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  • More Coaching Hires. Kellen Moore & Clint Hurtt to Philly – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    More Coaching Hires. Kellen Moore & Clint Hurtt to Philly – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Amidst the flurry of coaching hires and Pro Bowl dodgeball. The Eagles have continued to make moves on their coaching staff.

    Last week, the Eagles had begun their search for new coordinators. They started off by hiring Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator. Fangio was most likely their 1st choice last season, but the Arizona Cardinals tampering incident saw Fangio off to Miami for the year. 

    Moving on from the Patricia & Desai conundrum as quickly as possible might have saved this Eagles off-season.

     

    Another Coach On The Way Out

    It was announced that Quarterback Coach Alex Tanney will be looking for new opportunities. The Eagles would have yet another hole to fill in their coaching staff with OC Brian Johnson also being let go. There’s been no formal severance from Tanney yet, so there’s a potential he could remain with the team still.

     

    Another Coach On The Way Out

    The Eagles might’ve already found their Defensive Coordinator in Vic Fangio. But it looks like the Eagles will flesh out their defensive staffing with coaches Fangio has spent previous time with.

    New Defensive Line Coach Clint Hurtt spent two years with the Chicago Bears as an Outside Linebackers Coach during Fangio’s time as Chicago’s Defensive Coordinator (2015-16). Hurtt was most recently the Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator for the last 2 seasons. With a familiar joining Fangio’s team. The Eagles now have to question what they’ll be doing with Tracy Rocker. The current Defensive Line Coach who has been with the team since Sirianni’s arrival.

     

    There’s another coach from the Dolphins staff that the Eagles have already reached out to.

    If the Eagles are able to bring in Fangio and potentially Joe Kasper from Miami. Perhaps GM Howie Roseman might consider making another blockbuster trade for the Safety position?

    In August of 2022, the Eagles acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 7th round pick from the New Orleans Saints for a 2023 5th, and the worse of their 2024 6th round picks.

    If the Eagles were considering a splash with a trade. Using a couple of their picks, perhaps they could make a move on Miami’s Jevon Holland? With the loss of Sydney Brown in Week 18, it’s unlikely the Eagles will see their own Canadian-born Safety back for the 2024 season. Why not get another one?

    After all. Jevon posted this video of himself kicking rocks the same day that Fangio was moving on from the Dolphins staff. While Holland tried to down play the video. Even Dolphins pages like PhinPhanatic think that Miami should listen in on potential trade offers.

     

     

    Finally, An Offensive Coordinator

    Last week, the rumored names for the Eagles Offensive Coordinator availability were Kellen Moore and Kliff Kingsbury.

    With Moore winning the job and Kingsbury staying in the desert with the  Las Vegas Raiders. It almost seems like the Eagles once again dodged a bullet that the Raiders once again took for them.

    During the 2021 coaching cycle. The Eagles almost hired Josh McDaniels over Nick Sirianni. Since then McDaniels went on to coach the Raiders to an uninspiring 9-16 while Sirianni has gone 34-17 in Philly, with 3 straight playoff appearances.

    Missing out on another coach that ends up going to Vegas might be good for the Eagles. It worked once, hopefully it works again.

    With Moore moving on from the Chargers (understandably after hiring Harbaugh), it was a surprise to see him heading to Philly. Expected to get Head Coaching offers following his last year in Dallas. Moore even refused the interim position in Los Angeles after Brandon Staley was relieved from his position, as Kellen Moore was expected to be hired as a head coach himself during this years cycle.

    If you really wanted to know how lackluster the Eagles 2023 offense was. They ranked 32nd (10.9%) in Pre-snap motion. And when they started using more motion later in the season, it was mostly for show. Kellen Moore’s offense in Los Angeles ranked 8th with 25.9%. Expect big changes in a Philadelphia offense with only 2 active Running Backs, Receivers and Tight Ends.

     

    How are you feeling about the Eagles new coordinator hires?

     

    Go Birds!

     

     

    Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images



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    Tyler L’Heureux

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  • NFL Power Rankings Week 18: Browns and Packers move up, plus a lesson from every team

    NFL Power Rankings Week 18: Browns and Packers move up, plus a lesson from every team

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    Like the rest of you, the Power Rankings are trying to make some sense of this NFL year as we head into the final week of the regular season. Nine playoff spots are spoken for — by the Ravens, Dolphins, Chiefs and Browns in the AFC and 49ers, Cowboys, Lions, Eagles and Rams in the NFC. That leaves five more to be decided by the results of Week 18.

    Before all that, though, we’re going to try to take a lesson from each team’s season, even those seasons that are basically over.

    1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 56-19

    The lesson: Hire great assistants

    John Harbaugh hit back-to-back home runs by hiring defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald in 2022 and offensive coordinator Todd Monken in 2023. As a result, his Ravens clinched the AFC’s top seed by thumping the Dolphins on Sunday. Well, that, and having Lamar Jackson, who was 18-for-21 for 321 yards and five touchdowns against Miami. Jackson’s plus-28.2 passing EPA was the best single-game performance since Joe Burrow against the Ravens in 2021 (plus-34.1), according to NextGenStats, and probably clinched the MVP award.

    Up next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

    2. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)

    (Last week: 2)

    Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 27-10

    The lesson: Star power matters

    The 49ers have made a quarterback nobody else in the league wanted look like a superstar by surrounding him with stars. On Sunday, San Francisco became the first team in league history to have a running back (Christian McCaffrey), two wide receivers (Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk) and a tight end (George Kittle) all surpass 1,000 yards in a single season. The 49ers also clinched the top seed in the NFC, meaning teams that love playing at home on turf (looking at you Dallas and Detroit) probably will have to win in the elements to get to the Super Bowl.

    Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    3. Cleveland Browns (11-5)

    (Last week: 8)

    Thursday: Beat New York Jets 37-20

    The lesson: They didn’t even need Deshaun Watson

    The Browns would be one of the feel-good stories in the league this year if not for the fact that they still have a scar from their pursuit of Watson, and it looks like it was a misguided self-inflicted wound. Cleveland has won seven of its last nine games, the last five of which have come with 38-year-old Joe Flacco at quarterback. Flacco has topped 300 yards passing in each of the last four games. He had 309 and three touchdowns against the Jets on Thursday. Why did they do all they did to get Watson again?

    Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    GO DEEPER

    What we learned in NFL Week 17: Ravens, Niners clinch top seeds, Bears get first pick in draft

    4. Detroit Lions (11-5)

    (Last week: 5)

    Saturday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 20-19

    The lesson: NFL Draft maxims are flawed

    Remember all the grief Detroit got for taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 and inside linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18? Since Week 14, Gibbs is ninth in the league in rushing (72.25 yards per game). Campbell is second on the team in tackles for the season (77). Tight end Sam LaPorta, the No. 34 pick, hasn’t been bad either, catching 81 passes for 860 yards and nine touchdowns. (Sorry about the ref thing guys. We hope leaving you ahead of the Cowboys in these rankings makes it all better.)

    Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Reporting eligible: What to know about the under-the-radar task and why it cost the Lions

    5. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)

    (Last week: 6)

    Saturday: Beat Detroit Lions 20-19

    The lesson: Throw the ball to your best players

    Dallas has lost only once this season when CeeDee Lamb gets more than 10 targets in a game. Lamb averaged seven targets and 5.7 catches per game through Week 6, and the Cowboys were 4-2. Since then, he has averaged 12.6 targets and 8.8 catches per game, and Dallas is 7-3 in that span. Saturday night, he had a career-high 227 yards on 13 catches against the Lions.

    Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    6. Miami Dolphins (11-5)

    (Last week: 3)

    Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 56-19

    The lesson: Speed kills

    Six of the top 10 speeds achieved by ball carriers in the NFL this year have been by Dolphins — Tyreek Hill three times, Devone Achane twice and Raheem Mostert once. They have enough speed that they’ve been able to survive injuries to all three of those players at some point this season and still get to 11 wins. It didn’t help much Sunday, but Achane did have 107 yards on just 14 carries against one of the NFL’s best defenses.

    Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 4)

    Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 27-21

    The lesson: Josh Allen is the MVP runner-up

    All the hand-wringing after Allen’s four-turnover start to the season is long gone as the second-most unique player in the league behind Lamar Jackson has the Bills sitting at No. 6 in the AFC playoff race after their fourth straight win Sunday, and Buffalo can win the AFC East by beating Miami on Sunday. Despite a pedestrian statistical performance against the Patriots, Allen is seventh in the NFL in passing yards (3,947) and second in scramble EPA per game (3.47), according to TruMedia.

    Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    8. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 25-17

    The lesson: There are no sure things

    The Chiefs may win another Super Bowl, but it’s going to be an uphill climb. All of Patrick Mahomes’ magic could only generate one touchdown against the Bengals on Sunday. Kansas City got the win thanks to six Harrison Butker field goals, and Rashee Rice, who had five catches for 127 yards, remains the only reliable wide receiver. That’s a problem that is made worse by the fact that Travis Kelce had only three catches for 16 yards against the Bengals and hasn’t topped 45 yards in any of the last three games.

    Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    NFL Week 17 takeaways: What ails the Eagles? What should Bears do with draft’s No. 1 pick?

    9. Los Angeles Rams (9-7)

    (Last week: 10)

    Sunday: Beat New York Giants 26-25

    The lesson: Sean McVay shouldn’t do TV

    After flirting with retirement and a high-paying television job, McVay has proved he’s still really good at his current high-paying job. Los Angeles has won six of its last seven after holding off the Giants on Sunday, and the Rams will be a tough out in the playoffs as long as Matthew Stafford is playing like this. Stafford had another 317 yards Sunday and is eighth in the league in passing yards per game (264.3).

    Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 26-3

    The lesson: The right quarterback fixes everything

    This was supposed to be a throwaway year in Houston. Instead, rookie C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 pick, is fourth in the NFL with 274.57 passing yards per game, and Houston is in the eighth spot in the AFC, still very much alive in the playoff race. After missing two games because of a concussion, Stroud returned Sunday to complete 24 of 32 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown against the Titans. Defensive end Will Anderson set the Texans’ rookie sack record with his seventh.

    Up next: at Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    11. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)

    (Last week: 7)

    Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 35-31

    The lesson: Matt Patricia is never the answer

    The Eagles have won 11 games this season and still can’t seem to help but panic. Their most recent abrupt move was to elevate Patricia to defensive play caller. On Sunday, the Eagles’ defensive success rate (40.8 percent) was their worst in a game since 2006, according to TruMedia. The Cardinals finished with 449 yards and marched 70 yards on their fourth-quarter, game-winning drive. The Eagles have lost four of their last five. (More lessons learned about former Patriots assistants below.)

    Up next: at New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 14)

    Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 23-20

    The lesson: Shane Steichen has been as good as any new hire

    Steichen didn’t get the headlines among this offseason’s hires, but he’s playing Sunday for a spot in the playoffs despite losing starting quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season and not having Jonathan Taylor for seven games. Indianapolis is 10th in the league in scoring (23.56) with the former Eagles offensive coordinator in charge.

    Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET


    Quarterback Jordan Love has the Packers on the verge of the playoffs. (Nick Wosika / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    (Last week: 20)

    Sunday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 33-10

    The lesson: Draft quarterbacks early

    Jordan Love is third in the NFL in touchdown passes (30) and ninth in EPA per attempt (.19) in his first season as the full-time starter. That’s after spending two seasons on the bench before replacing Aaron Rodgers, who spent three seasons on the bench before replacing Brett Favre. The Packers look like they’re going to end up having three good to very good, long-term quarterbacks, and there’s no secret to why. They draft the quarterbacks they like when that player is available and are patient enough to let him sit until the right time.

    Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 15)

    Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 30-23

    The lesson: Mike Tomlin is historically steady

    After Sunday’s win, Tomlin is guaranteed his 17th straight season with a .500 or better record. Only Tom Landry (21) and Bill Belichick (19) have more. Steelers fans will point out that Tomlin has missed the playoffs in the last two seasons and in four of the last six. Even after Sunday’s win, in which George Pickens had 131 yards, Pittsburgh is only ninth in the AFC.

    Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 11)

    Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 23-13

    The lesson: The right timing and situation matter

    Baker Mayfield didn’t play his best game Sunday, finishing 22-for-33 for 309 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, but he’s been a season-saver for Tampa Bay. Playing on a one-year, $4 million contract, Mayfield is tied for fourth in the NFL in touchdown passes (28) and eighth in EPA per attempt (.19). If he can lead the Buccaneers past Bryce Young and the Panthers, he will take Tampa Bay to the playoffs.

    Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 12)

    Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 30-23

    The lesson: Pete Carroll can really coach

    Seattle still has a 23.8 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to The Athletic’s projections, despite Sunday’s loss. If the Seahawks can get there, it will be Carroll’s 10th trip in his last 13 seasons as head coach. There’s a lot of angst in Seattle right now because the Seahawks gave up 468 yards to Mason Rudolph and the Steelers on Sunday, but Seattle could do a lot worse than being in the mix every year under Carroll.

    Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET


    Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen padded his sacks total Sunday against Bryce Young and the Panthers. (Morgan Tencza / USA Today)

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 26-0

    The lesson: There are two star Josh Allens

    The Jaguars linebacker sacked Bryce Young three times on Sunday and now has the team’s single-season record with 16 1/2, which ranks third in the NFL. Allen is second in the league in quarterback hits (33) and eighth in hurries (53), according to TruMedia. He led a defensive effort Sunday that held the Panthers to 124 yards and also had six tackles, and probably should be getting more attention in the defensive player of the year conversation.

    Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 19)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 16-9

    The lesson: Sean Payton is the dictator

    This was mostly known when Payton took the job in the offseason, but the head coach made it official this week when he benched Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham. Payton insisted it was a move made for football reasons only, and the Broncos did snap a two-game losing streak Sunday, but the move really was Payton officially winning the power play. Denver general manager George Paton, who gave Wilson his huge contract extension last year, may be next.

    Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Broncos’ silence after Russell Wilson’s benching is deafening: Sando’s Pick Six

    (Last week: 24)

    Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 37-17

    The lesson: Justin Fields isn’t a quitter

    The Bears might still fire Fields, but he’s going to make it as difficult a decision as he can. On Sunday, he made plays with his arms and legs and led Chicago to its fourth win in five games. Falcons defensive end Calais Campbell, a 16-year NFL veteran, said “give him his respect. I think he flashed a lot today. Obviously, it’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business, so he could have a bad game next week and nobody cares, but today he was a premier NFL quarterback.”

    Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    20. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)

    (Last week: 17)

    Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 25-17

    The lesson: Magical runs eventually end

    It took a lot longer than we all thought, but Cincinnati was eliminated from the playoff race Sunday. Everyone assumed that had happened in Week 11 when Joe Burrow was lost for the season with a wrist injury. Instead, backup Jake Browning went on a tear. On Sunday, though, Browning had his lowest-output game since replacing Burrow, completing 57.6 percent of his passes for 197 yards. That came on the heels of a three-interception game. Burrow will be back next season and so will the Bengals.

    Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 21)

    Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-13

    The lesson: The NFC South is a wreck

    There’s just nothing else to be taken from this Saints’ season. They have gotten up-and-(mostly)-down play from free-agent quarterback Derek Carr. Alvin Kamara is averaging 3.7 yards per carry and still is New Orleans’ leading rusher. And yet, New Orleans will head to the playoffs if it beats Atlanta and Carolina beats Tampa Bay on Sunday.

    Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 18)

    Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 33-10

    The lesson: Kirk Cousins is going to get paid

    Viking coach Kevin O’Connell is 17-9 with Cousins as his starting quarterback. He is 3-5 without Cousins and is now very aware of what life is like in the NFL when you’re in quarterback limbo. Minnesota has cycled through Jaren Hall, Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens since Cousins tore his Achilles. That memory is going to loom large when Cousins, who will be a free agent, asks for his next deal.

    Up next: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 23-20

    The lesson: Hiring Josh McDaniels is a bad idea

    The Raiders hired McDaniels after his 11-17 run in Denver, and he went 9-16 in Las Vegas before being fired. The Raiders fell to 4-4 under interim coach Antonio Pierce with Sunday’s loss, but that’s still a better career winning percentage than McDaniels has. Davante Adams was targeted 21 times Sunday against the Colts, catching 13 passes for 126 yards. His 21 targets are the most by any player this season. Second most were Adams’ 20 targets in Week 3.

    Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    24. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)

    (Last week: 23)

    Sunday: Lost to Chicago Bears 37-17

    The lesson: Quarterback still counts the most

    The Falcons paid their offensive line, improved their defense and spent three straight top-10 picks on offensive skill players and still are 26th in the league in scoring (19 points per game). The reason is their quarterbacks — Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke — have turned the ball over 21 times. Coach Arthur Smith, hired for his offensive acumen, is on the hot seat after Sunday’s stinker.

    Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    25. New York Jets (6-10)

    (Last week: 25)

    Thursday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 37-20

    The lesson: Don’t be stubborn

    The Jets tried so hard to prove they could make Zach Wilson work that they ruined their season. Aaron Rodgers’ injury was bad luck. Keeping Wilson as the backstop for a Rodgers injury was just hard-headed. Wilson was 34th in the league in EPA per attempt (.04) and 37th in passer rating (77.2) in 12 games before finally being benched. Remember, Joe Flacco was on the Jets’ roster last year and was available with just a phone call until six weeks ago.

    Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET


    Quarterback Tyrod Taylor gave the Giants a chance against the Rams on Sunday. (Brad Penner / USA Today)

    26. New York Giants (5-11)

    (Last week: 26)

    Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 26-25

    The lesson: Don’t pay big money for average QB play

    Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito both have a better EPA per attempt than Daniel Jones’ minus-.12 this season, according to TruMedia. Jones’ number ranks 44th among quarterbacks who had more than 100 pass attempts this season. Not many people thought it was a good idea for the Giants to give Jones a four-year, $160 million contract in the offseason. New York proved all those people right by playing just as well using players it picked up for next to nothing.

    Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 31)

    Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 35-31

    The lesson: We’ll see

    The Cardinals are getting a pat on the back for beating a playoff team, but they also moved themselves from the No. 2 pick in the draft to the No. 4 pick for now. If that holds, it could be a costly turn of events even if the Cardinals want to hold on to Kyler Murray. A top-two pick in this draft means being able to take Caleb Williams or Drake Maye or shop the pick to someone who wants to do that. That might be worth more in the long run than feeling good on the last Monday of the regular season.

    Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Mueller: Have the Cardinals seen enough — on and off the field — from Kyler Murray?

    28. Tennessee Titans (5-11)

    (Last week: 27)

    Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 26-3

    The lesson: Competitive rebuilds are hard

    After three straight trips to the playoffs, Tennessee is 12-21 in the last two seasons. The Titans went back to Ryan Tannehill on Sunday, but it didn’t bring back the good ol’ days. Tennessee had 187 yards of offense, was 1-for-12 on third down and didn’t manage a touchdown against the division-rival Texans, who swept Tennessee this season.

    Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    29. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)

    (Last week: 28)

    Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 16-9

    The lesson: Coaching hires are a crap shoot

    This is not a new lesson. The Chargers are just the most recent team to highlight it. They hired Brandon Staley in 2021 because he was the hot defensive name. They fired him after 14 games this year because he was 5-9 and his defense stunk. The coaching change hasn’t changed the team’s luck. The Chargers have lost four straight and seven of their last eight heading into the season finale against the Chiefs.

    Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    30. New England Patriots (4-12)

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 27-21

    The lesson: Bill Belichick shouldn’t get another GM job

    Taking Mac Jones with the No. 15 pick of the 2021 draft is what got the Patriots into this mess, but Belichick’s drafting miscues don’t stop there. New England used a fourth-round pick on kicker Chad Ryland and he’s 15-for-24 after missing again Sunday. Belichick’s future hasn’t been discussed much of late. Is it possible he stays as head coach in New England but gives up personnel responsibilities?

    Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Why the Patriots’ Bill Belichick-Robert Kraft partnership is on the verge of a breakup

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 27-10

    The lesson: The Sam Howell talk was a smokescreen

    It seems pretty clear that Ron Rivera was hoping that convincing everyone Howell was the long-term answer at quarterback would buy him some more time in Washington. Howell isn’t and it won’t. After Jacoby Brissett played well in Weeks 15 and 16, Howell was forced back into the lineup Sunday because of Brissett’s hamstring injury. The result was a 17-for-28 day with 169 yards, two interceptions and a touchdown. The Commanders will have a new coach and a new quarterback next season.

    Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    32. Carolina Panthers (2-14)

    (Last week: 32)

    Sunday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 26-0

    The lesson: The coach and QB are not the problem

    Owner David Tepper appears to have been busted tossing a drink on a fan late in Sunday’s loss. The NFL is expected to respond with some sort of rebuke for the owner, but the biggest penalty for Tepper is that the incident confirms what everyone had expected — he’s the problem in Carolina. Hiring a coach just got harder and more expensive for the NFL’s heir apparent to Daniel Snyder.

    Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Top photo of Joe Flacco: Cooper Neill / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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    The New York Times

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  • Highlighting the NFL's best touchdown celebrations of the 2023 season

    Highlighting the NFL's best touchdown celebrations of the 2023 season

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    Scoring touchdowns during each offensive possession is the unspoken goal for every NFL team. For decades, celebrations have been the norm in accompanying touchdowns. It goes back all the way to the 1960s with Homer Jones and his touchdown spike.

    Touchdown celebrations have become a choreographed production for some teams. Think back to the 1980s when Washington’s “Fun Bunch” made enemies after its group of players participated in a jumping high-five after a score. And think recently when the Seattle Seahawks did their best New Edition and *NSYNC impersonations, or when the Minnesota Vikings decided to play a game of Duck, Duck, Goose in the end zone.

    GO DEEPER

    The NFL’s most memorable TD celebrations: Deion Sanders’ high-step, the Ickey Shuffle, more

    The 2023 NFL season has had its share of memorable touchdown celebrations. Each team has had its moment. Some moments, however, have been bigger than others. The Athletic’s team of Jason Jones, Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur got together to reminisce over the season and discuss the best touchdown celebration for each team.

    AFC East

    Buffalo Bills

    “Stone Cold” Steve Austin would be proud of Stefon Diggs’ beer celebration during Week 4 as the Bills faced Miami.

    After scoring against the Dolphins, Diggs ran to the fans, grabbed a couple of beers and smashed them together. It was an act similar to what the legendary pro wrestler did in the WWE.


    Stefon Diggs celebrates in WWE “Stone Cold” Steve Austin fashion against the Miami Dolphins. (Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images)

    Miami Dolphins

    The Dolphins could be the subject of a celebration piece by themselves. Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert and the crew have provided several memorable celebrations.

    During a Week 6 game against Carolina, Hill’s 41-yard touchdown reception, coupled with the use of a photographer’s phone, resulted in a backflip, as well as a unique selfie. It also ended up with the photographer being disciplined.

    New England Patriots

    The Patriots haven’t had a lot of opportunities to celebrate on offense this season. After one of their biggest touchdowns of 2023 — Mike Gesicki’s game-winning touchdown catch late to beat Buffalo in Week 7 — multiple players did the Griddy.

    While some executed the dance, others still are unsure exactly what Mac Jones was doing. On top of that, former Patriot Rob Gronkowski, a fun-loving player in his day, criticized the team for being so happy about a regular-season win.

    New York Jets

    The end zone and the Jets haven’t been acquainted most of the season, but their most dramatic touchdown celebration might have come Week 1 against Buffalo.

    Xavier Gipson used a 65-yard punt return to beat the Bills in overtime. He was mobbed by teammates and overcome with emotion for the win on the same night Aaron Rodgers left the game with an Achilles injury.

    AFC West

    Denver Broncos

    This team does a lot of ball spinning and chest bumping. Two years ago, Jerry Jeudy was even fined for his bow-and-arrow celebration against Washington and thought about doing it again but had second thoughts in a game against Dallas.

    Now, he just rides his horse around every time he scores.

    Kansas City Chiefs

    There hasn’t been a potato sack race like the one in 2017 or anything that cool this season. And no, we aren’t picking Taylor Swift’s touchdown dance with Patrick Mahomes’ wife, Brittany, from the Week 7 win over the Chargers.

    Jerick McKinnon got a lift in after a touchdown during Week 14 against Buffalo. The bench-press celebration capped what was McKinnon’s first rushing touchdown of the season.

    Las Vegas Raiders

    It took the Christmas spirit — or, maybe, the Grinch spirit — to overtake the Raiders after a season of boring touchdown celebrations. Jack Jones picked off Patrick Mahomes on Christmas morning, and after staring down the Kansas City quarterback while running in for a touchdown, he offered the ball to a young Chiefs fan in the front row of the stands. When the excited fan reached for the ball, Jones pulled it back and merrily scampered off.

    Los Angeles Chargers

    There haven’t been a lot of reasons to choreograph for a Chargers team sitting at the bottom of the AFC West. Gerald Everett, however, did find a time to do his best Ray Lewis impersonation during Week 12 — against Baltimore, of all teams.

    Austin Ekeler actually celebrated a first down with his team trailing Las Vegas by 42 points. But that doesn’t count.

    AFC North

    Baltimore Ravens

    The Ravens do a lot because they’re actually throwing talented receivers the ball this season.

    There was Odell Beckham Jr.’s Michael Jackson tribute, but top honors should go to Zay Flowers — who did two in one game. We didn’t hate the bouquet throw, but we definitely liked the penalty kick more.

    Cincinnati Bengals

    Joe Mixon proved that there are some Dillon Brooks fans out there.

    Against Jacksonville in Week 13, Mixon scored on a 6-yard run to tie the game 7-7. That score — and Mixon’s dance, made popular by Brooks, the Houston Rockets small forward brought with him from his time with the Memphis Grizzlies — was important, as the Bengals needed overtime to beat the Jaguars 34-31.

    Cleveland Browns

    It’s always fun when the big fellas up front get to celebrate. It’s even better when a player comes home to celebrate.

    Browns offensive tackle Dawand Jones sustained a season-ending knee injury early in December, but during an October road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Jones had the chance to deliver his own celebration after a Kareem Hunt touchdown run. Jones, who attended Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, was handed the ball, and the 6-foot-8, 374-pound lineman gave the Lucas Oil Stadium crowd a show with a spike and a dance.

    Pittsburgh Steelers

    It’s been a tough year for the Steelers wide receivers. And yet, they’re the ones on the team going out of their way to celebrate touchdowns.

    We have to give George Pickens some love for his Week 2 performance against the Browns. Pickens took a pass from Kenny Pickett and raced 71 yards for a touchdown. He then celebrated with the Acrisure Stadium crowd by taking a victory lap.

    AFC South

    Houston Texans

    C.J. Stroud was more than three months from being born when the film “Baby Boy” was released. Clearly someone had him watch the movie as he acted out one of the best scenes when Jody (played by Tyrese Gibson) and his friend Sweet Pea (Omar Gooding) tried to find out who stole Jody’s bicycle.

    Stroud lined up his teammates and pretended to punch George Fant, who fell out as part of the revenge scene reenactment.

    Indianapolis Colts

    Fans were denied seeing what Colts tight end Kylen Granson would have done to celebrate his first career touchdown during Week 2, as his 4-yard, second-quarter catch needed an official review before being ruled a score.

    But because Gardner Minshew dancing or Zack Moss dunking aren’t exactly unique reactions, Granson gets the nod for thinking outside of the box. He took to Instagram to celebrate his first score, treating the football like a newborn child for a photo shoot.

    Jacksonville Jaguars

    Christian Kirk gets props for pretending to be an Amazon delivery man in Week 7. But during Week 4, the defense got to have fun with the celebration.

    After cornerback Darious Williams’ pick six against Atlanta, the defense reenacted the movie “Toy Story.” The defenders were the toys who were active but fell to the ground once Andy (Williams) walked into the room. Wide receiver Zay Jones said the celebration was his idea.

    Tennessee Titans

    With all respect to the Titans’ touchdowns this year, the team’s best celebration of the season wasn’t even after a score.

    It happened in a Week 4 game after the Titans defense forced a turnover against Cincinnati. The defense had a sack fumble and a recovery, then lined up for its version of a drumline — similar to a scene from the film “Drumline,” starring Nick Cannon.

    NFC East

    Dallas Cowboys

    Let’s be clear: Salvation Army kettles are for coins and bills, not food items. But we’re fans of the Cowboys’ move to stash a few turkey legs in one of the oversized end zone kettles late in a Thanksgiving romp over the Washington Commanders.

    After Dak Prescott hooked up with KaVontae Turpin on a 34-yard touchdown, Turpin hopped into one of the kettles to retrieve the prizes. Then he, Prescott and Jake Ferguson got a head start on their Thanksgiving meals.

    New York Giants

    No one is quite sure what you call it — maybe not even Tommy DeVito — but the Giants quarterback has MetLife Stadium, Northern New Jersey and the entire tri-state area doing his touchdown celebration.

    DeVito started his old-school hand gesture — pinching his fingers together and shaking the wrist — in Week 11, and it’s caught fire since. “I kind of thought it was just the old Italians,” DeVito said. “When they talk, they start doing (the hand gesture). It’s just a little credit to them.” Could there be a more perfect gesture for the DeVito-led G-men?

    Philadelphia Eagles

    A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are taking their talents to South Philly. That was the message after Brown scored a 4-yard touchdown against the Cowboys in Week 9. The two receivers took on the roles of former Miami Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and LeBron James with Smith tossing the ball in the air for the bigger Brown to slam.


    A.J. Brown celebrates with a post-touchdown dunk with DeVonta Smith (6) against the Dallas Cowboys. (Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)

    Note: No crossbars were harmed in the making of this celebration. Brown stopped short of doing a LeBron-like dunk over the bar, an act that was banned in 2014.

    Washington Commanders

    After running back Brian Robinson scored a 15-yard touchdown in Week 4 against Philadelphia, he hopped to his feet and flapped his arms in wobbly fashion, a dig at Philly’s “Fly Eagles Fly” chant.

    Or maybe it was a comment on the Eagles’ rickety defense, which had eight missed tackles that day — including one on Robinson’s touchdown run.

    NFC West

    Arizona Cardinals

    You’d expect a guy nicknamed “Hollywood” to be a bit of a showman. Marquise Brown didn’t disappoint after catching a 25-yard touchdown pass from Josh Dobbs against the Bengals in Week 5.

    After the score, he leaped into the first row of seats and celebrated with fans.

    Los Angeles Rams

    It might not win an Oscar for Most Original Score, but there seemed to be something behind Puka Nacua’s and Cooper Kupp’s leaping chest bump following Nacua’s 70-yard touchdown against the Browns in Week 13.

    It was very similar to the celebrations Kupp used to have with a former teammate — current Houston Texan receiver Robert Woods. Nacua happens to wear the same No. 17 Woods once had in L.A., and the celebration was tantamount to a proclamation that there’s a new receiver duo in town.

    San Francisco 49ers

    Christian McCaffrey was in the midst of what would become a 17-game scoring streak when he took a shovel pass into the end zone from 13 yards out in Week 6 against Cleveland, then spun the ball in the corner of the end zone. The 49ers tailback was on such a hot streak that George Kittle bent over at the waist and pretended to warm his hands over the spinning football.

    Kittle also retrieved the ball, something he usually does after anyone scores, though he said at some point he stopped doing it for McCaffrey. “He scores way too much,” Kittle said.

    Seattle Seahawks

    Maybe there are better trash talkers in the NFL, but no one is a better trash signer than DK Metcalf.

    The Seahawks wideout, who is learning American Sign Language, dissed longtime rival Ahkello Witherspoon by signing “44 is my son” following a Week 11 touchdown against the Rams. After a 31-yard score against the 49ers, he signed, “I’m a dog: w-o-o-f,” which are lyrics from a 2016 Migos song.

    go-deeper

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    ‘He has the swag with it’: DK Metcalf’s sign language a ‘hot topic’ in Deaf community

    NFC North

    Chicago Bears

    The Bears have had their share of fun this season. Jaylon Johnson brought back Randy Moss’ controversial fake mooning against Moss’ old team, Minnesota, in Week 12. D’Onta Foreman and Khari Blasingame re-enacted a viral video from a slapboxing match during a win over the Raiders.

    But their best celebration came from tight end Cole Kmet during Week 4 against Denver. He scored a touchdown, and then had a fan in the end zone pretend to throw him a pitch, which Kmet hit for a home run that another fan tried to catch at the wall behind the end zone.

    Detroit Lions

    Amon-Ra St. Brown nearly brought a “Key & Peele” skit to life Week 1 with his hip thrust celebration. Detroit’s safe-for-work celebration of the season, however, came against the Raiders during Week 8 on Monday night.

    Running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored and took his leap into the stands to a new level. He actually got all the way into the stands and celebrated. He also had to be very careful climbing out the stands, as the wall was not a short climb like Green Bay’s Lambeau Field.

    Green Bay Packers

    The celebration that followed Malik Heath’s first-ever touchdown stands out because it was so spontaneous, so pure.

    After Heath made a late-game catch at the pylon against the Giants in Week 14, he crashed into down judge Tom Stephan, taking him to the ground. That led to a couple of uncertain seconds while Stephan got to his feet. The Packers trailed 21-16 at the time, and everyone was waiting on whether it was ruled a touchdown — including Heath, an undrafted rookie whose helmet was knocked off after crashing into the official.

    When Stephan finally signaled touchdown, Heath and the Packers went bonkers, and Heath ran the length of the end zone toward the Green Bay sideline.


    Malik Heath (18) scored his first NFL touchdown against the New York Giants on Dec. 11. (Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)

    Minnesota Vikings

    The Vikings might take first prize for their keg stand celebration that followed Mekhi Blackmon’s fumble recovery late in a Week 14 game against the Raiders. His teammates hoisted Blackmon upside down into the air, and defensive lineman Harrison Phillips even pantomimed pumping the keg.

    No, it technically wasn’t a touchdown celebration, but there were no touchdowns in that game. The score was 0-0 at the time, and Minnesota ultimately won 3-0, the lowest-scoring game since 2007.

    NFC South

    Atlanta Falcons

    Jonnu Smith ran a long way, 60 yards, for a touchdown in Week 9 against Minnesota. When the tight end finally got to the end zone and tried to stop, he slipped on his back.

    No worries, Smith played it off with his first-ever snow angel in Atlanta.

    Carolina Panthers

    The Panthers don’t score much, but when their No. 1 draft pick got his first touchdown, they … threw the ball in the stands?

    In Carolina’s season opener against Atlanta, quarterback Bryce Young threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hayden Hurst, who hurled the ball toward the Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd after scoring. Important note: The Panthers later got the ball back for Young.

    New Orleans Saints

    Is the best Saints celebration of the year a Jimmy Graham pump fake?

    We mentioned earlier the banning of the crossbar dunking celebration in 2014. Graham was the first person to get penalized for that back in August 2014, as the league fined him $30,000 for dunking twice in a preseason game against the Titans.

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    The Buccaneers don’t get points for originality, but if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

    The Buccaneers broke out their annual row-the-boat celebration last month against the Titans. Ironically, the first time they did it was in 2018 — against their current quarterback, Baker Mayfield, when they stopped him at the 1-yard line to beat the Browns.

    This series is part of a partnership with Las Vegas.

    The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

    (Top photos of DK Metcalf, Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill: Michael Owens, Peter Nicholls and Megan Briggs / Getty Images)

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  • NFL playoff picture after Week 16: Ravens close in on AFC's top seed; NFC up for grabs

    NFL playoff picture after Week 16: Ravens close in on AFC's top seed; NFC up for grabs

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    The Baltimore Ravens scored their most impressive victory of the season Monday night, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 33-19. Along with making them look like worthy Super Bowl contenders, the victory puts them in a fantastic position in the AFC. At 12-3, they’re a game ahead of Miami and have a chance to clinch the top spot next week in a game against those very Dolphins.

    Meanwhile, the 49ers’ loss sends them to 11-4 and a three-way tie atop the NFC with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. The 49ers own the tiebreaker over both, but with two games to go, there’s still time for the Eagles or Lions to make a move.

    As for the rest of the NFL, Week 16 saw plenty of movement in the playoff picture. Let’s take a look at where things stand as we enter Week 17.

    Listed odds to make the playoffs, secure the No. 1 seed and win the Super Bowl are all via The Athletic’s NFL betting model, created by Austin Mock.

    AFC playoff picture

    Seed Team Record Week 16 result

    x–1

    12-3

    W vs. SF

    x–2

    11-4

    W vs. DAL

    3

    9-6

    L vs. LV

    4

    8-7

    L vs. TB

    5

    10-5

    W vs. HOU

    6

    9-6

    W vs. LAC

    7

    8-7

    L vs. ATL
    x — Clinched playoff berth | z — Clinched division title

    Baltimore Ravens

    The Ravens delivered a message in San Francisco, not just on the scoreboard with their blowout of the 49ers but with the way they initiated the physicality throughout the night. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald might have worked his way onto some short lists for teams with head coaching vacancies.

    Remaining schedule: vs. Miami Dolphins, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

    Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 69.5 percent | To win Super Bowl: 17.2 percent

    Miami Dolphins

    The Dolphins just earned their first marquee victory of the season Sunday against the Cowboys, and they got it with a clutch, game-winning drive just before the buzzer. That’s huge, not just for a team angling for seeding but as the Dolphins work to build confidence before the playoffs. Now they’re in a position to take hold of the No. 1 seed if they can win Sunday in Baltimore.

    Remaining schedule: at Ravens, vs. Buffalo Bills

    Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 28.9 percent | To win Super Bowl: 13.2 percent

    The Chiefs have lost five of eight, and they’re 2-3 this season against teams that currently have winning records. While it may feel reckless to write off quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ resume isn’t representative of a team that’s ready to win four consecutive playoff games.

    Remaining schedule: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, at Los Angeles Chargers

    Odds: To make playoffs: 98.1 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 9.1 percent

    The Jags are reeling with four consecutive losses, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s injuries are mounting by the week. Their offensive issues over the past two weeks can be explained by injuries and Lawrence’s shortage of practice time, but the defense is also leaking by surrendering 29.5 points per game during the skid. Then again, the Bucs scored three touchdowns off turnovers, so it’s become a widespread meltdown.

    Remaining schedule: vs. Carolina Panthers, at Tennessee Titans

    Odds: To make playoffs: 65.9 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 1.2 percent

    GO DEEPER

    NFL Week 16 takeaways: Browns, Joe Flacco do it again; time to consider Lions contenders?

    Quarterback Joe Flacco, who was sitting on his couch watching football five Sundays ago, has three consecutive 300-yard games for the first time in his career. He hasn’t had a trio of 300-yard games throughout an entire season since 2016. Just a remarkable run.

    Remaining schedule: vs. New York Jets, at Bengals

    Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 1.6 percent | To win Super Bowl: 2.9 percent

    Buffalo Bills

    The Bills started their three-game winning streak in Kansas City, and they’re shaping up to be as dangerous as any team in the AFC. There’s also a possibility we see the next chapter of the Bills-Chiefs mini-rivalry in the wild-card round.

    Remaining schedule: at New England Patriots, at Dolphins

    Odds: To make playoffs: 90.3 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 4.7 percent

    The Colts laid an egg with a 29-10 loss in Atlanta, and now they’re in a four-way tie with the Texans, Steelers and Bengals. The Colts will almost certainly have to win out and hope the tiebreakers work in their favor to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

    Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, vs. Houston Texans

    Odds: To make playoffs: 66.4 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 0.9 percent

    In the hunt

    • Houston Texans (8-7)
    • Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7)
    • Cincinnati Bengals (8-7)
    • Denver Broncos (7-8)
    • Las Vegas Raiders (7-8)

    Eliminated

    • New York Jets (6-9)
    • Tennessee Titans (5-10)
    • Los Angeles Chargers (5-10)
    • New England Patriots (4-11)

    NFC playoff picture

    Seed Team Record Week 16 result

    z–1

    11-4

    L vs. BAL

    x–2

    11-4

    W vs. NYG

    z–3

    11-4

    W vs. MIN

    4

    8-7

    W vs. JAX

    x–5

    10-5

    L vs. MIA

    6

    8-7

    W vs. NO

    7

    8-7

    W vs. TEN
    x — Clinched playoff berth | z — Clinched division title

    San Francisco 49ers

    Quarterback Brock Purdy’s four interceptions will dominate the spotlight in the wake of the 49ers’ one-sided defeat to the Ravens, but don’t ignore another key aspect. After falling behind 23-12 with 12:07 remaining in the third quarter, Purdy was just 8-of-14 passing for 107 yards and one interception over four scoreless possessions before leaving with an injury. The 49ers’ concern has been their inability to erase late deficits, and they didn’t make much of a dent when they fell behind Monday night.

    Remaining schedule: at Washington Commanders, vs. Los Angeles Rams

    Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 74.3 percent | To win Super Bowl: 25.5 percent

    Philadelphia Eagles

    It’s well-established by now very little will come easy for the Eagles, who haven’t won a game by more than 8 points since Week 7. While their final two regular-season tilts are against non-playoff foes, they will be personal against former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and the Arizona Cardinals before a rematch with the Giants. The quality of the opponent won’t be elite, but they’ll be tough games that will serve as good playoff tuneups.

    Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, at Giants

    Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 22.4 percent | To win Super Bowl: 7.8 percent

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    Detroit Lions

    The Lions have finally won the NFC North and will host a playoff game for the first time in 30 years. They’ll also be searching for their first postseason victory in 32 years — and just their second in the Super Bowl era. And in a sadistically fitting way, they may have to go through fan favorite Matthew Stafford to get it done.

    Remaining schedule: at Dallas Cowboys, vs. Minnesota Vikings

    Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 2.9 percent | To win Super Bowl: 5.2 percent

    The Bucs have won four in a row but hadn’t necessarily beaten a quality opponent until delivering a statement with a blowout against the Jaguars. There won’t be high expectations for the Buccaneers — or whoever wins the NFC South — against the NFC East runner-up, but a playoff berth in a rebuilding year after a 4-7 start should be viewed as a huge success in Tampa.

    Remaining schedule: vs. New Orleans Saints, at Panthers

    Odds: To make playoffs: 89.1 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 1.7 percent

    Dallas Cowboys

    With the loss Sunday in Miami, the Cowboys fell to 2-2 this season in one-possession games, and they’ve only won a single time (Week 13 against the Seahawks) when they’ve trailed after the first quarter. Their lack of success in tightly contested games will again be a concern in the playoffs.

    Remaining schedule: vs. Lions, at Commanders

    Odds: To make playoffs: 100 percent | To earn bye: 0.5 percent | To win Super Bowl: 7.8 percent

    go-deeper

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    Cowboys insist confidence is high after second consecutive loss — both on the road

    Los Angeles Rams

    There was little reason to believe the Rams would be in this position when they were 3-6, but they’ve won five of six since their bye week and have a shot to play the role of spoilers if they can continue this march into the playoffs.

    Remaining schedule: at Giants, at 49ers

    Odds: To make playoffs: 68.2 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 1.1 percent

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    Puka Nacua shows why he’s in Offensive ROY conversation in prime time as Rams keep rolling

    Seattle Seahawks

    The Seahawks don’t rack up many style points, but they’ve proven their ability to win close games, including game-winning drives from quarterbacks Geno Smith and Drew Lock in the last two outings. If they can get healthier for the playoffs, this physical team that just endured a stretch of tough opponents is going to be an unenviable opponent.

    Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Cardinals

    Odds: To make playoffs: 70 percent | To earn bye: 0 percent | To win Super Bowl: 0.9 percent

    In the hunt

    • Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
    • Atlanta Falcons (7-8)
    • Green Bay Packers (7-8)
    • New Orleans Saints (7-8)
    • Chicago Bears (6-9)

    Eliminated

    • New York Giants (5-10)
    • Washington Commanders (4-11)
    • Arizona Cardinals (3-12)
    • Carolina Panthers (2-13)

     

    (Top photo of Lamar Jackson:  Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • The whirlwind recruitment of college football’s first can’t-miss prospect

    The whirlwind recruitment of college football’s first can’t-miss prospect

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    The private plane was mostly quiet. There was a nervous energy for the three Oklahoma football coaches onboard. They’d never done what they were about to do.

    It was Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, the first day coaches were allowed to visit high school juniors for recruitment. A day earlier, these coaches had been on the sideline as Oklahoma lost to in-state rival Oklahoma State, effectively dashing their hopes of appearing in the BCS national title game. But on this one-hour flight, they had other concerns.

    As the plane neared Texarkana, an appropriately named border town sandwiched between Texas and Arkansas, they talked about the fact that none had never been to a prison before for a recruiting visit. “All I could relate it to was what I saw on TV and in the movies,” said Cale Gundy, Oklahoma’s running backs coach at the time. “We just didn’t know what it would be like.”

    They also talked about the player who had them flying to visit a federal prison. He was good enough, they thought, to change an already successful program. But he would require a recruitment unlike any they’d ever experienced. Still, Adrian Peterson was worth it. Thus, the coaches headed to the federal prison where Adrian’s dad, Nelson, was incarcerated.

    That flight marked the start of one of the wildest recruitments ever, a whirlwind two years where the top college programs battled for Peterson’s commitment and included a brief period when it was thought Peterson might skip college altogether and go straight to the NFL.

    Peterson would eventually make it there and play 15 seasons. He was named NFL MVP in 2012 after an incredible comeback from an ACL tear. In 2014, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of recklessly assaulting his son; he had used a “switch” to discipline the 4-year-old. He was put on probation, fined $4,000 and required to do 80 hours of community service. The NFL suspended him, but he returned in 2015 and won his third rushing title.

    But before that, he was a coveted high school standout who arrived just as recruiting rankings were rising in popularity. Now, those rankings are obsessed over, followed and debated for years before players even commit to a school, evidenced by the hype around Wednesday’s opening of the early signing period. But Peterson was arguably the first true can’t-miss No. 1 prospect in the modern recruiting era, drawing coaches to the small town of Palestine in East Texas and one federal prison.

    Said Gundy: “We knew it was going to be a battle all the way for him.”

    Jeff Harrell came to Palestine High as the defensive coordinator and head track coach when Peterson was a sophomore. Peterson wasn’t on the varsity football team that year because he was academically ineligible. So Harrell didn’t work with Peterson until the track season that spring. Peterson’s mom, Bonita, was a former track star; his dad was a former college basketball player.

    After the school’s first track workout, Harrell decided to have Peterson run on the team’s 4×100-meter relay team in addition to the 100- and 200-meter individual events. But Harrell encountered a problem. Harrell taught relay runners to stand 15 steps behind their starting mark to allow time to gather the baton from the previous runner while getting up to top speed. But when Peterson started running, the sprinters behind him with the baton couldn’t catch him. So Harrell had Peterson move up to 10 steps behind the starting mark. Then five.

    “That didn’t work,” Harrell said.

    So Peterson was told to stand at the starting mark until he received the baton. Harrell feared a collision. But each time, Peterson grabbed the baton and sprinted away so fast that, somehow, it worked.

    “I remember going home every day and telling my wife, ‘I’ve got this kid and I’ve never seen anything like him in my life,’” Harrell said.

    Peterson ran a 10.6-second 100-meter dash that year. He set a personal best of 10.26 seconds two years later, a time so fast that if it weren’t for football, Harrell believes Peterson could’ve become an Olympic sprinter.

    Peterson played on both sides of the ball as a sophomore on the JV team, playing running back and outside linebacker, but as a junior on the varsity team, Harrell, by then the head coach, put an end to that. Harrell didn’t want to be the coach who got the country’s best football recruit hurt while playing out of position as a linebacker.

    Peterson ran for 5,011 yards in his two varsity seasons. He averaged 11.7 yards per carry as a senior. He had 32 touchdowns. And he rarely played after halftime because his team was so dominant.

    “I didn’t let him play any more than we needed and didn’t let him return any kicks or play defense,” Harrell said.

    When Peterson’s high school career finally came to an end during a playoff loss his senior year, Harrell was filled with relief more than disappointment. “I just thought: Thank God I got through this and he didn’t get hurt,” Harrell said.

    In East Texas, Petersons’ exploits were well known. Some members of opposing teams hung around the field after games in full uniform, sharpies in hand, waiting for Peterson to emerge from the locker room so they could get an autograph. But Harrell didn’t get a full grasp of Peterson’s celebrity until a trip together to Ohio after the season, where Peterson was going to be named the national offensive player of the year. As they waited together in the security line at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport, a TSA agent called them over.

    “Before he shows an ID or anything, the man says, ‘Oh, you’re Adrian Peterson,’” Harrell said. “That was one of the first times it hit me that, ‘Oh man, everybody knows this kid.’”

    At the Federal Correctional Institution Texarkana, guards asked the visiting Oklahoma coaches for their IDs and had them walk through a metal detector. They then guided the coaches to a picnic table in a vast courtyard. A water tower in the distance was the only obstruction against the vast East Texas sky.

    Nelson came out and was joined by Bonita, Adrian and one of Adrian’s younger brothers. They talked about academics at Oklahoma (Nelson at one point had been committed to play basketball there) and the football program. Aside from the location, it was a normal recruiting visit.

    “We sat out at that picnic table in the facility for a couple of hours,” Bob Stoops said. “They were fantastic to be with and visit with.”

    Adrian told a few schools how important it was to ensure his dad, who was incarcerated when Adrian was 13 after being convicted on federal charges of laundering money acquired from the distribution of crack cocaine, was involved in the recruiting process.

    “We had gone through all kinds of red tape for a couple months leading up to being allowed to get in and visit with them,” Stoops said. “So after that, other people tried. But because of all the logistics those people had to coordinate, (the other recruiters) said to heck with this, we’re not doing this anymore.”

    USC had tried unsuccessfully to meet with Nelson. And while Peterson liked coach Pete Carroll and assistant coach Ed Orgeron, he wanted his dad to be able to watch his college games, which would’ve been tough if he chose USC. So Orgeron got resourceful.

    “I tried to get the guy transferred to (a prison in) Los Angeles,” Orgeron said on “The Dan Patrick Show” last year. “Yeah, I tried. Couldn’t get it done, but I competed.”

    Since Peterson didn’t play as a high school sophomore, some schools wanted to see him in person before believing the hype. When a Texas A&M assistant was led into the school and introduced to Peterson — 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds — wearing a sleeveless shirt and seemingly having muscles atop his muscles, Harrell said the coach uttered: “God almighty.”

    Texas A&M offered Peterson a scholarship the next day.

    Harrell advised Peterson to be polite and accommodating to every college coach who walked through the door. One day, the Oklahoma coaches visited the high school and had trouble locating Peterson. Eventually, he was found in an empty classroom with coaches from Texas A&M-Kingsville, a Division II school.

    “He was being as nice as he could be, doing exactly what I told him,” Harrell said with a laugh.

    In the spring of 2003, Peterson visited Oklahoma for the first time. The Sooners were two years removed from a national championship and were coming off a win in the Rose Bowl. They had no reason to change their shotgun offense that had resulted in so much success. But before the spring practice that Peterson attended, Gundy, the running backs coach, went over to offensive coordinator Chuck Long and told him: There’s this recruit, and he needs to see us running out of the I-formation. That’s his specialty.

    “Well, we didn’t have any I-formation stuff,” Long said.

    But he quickly installed a few new plays they could run in front of Peterson.

    The Sooners were in their team hotel in New Orleans on Jan. 3, 2004. It was the night before their BCS national championship game against LSU. They were wrapping up a team meeting when quarterback Jason White saw the coaching staff celebrating. Peterson had just committed to Oklahoma on national TV.

    “I’lI never forget seeing coach Gundy so excited jumping up and down,” White said. “And I was thinking to myself, ‘What just happened?’ And then I looked at the TV and I saw what was going on. So at that point, I was like, ‘Wow, this guy must be really, really good for coach Gundy to act like that right before the national title game.’”

    On Oct. 29, 2003, Peterson watched LeBron James make his highly anticipated NBA debut, dropping 25 points as an 18-year-old. Two nights later, Peterson, who is three months younger than James, ran for 305 yards and six touchdowns on 17 carries in a home win over the Athens Hornets. He had touchdown runs of 46, 50 and 61 yards. Two days after that, Peterson was on the sideline for a Dallas Cowboys game, a guest of safety Roy Williams. “I’m having a great time,” Peterson told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

    That September, Maurice Clarett sued the NFL over its rule that players aren’t eligible for the draft until they’ve been out of high school for three years. The suit, combined with James’ status as an 18-year-old in the NBA, opened the door for an obvious discussion: If Clarett wins his case, if there’s no age limit to enter the NFL, could Peterson make the jump straight to the league?

    “Physically, there’s no doubt he could’ve,” Gundy said.

    “Absolutely he could have,” Stoops said. “You look at him physically, he’s every bit any of them (in the NFL) even at 19 … But he’s a total outlier compared to everybody else. And that’s where when you open those kinds of rules up, now you’re going to have thousands of kids making bad decisions and it not working out for them. So just because one guy can do it doesn’t mean even 10 other guys could. They couldn’t.”

    Peterson avoided the debate while in high school but later conceded he thought about making the jump. While he was with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 (on his way to a third NFL rushing title), Peterson said in a conference call with reporters: “Not to sound cocky or anything, but yeah, I do feel like I could have come out my senior year of high school and played in the NFL.”

    Instead, Peterson arrived at Oklahoma in 2004. The first day of fall camp was used for physical testing and conditioning before putting pads on and practicing on the second day. Coaches put Peterson in a group with White, the quarterback coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning season.

    “Adrian walks in, and he’s in these tight biker shorts and a cutoff shirt,” White said. “And we’re all like, ‘Oh, that must be a juco transfer.’ I mean, the dude looked like he’d already played in college for four years.”

    The testing started with down-and-backs, 100 yards to the opposite end zone, then back. On the first run, Peterson finished in front by 20 yards. The second, it was 30 yards. Upperclassmen started getting mad that the true freshman was showing them up.

    “I can remember seeing (strength coach) Jerry Schmidt in the locker room that day saying that AD measured in at 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, and ran a 4.38 (40-yard dash),” Gundy said. “That got everybody’s attention — especially the older guys.”

    The upperclassmen figured he’d slow down when pads came on the next day. That’s how it usually went for freshmen. Instead, Peterson took his first carry for a touchdown, the start of a dominating practice. “We knew right then we had a superstar,” Long said.

    That freshman season for Peterson was White’s sixth at Oklahoma. He had just won the Heisman. Still, he would have to adjust to the talented freshman now sharing the backfield. White dreaded a few play calls — 18 stretch and 19 stretch. They were rushes out wide off the tackle. White had to sprint out of his stance just to get the ball in Peterson’s arms.

    “I used to cringe because my biggest fear was I wasn’t going to be able to get him the ball because he was so fast,” White said. “I probably gave the play away every time we ran it because I felt like I had to get in a special stance under center just to be able to get to Adrian.”

    Oklahoma initially taught their running backs to stand 7.5 yards behind the ball. But Peterson reached the line too quickly. He was running into his linemen before they had a chance to reach their blocks. So, coaches told Peterson to stand 9 yards behind the ball.

    “That and pass protection are the two things that I worked the hardest with him on for three years,” Gundy said. “Like, I know what you do when you get the ball. But you’ve got to have to learn to have some pace and things will get even easier for you.”

    Still, Peterson’s 2004 season is considered one of the greatest ever by a true freshman. He ran for 1,925 yards in 13 games that season. He averaged more than a touchdown per game (15 total) and 5.7 yards per carry. He notched more than 100 rushing yards in each of his first nine collegiate games. He finished second in Heisman voting while presumably splitting votes with White, who finished third. (USC’s Matt Leinart won.)

    “That’s why his daddy named him AD — All Day,” Gundy said. “Everything that he did, he was the very best.”

    Peterson was a star again in 2005, rushing for 1,104 yards and 14 touchdowns. A year later, as a Heisman front-runner, Peterson opened the season as one of the nation’s top rushers, gaining 100 yards or more in each of the first five games. Before the sixth game, Nelson Peterson was released from an Oklahoma City halfway house. Peterson called it “a real big deal” to get to play in front of his dad for the first time since he was 12.

    Against Iowa State with his dad in the stands, Peterson totaled 228 yards of offense and two touchdowns. But on his last carry, a 53-yard touchdown run, Peterson broke his collarbone diving into the end zone, ending his regular season and leaving him just shy of Oklahoma’s all-time rushing record held by Billy Sims.

    Peterson was the seventh pick in the 2007 draft. He led the league in rushing three times, and his 14,918 all-time rushing yards are the fourth most in league history. He hasn’t officially retired, but he hasn’t played in a game since the 2021 season ended.

    Earlier this year, he sent a long video to Harrell. He thanked him for all their work together. The two connected and chatted about those crazy days in high school with opponents asking for autographs and college coaches lining up outside the school. They also recalled all the games Peterson exited early, discussing how large the legend of Adrian Peterson might have been had Harrell let him play more.

    Said Harrell: “I told him, you could’ve set records that would be there forever.”

    (Illustration: Sean Reilly / The Athletic; photos: Ronald Martinez, Joe Robbins / Getty Images; Mike Ehrmann / WireImage)

     

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  • NFL Power Rankings Week 16: 49ers, Ravens on top, plus a surprise from every team

    NFL Power Rankings Week 16: 49ers, Ravens on top, plus a surprise from every team

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    We’re coming down the stretch of the NFL season, and the playoff seedings and Power Rankings are starting to sort themselves out, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some surprises along the way. Today, we’re going to look at one surprising aspect of each team’s season.

    And then we’re going to start looking forward to a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in Week 16 of the season.

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 45-29

    Surprise: Brock Purdy

    We’ve let all the talk about whether the second-year quarterback is a top-10 quarterback in the league or even possibly the MVP obscure what remains at its heart the most remarkable story in the league. Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 draft, is now 16-3 as a starting quarterback. His passer rating (119) and expected points added per dropback (.32) lead the NFL and both would rank among the top five in the last 10 years in the league, according to TruMedia.

    Up next: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 3)

    Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7

    Surprise: They’ve clinched a playoff spot

    Baltimore didn’t even enter the season as the favorite in its division, and now it’s the only team in the AFC to clinch a postseason berth. Lamar Jackson has been Lamar Jackson and the Todd Monken hire at offensive coordinator looks inspired. The Ravens have won eight of their last nine. Watching their defense, which leads the NFL with just 16.1 points per game allowed, go against the 49ers offense next week will be a treat.

    Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    GO DEEPER

    What we learned in NFL Week 15: Beware the Ravens and Bills, trouble in Pittsburgh and more

    (Last week: 5)

    Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 31-10

    Surprise: That they’ve lost six games

    The Bills proved Sunday they’re one of the best teams in the league and a Super Bowl contender. More importantly, they got themselves closer to the playoffs, moving into the No. 9 spot in the AFC. Of course, the answer may be as simple as turnovers. The Bills are plus-11 in turnover margin in their wins (fourth in the league) and minus-eight in their losses (20th in the league). They didn’t turn the ball over against the Cowboys and rushed for 266 yards, their highest total since 2016.

    Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 7)

    Sunday: Beat New York Jets 30-0

    Surprise: Why nobody else just drafted all the fast guys

    Tyreek Hill didn’t play Sunday because of an ankle injury, and Miami still had three of the fastest people in the world on the field. Jaylen Waddle had a season-high 142 receiving yards on eight catches, and Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane had a combined 105 yards. The Dolphins have won four of their last five and can beat anybody in the league with their home run power.

    Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 2)

    Sunday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 31-10

    Surprise: How they play on the road

    Dallas, which is 7-0 at home, is now below .500 on the road, dropping to 3-4 with Sunday’s loss. The Cowboys lead the league in scoring (39.86 ppg) and scoring margin (plus-171) at home but are 15th in scoring (21.71 ppg) and have a minus-4 scoring margin on the road. This is not good news for a team that probably is going to have to play at Philadelphia or at San Francisco to get to the Super Bowl. It has played in both of those stadiums this year and lost by a combined score of 70-33.

    Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 4)

    Monday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 20-17

    Surprise: The panic

    The Eagles are the most hand-wringing 1o-win team in the NFL. They already have clinched a playoff spot and still have a good chance to win the NFC East, yet the team and its fans believe the sky is falling because it has hit a rough patch against talented opponents. The Eagles took control of the defense away from coordinator Sean Desai and handed it to Matt Patricia for Monday’s game. That didn’t work so well on the final drive as Drew Lock took the Seahawks 92 yards for the game-winning touchdown, but Philadelphia still has some of the most talented offensive and defensive lines in the league and will be fine in January.

    Up next: vs. New York Giants, Monday, 4:30 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 8)

    Saturday: Beat Denver Broncos 42-17

    Surprise: Sam LaPorta

    It’s not shocking that the rookie tight end is good, but this good? LaPorta had three touchdown catches Saturday night and now has nine on the season, the fourth-most receiving touchdowns in the league. LaPorta, the No. 34 pick in the 2023 draft, already has 758 receiving yards, the sixth most by a rookie tight end in the history of the league. If he hits his average the rest of the season, he will end up third behind only Mike Ditka and Kyle Pitts.

    Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Examining NFL’s 3 coaching vacancies and 9 other teams facing decisions: Sando’s Pick Six

    (Last week: 6)

    Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 27-17

    Surprise: How hard it has been

    Kansas City guaranteed its 11th straight winning record under Andy Reid, but it wasn’t without more drama. Kadarius Toney dropped a pass that turned into an interception, and the Patriots led 10-7 until the final minute of the first half. The defending Super Bowl champion is the No. 3 seed in the AFC right now. The good news is rookie receiver Rashee Rice had his fourth straight game with at least seven catches and 64 yards to take some of the pressure off Travis Kelce.

    Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, 1 p.m. ET


    Myles Garrett and the Cleveland defense have the Browns closing in on a playoff berth. (Nick Cammett / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 12)

    Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 20-17

    Surprise: That nobody hired Jim Schwartz earlier

    Cleveland’s defensive coordinator spent the last two seasons as a senior defensive assistant in Tennessee. Then the Browns put him back in charge of a defense, and Cleveland leads the NFL in defensive splash plays (363). The Browns have a league-high 65 tackles for loss that aren’t sacks and 41 sacks, which ranks eighth in the league, to go along with it. The defense has saved a season in which the offense lost running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson.

    Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 11)

    Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 28-20

    Surprise: They’re in the playoffs at the moment

    This was supposed to be a reset year for the Rams, and it looked like it when they started 3-6. Since then, Sean McVay’s crew is 4-1 with the only loss coming to the Ravens. During the winning streak, the Rams are fourth in the league in scoring (29.8 ppg), and Matthew Stafford is fifth in the league in passer rating (105.2) and second in passing touchdowns (13). It’s been good enough to get them to the seventh seed, for now at least.

    Up next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 14)

    Sunday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 27-24

    Surprise: They’re still in it

    Jake Browning won his third game in a row Saturday, and the Bengals are now 3-1 since Joe Burrow’s season ended because of injury. Cincinnati, which is third in scoring in the last three weeks (31.7 ppg), was written out of the playoff race when Burrow went down but is the No. 6 seed in the AFC as of now. The problem is the Bengals have to play Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Cleveland down the stretch.

    Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

    12. Seattle Seahawks (7-7)

    (Last week: 17)

    Monday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 20-17

    Surprise: The defense

    Pete Carroll is known for defense, but the Seahawks are 27th in the NFL in defensive EPA per snap and have given up more plays of 10-plus yards (190) than all but two teams in the league. However, the defense got the job done Monday night, holding an illness-slowed Jalen Hurts and the Eagles to 17 points to stop a four-game losing streak. They’re just one spot out of a playoff spot with the Titans, Steelers and Cardinals left on their schedule.

    Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 19-16 in OT

    Surprise: Another Kyle Shanahan disciple

    Is there no end to the number of really good play callers San Francisco’s head coach can create in his lab? Texans first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is 36 years old and had only one year as a full-fledged member of the 49ers staff before joining DeMeco Ryans in Houston. Before that, Slowik had several secondary roles in San Francisco. On Sunday, he helped backup quarterback Case Keenum to a victory that keeps the Texans in the playoff race and keeps him on the radar for head coaching jobs.

    Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET


    The Colts, featuring tight end Mo Alie-Cox, are one of the surprise teams in the NFL this season. (Justin Casterline / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 15)

    Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 30-13

    Surprise: This team is in the playoff race

    The Colts were 4-12 last season. They lost quarterback Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the draft, in the fourth game of the year. Jonathan Taylor has played in only seven games. And yet, Indianapolis is eighth in the league in scoring (24.6 ppg) and has the No. 7 spot in the playoff race right now. Shane Steichen is making a strong case for coach of the year.

    Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 42-17

    Surprise: Sean Payton-Russell Wilson is kind of working

    Or at least it was until Saturday night when Payton had a very animated, and seemingly one-way, conversation with Wilson on the sideline. It was what everyone expected from their relationship headed into the season, but things had been going pretty well. After a career-low 84.4 passer rating in his first season in Denver, Wilson has bounced back to a 97.5 this year and has at least made it plausible he could be Denver’s starting quarterback next season.

    Up next: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 23-7

    Surprise: That Trevor Lawrence isn’t better

    The No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft is good, but he was expected to be great. Lawrence is ninth in the league in passing yards (3,525) but just 21st in touchdown-to-interception ratio (1.8) and 23rd in EPA per attempt (.08). Sunday’s loss highlighted some of the frustrations with Lawrence, who threw an ill-advised pass at the end of the first half that cost the Jaguars points, and he simply dropped a ball without being touched on a scramble.

    Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    20 years after his career began, this NFL lineman keeps defying the odds

    (Last week: 20)

    Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 34-20

    Surprise: They’re going to win the division

    It’s not set in stone yet, but the odds are now 61.6 percent, according to The Athletic’s NFL betting model. This is the team that had the lowest preseason win prediction in the NFC South and lost six of seven games at one point this season. However, Tampa Bay has now won three in a row. Baker Mayfield, who Sunday became the first opposing quarterback ever to have a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field, threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns against the Packers.

    Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    18. Green Bay Packers (6-8)

    (Last week: 10)

    Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-20

    Surprise: How inconsistent they are

    Beat the Lions and Chiefs? Lose to the Giants and the Buccaneers? Sure, the Packers have done all that in the last month. Oft-analyzed quarterback Jordan Love hasn’t been the biggest problem, either. The defense is 29th in success rate (56.4) and 23rd in yards per play allowed (5.4). On Sunday, the Packers surrendered the only perfect passer rating of Mayfield’s six-year career and 452 yards to the Buccaneers to fall into 11th place in the NFC.

    Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 18)

    Saturday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 27-24

    Surprise: The Justin Jefferson mystery

    In the seven games Jefferson has played, he’s averaging 97.43 receiving yards per game, which ranks behind only Tyreek Hill. However, after Saturday, Minnesota is 2-5 when he’s in the lineup. In games Jefferson has missed because of injury, the Vikings are 5-2. Nick Mullens became the fourth quarterback to start a game for Minnesota on Saturday. He threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns but also had two interceptions.

    Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    20. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)

    (Last week: 19)

    Saturday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 30-13

    Surprise: George Pickens is still on the team

    The second-year wide receiver’s attitude has been enough of a problem that coach Mike Tomlin felt the need to tell the team’s official website that he and Pickens had “a great meeting” last week. It must not have been that great because Pickens had two embarrassing clips surface from Saturday’s game — one on which he put hardly any effort into a run block and one on which he seemed to run away from the opposing ball carrier after an interception. He leads the team with 52 catches for 814 yards, but it might not be worth all this.

    Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Kaboly: The Steelers’ roster needs an overhaul (and not just because it lacks talent)

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Beat New York Giants 24-6

    Surprise: Derek Carr keeps getting away with it

    Last week, the story was the New Orleans quarterback getting into another in-game argument with a teammate (adding center Erik McCoy to a list that includes wide receiver Chris Olave and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael). This week, he threw three touchdown passes and had a 134.8 rating as the Saints won their second straight to stay alive in the playoff race.

    Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 28)

    Thursday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 63-21

    Surprise: That offensive showing

    Only one team, Miami in this year’s 70-20 win over Denver, has scored more points in a game since at least 2000. The Dolphins have Mike McDaniel calling plays and the fastest skill position group in the league. The Raiders have an interim head coach, Antonio Pierce, and a rookie quarterback, Aidan O’Connell, who even after Thursday is only 30th in the league in passer rating. It’s probably not enough to get Pierce the full-time job, but he’s 3-3 since taking the helm.

    Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 21)

    Sunday: Lost to Carolina Panthers 9-7

    Surprise: The offense is bad

    Arthur Smith, who is in his third season, was hired for his offensive acumen. The Falcons have drafted an offensive skill-position player in the top 10 in each of the last three drafts. Their $46.6 million investment in their offensive line is the fourth-highest in the NFL. And yet they are 26th in the NFL in points (18.43) after scoring just seven Sunday against a one-win Carolina team. Now there’s a chance Smith is on his way out in Atlanta.

    Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 23)

    Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 20-17

    Surprise: There’s still no answer on Justin Fields

    With only three games left in the season, Chicago still doesn’t appear to have a clear answer about whether it should stick with Fields at quarterback or use the Panthers’ pick it acquired last March to take Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Sunday was a “move on” game. Fields completed 19-for-40 passes for 166 yards and had a 46.5 passer rating. For the season, he is 23rd in passer rating (85.6) but is eighth in scramble EPA (17.72), according to TruMedia.

    Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 24)

    Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 30-0

    Surprise: Garrett Wilson is a top-25 receiver

    Despite Zach Wilson and everything else that has gone wrong in New York, Garrett Wilson has 882 receiving yards, the 22nd most in the league. If that doesn’t sound that impressive, remember that the Jets are 30th in the NFL with 170 passing yards per game. Wilson led New York in receiving Sunday, but it was a pretty hollow achievement considering he had only three catches for 29 yards.

    Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Jets get embarrassed again, and Robert Saleh’s team future grows more tenuous

    26. New York Giants (5-9)

    (Last week: 25)

    Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 24-6

    Surprise: They screwed up the 2024 draft

    The Tommy DeVito story is great, or at least was until Sunday when New York lost for the first time in a month, but how fondly will it be remembered in New York in the future? The three wins that DeVito led before this have moved the Giants to the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft at the moment. There’s still hope considering New York has to play the Eagles twice in the final three games, but for now the Giants still don’t have an answer to their quarterback problem.

    Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, 4:30 p.m. ET


    Titans running back Derrick Henry went nowhere against the Texans on Sunday. (Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today)

    27. Tennessee Titans (5-9)

    (Last week: 26)

    Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 19-16 in OT

    Surprise: Derrick Henry is human

    The last seven seasons had convinced us otherwise, but the Titans and their otherworldly running back are looking like they are near the end of their runs. On Sunday, Henry had the fewest yards (10) for any player with 20 or more touches in NFL history, and after the game, he indicated it could be his last season with the Titans. Tennessee was eliminated from the playoff race when Case Keenum led Houston to 10 points in the final 3:03 and overtime on Sunday.

    Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 27)

    Thursday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 63-21

    Surprise: That it took this long

    The Chargers finally fired Brandon Staley, who fell to 24-24 in three seasons with Thursday night’s embarrassing loss. It was the fifth loss in the last six games for Los Angeles, which entered the season with playoff hopes and now is the second-worst team in the AFC, ahead of only the Patriots. Staley was hired because he was supposed to be an up-and-coming defensive guru, but the Chargers are 27th in points (24.6) and yards per play (5.6) allowed.

    Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET

    29. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 45-29

    Surprise: Nothing really

    This team is exactly what we thought it would be. There was a moment (remember the Week 3 win over Dallas?) when Arizona looked like it might be plucky, but the only wins since have come against the reeling Falcons and Steelers. The Cardinals have ended up where they want to be, in the mix to draft one of the top two quarterbacks in the league.

    Up next: at Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    30. New England Patriots (3-11)

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 27-17

    Surprise: The record

    Bill Belichick hasn’t had fewer than seven wins in a season since 2000, and he’s on track for the fewest wins in his 29-year head coaching career. The Patriots are 28-36 since Tom Brady left after the 2019 season, but nobody expected things to be this bad. New England is 28th in the league in scoring margin (minus-113) and is in the bottom third of the league in both rushing and passing yards per game.

    Up next: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 31)

    Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 28-20

    Surprise: The Sam Howell lovefest

    Ron Rivera said he pulled Howell from Sunday’s game to protect him because the Rams defense was in a position to be very aggressive in its pass rush. Then Jacoby Brissett went 8-for-10 and led two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. Howell is seventh in the league in passing yards (3,568), but his negative plays have outweighed all that yardage. Howell leads the league in both interceptions (15) and sacks (59).

    Up next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    32. Carolina Panthers (2-12)

    (Last week: 32)

    Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 9-7

    Surprise: They won a game

    In pouring rain in a nearly empty home stadium against an Atlanta team still in the race for the division title, Carolina put together a 90-yard drive and kicked the winning field goal as time expired. It doesn’t change how bad this season has been, but at least it made the Panthers feel a little better about themselves. “Obviously, we’re not gonna clinch anything, but it feels good to mess up their Christmas,” defensive end Brian Burns said.

    Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    NFL QB EPA rankings: Brock Purdy is in Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers territory

    (Top photo of Bills running back James Cook: Rich Barnes / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • Listen to Monday Night Football: Eagles vs. Seahawks 12/18

    Listen to Monday Night Football: Eagles vs. Seahawks 12/18

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    As the NFL’s Week 15 matchup for Monday Night Football draws near, football fans are gearing up as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Seattle Seahawks. Here’s what you need to know about the key players and storylines.

    Listen live to your choice of the home, away, or national feed on the SiriusXM app. Monday Night Football kickoff is December 18 at 8:15pm.

    Stream the Seattle Seahawks broadcast (Ch. 828)

    Stream the Philadelphia Eagles (Ch. 825)

    Stream the National broadcast (Ch. 88)

    Home: Seattle Seahawks

    Quarterback Geno Smith eyes a 3,000-yard season, aiming for his 4th consecutive Monday Night Football game with a touchdown pass and a 90+ rating. Smith has delivered 2+ TD passes in 3 of his last 4 home starts. If he’s unable to play due to a groin injury, Drew Lock is slated to make his home debut. In Week 14, Lock threw for 269 yards and 2 TDs in his first start with the Seahawks.

    Running back Kenneth Walker, with 531 scrimmage yards and 3 TDs in 5 home games this season, seeks his 3rd straight primetime game with 75+ scrimmage yards. Zach Charbonnet has achieved 50+ scrimmage yards in 4 of his last 5 games, eyeing his 4th consecutive home game with 50+ scrimmage yards.

    D.K. Metcalf, with 864 receiving yards and 7 TDs in 2023, aims to join an elite group with 900+ rec. yards & 5+ rec. TDs in each of his first 5 career seasons. Fellow receiver Tyler Lockett, with 6 catches for 89 yards last week, has recorded 5+ catches in 4 of his last 5 games.

    On the defensive front, Bobby Wagner leads the NFC with 132 tackles in 2023 and looks for his 3rd consecutive game with a tackle for loss. Jordyn Brooks has notched 102 tackles this season, securing his 3rd consecutive 100+ tackle season. Leonard Williams aims for his 3rd straight game with a sack and 4th straight with a tackle for loss.

    Seattle Seahawks Home Feed

    SiriusXM channel 225 in your vehicle

    Channel 828 on the SiriusXM app

    Philadelphia Eagles Away Feed

    SiriusXM channel 226 in your vehicle

    Channel 825 on the SiriusXM app

    National Feed

    SiriusXM channel 88 in your vehicle

    Channel 88 on the SiriusXM app

    En Español

    SiriusXM channel 227 in your vehicle

    Channel 832 on the SiriusXM app

    Away: Philadelphia Eagles

    Jalen Hurts has had a remarkable season so far, with 8 games featuring both pass and rush touchdowns. He can become the 3rd quarterback ever with 9 such games in a single season. Hurts aims for his 5th consecutive Monday Night Football game with a rushing TD and boasts 3,192 pass yards in 2023, securing his 3rd-straight 3,000-yard season.

    D’Andre Swift has amassed 1,030 scrimmage yards in 2023, his 2nd-career 1,000-yard season. He ranks 4th in the NFL with a career-high 822 rush yards and aims for his 3rd consecutive Monday Night Football game with 100+ scrimmage yards.

    A.J. Brown, with 1,258 rec. yards and a career-high 90 receptions in 2023, ranks 2nd in the NFL in receiving yards. DeVonta Smith aims for his 5th consecutive game with 5+ catches and 7th in a row with 50+ rec. yards.

    Haason Reddick, with 2 sacks in Week 14 and 11 sacks in 2023, looks to extend his streak of 6 road games with a sack. Fletcher Cox aims for his 3rd straight game with a sack, while Jalen Carter had his first career fumble recovery for a touchdown last week.

    For more on SiriusXM’s NFL programming, visit SiriusXM.com/NFL.

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    Matthew Fanizza

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  • NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Chaos in the AFC, plus a fantasy spotlight for every team

    NFL Power Rankings Week 15: Chaos in the AFC, plus a fantasy spotlight for every team

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    It’s Week 15 in the NFL, which means millions of Americans are sweating their fantasy football team’s playoff positioning because this is the week the playoffs begin in most leagues. Pride, cash and the dreaded last-place punishments all are on the line.

    The Power Rankings is getting into the spirit with a fantasy focus for this week’s theme. We’re going to look at one notable fantasy football player (or unit) from each team and how he is helping — or hurting — the real-life team’s season. (We’re using the standard league scoring points accumulated by TruMedia.)

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 28-16

    Fantasy spotlight: Christian McCaffrey

    Just like on the field, it’s tough to pick which 49er to highlight, but McCaffrey is the San Francisco MVP at least in fantasy (259.4 points) with the fourth-most points of any player in the NFL. The 49ers are the only team with two players in the top 10 (Brock Purdy is sixth at 249.9) and four players in the top 50 (add Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk). In real life, Purdy has passed for 368 yards, and McCaffrey, Samuel and Aiyuk all have had more than 100 as San Francisco inches closer to a first-round bye.

    Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 3)

    Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 33-13

    Fantasy spotlight: Dak Prescott

    The Cowboys quarterback strengthened his MVP candidacy Sunday night by leading Dallas to a resounding win over the Eagles. Thus far, this is the third-best fantasy season of Prescott’s career (20.98 points per game). On the field, it may be his best. He is second in the league in EPA per attempt (.29) and passer rating (107.5) and his touchdown-to-interception ratio (4.7) is the best of any quarterback with more than 250 attempts this season.

    Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    GO DEEPER

    What we learned in NFL Week 14: The Cowboys make a statement, the Chiefs are frustrated and more

    (Last week: 2)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 37-31 (OT)

    Fantasy spotlight: Odell Beckham Jr.

    After a slow start, Beckham has had at least 9.6 fantasy points per game in four of his last five games. He had a season-high 15.7 on Sunday after posting 97 yards and catching four passes that resulted in either a first down or a touchdown. His ascendance has helped the Ravens overcome the loss of tight end Mark Andrews and stay in position for the top seed in the AFC.

    Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-3)

    (Last week: 5)

    Sunday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 33-13

    Fantasy spotlight: A.J. Brown

    In the last four weeks, a span in which Philadelphia is 2-2, the Eagles wide receiver is averaging 7.33 fantasy points per game. That’s after averaging 15.17 in Weeks 1-9. During that span, Brown was the second-leading receiver in the league (1,005 yards), and the Eagles had the third-most productive offense in the league (376.8) and an 8-1 record. As he has slumped, so have the Eagles, who are 21st in yards per game in Weeks 10-14 (318.3).

    Up next: at Seattle Seahawks, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 8)

    Sunday: Beat Kansas City Chiefs 20-17

    Fantasy spotlight: Josh Allen

    Allen leads all players this season with 307.28 fantasy points. It’s his lowest points-per-game output of the last four years, and it’s still the 13th-best fantasy season of the last five seasons in the NFL. That’s how much of the offense Allen is carrying in Buffalo. He wasn’t spectacular against the Chiefs on Sunday (23-for-42 for 233 yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown), but the Bills don’t win that game (or many games at all) without him.

    Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET


    Josh Allen helped the Bills keep their playoff hopes alive on Sunday with a win over the Chiefs in Kansas City. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

    6. Kansas City Chiefs (8-5)

    (Last week: 7)

    Sunday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 20-17

    Fantasy spotlight: Kadarius Toney

    All the NFL’s focus is on Toney this week after his offside penalty wiped out what would have been his game-winning touchdown against the Bills on Sunday night, and all the Chiefs freaked out about it. This is not what Kansas City expected when it traded a third- and a sixth-round pick for Toney last season. He is 106th among wide receivers in fantasy points (25.5) this season. In 22 games with the Chiefs, he has only two games with more than 50 receiving yards. This season, he has none with more than 35.

    Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have a problem (and no, it’s not the refs): Sando’s Pick Six

    (Last week: 4)

    Monday: Lost to Tennessee Titans 28-27

    Fantasy spotlight: Tyreek Hill

    This was going to be De’Von Achane, who is 68th among all players in fantasy points (122.6) despite playing in only seven games this year. That was before Hill’s health came into question after he suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter Monday night against the Titans. Hill was in and out of the lineup the rest of the night but finished with only four catches for 61 yards, his third-lowest total of the season and the first time in a month he’s been held under 100 yards. If Hill is not at full strength, Miami might not be in the top 10 long. He’s still the only wide receiver in the league in the top 20 in fantasy points (225.7)

    Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 6)

    Sunday: Lost to Chicago Bears 28-13

    Fantasy spotlight: The rookies

    Running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta are each top 11 in fantasy points among rookies this season. Only the Houston Texans also have multiple rookies in that group. Gibbs is fifth with 134, and LaPorta is 11th with 110.6. However, each was pedestrian Sunday as Detroit lost for the second time in three games, leaving the Vikings within striking distance of the division lead.

    Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 15)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 24-7

    Fantasy spotlight: Courtland Sutton

    In the last seven games, a stretch in which Denver has won six games, Sutton is 15th among wide receivers in fantasy points (10.91 per game), and he is carrying the Broncos’ passing game. Since Week 7, Sutton has accounted for 49.7 percent of Denver’s air yards. That ranks second in the NFL behind only Garrett Wilson. He had a 46-yard touchdown catch Sunday, his 10th of the season.

    Up next: at Detroit Lions, Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 12)

    Monday: Lost to New York Giants 24-22

    Fantasy spotlight: Jordan Love

    Since Week 9, Love is the sixth-best quarterback in fantasy football (110.58 points). That stretch coincides with Green Bay winning four of six games. Monday night was a step back as the Giants’ blitz-happy scheme harried him into a 76.7 passer rating (25-for-39 for 218 yards, one touchdown and one interception). Still, Love’s maturation in the last six weeks gives the Packers hope they have hit on a third straight quarterback.

    Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 10)

    Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 37-31 (OT)

    Fantasy spotlight: Kyren Williams

    The No. 3 fantasy running back this season based on points per game (17.67), Williams is as responsible for the Rams’ success or failure as anyone on the roster. Sunday was the first time this season the Rams have lost when he topped 100 rushing yards. A fifth-round pick in 2022, Williams totaled 139 yards last season. This year, he is averaging 89 yards per game, which is second behind only Christian McCaffrey.

    Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 31-27

    Fantasy spotlight: The defense

    Opponents are averaging 57.37 fantasy points per game against the Browns defense this season, which is the lowest total for the season and fourth-lowest total in the last five seasons. It’s also worth noting that Joe Flacco has more fantasy points than all but five quarterbacks in the last two weeks of this wacky NFL season.

    Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    NFL Week 14 takeaways: Bills playoff bound? How far can Joe Flacco take the Browns?

    13. Houston Texans (7-6)

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Lost to New York Jets 30-6

    Fantasy spotlight: C.J. Stroud

    The rookie quarterback had his worst game of the season Sunday — 91 yards, a 54.8 passer rating, 4 yards per attempt, zero touchdowns. Still, he’s seventh in the league in fantasy points with 241.5, which leads all other rookies by almost 100 points. Third-year receiver Nico Collins deserves a mention for being the 13th-most productive wide receiver (11.37 ppg) after two pedestrian years in the league.

    Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET


    Jake Browning has given the Bengals new life after Joe Burrow was lost for the season. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 19)

    Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 34-14

    Fantasy spotlight: Jake Browning

    The undrafted rookie is sixth among quarterbacks in fantasy points in the last three weeks (61.34). When Joe Burrow was lost for the season, the Bengals were written off right along with him, but Browning has led Cincinnati to two straight wins. In the last two weeks, he is first in the league in completion percentage (82 percent), second in passing yards (629) and third in yards per attempt (10.3) and passer rating (119.2).

    Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 11)

    Sunday: Lost 34-14 to Cincinnati Bengals

    Fantasy spotlight: Zack Moss

    Moss is why no team in the NFL wants to pay running backs. After a preseason full of angst over Jonathan Taylor, Moss, a third-round pick by Buffalo acquired in a trade and counting $1.2 million against the salary cap this season, is second on the team in fantasy points (130.3) behind only quarterback Gardner Minshew. Sunday wasn’t a good day, though. With Taylor out, Moss was held to 28 yards as Indianapolis had a four-game winning streak snapped.

    Up next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 14)

    Sunday: Lost 31-27 to Cleveland Browns

    Fantasy spotlight: Trevor Lawrence

    The No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft is 14th among quarterbacks in fantasy points per game (17.10). That’s not terrible, but it’s not the ceiling he was expected to have. Lawrence threw three interceptions Sunday, which gives him 10 this season, tied for fifth most in the league. In the last three seasons, Lawrence has 35 interceptions. Only Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Mac Jones have thrown more, and Lawrence’s touchdown-to-interception ratio (1.5) is a lot closer to Jones’ than to Allen’s or Mahomes’.

    Up next: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 28-16

    Fantasy spotlight: Geno Smith

    Without Smith (out with a groin injury), the Seahawks lost their fourth straight game Sunday and fell to the No. 9 spot in the NFC playoff race. He’s still worth mentioning here because of his career revival. Smith has had more fantasy points in his last 30 games in Seattle (492.52) than he had in his first seven years in the NFL combined (381.8). He’s questionable for this week’s game, but the Seahawks need him back as soon as possible.

    Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    18. Minnesota Vikings (7-6)

    (Last week: 20)

    Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 3-0

    Fantasy spotlight: T.J. Hockenson

    The fifth-year tight end is on pace for a career season and is third among tight ends in fantasy points (111.9). He had five catches for 53 yards Sunday, which accounted for 22.9 percent of Minnesota’s total yards. The Vikings, who became the second team this season to win a game in which they averaged 3.3 yards per play or fewer (joining the Falcons who beat the Jets averaging 3 yards per play in Week 13), are currently the NFC’s No. 6 seed.

    Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 18)

    Thursday: Lost to New England Patriots 21-18

    Fantasy spotlight: Jaylen Warren

    Pittsburgh, which has now lost to Arizona and New England in back-to-back weeks, doesn’t have a lot to feel good about offensively, but Warren is an exception. The 2022 undrafted free agent is third on the team in fantasy points (104.4), which ranks 29th among running backs in the league. Warren has more yards from scrimmage (884) than 2021 first-round pick Najee Harris.

    Up next: at Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 21)

    Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 29-25

    Fantasy spotlight: Mike Evans

    Despite being held to one catch for 8 yards by the Falcons on Sunday, the 10th-year veteran is the No. 5 wide receiver in fantasy points this season (162). He is second in the league in receiving touchdowns (10) and about the only offensive highlight for Tampa Bay, which currently is the NFC No. 4 seed thanks to a tiebreaker lead in the NFC South.

    Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    21. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)

    (Last week: 17)

    Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-25

    Fantasy spotlight: Bijan Robinson

    The rookie running back is second among first-year players in fantasy points (149) behind only Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. His 1,110 yards from scrimmage rank second among rookies behind only Puka Nacua, and he has three more touchdowns than Nacua for the season. He leads Atlanta, which fell out of first place in the NFC South with Sunday’s loss, in yards and touchdowns.

    Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week 24)

    Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 28-6

    Fantasy spotlight: Taysom Hill

    Hill is averaging 7.7 fantasy points per game, which basically makes him as valuable as Garrett Wilson (7.71) even though Hill has no true position. He is the only player in the league with at least 70 yards passing, rushing and receiving — 72 passing, 346 rushing and 229 receiving. In his seventh season, Hill is third in the NFL among players with more than 30 carries in rushing success rate (56.7 percent).

    Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET


    DJ Moore, who scored two touchdowns on Sunday, has helped the Bears rebound from a 1-5 start. (Michael Reaves / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 27)

    Sunday: Beat Detroit Lions 28-13

    Fantasy spotlight: DJ Moore

    Moore is seventh among all wide receivers in fantasy points per game (11.94) despite playing with a quarterback (Justin Fields) who is 28th in the league in passing yards (1,810). Moore has 1,071 receiving yards and is 16th in the league in yards per reception (14.1). If the Bears move on from Fields, Moore will be a huge help to a young quarterback.

    Up next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    24. New York Jets (5-8)

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 30-6

    Fantasy spotlight: The defense

    The Jets are sixth in the NFL in fantasy points allowed (62.11) this season, and that should be graded on a curve given how hard the offense has made it on their defense. The Jets held a Houston offense that came into the game sixth in the NFL in yards per game (373.1) to 135 yards Sunday. That’s the third-lowest total of the season. (The lowest, second-lowest and fourth-lowest totals this season came against the Browns.)

    Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 25)

    Monday: Beat Green Bay Packers 24-22

    Fantasy spotlight: Tommy DeVito

    In six games, the last four of which he has started, the UDFA rookie from New Jersey who moved back into his parents’ home after signing with the Giants, has 79.6 fantasy points. That’s 22 points more than Daniel Jones managed in the six games before his injury opened the door for DeVito. This story is equal parts sweet and sad for the Giants, who gave Jones a four-year deal that could be worth up to $160 million in the offseason and now sincerely have to wonder which quarterback is better after DeVito led the Giants to their third straight win Monday night.

    Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    26. Tennessee Titans (5-8)

    (Last week: 28)

    Monday: Beat Miami Dolphins 28-27

    Fantasy spotlight: Derrick Henry

    In his eighth year, Henry leads the Titans and is fourth among running backs in the NFL in fantasy points (171.78). Henry had only 34 yards on 17 carries Monday night so this is more of a career appreciation section, but Henry deserves that. He is averaging more than 1,300 yards per season in the last six seasons, and he’s on pace to top 1,000 yards for the fifth time in the last six seasons.

    Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 24-7

    Fantasy spotlight: Keenan Allen

    Along with Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, Allen is leading the way for the old-guy receivers this season. In his 11th year, Allen is third at his position in fantasy points (170.86). His 95.6 yards per game are the highest of his career, and he’s third in the league in target percentage, getting 32 percent of the Chargers’ throws. His only problem is quarterback Justin Herbert might be done for the season with a finger injury suffered Sunday.

    Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 23)

    Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 3-0

    Fantasy spotlight: Aidan O’Connell

    The rookie quarterback showed enough flashes for interim head coach Antonio Pierce to give him the starting job down the stretch, but it hasn’t gone well. O’Connell has fewer fantasy points (59.7) than Jimmy Garoppolo had in six (64.1). His 8.53 fantasy points per game rank 31st among quarterbacks, and he has almost twice as many interceptions as touchdown passes (seven to four). He had a 66 passer rating against the Vikings on Sunday.

    Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    29. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)

    (Last week: 26)

    Sunday: Bye

    Fantasy spotlight: James Conner

    The seventh-year veteran running back quietly is having the best season of his career (6.75 total rushing EPA, the highest of his career) by some measures. He’s the third-most productive Cardinal in terms of fantasy points (90.7). At his current pace, he’ll have 910 rushing yards this season, which would be the second-highest total of his career.

    Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    30. New England Patriots (3-10)

    (Last week: 31)

    Thursday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18

    Fantasy spotlight: Mac Jones

    Among the quarterbacks with more fantasy points than the 15th pick in the 2021 draft (Jones has 106.4) are Zach Wilson, Kenny Pickett, Bryce Young, Desmond Ridder and Gardner Minshew. The Patriots benched Jones against the Steelers, and Bailey Zappe threw three touchdown passes. It’s hard to imagine Jones ever getting this job back, and now New England owner Robert Kraft has to decide if Bill Belichick gets to pick another quarterback in the first round.

    Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Bye

    Fantasy spotlight: Sam Howell

    Not many people would have had the first-year starting quarterback as the No. 7 fantasy quarterback in the league (236.94 points) before the season, but that’s where Howell sits. His surprising production (3,466 passing yards) actually puts Washington in a complicated spot. Count on Howell to iron out the rough spots in his game (14 interceptions, 58 sacks) or take advantage of what should be a high draft position to grab a new starter?

    Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 32)

    Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 28-6

    Fantasy spotlight: Adam Thielen

    Bryce Young could have been listed in this spot, but we’ve piled on Bryce Young a lot here, and Thielen has almost as many fantasy points as his quarterback (109.3 for Thielen to 119.78 for Young). In his 11th year, the 33-year-old is on pace for his best season since 2018 and just the third 1,000-yard season of his career. At the moment, he’s 20th in the league with 827 yards.

    Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Fantasy Football Rankings Week 15: Sleepers, projections, starts, sits | Chris Godwin, Zay Flowers and more

    (Top photo of Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert: Rich Storry / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • ‘He has the swag with it’: DK Metcalf’s sign language a ‘hot topic’ in Deaf community

    ‘He has the swag with it’: DK Metcalf’s sign language a ‘hot topic’ in Deaf community

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    It’s not just that DK Metcalf is learning American Sign Language and using it on a national stage — it’s that, even as a discernible novice, he’s doing it with a level of finesse that shows he just gets it.

    “He has the swag with it. And that’s half the battle sometimes with signing,” said Sean Forbes, one of the deaf rappers who broke down barriers at the Super Bowl halftime show two years ago with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and other hip-hop stars. “You have to have the nuances, the vibes, the way that your hands move and flow has to be there. … He had the rhythm to it, where most beginning signers would be a little more choppy.”

    Metcalf, the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, introduced a twist to the typical NFL touchdown celebration this season, signing one-liners in the end zone in recent games against the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys. He’s quipped that the practice could help him avoid fines for trash-talking — but there’s much more to it. In the same way the former All-Pro studies opposing defenses, Metcalf meets Tuesdays with a coach to sharpen his signing skills.

    The time he’s putting in is noticeable. This doesn’t appear to be the work of someone who is just Googling how to say specific phrases — a familiar situation for any beginner foreign language learner — said Dr. Kim Kurz, a professor at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

    Forbes just wanted to know more about the why and the how of it all, speculating that Metcalf is working with somebody to hone his style.

    “All of us have those questions, but at the same time, all of us are like, ‘F— yeah!’”

    Well, here are the answers.

    Metcalf, whose signing first came to light last month, took an ASL summer class in college and restarted learning the language at the beginning of this season. He meets via video call once a week with Darrell Utley, a Tennessee-based instructor Metcalf connected with through his agency.

    Utley said he didn’t know Metcalf was an NFL player when they first started lessons. He said in an email the former Pro Bowler is “an inquisitive and open-minded student” who’s “dedicated and committed to learning sign language.”

    Metcalf, 25, said he started learning ASL as a way to “exercise his mind” and take it off football (he previously took acting classes for the same reason, and is also pursuing guitar). The trash-talking potential was a secondary thought.

    But to the Deaf community, it’s more than just one popular athlete’s hobby. It’s a cause for celebration for some, and at least a conversation starter for others.

    Kurz, who is deaf, said through an interpreter that Metcalf’s use of sign language has become a “hot topic.”

    “Deaf people are honestly quite tired of others who just want to learn sign language for the sole purpose of learning foul language or curse signs,” Kurz explained, noting Metcalf hasn’t veered into that territory — so far. “We would much rather people actually show interest in learning ASL because they would like to communicate with deaf people, or want to learn about Deaf culture and Deaf community.”

    Metcalf said he is enjoying “just shedding light on the ASL community, the Deaf community, to where more people are starting to learn ASL and starting to take heed to, ‘What is he going to sign next, or what is he signing?’”

    Some have suggested referees, coaches and other players should just learn to sign as well, Kurz said. It’s a natural fit, as football already has sign language roots — including the creation of the huddle.

    Dr. Joseph Hill, an RIT associate professor who researches Black Sign Language, also said some deaf people are wary “whenever someone learns a language from a linguistic minority for a self-serving reason.” That’s because of a deep history of hearing people using ASL “for their own gain” and not for the benefit of the Deaf community, Hill wrote in an email.

    For that reason, Utley also said it’s important for people interested in learning ASL to get exposure through Deaf teachers “for authenticity” and to support Deaf businesses.

    Forbes thinks Metcalf’s ASL zingers are “just brilliant” and not appropriation “at all,” although he wondered if a deaf athlete without Metcalf’s stature would feel empowered to deliver similar comments. He added: “What he is doing is really giving our language a spotlight — and being a little bit of a smart-ass about doing it.”


    DK Metcalf’s first sign-language celebration came after a TD against the Rams on Nov. 19. (Photo: Brandon Sloter / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    The first time Metcalf gained traction for using ASL, it flew somewhat under the radar. “44, my son,” he signed toward Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon after besting him for a touchdown on Nov. 19.

    But the second time, when he signed “standing on business” against the Cowboys last week, it took off.

    “The community was just on fire with it (the second time), everybody’s just looking forward to seeing what more he does and what more other football players do,” Forbes said. “It further shows me and the community at large that sign language is just so cool.

    “To be able to see that on a mainstream platform, in a professional sports league, speaks volumes.”

    Metcalf took the idea to sign “standing on business” from teammate Boye Mafe, a linebacker who also knows ASL. Mafe signs “I love you” to the sky as part of his pregame ritual to honor his mother, who died in 2018.

    The phrase Metcalf used is an amalgam of cultures, Hill noted — a recently popularized part of African American Vernacular English, which just like ASL has a unique structure, syntax and grammar that differs from English.

    That smooth delivery is just “based on his personality,” Utley said, adding that the pair hadn’t prepared for the touchdown celebrations specifically. Utley was “surprised” Metcalf had pulled out his new skills on the field when he saw it on the news.

    “Everyone has their own style and personality that shines through when they use sign language,” the instructor added.

    Forbes said it’s refreshing to see Metcalf “do something cool with (ASL) and to make people’s heads kind of turn” when most people are spreading it through more traditional means, like teaching and interpretation. The ripple effect is already making its way to other sports.

    It’s also just the latest in a string of moves made by those involved in football around Deaf inclusion. While ASL performers during the Super Bowl national anthem have been standard for years as part of a partnership with the National Association of the Deaf and deaf civil rights lawyer Alexis Kashar, Forbes’ appearance alongside fellow deaf rapper Wawa marked the first ASL performers at the halftime show. Last year, deaf performer Justina Miles signed Rihanna’s hits.

    The league also recently launched a merchandise line featuring ASL.

    Both Forbes and Kurz characterized the NFL as being at the forefront of inclusion when it comes to the Deaf community, but wondered if we could one day see broadcast components like an ASL reporter to take things to the next level.

    It would also be a bonus if Metcalf could use his platform to bring attention to and educate people about the importance of learning sign language to communicate with deaf people, Kurz said.

    Turns out, Metcalf feels similarly.

    “I think it’s just great that I get to challenge myself to learn something new and just to bring light to a community who I didn’t know felt unseen or felt like they were being forgotten about,” Metcalf said.

    What started as a pastime might have moved briefly into gimmick domain with the trash-talking possibilities for a player who’s ponied up about $100,000 in fines for personal conduct on the field. But for Metcalf, it remains serious.

    “I’m trying to learn a new language, simply put.”

    (Top photos: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images and Steven Bisig / USA Today)

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    The New York Times

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  • NFL Power Rankings Week 14: 49ers make a statement, plus worst-case scenarios

    NFL Power Rankings Week 14: 49ers make a statement, plus worst-case scenarios

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    Last week, the Power Rankings looked at the best-case scenario for all 32 NFL teams, but it’s late in the season and we’ve had to watch so many bad Jets quarterbacks that it’s taken all the optimism out of us. So this week, we’re looking at the worst-case scenario for each team as the season heads down the stretch.

    Obviously, the real answer for most teams would be an injury to their starting quarterback and/or superstar, but we don’t want to jinx anyone (and we certainly don’t want to hear about it in the comments) so we’re trying to be more creative than that in most cases.

    In the case of our new No. 1, though, we couldn’t come up with anything because, man, the 49ers looked like a monster on Sunday.

    1. San Francisco 49ers (9-3)

    (Last week 4)

    Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 42-19

    Worst case: Bumps and/or bruises

    When the 49ers are healthy, they are scary. They hoped to prove that Brock Purdy’s injury in the NFC Championship Game was the only reason they didn’t beat the Eagles and advance to the Super Bowl last season. Mission accomplished. Deebo Samuel, who talked the most trash coming into the game, scored three touchdowns. When he, Purdy and left tackle Trent Williams are all healthy, San Francisco has scored at least 27 points this season.

    Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

    GO DEEPER

    The MVP race through 13 weeks and Brock Purdy’s growing case: Sando’s Pick Six

    (Last week: 2)

    Sunday: Bye

    Worst case: Roquan Smith regression

    Since the Ravens sent the Bears second- and fifth-round picks for Smith on Oct. 31 last year, Baltimore is first in the NFL in yards per play allowed (4.5), third in defensive success rate (62 percent) and third in EPA per snap (12.8). In that span, the linebacker is fourth in the league in defensive splash plays (66), according to TruMedia. Sure, Lamar Jackson is integral to Baltimore’s success, but don’t overlook Smith’s impact.

    Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 5)

    Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 41-35

    Worst case: Down day from Dak

    The Cowboys can beat anybody when Dak Prescott plays like he did Thursday night against the Seahawks. Prescott was 29-for-41 for 299 yards and three touchdowns, and Dallas scored on eight of its nine possessions. For the season, he is second in EPA per attempt (0.30) and passer rating (108.3). However, Dak does have “those days.” He’s had a negative EPA per attempt twice this year. The Cowboys have lost both games (to Arizona and San Francisco).

    Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday


    Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has 21 career touchdowns of 60 yards or longer, including two on Sunday. (Al Diaz / Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

    (Last week: 6)

    Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-15

    Worst case: Any tweak for Tyreek

    Tyreek Hill remains on pace to be the first player in league history with more than 2,000 receiving yards in a season after catching five passes for 157 yards Sunday. He had 78- and 60-yard touchdown catches and leads the NFL with 1,496 yards from scrimmage. More than half of his touches go for a first down or touchdown, but he’s such a finely tuned speed machine that you constantly worry that even the slightest imbalance might throw the whole thing out of whack.

    Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    What we learned in Week 13: The 49ers’ playoff potential, Tyreek’s target in sight and more

    5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 42-19

    Worst case: Run game reversal

    Philadelphia is third in the league in rushing EPA this season, according to TruMedia, but when its run game falters, it usually isn’t pretty. The Eagles have been held to a total of 126 rushing yards and 3.2 yards per carry in their two losses. The results were a loss to the Jets and Sunday’s drubbing by the 49ers.

    Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 7)

    Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 33-28

    Worst case: It was all a mirage

    After losing to Green Bay on Thanksgiving, Detroit had to hold on to beat reeling New Orleans on Sunday. The Lions are probably fine. They remain fourth in the league in touchdowns per drive (29.3 percent). Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta had nine catches for 140 yards Sunday, and he’s tied for the most touchdowns by a tight end (six) and has the fourth-most receiving yards among tight ends (679). But it would be cruel to this team’s fan base if it doesn’t finish strong.

    Up next: at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET Sunday


    The inconsistency of the Chiefs’ receivers continues to hamper Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 3)

    Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 27-19

    Worst case: Patrick Mahomes can’t do it all alone

    It sure looked like he could when Kansas City won the Super Bowl the year after trading Tyreek Hill, but the Chiefs slipped to 11th in the league in scoring Sunday (22.9 ppg). The Chiefs have scored fewer than 20 points in six games this season. That happened only six times total in Mahomes’ first five seasons as the starter. Inconsistency at receiver is the main culprit. Justin Watson, a fifth-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2018 who signed as a low-money free agent in the offseason, is the second-leading wide receiver with 332 yards on 20 catches.

    Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Jones: NFL officials face impossible task — we or league must make change

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Bye

    Worst case: They’re living it

    This team was 13-3 last season and came into this season with similar expectations, but Josh Allen has had some rough moments and the defense has lost pillars Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano for the season because of injury. In fact, more than 16 percent of Buffalo’s salary cap is on injured reserve, according to Spotrac. The Bills could still make the playoffs, but the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins all remain on the schedule.

    Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 10)

    Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 22-17

    Worst case: C.J. Stroud and the rookie wall

    It’s easy to forget that Stroud is a rookie. He overtook Sam Howell for the league’s passing lead Sunday, throwing for 274 yards to get to 3,570 for the season. He and Dak Prescott are the only quarterbacks in the league with a passer rating above 100 and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of four or higher. We’re getting into uncharted territory for Stroud, though. He never played more than 13 games in a season at Ohio State. His next one in Houston will be No. 13.

    Up next: at New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 19)

    Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 36-19

    Worst case: San Francisco playing for home-field advantage

    There’s a decent chance the Rams will head into Week 18 having to beat the division-rival 49ers to get into the playoffs. San Francisco will have a playoff spot locked up by then and will be tempted to rest its stars unless it has a first-round bye on the line. That got closer to reality when the Niners beat the Eagles on Sunday. Why is this such bad news? The Rams have lost nine of their last 10 to the 49ers.

    Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    NFL playoff picture after Week 13: Jaguars lose control of AFC’s top seed

    (Last week: 15)

    Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 31-28

    Worst case: Wasting a year

    The Colts could make the playoffs this season. They would be the sixth seed if the season ended today, and their five remaining games are winnable (Houston, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Cincinnati). But what this year was really supposed to be about was developing Anthony Richardson. If Gardner Minshew leads the Colts to the playoffs this year, then the pressure is really on Richardson next season.

    Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    12. Green Bay Packers (6-6)

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Beat Kansas City Chiefs 27-19

    Worst case: Flipped turnover luck

    The Packers have turned their season around with three straight wins, the most recent two coming against Super Bowl contenders. It might be a sign of great things to come. Or it might just be turnovers. The Packers are second in the league in turnover margin in the last three weeks (plus-five). The remaining schedule is in the Packers’ favor as 6-6 Minnesota is the only team that doesn’t have a losing record.

    Up next: at New York Giants, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

    13. Seattle Seahawks (6-6)

    (Last week: 12)

    Thursday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 41-35

    Worst case: They missed their chance

    Seattle needed to steal at least one game during this current four-game stretch that includes the 49ers twice, the Cowboys and the Eagles. It missed the chance against Dallas, wasting a 406-yard offensive day and a six-catch, 134-yard, three-touchdown effort from DK Metcalf. Seattle now gets the 49ers and Eagles back-to-back while sitting one spot out of the playoff race.

    Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 8)

    Monday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 34-31 (OT)

    Worst case: It happened late Monday night

    Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft and one of 10 quarterbacks to throw for more than 3,000 yards this season, went down with what appeared to be a significant injury after his right ankle was stepped on by one of his offensive linemen. Lawrence slammed his helmet to the turf and then made a slow and painful walk to the locker room with lots of help. If Lawrence is done for the season, so are the Jaguars. Backup C.J. Beathard has a career passer rating of 80.3.

    Up next: at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 22-17

    Worst case: Running out of gas

    The Broncos came back from the dead thanks to a five-game winning streak, but that took a lot of energy and the tank finally ran dry Sunday. They were plus-13 in the turnover margin during their winning streak. Against the Texans, that number flipped and the Broncos lost the turnover battle 3-0. They play only one more team with a winning record (Detroit), so they’re still alive, but they’ll have to get their momentum back.

    Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 14)

    Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 36-19

    Worst case: Exposed defensive weaknesses

    Since Week 10, the Browns and their formerly fearsome defense are 26th in the league in points allowed (26.5 ppg) and 28th in point margin (minus-29), according to TruMedia. With Joe Flacco now the quarterback (23-for-44 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and an interception Sunday), Cleveland needs this defense more than ever. It has given up five yards per carry in the last month, which ranks 26th in the league while recording only seven sacks (20th).

    Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET Sunday


    The Jets held Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson to 2.9 yards per carry on Sunday. (Al Bello / Getty Images)

    17. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)

    (Last week: 17)

    Sunday: Beat New York Jets 13-8

    Worst case: Unfulfilled promise

    Tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson — all drafted in the top 10 in the last three seasons — were supposed to be a three-headed monster. Each has been electric at times, but it has never happened simultaneously, and Atlanta’s offense certainly isn’t scaring anyone. Robinson surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage on Sunday (1,022, which ranks 13th in the league and second among rookies), but the Falcons are 24th in scoring (18.8 ppg).

    Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    18. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)

    (Last week: 11)

    Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 24-10

    Worst case: Matt Canada wasn’t the problem

    Pittsburgh got a bump the first week after firing its beleaguered offensive coordinator, but it was back to business as usual Sunday. The Steelers scored 10 points against an Arizona defense that ranks 30th in points allowed (25.5 per game). On top of that, quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out multiple weeks. The AFC North lead looks a long way away now.

    Up next: vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday

    19. Cincinnati Bengals (6-6)

    (Last week: 20)

    Monday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 (OT)

    Worst case: A quarterback controversy

    Just kidding, but Jake Browning was excellent on Monday night against a decent Jacksonville defense. Browning was 32-for-37 for 354 yards and a touchdown in his second game since replacing Joe Burrow. If he keeps playing like that, the Bengals can get back into the playoff mix and also could attract something on the trade market once Burrow is healthy. Cincinnati racked up a season-high 491 yards behind Browning.

    Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    20. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

    (Last week: 18)

    Sunday: Bye

    Worst case: Kirk doesn’t come back

    Since Kirk Cousins became a regular starter in 2015, he is sixth in the NFL (among quarterbacks with more than 1,000 attempts) in passer rating (99.9) and 10th in EPA per pass attempt (.21). After beating two NFC South teams in the first weeks without Cousins, the Vikings have lost their last two, and it’s clear how much they miss Captain Kirk. There’s every reason to believe Cousins will return at basically full strength from his torn Achilles, but he’s scheduled to be a free agent in 2024. Minnesota should fix that.

    Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

    21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 21-18

    Worst case: Losing Mike Evans

    The Buccaneers didn’t get a contract extension done with Evans this offseason, and he is the best thing this team has going right now. On Sunday, he extended his own NFL record of most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to begin a career with 10. Evans had seven catches for 162 yards Sunday, accounting for 80.2 percent of Tampa Bay’s passing game. A Buc since the team drafted him in 2014, he should stay a Buc, but he might want a shot at another ring.

    Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 24)

    Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 6-0

    Worst case: Wasting Justin Herbert

    There are a lot of people who aren’t Herbert believers because he’s .500 in his career, 31-31 after Sunday. That’s not on Herbert, though. He’s as physically talented as any quarterback in the league, and he already has 11 fourth-quarter comebacks in his career, which is only two fewer than Patrick Mahomes and more than Lamar Jackson, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow among others. He starts getting really expensive in 2025, though, and it’s going to be even harder for the team to win then.

    Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4:05 p.m. Sunday

    (Last week: 23)

    Sunday: Bye

    Worst case: Quarterback conundrum

    The Raiders are already there. The benched Jimmy Garoppolo counts $28.5 million against the cap for the next two seasons and would cost $33.7 million to cut before June 1. Rookie Aidan O’Connell is 2-3 as a starter, 26th in the league in yards per attempt (6.7) and has more interceptions than touchdowns (six to four). However, if Las Vegas wins a couple more games, it’s going to be outside the ideal spot to draft a sure-fire quarterback prospect this offseason.

    Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    24. New Orleans Saints (5-7)

    (Last week: 21)

    Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 33-28

    Worst case: Paying their credit card bill

    The Saints keep kicking the salary-cap can down the road. It hasn’t gotten them double-digit wins since 2020, and that isn’t changing this season. New Orleans is $71 million over the 2024 salary cap at the moment and looks like it will be starting Jameis Winston at quarterback for a while after Derek Carr was injured Sunday. That might not be so bad considering Saints fans booed loudly this week when Carr replaced Taysom Hill at quarterback during the game.

    Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 25)

    Sunday: Bye

    Worst case: NFC East obscurity

    Division rivals Philadelphia and Dallas already have doubled up New York in wins this season. They have franchise quarterbacks on (Jalen Hurts) or about to be on (Dak Prescott) long-term deals. Even the Commanders have new ownership and some juice. What do the Giants have? A big question about what to do with Daniel Jones when he’s healthy and a hometown, feel-good quarterback fill-in in Tommy DeVito who is due to turn into a pumpkin at any time.

    Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

    26. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24-10

    Worst case: Winning more games

    Seriously, this is enough. The Cardinals are third in the draft order after winning Sunday for the second time in four games. That might be right on the borderline to acquire an elite player in this draft, and Arizona needs elite players, whether that’s a quarterback or not. Since returning in Week 10, Kyler Murray is 10th in the league in passing yards (864) and seventh among quarterbacks in rushing yards (106). Unfortunately for Arizona, that’s been good enough for a couple of wins.

    Up next: Bye

    27. Chicago Bears (4-8)

    (Last week: 27)

    Sunday: Bye

    Worst case: A bad quarterback choice

    It’s looking like Chicago will have its choice of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or … Justin Fields. The incumbent has thrown for 386 yards and rushed for another 163 in two games since returning from a thumb injury. He’s undeniably dynamic and will be tough to give up on, but he’s also 50th in the NFL in passing EPA per dropback (0.07) in the three seasons he has been Chicago’s starter, according to TruMedia.

    Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 28)

    Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 31-28

    Worst case: Will Levis is not the guy

    There was a brief glimmer of hope when Levis took over in Week 8 and beat the Falcons. He had four touchdowns that day. He’s had three since, and he’s 32nd in the league in completion percentage (56.4 percent) and 29th in passer rating (77.6). On Sunday, he completed 16 passes and was arguing with DeAndre Hopkins on the sideline. The only other quarterbacks on the roster are Ryan Tannehill (who may want out of town) and Malik Willis (who isn’t the answer).

    Up next: at Miami Dolphins, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

    29. Washington Commanders (4-9)

    (Last week: 26)

    Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 45-15

    Worst case: A distracted new owner

    Josh Harris, who bought the team this offseason, has a lot on his plate. He might change the team name again, and he has to get a new stadium built somewhere. It’s possible all this would prevent him from moving on from Ron Rivera. Possible, but not likely. Since a surprising 2-0 start, Washington is 2-9 and last in the NFL in point margin (minus-140).

    Up next: Bye

    30. New York Jets (4-8)

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 13-8

    Worst case: Another Aaron Rodgers issue

    Look, the guy is 40 years old. He’ll be coming back from a torn Achilles whenever he does come back. It will probably be fine, but we’ve seen what it looks like when Rodgers is not fine. The Jets played Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian against the Falcons on Sunday, and it was so bad they might go back to Zach Wilson this week. New York is 30th in the league in scoring (14.25) and hasn’t topped 13 points in a game since Oct. 15.

    Up next: vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Last week: 31)

    Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 6-0

    Worst case: Bill Belichick staying stubborn

    Bill Belichick has earned the right to have a large say in how he exits New England after six Super Bowl titles. He could make it difficult on owner Robert Kraft if he wants to, but that would be a shame. The Patriots, and probably Belichick, need a change. New England is 30th in offensive EPA per play and 31st in special teams EPA in the league. It’s gotten bad enough that drafting Caleb Williams or Drake Maye is an option, but the Patriots don’t appear to be a young-quarterback-friendly environment.

    Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday

    (Last week: 32)

    Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21-18

    Worst case: Ruining Bryce Young’s confidence

    The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft hasn’t been good, but it’s not all his fault. Carolina has given up 47 sacks this season. Only three teams have given up more. Thirty-three-year-old Adam Thielen is the only wide receiver on the team with more than 34 catches. Next year’s coach will be charged with developing Young, but it’s going to be tough if he’s beaten down before this season ends.

    Up next: at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

    (Top photo of Deebo Samuel: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Cowboys, Steelers moving up, plus best-case scenarios

    NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Cowboys, Steelers moving up, plus best-case scenarios

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    The homestretch of the NFL season is upon us, and the Power Rankings are in an optimistic mood. That means that this week we’ll look at the best-case scenario for all 32 teams the remainder of the season.

    For some, it’s a Super Bowl ring, for some, it’s a postseason appearance and for some, it’s a new head coach under the Christmas tree.

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Beat Buffalo Bills 37-34 in overtime

    Best case: Super Bowl ring

    Three coaches in NFL history have started 10-1 in back-to-back seasons, according to Elias Sports. They are Don Shula, Tony Dungy and … Nick Sirianni. The Eagles, who played without offensive tackle Lane Johnson (groin), have beaten the Cowboys, Chiefs and Bills in consecutive games, and their next three are against the 49ers, Cowboys and Seahawks. Jalen Hurts, who had five touchdowns Sunday, is second in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (11) and has 18 passing touchdowns. This team can erase the bad taste of last year’s Super Bowl loss.

    Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    GO DEEPER

    NFL Week 12 takeaways: Are Bills’ playoff hopes over after OT loss to Eagles?

    (Last week: 4)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 20-10

    Best case: Super Bowl ring

    The Ravens are the most balanced team in the AFC. They are second in scoring defense (15.6) and defensive success rate (62.9 percent). Offensively, they lead the league in rushing (158.6 per game) and are seventh in yards overall (366.1 ypg). Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen each have more than 100 tackles, and Jadeveon Clowney has 7 1/2 sacks. Baltimore hasn’t advanced past the divisional round since its 2012 Super Bowl win. That looks like it’ll change.

    Up next: Bye

    3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)

    (Last week: 2)

    Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 31-17

    Best case: Super Bowl ring

    It would be the second in a row for the Chiefs. Any worries about the state of Kansas City’s wide receiving corps should be offset by the fact that this team won its last Super Bowl with the same group plus JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has 24 catches this season for 159 yards for the Patriots. Rashee Rice was a bright spot Sunday, catching eight passes for 107 yards. With Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the best case is a ring. On Sunday, Reid became the first coach in NFL history to become the winningest coach for two franchises.

    Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    4. San Francisco 49ers (8-3)

    (Last week: 5)

    Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 31-13

    Best case: Super Bowl ring

    Since acquiring defensive end Chase Young at the trade deadline, the 49ers are second in the league with 15 sacks. They have at least four sacks in each game since then, and they got Geno Smith six times on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, they still have Brock Purdy and that offense. San Francisco has played one other contender this season. It beat the Cowboys 42-10 in that game. This team could finally get Kyle Shanahan his championship.

    Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

    (Last week: 7)

    Thursday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-10

    Best case: Super Bowl ring

    Dallas hasn’t been able to do better than regular-season rings for a while now, so there’s some understandable skepticism about this team, but the Cowboys are a very real threat. They lead the NFL in scoring margin (162). They are second in offensive EPA, third in defensive EPA and 10th in special teams EPA. Dak Prescott received PFF’s highest game grade (97) of any quarterback since 2007 for his Thursday performance. He has topped 300 yards passing and a 115 passer rating four times in the last five games.

    Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET


    Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins’ explosive offense gives coach Mike McDaniel’s team a chance against everyone. (Mike Stobe / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 6)

    Friday: Beat New York Jets 34-13

    Best case: Super Bowl

    The Dolphins are second in the league in scoring (30.82 ppg) despite having 19 turnovers (the sixth most in the league). If Miami’s offense plays cleanly, this team can beat anyone. However, a defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed (22.82 per game) and lost Jaelan Phillips to an Achilles injury Friday combined with the fact that the Dolphins didn’t top 20 points against the Bills, Eagles or Chiefs makes it hard to think this group can beat three really good teams in a row.

    Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 3)

    Thursday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 29-22

    Best case: Super Bowl ring

    Even Jared Goff’s most ardent fans get nervous this time of year, and Goff wasn’t great Thursday against the Packers. Still, in an off game, he produced 332 yards, two touchdowns and a 103.6 passer rating. The Lions play the Saints, Bears, Broncos and Vikings (twice) down the stretch. If Detroit can get home-field advantage, it can make a run with this offense, which ranks second in the league in yardage (405.5).

    Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Explaining the inexplicable Denver Broncos and other NFL mysteries: Sando’s Pick Six

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 24-21

    Best case: Two playoff games

    Jacksonville’s stars are getting hot at the right time. Linebacker Josh Allen had 2 1/2 sacks Sunday and now is second in franchise history with 38 for his career. On the offensive side, Calvin Ridley has 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks. Jacksonville has won seven of its last eight with the only loss coming to San Francisco.

    Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    9. Buffalo Bills (6-6)

    (Last week: 12)

    Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 37-34 in overtime

    Best case: Super Bowl

    We’re having a hard time giving up on the Bills even though they lost for the third time in four games Sunday. The reason? That very game. Buffalo gained 505 yards and went toe-to-toe with the defending NFC champions in Philadelphia. The Bills are fifth in scoring (27.33 per game) and fourth in scoring margin (101). It’s not going to be easy to claw back into the picture with the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins still on the schedule, but if they do …

    Up next: Bye

    (Last week: 10)

    Sunday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 24-21

    Best case: Two playoff games

    This team will be dangerous in the playoffs, if it makes it, because of C.J. Stroud. The rookie topped 300 yards passing for the fourth consecutive game (an NFL rookie record) and sixth time this season Sunday and also led Houston in rushing with 47 yards. The Texans are one spot outside the playoff picture but still play the Titans twice and the Jets once down the stretch.

    Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 15)

    Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 16-10

    Best case: Two playoff games

    Firing Matt Canada seems to have served its purpose. After failing to top 400 yards in 44 games with Canada as the offensive coordinator, the Steelers gained 421 the week after firing him. Pairing an actual offense with a defense that ranks fifth in points allowed (18.6 ppg) is a winning formula, but it’s hard to imagine Kenny Pickett (31st in EPA per attempt, minus-.05) making much of a playoff run.

    Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Who could Panthers target as next head coach? Jim Harbaugh, Belichick and more candidates

    12. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

    (Last week: 11)

    Thursday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 31-13

    Best case: Playoffs

    There was a time not long ago when the Seahawks looked like a threat to San Francisco in the NFC West. That thought died Thursday when Seattle had three first downs compared with San Francisco’s 16 in the first half. It was the Seahawks’ third loss in the last four games, but they are holding onto the sixth seed in the NFC right now. Still, a defense that ranks 22nd in points allowed (22.6) puts a ceiling on this team.

    Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    13. Denver Broncos (6-5)

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 29-12

    Best case: Playoffs

    Denver won its fifth straight Sunday, giving it the longest active winning streak in the league. In that stretch, the Broncos are third in the league in scoring defense (16.8 ppg allowed). Prior to the winning streak, Denver was giving up 33.3 points per game, which ranked last in the league. Russell Wilson threw for only 134 yards Sunday, but he’s fifth in the league in passer rating (103.4). The Broncos only play two more teams with a winning record — the Lions and Texans. They are a very real playoff contender, but it’s hard to forecast much more considering all the energy it will take to get there.

    Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 8)

    Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 29-12

    Best case: Playoffs

    The Browns would be the No. 6 seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today. Now, they just have to see if they can hold on to that spot. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson was knocked out of Sunday’s game with a head injury and was replaced by P.J. Walker, who completed 6 of 13 passes for 56 yards. That puts more pressure on a defense that ranks first in the league in success rate (67.6 percent) and sack percentage (10.6) and seventh in points allowed (19 per game).

    Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET


    With running back Jonathan Taylor hitting his stride, the Colts could be dangerous down the stretch. (Lauren Leigh Bacho / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 20)

    Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20

    Best case: Playoffs

    The Colts are the seventh seed at the moment and play only two more teams with a winning record — the Steelers and Texans. And this is with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. Jonathan Taylor had his second 90-plus-yard rushing game of the season (91 on 15 carries), and Indianapolis is 11th in the league in scoring (23.3). Shane Steichen has entered the Coach of the Year conversation.

    Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    16. Green Bay Packers (5-6)

    (Last week: 23)

    Thursday: Beat Detroit Lions 29-22

    Best case: Playoffs

    After upsetting the Lions on Thanksgiving, the Packers are only one spot out of the playoff picture. The reason is the improvement of Jordan Love, who is fourth in the league in EPA per attempt (.32) and passing yards (1,193) in November. He threw three touchdowns versus no interceptions on Thanksgiving against the Lions. After throwing eight interceptions in the first seven games, he has only two in the last four games.

    Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.

    (Last week: 24)

    Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 24-15

    Best case: Playoffs

    The Falcons are in first place in the NFC South despite winning for the first time since Oct. 22 on Sunday. The run game produced a season-high 228 yards against New Orleans. Combining more of that with a defense that ranks sixth in the league in success percentage (61 percent) might be enough to keep the Falcons in front in this division. The best part of the weekend for Atlanta was the team’s celebration of 50 years of hip-hop music at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Ludacris even came out of the ceiling.

    Up next: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    18. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

    (Last week: 14)

    Monday: Lost to Chicago Bears 12-10

    Best case: Playoffs

    Despite Josh Dobbs throwing four interceptions and despite losing to the Chicago Bears, the Vikings are still in the playoffs as the No. 7 seed for the moment. The problem is they still have to play the Lions twice. The Dobbs story was fun for a while, but the Vikings should have started working on a new deal for Kirk Cousins at some point in the second half Monday night.

    Up next: Bye

    (Last week: 25)

    Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 37-14

    Best case: Playoffs

    The Rams are in the ninth spot in the NFC after their second consecutive win. Kyren Williams had 143 yards on 16 carries and led the team with six catches (for 61 yards) in his first game since Week 6. Williams has topped 100 rushing yards in three of the last four games he has played, and Los Angeles looks like a different team with him in the lineup. “That was a big deal getting him back,” coach Sean McVay said.

    Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    QB future of all 32 NFL teams: Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and other intriguing scenarios

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 16-10

    Best case: Marvin Harrison Jr.

    They’ve probably already won too many games to get into the top three of the draft, but we are talking about the best-case scenario after all. The Joe Burrow-less Bengals have the second-toughest remaining schedule in the league. They aren’t going to the playoffs, so why not solve their Tee Higgins problem in the best possible way? Lose out. Root for the Patriots, Bears, Commanders and Giants to stumble into a few wins, let Higgins walk and put Harrison, the Ohio State star, with Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

    Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    21. New Orleans Saints (5-6)

    (Last week: 17)

    Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 24-15

    Best case: Playoffs

    Three of the four teams in the NFC South remain in the playoff hunt simply because the division stinks. The Saints had 444 yards of offense but failed to get into the end zone against Atlanta on Sunday. The performance dropped them to 24th in the league in scoring (18.17 ppg). That’s even with Chris Olave having seven catches for 114 yards before leaving with a concussion in the third quarter.

    Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 27-20

    Best case: Playoffs

    The Buccaneers have lost six of their last seven. We should be able to count them out of the playoff race, but they’re only one game back in the win column for first place in the NFC South. Mike Evans is second in the NFL with nine receiving touchdowns after two more Sunday, but Tampa Bay is 23rd in the league in scoring (19.27 ppg). The rest of the Buccaneers have only 13 touchdowns combined.

    Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

    (Last week: 19)

    Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 31-17

    Best case: Jim Harbaugh

    The Antonio Pierce interim coach bump appears to be over. Las Vegas went up 14-0 on Kansas City on Sunday but was outscored 31-3 in the final 37 minutes and has now dropped two in a row. They trail the Broncos in the division and have four teams between them and sniffing a playoff spot. Harbaugh is the type of big name the Raiders love to hire. He’s 49-22-1 all-time in the NFL. And there are reasons to believe his time at Michigan is short.

    Up next: Bye

    24. Los Angeles Chargers (4-7)

    (Last week: 18)

    Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 20-10

    Best case: Ben Johnson

    The Chargers were flagged for having 12 men on the field on their first defensive snap Sunday night, which may be their only hope defensively. Los Angeles is last in the league in defense (390.6 ypg allowed), and Justin Herbert’s talents are being wasted. Herbert is fifth in the league in EPA per attempt (.19) and ninth in passing yards (2,826). Herbert needs an offensive-minded head coach, and the Lions’ offensive coordinator looks like the perfect match. The problem is the Panthers might outspend the Chargers for Johnson.

    Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    QB future of all 32 NFL teams: Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and other intriguing scenarios

    25. New York Giants (4-8)

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 10-7

    Best case: Stop winning

    Tommy DeVito has more passing touchdowns (seven) than Zach Wilson and Kenny Pickett (six each) this season. DeVito, the undrafted free agent who is living with his parents, has started the last three games, and New York has won two of them. The problem is that has cost them valuable draft positioning. They now sit sixth in the order. The good news is they still have to play the Eagles twice.

    Up next: Bye

    (Last week: 21)

    Thursday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 45-10

    Best case: Dan Quinn

    Washington fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer on Friday. Head coach Ron Rivera is almost certainly next. Quinn, the former Falcons head coach and current Cowboys defensive coordinator, would bring the kind of energy and confidence-building style this organization desperately needs. Quinn might even be able to keep pass-happy offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on board.

    Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    27. Chicago Bears (4-8)

    (Last week: 27)

    Monday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 12-10

    Best case: Brian Johnson

    Jalen Hurts is a powerful, athletic, strong-armed quarterback. Justin Fields is a powerful, athletic, strong-armed quarterback (who is faster than Hurts). In Brian Johnson’s three seasons with the Eagles — two as quarterbacks coach and this one as offensive coordinator — Hurts has gone from a question mark at the position to an MVP candidate. It’s folly to assume Fields could follow the same path, but at least Johnson knows what the path looks like. Or, they could just draft Caleb Williams.

    Up next: Bye

    28. Tennessee Titans (4-7)

    (Last week: 28)

    Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 17-10

    Best case: Losing out

    Right now, Tennessee would have the No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft, but it can do better than that. Its five remaining opponents all have winning records, and it’s not inconceivable that Sunday’s win could be the Titans’ last. That would leave them picking in the top five, where they could nab one of the top tackles available — Olu Fashanu of Penn State or Amarius Mims of Georgia.

    Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    29. New York Jets (4-7)

    (Last week: 26)

    Friday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 34-13

    Best case: A media blackout

    No one needs to see the rest of this season, for their sake or for the Jets’. Having Robert Saleh do a television interview moments after New York gave up a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown on a Hail Mary attempt to end the first half against Miami felt cruel. Of course, the Jets bring a lot of this on themselves by doing things like starting Tim Boyle over Trevor Siemian (or a long list of other quarterbacks who could have been acquired during the season).

    Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 37-14

    Best case: A beneficial Kyler Murray trade

    The Cardinals got a Murray bump in his first game back from a torn ACL, but they have returned to form now. Murray had an 83.2 passer rating, rushed for only 2 yards and was sacked four times Sunday. The Cardinals are in position to draft either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, and Murray is dynamic enough that he can bring them a good return on the trade market.

    Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    31. New England Patriots (2-9)

    (Last week: 31)

    Sunday: Lost to New York Giants 10-7

    Best case: An amicable parting

    The Patriots are 4-14 in their last 18 games. Their best quarterback options are Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Both played Sunday, and neither topped 100 passing yards. Bill Belichick spoke for four minutes in his postgame news conference before he walked out. Owner Robert Kraft has been quiet about Belichick’s job status, but it’s hard to imagine him coaching in New England next year.

    Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    32. Carolina Panthers (1-10)

    (Last week: 32)

    Sunday: Lost to Tennessee Titans 17-10

    Best case: Ben Johnson

    In what may be the weirdest stat in the league right now, Carolina has seen its point total stay level or decrease in each of the last six games — 24, 21, 15, 13, 13, 10. That’s the kind of thing that gets a head coach fired, and it did Monday as the Panthers dismissed Frank Reich. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young could use a dose of Johnson’s offense. Carolina won’t be the most attractive job this offseason, but Panthers owner David Tepper can afford to pay to lure Johnson, and now he has a head start on the competition.

    Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Who will make the 2023 NFL playoffs? Our confidence (or lack thereof) in 20 teams

    (Top photo of DaRon Bland, left, and Dak Prescott: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • Thursday Night Football: Seahawks vs. Cowboys 11/30

    Thursday Night Football: Seahawks vs. Cowboys 11/30

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    This week’s NFL Thursday Night Football clash features the Seattle Seahawks facing off against the Dallas Cowboys.

    Listen live to your choice of the home, away, or national feed on the SiriusXM app. Kickoff is November 30 at 8:15pm ET.

    Stream the Dallas Cowboys broadcast (Ch. 808)

    Stream the Seattle Seahawks broadcast (Ch. 828)

    Stream the National broadcast (Ch. 88)

    Home: Dallas Cowboys

    The Dallas Cowboys dominate at home, winning their past 13 games, the longest active streak in the NFL.

    Quarterback Dak Prescott remains hot, boasting a 142.1 rating with 331 yards and 4 TDs in Week 12. Running back Tony Pollard contributed 103 scrimmage yards and aims for his 3rd consecutive 1,000-yard season. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is a reliable target for Prescott with 1,066 receiving yards, ranking 3rd in the NFL in 2023.

    Defensively, cornerback DaRon Bland leads the league with 7 interceptions, including a career-high 5th INT-TD of the season. Linebacker Micah Parsons stands out with 11.5 sacks in 2023 and a sack in 6 of the past 7 games.

    Dallas Cowboys Home Feed

    SiriusXM channel 225 in your vehicle

    Channel 808 on the SiriusXM app

    Seattle Seahawks Away Feed

    SiriusXM channel 226 in your vehicle

    Channel 828 on the SiriusXM app

    National Feed

    SiriusXM channel 88 in your vehicle

    Channel 88 via on SiriusXM app

    Away: Seattle Seahawks

    Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Geno Smith has 20 TDs in his past 13 road starts with a 99.2 rating. Running back Kenneth Walker shines on the road, securing 4 rush TDs in 5 away games this season. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett maintains consistency with his 6th-straight season of 50+ catches and 500+ rec. yards.

    Linebacker Bobby Wagner continues his impressive streak, recording 113 tackles in 2023, his 12th-straight season with 100+ tackles. Safety Jamal Adams looks to extend his streak with a 5th consecutive game with a tackle for loss.

    Quandre Diggs reached 61 tackles in 2023, marking his 4th-straight 60+ tackle season. Rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon leads all rookies with 14 PD in 2023.

    For more on SiriusXM’s NFL programming, visit SiriusXM.com/NFL.

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    Matthew Fanizza

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  • Anonymous NFL player poll 2023: Best player? Biggest trash talker? Most annoying fans?

    Anonymous NFL player poll 2023: Best player? Biggest trash talker? Most annoying fans?

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    Spoiler alert: Players around the NFL think Patrick Mahomes is pretty good.

    The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and two-time MVP was our runaway winner as the best player in the game today, according to the 85 players our beat writers from The Athletic spoke to over the past month. That’s no surprise, but the rest of the answers weren’t so obvious, as we set out to conduct our first anonymous NFL player poll.

    We asked each player we spoke to the same set of questions, although not every player answered them all. They were granted anonymity in order to candidly offer their opinions on the league’s players, coaches, commissioner and some of the biggest topics facing the league today — including running back salaries, the grass versus turf debate and more.

    Players were polled on who dishes the best trash talk, which coach besides their own they’d like to play for and who are the most underrated players in the league. Some of the more entertaining responses came when players were asked which team has the most annoying fan base.

    “Buffalo,” one player responded. “They be mooning folks and it’s like, ‘Why y’all showing y’all ass?’ F— outta here with that.”

    Sorry, Bills fans, just like the standings right now, that wasn’t enough to get you into first place.

    Throughout this player poll — and upcoming stories that will dive deeper into some of the questions — we hope you learn more about what today’s NFL players really think.

    (Editor’s note: In some cases, the combined percentages of all the answers to a question may not add up to 100 percent, because individual percentages have been rounded up or down to the nearest tenth of a percentage point. Half-votes were awarded if a player gave two answers to a question.)

    Did you really expect anybody else? Nearly half of the respondents selected Mahomes, many without giving it much thought.

    “He’s Patrick Mahomes,” said one player.

    “Don’t you have to say him?” added another.

    “There’s nobody like him,” one more said.

    As if any justification for this vote was needed, one player offered this: “No matter how much you’re down, he still can bring your team back.”

    GO DEEPER

    The lessons Patrick Mahomes learned as a high school safety that helped him become an elite QB

    That said, more than half of the 84 respondents to this question went a different direction, with Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald earning runner-up honors.

    “It’s self-explanatory on that one. No one can stop him,” offered one player.

    Said one player who chose the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett: “I was gonna sit here and debate quarterbacks, but there’s your answer. The guy is out of this world.”

    Talking trash is a part of sports, but there are some players in the NFL more inclined to ruffle feathers with their on-field chatter.

    Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is now with the Detroit Lions after spending last season with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl run, tops the list. He did so despite not playing since Week 2, when he injured a pectoral muscle.

    “I think that’s just kind of like his schtick,” one player said. “I don’t know if it necessarily works, but it’s what he reverts to.”

    Jalen Ramsey, who also missed extended time before returning to the field last month for the Miami Dolphins, received the second-most votes. “He has a lot to say,” one player opined.

    And don’t for a second think trash talk is limited to just defensive players. The Los Angeles Chargers’ Keenan Allen, one of the NFL’s most consistent wideouts, is known to have a thing or two to say during games. “Big-time s— talker,” one player said. “It’s nonstop.”

    Offensive linemen tend to get in on the act, too. Said a player of Carolina Panthers guard Austin Corbett: “I think his trash-talking is pretty elite. It’s the psychological warfare. It’s so nice you don’t even know what’s going on.”


    Nearly a quarter of the players we spoke to chose C.J. Gardner-Johnson as the league’s best trash-talker. (Rey Del Rio / Getty Images)

    When in doubt, go with the head coach who remarkably has never had a losing season. That continues to be the distinction for Mike Tomlin, who again has the Pittsburgh Steelers well on their way to a 17th consecutive .500 or better campaign with him in charge.

    “His messaging, leadership and attitude seem consistent with a winning formula,” one player said.

    “He’s tough and accountable, and he demands that out of his players,” added another.

    From the veteran, Super Bowl-winning coach in Tomlin, players shifted to the young, quirky offensive mastermind in Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.

    “He seems like a pretty fun coach to play for,” one player said of the 40-year-old in his second season in Miami.

    Not far behind were Kansas City’s Andy Reid and Detroit’s Dan Campbell, the latter of whom might be the favorite for this season’s NFL Coach of the Year award.

    “A guy who really loves ball,” said a player who chose Reid. “So I think that’s a really good coach.”

    Of Campbell, another player said: “I appreciate coaches that are players’ coaches and get the best out of their players.”

    Sometimes on-field production doesn’t always lead to players getting the respect they deserve. Regardless of how well some perform, their names aren’t brought up as much when discussing the top guys at their respective positions.

    Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins led the vote, but there are a multitude of players who received recognition among their peers for being underrated.

    “His production speaks for itself, and nobody ever talks about him when the topic of best RBs in the league comes up,” one player said of Chargers dual-threat running back Austin Ekeler. “He’s vital to that offense running and also in the pass game,” another player added.

    And though the tight end discussion is normally dominated by Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce, players feel the San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle and Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews should get even more credit than they already do.

    “I think he’s the best tight end in the league,” one player said unapologetically about Kittle.

    “I don’t know how underrated he is, but everybody is always talking about Kelce and Kittle, not him,” another player said in regard to Andrews.

    It turns out players aren’t scared away from the sight of the stadium that’s hosted five consecutive AFC Championship Games. (Then again, maybe Arrowhead Stadium’s steady presence on their TV is influencing their decision.)

    Whatever the reason, players love playing in the NFL’s third-oldest stadium (opened in 1972) even if some did mention issues with Kansas City’s cramped locker rooms.

    “That place is electric,” one player said. “That’s one of the coolest places to play. In my opinion, the loudest in the NFL.”


    It may be one of the NFL’s oldest venues, but players appreciate the loud atmosphere at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. (Kara Durrette / Getty Images)

    Minnesota’s seven-year-old U.S. Bank Stadium — despite being an indoor stadium with turf — was lauded for many of the same ear-rattling reasons.

    “That place was f—ing loud,” one player said.

    Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium also fared well, along with Green Bay’s historic Lambeau Field — “The fans and the atmosphere are the best in the league.” — and Seattle’s Lumen Field.

    “If it was grass — whoo! — it would be perfect,” one player who chose Seattle said, while another added: “It almost feels like you’re in a bird’s nest. Gotham City.”

    Arrowhead and U.S. Bank led the way for best stadiums, but players had opposite viewpoints of MetLife Stadium, FedEx Field and Highmark Stadium, which were the top vote-getters for worst to play in.

    The Commanders’ home field has never been a popular playing destination, and this poll solidified that even before Sunday, when there wasn’t any hot water or sufficient water pressure for players to shower after the New York Giants’ win over Washington.

    “Almost everything about (FedEx) is below the standard of what an NFL stadium should be,” one player said. “The place is just a dump,” said another.

    As for MetLife, where both the Giants and Jets play, a player voiced that the “turf sucks and the whole place is lame.” Another agreed about the turf, adding that the “fans are horrible. Everything about that place is horrible.”

    Though Lambeau Field was among the top five for best stadium, it was also top five for the worst stadium — for one obvious reason: “F—ing Green Bay, because it’s super cold!”

    Meanwhile, the Oakland Coliseum hasn’t been used since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020 but still managed to pick up a couple of votes.

    The Eagles and Cowboys apparently aren’t just competing on the field, with both grabbing about a quarter of the votes from the 73 players who answered this question.

    “Just loud, rude and obnoxious,” one player said of Eagles fans, who might be nodding along in agreement at this moment. “They just swear they’re the biggest football gurus on earth,” added another.

    Said a player who picked the Cowboys: “They usually think they should win the Super Bowl every year.”


    Half of our respondents wasted little time in picking the Eagles or Cowboys fans as the most annoying. (Andy Lewis / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    As for the AFC East battle for third place between the Bills and Jets, while mooning in Buffalo earned Bills fans demerits, the classic “J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets” chant drove one player to pick New York.

    “That J-E-T-S stuff. They were doing that during warmups,” he said.

    From the outside looking in, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t appear to be beloved across the league. But when talking with players for our poll, the majority of voters gave him their seal of approval.

    “He continues to elevate the league and make everyone more money,” one player said.

    Another player said he’d give Goodell a thumbs up because of “the way he’s growing the game right now, the way he’s expanding it. Because at one point when I was in college, and all of the concussion stuff was coming out, I was scared, like, ‘Hey, football might not last,’ but now, I don’t feel that way.”

    Not everyone polled was in favor of Goodell’s approach.

    “Thumbs down. He’s done fined me too many times,” one player added, while another mentioned Goodell “forgets too often that the league is about the players.”

    The biggest story here might be that two players — among the 81 who responded — gave NFL officials a 10 out of 10 rating. Overall, though, the results are largely what you’d expect, with the vast majority of scores falling in the middle range, as 57 players (70.4 percent) selected between a 4 and 7.

    “They miss some calls, but it’s a really hard job,” said one sympathetic player who rated them an 8.

    “Either they’re missing obvious calls or they’re calling everything,” said a player who rated them a 4. “There’s no in-between, and it varies so much between crews that you never know what to expect.”

    One player who gave a 2 rating offered a solution for improvement: “They all should be full-time employees. It’s a no-brainer.”

    There’s no disputing how players across the league feel about the ongoing turf versus grass debate. Nearly 83 percent of those who gave an answer said it’s a real concern.

    “You wake up in the morning feeling 10 times better after you played on grass compared to when you played on turf,” said one player.

    “I’ve been vocal about it. I think our locker room is pretty unified on it,” another player added. “It sucks, and there’s enough money to eliminate it. It’s time.”

    Some say they can feel the difference not only after games but before the first snap is taken.

    “Even warming up on the turf field in Minnesota hurt my knees,” a player declared.

    “You feel like s—,” a lineman added. “Especially being a big guy, running on turf, your knees hurt. When you fall and trip, you don’t want to get up. You feel it the next day a lot.”

    The positional value of running backs was a hot topic this offseason with the contract situations of Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor. Only Taylor earned a long-term extension (and only after a messy standoff). While running backs across the league gathered on Zoom to discuss solutions, there are few options until the collective bargaining agreement expires in 2030, when the NFL Players Association could try to seek changes to the franchise tag.

    Running backs have complained about how the tag unfairly impacts them — only punters and kickers make less on a franchise tag — but the reality is they would need support from their locker room to enact changes. An increase in pay for running backs could reduce salaries at other positions. Though our results show that support exists to some degree, it’s not overwhelming.

    “What? No. What makes them better than me?” offered one player.

    Another, who already sounds like he has an executive future in mind, painted an even bleaker picture.

    “I know that running backs complain about the market,” he said. “But from an insider’s perspective, if I was ever a GM, I would never pay a running back. There’s a lot of talented backs that come out in the draft every year — at any place in the draft. I would never draft a running back in the first round.”


    While 53.4 percent support franchise tag changes for running backs like Josh Jacobs, there’s plenty of disagreement among players. (Steve Marcus / Getty Images)

    Other players were more understanding of the running backs’ plight.

    “Yeah. Because they’re definitely underpaid,” one said. “The franchise tag for a lineman is like, what, $15 (million), $16 million? I mean, s—, that’s more than great money. So, yeah, I definitely feel like they should be paid more.”

    Others supported a change, but not exclusively for running backs: “The whole franchise tag rule has to be changed in general. It’s become too powerful of a tool.”

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    The value of NFL running backs keeps falling. How did we get here?

    The NFL has been doing its best to expand its reach beyond the United States. This season, there were five games played internationally (three in London and two in Frankfurt, Germany). Games were also played in Mexico City in previous seasons.

    After years of hearing the rumors, what if there really were a team located outside the United States? Would players be interested in the possibility of playing for one? The majority said no, but more than one-third of those we spoke to said they would be open to the idea.

    “Hell yeah! Because overseas they’re gonna pay that money,” said one player who may have forgotten a salary cap would still exist. “Think about a team in Saudi Arabia. I know that’s far as f—, but whatever. Think about Saudi Arabia and the soccer players. They’re giving out billions of dollars, so hell yeah I’ll play in Saudi Arabia.”

    One player on the fence said it would depend on where the team was located. “Probably. That’d be cool. Only in England, though. I’m not going to f—ing Germany.”

    “Hell no. I’d retire,” another player said.

    He wasn’t alone. Said another player: “No. I like dropping my kids off at their really nice school and ordering pizza from the place down the street. If I was 23, maybe (it would be) different. But that’s just not for me.”

    (Top illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic;
    photos of Mike Tomlin, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Donald
    by Cooper Neill and Justin Edmonds / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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    The New York Times

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  • How to watch today’s San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks NFL game: Livestream options, kick off time, more

    How to watch today’s San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks NFL game: Livestream options, kick off time, more

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    nick-bosa-2.jpg
    Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the quarterback during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. The 49ers defeated the Jaguars 34-3. 

    Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images


    The San Francisco 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks for a special Thanksgiving Thursday Night Football game. This NFC showdown is one of the top games of Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season. Keep reading for all the ways you watch this Thanksgiving Day NFL game.

    How and when to watch the San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks game 

    The Thursday Night Football matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks will be played Thursday, November 23 at 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 p.m. PT). The game will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock, Sling TV and other providers.

    How to watch the San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks game without cable

    While most cable packages include NBC, it’s easy to watch the game if NBC isn’t included in your cable TV subscription, or if you don’t have cable at all. Your best options for watching are below. (Streaming options will require an internet provider.)

    Peacock offers its subscribers live streaming access to NFL games that air on NBC, including today’s matchup and future Sunday Night Football games. The streaming service has plenty more live sports to offer, including Big Ten football, Premier League soccer and WWE wrestling (including formerly PPV-only events such as Wrestlemania). There’s 80,000 hours worth of recorded content to watch as well, including hit movies and TV series such as “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.”

    Peacock Black Friday deal: Right now for Black Friday, you can get a subscription to Peacock for $1.99 per month for 12 months, or $19.99 annually.  Normally, a Peacock subscription costs $6 per month. An annual plan is available for $60 per year, so this is a huge limited-time discount. This deal is available only to new subscribers.

    Top features of Peacock:

    • Peacock original programming, including “Poker Face” and “The Imposters”
    • Live NFL Sunday Night Football and the NFL on Thanksgiving (San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks)
    • Paris 2024 Summer Olympic coverage
    • NBC TV content, including fan-favorite shows like “The Office” and “New Girl”

    Stream the game on Sling TV for half price

    NBC is included in most cable TV packages. If you have don’t have cable TV that includes NBC, ABC, Fox or ESPN, one of the most cost-effective ways to stream live NFL football this year is through a subscription to Sling TV. The streamer offers access to the NFL Network, local NBC, Fox and ABC affiliates (where available) and ESPN with its Orange + Blue Tier plan. Also worth noting: Sling TV comes with 50 hours of cloud-based DVR recording space included, perfect for recording all the season’s top NFL matchups.

    Sling TV Black Friday deal: Sling TV is on sale for Black Friday. While the plan normally costs $60 per month, the streamer is currently offering a 50% off Black Friday promotion for your first month. You’ll pay just $30.  You’ll also get a FREE Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite, which turns most TVs into a streaming device.You can learn more by tapping the button below.

    Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue tier:

    • There are 46 channels to watch in total, including local NBC, Fox and ABC affiliates (where available).
    • You get access to most local NFL games and nationally broadcast games at the lowest price.
    • All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.

    Watch the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks game free with FuboTV 

    You can also catch the game on FuboTV. FuboTV is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to almost every NFL game of the season. Packages include CBS, Fox Sunday NFC games via “NFL on Fox”, NBC (Sunday Night Football), ESPN (Monday Night Football), NFL Network and more, so you’ll be able to watch more than just today’s games, all without a cable subscription.

    To watch the NFL without cable, start a seven-day free trial of Fubo. You can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer. In addition to NFL football, FuboTV offers MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer games. 

    FuboTV Black Friday deal: FuboTV is running a Black Friday deal. For a limited time, new subscribers can save $40 on Fubo’s Pro, Elite, and Premier plans — $20 off the first and second months. That means you can get a Fubo Pro plan for as low as $55 per month.

    Top features of FuboTV Pro Tier:

    • There are no contracts with FuboTV — you can cancel at any time.
    • The Pro tier includes 169 channels, including NFL Network. (You’ll need to upgrade to Ultimate for NFL RedZone.)
    • FuboTV includes all the channels you’ll need to watch college and pro football, including CBS (not available through Sling TV).
    • All tiers come with 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR recording.
    • Stream on your TV, phone, and other devices.

    Watch the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks game on Hulu + Live TV

    You can watch the NFL, including the NFL Network, with Hulu + Live TV. The bundle features access to 90 channels, including both Fox and FS1. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch every game on every network with Hulu + Live TV, plus catch live NFL preseason games, exclusive live regular season games, popular studio shows (including NFL Total Access and the Emmy-nominated show Good Morning Football) and lots more.

    Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+ for $77 per month.

    Hulu Black Friday deal: Note that there is a Black Friday deal on Hulu that doesn’t include live NFL streaming — you can get a year of Hulu for 99 cents per month for a year, and Disney+ for $2 per month extra.

    Watch NFL football live with a digital HDTV antenna

    tv-antenna.png

    Amazon


    If you’re cutting the cord to your cable company, you’re not alone; in fact, you are in luck. You can still watch the NFL on TV with an affordable indoor antenna, which pulls in local over-the-air HDYC channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, PBS, Univision and more. Here’s the kicker: There’s no monthly charge.

    Anyone living in partially blocked-off area (those near mountains or first-floor apartments), a digital TV antenna may not pick up a good signal — or any signal at all. But for many homes, a digital TV antenna provides a seriously inexpensive way to watch college football without paying a cable company. Indoor TV antennas can also provide some much-needed TV backup if a storm knocks out your cable (or your cable company gets in a squabble with a network).

    This amplified indoor HDTV antenna claims to have a 250-mile range and comes with a 16.5-foot coaxial cable. It’s rated 4.0 stars by Amazon reviewers. Regularly $33, it’s currently on sale for $22 after coupon ahead of Black Friday.

    Watch the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks game on your phone with NFL+

    If you want to catch tonight’s game on your phone — and all the amazing football ahead this season — check out NFL+. The premium streaming service, starting at $40 per year (or $7 per month), offers access to NFL Network. And yes, that includes games being broadcast out-of-market. To boost your NFL experience even further, you can upgrade to NFL+ Premium with NFL RedZone and watch up to eight NFL games simultaneously. A seven-day, free trial is available.

    Top features of NFL+:

    • You get access to all NFL preseason games, including those that are out of market.
    • NFL+ lets you watch stream local and primetime regular season games on your phone or tablet, but not your TV.
    • Includes the NFL Network (and NFL RedZone with NFL+ Premium), so it’s a good option for those who are looking to stream football on the go.

    If you’re waiting for today’s game to begin, now is a great time to check out Amazon’s new NFL Fan Shop. The Amazon NFL Fan Shop is filled to the brim with officially licensed fan gear: You’ll find jerseys, team flags, T-shirts, hoodies and more, including tons of great Christmas gifts for the NFL fan in your life. There are plenty of great early Black Friday deals awaiting you at Amazon, too, including some must-see Black Friday deals on TVs for watching football.

    Tap the button below to head directly to the NFL Fan Shop page on Amazon and select your favorite team.

    2023 NFL Season Week 12 Schedule

    The 2023 NFL Season Week 12 schedule is below. All times listed ET. The game you see broadcast locally will depend on your geographical area. 

    Thursday, Nov. 23

    • Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions, 12: 30 p.m. (Fox)
    • Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. (CBS)
    • San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

    Friday, Nov. 24

    • Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets, 3:00 p.m. (Amazon Prime)

    Sunday, Nov. 26

    • New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
    • Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
    • Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
    • New England Patriots vs. NY Giants, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
    • Carolina Panthers vs. Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
    • LA Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
    • Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
    • Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
    • Buffalo Bills vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
    • Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

    Monday, Nov. 27

    • Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)

    Storylines we’re following this NFL season

    Important dates to remember: 

    • The 2023 NFL regular season runs today through Jan. 7, 2024. 
    • Playoffs are scheduled for January 13 through Jan. 28, 2004.
    • Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2024 in Las Vegas
    lamar-jackson-2.jpg
    No. 8 Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson

    Getty Images


    The NFL’s first Black Friday game: The league is going big on Thanksgiving this year with three games, followed by its first-ever Black Friday game. Though schedulers had undoubtedly anticipated a bigger matchup between the Dolphins and the Jets prior to Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffering a season ending injury during the team’s first game of the 2023 season, the NFL still has high hopes that extending its coverage into Black Friday will also extend the ratings.

    Hello, my name is Joshua Dobbs. If you follow the Cleveland Browns, you’ll recall the team’s training camp backup quarterback was 28-year-old journeyman QB Joshua Dobbs. The Browns traded Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals in August, where he served as the team’s starter while franchise QB Kyler Murray rehabbed from injury. On October 31, Dobbs was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Six days later, he was on the field after the Vikings starter left the game with a concussion. Dobbs led the Vikings to a win over the Atlanta Falcons despite having not practiced with, or learned the names of, his teammates. Dobbs became the first quarterback in NFL history with consecutive three-touchdown games for different teams and continues to start for the Vikings.

    Good morning, Baltimore. Many hours of NFL sports broadcasts over recent years have been dedicated to arguing the talents (or lack thereof) of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Lamar has always been a dynamic scrambler out of the pocket, but pundits (and Bengals fans) like to argue that Lamar runs the ball too often. The Ravens are 8-3 coming into Week 12 and MVP chants follow Lamar (again) at every turn. Jackson has five rushing touchdowns this season, which has no doubt fueled the fire.

    Related content on CBS Essentials

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  • NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Browns, Texans on the rise, plus head coach status check

    NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Browns, Texans on the rise, plus head coach status check

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    It’s Week 11 in the NFL, and it’s time to start thinking about who among the current head coaches has a future that will extend into the 2024 season.

    The Las Vegas Raiders have already made a coaching change, replacing Josh McDaniels with Antonio Pierce, at least on an interim basis. The Power Rankings are weighing in this week with a status check on Pierce and the other 31 head coaches to determine who’s “solid,” who’s “safe” and who’s “shaky.”

    Remember, that it takes a lot for a coach to reach “solid” status in the NFL, and don’t be surprised by the very famous name low on the list who is on shaky ground.

    (Last week: 2)

    Sunday: Bye

    Coach status: Safe

    Since going 9-8 in 2021, Nick Sirianni is 22-4 as the Eagles’ coach. He took Philadelphia to the Super Bowl last season and is beloved in the city for his fiery personality on top of it. It’s hard to imagine a better marriage of city and coach than what the Eagles have at the moment, just like it’s hard to imagine Sirianni not being in Philadelphia for a long time.

    Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 3)

    Sunday: Bye

    Coach status: Solid

    Andy Reid is 254-140 in 25 seasons as a head coach, which puts him fourth on the all-time wins list. He’s had eight straight double-digit wins seasons, and he is the only coach in NFL history to lead two franchises to 10 or more playoff wins. By his standards, this year’s Chiefs are struggling on offense (13th in scoring, 23.11 points per game), and not a single person is worried that Reid and company won’t figure it out.

    Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    GO DEEPER

    Why Chiefs coach Andy Reid runs the NFL’s hardest training camp

    (Last week: 4)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 41-38

    Coach status: Safe

    All the kneecap-biting jokes were on us. Plenty of people wrote off Dan Campbell after his bombastic introductory news conference, but he’s 15-4 in his last 19 games. The Lions went for it on fourth down five times Sunday against the Chargers and converted four times, including an early fourth-and-5 with a run play and then on fourth-and-2 with 1:47 left in a tie game when in field goal range. Converting that last one allowed Detroit to run the clock down and kick the game-winner as time expired. “He’s got big …” (confidence, let’s say confidence), quarterback Jared Goff said after the game.

    Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 6)

    Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3

    Coach status: Solid

    There’s no doubt Kyle Shanahan is one of the best offensive designers and play callers in the NFL, maybe in the history of the NFL, but is he a great head coach? After Sunday, Shanahan is 58-49 in seven seasons in San Francisco. Eleven current head coaches with at least six years on the job have a better career winning percentage than Shanahan’s .539. But when it looks good, it looks good, and it looked good Sunday. The 49ers had 437 yards and are now third in the league in scoring (28 ppg).

    Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET


    Greg Newsome II and the Browns pulled off an upset in Baltimore on Sunday. (Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 10)

    Sunday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 33-31

    Coach status: Safe

    What are we supposed to do with Kevin Stefanski? Sunday’s win over the Ravens, which put Cleveland in a tie with Pittsburgh for second place in the AFC North, may have moved him from shaky to safe. It was the Browns’ fourth win in the last five games in a season that has included season-ending injuries to running back Nick Chubb and offensive tackle Jack Conklin and whatever is going on with Deshaun Watson’s shoulder. Cleveland’s win total went down in each of Stefanski’s first three seasons, but he’s close to stopping that trend after Sunday’s win.

    Up next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 33-31

    Coach status: Solid

    John Harbaugh is on his way to a sixth winning season in the last seven years, and he may very well be on the way to the Super Bowl even after losing to the Browns on Sunday. After making home run hires at defensive coordinator (Mike McDonald) and offensive coordinator (Todd Monken) in the last two seasons, Harbaugh is now 154-98 in his 16th season with the Ravens.

    Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, 8:15 p.m.

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    NFL Week 10 takeaways: C.J. Stroud enters the MVP race; day of mayhem in the AFC North

    (Last week: 7)

    Sunday: Bye

    Coach status: Safe

    What Mike McDaniel is doing in the NFL should not go unappreciated, and we’re not talking about running an offense that is averaging 7.1 yards per play, the most by any team in at least the last 20 years. We’re talking about having a personality. In a league in which too many coaches behave like they’re working on a cure for cancer, McDaniel has the self-assurance to have a sense of humor, and he’s 15-11 in two seasons in Miami.

    Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 5)

    Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 30-27

    Coach status: Safe

    Zac Taylor has the lowest wins-to-respect ratio in the NFL. Without question, much of the Bengals’ success in the last three seasons (27-15 with a Super Bowl run) should be credited to Joe Burrow, but the extent to which Taylor has been erased from the equation is pretty remarkable. The Bengals remained in last place in the AFC North thanks to Sunday’s loss, but Taylor remains safe in Cincinnati.

    Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 29-26

    Coach status: Solid

    Pete Carroll, the world’s youngest 72-year-old, has taken Seattle to the postseason in 10 of his 13 seasons as head coach and right now they’d be the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. He is 17th all-time with 167 wins. And what Carroll has done for Geno Smith’s confidence is part of his secret sauce. After a dud offensive performance in Week 9, Smith passed for 369 yards Sunday, and Seattle had the 11th most-productive offensive yardage game of the season in the league (489 yards).

    Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 15)

    Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 30-27

    Coach status: Safe

    It looks like everyone who’s been saying that DeMeco Ryans was going to make a great head coach was right. It’s not just that Ryans is one game out of first place in the AFC South in his first year in Houston, it’s that he hasn’t taken a misstep since getting the job in January. The Texans took the right quarterback (C.J. Stroud) with the No. 2 pick in April, and that led to 544 yards on Sunday against the Bengals and one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL.

    Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Bears, Giants or Patriots: Which can maximize the NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick? Sando’s Pick Six

    (Last week: 8)

    Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 34-3

    Coach status: Safe

    Doug Pederson has made a nice career of replacing the big splash college coach hire by just being a pro. In Philadelphia, he replaced Chip Kelly and won a Super Bowl in his second year. In Jacksonville, he replaced Urban Meyer and has the Jaguars in first place in the AFC South in his second season. Sunday was a down day, though. The Jaguars offensive EPA (minus-21.07) was the fourth worst in Pederson’s 118 games as a head coach.

    Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 12)

    Sunday: Beat New York Giants 49-17

    Coach status: Shaky

    Mike McCarthy is 30-13 in the regular season in the last three years as Cowboys coach. He sold Dallas owner Jerry Jones on the notion that giving him more control of the offense would result in better overall team play, and the formula worked Sunday for sure. They outgained the Giants 640-172 and outscored them 109-17 this season, but it hasn’t worked against the teams it will need to in the playoffs. Jones has been more patient with head coaches than his public persona would suggest, but McCarthy has won only one playoff game in Dallas.

    Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET


    The acquisition of quarterback Josh Dobbs, right, has been a winner for coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings. (Adam Bettcher / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 17)

    Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 27-19

    Coach status: Safe

    Kevin O’Connell didn’t get a lot of credit for Minnesota’s 13-4 record in his first season as head coach because of the Vikings’ crazy luck in one-score games and ensuing playoff flameout, but what he’s done in the two games since Kirk Cousins suffered an Achilles injury is impressive. Two weeks ago, Minnesota scored 31 points with a quarterback, Josh Dobbs, who had not taken a snap with the team until that day. On Sunday, the Vikings followed that up with another win under Dobbs, who had a 101.1 passer rating.

    Up next: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    What we learned in NFL Week 10: Vikings’ positive trajectory, Patriots’ plummet and more

    14. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 23-19

    Coach status: Solid

    Mike Tomlin’s status is unchanging. He’s planted in Pittsburgh as long as he wants to be, and it makes sense considering he seems to be on the way extending his streak of never-had-a-losing-season to 17 years. Steelers fans, though, can be forgiven for wondering if Tomlin shouldn’t be judged on a different scale. Such as: What has he won lately? The answer to that is no playoff games in six years. This year’s Steelers are minus-26 in point differential, the lowest in the league for any team with a winning record.

    Up next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 14)

    Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 27-19

    Coach status: Shaky

    Dennis Allen won’t be going anywhere if the Saints win the NFC South, and it’s somehow in first place in the division despite losing Sunday. However, he’s 12-15 in two seasons with the Saints, which makes him 20-43 all time as a head coach. Allen is an excellent defensive coordinator, but New Orleans can do better for a head coach and might if Allen doesn’t win the division this season.

    Up next: Bye

    (Last week: 11)

    Monday: Lost to Denver Broncos 24-22

    Coach status: Safe

    Fifteen coaches in NFL history have coached more than 100 games and have a winning percentage of higher than .630. Sean McDermott is one of them. There’s some anxiety in Buffalo that the Bills’ championship window is going to close in frustrating fashion. That anxiety was not alleviated by a sloppy, four-turnover performance on Monday night, but McDermott has earned some benefit of the doubt after winning double-digit games in each of the last four seasons.

    Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    17. Los Angeles Chargers (4-5)

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 41-38

    Coach status: Shaky

    Brandon Staley went from being the defensive coordinator at John Carroll University, a 3,600-student private college in Ohio, to an NFL head coach in five years, and it’s possible that the ascent was too fast. Staley’s background is on defense, but the Chargers are 24th in points allowed (23.9 ppg) after Sunday, which dropped Staley to 23-20 as a head coach. Justin Herbert had a 114.9 passer rating and the Chargers scored touchdowns on their final five possessions against Detroit, and they still lost.

    Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    18. Las Vegas Raiders (5-5)

    (Last week: 19)

    Sunday: Beat New York Jets 16-12

    Coach status: Shaky

    The only team so far to make a coaching change, the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels last week, and are now 2-0 under interim coach Antonio Pierce on Sunday. Pierce will win the team over down the stretch simply because he’s not McDaniels, so he has a shot to have that interim tag removed. It’s more likely, though, that Las Vegas tries to make a splashier hire, and who would be splashier than Jim Harbaugh?

    Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Raiders’ Josh Jacobs, Robert Spillane embody new coach’s toughness in win over Jets

    (Last week: 20)

    Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 10-6

    Coach status: Safe

    After finishing last season 30th in scoring with 17 points per game, the Colts are ninth with 24.2 points per game despite an offensive stinker Sunday in Germany. New coach Shane Steichen is managing that despite losing quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season and missing tailback Jonathan Taylor for a month. Steichen got a win over Bill Belichick on Sunday with Gardner Minshew as his starting quarterback. He gets some points for that.

    Up next: Bye

    (Last week: 21)

    Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 29-26

    Coach status: Shaky

    Barring a 7-0 finish to end the season (which seems very unlikely), Ron Rivera is going to have a losing record when his fourth season in Washington is complete. Rivera should get some sort of medal for surviving Dan Snyder’s ownership with such grace, but his results with the Commanders can’t be what new owner Josh Harris is looking for. There’s a chance Harris sticks with Rivera to maintain some consistency while he figures out other things, but it feels like a small one.

    Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET


    Baker Mayfield and the Bucs earned a much-needed win against the Titans on Sunday. (Rich Storry / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 25)

    Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 20-6

    Coach status: Shaky

    Todd Bowles is an excellent defensive coordinator, but he is 38-55 in seven years as a head coach. He was 8-9 last year with Tom Brady at quarterback. Predictably, it has not gotten better with Baker Mayfield at quarterback although Tampa Bay did stop a four-game losing streak on Sunday. The sample size on Bowles’ head coaching career is large enough that we know what he is now — a great defensive coordinator.

    Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    22. Denver Broncos (4-5)

    (Last week: 27)

    Monday: Beat Buffalo Bills 24-22

    Coach status: Safe

    The Broncos sent a first- and second-round draft pick to New Orleans in the offseason for the right to hire Sean Payton, so he’s not going anywhere, especially with Denver playing the way it is now. The Broncos won their third straight despite getting outgunned 7.1 yards per play to 4.2 yards per play by the Bills.

    Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 18)

    Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-6

    Coach status: Safe

    Coming off his first losing season in his five years as the Titans’ head coach, Mike Vrabel looks like he’s on his way to another. There was a moment of hope after quarterback Will Levis beat the Falcons in his NFL debut in Week 8, but Levis’ completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating and EPA per dropback all have dropped each week since. Vrabel is now 51-40 in Tennessee. His job is secure, but things are trending in the wrong direction.

    Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    24. Atlanta Falcons (4-6)

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 25-23

    Coach status: Shaky

    Arthur Smith will be Atlanta’s head coach in 2024 barring a complete collapse down the stretch, but this is not what the Falcons had in mind in his third year. They are 18-26 under Smith after losing to a one-win Cardinals team on Sunday. The Falcons have drafted an offensive skill player in the top 10 in each of the last three years, and for that, they are 24th in the league in scoring (18.9 ppg). Smith can take himself into the “safe” category by winning the NFC South this year. If he doesn’t, next season will start on shaky ground.

    Up next: Bye

    (Last week: 23)

    Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 23-19

    Coach status: Safe

    Matt LaFleur with Aaron Rodgers: 47-18. Matt LaFleur without Aaron Rodgers: 3-7. The Packers’ fifth-year coach has enough equity to survive a down year, but if Jordan Love doesn’t make progress, LaFleur’s status could be downgraded soon. Love, who is in his fourth year in the system, threw his ninth and 10th interceptions Sunday. No quarterback has thrown more this season, and Love is also 34th in the league in completion percentage (58.7).

    Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Raiders’ Josh Jacobs, Robert Spillane embody new coach’s toughness in win over Jets

    (Last week: 26)

    Sunday: Bye

    Coach status: Safe

    How can Sean McVay be in his seventh year as an NFL head coach? The 37-year-old seems like a grizzled veteran. This year has been a struggle with Matthew Stafford suffering a thumb injury and the bill coming due for the chips-all-in 2021 season that resulted in a Super Bowl win. McVay is 8-18 since that championship but still 63-44 overall, which gives him the 32nd-best winning percentage of all time among coaches with more than 100 games coached.

    Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 24)

    Sunday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 16-12

    Coach status: Shaky

    The Aaron Rodgers injury was a tough break. The defense, which is Robert Saleh’s specialty, is great. But Saleh is now 15-28 in his third year in New York. The Jets may be forcing quarterback Zach Wilson on Saleh, but having the third-fewest rushing attempts in the league (198) while Wilson is at quarterback and Breece Hall is on the team does fall at Saleh’s feet.

    Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET


    In his return from knee surgery, Kyler Murray led the Cardinals to a win over the Falcons on Sunday. (Matt Kartozian / USA Today)

    28. Arizona Cardinals (2-8)

    (Last week: 31)

    Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 25-23

    Coach status: Safe

    At this moment, the Cardinals have a quarterback who looked pretty good in his return from an ACL injury (Kyler Murray threw for 249 yards and rushed for 33 and a touchdown) and the Nos. 4 and 20 picks in the 2024 draft. Jonathan Gannon’s biggest blunders this year are beating the Cowboys and the Falcons (which is keeping Arizona from having the No. 1 pick), but he should probably be given some grace for that.

    Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 28)

    Thursday: Beat Carolina Panthers 16-13

    Coach status: Shaky

    Matt Eberflus matched his win total from a year ago by beating Carolina on Thursday night. That makes him 6-21 in his second season. Sure, Justin Fields’ health has been an issue, but that’s not the main reason the Bears defense ranks 27th in points allowed (25.5). That’s not a good sign for a guy who got the job because of his success as a defensive coordinator.

    Up next: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    30. New York Giants (2-8)

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 49-17

    Coach status: Safe

    Brian Daboll’s 2022 coach of the year award gives him some cushion, but that cushion is slowly being eaten away by losses like Sunday’s. The Cowboys outgained the Giants by 468 yards, the largest yardage differential in the league in the last 44 years. Daboll can’t be expected to do much down the stretch with Tommy DeVito as the starting quarterback — he had 86 passing yards Sunday — but maybe that’s the point. The Giants are very much in the running for a draft pick that could get them one of the top two college quarterbacks available.

    Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 10-6

    Coach status: Shaky

    The fact that Bill Belichick is on shaky ground after six Super Bowl wins in New England illustrates just how ephemeral NFL coaching careers can be. And exactly how contingent they can be on having the right players. After Sunday, Belichick is 81-95 (and 1-2 in the postseason) without Tom Brady as his quarterback versus 219-64 (30-11 in the postseason) with Tom Brady as his quarterback. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini indicated last week there could be a mutual parting of the ways at the end of the season, but owner Robert Kraft looked Sunday like he might not be able to wait even that long. The Patriots have a bye this week.

    Up next: Bye

    32. Carolina Panthers (1-8)

    (Last week: 32)

    Thursday: Lost to Chicago Bears 16-13

    Coach status: Shaky

    The Panthers, who traded DJ Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, for the right to draft Bryce Young No. 1, have scored two offensive touchdowns in the last three games. Frank Reich, who was hired to provide a veteran quarterback whisperer for Young, has already turned over play-calling duties to try to change this team’s fortunes, but nothing is working. Carolina doesn’t get much benefit from stinking this year thanks to the Young trade. Based on the current standings, the Panthers wouldn’t pick until No. 34, and owner David Tepper may have a new coach by then.

    Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

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    NFL Draft Film Room: How LSU’s offensive stars dominated against Florida

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    NFL Week 10 best and worst coaching decisions: Panthers’ indecisiveness proves costly

    (Top photo of Shaquill Griffin, left, and DeAndre Houston-Carson: Michael Allio / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • How to watch today’s Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks game: Livestream options, kickoff time, more

    How to watch today’s Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks game: Livestream options, kickoff time, more

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    sam-howell-washington-commanders.jpg
    Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders scrambles during the first half in the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. 

    Maddie Meyer/Getty Images


    The Washington Commanders face the Seattle Seahawks today in the Commanders second straight road game. Beating the Seahawks at home is never easy, but the Commanders are coming off a Week 9 road win over the New England Patriots, another team that’s tough to beat at home.

    How to watch the Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks game 

    The Week 10 game between the Washington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks will be played Sunday, November 12 at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT). The game will air on Fox.

    How to watch the Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks game without cable

    While most cable packages include Fox, it’s easy to watch the game if Fox isn’t included in your cable TV subscription, or if you don’t have cable at all. Your best options for watching are below. (Streaming options will require an internet provider.)

    Stream the game on Sling TV for half price

    If you have don’t have cable TV that includes the NFL Network, NBC, ABC, Fox or ESPN, one of the most cost-effective ways to stream live NFL football this year is through a subscription to Sling TV. The streamer offers access to the NFL Network, local NBC, Fox and ABC affiliates (where available) and ESPN with its Orange + Blue Tier plan. Also worth noting: Sling TV comes with 50 hours of cloud-based DVR recording space included, perfect for recording all the season’s top NFL matchups.

    That plan normally costs $60 per month, but the streamer is currently offering a 50% off promotion for your first month, so you’ll pay just $30. You can learn more by tapping the button below.

    Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue tier:

    • There are 46 channels to watch in total, including local NBC, Fox and ABC affiliates (where available).
    • You get access to most local NFL games and nationally broadcast games at the lowest price.
    • All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.

    Watch the Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks game free with FuboTV

    You can also catch the game on FuboTV. FuboTV is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to almost every NFL game of the season. Packages include CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone and more, so you’ll be able to watch more than just today’s games.

    To watch the NFL without cable, start a seven-day free trial of Fubo. You can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer. Fox, so you know, offers Sunday NFC games via “NFL on Fox”; while ESPN is the home of “Monday Night Football.” ABC airs some “MNF” games, too. 

    In addition to NFL football, FuboTV offers MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer games. FuboTV starts at $75 per month for the Pro tier (includes NFL Network); the $100 per month Ultimate tier includes NFL RedZone.

    Top features of FuboTV:

    • The Pro tier includes 169 channels, including NFL Network; the Ultimate tier includes 289 channels, including NFL RedZone.
    • FuboTV includes all the channels you’ll need to watch live sports, including CBS (not available through Sling TV).
    • All tiers come with 1,000 hours of DVR recording.

    Watch the Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks game on Hulu + Live TV

    You can watch the NFL, including the NFL Network, with Hulu + Live TV. The bundle features access to 90 channels, including both Fox and FS1. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch every game on every network with Hulu + Live TV, plus catch live NFL preseason games, exclusive live regular season games, popular studio shows (including NFL Total Access and the Emmy-nominated show Good Morning Football) and lots more.

    Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+. It’s priced at $77.

    Watch local NFL football live with a digital HDTV antenna

    antenna-3.png

    Amazon


    If you’re cutting the cord to your cable company, you’re not alone; in fact, you are in luck. You can still watch the NFL on TV with an affordable indoor antenna, which pulls in local over-the-air HDYC channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox and PBS.  Here’s the kicker: There’s no monthly charge.

    Anyone living in partially blocked-off area (those near mountains or first-floor apartments), a digital TV antenna may not pick up a good signal – or any signal at all. But for many homes, a digital TV antenna provides a seriously inexpensive way to watch college football without paying a staggering monthly fee.  Indoor TV antennas can also provide some much-needed TV backup if a storm knocks out your cable (or your cable company gets in a squabble with a network).

    This amplified HDTV antenna, claims to have a 50-mile range and offers 36 channels. It’s rated 4.0 stars by Amazon reviewers.

    Said one Amazon customer, “If you’re considering this product, you’re probably already questioning your cable television bill and are looking around for a cheap way to get the Big 3 plus Fox and PBS. This antenna delivered that for us right out of the box.”

    Watch the Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks game on your phone with NFL+

    If you want to catch the game on your phone — and all the amazing football ahead this season — check out NFL+. The premium streaming service, starting at $40 per year (or $7 per month), offers access to NFL Network. And yes, that includes games being broadcast out-of-market. To boost your NFL experience even further, you can upgrade to NFL+ Premium with NFL RedZone and watch up to eight NFL games simultaneously. A seven-day, free trial is available.

    Top features of NFL+:

    • You get access to all NFL preseason games, including those that are out of market.
    • NFL+ lets you watch stream local and primetime regular season games on your phone or tablet, but not your TV.
    • Includes the NFL Network (and NFL RedZone with NFL+ Premium), so it’s a good option for those who are looking to stream football on the go.

    2023 NFL Season Week 10 Schedule

    The 2023 NFL Season Week 10 schedule is below. All times listed ET. The game you see broadcast locally will depend on your geographical area. 

    Thursday, Nov. 9

    • Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m.  (Prime Video)

    Sunday, Nov. 12

    • Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots, 9:30 a.m. (NFL Network live from Germany)
    • Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
    • Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1: 00 p.m. (CBS)
    • San Francisco 49ers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
    • New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
    • Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
    • Tennessee Titans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
    • Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
    • Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
    • NY Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
    • Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m.  (Fox)
    • New York Jets vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

    Monday, Nov. 13

    • Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)

    Storylines we’re following in the 2023 NFL season

    Important dates to remember: 

    • The 2023 NFL regular season runs today through Jan. 7, 2024. 
    • Playoffs are scheduled for January 13 through Jan. 28, 2004.
    • Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2024 in Las Vegas.
    lamar-jackson-1.jpg
    Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts following an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Michael Owens/Getty Images


    What happens in Vegas… Toward the end of the 2022-2023 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders benched quarterback Derek Carr before trading him to the New Orleans Saints. Signing former Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo brought hope to Vegas, Jimmy’s Super Bowl experience a bonus for long-suffered Raiders fans. Last week after the team’s 3-5 start, owner Marc Davis fired head coach Josh McDaniels, fired GM Dave Ziegler and benched Garoppolo. Superstar wide receiver Davante Adams had previously expressed his disappointment In his production. The Raiders started rookie Aiden O’Connell in Week 9, the team scoring a 30-6 win over the NY Giants giving the Raiders a 4-5 record coming into Week 10. That doesn’t bode well for Garoppolo fans, but gives the Raiders a much needed boost halfway into the season.

    WAGs in the stands: Pop princess Taylor Swift’s very public romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce made being a WAG (wives and girlfriends of athletes) cool again. Not since supermodel Gisele Bündchen first starting dating former husband Tom Brady has an athlete’s partner garnered so much attention. But with Olympian Simone Biles in the stands (her husband Jonathan Owens plays for the Green Bay Packers) and Bills QB Josh Allen dating Pitch Perfect actress Hailee Steinfeld, what’s happening in the stands this season is getting as much as attention as the game on the field.

    Good morning, Baltimore. Many hours of NFL sports broadcasts over recent years has been dedicated to arguing the talents (or lack thereof) of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Lamar has always been a dynamic scrambler out of the pocket and this season is no different with Jackson scoring 440 rushing yards, the top for QBs in the NFL. Halfway through the 2023 NFL season, Lamar is poised to have the best season of his career. The Ravens are 7-2 coming into Week 10 and MVP chants follow Lamar (again) at every turn. The Ravens might not get the hype of the Chiefs or Eagles, but they’re establishing themselves as a Super Bowl contender and Lamar is already making a case to turn those chants into reality.

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  • NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Midseason report cards, and we have a new No. 1

    NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Midseason report cards, and we have a new No. 1

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    We’re through nine weeks of the NFL season, and that means the Power Rankings can start handing out report cards. Be warned, we are grading on a curve, which is why you’ll see the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 3 with a B-plus while the Arizona Cardinals at No. 31 got an A.

    The Chiefs are Super Bowl contenders as long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy and in his prime, and they have some flaws you can see under a harsh light. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are executing a nearly flawless pivot. After amassing tons of draft capital in the offseason, they are in the process of making those picks very valuable by not winning many games while also not looking like a total joke.

    (Last week: 2)

    Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 37-3

    Report card: A-plus

    The Ravens outgained a good Seattle team 515-151. Baltimore has won four games in a row by an average of 20 points (including a 32-point win over the Lions) and is first in the league in offensive EPA (32.21) and third in defensive EPA (44.73) in that period. It has allowed nine touchdowns (first in the league) and scored 27 (third in the league) this season, and its point differential (plus-115) is the best in the league and 35 points higher than second place.

    Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 28-23

    Report card: A

    Philadelphia fans are not going to be happy falling a spot after a win over the Cowboys. That’s fair, but the Eagles were outgained 406-292 by Dallas on Sunday, and there are a couple of areas of concern to monitor. The Eagles have averaged fewer than 100 rushing yards in their last four games (86.8), and they are 20th in the NFL in yards per play allowed (5.3). Big picture though, they are 24-5 dating to 2022 and have established themselves as the clear favorite in the NFC.

    Up next: Bye

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    NFL Coach of the Year, MVP candidates and biggest surprises at midseason: Sando’s Pick Six

    3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)

    (Last week: 4)

    Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 21-14

    Report card: B-plus

    You can’t have a loss to the Broncos in the last month and get an A. Sorry, these are the rules. Travis Kelce became Kansas City’s all-time leading receiver Sunday in Germany (10,941 yards), but the story was the defense, which held the Dolphins 138 yards under their season average. The Chiefs are third in the NFL in defensive EPA per drive (.70), according to TruMedia. If there’s a worry, it’s that four of Kansas City’s seven lowest offensive success rate games in the Patrick Mahomes era have come this season. Sunday was its third lowest in that span (36.1).

    Up next: Bye

    4. Detroit Lions (6-2)

    (Last week: 5)

    Sunday: Bye

    Report card: A-plus

    The Lions have gone from 3-13 to 9-8 to now 6-2 in head coach Dan Campbell’s three seasons. Detroit’s only two losses have come against Seattle and Baltimore, and it is second in the league in yards per game (390.6) and fifth in yards allowed per game (296.9). And this is not a team that has mortgaged its future. The Lions are eighth in the league in available cap space for 2024 ($73.3 million), according to Over the Cap.

    Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET


    Bengals receiver Tee Higgins had a big game against the Bills on Sunday night. (Dylan Buell / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 8)

    Sunday: Beat Buffalo Bills 24-18

    Report card: A-minus

    Cincinnati has won four in a row and has beaten the 49ers and Bills in the last two weeks. Since Week 5, Joe Burrow leads the NFL in completion percentage (75.8), is third in offensive EPA per dropback (.15) and has 10 touchdowns against two interceptions. Getting Tee Higgins unlocked Sunday night, with a season-high 110 yards, feels like a notable development for this team.

    Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    6. San Francisco 49ers (5-3)

    (Last week: 6)

    Sunday: Bye

    Report card: B-minus

    A month ago, this was a solid A, but the 49ers have lost three straight games. They averaged 33.4 points in their first five games and started 5-0. They have scored 17 points in each of the last three weeks and lost all three of them. Quarterback Brock Purdy is shouldering a lot of the blame, but the running game might be the real culprit. From Week 6 through Week 9, San Francisco was 17th in the league in rushing (95.3 ypg). Before that, it was third (156.4 ypg).

    Up next: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    7. Miami Dolphins (6-3)

    (Last week: 3)

    Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 21-14

    Report card: B-plus

    The Dolphins have played three teams this season that currently have a winning record. They are 0-3 and averaging 17 points per game in those games. Against everyone else, the Dolphins are 6-0 and averaging 39 points per game. Miami still leads the league with 435.3 yards per game, but it has been held under 300 yards by the Eagles and now the Chiefs in the last three weeks.

    Up next: Bye

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    (Last week: 10)

    Sunday: Bye

    Report card: B-plus

    Don’t look now, but Jacksonville is 12-3 in its last 15 games. The Jaguars aren’t dominant in any one area of the game. They are 18th in the league in yards per play allowed (5.2) and 19th in yards per play (5.1). But they have created more turnovers (2.25 per game) than anyone in the league and are ninth in point differential (plus-37). Their matchup this week with the 49ers with both teams coming off a bye is the game of the week.

    Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    9. Seattle Seahawks (5-3)

    (Last week: 7)

    Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 37-3

    Report card: B-plus

    Adding defensive tackle Leonard Williams at the trade deadline didn’t have the desired effect, at least immediately. Seattle was eighth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (96.9 per game) entering Sunday’s game. Baltimore rushed for 298, the second-most surrendered by any team in a game this season. Still, we’ll give Pete Carroll the benefit of the doubt on defense, and the Seahawks still are tied for the NFC West lead.

    Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET


    Quarterback Deshaun Watson is back and the Browns are looking good. (Jason Miller / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 27-0

    Report card: B-minus

    Cleveland held Arizona to 58 yards Sunday. That’s the third-lowest total in a game in the last 10 years. Quarterback Deshaun Watson also returned from his shoulder injury and threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns are looking like they are going to be a real part of the postseason mix. The only reason their grade is not higher is the production doesn’t quite match the investment. Only the Ravens are investing more cash into this season than the Browns ($281.4 million).

    Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    11. Buffalo Bills (5-4)

    (Last week: 11)

    Sunday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 24-18

    Report card: C-plus

    Buffalo spends more salary-cap space on its defense ($111 million) than any team in the NFL other than Pittsburgh. Yet it has a defense that ranks 14th in the league in total defensive EPA (27.09). Josh Allen has to be Super Josh Allen for this team to win big games, and he wasn’t that Sunday, completing 26-for-38 for 258 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

    Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    12. Dallas Cowboys (5-3)

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 28-23

    Report card: C-plus

    The Cowboys always get graded harshly because of their place in the league’s history and owner Jerry Jones’ penchant for drawing a bull’s-eye on his squad. This year, the spotlight is all the brighter because Mike McCarthy jettisoned offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and designated himself the man to take Dallas over the top. Instead, the Cowboys are now 0-2 in their showdown games (against San Francisco and Philadelphia) and they are middle of the pack offensively (14th in yards per play, 5.3).

    Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    13. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)

    (Last week: 12)

    Thursday: Beat Tennessee Titans 20-16

    Report card: B-minus

    Yes, the Steelers are two games above .500, but we can’t forget the hype surrounding this team’s preseason offensive performance, and the subsequent uptick in expectations it caused. Through that lens, this team (which ranks 26th in the league at 4.7 yards per play), feels less than what it should be. Pittsburgh is the 34th team since 1933 to be outgained in each of its first eight games and is the only team from that list to have a winning record after eight games, according to ESPN.

    Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

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    (Last week: 19)

    Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 24-17

    Report card: B

    The Saints lead the NFC South, but that still doesn’t equate to more than a B because of the state of the NFC South. All of New Orleans’ wins have come against teams with losing records, and it was outgained by the Bears on Sunday (368 to 301). After Paulson Adebo’s two interceptions against the Bears, the Saints lead the league in that category (12).

    Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 39-37

    Report card: A

    Houston has its quarterback. That’s an automatic A. On Sunday, C.J. Stroud set an NFL rookie record with 470 passing yards. He also threw five touchdowns (versus no interceptions), including the game-winner with six seconds remaining. He became the sixth player in NFL history to have more than 450 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in a game, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Overall, he is seventh in the league in passing yards (2,270) and third in yards per attempt (8.1).

    Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 15)

    Monday: Beat New York Jets 27-6

    Report card: C-minus

    The Chargers hired Brandon Staley because he was a defensive innovator, but in his third year, Los Angeles is 27th in the league in defensive EPA per snap (minus-2). And that’s even after playing the Jets on Monday night. A better defense to go along with quarterback Justin Herbert might have given the Chargers something this year. Instead, they’re in the middle of the pack. On a positive note, defensive end Joey Bosa seems to be rounding into form. He had 2 1/2 sacks Monday night. On the offensive side, Keenan Allen crossed 10,000 receiving yards for his career.

    Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 24)

    Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 31-28

    Report card: B

    On Sunday, Josh Dobbs was 20-for-30 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 22 seconds remaining. Why is that so impressive? It was his first day taking a snap in Minnesota’s offense. Dobbs was acquired via trade Tuesday but did not take a snap in practice because the Vikings were starting rookie Jaren Hall. However, Hall got injured on the first series of the game, leading to Dobbs’ heroics. He also led the Vikings in rushing with 66 yards.

    Up next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 14)

    Thursday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 20-16

    Report card: C-minus

    This team, which is ranked 25th in defensive EPA per game (minus-.60), is 10-15 in its last 25 games. Mike Vrabel has had two double-digit win seasons in his five seasons in Nashville, and this is not looking like it’s going to be the third time. Rookie quarterback Will Levis has provided some hope in the last two weeks — throwing for 500 yards, four touchdowns and one interception — but this is still a team struggling to be average (21st in point margin at minus-12).

    Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 26)

    Sunday: Beat New York Giants 30-6

    Report card: C

    The Raiders really didn’t like Josh McDaniels, did they? After failing to score more than 21 points under McDaniels in the first eight games of the season, they had 24 at halftime Sunday. Josh Jacobs rushed for a season-high 98 yards and two touchdowns to help Las Vegas stop a two-game slide and give Antonio Pierce his first victory as an (interim) head coach.

    Up next: vs. New York Jets, Monday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 23)

    Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 27-13

    Report card: B

    Kenny Moore became the first Colt to return two interceptions for a touchdown in a game Sunday. That helped an offense that gained only 198 yards and helped Indianapolis keep its streak of scoring at least 20 points in every game this season alive. Since returning from his holdout/injury, Jonathan Taylor is 17th in the league with 50.8 yards per game.

    Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Germany)

    (Last week: 25)

    Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 20-17

    Report card: C-minus

    Sam Howell has more passing yards than anyone in the NFL in the last two weeks (722). More surprisingly, he has been sacked only four times in those two games. Still, the Commanders haven’t beaten anyone with a winning record and their four victims have a combined record of 10-25.

    Up next: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 31-28

    Report card: C-minus

    In the third year under coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot, the Falcons have lost three of four. They have given up a season high in points in each of the last two weeks, and a quarterback change this week didn’t change their offensive fortunes. Taylor Heinicke threw a critical interception against Minnesota, and Desmond Ridder might get his job back this week.

    Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

    (Last week: 27)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 20-3

    Report card: C-minus

    The Packers had their highest yards per play average (5.8) and third-highest offensive success rate (40.5) of the season Sunday. The reason? They took some load off Jordan Love, running the ball a season-high 47.1 percent of the time. This team is much better with a healthy Aaron Jones getting 20 carries and could be on the rise if that continues.

    Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    24. New York Jets (4-4)

    (Last week: 21)

    Monday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 27-6

    Report card: C-plus

    How do you not have a better backup plan when you sign a 39-year-old quarterback? The Jets loaded up this season, building a dynamite defense and getting running back Breece Hall back from injury. Aaron Rodgers’ injury is not New York’s fault, but not having a better Plan B than  Zach Wilson is. The Jets knew Wilson was what they saw again Monday night, which resulted in seven punts and another wasted defensive effort. New York leads the NFL with 5.88 punts per game.

    Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 17)

    Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 39-37

    Report card: B-minus

    Not many people expected the Bucs to be good this year, and they aren’t. After a 3-1 start, Tampa Bay has lost four in a row. On a positive note, Mike Evans is still getting it done. The 10th-year wide receiver is 15th in the league in receiving yards (594) and 11th in yards per catch (16.1).

    Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 18)

    Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 20-3

    Report card: C

    With Brett Rypien starting in place of injured Matt Stafford (thumb), the Rams gained 187 yards. That’s their second-lowest total since 2020. (The lowest was 156 yards against the Packers last season with Baker Mayfield at quarterback.) Los Angeles has a bye this week, and Stafford could come back in Week 11. Stetson Bennett, who was drafted in the fourth round, remains on the non-football injury list and is not likely to return this season, Sean McVay said.

    Up next: Bye

    27. Denver Broncos (3-5)

    (Last week: 20)

    Sunday: Bye

    Report card: D-plus

    Denver traded three players, three first-round draft picks and three second-round draft picks to acquire Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. For all that, the Broncos are 26th in the league in point differential (minus-54). Wilson, at least, has made strides from his disastrous first season in Denver. He has 16 touchdowns versus four interceptions, is fifth in the league in passer rating (101.7) and has the second-lowest off-target percentage among starters (6.9 percent).

    Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    28. Chicago Bears (2-7)

    (Last week: 31)

    Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 24-17

    Report card: D-plus

    Why don’t the Bears get credit for having the Nos. 2 and 3 picks, at the moment, in the upcoming draft when Arizona gets an A? Because it feels more like the result of Carolina’s panic than a discernible Chicago plan. The Bears have only three picks in the top 100 of the 2024 draft. Tyson Bagent is a fun story, but he’s not a plan. He’s thrown five interceptions in the last two weeks. Justin Fields might be back this week, and the Bears need him.

    Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    29. New York Giants (2-7)

    (Last week: 28)

    Sunday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 30-6

    Report card: F

    It’s gotten so bad that the Giants aren’t even fun to pick on anymore. Daniel Jones returned from a neck injury Sunday and promptly suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Backup quarterback Tommy DeVito gives New York a great chance to get into the top-two pick conversation, but would the Giants take a quarterback high after giving Jones a big contract in the offseason? The answer is probably yes because New York can get out of the deal relatively cheaply ($22.2 million in dead money) after next season.

    Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Lost to Washington Commanders 20-17

    Report card: F

    The Patriots have the same record as the Giants yet are still fun to pick on. That’s the cost of having dominated the league for so long. Folks tend to savor your ensuing misery more, and things are pretty miserable in New England. Mac Jones, the Patriots’ first-round quarterback from 2021, is not good and for some reason threw the ball 44 times Sunday. He is ninth in the NFL in attempts this season (304) and 29th in yards per attempt (6.1). Why?

    Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Germany)

    31. Arizona Cardinals (1-8)

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 27-0

    Report card: A

    Right now, the Cardinals are set to have picks No. 1, 16, 33, 65, 72 and 80 in the upcoming draft. They have executed their rebuilding plan exactly how they planned. They had to trade away Josh Dobbs and start Clayton Tune (who had 58 yards and a 20.8 passer rating Sunday) to keep the tanking train on track, but so be it. Now, all eyes turn to how Arizona handles Kyler Murray, who is healthy enough to play but might help this team win games.

    Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    32. Carolina Panthers (1-7)

    (Last week: 32)

    Sunday: Lost to Indianapolis Colts 27-13

    Report card: F

    The F is not for Frank, and Frank (Reich) might not be for the Panthers for more than one season. Rookie Bryce Young had his lowest passer rating of the season (48.3) Sunday against a Colts team that has the 26th-ranked defense in the league by yards allowed. In what has become a weekly occurrence, Carolina coaches and teammates rallied behind Young after the game, but somebody is going to take the fall for this soon it seems.

    Up next: at Chicago Bears, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Top photo of Gus Edwards and Ronnie Stanley: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • Week 9 NFL Power Rankings: Eagles, Ravens at the top, plus something scary for every team

    Week 9 NFL Power Rankings: Eagles, Ravens at the top, plus something scary for every team

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    Happy Halloween, NFL fans.

    The Power Rankings are getting into the spirit of the season by picking out something scary associated with each team. Some of these are scary for fans of a given team, while others should be scary for the team’s upcoming opponents.

    We hope all of them give you insight into where we stand with the NFL season nearly halfway complete.

    (Last week: 2)

    Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 38-31

    Something scary (for others): A.J. Brown

    The 6-foot-1, 226-pound wide receiver/cyborg is playing at a historic level. He had eight catches for 130 yards Sunday against Washington and now has topped 125 receiving yards in six consecutive games, becoming the first NFL player in history to do that. He is second in the league in receiving yards (939) behind only Tyreek Hill.

    Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    GO DEEPER

    Brooks Kubena: Going the extra mile to cover the Philadelphia Eagles

    (Last week: 3)

    Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 31-24

    Something scary (for others): Lamar Jackson under Todd Monken

    The Ravens’ new offensive coordinator has the Ravens’ old quarterback playing at an MVP level. In the last three weeks, no quarterback in the league has more total expected points added (24.98) than Jackson, according to TruMedia, and his completion percentage (70.5) and yards per attempt (7.8) are on pace to be career highs.

    Up next: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET


    Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey intercepts a pass intended for Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne on Sunday. (Sam Navarro / USA Today)

    (Last week: 4)

    Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 31-17

    Something scary (for others): Jalen Ramsey is back.

    The veteran safety returned against the Patriots, just 94 days after suffering a meniscus tear in the preseason. The seventh-year cornerback had an interception that he returned 49 yards in his Dolphins debut, which will open up even more options for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The Dolphins are 16th in the league in defense (allowing 329.4 yards per game). If that improves and the offense keeps humming, Miami will be a problem.

    Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Frankfurt, Germany)

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 24-9

    Something scary (for them): Anything happening to Patrick Mahomes

    Kansas City fans know what it’s like to hold their breath over news of their quarterback’s health. More than at any time since the Chiefs’ run began, Kansas City seems completely carried by its quarterback this season. With Mahomes suffering from the flu and posting the second-lowest passer rating of his career (59.2) Sunday, the Chiefs lost to the Broncos for the first time in 17 meetings.

    Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Frankfurt, Germany)

    (Last week: 6)

    Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 26-14

    Something scary (for others): A playoff game at Ford Field

    There has never been one. The last time Detroit hosted a playoff game was on Jan. 8, 1994, and their home field was the Pontiac Silverdome then. The Silverdome has since been demolished, and General Motors doesn’t even make Pontiacs anymore. But the Lions are good again, and their home field was raucous for “Monday Night Football” as rookie Jahmyr Gibbs had a breakout game with a season-high 152 rushing yards. Imagine it for a playoff game. The Eagles should make sure the Lions stay in their rearview mirror.

    Up next: Bye

    (Last week: 5)

    Sunday: Lost to Cincinnati Bengals 31-17

    Something scary (for them): This losing streak

    After starting 5-0, the 49ers have lost three in a row for the first time since October 2021. Brock Purdy is 26th in the league in passer rating (77.9) during the losing streak. In Weeks 1-5, he led the league in passer rating (123.1) Having offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) out again Sunday didn’t help the top-heavy Niners. (Of course, San Francisco fans shouldn’t fret too much. That 2021 team went to the NFC Championship Game.)

    Up next: Bye

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Rating 16 NFL teams’ QB crisis levels after an injury-laden Week 8: Sando’s Pick Six

    (Last week: 12)

    Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 24-20

    Something scary (for others): Boye Mafe’s ascent

    The second-year outside linebacker is starting to look like an old-school Seattle defender. He has at least one sack in five consecutive games, the second-longest streak in team history. On Sunday, he had eight tackles, four quarterback hits and a fumble recovery. Seattle offensive tackle Charles Cross apparently said he’s more of a challenge to block than Myles Garrett.

    Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 11)

    Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 31-17

    Something scary (for others): Joe Burrow is back.

    And he’s bringing Ja’Marr Chase with him. Burrow was 28-for-32 for 283 yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers on Sunday. Chase had 10 catches for 100 yards. Since shaking off a preseason calf injury, Burrow has led the Bengals to three consecutive wins, and he leads the league in passer rating (111.8) in that span. Chase is averaging 124 receiving yards in those games.

    Up next: vs. Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 8:20 ET

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 43-20

    Something scary (for others): This version of Dallas

    The Cowboys led Sunday’s game 33-3 late in the second quarter. We’ve seen them do this to teams. Their first three wins were by a combined 108-13, but this was the best team the Cowboys have done this to. Cornerback Daron Bland returned his third interception for a touchdown this season, joining Derrick Brooks and Darren Sharper as the only players to do that in a single season in NFL history.

    Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 8)

    Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 20-10

    Something scary (for others): Trevor Lawrence getting hot

    We could have just added “in the playoffs” to this one because Jacksonville feels as good a bet for the postseason as any team right now. After Sunday, they have three more wins than the other three teams in the AFC South. The Jaguars have won five in a row, and Lawrence, who was 24-for-32 for 292 yards against the Steelers, looks like he’s starting to find his groove.

    Up next: Bye

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    What we learned in NFL Week 8: Feed Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown; Jets in playoff hunt?

    (Last week: 10)

    Thursday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-18

    Something scary (for them): The injuries

    Since Week 5, when linebacker Matt Milano was lost for the season with a knee injury, Buffalo is 25th in the league in defensive EPA per play (minus-.02). In Weeks 1-4, the Bills were fourth in the league in defensive EPA per play (.20). It’s not just Milano who’s gone either. All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White (Achilles) is also out for the year, and defensive tackle Daquan Jones (pectoral) probably is, too.

    Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET


    Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers were held to 10 points by the Jaguars on Sunday. (Philip G. Pavely / USA Today)

    12. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 20-10

    Something scary (for them): Mike Tomlin’s loyalty

    Kenny Pickett had to leave Sunday’s game with a rib injury, but does it matter who the quarterback is with offensive coordinator Matt Canada in charge? Canada has been in charge of Pittsburgh’s offense since 2021. In that time, the Steelers are 29th in the NFL in scoring (18.63 ppg). Since the start of last season, Pittsburgh is dead last in scoring (17.5 ppg), and still, there’s no indication that Tomlin is going to get rid of Canada.

    Up next: vs. Tennessee Titans, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 7)

    Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 24-20

    Something scary (for them): The Deshaun Watson contract

    Every time someone in Cleveland tries to explain what’s going on with Watson, it gets more confusing. The quarterback missed another game Sunday because of a shoulder injury, and no one is saying how long it will take to heal enough for him to play. Cleveland is committed to giving Watson $63.9 million of salary-cap space for each of the next three seasons and does not have a realistic financial out until after the 2026 season. In Watson’s 10 starts, the Browns are 6-4 and averaging 21 points per game. That fully guaranteed deal is a lot to pay for mediocrity.

    Up next: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 28-23

    Something scary (for others): Mike Vrabel may have a QB.

    Rookie Will Levis made his first appearance Sunday, and he became the third player in league history to throw four touchdown passes in his debut. Two have done it for the Titans (Levis and Marcus Mariota). The other is Fran Tarkenton. Levis’ scores came from 47, 16, 61 and 33 yards out. Ryan Tannehill (high ankle sprain) may not get his job back. In fact, the Titans might see if they can trade Tannehill to the Vikings this week.

    Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 23)

    Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 30-13

    Something scary (for others): Joey Bosa could be getting there.

    The veteran defensive lineman hasn’t looked like himself in a while, but he had a season-high five pressures against the Bears, and his pressure percentage (23.5) was his second-highest of the season. Bosa has four sacks this year and only 6 1/2 in the last two seasons, but if he can get back to his 2020 form (10 1/2 sacks), it’ll be a boost for a Chargers defense that needs some help.

    Up next: at New York Jets, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 15)

    Sunday: Lost to Tennessee Titans 28-23

    Something scary (for them): A quarterback controversy

    The Falcons really want Desmond Ridder to take control of the starting job, but Ridder committed his seventh turnover in the last three weeks Sunday and was taken out of the game after a halftime concussion evaluation. Ridder was cleared by the medical staff, but the Falcons stuck with Taylor Heinicke in the second half anyway. Heinicke led four scoring drives in six possessions. Ridder’s eight possessions totaled 89 yards and three points. Coach Arthur Smith did not commit to a starter after the game.

    Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    NFL Week 8 takeaways: CeeDee Lamb delivers for Cowboys, Eagles find a way again

    (Last week: 17)

    Thursday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 24-18

    Something scary (for them): The run game

    Tampa Bay is last in the NFL in rushing success rate (26.5). That’s on pace to be the worst in the league since the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 (24.6). Rachaad White, the Bucs’ leading rusher, is averaging 3.3 yards per carry and doesn’t have a run longer than 15 yards. The Bucs’ second-leading rusher? Baker Mayfield.

    Up next: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 18)

    Sunday: Lost to Dallas Cowboys 43-20

    Something scary (for them): Turning back into a pumpkin

    After a surprisingly OK start, the Rams have lost three of their last four, beating only the Cardinals in that span. Matthew Stafford left Sunday’s game with a thumb injury, and if he’s out for very long, Los Angeles is in real trouble. Leading rusher Kyren Williams has already gone on injured reserve and won’t be eligible to return until at least Week 12.

    Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 21)

    Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 38-27

    Something scary (for others): Taysom Hill

    Like the horror movie villain who seems to move very slowly but constantly gains ground on his prey, Hill just keeps coming and coming. He had 44 yards passing and led the Saints in rushing (nine carries, 63 yards) on Sunday. In his seventh season, Hill has the highest rushing success rate (65.5 percent) of his career. On top of that, Alvin Kamara showed some flashes of being the Alvin Kamara of old Sunday.

    Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    20. Denver Broncos (3-5)

    (Last week: 26)

    Sunday: Beat Kansas City Chiefs 24-9

    Something scary (for others): The defense is getting better.

    After allowing 36.2 points per game through their first five games, the Broncos have given up 15 per game in the last three, and two of those games were against the Chiefs. Combine that with Russell Wilson’s continued quiet competency, and Denver could be a tough out in the second half of the season. Wilson had his 43rd career game with three touchdowns and a passer rating above 100 on Sunday, tying Tom Brady for third all-time in that category.

    Up next: Bye

    (Last week: 14)

    Sunday: Beat New York Giants 13-10

    Something scary (for them): Wasting this defense

    The Jets held the Giants to 194 yards Sunday, but they gained only 251 themselves. Somehow, a team that includes Breece Hall was led in rushing by Zach Wilson. The Jets are allowing 4.8 yards per play, which ranks fourth in the NFL, but unless Aaron Rodgers makes a miraculous recovery, it might not matter. Wilson completed 47 percent of his passes Sunday. He’s 31st in the league in completion percentage (58.3) for the season.

    Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 19)

    Sunday: Lost to Carolina Panthers 15-13

    Something scary (for them): An offensive drought

    After averaging 24 points per game in the first month of the season, Houston is averaging 17.3 points per game in its last three. Rookie C.J. Stroud has a passer rating of 84.8 in that span, which is lower than Kenny Pickett, Bryce Young and Tyrod Taylor, among others. No one is worried about Stroud in the long run, but the Panthers held him to a season low in yards (140) on Sunday.

    Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 20)

    Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 38-27

    Something scary (for them): The pass defense

    Indianapolis gave up 354 passing yards to the Saints of Derek Carr and Taysom Hill. The Colts are the only team in the league to score 20 or more points in every game this season, but it’s been wasted the last three weeks by the defense, which has allowed an average of 38 points in those three games. The Colts are 25th in the league in passing yards (247.3 per game) and yards per attempt (7.6) allowed this season.

    Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    24. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 24-10

    Something scary (for them): Kirk Cousins’ injury

    Cousins was playing perhaps the best football of his career before suffering a torn Achilles on Sunday. He is second in the league in passing yards per game (291.8), and that will end up being the second-highest single-season number of his career. Rookie Jaren Hall finished the game Sunday, but coach Kevin O’Connell indicated after the game that all options, including signing a street free agent or making a trade, are on the table to fill Cousins’ large shoes.

    Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    25. Washington Commanders (3-5)

    (Last week: 25)

    Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 38-31

    Something scary (for them): The trade deadline

    New owner Josh Harris might decide to go full fire sale before today’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. Defensive lineman Montez Sweat is rumored to be on the market, and nobody should be off limits. Sam Howell does not look like the solution at quarterback, and Washington might be looking for draft capital. The Commanders are in position to have the 11th pick in next year’s draft and probably need to get a little higher to have a shot at a difference-maker at quarterback.

    Up next: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 24)

    Monday: Lost to Detroit Lions 26-14

    Something scary (for them): The head coach hiring track record

    Remind me, why did the Raiders fire Rich Bisaccia again? After taking over following the abrupt resignation of Jon Gruden in 2021, Bisaccia went 7-5 and took the Raiders to the playoffs. That makes him one of only three Raiders head coaches since 2001 to leave the job with a winning record. The others were Gruden (22-31 in his second stint) and Jack Del Rio (25-23). In that same time frame, seven coaches have left with losing records. Josh McDaniels fell to 6-12 in the role Monday night.

    Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 27)

    Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 24-10

    Something scary (for them): Jordan Love’s play

    The man Green Bay hoped would take over (somewhat) seamlessly for Aaron Rodgers is 32nd in the league in completion percentage (57.7). Only Zach Wilson has had a worse rate in any season since 2020. And it’s not because Love is taking deep shots. His 6.4 yards per attempt rank 26th in the league, and he’s tied for the league lead in interceptions (eight).

    Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET


    Giants running back Saquon Barkley had 36 carries in Sunday’s loss to the Jets. (Dustin Satloff / Getty Images)

    28. New York Giants (2-6)

    (Last week: 28)

    Sunday: Lost to New York Jets 13-10

    Something scary (for them): Saquon Barkley’s health

    Down to their third quarterback (undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito) because of injury, the Giants gave the ball to Barkley 36 times Sunday. That’s the most carries in a game in the last two seasons, and the second most was Barkley’s 35 carries last year against the Texans in Week 10. After that game, Barkley didn’t top 90 yards the rest of the season. The Giants finished with minus-9 passing yards against the Jets, so it’s going to be tempting to try to ride Barkley the rest of the season. That might not be possible, though.

    Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    29. New England Patriots (2-6)

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Lost to Miami Dolphins 31-17

    Something scary (for them): Bill Belichick’s staples

    Mac Jones has been bad (30th in EPA per dropback), but he’s not the only reason New England is four games under .500. The defense and special teams, Belichick’s specialties, also stink. The Patriots are allowing 26 points per game, which ranks 26th in the league. They’ve held just one opponent under 20 points, and that was the Jets. On top of that, New England’s special teams EPA is minus-19.68, which ranks 31st, according to TruMedia.

    Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    30. Arizona Cardinals (1-7)

    (Last week: 31)

    Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 31-24

    Something scary (for others): Kyler Murray has a lot of value

    Murray was healthy enough to play Sunday but did not, so it’s still not clear if the new regime envisions him as their quarterback of the future or as a trade chip. Either way, he’s a valuable commodity for a Cardinals team that right now owns the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft. The rash of quarterback injuries means Murray might command more than usual on the trade market, and his skills on the field are undeniable.

    Up next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 30-13

    Something scary (for them): The quarterback decision-making

    Tyson Bagent is a great story, but how can the Bears go into the season with an undrafted rookie from Division II college football as the only option behind Justin Fields, who plays a style that makes him vulnerable to missing time? Fields, who missed Sunday’s game with a thumb injury, has already been ruled out for this week. The Bears need him back. Bagent threw two interceptions and had a passer rating of 62 against the Chargers.

    Up next: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    32. Carolina Panthers (1-6)

    (Last week: 32)

    Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 15-13

    Something scary (for them): The defense

    Maybe the bye week turned things around because the Panthers did hold the Texans down. Still, this defense was supposed to give Bryce Young some room to grow. Instead, it’s 30th in the league in points allowed (28.4 per game) even after Sunday’s game. Edge rusher Brian Burns was dominant in his first game of the season, but he’s had more than two quarterback pressures in a game only once since Week 3.

    Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Ranking NFL GMs by trade deadline aggression, while wondering why Chicago Bears rank at the top

    (Top photo of Eagles receiver A.J. Brown: Kyle Ross / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • Pete Carroll’s ‘three-ring circus’ Seahawks team meetings

    Pete Carroll’s ‘three-ring circus’ Seahawks team meetings

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    Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is 72, the oldest coach in the NFL, with a Super Bowl trophy and the 17th-most wins (165) in NFL history. His team meetings are also a bit … unorthodox.

    Jermaine Kearse (wide receiver): Honestly, the team meetings were a sh– ton of fun.

    Malcolm Smith (linebacker): His team meetings are honestly what I think sets him apart from other coaches.

    Chad Brown (former NFL linebacker and coaching intern): Absolutely, without a doubt, the best team meetings of any team I was on as a coach or a player.

    Luke Willson (tight end): I get drafted and come here for rookie minicamp with no idea what to expect. It’s dead silent in the team meeting room. There are a bunch of rookies who don’t even have free-agent contracts, a couple drafted guys and a couple of undrafted free agents. He just storms in the room and goes: “Alright, alright, let’s get this thing started right.” He’s like, “OK, kickers, get up! Who are the kickers here?” We had a couple kickers, and he has them do a basketball shootout, and he goes, “Whoever wins gets to stay; whoever doesn’t gets cut.” He’s totally kidding and I’m just laughing. The next thing we know, we’re shooting basketballs, he’s got a couple of YouTube videos and we go out to practice and music is blaring the whole time and he’s dancing around.

    Ben Malcolmson (Carroll’s chief of staff): Barnum and Bailey’s three-ring circus here.

    Willson: I was like, “Dude … this guy is kind of crazy.”

    Justin Britt (center): He would do what he called “the safe place.” Everyone had a bullsh– story about them and none of it was true, but if you didn’t know, it seemed believable.

    Uchenna Nwosu (outside linebacker): He tells all these stories other guys went through … selling the hell out that story, making it sound really good and believable.

    Britt: He had people believe that my mom had this anger towards me and resented me because of how large my head was at birth. I had to play along with that for like four years.

    Golden Tate (wide receiver): One team meeting he gets up there and says: “Hey, we’ve got this new Gatorade. Why don’t you guys make sure you try one out before practice? They’re supposed to hydrate you really well. We don’t want you out here pulling anything.”

    Shaquem Griffin (linebacker): Pete Carroll is just in a land of his own.

    Tate: We would open up the cooler and this fake snake would pop out. We’d all jump and some of us would scream. He had a camera in there. Of course, the next day in the team meeting, he selected all the good ones and premiered it to the entire team.

    Britt: He would have a set amount of time in the day allocated to just having pure fun.

    Malcolmson: He hosted scooter races in the coaches’ offices. There was a loop that he set up, and he would do timed scooter races.

    Brown: I was excited every day to go to work because, what is Pete going to do today? What fun thing is going to happen?

    Britt: By the time we got to the serious stuff, we were all like: “I’m awake, I’m ready, my senses are right. Let’s go.”

    Brown: I’ve never been in a football environment like that.

    Tate: He was a jokester. He was a serious jokester.

    Malcolmson: Pete told our video crew: “Hey, if anyone trips (at practice) during a drill or a route, if they fall down, you’ve got to edit it and slice it with sniper footage.”

    Kearse: Everybody would be talking, and then the lights would just go down low.

    Malcolmson: It would cut to dramatic music and a sniper scene in a movie.

    K.J. Wright (linebacker): Like “American Sniper” or something. It would be like: “I have an eye on him. I’m locked on the target.”

    Malcolmson: It’s like a minute-long buildup, and everyone is like: “Oh no, who’s gonna get got?”

    Wright: And then the sniper would shoot, the guy would fall at practice and blood would splash out. It was the funniest sh– ever.


    The NFL’s oldest coach doesn’t always act like it. (Christopher Mast / Getty Images)

    Nick Bellore (fullback:) He had a surgery on his leg or his knee. He came back to the team meeting right after he got it done.

    Tyler Mabry (tight end): He’s driving on the golf cart at practice, and then I don’t know if he had a cane, but he’s walking, then he threw it down and started running.

    Bellore: He just came sprinting in like you’d see a professional wrestler going into the ring.

    Mabry: Like this man just got saved by Jesus.

    Bellore: He sprinted down and then went and changed direction, and everyone was going nuts and he ran a pro agility (test). It was literally like he was doing a combine workout. I’ve never laughed that hard in a meeting.

    Britt: Every new player that comes there goes: “Don’t go somewhere else. This is the best place.” And it truly was.

    Malcolmson: For the New York Super Bowl, that was the first year our free-throw shooting contest really took off. We started to do it during almost every team meeting, and there was an in-season tournament. It really became part of the culture.

    go-deeper

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    The 2013 Seahawks and the secret sauce of a generational defense

    Kearse: We had a whole NCAA-style bracket with defense on one side and offense on the other side.

    Malcolmson: That was Pete’s request when we went out to New York for the week before the Super Bowl: “Make sure there is a basketball hoop.” We landed on a Sunday night the week before the Super Bowl. By the time we got to the hotel, it was probably 9 or 10 at night. I was like, “I’ve got to go figure out this basketball hoop because we have a team meeting first thing in the morning at the Giants’ facility.”

    Brown: There was always a genuine team-building purpose with everything.

    Malcolmson: I borrowed a car, went to Walmart in a suburban New Jersey town, got a full-scale basketball hoop, one of those ones where you pour sand or water in the base, then drove to the Giants’ facility. By this point, it’s probably midnight, and I ended up finishing building the hoop at 3 a.m.

    Chris Carlisle (strength coach): Tom Coughlin was the coach at the time, and all the Giants people were like: “What are you doing? No, you can’t bring that in. This is a meeting room. This is like church.”

    Willson: I was nervous. I’m a rookie. We’re eight days out from the f—ing Super Bowl. Pete comes in, wheels in a f—ing basketball goal and is like: “I don’t give a sh– that it’s the Super Bowl, we’re doing the same thing we’ve always done, boys. In fact, we’re going to have an All-Star tournament with the best shooters of the year, and we’re doing Round 1 today.

    Malcolmson: Just one of those crazy Pete things.

    Willson: All the stress, everything — it just disappeared. It was like: “Alright, f— it, who gives a sh–? We’re in New York. It’s the same thing as home.”

    Malcolmson: One camp, we did full introductions before the basketball shoot-off. Tyler Lockett came out in the dark to the Chicago Bulls’ intro music, with lasers and a fog machine in the team meeting room. We had a confetti machine and a trophy presentation. It was so dumb but so fun.

    Kearse: Yeah, it was fun, but subliminally it was building a competitive edge. Even the rebounders took it serious.

    Smith: That program has consistently been competitive because he knows how to get the most out of his players from an emotional standpoint.

    DeeJay Dallas (running back): The night-before meetings are his favorite…

    Malcolmson: He would want the worst conference room at the hotel on Saturday night. We had about 100 people, and he would try to find the dingiest, smallest room at the hotel.

    Bellore: There’s literally no room for any extra person. That’s unique to here.

    Malcolmson: Every time the hotel would be like: “We have this nice big ballroom.” And every time he’d be like: “No, no, I want this side conference room.”

    Smith: He pays so much attention to the energy of rooms.

    Carlisle: On the road, he’d come down to the weight room and go: “I just need to be around the players. I need to get that energy. I need to feel the team again.”

    Bellore: He’s right there, and we’re all in there together.

    Dallas: He came in there, shirt unbuttoned, he was already fired up. He gets to talking, and he threw a chair — boom, it hit the wall. The chair is stuck in the wall. I was like, “Goddamn! He fired up.”

    Artie Burns (cornerback): For a guy like that to have that much energy, it makes you want to play for him.

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Pete Carroll’s vindication: How the Seahawks’ 71-year-old coach proved he’s still got it

    Dallas: He’s like, “F— it, we’re already fired up, we don’t need no meeting!” And we got out of our meeting.

    Jordyn Brooks (linebacker): It gets pretty wild sometimes.

    Phil Haynes (offensive lineman): We always get really hype before a special teams meeting, but he got really, really excited and jumped through a whiteboard.

    DeShawn Shead (former cornerback, current DBs coach): Out of nowhere he got up — boom.

    Wright: He literally does a full-on cartwheel into it.

    Riq Woolen (cornerback): But the whiteboard flipped over, and he flipped over with it.

    Haynes: I was like, “My God.” We all checked to make sure he was OK, then we started cheering.

    Woolen: Good ol’ Pete got right up, and he was like, “That was nothing.”

    Malcolmson: The funny thing is, the whiteboard didn’t really serve any purpose. But it was always in the same spot I think as a prop for whenever Pete decided to go tackle it.


    Carroll ranks fourth in wins among active coaches, two behind the Steelers’ Mike Tomlin. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today)

    Julian Love (safety): I got called on (recently). It was cool. His message for that (meeting) was, “I’m not out there by myself. I don’t have to win the game for us. I don’t have to do anything that’s out of my control. Everyone has my back to get this done.” I felt that the next day. After the game, he said it again like, “J Love, I told you we had your back.”

    Jason Peters (offensive line): He gives you himself. He’s speaking from the heart. That’s different from anywhere else I’ve been.

    Drew Lock (quarterback): The way he tells stories, commands the room, my mouth was open the whole time, like, “I can’t believe I’m here listening to him give a pregame speech about a game we’re about to play tomorrow.”

    Willson: We were playing a big game, and there was a bunch of media hype. He calls up Tyler Lockett and he has a chair. He’s like: “Do me a favor. Just stand on this.” He’s like: “Do you think you can just lift one leg up?” Lockett looks at him and lifts the leg up. He has him do all this stuff: “Do a spin, do a counter spin.” I’m like, “What the f— is going on?” Then he’s like: “OK, serious question. Was any of that hard?” Lockett’s like, “No, not at all.”

    Malcolmson: Then he’s like: “What if I put this on the Empire State Building? Would you be able to do it then?” Of course, the answer is no way. He’s like: “But nothing’s different, nothing’s changed. It’s all just your surroundings.”

    Willson: You’ve got to picture this is Pete Carroll’s voice, so it’s way more animated, and he’s like, “Tomorrow, we’re just playing f—ing football. Field’s the same size, football’s the same size, plays are the same. F— all this nonsense about what happens if the Seahawks lose. Go out and rip it.”

    Britt: The motivational person he is, it’s unmatched.

    Shead: Pete got the most juice of any coach, anybody in America.

    Griffin: There’s nobody like him.

    Wright: The guy’s a legend.

    (Illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic; Photos: Nic Antaya, Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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  • NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Chiefs, Eagles are 1-2, plus one question for each team

    NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Chiefs, Eagles are 1-2, plus one question for each team

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    The Power Rankings have a new No. 1.

    And also some questions — 32 questions to be precise, one for each team. Some of these are big questions that affect the long-term future of the teams, and some are more specific. Either way, we’re hoping the final 11 weeks of the season will give us some answers.

    As for our new No. 1, they’ll feel pretty familiar.

    (Last week: 5)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Chargers 31-17

    One question: Is the defense for real?

    Kansas City won the Super Bowl last season with a defense that ranked 14th in success rate (58.3 percent). This year’s group ranks fifth (61.6). The offense seems fully engaged now. Travis Kelce caught 12 passes for 179 yards Sunday, and Patrick Mahomes had his fifth career game with 400-plus yards and four or more touchdowns. Plus, Mahomes and Kelce connected for their 50th career touchdown, the fourth-most by a quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history. If this defense is for real, the Chiefs will stay in this spot for a while.

    Up next: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 4)

    Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 31-17

    One question: Should the Tush Push be outlawed?

    The Eagles converted two fourth-and-1 plays on their decisive drive against Miami on Sunday night using their signature scrum play. There’s a growing sentiment that the NFL’s competition committee is going to ban the play in the offseason, but why? What is more of a football play than your big guys pushing their big guys back a yard, or two or three in the Eagles’ case? There should be a benefit to getting to third- and fourth-and-short plays. In case it’s not clear, our answer to this question is, “No!”

    Up next: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 12)

    Sunday: Beat Detroit Lions 38-6

    One question: Can we give Lamar Jackson his due?

    The Ravens quarterback won his 50th career game in his 68th career start Sunday. Only Ken Stabler, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Roger Staubach got to 50 wins in fewer starts. And Jackson did it in style, becoming the fourth player in league history to have at least 350 passing yards, three touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown and a passer rating above 150 in a game. After seven games in new coordinator Todd Monken’s offense, Jackson is third in the league in passer rating (101.9) and fifth in yards per game (281.9), according to TruMedia.

    Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    4. Miami Dolphins (5-2)

    (Last week: 1)

    Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 31-17

    One question: Are the Dolphins for real?

    This is the point where some of the devoted Power Rankings commenters can (and probably will) say, “We told you so.” The five teams Miami has beaten are a combined 8-25. None of them is even within two games of .500. Yes, Miami’s offensive line injuries are piling up, but the two winning teams the Dolphins have played have beaten them by an average of 21 points. We may not have an answer to this question for a while. They play only one team with a winning record (the Chiefs) between now and their game against the Cowboys on Christmas Eve.

    Up next: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 2)

    Monday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 22-17

    One question: Just how valuable is Trent Williams?

    Say what you will about Deebo Samuel being sidelined, but the 49ers’ biggest absence (literally and figuratively) Monday night was left tackle Trent Williams. With the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder on the sideline because of an ankle injury, San Francisco rushed for a season-low 65 yards and had a season-worst minus-4.95 in rush EPA, according to TruMedia. Williams was limited for much of last week’s game against Cleveland by the injury, and the Browns had a pressure percentage of 50 percent.

    Up next: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 3)

    Sunday: Lost to Baltimore Ravens 38-6

    One question: How will they bounce back?

    After being the league’s feel-good story through the first third of the season, Detroit got pummeled Sunday. Baltimore had 503 yards and averaged 9.1 yards per play, the most by any team not named the Dolphins in a game this season. Jared Goff had a quarterback rating of 68.4. The Lions were third in the league in yards (383.7) and fourth in points (28) through six weeks but fell behind 35-0 Sunday. Coach Dan Campbell said he thinks the game will “re-center” his team, but they don’t have a lot of institutional confidence to fall back on.

    Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 7)

    Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 39-38

    One question: What’s the deal with Deshaun Watson?

    After missing Weeks 4, 5 and 6 with a bruised shoulder, Watson returned Sunday but threw only five passes (completing one to each team) before leaving after a big hit. He cleared an in-game concussion evaluation but did not return to the game, which continues a pattern of the Browns saying Watson is uninjured but not playing him. Coach Kevin Stefanski said after the game that Watson will start this week against Seattle, but is that good news or not? Since joining the team in Week 13 last year, he has a passer rating of 81.3, which ranks 36th among qualifying quarterbacks in that time, according to TruMedia.

    Up next: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET


    Trevor Lawrence, Christian Kirk and the Jaguars are in the driver’s seat in the AFC South. (Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 8)

    Thursday: Beat New Orleans Saints 31-24

    One question: Is Trevor Lawrence elite?

    The Jaguars’ third-year quarterback has been good. He’s 11th in the league in passer rating (92.8), and he was a just-fine 20-for-29 for 204 yards and one touchdown (and led Jacksonville in rushing with 59 yards) in beating the Saints this week, but Lawrence was drafted No. 1 in 2021 because he was supposed to be great. Granted, he’s the only thing saving a 2021 quarterback class that also included Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones in the first 15 picks, but he still misses throws and makes reckless decisions. If Lawrence can be one of the true dudes in the league, it changes Jacksonville’s outlook this year and into the future.

    Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    9. Dallas Cowboys (4-2)

    (Last week: 9)

    Sunday: Bye

    One question: Where are we on Dak Prescott?

    In the last two weeks, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and star edge rusher Micah Parsons have felt the need to come to the defense of their eighth-year quarterback. It feels like a lot of angst about a quarterback who is 14th in the league in passer rating (91) and leading a team in the top 10 of these rankings. Are there quibbles? Sure. Prescott’s yards per attempt (7) are the second-lowest of his career, his air yards per attempt (6.9) are the lowest, and he’s throwing to wide receivers at the lowest rate of his career (58.1 percent). But that all seems like a product of Mike McCarthy’s offense, not Prescott’s play.

    Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 6)

    Sunday: Lost to New England Patriots 29-25

    One question: Where do they fit in the AFC East?

    Buffalo has now beaten division leader Miami and lost to bottom dwellers New York and New England. The Bills have totaled 10 points in their last three first halves and have lost two of those games. They have the seventh-hardest remaining schedule in the league, according to Tankathon. This team is still fourth in the league in yards per play (5.9) so it’s probably fine, but it can’t afford to give away games to bad teams like it did Sunday.

    Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 10)

    Sunday: Bye

    One question: Is the running game OK?

    Joe Burrow seems fixed. Now about that run game. The division-winning Bengals teams of the last two seasons didn’t lean on the run, but they could run the ball. Cincinnati was eighth in the league in rushing success rate in 2022 (41.1 percent) and 23rd in 2021 (37.3). This year, the Bengals sit 30th at 30.9 percent, and Joe Mixon is the only back with more than five carries this season.

    Up next: at San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    12. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)

    (Last week: 11)

    Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 20-10

    One question: Is Devon Witherspoon going to hurt somebody?

    The Seahawks rookie cornerback already is one of the most exciting players in the league. He doesn’t have a gaudy stat line — he had an interception and a sack wiped out by penalty Sunday — but he’s been one of the impactful defenders in the league already. And he’s one of the feistiest. He knocked Arizona’s Rondale Moore for a loop Sunday.

    Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 13)

    Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 24-17

    One question: Who will win defensive player of the year?

    We ask this question in the Steelers section because T.J. Watt is at or near the top of the list. Watt still is on pace to break his own single-season sacks record of 22 1/2 despite not having a sack for the first time Sunday. He did grab his first interception of the season, though, to keep the Steelers in the game. Watt is tied for fifth in the league with 22 defensive splash plays, according to TruMedia, which is three more than Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, Watt’s main competition.

    Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    14. New York Jets (3-3)

    (Last week: 14)

    Sunday: Bye

    One question: Could Aaron Rodgers return?

    As soon as Rodgers was seen throwing a football, albeit gingerly, last week before the Jets’ game, earnest speculation began about whether he could return this season from Achilles surgery. Coach Robert Saleh says Rodgers is “manifesting” himself toward a speedy recovery and hasn’t counted out his starting quarterback’s return. Marty Jaramillo, described by CBS Sports HQ as an “injury expert,” says Rodgers is “moving almost three times as fast” as a normal player through the recovery process. If Rodgers can return, these Jets become a real contender. The only certain thing, though, is that Rodgers is going to play out the drama on this question as long as he can.

    Up next: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 23)

    Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16-13

    One question: Will Desmond Ridder keep his job?

    Probably, but the second-year quarterback has turned the ball over six times in the last two weeks. Ridder fumbled three times inside the Tampa Bay 11-yard line Sunday, including twice at the 1. His final fumble came just as he was about to score a rushing touchdown that likely would have put the game away. Instead, Atlanta needed a 51-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo at the buzzer. The Falcons are in first place in the NFC South after the win, and Ridder has the support of coach Arthur Smith at least for now, but until he cleans up the turnovers, this question will remain.

    Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    16. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)

    (Last week: 26)

    Monday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 22-17

    One question: Who designs the Vikings’ turnover celebrations?

    Whoever it is should get a raise. Minnesota forced three turnovers Monday night against the 49ers but got to do four celebrations because one was called back when Brock Purdy was ruled down by contact. On the first, the Vikings defenders did a limbo line using 198-pound cornerback Akayleb Evans as the limbo pole. On the second, the defenders all sat in a circle in the end zone and played duck, duck, goose. On the third one, Camryn Bynum and teammates did the worm in the end zone. On the fourth, Bynum and friends celebrated finishing off the upset.

    Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)

    (Last week: 15)

    Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 16-13

    One question: Is this the real Tampa Bay?

    After a surprising 2-0 start, the Buccaneers are 1-3 in their last four games, averaging 14 points per game in that span. Baker Mayfield is 23rd in the league in passer rating (81.5), his off-target percentage (15.4) is the fourth-worst in that stretch, according to TruMedia, and the running game is not helping him. Tampa Bay is last in the league, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and has only five rushing touchdowns, the fewest in the league.

    Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET


    Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua continues to produce, even with Cooper Kupp back in the lineup. (Harry How / Getty Images)

    (Last week: 16)

    Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 24-17

    One question: Can Puka Nacua lead the NFL in catches?

    The Rams rookie receiver has gone well past feel-good story. He still fits that description with the most catches by any player in his first seven NFL games (58), but it’s time to start looking at him as a really good player. Nacua, who had eight catches Sunday, leads the NFL in receptions and is on pace to have the fourth-most catches in a single season in league history. His 752 receiving yards trail only Tyreek Hill.

    Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 17)

    Sunday: Bye

    One question: Is this a playoff team?

    The Texans are one game back in the AFC South (with a win against division leader Jacksonville) and have the 30th-toughest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon. Houston’s .500 record is not smoke and mirrors. The Texans are 11th in offensive EPA and 21st in defensive EPA, according to TruMedia, and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud looks the part. Stroud is fourth in the league in passing yards per game (276.7) and has the 10th-best passer rating (96.4).

    Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 18)

    Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 39-38

    One question: Should Shane Steichen be coach of the year?

    He won’t win the award because this team probably will finish with a losing record, but he deserves some recognition. In his first season as Colts head coach, Steichen has had to juggle quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew because of Richardson’s injuries, which have now ended the promising rookie’s season. Plus, the Colts didn’t have running back Jonathan Taylor for the first month of the season, and they just put up 38 points on a Browns defense that held the 49ers to 17 a week earlier.

    Up next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    21. New Orleans Saints (3-4)

    (Last week: 19)

    Thursday: Lost to Jacksonville Jaguars 34-21

    One question: When is the reboot coming?

    New Orleans is a projected $83.7 million over the 2024 salary cap (that’s twice as much as any other team), according to Over the Cap, and for what? The Saints’ only wins this year have come against the Titans, Panthers and Patriots, and the $60 million they guaranteed to quarterback Derek Carr in the offseason is looking like a bad investment. Carr is 27th in the league in yards per attempt (6.3) and 20th in passer rating (82.8) and seems to be blaming everyone but himself on the sideline. The Saints might be stuck with him through next season because it would be $52 million in dead money to cut him before June 1, 2024, and $35.7 million after June 1.

    Up next: at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    22. Tennessee Titans (2-4)

    (Last week: 20)

    Sunday: Bye

    One question: What’s the plan at quarterback?

    Eleven-year veteran Ryan Tannehill has the lowest winning percentage (.333), passer rating (71.9, 31st in NFL) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (2-6) of his career. Malik Willis, the Titans’ 2022 third-round pick, hasn’t looked like the answer in limited fill-in duty, and Will Levis, the 2023 second-round pick, can’t even get on the field. Tennessee looks like it will be bad enough to draft the No. 3 quarterback in this upcoming class (whoever that turns out to be), but how much capital do the Titans have to invest to get the position figured out?

    Up next: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 21)

    Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 31-17

    One question: Are the Chargers really a bad team?

    Hear us out. The Chargers have lost to only one team with a losing record. Three of their four losses came against the Dolphins, Cowboys and Chiefs, and only Sunday’s loss came by more than three points. Justin Herbert is getting a lot of heat lately, but he’s ninth in the league in passer rating (97.1) and sixth in yards per attempt (7.5). We haven’t given up on the Chargers just yet.

    Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 24)

    Sunday: Lost to Chicago Bears 30-12

    One question: Why is Josh McDaniels still the coach?

    Maybe “Why was he ever?” is the real question. McDaniels was 11-17 in two years as Denver’s coach. He’s now 9-15 in Las Vegas after losing Sunday to a Bears team led by backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, a rookie out of Division II. McDaniels’ offense is fine. The Raiders are eighth in the league in points per drive (2.17), but the defense is 22nd in points per drive allowed (2.22), according to TruMedia. It might be that McDaniels is better suited to be an offensive coordinator.

    Up next: at Detroit Lions, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 22)

    Sunday: Lost to New York Giants 14-7

    One question: Is this team in the chase for a top-two pick?

    The Commanders would be picking 14th if the season ended right now, so they’ve got work to do, but there’s plenty of time. Washington has the fourth-toughest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon, and it needs a quarterback. Sam Howell had a rating of 60.5 and was sacked six more times on Sunday. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen has clearly had enough (see below). You know new owner Josh Harris would love a shot to draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.

    Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    26. Denver Broncos (2-5)

    (Last week: 31)

    Sunday: Beat Green Bay Packers 19-17

    One question: How many points will the Chiefs score?

    The Broncos defense is not good despite the Packers only scoring 17 points against them Sunday. Denver is giving up the most rushing yards (167.3) and the third-most passing yards (257.4) this season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, who visit Denver on Sunday, are starting to click on all cylinders. On a positive note, Russell Wilson is seventh in the NFL in passer rating (99) and has 13 touchdown passes versus four interceptions.

    Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    27. Green Bay Packers (2-4)

    (Last week: 25)

    Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 19-17

    One question: What happened to Jordan Love?

    The Packers quarterback looked like he was growing into the starting job early in the season, but since Week 3, he is 33rd in the league in passer rating (64.9) and completion percentage (58.2). Nobody has thrown more than Love’s seven interceptions in that time period, and his 14.2 percent off-target percentage is the fifth highest. On Sunday, Love was 21-for-31 for 180 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against a Denver defense that is last in the league, giving up 424.7 yards per game.

    Up next: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Last week: 30)

    Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 14-7

    One question: Is Tyrod Taylor better than Daniel Jones?

    This year he is. Taylor, who has started the last two weeks, has a passer rating of 95.4 this season. Jones has a passer rating of 71.7, and after Sunday they have the same amount of wins as New York’s starter. This is your weekly reminder that Jones signed a four-year contract in the offseason with $81 million of guaranteed money. Jones missed Sunday’s game because of a neck injury, and the Giants may let him take his time rehabbing it.

    Up next: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    29. New England Patriots (2-5)

    (Last week: 28)

    Sunday: Beat the Buffalo Bills 29-25

    One question: Will Bill Belichick catch Don Shula?

    Belichick, whom NFL Network reported on Sunday signed a multiyear extension in the offseason, became the third coach in NFL history with 300 regular-season wins, joining Don Shula and George Halas. Belichick is up to 331 wins, including the playoffs, leaving him 16 short of tying Shula for the all-time record of 347. That doesn’t seem like a big deficit, but at the pace the Patriots are on this season, it could take a while, and Belichick is 71 years old.

    Up next: at Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    30. Chicago Bears (2-5)

    (Last week: 29)

    Sunday: Beat the Las Vegas Raiders 30-12

    One question: Who is Tyson Bagent?

    Bagent completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in a win Sunday. In his previous start, he threw for 165 yards for Shepherd University in a 44-13 loss to the Colorado School of Mines in the Division II playoffs. The Bears added him as an undrafted free agent after this year’s draft, and he won the backup job in the preseason. He now has as many wins for the Bears as Justin Fields in the last calendar year.

    Up next: at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

    31. Arizona Cardinals (1-6)

    (Last week: 27)

    Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 20-10

    One question: What will they do with Kyler Murray?

    The prospect of drafting either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye got even closer Sunday, as the Cardinals would pick second if the season ended today. Arizona opened the window for Murray to return from injured reserve last week, but there’s no firm timetable on when or even if he’ll return. The quarterback, who tore his ACL in December, has an up-and-down history with the organization. Murray’s talent is undeniable, and the word is he’s getting along OK with the new coaching staff, but committing to Murray and the five years and $182 million he has left on his deal might not be a good move for a franchise that could turn the page with a coveted quarterback on a rookie deal.

    Up next: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

    32. Carolina Panthers (0-6)

    (Last week: 32)

    Sunday: Bye

    One question: Is Bryce Young a bust?

    You’re right, Panthers fans, this is not a fair question in Week 8 of Young’s rookie year, but it has to be asked. Young’s 5.3 yards per attempt are on pace to be the 10th-lowest total in the NFL since at least 2000. His passer rating (78.7) ranks 29th in the league. Carolina, which traded receiver DJ Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks to Chicago for the right to the first pick in the draft, is going to be patient with Young. It has to be, but Panthers fans have to be worried.

    Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

    (Top photo of Patrick Mahomes: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

    “The Football 100,” the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, is on sale now. Order it here.

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