Tag: NFC

Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) and Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys aim to seal NFC East title vs. Commanders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Eliminated from playoff contention, the Washington Commanders can still deliver a parting gift to an NFC East rival.

Mired in a seven-game losing streak, the Commanders (4-12) welcome the Cowboys (11-5) for the regular-season finale on Sunday, knowing a Washington win could erase Dallas from the top of the division standings and open the passing lane for the Philadelphia Eagles to crash into first.

If the Cowboys win, Dallas would be the NFC East champion and the No. 2 seed in the conference. The Cowboys would head home for a wild-card playoff game at AT&T Stadium, where they are 8-0 this season.

“I like where we’re at,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said. “Obviously we would’ve liked to have won them all this past month, but I think clearly the adversity and the type of games we’ve been in will serve us well moving forward. I think being healthy is the most important statistic going into the playoffs.”

The Cowboys aren’t entirely healthy entering the game with guard Tyler Smith (foot) and nose tackle Johnathan Hankins (knee/ankle) nursing injuries. Hankins could play after missing the past three games, McCarthy said.

One player the Commanders aren’t likely itching to see this week is CeeDee Lamb. The Dallas wide receiver leads the NFL with 122 catches and is second with 1,651 receiving yards, establishing single-season franchise records in each category. Lamb had only four receptions for 53 yards and a TD in the Cowboys’ first matchup with Washington this season.

“He’s really just getting going and I can tell you as long as I’m here, he’ll probably stack these records and each and every year, to be honest with you,” said Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, the NFL leader in TD passes with 32.

The Cowboys’ 45-10 blowout of the Commanders in November led to the firing of Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.

Explosive plays have contributed to Washington’s undoing. No team has allowed more 20-yard pass plays, and the Commanders have only two interceptions in the past 10 games.

The Commanders rank last in total defense (385.8 yards per game), 31st in pass defense (259.3 yards per game) and aren’t built for comebacks with an NFL-worst minus-12 turnover margin.

Any traction Washington gains on the defensive side of the ball depends on the availability of interior force Jonathan Allen (knee), but he didn’t practice Wednesday. The two starting cornerbacks are ailing as well, as Kendall Fuller (knee) sat out the Wednesday practice while Benjamin St-Juste (concussion) was limited.

Dallas lost on the road to the Commanders 26-6 in the Week 18 game a year ago in Sam Howell’s first career start. The Washington quarterback went 28 of 44 for 300 yards and an interception in the Thanksgiving Day defeat at Dallas.

On Wednesday, Howell was named Washington’s starter over Jacoby Brissett. Howell started in Week 17 after Brissett was a pulled off the stage and made inactive on the roster pregame due to a hamstring injury. Brissett was limited in Wednesday’s practice.

The game could be curtains for Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, who expected he could be on the chopping block under new ownership with greater expectations for a Washington franchise that last won a playoff game following the 2005 season.

“There’s nothing you can do about what’s going to happen beyond Sunday, so the focus should be on Sunday,” Rivera said.

While the QB pecking order for Week 18 was up to Rivera, new hires for the president or general manager jobs could make their own decisions on the direction at quarterback for 2024. The Commanders enter the season finale in position to draft at No. 2 overall in April.

“Well, I’d like to think we’re in a better place,” Rivera said Tuesday when asked if the franchise is better off than when he was hired Jan. 1, 2020. “Probably a fairer way to say it. I most certainly do appreciate my time here, and we’ll see what happens. And again, we’ll focus on what’s coming first on Sunday, and that’s getting ready for Dallas.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) attempts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Purdy one of nine 49ers on NFC Pro Bowl roster

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The San Francisco 49ers, who will head into the playoffs as the top seed in the NFC, had a league-high nine players selected for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games.

Eight 49ers were chosen as starters for the flag football game in which the AFC will oppose the NFC on Feb. 4 in Orlando. Skills competitions also will be contested.

Quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa will be among the San Francisco starters, as will fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tackle Trent Williams, linebacker Fred Warner and cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Niners defensive lineman Javon Hargrave landed on the NFC squad as a reserve.

The Baltimore Ravens, who secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 56-19 drubbing of the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, had seven Pro Bowl selections, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety Kyle Hamilton.

Seven Cowboys were chosen for the Pro Bowl Games.

Pro Bowl starters:

AFC
Offense:
QB Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins)
RB Raheem Mostert (Dolphins)
FB Alec Ingold (Dolphins)
WR Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Amari Cooper (Browns)
TE Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
T Laremy Tunsil (Texans), Dion Dawkins (Bills)
G Quenton Nelson (Colts), Joel Bitonio (Browns)
C Creed Humphrey (Chiefs)

Defense:
DE Myles Garrett (Browns), Maxx Crosby (Raiders)
DL Chris Jones (Chiefs), Quinnen Williams (Jets)
OLB T.J. Watt (Steelers), Khalil Mack (Chargers)
MLB Roquan Smith (Ravens)
CB Pat Surtain II (Broncos), Sauce Gardner (Jets)
FS Justin Simmons (Broncos)
SS Kyle Hamilton (Ravens)

Special teams:
LS Ross Matiscik (Jaguars)
P AJ Cole (Raiders)
K Justin Tucker (Ravens)
KR Marvin Mims Jr. (Broncos)
ST Miles Killebrew (Steelers)

NFC
Offense:
QB Brock Purdy (49ers)
RB Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
FB Kyle Juszczyk (49ers)
WR CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), A.J. Brown (Eagles)
TE George Kittle (49ers)
T Trent Williams (49ers), Lane Johnson (Eagles)
G Zack Martin (Cowboys), Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)
C Jason Kelce (Eagles)

Defense:
DE Nick Bosa (49ers), Montez Sweat (Bears)
DL Aaron Donald (Rams), Dexter Lawrence (Giants)
OLB Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Danielle Hunter (Vikings)
MLB Fred Warner (49ers)
CB DaRon Bland (Cowboys), Charvarius Ward (49ers)
FS Jessie Bates (Falcons)
SS Budda Baker (Cardinals)

Special teams:
LS: Andrew DePaola (Vikings)
P Bryan Anger (Cowboys)
K Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys)
KR Rashid Shaheed (Saints)
ST Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Lions)

–Field Level Media

Feb 4, 2023; Paradise, NV, USA; NFL coach Eli Manning (left) talks with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during practice at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins, NFC top AFC at first-ever ‘Pro Bowl Games’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kirk Cousins connected with George Kittle on a 12-yard touchdown pass and scrambled away from a blitz to hit Minnesota Vikings teammate Justin Jefferson on the one-point conversion to lift the NFC to a victory over the AFC in the inaugural Pro Bowl Games on Sunday in Las Vegas.

The NFC beat the AFC 27-21 in the final tally, which awarded points for three short flag football games and a host of skills events that ranged from “Best Catch” to “Kick-Tac-Toe.”

The NFC, which trailed 9-3 after Thursday’s slate of skills competitions, tied the score at 21 entering the final flag football game. Cousins threw three touchdown passes, besting Derek Carr’s two for the AFC in likely his last appearance in Las Vegas as a member of the Raiders. The NFC won the decisive game 35-33 after Carr found Dawson Knox for a late touchdown but the AFC failed to convert a two-point attempt.

Eli Manning coached the NFC team and Peyton Manning did the same for the AFC. The brothers’ production company was also responsible for “reimagining” the all-star exhibition that had drawn criticism over the years for its lackluster showings as players did not want to risk injury.

Ironically, the format change — featuring 7-on-7 games that followed standard flag football rules — did not prevent injuries for all. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett reportedly suffered a dislocated toe during one of the flag contests.

Tyler Huntley — the Baltimore Ravens’ backup quarterback, in the game as a reserve — threw four touchdowns in the first game, two to Baltimore teammate Mark Andrews, but Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks beat that with five touchdowns as the NFC won the first flag game 33-27.

Stefon Diggs, who also lost the “Best Catch” final to Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, caught the go-ahead touchdown for the AFC to ultimately win the second flag game 18-13.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles fans cheer on during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Full NFL playoff picture: Eagles land bye, Dolphins snag wild card

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With all but one Week 18 game complete, 13 of the NFL’s 14 playoff teams were set in stone Sunday evening.

The Philadelphia Eagles finally secured the top seed in the NFC and the Miami Dolphins grabbed the last AFC wild-card berth during the afternoon action.

The only spot left at the table was the No. 7 seed in the NFC. The Seattle Seahawks remained alive for it by defeating the Los Angeles Rams 19-16 in overtime. But the Green Bay Packers have a win-and-in scenario entering “Sunday Night Football” against the visiting Detroit Lions. If the Packers lose, the Seahawks will earn the berth.

The Eagles’ 22-16 victory over the New York Giants halted a two-game slide and brought Philadelphia to 14-3, out of reach of the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, who were also contending for the NFC’s top seed at the start of the day.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC by beating the New England Patriots 35-23. The Cincinnati Bengals locked up the No. 3 seed with a 27-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills and Bengals were playing for the first time since their Monday night game was postponed and eventually canceled after Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field.

The day’s results set up the Bengals to face the Ravens in the AFC wild-card round. The NFL has said that due to the scheduling disadvantages caused by Monday’s cancellation in Cincinnati, homefield advantage for Bengals-Ravens will be decided by a coin flip.

The Dolphins beat the New York Jets 11-6 to beat out New England and the Pittsburgh Steelers for the last available AFC berth.

See the full schedule below (times and dates TBD):

AFC
No. 7 Miami Dolphins (9-8) at No. 2 Buffalo Bills (13-3)
No. 6 Baltimore Ravens (10-7) vs. No. 3 Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)
No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) at No. 4 Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)
Bye: No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)

NFC
No. 7 Seattle or Green Bay (TBD) at No. 2 San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
No. 6 New York Giants (9-7-1) at No. 3 Minnesota Vikings (13-4)
No. 5 Dallas Cowboys (12-5) at No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
Bye: No. 1 Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

–Field Level Media

Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) meet on the field after the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles, Vikings can clinch playoff spots this week

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Clinching a spot in the playoffs is a realistic possibility for the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings entering Week 13.

The Eagles (10-1) and Vikings (9-2) play home games on Sunday with a shot at sealing a postseason bid with a month remaining in the regular season.

Philadelphia hosts the Tennessee Titans (7-4) and the Eagles are 4-0 this season against AFC teams. In addition to beating the Titans, the Eagles need a Washington Commanders loss to the New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks loss to the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Clinching the NFC North is less complicated for the Vikings.

If Minnesota beats the New York Jets (7-4) and the Detroit Lions lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Vikings are division champions.

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC tight end Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens (89) runs with the ball against the NFC during the second quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

AFC pours on points, beats NFC for fifth straight Pro Bowl win

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Justin Herbert threw two touchdown passes, Mac Jones added one more and the AFC held on for a 41-35 win over the NFC in the Pro Bowl on Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas.

Mark Andrews had five catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns to lead the AFC. Hunter Renfrow also had a touchdown catch, and Stefon Diggs notched a rushing touchdown. It marked the AFC’s fifth straight Pro Bowl victory.

Kyler Murray threw three touchdown passes for the NFC, and Kirk Cousins had another touchdown toss. Kyle Juszczyk, Mike Evans, Kyle Pitts and Dalvin Cook each hauled in touchdowns in the loss.

The AFC opened the scoring on a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown by Darius Leonard with 12:17 remaining in the first quarter. Leonard, who had four interceptions to go along with a league-high eight forced fumbles this season, stepped in front of a high pass from Murray.

The NFC pulled even at 7-7 on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Cousins to Juszczyk with 9:57 to go in the first quarter.

Less than a minute later, Andrews grabbed a 15-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to make it 14-7 in favor of the AFC.

The NFC pulled within 14-13 on a pick-six by Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the final play of the first quarter. Winfield faked a pitch and kept the ball for a 63-yard return to the end zone, but a two-point conversion attempt failed moments later.

In the first minute of the second quarter, Myles Garrett had a 22-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Jones followed that with a successful two-point conversion, finding Diontae Johnson in the end zone to put the AFC on top 22-13.

Murray fired a 19-yard touchdown to Evans with 10:41 left in the second quarter. Murray then connected with CeeDee Lamb for a two-point conversion that pulled the NFC within 22-21.

A 7-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Andrews, followed by an unsuccessful two-point attempt, gave the AFC a 28-21 lead with 5:01 left in the second quarter.

Next came a 6-yard touchdown pass from Jones to Renfrow — again followed by an unsuccessful two-point attempt — to make it 34-21 with 7:24 to go in the third quarter.

The AFC’s advantage increased to 41-21 on Diggs’ 4-yard run late in the third quarter.

The NFC cut the deficit to 41-28 on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Murray to Pitts with 10:18 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Murray notched his third touchdown pass on a 5-yard strike to Cook with 2:36 left.

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) in action during the game between the Washington Football Team and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Diggs brothers excited to face off in Pro Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pro Bowl is annually a game in which many players opt out and some participate while disinterested.

In the midst of all the roster turmoil, there are at least two players highly eager to play in the Sunday game between the NFC and AFC at Las Vegas: the Diggs brothers.

NFL interception champion Trevon Diggs of the Dallas Cowboys can’t wait for that moment when he is staring across the line of scrimmage and sees older brother Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills just a couple yards away.

“Probably one of my favorite moments of this year, for real, because that’s my brother,” Trevon Diggs recently told reporters. “I love him to death and just being able to go up there (to the Pro Bowl) with him, that’s fire.”

Trevon Diggs, a 23-year-old cornerback, had a breakout campaign in his second NFL season. With his league-best 11 interceptions, he matched Everson Walls (1981) for the Cowboys’ single-season record, and he returned two for touchdowns.

A big reason for his rapid rise is the offseason workouts he conducted with Stefon. The 28-year-old wideout is in his second straight Pro Bowl after catching 103 passes for 1,225 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns this season.

On the day of the Pro Bowl selections, Stefon and Trevon were on FaceTime with 15 other family members and close friends. Stefon was pleased to earn another berth, but seeing his brother’s face appear on television as a selection was the highlight of the call.

“I was more happy for him than I was for myself,” Stefon Diggs said. “I was just more proud than anything. … I saw his face, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s my little brother.’”

Stefon Diggs’ usual quarterback, Josh Allen, is one of the many star players who won’t be in Las Vegas. Allen initially was an alternate for the game, but he turned down an invitation last week, citing body soreness.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) also declined a recent invitation, leading to Mac Jones of the New England Patriots getting the call as the AFC’s third quarterback. Justin Herbert of the Chargers is the AFC’s starting quarterback with Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs in reserve.

The top two candidates for NFL Most Valuable Player aren’t playing for the NFC — Aaron Rodgers (undisclosed injury) of the Green Bay Packers and the now-retired Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The NFC quarterbacks are now-starter Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals and two replacements — Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks and Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings.

Packers receiver Davante Adams (undisclosed injury) is among the others who pulled out.

Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans is coach of the AFC and Matt LaFleur of the Packers leads the NFC. The Titans and Packers both tied for the best regular-season record in their conference.

There will be no opening kickoff in this year’s game as the league experiments with the “Spot and Choose” method that the Ravens proposed to the Competition Committee last year.

The team that wins the coin toss will be able to spot the ball on any part of the field and choose the direction. The other team will then choose whether to start on offense or defense from the designated spot.

–Field Level Media

Jan 17, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) is introduced before playing against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Playoff parlay play: Rams at Buccaneers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Sunday’s NFL doubleheader opens with the Los Angeles visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a rematch of Week 3 game won by the Rams.

From a betting perspective, there is a reasonable argument that either team could win this game — and reach the Super Bowl out of the NFC with another victory next week — which ratchets up the investment intrigue.

To get into the action with a bet, we cooked up a Same Game Parlay that includes some extremely high hit-rates on the season. This particular SGP was constructed on FanDuel.

Rams vs Buccaneers SGP: +173 on FD
This parlay is four legs, and before we break down why each is a part of this bet, let’s show the entire SGP.

The SGP:
Cooper Kupp 70+ Receiving Yards
Tom Brady 225+ Passing Yards
Tyler Johnson 25+ Receiving Yards
Rams +10.5

If you wanted to increase the odds, you could bump up each of these prop totals, but we went with the safer route with some low totals.

–Cooper Kupp 70+ Receiving Yards
We start with Cooper Kupp. Kupp was the best wide receiver in football this season, leading the league in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

His over/under for this game is currently at 100.5 yards, so 70-plus should be well within grasp against a sagging secondary.

Kupp hit this total in 16 of 18 games this season, good for an 89% hit rate. Considering he’s averaging 111.6 yards per game and seeing 11 targets per game from Matthew Stafford, I feel comfortable with this number.

The Buccaneers secondary is where you’ll want to attack if you’re the Rams, with a strong run defense poised to shut down the combination of Sony Michel and Cam Akers.

In a game that should have plenty of scoring, Los Angeles will turn to the passing game, and in turn, Kupp.

–Tom Brady 225+ Passing Yards
We hit another low alternate line for Brady, needing just 225-pus passing yards to secure the second leg of our parlay.

Brady hit this total in 15 of 18 games this season, including against the Rams — finishing with 432.

Los Angeles has the best run defense in football, and no team throws more often than Tampa Bay.

If you wanted to bump your odds up, Brady at 250+ brings the odds up to +201. I prefer the safer route.

Brady is averaging 310.4 passing yards per game this season.

–Tyler Johnson 25+ Receiving Yards

I like Johnson to exceed 25 receiving yards, which he’s done in two of the last three games since Chris Godwin went down with a torn ACL.
Johnson is third on this team in targets and the WR2 in this offense.

Los Angeles allows the third-most receptions per game to wide receivers, and Johnson is sure to get some looks from Brady.

–Rams +10.5
This is another underdog that I think can win this weekend, so we bump the spread to +10.5 for some insurance.

Los Angeles matches up well with Tampa Bay, especially if Pro Bowl right tackle Tristan Wirfs misses the game as expected.

Brady’s biggest losses in the postseason have typically come against teams with an elite pass rush. Well, Aaron Donald and Von Miller make up just a part of what has been the best defensive line in football this season. The Rams’s 50 sacks are third in the NFL and they should be getting to Brady all game.

If Stafford can pick apart a vulnerable secondary and this Los Angeles defense comes to play, the Rams can at minimum keep this game within 10 points.

This is another I would be comfortable bumping to less of a spread to boost your SGP odds.

This NFC battle on Sunday should be a good one, so enjoy the game and the entire weekend of football!

–By Griffin Carroll, Field Level Media

Oct 24, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury looks on as Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals eye NFC West crown, wary of wounded Seahawks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arizona clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2015, but the Cardinals have plenty to play for on Sunday.

The Cardinals can still win the NFC West title and earn a home playoff game by taking care of business against the Seattle Seahawks — and getting some help — in Week 18.

The Cardinals (11-5) are a game behind the Los Angeles Rams in the division chase entering Sunday’s regular-season finale with the Seahawks (6-10) in Glendale, Ariz.

Last week, the Cardinals snapped a three-game losing streak with a 25-22 victory at Dallas as Kyler Murray completed 26 of 38 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 44 yards.

The Cardinals are just 3-4 at home, having lost four in a row.

“I think we just gotta play better at home. I think that’s what it comes down to. Nothing more, nothing less,” Murray said. “I definitely feel like as a team, it’s about getting hot at the right time and going into the playoffs. You wouldn’t want to go into the playoffs feeling how we felt three weeks ago, that’s for sure. I think that was a good head start to win this past Sunday and hopefully get the job done this weekend that we can feel even better going into the playoffs.”

Running back James Connor, whose 14 rushing touchdowns are two shy of the franchise record, missed two games in a row with a heel injury and has been limited in practice this week.

Chase Edmonds rushed for a game-high 53 yards against the Cowboys before leaving with an ankle injury and is also questionable for Sunday’s game.

“We’ll see how they progress in the next couple days. I don’t know how much we’ll use them, but we want to make sure they’re ready for the playoffs,” Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said of Connor and Edmonds. “That’s when we’ve been at our best when both guys are healthy and getting to play and taking some snaps off of each other. We’d like to get back to that …”

The Seahawks will finish with a losing record for the first time in the decade-long Russell Wilson/Bobby Wagner era. Seattle snapped a two-game skid last weekend with a 51-29 victory against visiting Detroit.

Wilson threw four touchdown passes – three to DK Metcalf – and Rashaad Penny rushed for a career-high 170 yards and two scores.

“Watching the film against Detroit, they were tremendous in all three phases, playing hard, playing to win,” Kingsbury said. “You would never guess that they aren’t going to the playoffs, honestly watching that team play.”

Wagner suffered a knee injury on Detroit’s first offensive play and didn’t return. The linebacker said he hopes to play Sunday.

“I think it’s just always important to try your best to finish what you start,” Wagner said. “So regardless of how the things play out, you never want your circumstances or what’s going on around you to dictate whether or not you’re going to play or how hard you’re going to play.”

Wagner is one of 10 Seahawks who have missed practice this week with injuries. The list includes linebacker Carlos Dunlap II (ankle), safety Quandre Diggs (knee) and tight end Will Dissly (heel).

The Cardinals won earlier this season in Seattle 23-13 behind backup quarterback Colt McCoy, who threw for 328 yards and two touchdowns. Conner scored on a 1-yard run with 2:20 remaining to clinch the victory.

–Field Level Media