Tag: preview

Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA;Miami quarterback Cam Ward (QB15) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

In Green Bay, NFL Draft wait almost over for Cam Ward, Travis Hunter

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Titletown underwent a makeover for the weekend as the 2025 NFL Draft takes place at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., starting Thursday night with the first round.

On the clock since the final game of the regular season in January, the Tennessee Titans resisted trade overtures and are committed to keeping the No. 1 pick in hopes of reversing recent fortunes in Nashville.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward has been the primary prospect under consideration by first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi and second-year head coach Brian Callahan for weeks. Ward, rated as a zero-star recruit, began his journey at Incarnate Word, transferred to Washington State and then spent the final season of his five-year college football journey running the Hurricanes’ offense and set the FBS record for TD passes (158).

“I’m excited to hopefully hear my name called first to go to a great organization like that,” Ward said Wednesday.

The Titans’ franchise last had the No. 1 pick in 1978, when the then-Oilers selected running back Earl Campbell.

Callahan was part of the Bengals’ organization when Joe Burrow was drafted first overall in 2020 and Borgonzi was a scout with the Chiefs when Kansas City unearthed a franchise quarterback named Patrick Mahomes.

Ward dined with Titans brass before his pro day, where he declared he was “solidifying” his status as the No. 1 pick.

“I like confidence. I think that’s a good thing,” Callahan said. “When you’re in the conversation for the No. 1 pick there’s a lot that comes with it. To have fun with that is a good thing.”

Ward said the passing game concepts in Tennessee are similar to what he was accustomed to in Miami. He also said he’s been in touch with Warren Moon about wearing the retired number — 1 — Moon immortalized with the Houston Oilers’ franchise.

Barring a trade, the Wisconsin faithful will wait a few hours into the draft for the Green Bay Packers to make their first selection, No. 23. The Packers enter the draft with picks late in the second (54) and third (87) rounds, which take place Friday night. The final four rounds begin Saturday morning.

One position seemingly always settled in Green Bay is quarterback, where Jordan Love has a firm hold on the spot since being drafted 26th in 2020 and developing behind Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have been the youngest team in the playoffs two consecutive seasons. Rodgers was the 24th pick in 2005.

Following the 2024 draft in which quarterbacks went 1-2-3 and six were first-round picks, the landing spots for the other QBs in this class are far less certain. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Louisville’s Tyler Shough all have been mentioned as options in the top 32.

None are expected to be selected before Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the two-way dynamo from Colorado who insists he can continue playing two positions as a pro.

“I believe I can do it. They said I can’t do it in college, I won the most prestigious award in college football. You still tell me what I can’t do and I’m going to go out there and do it,” Hunter said Wednesday, standing in the end zone at Lambeau Field. “Why is it important? Because I love football.”

Hunter went to the NFL Scouting Combine as a defensive back — primarily because players are grouped by position for all segments of the event — and told teams in face-to-face interviews he sees himself as a wide receiver and cornerback.

Few debate his gamebreaker ability, but teams are far from unanimous on the best way to use Hunter.

Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back picked in the top five since Saquon Barkley (No. 2, Giants, 2018). Jeanty can break tackles and long runs, and shared his own self-confidence in an open letter to NFL general managers this month with a reminder: “It’s tackle football, you know what I’m saying? I’d draft the guy they can’t tackle.”

Jeanty is the headliner in a deep running back class with the potential to place multiple players in the first round for the second time since 2019.

The supply of blue-chip defensive talent runs deep, starting with Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter. Depending on how Hunter is ultimately classified, Carter is expected to be the first defensive player off the board.

A converted stand-up linebacker with only one season at defensive end, Carter posted 23 sacks with the Nittany Lions but has been hampered by injuries to his shoulder and foot since the end of the extended 2024 college football season.

Carter said he’s ready for draft day to finally be here.

“I’m ready to get to tomorrow and find out where I’m going to go,” Carter said. “Wherever it is, I’m blessed to have the opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, Georgia edge defenders Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams and SEC offensive tackles who’ve blocked them — Missouri’s Armand Membou and Will Campbell of LSU — are also leading options in the top 10.

The Patriots, who drafted Drake Maye behind Caleb Williams (Bears) and Jayden Daniels (Commanders) last year, are one of the teams eyeing betting pass protection under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Pete Carroll is back in the saddle, too, after a year away and helping guide the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 with a fresh Jacksonville regime in between with the fifth overall pick. Jaguars’ first-time general manager James Gladstone has taken an unconventional approach to the draft, and along with 39-year-old first-time head coach Liam Coen, brings an unpredictable element to the middle of the top 10.

A pair of Michigan All-Americans, defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, are projected to be in play for the Jaguars and Raiders. Las Vegas scored a superstar in the first round last year with record-setter Brock Bowers, the 13th pick in 2024.

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and Penn State’s Tyler Warren are candidates to be picked in that same range this year.

When and where a second quarterback will come off the board is complicated.

Factors include talks with veterans in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are considered the frontrunners to sign Rodgers in free agency. A similar scenario could unfold with the Cleveland Browns, who have the No. 2 pick, with reported interest in acquiring Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Cousins holds a no-trade clause and reportedly plans to resist waving that provision until after the draft to avoid landing in the same situation he found himself in a year ago. After signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta in free agency, the Falcons shocked Cousins and many more by using the No. 8 pick on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

–Field Level Media

Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Bears 2025 draft needs, picks, best fits and history

Posted on | by Field Level Media

For the first time in three years, the Bears enter the draft somewhere other than the top.

And somehow, starting over in Chicago has never been quite this exciting.

Anticipation for a pairing of 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams with new head coach Ben Johnson has the Bears expecting a jump out of the NFC North cellar. But the Bears have been here before.

Chicago was a trendy playoff pick in 2024, before rookie quarterback Williams was under constant pressure behind a leaky offensive line. Still, he delivered a reasonably strong debut season despite working with multiple offensive coordinators and head coaches in the span of five months.

General manager Ryan Poles paid a record sum to hire Johnson away from the Detroit Lions and kept the account active in free agency with an overhaul of the offensive line and a hefty deal to pick up former Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Poles said last month that the flurry of moves allow the front office to select the “best player available” at No. 10 overall.

Team needs
Left tackle
Braxton Jones is a replacement-level starter. Caleb Williams isn’t a replacement-level quarterback. The Bears signed center Drew Dalman and acquired a pair of veteran guards, Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, to shore up the line.

Pass rusher
This is arguably the deepest position in the 2025 draft. Always willing to deal for a blue-chip player, Ryan Poles might move mountains to be in position to select Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter. If not, he’ll have plentiful speed options available at 10 and possibly into the second round. For three consecutive seasons, the Bears’ individual sacks leader finished with fewer than 6.5.

Running back
Already familiar with shifty starter D’Andre Swift, the Bears might chase a more consistent power back than current backup Roschon Johnson.

Safety
Johnson publicly described how he coached the Lions to pick apart current Bears starting safety Jaquan Brisker, a second-round pick in 2022. Warning or teachable moment? Brisker is entering a contract year.

Best prospect fits
OT Armand Membou, Missouri
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia
DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 7
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 10, 10
2: 7, 39 (from Carolina Panthers)
2: 9, 41
3: 8, 72
5: 10, 148
7: 17, 233 (from Cincinnati Bengals)
7: 24, 240 (from Cleveland Browns)

History Lesson
–RT Darnell Wright (Tennessee) was drafted 10th overall by the Bears in 2023.
–This is the sixth time since 2015 the Bears have at least one top-10 pick.
–Every player the Bears drafted in the first two rounds in 2022-24 was a starter last season.

–Field Level Media

Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes the ball against Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) in the fourth quarter in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Rams need to slow Saquon Barkley in NFC divisional matchup at Eagles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

If it were up to Saquon Barkley, he would put the entire Philadelphia Eagles organization on his back and try to sprint into the NFC Championship Game.

The Los Angeles Rams hope to prevent that from happening, but it won’t be easy.

Barkley will be a focal point when the Eagles host the Rams on Sunday afternoon in an NFC divisional-round playoff matchup. No. 2 seed Philadelphia is coming off a win over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, and No. 4 seed Los Angeles advanced after a wild-card win over the Minnesota Vikings.

It will be the second meeting of the season between the Eagles and Rams. In the first game, Barkley erupted for a career-high 302 yards from scrimmage, including a franchise-record 255 rushing yards, to go along with two touchdowns.

Philadelphia cruised to a 37-20 win in that one. Barkley became the sixth player in NFL history to record multiple rushing touchdowns of 70-plus yards in a game.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni knows the Rams want to avoid a blockbuster sequel.

“They’ll see stuff on film they want to repeat and they want to do differently,” Sirianni said. “We know we’re going to get people’s best effort to stop Saquon. That’s what we’ve dealt with all year.”

Neither club is a stranger to the big stage. Sirianni and the Eagles are looking to reach the conference title game for the second time in the past three seasons, and Rams coach Sean McVay is aiming for his third championship game in eight seasons.

The teams took far different paths to this point in the postseason.

Philadelphia was one of the best teams in the NFL for much of the regular season as it surged to a 12-2 start and finished 14-3 as the NFC East champions.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, lost four of its first five games and sat at 5-6 in the standings after the loss to Barkley and the Eagles on Nov. 24. But then the Rams closed the regular season on a 5-1 run to clinch the NFC West, and they dominated the Vikings in their playoff opener, 27-9, despite the game being moved to Arizona because of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

McVay said the early-season struggles were a blessing, in retrospect.

“All those scars were necessary to be able to get us to the point we are today,” McVay said. “There’s a resilience, a grit. You learn from those challenging setbacks, and that’s where real growth can occur if people take the right approach.”

Matthew Stafford is the steadying influence who runs the Rams’ offense. He passed for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the regular season, and he posted a 117.7 passer rating last week while completing 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings. Stafford is 5-1 in the playoffs with the Rams.

Wideouts Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are Stafford’s top two weapons in the passing game and will test the Philadelphia secondary. Running back Kyren Williams racked up 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns in the regular season and also will pose a threat.

For the Eagles, Jalen Hurts will look to build upon a playoff opener in which he completed 13 of 21 passes for 131 yards and two scores in the 22-10 win. He also rushed six times for 36 yards, and he will give Philadelphia a dual threat as the Rams primarily focus on Barkley.

Sirianni praised Hurts for taking care of the football and giving his team a chance to win.

“It’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?” Sirianni said. “Impressive by him in being able to lead us to wins and not turn the ball over. And be explosive doing it. Everybody has hard jobs to do, but that’s a very hard job for Jalen to do. Can’t give him enough credit.”

Eagles wideout A.J. Brown will try to break out in the receiving game after catching only one pass for 10 yards last week. Brown missed practice Wednesday to rest his knee but returned to practice later in the week and said he’ll be ready to play Sunday.

On defense, the Rams are coming in hot after matching an NFL playoff record with nine sacks against the Vikings a week ago. Kobie Turner had two sacks, and Byron Young and Neville Gallimore finished with 1 1/2 sacks apiece.

The Eagles also boast a high-energy defense. Philadelphia turned in a stellar defensive performance with four takeaways against the Packers in the wild-card round. The unit led the NFL in turnover margin (plus-17) and points scored off takeaways (97) over the final 11 weeks of the regular season.

Philadelphia cleared tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) to play Sunday despite missing Thursday’s practice and being limited Friday. The only player the Eagles ruled out was defensive tackle Byron Young (hamstring) – no relation to the Ram of the same name.

The Rams ruled out linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) and defensive end Larrell Murchison (foot). Left tackle Alaric Jackson (chest, knee), backup O-lineman Justin Dedich (illness), nose tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) are officially questionable, but McVay expects each of them to play.

This is the fourth time the teams have met in the playoffs and the first time since the 2001 season. The Rams hold a 2-1 edge in the series.

–Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps away from Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 5 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Oct. 6, 2024.

MVP favorites Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen ready for playoff showdown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The two leading candidates for the NFL MVP award will share the field Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Buffalo Bills in an AFC divisional playoff game.

But neither Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson nor Buffalo’s Josh Allen view it as a one-on-one battle when the teams square off at Orchard Park, N.Y.

Regardless, the chatter is loud and the contest seemingly continues to narrow down to Lamar vs. Josh.

Jackson is in the mix for his third MVP award. Allen is trying to win his first.

“In the history of football, I’ve never played against another quarterback,” Allen said Wednesday. “I played against their defense.”

Jackson is trying to avoid the comparisons and the MVP discussions, and makes it clear he has no interest in being pals with other quarterbacks.

“We competing against each other,” Jackson said Wednesday. “I’m trying to beat you. I’m not trying to be your friend.”

Veteran Bills linebacker Von Miller sees the appeal of the game and not just because a spot in the AFC Championship Game is on the line.

“He’s an elite player, I’m a huge fan of Lamar for a bunch of years,” Miller said. “Battle of MVPs this weekend. They have a really good team. But we have a good team, as well. That’s why you play the game. You have one game to prove it. It’s not a best-of-seven. You play 60 minutes.”

The second-seeded Bills recorded a 31-7 rout of the visiting Denver Broncos in last week’s wild-card round while the third-seeded Ravens dominated the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14.

Baltimore racked up 299 rushing yards against the Steelers with Derrick Henry rushing for 186 and two touchdowns on 26 carries.

Henry was signed as a free agent in March after spending his career with the Tennessee Titans and has given the Ravens an extra element. He rushed for 1,921 yards and tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns in the regular season.

“Having him is huge,” said Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, Henry’s former college teammate at Alabama. “I know it’s no fun taking those hits because he usually takes those hits to the defenders. He’s always been a pretty locked-in guy.”

Baltimore is trying to return to the AFC Championship Game. The Ravens lost at home to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 last season.

Jackson is just 3-4 as a playoff starter and Baltimore is trying to win two games in the same postseason for the first time since Joe Flacco quarterbacked them to the Super Bowl title in the 2012 season.

Buffalo has lost in this round in three straight campaigns after reaching the AFC title game in the 2020 season, where the Bills fell to the Chiefs. Allen is 6-5 as a playoff starter, including a 17-3 divisional-round win over the Ravens in the 2020 campaign.

Earlier this season, the Ravens rolled to a 35-10 home victory over the Bills on Sept. 29. Henry scored on an 87-yard run as part of a season-best 199-yard day on the ground.

Jackson passed for two touchdowns that day while Allen didn’t throw for any.

“I don’t think either team has taken a step back in any way — both teams are better across the board,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said while reflecting on the previous matchup. “Both teams have kind of defined their personalities a little bit more over the course of the season. It’s kind of what you’d expect at this point.”

Buffalo coach Sean McDermott really doesn’t need a reminder of how the first matchup went.

“They handled us pretty good the first go-around and they’re certainly playing well, well-coached,” McDermott said. “(Harbaugh) won a Super Bowl and comes from great pedigree, so it’ll be a big challenge for us.”

Buffalo reserve running back Ray Davis (concussion) is listed as questionable after being a limited practice participant all week.

Ravens receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is doubtful after missing practice all week. He was injured in the regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns and sat out against the Steelers.

“He can play without practicing — for sure — if he feels healthy enough and if it’s safe for him,” Harbaugh said earlier in the week.

Baltimore returner/receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is listed as questionable after practicing all week. Harty would have to be activated from injured reserve to play Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Buffalo safety Marcus Fuqua (10) and linebacker Shaun Dolac (52) take down Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (0) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.

Buffalo looks to keep rolling vs. Liberty in Bahamas Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Most teams that go to bowl games these days must deal with multiple opt-outs and players hitting the transfer portal, thinning out the depth chart for the year’s last game.

Not so at Buffalo.

“Our team is largely intact going into the bowl game,” first-year coach Pete Lembo said. “Very few guys going into the portal, so that’s great. I think it’s a sign that the guys have bought into what we’re doing.”

So is the Bulls’ 8-4 record, which is why they got the call to take on Liberty (8-3) in Saturday’s Bahamas Bowl in Nassau.

Buffalo went 6-2 in the Mid-American Conference, highlighted by a 23-20 overtime win on Sept. 21 at then-No. 23 Northern Illinois. The Huskies were two weeks removed from their stunning upset at Notre Dame, which won 12 straight games after that, including Thursday’s Sugar Bowl victory over No. 2 Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

The Bulls rolled through November with four straight high-scoring wins, closing the regular season with a 43-7 rout of winless Kent State. Senior quarterback C.J. Ogbonna, who started his career at Southeast Missouri State, nearly doubled his yards-per-game average over the season’s second half from 125 to 249 — with 14 touchdown passes in that span.

But the marquee names on Buffalo’s roster belong to the defense. Linebackers Shaun Dolac and Red Murdock combined for a whopping 302 tackles, ranking 1-2 in FBS. Dolac collected 159 stops to become the program’s first consensus All-America pick.

While the Bulls will end the year with most of their key faces still on their roster, the Flames must take the field without their star quarterback. Kaidon Salter hit the portal after the regular season to join Colorado, where he might get the chance to replace Shedeur Sanders next year.

After leading Liberty to its first New Year’s Six bowl berth last season, Salter encored by throwing for 1,886 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 587 yards and seven scores on the ground. He’ll be replaced by Ryan Burger, an Appalachian State transfer who will make his first start since getting the call for the Mountaineers’ season opener in 2023.

Burger will at least have the comfort of the nation’s second-ranked rushing attack at his disposal. While Quinton Cooley (and his 1,254 yards and 13 touchdowns) opted out, Billy Lucas is sticking around. Lucas rushed for 663 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Coach Jamey Chadwell said his team has scrimmaged frequently and done a lot of individual work in the four weeks leading up to the game to keep them sharp.

“I think we’re in a pretty good place as far as guys looking at the opportunity to get better,” Chadwell said. “But everybody’s going to the bowl games with a shell of a team, except our opponent. That’s just the way it is.

“Everybody’s lost players, and that’s not the best look for college football.”

The Flames have won all three prior meetings with Buffalo, including a 55-27 decision last year in Buffalo.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shakes hands after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Vikings, Lions to settle No. 1 seed in ‘fairytale’ showdown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell brings intensity to every game.

As for Sunday night’s matchup between the Lions and Minnesota Vikings, which will determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Campbell knows his adrenaline will be pumping.

“You couldn’t write a better scenario,” Campbell said. “This is fairytale stuff.”

The stakes are clear for the latest game in a longtime rivalry between NFC North foes Detroit (14-2) and visiting Minnesota (14-2).

The winning team will seize the top seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs. The losing team will earn a wild-card berth and begin the postseason on the road against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Atlanta Falcons.

The Lions and Vikings took much different paths to the regular-season finale.

Detroit reached the NFC championship game last season and led by 17 points at halftime against the San Francisco 49ers on the road. But the Lions faltered in the second half and lost 34-31 to the 49ers to miss out on a chance to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.

This year, Detroit surged to a 12-1 record to start the season and has been one of the top teams in the NFL for months. Both Lions’ losses — a 20-16 setback against Tampa Bay and a 48-42 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills — came by single digits.

Campbell knows that a No. 1 playoff seed could help to prevent a repeat from last season’s heartbreaking road loss in the conference title game. The Lions also have been hit by recent injuries, and a bye could provide an important extra week for players to rest and heal.

“You come out of that game and feel like, what gives you the best odds to where the ultimate (goal) is, which is as we all know what the prize is, and that’s the Super Bowl,” Campbell said, reflecting on last year’s playoff loss at San Francisco. “You try to set yourself up the best you can, and that’s why you put those goals out there.

“So, yeah, it’s been there for a while. Certainly, this is something we want to do and we’ve had in our minds — division and one seed and all that, and it’s right there in our hands.”

Meanwhile, Minnesota entered the season as a longshot to win the division, let alone make a deep run in the playoffs. The Vikings went 7-10 a year ago and parted ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed as a free agent with Atlanta.

In Cousins’ place, the Vikings signed Sam Darnold to a one-year contract as a possible reclamation project. They also drafted JJ McCarthy out of Michigan in the first round.

McCarthy sustained a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. Darnold took full control of the offense and never looked back.

In 16 starts, Darnold has passed for 4,153 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Darnold deserves praise for his excellence this season.

“You can tell a guy what it’s going to be like and you can tell a guy a lot of things,” O’Connell said. “But only the player is responsible for getting himself to where Sam has gotten himself to.”

Darnold said he was excited to take the field with his teammates on Sunday night. The Vikings are riding a nine-game winning streak and have not lost since Oct. 24 against the Rams.

“I will say this: It’s fun,” Darnold said. “That’s really all it is. Just having a ton of fun playing football right now. Whatever happened last week and the week before that, it doesn’t matter right now. All that matters is this game and this opportunity, and that’s all I’m thinking about.”

Justin Jefferson is Darnold’s top target with 100 catches for 1,479 yards and 10 touchdowns. Aaron Jones leads the ground attack with 1,093 rushing yards and five scores.

For Detroit, Jared Goff has also shined at quarterback with 4,398 yards, 36 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Amon-Ra St. Brown has 109 catches for 1,186 yards and 12 touchdowns, and Jahmyr Gibbs has rushed for 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The showdown also features an intriguing head-to-head challenge between two of the more respected assistants in the NFL — Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

The teams last met in Week 7, when the Lions held on for a 31-29 win in Minneapolis. Goff threw for two touchdowns and Gibbs rushed for two more.

–Field Level Media

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

49ers, Cardinals to end season with backups in starting roles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Out of the postseason race, the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals are preparing to start backups because of injuries for their season-ending matchup Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan announced Wednesday that Joshua Dobbs will start at quarterback in place of Brock Purdy, who suffered a right elbow contusion with nerve inflammation in Monday’s 40-34 loss to the visiting Detroit Lions.

Dobbs, who played eight games for the Cardinals (7-9) last season while Kyler Murray nursed a knee injury, finished Monday’s game for San Francisco (6-10).

He played five snaps, completing three of four pass attempts for 35 yards and rushing for a 7-yard touchdown.

Brandon Allen started for Purdy earlier in the season in a 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers when the latter was out with a shoulder injury.

“(Dobbs has) been great, him and Brandon,” Shanahan said. “They’ve been two good guys to have there. They both have given really good looks in the scout team.

“They split reps, and they’re always ready. They both prepare like they’re going to be the starter every week. They’ve been great.”

Tight end George Kittle (ankle, hamstring), wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ribs, wrist) and defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) were noted non-participants in practice through Wednesday.

Arizona placed running back James Conner (knee) on injured reserve this week and signed Michael Carter off the practice squad. Rookie running back Trey Benson (ankle) was also placed on injured reserve, with offensive lineman Nick Leverett signed from the practice squad to fill the roster vacancy.

Carter played the last two games because of the injuries to Conner and Benson and totaled 88 yards on 18 carries and seven receptions for 41 yards.

DeeJay Dallas, the only other running back on the 53-man roster, is likely to get carries. Arizona also has Tony Jones Jr. and Hassan Hall on its practice squad.

“They all have their roles, but (Carter’s) going to get a bunch of carries, I’m sure,” Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon said.

The teams last met in Santa Clara, Calif., on Oct. 6, when the Cardinals improved to 2-3 with a 24-23 win.

After losing the next week at Green Bay, Arizona won four consecutive games to improve to 6-4 and stand atop the NFC West going into its bye week.

However, the Cardinals have lost five of their last six, including two against division rival Seattle Seahawks, to fall out of playoff contention.

Murray is coming off a 33-completion, 321-yard performance against the host Los Angeles Rams but had two interceptions in the 13-9 loss.

Arizona’s lone touchdown was a 1-yard completion from Murray to Trey McBride, who caught his first score this season. He finished with 12 catches for 123 yards.

“I think for me, and any player in general, going into the last game and the offseason, I think it’s big to feel good about your last performance,” Murray said. “Me, personally, I would like to go into the offseason playing well and have that on my mind.”

Shanahan mentioned that although 11 San Francisco players missed practices this week and receiver Ricky Pearsall (illness, chest) and safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) were limited, the last game is not viewed as a way to get reps for younger players.

“Rosters aren’t built like that,” Shanahan said. “You get to sit five to seven guys. You can sit seven if you bring up two practice squad guys. You don’t just sit there and tell every guy who is a veteran he’s going to be the backup and play special teams.

“We don’t have rosters like that really anywhere. You’ve got to balance it out to make sure you’ve got 48 guys who can play.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Playoff-bound Chargers not sitting starters in finale vs. Raiders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A month ago it may have sounded unfathomable, but the Las Vegas Raiders are looking to close a disappointing campaign with a third straight victory on Sunday as they host the playoff-bound Los Angeles Chargers.

It won’t be an easy task for a Raiders (4-12) team that has suddenly found life in the season’s waning moments. Despite the Chargers (10-6) being locked into the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs, coach Jim Harbaugh plans to play the starters with the full intent of entering the postseason on a winning note.

“We play to win,” Harbaugh told the Lets Go! Podcast. “We’re going to be playing to win at all times. That never changes. I like what Derwin James said. He’s our captain. That leadership’s been already bequeathed to those tremendous leaders that we have on the team, and he said 11 wins sounds better than 10. So we’re attacking it. We’re attacking it with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.

“What are we going to do? Dress 25 guys for the game?”

The Raiders’ sudden uptick in performance has been the subject of controversy among the Silver and Black’s vocal fanbase. After their 10th straight loss — 15-9 to the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 16 — the Raiders were 2-12 and in pole position for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That presumably would have led to the selection of future franchise quarterback Shedeur Sanders from Colorado. Instead, the Raiders then beat the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints. The result? They’ve now dropped to the projected eighth overall pick after a season that was as dire as any in franchise history.

Regardless, the outside opinions mean little to the people inside the locker room in Nevada.

“(The message is to) finish,” Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce said. “We all signed up for 17 games, an 18-week schedule. We’ve had a really good month in my opinion, regardless of record. Just seeing the improvement, things that we talked about, and now just a great opportunity against a divisional foe that we know very well, that we saw in Week 1, to finish.”

The Chargers got the better of the Raiders in that season-opening matchup with a convincing 22-10 home victory. JK Dobbins was the star, rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in his team debut.

Dobbins has a career-high 842 rushing yards with nine touchdowns despite missing four games with a knee injury. Los Angeles has won two straight games, including a convincing 40-7 road drubbing of the New England Patriots last Sunday.

One silver lining for the Raiders has been the historic emergence of rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who broke both Mike Ditka’s record for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,144) and Puka Nacua’s record for most receptions by a rookie (108) in the win over the Saints last Sunday. Bowers also set a franchise receptions for catches in a season, surpassing Darren Waller (107 in 2020).

The Chargers have their own rookie star emerging in Bowers’ former Georgia teammate Ladd McConkey. He is fourth among all rookies in receptions (77) and yards (1,054) and tied for second in TDs (seven) despite missing a game with an AC joint injury.

A big reason for McConkey’s emergence has been his chemistry with Justin Herbert, who has thrown for 3,524 yards and 21 touchdowns this season while throwing only three interceptions.

On the injury front, Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) and guard Jordan Meredith (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday, while defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson (ankle), defensive tackle John Jenkins (heel), tackle Kolton Miller (wrist) and safeties Isaiah Pola-Mao (hip) and Trey Taylor (back) were limited.

McConkey (toe) was among the Chargers who sat out practice Wednesday, along with running back Gus Edwards (ankle), wide receiver Josh Palmer (foot) and Poona Ford (elbow). Linebacker Denzel Perriman (groin) and tackle Trey Pipkins III (hip) were limited.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin in the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi won 63-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

No. 14 Ole Miss has something to prove in Gator Bowl vs. Duke

Posted on | by Field Level Media

There’s no shortage of motivation for No. 14 Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl.

The incentive for Duke might be a bit different, but the Blue Devils will be out to prove something as well Thursday night in Jacksonville, Fla.

Both teams hold 9-3 records but arrived at this point in different ways.

Ole Miss was a contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff, while Duke was under the radar for most of the season. It will be the first meeting between the teams.

“We have a chance to get 10 wins,” Ole Miss tight end Caden Prieskorn said. “… A lot of us know this is our last time really getting to throw an Ole Miss jersey on.”

Ole Miss appears to be fired up for this matchup. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, considered an NFL prospect, has thrown for 3,875 yards and 25 touchdowns. He will play in the game before focusing on draft preparation. Tre Harris had a team-high 1,030 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, though he could be limited by injuries.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin has made comments disparaging other conferences in connection to the CFP committee’s selections for the 12-team tournament. So he’s bound to be determined to make a point on behalf of the Southeastern Conference against an Atlantic Coast Conference team.

The Rebels are on board.

“Everybody on this team is just so bought-in on what the coaches and Kiffin has been able to do these last couple years,” receiver Jordan Watkins said.

Duke is looking to cap another strong season with one more statement result despite some potential roster holes.

“You play to win the game and play to try to maximize all your players’ strengths,” first-year Blue Devils coach Manny Diaz said. “You have to do what is necessary to try to move the ball against a highly, highly disruptive defense.”

Duke has been decimated by defections, particularly on offense. Quarterback Maalik Murphy entered the transfer portal early in the process, while running back Star Thomas, who compiled a team-high 871 rushing yards, announced following Christmas that he was leaving. Murphy set the school’s single-season record with 26 touchdown passes.

The QB position for the bowl was further dinged because Grayson Loftis, who started several games late in the 2023 season, entered the portal as well. That leaves starting quarterback duties in the hands of Henry Belin IV.

“Henry is a guy who has won a game as a starter here a year ago,” Diaz said. “It’s a great lesson for everybody in the program that perseverance pays off, and he has a chance now to perform on an outstanding stage against a terrific opponent.”

Diaz said it will be important “to get our timing down for the passing offense.”

Belin will have receiver Eli Pancol, who is wrapping up his college career. Pancol has a team-high nine touchdown receptions.

Duke’s defense will have to rely on cornerback Chandler Rivers, who has been tabbed for several postseason honors. He had three interceptions and caused two fumbles during the regular season. He also notched 7 1/2 tackles for loss.

Duke, which will make its first appearance in the Gator Bowl, ranks second in the country with 14 fumble recoveries and 9.2 tackles for loss per game.

Ole Miss’ opt-out list includes linebacker Chris Paul and safety Jadon Canady.

The Rebels defeated five bowl-eligible teams this year, while Duke topped four.

Duke and Ole Miss have a common opponent in Wake Forest, which was drubbed by Ole Miss in September. It was later revealed the Demon Deacons had pulled out of next season’s game at Ole Miss. That rankled Kiffin and might further fuel his motivation against an ACC foe. Duke rallied to win at Wake Forest in the regular-season finale on a TD pass as time expired.

Duke is 8-8 all-time in bowls, though the Blue Devils have a five-game bowl winning streak. The last four of those victories have come against opponents outside of power conferences.

–Field Level Media

Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) and offensive lineman Leif Fautanu (79) and quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrate during the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

No. 4 Arizona State bids to continue stunning season vs. No. 5 Texas in Peach Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

They weren’t expected to win their conference. They certainly weren’t expected to qualify for the College Football Playoff.

Nonetheless, the fourth-seeded Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2) have a chance to earn perhaps the biggest win in program history when they battle fifth-seeded Texas (12-2) in a CFP quarterfinal on New Year’s Day at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.

The winner will meet either top-seeded Oregon or No. 8 seed Ohio State in a semifinal game at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10 in Arlington, Texas.

Projected last in the preseason Big 12 poll, Arizona State secured an automatic bid to its first CFP with a 45-19 drubbing of Iowa State in the conference championship on Dec. 7.

Despite the Sun Devils boasting 311 fewer all-time victories than the Longhorns, Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham doesn’t see the matchup as David versus Goliath.

“No, I wouldn’t say that,” Dillingham said. “I would say this is a really good football team that was predicted to win a national championship versus the Big 12 champion. I’m excited to see our guys go out there and compete.”

Riding a six-game winning streak, Arizona State will have rested for 24 days by the time New Year’s Day rolls around, admittedly an obstacle Dillingham’s team will have to overcome.

“Not playing a game for 3 1/2 weeks is definitely a challenge,” Dillingham said. “Especially because we were playing our best football. … We really dominated the end of the season, in my opinion.”

Averaging 34.5 points per game, the Sun Devils’ offense is led by quarterback Sam Leavitt’s 2,663 passing yards and 29 total touchdowns, alongside running back Cam Skattebo’s 1,568 rushing yards and 19 scores.

An upstart Arizona State squad enters Wednesday’s game as nearly two-touchdown underdogs, much due to Texas’ stingy defense, which allows the second-fewest points per game in college football (13.3).

The Longhorns have slipped twice this season, to Georgia, first in a 30-15 home loss on Oct. 19, then in a 22-19 overtime defeat in the Southeastern Conference title game on Dec. 7.

Appearing in its second straight CFP, Texas pulled away from visiting Clemson in the opening round last Saturday to win 38-24. Now preparing for the Longhorns’ second all-time meeting with Arizona State (2007 Holiday Bowl), coach Steve Sarkisian doesn’t take December football for granted.

“To be a part of this game is a fantastic honor,” Sarkisian said. “We’re really proud of the fact that we’ve gotten to this point. We obviously have a ton of respect for Arizona State and the job coach Dillingham has done. They’re a very good football team. We know how hard it is to win the Big 12.”

Last time out, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 202 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but the Longhorns shredded the Clemson defense with 292 rushing yards. Jaydon Blue ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns, paired with Quintrevion Wisner’s 110 yards and two scores.

“We needed to run the ball to beat Clemson, and we’re going to need to run the football to keep advancing in these playoffs,” Sarkisian said. “That’s what playoff football is about. … There’s a lot that goes into the run game. It takes all 11 to run the ball.”

–Field Level Media