing their support.

The Chiefs then wasted no time in getting out in front in the game, as Patrick Mahomes hooked up with receiver Justin Watson for a 67-yard reception on just the second play from scrimmage before the QB then threw a short touchdown pass to Jerick McKinnon three plays later.

Ronald Jones, Kadarius Toney and Isiah Pacheco each tacked on TD runs for the Chiefs, while Harrison Butker kicked a 44-yard field goal, as the visiting side put up 31 on Las Vegas.

“Getting that bye, it’s like winning a playoff game,” Mahomes said after the game. “Now we just have to focus on watching tomorrow and then this next week to see who we play and come out with out best football.”

The Chiefs defense repeatedly harassed Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham, particularly in the first half, as they sacked him four times – one of which led to a fumble – and picked him off once.

Stidham, making just his second NFL start after the Raiders benched Derek Carr, threw for 219 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 50 yards.

The Raiders (6-11) trailed 14-3 early in the second quarter when they drove 74 yards to the Chiefs two-yard line. However, consecutive incompletions on third and fourth down by Stidham saw them turn the ball over on downs.

Kansas City then drove 98 yards on 12 plays, capping the series with an 11-yard score from Kadarius Toney. Stidham fumbled on the Raiders’ next possession and, two plays later, Butker kicked a 44-yard field goal in the final seconds of the first half to see the Chiefs up 24-3.

Las Vegas opened the third quarter with a 13-play drive but had to settle for a Daniel Carlson 38-yard field goal.

Pacheco scored early in the fourth quarter for KC, while the Raiders finally found the end zone for nothing more than a consolation score midway later in the fourth as Stidham found Hunter Renfrow for an 11-yard TD.

Stats leaders

Chiefs

• Passing: Patrick Mahomes, 18/26, 202 yards, 1 TD
• Rushing: Isiah Pacheco, eight carries, 64 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving: Justin Watson, one catch, 67 yards
• Travis Kelce, six catches, 38 yards

Raiders

• Passing: Jarrett Stidham, 22/36, 219 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing: Josh Jacobs, 17 carries, 45 yards
• Receiving: Davante Adams, five catches, 73 yards
• Hunter Renfrow, seven catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

What’s next?

The New England Patriots (8-8) need to win to ensure a playoff place in the AFC as they travel to the Buffalo Bills (12-3) on the final NFL Sunday of the 2022 regular season – live on Sky Sports NFL from 6pm.

The game will be the Bills’ first following the cardiac arrest suffered by Damar Hamlin on the field during their game against the Bengals on Monday night. Hamlin tweeted on Saturday for the first time since, saying he was “thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed”.

Following the action in Buffalo, we head to Philadelphia for the Eagles‘ (13-3) season-ender against the New York Giants (9-6-1) – kick-off, 9.25pm. The home side need to win to wrap up the No 1 seed, a first-round bye and home-advantage through the playoffs. The Giants, meanwhile, are already assured of the No 6 seed in the NFC.

Rounding off the Sunday evening triple-header, we join our friends at NBC for Football Night in America and a massive game at Lambeau Field as the Green Bay Packers (8-8) host the Detroit Lions (8-8) – kick-off, 1.20am, Monday. The Packers clinch a playoff spot with a win, while a Lions victory would see them claim the last remaining wild card place in the NFC, provided the Seattle Seahawks lose their earlier game to the Los Angeles Rams.

As well as the live action over on Sky Sports NFL and Main Event, you can keep up-to-date with the events in all of the other games via NFL RedZone on Sky Sports Mix (from 6pm) as playoff places are won and lost on the final day of the regular season.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

Buffalo Bills statement on Damar Hamlin: “While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress.”

Damar Hamlin has shown “remarkable improvement” in the last 24 hours but remains critical after suffering a cardiac arrest during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Buffalo Bills said on Thursday.

Hamlin collapsed after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins midway through the first quarter of Monday’s game and underwent CPR for approximately 10 minutes before he was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

“Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours,” the statement said.

“While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress.

“We are grateful for the love and support we have received.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Hamlin opened his eyes on Wednesday night and has been able to grip the hands of those with him.

The Bills had stated earlier on Wednesday that Hamlin was showing signs of improvement but remained in critical condition in the ICU.

An incredible league-wide response has seen coaches and players pay tribute to the 24-year-old, whose toy drive GoFundMe page set up in 2020 as part of his Chasing M’s Foundation has seen donations eclipse an initial target of $2,500 by reaching upwards of $7m.

“The outpouring of support for Damar across the nation has been amazing,” said Hamlin’s representation Agency 1 Sports on Thursday. “Thank you for the calls, messages and emails.

“Damar has made substantial improvement overnight. We are so thankful for all of the first responders, doctors and hospital staff and every one who has played a role in this process.

“Please continue to pray for Damar and we will provide updates as they are available.”

This is a breaking news story that is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest updates.

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NFL player Damar Hamlin remains in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, but his condition is “moving in a positive direction”, according to his marketing representative and friend, Jordan Rooney.

Rooney, speaking to the NFL Network on Wednesday, also clarified that Hamlin was “resuscitated once”, on the field. Hamlin’s uncle, Dorrian Glenn, had told CNN on Tuesday evening that his nephew had been resuscitated a second time at the hospital.

“Right now things are moving in a positive direction,” Rooney said.

“There’s not clarity at this point about how long it’s going to take and where things are going to go. For the family, it’s just a matter of seeing more positive signs and hopefully building on that.”

The 24-year-old Bills defensive back had briefly got to his feet after making what appeared to be a routine tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins during Monday’s game but then collapsed to the ground.

The game in Cincinnati was halted as medical staff quickly attended to him and administered CPR for approximately 10 minutes before he was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Glenn, speaking earlier on Wednesday to NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe, said: “They’re trying to get his lungs back to full strength.

“He was 100 per cent assisted by ventilators [Tuesday]. He’s improved, up to 50 per cent. That’s an upward trend and we’re thankful for that.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hamlin’s family said they would provide updates on his wellbeing “as soon as we have them”.

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans around the country,” said the family’s statement, which was released via Hamlin’s agent.

“We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support.”

The Bills, who had confirmed Hamlin’s cardiac arrest in a statement late on Monday night, issued a follow-up statement on Tuesday which stated: “We are grateful and thankful for the outpouring of support we have received thus far.”

Will the postponed match be replayed?

The NFL announced a full postponement to the Bengals-Bills game just after 10pm local time on Monday evening, 90 minutes following kick-off.

After Hamlin exited the field in an ambulance, it looked briefly as if play might resume before Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and Bills counterpart Sean McDermott met with game officials and the decision was made to pause proceedings. The Bengals had been leading 7-3 with five minutes and 58 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

The NFL has since informed the Bills and Bengals that the suspended game will not resume this week, while the Week 18 schedule remains unchanged.

The league said in a statement on Tuesday: “The NFL continues to be in regular contact with the medical team caring for Damar Hamlin, and also the Bills and Bengals organizations and the NFL Players Association.

“The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date.”

The game has major playoff implications as the NFL enters the final week of the 2022 regular season, with the Bills (12-3) needing a win to reclaim the No 1 seed in the AFC, in the hope of clinching a first-round bye and home advantage through the playoffs. The Bengals (11-4) would have clinched the AFC North division title ahead of the Baltimore Ravens (10-6) with a victory.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that if the game was not to resume, it would be “declared a no contest”, essentially a tie – which would be enough for the Bengals win their division and finish as the No 3 seed in the AFC, while the Kansas City Chiefs would then theoretically clinch the No 1 seed ahead of the Bills with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday.

Will the Week 18 games still go ahead?

The Bills are scheduled to close out the regular season on Sunday against New England Patriots (8-8), who need to win to secure themselves a wild-card berth in the AFC, while the Bengals are due to take on the Ravens (10-6).

The Bills will not practice or be available to media on Wednesday, it has been reported. They will hold a team meeting and have a brief on-field walkthrough; the Patriots will practise as scheduled.

When Hamlin was taken from the field in an ambulance on Monday night, Bills coach McDermott was seen leading his team in prayer, while players from both teams were shown to be visibly distraught, some with tears in their eyes, as the situation unfolded.

The NFL’s statement on Tuesday said that they had “not made any changes to the Week 18 regular season schedule”, before adding that they “will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available”.

Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio has questioned whether the Bills will be sufficiently mentally and physically prepared to play again by Sunday, and whether the NFL might reconsider sticking to the current schedule.

“Will all of the players be mentally ready to go?” Florio said on Wednesday’s show. “They may tell themselves they are – and maybe once they’re out there, they’ll feel fine – but I think that crossing the thick white stripe on the sideline is going to be different now to what it has ever been, for them and their family members.

“You’ve got every family member of every NFL player, fearful that what happened to Damar Hamlin can happen to their father, husband, friend, nephew, cousin – someone they know and someone they care about.

“It’s part of what everyone has to process to get to the point where guys can play.

“This game is too hard, too demanding, and the risks are too great to have someone play who doesn’t want to.

“There’s no manual to this, no playbook, no standard operating procedure. Will all players be ready to go? That’s the concern I have for players not just on the Bills and Bengals but for players on every team.

Florio added: “This is a very delicate moment in the scheduling of the season, it’s the culmination of the regular season, the playoffs are looming.

“I really don’t know what the right answer is. There is no perfect solution to this.”

The playoffs are due to begin on the weekend of January 14/15/16, with the Super Bowl scheduled for Sunday, February 12 in Glendale, Arizona. There is a free weekend in the calendar prior to the Super Bowl which would allow for the playoff schedule to begin a week later, should the NFL decide to postpone any Week 18 games.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson hinted at the challenge he has faced in trying to prepare his team for a ‘win-and-in’ showdown for the AFC South division title with the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night.

“Obviously on Monday night, watching it, coaching went away,” Pederson told the NFL Network on Wednesday. “I was thinking about Damar and his family – about the players on both sides of that field.

“Then my attention turned to our team. How was I going to handle this and prepare our football team, what was I going to say? It’s human nature.

“I can honestly say I don’t have all of the answers, but I want my players to understand that we’re here for them.”

“We are preparing for a football game. It’s the hardest thing, to transition from life – and things that are out of our control – to a football game, and trying to get the focus of the room back on that.”

NFL world gathers to show support for Hamlin

Hamlin is in his second season in the NFL, after being taken in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Bills. He spent five years playing his college football at Pittsburgh, his hometown, appearing in 48 games for the Panthers.

He has started 14 games for the Bills this season in place of injured safety Micah Hyde, who suffered a neck injury in Week Two and has been on injured reserve since. Hamlin is tied for the second-most tackles on the team this year, with 91.

After the incident, people started donating to a GoFundMe page set up by Hamlin’s charitable foundation, Chasing M’s, to raise money to support a toy drive for in his community.

Hamlin’s initial stated goal was $2,500 but, by Wednesday, the page had reached over $6.3m (£5.2m), with donations coming in from around the world. NFL stars Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, plus the Houston Texans organisation and Patriots owner Robert Kraft were among those to donate large sums.

NBA star LeBron James sent his best wishes to Hamlin when speaking to reporters after the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.

“It is a terrible thing to see and I wish nothing but the best for that kid and the city of Buffalo, for the franchise of the Bills and the rest of the NFL and also the Bengals that were playing in that game as well,” LeBron said.

“I’m a huge fan of the NFL and a huge fan of football and you never want to see anything like that happen.”

A number of NFL teams postponed their scheduled press availability on Tuesday out of respect for Hamlin, while Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spent part of his news conference sharing his personal connection with the 24-year-old Pittsburgh native.

“I’ve known that guy probably since he was about 12,” Tomlin said. “Just got a lot of respect and love for him as a human being, his commitment to the pursuit of his goals and dreams of doing what it is he’s doing right now, which is playing in the NFL.

“To watch him make personal decisions and make that a realisation, it’s just an honour to get to know young people like that. I had an opportunity to express that to him whenever I see him.

“We’ve played Buffalo each of the last two seasons, and he and I get to have a moment because it’s just cool to not only appreciate these guys in terms of where they are now, but to know them since they were younger people and to watch their maturation their development.

“I’ve got a lot of love for that young man.”

Denver Broncos: “On behalf of our ownership and organization, I want to thank Nathaniel Hackett for his dedication as head coach of the Denver Broncos. We sincerely appreciate Nathaniel’s efforts and wish him and his family all the best in the future”

The Denver Broncos have sacked head coach Nathaniel Hackett following their heavy 51-14 defeat to Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day.

Cam Akers ran for three touchdowns, Baker Mayfield threw for two more as the Rams thoroughly embarrassed the Denver Broncos (4-11) in California.

Under first-year coach Hackett the Broncos struggled for much of the 2022 season, and with just four wins to their name have no chance of reaching the playoffs contention with just two regular season games remaining.

A Broncos statement read: “On behalf of our ownership and organization, I want to thank Nathaniel Hackett for his dedication as head coach of the Denver Broncos. We sincerely appreciate Nathaniel’s efforts and wish him and his family all the best in the future.

“Following extensive conversations with George and our ownership group, we determined a new direction would ultimately be in the best interest of the Broncos. This change was made now out of respect for everyone involved and allows us to immediately begin the search for a new head coach.

“We recognise and appreciate this organisation’s championship history, and we understand we have not met that standard. Our fans deserve much better, and I can’t say enough about their loyalty during such a challenging stretch for our team.”

Season’s greetings! Sky Sports NFL brings you SIX live games over the holidays; Bengals @ Patriots kicks off the Christmas Eve action from 6pm, while there is also RedZone on Sky Sports Mix on Saturday night; the Packers visit the Dolphins as part of the Christmas Day triple-bill

Celebrate your Christmas with Sky Sports this year as we bring you SIX live NFL games over the holiday weekend, including an NFC East grudge match between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve live on Sky Sports NFL

For Week 16, the usual Sunday night slate moves to Saturday, December 24, with the clash between the NFL’s-best Eagles (13-1) and Cowboys (10-4) the second game up in the weekend’s first triple-bill of live action on Sky Sports NFL (407).

The evening’s festivities get under waywith the red-hot Cincinnati Bengals (10-4) taking their six-straight wins on the road to the New England Patriots (7-7), who will be desperate to put their shocking late loss to the Las Vegas Raiders behind them and stay in the AFC playoff hunt. Kick-off is at 6pm.

After the huge divisional clash in Dallas, the night rounds off with a meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-8) and Raiders (6-8) – kick-off at 1.15am, Sunday morning – as the two famous old franchises celebrate the 50th anniversary of Franco Harris’ ‘immaculate reception’ in the classic 1972 AFC divisional playoff between the pair.

As well as these three standalone games, you can keep up to speed with all of the action from elsewhere around the league via NFL RedZone on Sky Sports Mix (416) from 6pm.

Christmas Day live on Sky Sports NFL

On Sunday, December 25 we’re back to bring you yet another triple-header, this one also kicking off at 6pm with a huge matchup in Miami as Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers (6-8) hope to hang on to their playoff hopes with a victory over the Dolphins (8-6), who themselves are desperately clinging on to their post-season aspirations despite three defeats on the trot.

We then head out to Los Angeles for a meeting between the defending Super Bowl-champion Rams (4-10) and Denver Broncos (4-10), both heavily tipped pre-season contenders eager to salvage some pride in these final few weeks following hugely disappointing seasons – this one gets under way from 9.30pm.

The Christmas Day festivities then conclude into the early hours of Boxing Day morning as, at 1.20am, the Arizona Cardinals (4-10) host Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8) at State Farm Stadium, the site of this year’s Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.

What other NFL is live on Sky Sports this week?

The Week 16 action gets under way with the traditional Thursday night fare and another matchup with huge playoff implications as the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8) visit the New York Jets (7-7), both battling it out for a wild card spot in the AFC and with the Jags also still in with a shout of winning the AFC South division. This one is live on Sky Sports NFL from 1.15am on Friday morning.

And finally, to close out Week 16, there’s a Monday Night Football clash between the Indianapolis Colts (4-9-1) and Los Angeles Chargers (8-6), with the visitors hoping to move a step closer to clinching a postseason berth with a win over the reeling Colts, who suffered an NFL-record comeback loss to the Minnesota Vikings last weekend. Watch all of the action on Sky Sports NFL from 1.15am, Tuesday.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

Donovan Peoples-Jones scored the only touchdown of the game as the Cleveland Browns beat the Baltimore Ravens 13-3 on Saturday to stay alive in the AFC playoff race.

Story of the Game

In Deshaun Watson’s home debut for the Browns (6-8), his scoring toss to People-Jones came with two minutes and 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter to put Cleveland 13-3 up.

Watson, who was banned for 11 games for alleged sexual misconduct, finished 18 of 28 for 161 yards in wintery conditions, adding 22 more on the ground.

Browns rookie Cade York made two field goals but missed two others, while Baltimore’s All-Pro Justin Tucker – the league’s most accurate kicker – had a rare off night, missing with a 48-yarder to end the first half and then having another attempt blocked in the second.

Tyler Huntley, who was only cleared from concussion protocol a few days ago, started again in place of Lamar Jackson (knee), who missed a second straight. But Huntley but couldn’t get Baltimore going, finishing 17 of 30 for just 138 yards.

Huntley made a critical mistake in the third quarter, when he was intercepted at the Cleveland nine-yard line by Denzel Ward – the Ravens trailing only 6-3 at that precise moment.

Watson then directed a 91-yard scoring drive, delivering his TD strike to Peoples-Jones which proved to be enough to close out a crucial victory.

Stats leaders

Ravens

• Passing: Tyler Huntley, 17/30, 138 yards, 1 INT
• Rushing: JK Dobbins, 13 carries, 125 yards
• Receiving: Mark Andrews, three catches, 31 yards

Browns

• Passing: Deshaun Watson, 18/28, 161 yards, 1 TD
• Rushing: Nick Chubb, 21 carries, 99 yards
• Receiving: Amari Cooper, four catches, 58 yards
• Donovan Peoples-Jones, four catches, 31 yards, 1 TD

What’s next?

Tom Brady takes on Joe Burrow for the very first time in the NFL as two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL go toe to toe on Sunday, live on Sky Sports NFL.

Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) welcome Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals (9-4) into town – kick-off at 9.25pm – with the New York Jets (7-6) also hosting the Detroit Lions (6-7) in a key clash for playoff spots, with this one getting under way at 6pm. The Sunday night triple-header rounds off with the Washington Commanders (7-5-1) hosting the New York Giants (7-5-1) in an NFC East divisional battle with huge postseason implications for the two wild card hopefuls – kick-off at 1.20am on Monday morning.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

As many as eight games on Sunday were decided by one score. We had the usual upsets, big plays and tight finishes – it’s the theme of this NFL season so far through nine weeks.

1) Jets pass big test against Bills

Most would have said it was a big positive for the New York Jets to even keep this one close against the Buffalo Bills, but they ended up winning the game.

Their defense was lights out. Sauce Gardner continues to impress as a rookie, as well as D.J. Reed in the secondary. They’ve also got a good pass rush, making an incredible quarterback in Josh Allen look very uncomfortable. The run game was also there, even without star rookie Breece Hall – they rushed for over 170 yards.

I’m very impressed by what the Jets are doing this season. And it was a great way for this team to bounce back after a difficult loss to the New England Patriots. They are proving they’re no fluke.

I’ve been speaking to a lot of Jets players this season and they genuinely are not surprised by where they’re at. It’s what they expected; they believed they could be this team. They’re a confident bunch.

2) Tua tops 300 yards once more

Another week in the NFL, and another game where Tua Tagovailoa throws for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, this time against the Chicago Bears. It is becoming a regular thing now for the Miami Dolphins.

They’re so hard to stop because he is so quick with his decision-making – the ball comes out of his hand so fast – and the receivers are so fast too. He is throwing the ball in under two and a half seconds, and by that time Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are already 25 yards down the field.

As a result, defenses are terrified of being beaten deep, so they give Miami a lot of the middle of the field and their offense are feasting on that.

Hill has over 1,000 yards already and we’re only nine games into the season. It’s incredible!

3) Where have you been, Joe Mixon?

When the Cincinnati Bengals went on their run to the Super Bowl last year, so much was made of the play of quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase, but Joe Mixon and the ground game was also a big part of that.

He has been missing for most of this season, but he arrived in a big way on Sunday with 211 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns. Yes, it was against a poor Carolina Panthers team, but I want to see if the Bengals can stick to this style going forward and more of a balanced attack?

4) Don’t let Brady hang around!

If you give even a 45-year-old Tom Brady, with no running game and no offensive line, just enough time, let him hang around, he’ll beat you.

The Los Angeles Rams continue to be hugely disappointing this season. They’ve been dreadful in the fourth quarter of games – outscored 71-10 in the final period. That’s on coaching, but also their big players not being able to close out games.

They played really soft on defense. They allowed Brady a deep pass down the middle and then he was able to work the sidelines before throwing the game-winning touchdown in the closing seconds. It was classic Brady, and a great moment in what will most probably be his last season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been pretty awful – not terrible, but certainly bad by their standards – yet they’re in first place in the NFC South, with no one running away with that division. And weirdly, because of the respective strength of their divisions, as it stands the 4-5 Bucs aren’t in a dissimilar spot to the 6-2 Bills in terms of controlling their division and their destiny.

5) Raiders’ shocking collapse against Jags

I was really disappointed by the Las Vegas Raiders’ collapse from being 17-0 up in the second quarter to finding a way to lose that game to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

There have now been three games this season where the Raiders have led by 17 and have lost. That’s unforgivable, and it’s the sort of thing that will get head coach Josh McDaniels fired. And these NFL owners aren’t afraid to pull the trigger… we’ve seen it already this season with Matt Rhule in Carolina and most recently with Frank Reich at the Indianapolis Colts.

He’s now firmly on the hot seat, because that team simply can’t close out games. How can you run the ball for three-straight weeks with Josh Jacobs to the tune of about 200 yards per game, but then you get a 17-point lead in this game and yet you can’t run it to save your life?

Also, Davante Adams had nine catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the first half… and then just one grab for zero yards in the second. That is shocking!

Player of the Week: Joe Mixon

I left him out of my NFL Fantasy Football team, which absolutely destroyed me. But it has to be Mixon after his five-TD day for the Bengals.

It was a reminder that if he gets the right blocking, he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. He is going to be key for the Bengals the rest of the way.

Play of the Week: Justin Fields

I’m going with Bears quarterback Justin Fields’ 61-yard touchdown run against the Dolphins.

Not only did it keep Chicago in the contest, but it was one play of many that he made in a really entertaining game that offered hope for the future of the Bears and their fans.

Fields is an incredible talent who is going to grow as a passer. But for now, let him do his thing, let him run free. He has made the Bears one for the more entertaining teams in the NFL in recent weeks.

And I loved the clip of Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shouting at Fields as he ran out of bounds at one point on the Miami sideline… he was basically saying, ‘please, stop it!’

Coach of the Week: Kevin O’Connell

I’m a bit conflicted about this choice, because Kevin O’Connell is an offensive-minded coach, but his Minnesota Vikings unit does tend to get bogged down at times in games.

They’ll score fast in games, then will follow it up with about six punts in a row, before then finding another way to score again.

Yet, this team are 7-1, are on a six-game winning streak and every one of those wins has been by one score. You look back to last year, and this Vikings team lost a lot of heartbreakers; this season, they’re finding a way to get over the line, and I think that is down to a coach who gives his players such confidence.

You can see their team spirit come through in the way they celebrate as a team – on the field, in the locker room and even on the plane! They had an old curmudgeon as a coach before in Mike Zimmer, who wouldn’t have allowed those sort of things.

Whatever magic formula they’ve found, it’s working, because they’ve practically assured themselves a playoff spot already at only the halfway point of the season.

On My Radar

Jeff Saturday as the new interim coach of the Colts really is a head-scratcher.

I really like Reich, but I think it was inevitable that he was going to get fired as the Colts’ season was heading south. They made a change at quarterback, fired the offensive coordinator… that was really the only logical next move.

It was textbook from owner Jim Irsay really, all the way up until the hiring of Saturday. I believe he now becomes the first head coach in the league to have never coached at NFL or college level – he has only coached high school football before.

He was an All-Pro player for the team though, and was a really good leader. During the NFL lockout of 2011, he was a key negotiator in completing the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NFL and NFL Players’ Association. There’s obviously something about him.

But it’s one to keep an eye on, because it’s a hugely unconventional move by the Colts. I’m curious but also dubious.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

This week’s NFL Sunday action live on Sky Sports sees the one-loss Minnesota Vikings (7-1) travel to the Buffalo Bills (6-2), while the Green Bay Packers (3-6) are desperate for a win as they host the red-hot Dallas Cowboys (6-2) – live on Sky Sports NFL, from 6pm, Sunday

The in-form Dallas Cowboys head to Green Bay on Sunday night to face a Packers outfit in the midst of a five-game losing streak and desperate for a win.

The Week 10 games to be shown live on Sky Sports NFL have been announced, with the matchup between the Cowboys (6-2) and Aaron Rodgers’ Packers (3-6) getting underway at Lambeau Field from 9.25pm on Sunday.

Prior to that one, the Buffalo Bills (6-2), fresh from a surprise defeat to the New York Jets last weekend, have the chance to put things right against the one-loss Minnesota Vikings (7-1). This one in Buffalo kicks off at 6pm.

And before the traditional NFL Sunday double-header, the NFL lands in Germany for the very first time in its history as Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) take on the Seattle Seahawks (6-3) at the Allianz Arena in Munich – this one exclusively live on Sky Sports NFL from 2.30pm.

Rounding off the Sunday night action, we join our friends at NBC for Football Night in America and Sunday Night Football, with Christian McCaffrey eager for another star showing for the San Francisco 49ers (4-4) as they host Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) – kick-off is at 1.20am, early on Monday morning.

Elsewhere, the Week 10 action gets under way with the traditional Thursday night fare as the Atlanta Falcons (4-5), travel to the Carolina Panthers (2-7) in an NFC South divisional clash – watch live on Sky Sports NFL from 1.15am on Friday morning.

Then, on Monday night, Week 10 concludes with the still unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles (8-0) hosting the Washington Commanders (4-5) in another rivalry clash, this one in the NFC East. Watch live on Sky Sports NFL from 1.15am, Tuesday.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

The NFL trade deadline passed on Tuesday without the Packers adding a new face on offense – should fans in Green Bay be frustrated?; Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks had been among the names linked to a move to Lambeau Field

The Green Bay Packers were a team widely though to be in the market for some new additions to their flagging football team ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline, but the 4pm ET cut-off passed without a deal being done.

Packers (3-5) fans watched on as their division rivals strengthened, the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings (6-1) bringing in tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions, and the Chicago Bears (3-5) adding star receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It is on offense too that the Packers are most in need of help, the team themselves linked with Claypool, as well as Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans, in the hopes of solving the league’s 26th ranked scoring offense (18.1 points per game) and 22nd in passing (217.4 passing yards per game).

Wide receiver is a position the Packers are badly lacking depth at following on from the trade of their No 1 wideout Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason. A four-game losing streak leading into Tuesday’s trade deadline strengthen the belief that Green Bay would be forced to make a move with their playoff hopes fading.

“If you’re a Packers fan, you’ve got to really be frustrated right now,” Sky Sports’ Jeff Reinebold said on the latest Inside The Huddle podcast. “Certainly Aaron Rodgers.

“I hope somebody took away the remote control of his television and put it in a drawer.

“The Minnesota Vikings, who are hot, go out and get Hockenson, because Irv Smith is on injured reserve for six to eight weeks. They give up a second-round draft choice to get a really good tight end out of Detroit.

“You just wonder with the Packers, how serious are you about winning?”

Claypool deal a ‘fresh start’ for Steelers

Commenting further on the Claypool deal, Reinebold believes it benefits both parties, with the Bears securing their second-year quarterback Justin Fields a much-needed weapon on offense and the Steelers getting a player off their books who had become “kind of a distraction”.

The 24-year-old Claypool has topped 850 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons in the NFL, while his rookie year in 2020 saw him also tally 10 receiving touchdowns.

“Claypool; here’s a guy that in his rookie season goes off, he looks as if he’s going to be the future as wide receiver number one in Pittsburgh,” Reinebold said.

“For the Bears, it’s a great trade because they’re desperate for talent on offense. And it’s a fresh start and for the Steelers, they get rid of a guy that had become really kind of a distraction with some immature behaviour.

“I don’t think he’s a bad kid, he just needs to grow up a little bit. Hopefully he’ll help Justin Fields and the Bears.”

‘Dolphins show they’re committed to winning’

As well as the Claypool and Hockenson deals, on a hugely busy trade deadline day, the Denver Broncos traded pass rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins (5-3), with running back Chase Edmonds heading the other way as part of the deal. The Dolphins also added San Francisco 49ers RB Jeff Wilson Jr to their backfield.

Another pair of running backs also swapped homes, with the Indianapolis Colts moving Nyheim Hines to Bills and Zack Moss sent the other way in the deal, while the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for suspended Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley.

With the last two Super Bowl winners, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020) and Los Angeles Rams (2021), achieving success in large part due to loading up on superstar talents such as Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford via free agency or trade, Reinebold believes teams are trying to be similarly aggressive.

“It goes back to, sadly, a guy we’ve lost; Ted Thompson, who was the general manager for a lot of years in Green Bay, was a ‘draft and develop’ guy. But I’m not sure if that philosophy works in this day and age,” Reinebold said.

“We talk about the Les Snead [Rams general manager] effect in the NFL, creating a team of superstars and continuously depending on trades, free agency and that mode, as opposed to the draft – bringing in to your football team what are proven players.

“And we say it all the time; it’s a copycat league. What’s hot is what’s hot. At the moment, that approach seems to be the way to do it in the NFL.

“Look at the Kansas City Chiefs. They shed players in the offseason, they lost Tyreek Hill and what did they do? The got JuJu Smith-Schuster, and now they’ve brought in Kadarius Toney [from the New York Giants].

“They keep their core, but they’re constantly trying to upgrade via the draft or free agency. That’s what good football teams have to do.

“And if you’re a Dolphins fan, these are heady times. They have shown they are committed to winning.”

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

Denver Broncos claim 21-17 victory over Jacksonville Jaguars after Latavius Murray runs in late touchdown; the Jags had led 10-7 at half-time after Evan Engram’s opening touchdown; Russell Wilson finishes 18/30 for 252 yards, one touchdown and one interception

The Denver Broncos temporarily eased pressure on head coach Nathaniel Hackett as they beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 21-17 in the final London game of the season and the first outing at Wembley Stadium since 2019.

Story of the Game

Latavius Murray ran in a one-yard go-ahead touchdown with 1.43 to play after Travis Etienne had put the Jags up 17-14 with a one-yard score amid his 156-yard performance.

K’Waun Williams then crowned the win by intercepting Trevor Lawrence at the 35-yard line on the first play of the Jaguars’ ensuing drive.

Denver improved to 3-5 on the season with the much-needed victory having arrived in the UK facing scrutiny over a sputtering offense behind Russell Wilson and with trade speculation lingering over wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and star edge rusher Bradley Chubb.

Doug Pederson’s Jags meanwhile fell to 2-6 after their fifth straight defeat having led 10-7 at half-time thanks to Evan Engram’s opening touchdown and Riley Patterson’s field goal followed by Jeudy’s score.

Denver took the lead for the first time in the contest through Melvin Gordon’s one-yard touchdown run with five minutes to play in the third quarter after Wilson had connected with tight end Greg Dulcich for 38 yards amid a nine-play 98-yard drive starting at their two.

The teams then exchanged four straight three-and-outs by way of the Broncos’ second-ranked defense – also tied-first in EPA/play – and a sack from Jags No 1 overall pick Travon Walker followed by a sloppy false start penalty from Denver.

DJ Jones sacked Lawrence for a loss of seven on third-and-nine to derail the Jags’ eight-play drive with 8.51 remaining, celebrating by pretending to sip a cup of tea in an ode to his British hosts.

Penned in at his own end zone on third-and-10 with seven to play, Wilson threatened a field-flipping sucker-punch when he spotted KJ Hamler and Dulcich two-on-one downfield, only for his pass to land between the Broncos duo much to the relief of Jags defenders.

The Jags subsequently took the lead with Etienne’s one-yard touchdown run at the end of a six-play march boosted by Christian Kirk’s 25-yard reception and the second-year running back’s own run of 11.

But Wilson responded with a 47-yard toss to KJ Hamler, who followed up with a nine-yard burst before Murray burrowed through the bodies to complete the defining drive.

Wilson, having almost been intercepted on the opening throw of the game, was picked off on Denver’s next drive when Tyson Campbell jumped Courtland Sutton’s route to wrestle the ball away at the sideline.

The Jags capitalised emphatically as Lawrence floated a 22-yard strike to Engram on a corner route at the back of the end zone to cap the ensuing possession.

Jacksonville squandered an opportunity to extend their advantage as Lawrence was intercepted by Justin Simmons at the goalline having benefited from four Broncos penalties in a 13-play drive that ended pointless.

Riley Patterson’s 37-yard field goal handed the Jags a 10-0 lead after Etienne’s 49-yard burst before Jeudy scooted in on a six-yard jet-sweep touchdown to put Denver on the board with three minutes to play in the half.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage throughout the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

This week’s live NFL on Sky Sports sees the Jaguars host the Broncos at Wembley, before the Patriots visit the Jets and the 49ers and Rams clash in LA; remember the action starts slightly earlier as the clocks go back; watch live on Sky Sports NFL, from 1.30pm, Sunday

The defending Super Bowl champions are back in action live on Sky Sports this Sunday, with the Los Angeles Rams facing off against their big NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers – in a must-win game already for both sides.

The Week Eight games to be shown live on Sky Sports NFL have been announced, with the matchup between the Rams and the 49ers (3-4) a repeat of last season’s NFC Championship Game, which the Rams won on their way to lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

That said, the Rams have lost their last seven-straight regular season games against the Niners, including a handy 24-9 win for their opponents in Week Four of this year… and both will be desperate for victory on Sunday after rough starts to the season. The action gets under way live on Sky Sports NFL from 8.25pm, Sunday.

But, prior to heading out to LA, we visit the Big Apple to see the upstart New York Jets (5-2) host the struggling New England Patriots (3-4) in another division rivalry matchup, this one from the AFC East – kick-off at 5pm.

Before the traditional Sunday double-header, the NFL returns for a third and final time to the UK this season, with Wembley back playing host to the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) and their clash with the Denver Broncos (2-5) – this one gets under way live on Sky Sports NFL from 1.30pm.

Rounding off the Sunday night action, we join our friends at NBC for Football Night in America and Sunday Night Football, with many people’s Super Bowl favourites, the Buffalo Bills (5-1), hosting one of the biggest surprise strugglers of the season, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers (3-4) – kick-off is at 12.20am, early on Monday morning.

Speaking of teams to have struggled this season, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) get the Week Eight NFL action up and running when hosting the Baltimore Ravens (4-3) on Thursday Night Football – live on Sky Sports NFL from 1.15am on Friday morning.

Then, on Monday night, Week Eight concludes in the AFC North and with Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals (4-3) visiting the Cleveland Browns (2-5), in yet another key divisional contest. Watch live on Sky Sports NFL from 12.15am, Tuesday.

Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season – featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports – on the go!

Watch the Chicago Bears (2-4) visit the New England Patriots (3-3) in Monday Night Football live on Sky Sports NFL from 1.15am in the early hours of Tuesday morning

Mac Jones looks poised to return to action when the New England Patriots take on the Chicago Bears in Monday Night Football.

The second-year quarterback has been nursing a high ankle sprain suffered in the Week Three defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, paving the way for rookie play-caller Bailey Zappe to step in.

Zappe has since led the Patriots to back-to-back wins as a starter having recorded a completion percentage of 81 in a shutout victory over the Detroit Lions before throwing for 309 yards and two scores against the Cleveland Browns.

“I think it [his ankle] feels pretty good,” Jones said on Friday. “Just trying to work through all the stuff to be able to play in an NFL football game. I want to be able to go out there and help the team, and once I’m there, I’m there. I’m definitely making a lot of progress, and we’ve done a good job with the treatment.

“Gonna try to do my best to put the hours in to get ready. Definitely moving better, so I feel pretty good.”

Jones has endured a difficult start to the season after completing 64 of 97 passes for 786 yards and two touchdowns to five interceptions prior to his injury against the Ravens.

The former first-round pick had been struggling in a re-modeled offense under Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, which appeared to step away from the features that had set Jones up for success as a rookie.

New England have been more productive under Zappe, placing an added emphasis on play-action and heavy set extra-protection packages in view of easing the burden on the fourth-rounder. The run game has, meanwhile, starred behind Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for 161 yards off 25 carries against the Lions before adding 76 yards for two touchdowns on the ground versus the Browns.

The Cleveland game saw rookie wide receiver Tyquan Thornton open his NFL account with one receiving and one rushing touchdown in his second outing, previewing an expanded role against the Bears having missed the start of the season due to injury.

His home-run speed combines with a flourishing run game and a seemingly-more favourable scheme in making for a better situation upon Jones’ return.

“Tyquan [Thornton] didn’t have a big variety of routes at Baylor. But he’s a smart kid. He has a good skill set. He’s picking those things up like everybody, every rookie,” said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

“The passing game in the NFL is quite different from college. A lot of refinement. But he gets better every day. We’ll see how it goes. Like you said, it’s only been a couple of weeks out there in the regular season.

“So he’s working hard and we’ll work with him. Ross [Douglas], Troy [Brown], he’s got two great coaches that have helped him a lot. He’s working hard and getting better.”

Victory on Monday would mark the 325th of Belichick’s career and lift him above iconic Bears founder George Halas for second-most by a head coach in NFL history, leaving him behind only Don Shula’s 347.

Belichick is one of just four people to coach at least 400 games with one team, among which is winning percentage of .716 is the highest.

Awaiting him is a struggling Bears outfit that arrives in Foxboro 2-4 after a 12-7 defeat to the Washington Commanders amid a difficult start to the year for Justin Fields.

The second-year quarterback, drafted 11th overall in 2021 ahead of Jones at 15th, has completed 63 of 115 passes (54.8 per cent) for 869 yards and four touchdowns to five interceptions having faced a league-highest pressure rate of 46 and be sacked a league-high 23 times.

Chicago’s offense entered the week ranked third-worst in Football Outsiders’ offensive DVOA metric (-22.0), and face a Patriots defense ranked seventh in the league in DVOA (-9.2).

Watch the Chicago Bears (2-4) visit the New England Patriots (3-3) in Monday Night Football live on Sky Sports NFL from 1.15am in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Tom Brady: “We play a game, and the military is defending our country. It’s two different things and I shouldn’t have made the comparison”; Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 3-3 through six weeks of the 2022 season and next face the 1-5 Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Tom Brady has apologised for comparing playing an NFL season to being in the military, saying it “was a very poor choice of words.”

Brady opened his weekly press conference on Thursday by apologising for the comment he made in his ‘Let’s Go!’ podcast.

“Earlier this week, I made a statement about playing football and the military and it was a very poor choice of words,” Brady said. “I just want to express that to any sentiments out there that people may have taken it a certain way. So I apologise.”

He added: “I have a tremendous amount of gratitude to everyone who served.”

“In the end, we play a game, and the military is defending our country. It’s two different things and I shouldn’t have made the comparison.”

On the podcast, Brady had told his co-host Jim Gray and Brooklyn Nets basketball star Kevin Durant, “I almost look at a football season like you’re going away on deployment in the military – it’s like, ‘Man, here I go again.’

“There’s only one way to do it. And I think, Jim, we’ve talked from time to time just about how do you enjoy the certain moments of it? The reality is you can really only be authentic to yourself, right?

“Whenever you may say, ‘I want to make sure I spend a little more time doing this’, when it comes down to it, your competitiveness takes over and as much as you want to have this playful balance with the work balance, you’re going to end up doing exactly what you’ve always done, which is why you are who you are.”

Some members of the military community took to social media following Brady’s comments to express their disappointment.

Brady has shown support for the military in the past, including a 2018 trip to visit U.S. Army and Air Force troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar.

Brady and the Buccaneers are currently 3-3 through the first six weeks of the 2022 NFL season. The 45-year-old, record seven-time Super Bowl winner had initially retired in the offseason before changing his mind and returning for another year.

‘No special treatment for Brady’, says Bucs coach

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has defended his management of Brady this week, saying the legendary quarterback does not receive special treatment.

Brady missed the team’s walk-through practice on Saturday, prior to their 20-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, as he was allowed to attend New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s wedding in New York on Friday.

Brady has also been granted Wednesdays off this season as a ‘rest day’ and he took an 11-day break during the team’s preseason training camp for personal reasons.

“He works as hard as anybody,” Bowles said. “Special treatment? There have been a few guys that have missed meetings and some practices for some special thing. It just doesn’t get publicised because they’re not him.

“It just kind of comes with the territory. You don’t worry about it too much.”

Then asked if Brady is as “locked in” as he has been in the past, Bowles answered, “yes.”

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