Month: January 2022

Dec 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) leaves the field after the win over the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu to play vs. Bengals

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs star safety Tyrann Mathieu was removed from the injury report and will play in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals.

Mathieu was listed as questionable on Friday, five days after sustaining a concussion in the team’s divisional-round victory over the Buffalo Bills.

Mathieu was a full practice participant on Thursday and Friday.

Mathieu, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, had 76 tackles, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 16 of the team’s 17 regular-season games this season.

The Chiefs also listed running back Darrel Williams (toe) as questionable on Friday. Williams missed the Buffalo game after being hurt the previous week in the wild-card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Williams was a limited practice participant on Friday.

Williams rushed for 558 yards and six touchdowns and caught 47 passes for 452 yards and two scores in 17 regular-season games.

As for the Bengals, defensive tackle Josh Tupou (knee) was listed as questionable on Friday after missing both his team’s first two playoff games. He was a limited practice participant for the third straight day.

Receiver Stanley Morgan (hamstring) and defensive end Cam Sample (groin) are both doubtful for the contest. Both players missed practice on Friday.

–Field Level Media

Jan 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) smiles as he runs off the field after they beat the against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady has $15M reasons to delay retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tom Brady may have about 15 million reasons against confirming his reported retirement for a few more days.

According to Spotrac, the one-year extension that the quarterback signed last March with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers included a $20 million signing bonus, with $15 million to be paid on Friday.

“Seems like something a guy or gal would want to have process before making any life changing career decisions official,” Spotrac posted Saturday on Twitter.

Brady, 44, would reportedly forfeit the bonus money if he officially retires before Friday.

Don Yee, the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s agent, may have alluded to the situation in his comments about Brady’s reported retirement on Saturday.

“He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon,” Yee said.

–Field Level Media

Aug 28, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive line coach Adam Stenavich prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Packers to promote Adam Stenavich to OC

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Green Bay Packers are promoting Adam Stenavich to the role of offensive coordinator, NFL Network reported.

Stenavich, a Wisconsin native, currently serves as the offensive line coach/run game coordinator for the Packers.

Nathaniel Hackett previous served as Green Bay’s offensive coordinator before accepting the head coaching position with the Denver Broncos on Thursday.

The NFL Network reported Hackett was interested in making Stenavich the Broncos’ offensive coordinator.

Stenavich, 38, began his NFL coaching career as an assistant offensive line coach with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. He joined the Packers as an offensive line coach in 2019 before being promoted to offensive line/run game coordinator on March 1, 2021.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws the ball against the BYU Cougars in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Ex-USC QB Jaxson Dart transferring to Ole Miss

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Southern California quarterback Jaxson Dart told ESPN on Saturday that he will continue his college career at Ole Miss.

Dart also considered Oklahoma and BYU after entering the transfer portal less than three weeks ago.

Dart is a welcome addition for the Rebels after star quarterback Matt Corral departed after the 2021 season in favor of entering the NFL draft.

Coach Lane Kiffin’s wide-open offense was a big consideration in Dart’s decision, according to the report.

Dart showed promise as a freshman at USC by passing for 1,353 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions in six games (three starts).

Dart relieved starting quarterback Kedon Slovis on Sept. 18 when the latter injured his neck on USC’s first possession against Washington State. Dart set a program record for most passing yards in a debut — 391 — to go with four touchdowns and two interceptions as the Trojans won 45-14.

However, Dart sustained a meniscus injury during the game, reportedly during the second quarter, and played through it. He later underwent surgery and returned Oct. 30 against Arizona, splitting time with Slovis against the Wildcats.

Former Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley became USC’s coach in late November and speculation that Sooners quarterback Caleb Williams would join him in Southern California reached a fever pitch. But Dart didn’t wait around to see if Williams was coming by entering the transfer portal on Jan. 10.

Williams, who is in the transfer portal, hasn’t yet selected a new school.

Tight end Michael Trigg, another USC player, also is transferring to Ole Miss. Trigg caught seven passes for 109 yards and one touchdown in six games as a freshman last season.

–Field Level Media

Jan 9, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) runs the ball against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Dontae Johnson (27) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFC Championship Same Game Parlay: 49ers vs Rams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The second game of Conference Championship weekend in the NFL is an NFC West battle between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, who are both seeking their second Super Bowl appearance in the past three years.

These defenses are much stouter than on the AFC side, so our Same Game Parlay is just three legs and comes to you with +434 odds at FanDuel.

3-Leg SGP
–Cooper Kupp 90+ receiving yards
–Deebo Samuel TD
–Rams moneyline

Cooper Kupp 90+ receiving yards:
Kupp has been near automatic this season, averaging 115.3 receiving yards per game and leading the NFL in all three receiving categories.

His over/under is currently 103.5 yards. It’s a number I like, but we bring a discounted total over to our SGP for some insurance.

Kupp has gone over this total in 17 of 19 games this season, a tremendous hit-rate and one we can feel confident about.

He has been rock-solid against this Niners defense in the two previous meetings this season, finishing with 122 and 118 receiving yards.

San Francisco has been generous to wide receiver success this season and considering Kupp has had big games both times, it’s reasonable to expect another big game.

Kupp should be able to get open deep for multiple big plays. San Francisco has allowed 54 passing plays of 20-plus yards this season, 13th-most in the NFL.

Deebo Samuel TD:
Samuel has a nose for the end zone and the swiss army knife will be a focal point of the San Francisco offense on Sunday, just as he has been all season.

Samuel has a touchdown in 12 of 18 games this season and three total against the Rams. He has scored on the ground in both games against Los Angeles and I expect the 49ers to have some success moving the ball.

Samuel gives us flexibility on how he’ll score and I like the consistency and utilization from the 49ers’ weapon.

Rams moneyline:
We end with a moneyline addition, going with the Rams to exact revenge after losing six consecutive games to San Francisco.

I just believe Los Angeles is the superior team. I think the Rams’ defense, namely their defensive line, is the best in football, and success often starts in the trenches.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing great football and is far superior to counterpart Jimmy Garoppolo. He was brought to Los Angeles for this moment and with the only defensive vulnerability on the field the San Francisco secondary, the Rams are well-equipped to take advantage on Sunday.

I think coach Sean McVay and the Rams get the 49ers monkey off their back and go on to be the second team in a row to play host to the Super Bowl in their home stadium.

That wraps the +434 SGP for the NFC Championship Game. Kupp is my favorite addition of the bunch, so even if you don’t agree with the other inclusions I think he is the safest addition you can wager on.

Enjoy the game!

–Griffin Carroll (@griffybets), Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

AFC Championship Same Game Parlay: Bengals vs. Chiefs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The first game of Conference Championship weekend in the NFL should be a display of offensive prowess when the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Kansas City Chiefs with the AFC title and a trip to Super Bowl LVI on the line.

What makes this an exciting game to bet on is the advantages each offense conceivably has. Neither defense is adept at slowing teams down and with two elite passing attacks, points and yards should be coming.

With that established, this feels like a good game to add up a few options in an expected shootout.

6-Leg SGP (+600 at DraftKings)
–Joe Burrow 275+ passing yards
–Patrick Mahomes 275+ passing yards
–Ja’Marr Chase 75+ receiving yards
–Tyreek Hill 75+ receiving yards
–Joe Mixon 25+ receiving yards
–Over 49.5 total points

There’s a solid correlation for this SGP – if Burrow and Mahomes each pass the 275 passing yards threshold, they’ll likely have the help of their top receivers. With so many overs, we’re rooting for an over, so in this scenario we take a slightly lower alternate total of 49.5 points.

Let’s dig into each leg.

Joe Burrow 275+ passing yards:
Burrow has gone over this total in three of his past four games, averaging 390.75 yards per game in that span.

Needless to say, that is far above this total. Burrow and these receivers torched Kansas City in Week 17, throwing for 446 yards and four touchdowns.

We watched Josh Allen carve up this defense last week, and with injuries in the Chiefs secondary, the recipe for a Bengals upset will come in the passing game.

This feels game-script proof. If Cincinnati wins, it’s likely due to Burrow moving the ball through the air. If the Bengals are trailing, they’ll be forced to throw even more.

This leg feels safe.

Ja’Marr Chase 75+ receiving yards:
Let’s stick with the Bengals as we make our way down this SGP. Chase had his best game of the season against the Chiefs a few weeks ago, going for a mammoth 266 receiving yards while breaking off multiple big plays.

Chase should again be able to utilize his big-play ability against a defense letting up the fourth-most 40-yard passes this season.

Chase has hit this total in four of his past five games.

Joe Mixon 25+ receiving yards:
Mixon has become very involved in the passing game lately with 5-plus targets in four consecutive games.

Mixon has 23 combined catches in his past four, averaging 47.5 receiving yards per game in that span.

The Chiefs allow the third-most receiving yards per game to running backs, so Mixon should have opportunities to continue his success in the passing game.

Patrick Mahomes 275+ passing yards:
The Bengals’ secondary has struggled slowing down quarterbacks all season, allowing the seventh-most passing yards per game to QBs.

Mahomes should have no issues against this secondary, and has thrown for 404 and 378 yards in his past two games.

I see chunk plays all game for the Chiefs passing attack, which will help Mahomes hit this mark, along with our next leg.

Tyreek Hill 75+ receiving yards:
Hill is Mahomes’ most explosive offense, evidenced by his 150 yards last weekend.

There’s something about studs in the playoffs that draws me in. The Bengals reasonably stifled Hill last time these teams met, but I don’t think they’ll be able to repeat that feat.

Hill could realistically cross this threshold with just two catches. We shouldn’t need to rely on that though, with WR1 averaging 9.3 targets per game this season.

The Bengals’ defense has allowed the third-most 20-yard passes this season, so Hill is going to have chances to rack up yards in a hurry.

Over 49.5 points:
With advantages for both passing games, the over is a logical inclusion in a SGP here. Currently set at 54.5 points we get a slight discount here, but I would feel comfortable adding 54.5.

The last time these two teams met, the Bengals won 34-31. While I think the Chiefs advance to their third straight Super Bowl with a win, I foresee a similar scoring output.

That will do it for this +600 SGP. Touchdown scorers could be a fun addition to juice up the odds and potential payout, so if you agree with the logic here, feel free to add a few.

Enjoy the game!

–Griffin Carroll (@griffybets), Field Level Media

Jan 23, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) waits in the tunnel before playing the Los Angeles Rams during a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NFL legend Tom Brady to retire

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady is retiring from football, ESPN reported Saturday.

The 44-year-old Tampa Bay quarterback said he would consult with his family and mull the decision perhaps “a month or longer” following the Buccaneers’ divisional playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday, but he apparently didn’t need that long.

Brady led the Bucs to a Super Bowl championship in his first seaason in Tampa in 2020 and signed a restructured contract that included next season, leading some to believe he might make a 2022 return at age 45.

He spent the first 20 seasons of his career with the New England Patriots, teaming with coach Bill Belichick to win six Super Bowls championships. His former top target there, Julian Edelman, weighed in quickly as retirement reports spread, posting a photo to Twitter with the comment, “Thanks for the memories, babe.”

The certain future Hall of Fame inductee led the NFL in passing yards with a career-high 5,316 yards and tossed 43 touchdown passes, showing no signs of a physical decline.

Brady, a 15-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time league Most Valuable Player, is also the NFL’s all-time leader in passes completed and attempted, passing yards and passing touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Raiders could hire Josh McDaniels as head coach this weekend

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is interviewing for the Las Vegas Raiders head-coaching job this weekend, NFL Network reported.

There is believed to be significant interest between both sides, and NFL Network said the Raiders could hire him this weekend.

The Raiders are seeking a replacement for Jon Gruden, who resigned in October after being linked to derogatory emails uncovered in the league’s investigation into the workplace culture with the Washington Football Team. Interim coach Rich Bisaccia led the team to a 7-5 record the rest of the season and a playoff berth.

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Raiders 26-19 in the AFC wild-card round.

Bisaccia talked to owner Mark Davis about being elevated to the role full-time, and Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and New England inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo also interviewed for the job.

But the focus is on the 45-year-old McDaniels now, and he reportedly could come as part of a package with Patriots director of player personnel Dave Ziegler, who would move into the general manager role.

GM Mike Mayock was fired after the season.

Should McDaniels be offered — and accept — the job, it would be his second go-round as an NFL head coach. He led the Denver Broncos to an 11-17 record before being fired after Week 13 in his second season in the job in 2010.

He spent the following season as the offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams, then returned to the same role with the Patriots, which he previously held from 2006-08.

In 2018, he accepted — and then backed out of — the job as head coach of the Colts. Sports Illustrated later reported that it wasn’t because the Patriots put a deal in place to make him the heir apparent to Bill Belichick, as was rumored, but instead over concerns about the football operations chain of command in Indianapolis.

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2020; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) keeps Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) from making a catch at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cheryl Evans-Arizona Republic Nfl San Francisco 49ers At Arizona Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald lists self as former athlete on LinkedIn

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is now a former athlete — at least according to his newly created LinkedIn profile.

While Fitzgerald has yet to publicly announce his retirement from the NFL, this appears to be another step in that direction. He labeled himself as an “Investor. Philanthropist. Former-Athlete” on his profile.

“Excited join the LinkedIn community! Looking forward to connecting and sharing ideas together through the platform,” Fitzgerald wrote on Twitter.

Fitzgerald, 38, played his entire career with the Cardinals, who used the third overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft on him. He last played in the 2020 season.

With the Cardinals, he made 11 Pro Bowl teams and played in Super Bowl XLIII, a 27-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers to conclude the 2008 season.

Once he officially retires, Fitzgerald’s election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, when he’s eligible, is certain. His 1,432 career receptions are second only to the legendary Jerry Rice (1,549), and he is second in receiving yards with 17,492, again trailing only Rice (22,895). He is sixth in touchdown receptions with 121, behind five current Hall of Fame members.

–Field Level Media