Tag: preview

Nov 17, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates his touchdown scored against the against the Cincinnati Bengals with quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Week 17 NFL Capsules

Posted on | by Field Level Media

–Saturday
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network
No. 1 in the NFL in scoring defense at 18.3 points per game, the Chargers have yet to give up more than 20 points in a road game this season. That’s been accomplished only by five teams in league history, most recently the 2010 Chicago Bears and 2001 Philadelphia Eagles. Turnovers have been a challenge for New England. The Patriots have lost five straight games while breaking in rookie quarterback Drake Maye (14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Maye has thrown a touchdown pass in seven straight games to tie Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest streak by a rookie in franchise history. He has completed 67.6 percent of his passes, just behind the rookie record set by Dak Prescott (67.8) of the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. He also has a pick in seven consecutive games. Chargers QB Justin Herbert has only three interceptions — 18 touchdowns — this season, but two of them came in the past two games. New England is 12-2 all-time as the home team in this matchup.

Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Everything is at stake for the Broncos as the finish line to a surprising season approaches. Denver lost the inside track to the wild-card berth to the Chargers last week. But the franchise can still land a playoff berth and 10-win season for the first time since 2015, when Peyton Manning piloted the Super Bowl 50 champions. Denver leads the NFL with 51 sacks and rookie QB Bo Nix has six games with two or more TD passes and no interceptions this season. That’s an impressive feat but Bengals QB Joe Burrow is setting the bar far higher. He leads the NFL with 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdown passes. He’s the fourth player with 4,000 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes in three of his first five seasons (Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Dan Marino). Burrow’s consistency is to be commended. He’s the first player ever to record 250 passing yards and three touchdown passes in seven consecutive games, a streak he can stretch to eight on Saturday. WR Ja’Marr Chase leads the NFL with 108 receptions for 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns, giving him 45 in his career. Only Randy Moss (53) and Jerry Rice (49) had more in their first four NFL seasons.

Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6), 8 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Beat the Cardinals and the Rams can celebrate a sixth season with double-digit wins under Sean McVay. But to reach the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five seasons, Los Angeles has to wait for Week 18 and a matchup with the Seahawks. The Rams are cooking defensively, a credit to the production of their young front seven. WR Puka Nacua leads the NFL with 57 receptions since Week 10, with five-plus receptions and 50-plus receiving yards in each of his seven games during the span. The Cardinals lost in OT at Carolina last week to take themselves out of the mix for the postseason. It was Arizona’s third loss in a row on the road, and the Rams beat the Cardinals 26-9 in Los Angeles last season. The Rams have won eight of 10 games since their bye week, when they were 1-4. Kyren Williams has provided support for quarterback Matthew Stafford during the Rams’ 4-0 run in December. Williams, a Pro Bowl selection last season, has a career-high 1,243 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on 303 carries following his 122-yard game against the Jets last week.

–Sunday
New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Bills are hoping to get wide receiver Amari Cooper going. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns in October, Cooper has 17 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in seven games with Buffalo. He had just one catch for 10 yards last week against the Patriots. Buffalo needs a win to finish 8-0 at home — the Chiefs are also undefeated at home — for the third time in franchise history (1988, 1990). Bills QB Josh Allen has 75 career regular-season wins, tied with Russell Wilson for the most regular-season wins by a quarterback in his first seven seasons in NFL history. There are big numbers on the line for the Jets, but none of them relate to the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers has 499 regular-season TD passes. He’s one away from joining the 500 Club of Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508). Manning (244 games) is the only player to reach 500 in fewer than 250 career games; Rodgers is playing No. 247 on Sunday. The Jets are 1-5 over their past six games and lost the first matchup between these teams 23-20 in Week 6.

Carolina Panthers (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Carolina put up 36 points and took down the Cardinals last week. The Panthers are playing inspired ball and would be thrilled to continue in the spoiler role by bumping Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers out of the top spot in the NFC South. Mayfield, who started for Carolina to open the 2022 season, found his Pro Bowl form under current Panthers coach Dave Canales, Tampa’s offensive coordinator last season. Mayfield has five games with at least 300 passing yards and multiple TD passes this season. That’s the bar Panthers QB Bryce Young aspires to, but he’s content letting RB Chuba Hubbard carry the offense when necessary. Hubbard has career highs in yards from scrimmage (1,366), rushing yards (1,195) and rushing TDs (10) in 2024. The Buccaneers are trying to bounce back from a costly loss at Dallas. Down two late in the fourth quarter, Buccaneers RB Rachaad White lost a fumble that ended the potential game-winning drive. Mayfield is adamant he wants WR Mike Evans to get to 1,000 yards for the 11th consecutive season. Evans needs 182 yards and has owned Carolina with an average of 140.5 yards in his past four home games against the Panthers.

Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
RB Saquon Barkley could carry the load this week with QB concerns for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts (concussion) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) were both hurt in the 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders last Sunday. That’s only part of what’s different since Dallas was whipped 34-6 by the Eagles on Nov. 10. Even with the Cowboys working their way back toward .500, Dallas subtracted another peak playmaker in WR CeeDee Lamb. Second in the NFL with 101 receptions, Lamb is on the shelf for the rest of the season right alongside QB Dak Prescott. The Eagles are primed to lean on their constant threat in Barkley, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,114) and rushing (1,838). With Lamb out, life becomes more difficult for QB Cooper Rush at the controls of the Cowboys’ offense. Rush has guided Dallas to wins in four of the last five games, throwing nine touchdown passes and just one interception. The Eagles’ defense had five takeaways at Washington last week but has a minus-10 turnover margin (28 turnovers, 18 takeaways) while the Cowboys are tied for fifth in the NFL at plus-10 (26 takeaways, 16 turnovers).

Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Indianapolis is mathematically alive in the playoff hunt but trails the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos by two games with two contests left. The Chargers and Broncos both have games on Saturday. If both nine-win clubs win, the Colts will be eliminated and miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Colts QB Anthony Richardson might be held out if there’s no spoils on the line for Indy, as he’s battling foot and back injuries. A heavier workload suits Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards and three scores on 29 carries during last weekend’s 38-30 home win over the Tennessee Titans. New York is in danger of losing an 11th consecutive game behind an offense putting up only 14.3 points per game this season. The Giants are starting Drew Lock at quarterback for the fourth time in the past five games. Lock underwent an MRI on his passing shoulder Monday but no damage was found. He hurt it during Sunday’s 34-7 road loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Lock is 0-3 as a starter this season and has completed just 52.7 percent of his passes. He has one touchdown and four interceptions in 129 attempts.

Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
For the second time in 21 days, the Titans and Jaguars square off with a spot in the AFC South cellar — and near the top of the NFL draft order — hanging in the balance. It could be argued that the loser will come out ahead in the long run. After all, that team would enhance its chances to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mason Rudolph, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday’s 38-30 loss at Indianapolis, gets the start over Will Levis for the Titans this week. Rudolph also threw three interceptions, adding to the team’s NFL-high total of 32 turnovers. The Titans’ offensive line has permitted 47 sacks this season — 40 with Levis at the helm. Levis also has thrown 12 interceptions and lost two fumbles, while Rudolph has thrown eight picks and lost a fumble. When the teams met on Dec. 8 in Nashville, Jacksonville notched a 10-6 win, holding Tennessee to 272 total yards and limiting Levis to 168 yards passing. It’s the Jaguars’ only road win of the season. Jacksonville is coming off a 19-14 loss last week in Las Vegas, another three-win team. The defeat moved Jacksonville up to the projected No. 3 overall pick, one spot ahead of the Titans. The Jaguars could be without as many as six usual starters on offense this week.

Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Las Vegas hired Antonio Pierce as head coach after the team had an encouraging 5-4 record during his stint as interim head coach last season. Still, the disappointing 2024 season leaves Pierce’s future in question. New Orleans is 3-3 under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who was promoted when Dennis Allen was fired after a seven-game losing streak this season. The Raiders are expected to start second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who has shared that role with Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder. Rizzi earned victories in his first two games in charge and three of the first four, but the team had by far its worst performance under him in a 34-0 road loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who is in his second season in New Orleans, is trying to return from an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand. Rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler, who is 0-4 as a starter and played poorly against the Packers, is more likely to start Sunday. Las Vegas ended a 10-game losing streak by beating the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars 19-14 last week.

Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12), 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
Saturday’s NFL slate could determine whether the Dolphins are playing for more than pride. Miami hopes to have a chance at the playoffs, while the only thing Cleveland can do is find a rare winning feeling in a disappointing season. Expected to contend for a second straight playoff berth, the Browns instead have an outside chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. A third starting quarterback of the year, second-year pro Dorian Thompson-Robinson, gets the call with Jameis Winston (shoulder) ailing and Deshaun Watson (Achilles) out for the season. In a 24-6 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, Thompson-Robinson finished 20 of 34 for 157 yards while tossing two interceptions and absorbing five sacks. Thompson-Robinson, who was limited in practice on Thursday because of a quad issue, wants to do a better job avoiding those outcomes. The Dolphins’ defense could help in that matter as they entered the weekend 26th in sacks (31) and tied for 22nd in interceptions (eight). Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he won’t rest players even if the Chargers and Broncos push Miami out of the playoffs on Saturday.

Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2), 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
There is still a lot on the line for the Vikings and Packers, who are behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North but competing for playoff position. Free agent signee Sam Darnold is the first quarterback to win 13-plus games in his first season with a team since Dak Prescott with the Cowboys in 2016 and first non-rookie since Peyton Manning with the Broncos in 2012. He’s had immense production from former Packers RB Aaron Jones and All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson (92 receptions for 1,387 yards, 10 TDs). Head coach Kevin O’Connell has 13 wins in two of his first three years with the Vikings — only current Packers coach Matt LaFleur and former 49ers coach George Seifert have done that. Green Bay also has a playoff spot clinched for the fifth time in six seasons under LaFleur. Powered by Jones’ replacement Josh Jacobs (career-high 13 rushing TDs) and QB Jordan Love, the Packers fell short of a furious comeback in the Week 4 meeting. Love had 389 yards and four TDs but was intercepted three times. He also had four total TDs in last season’s win at Minnesota on New Year’s Eve.

Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
A matchup of top-10 draft picks headlines the “Sunday Night Football” showdown in Week 17. With only one career start under his belt, Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, attempts to boost Atlanta’s playoff chances against Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick. The Commanders are hunting their first playoff berth since 2020. Washington could have a playoff spot wrapped up if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. If Tampa Bay wins, Washington can clinch with a win over Atlanta. Atlanta is searching for its third straight victory while Washington has won three in a row and could get to 11 wins for the first time since 1991. Penix won his debut start at home last week, completing 18 of 27 passes (66.7 percent) for 202 yards with an interception and led the Falcons to four scoring drives in a 34-7 home win against the Giants. Daniels is coming off a five-touchdown performance, including the game-winner with six seconds remaining, to lead Washington to an upset win over the visiting Eagles. He passed for 258 yards and ran for 81. Daniels has rushed for a team-high 737 yards along with six touchdowns. Washington entered Week 17 third in rushing (152.7 yards per game) and 16th in passing (220.9 yards per game).

–Field Level Media

Dec 6, 2024; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is interviewed by Fox Sports reporter Allison Williams after the game against the UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State beats UNLV 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images

Penn St. big favorite in CFP quarterfinal, but Boise St. undeterred

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Sixth-seeded Penn State and No. 3 seed Boise State enter their College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday with perfect records in their Fiesta Bowl history.

The Broncos, who earned a bye into the matchup in Glendale by winning the Mountain West title, are 3-0 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Penn State, which advanced to the quarterfinals after beating visiting SMU 38-10 last week in the opening round, is 7-0 in the Fiesta Bowl.

No other school has won more Fiesta Bowls. Arizona State and Ohio State each have five wins in the bowl’s history.

“Our guys are very aware of our history here at Penn State,” coach James Franklin said after a practice this week in Phoenix. “We spend a lot of time in the offseason talking about those things, or former players come back and talk to our guys.”

Boise State (12-1) won its three Fiesta Bowls between 2007 and 2014, including a 43-42 classic in overtime over Adrian Peterson and Oklahoma in 2007.

The Broncos were underdogs in that game and in wins over TCU in 2010 and Arizona in 2014.

They were 10.5-point underdogs to Penn State (12-2) when the Fiesta Bowl line opened.

“We might not have what everybody else has, but we definitely have enough,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. “We’re going to continue to push forward.”

Boise State is the last non-Power 4 conference team to win the Fiesta Bowl.

“Boise State has been built on earning our right to play against one of the top football teams in the country like Penn State,” Danielson said. “I believe in our team … please count us out. People, media, count us out. I know how we are going to work, and I know we are going to work to play our absolute best.”

Franklin, an assistant coach at Washington State and Idaho State in 1998 and 1999, respectively, appreciates the Boise State program after coaching in the area.

“Boise State has the ingredients to succeed,” Franklin said. “It’s in the university. It’s in the community. It’s embedded there. And that’s why you’ve seen so many people be able to go there and have success.”

Franklin also praised running back Ashton Jeanty for what he means to Boise State being in the playoffs.

“I think it starts and ends with Jeanty,” Franklin said. “He can run away from you and score from a distance. Breaks a ton of tackles — 1,300 yards of his rushing yards are after contact, which is like a ridiculous stat.”

Jeanty, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, has 344 carries for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns. He took home the Maxwell Award as the most outstanding player in the sport and was a unanimous All-American selection.

Jeanty is 132 yards from breaking the NCAA single-season rushing record set by Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State in 1988.

Danielson is similarly in awe of Penn State senior tight end Tyler Warren.

Warren, who has a team-best six TD receptions, leads the Nittany Lions in receptions (92) and receiving yards (1,095). Both of those marks are single-season Big Ten records for tight ends. He won the Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end and finished seventh in the Heisman voting.

“Tyler Warren is elite,” Danielson said. “That’s not just my opinion; I’m very positive he’s going to be the first tight end taken off the board in the NFL draft because of that.

“He can do it all. He is extremely violent at the point of attack. He can catch every ball. He’s one of their top targets on all downs. And he can play wildcat and throw the ball. You talk about just an extremely gifted athlete, we’ve got to know where (Warren) is at all times.”

–Javier Morales, Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Sawyer Robertson (13) warms up prior to their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Riding win streak, Baylor eager to face LSU in Texas Bowl

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LSU began the season hopeful of qualifying for the expanded College Football Playoff.

Baylor found itself scrambling just to get bowl eligible after a 2-4 start.

The Tigers (8-4) didn’t come close to the CFP, but the Bears (8-4) have won six straight heading into the Texas Bowl in Houston, where the teams will meet Tuesday afternoon.

Dave Aranda became Baylor’s head coach in 2020. As LSU’s defensive coordinator, he helped the Tigers win the CFP championship following the 2019 season. In his second season with the Bears, he led them to the Big 12 title and a victory over Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl.

But after a 6-7 record in 2022, a 3-9 mark last season and a 2-4 start this season, Aranda’s future at the school appeared uncertain

Then Baylor came out of an open date to whip host Texas Tech 59-35 in Lubbock, Texas, on Oct. 19 and hasn’t lost since.

“There wasn’t any panic,” Aranda said of the poor start. “There wasn’t any doubt. There wasn’t any disbelief. There’s wasn’t any, ‘We have to throw this whole thing out and do something new.’ I think everybody knew that we had a good team and that we had to do X, Y and Z better, and these are the steps that we’ve got to do to do that.”

Sawyer Robertson finished the regular season third in the Big 12 in passer rating (155.0) and in touchdown passes (26). He said he’s eager to face a team from the SEC, which sent three teams to the CFP.

“It’s going to be good for me just because I get to see where I’m at. I get to just play against elite competition,” Robertson said. “That’s why you do what you do. That’s why you want to be in these types of games.”

Baylor has the enthusiasm of a winning streak that saved a teetering season, while LSU is playing in a less prestigious game than it envisioned. But Tigers coach Brian Kelly said he has seen no indication that his team won’t be emotionally ready.

“The morale has been great,” Kelly said. “Every guy that has been out there (at practice) wants to be out there. I’ve been in some (bowls) where you’re just trying to keep everybody to be motivated to be out there. The practices have been lively. It’s been fun.”

The Tigers’ prospects against Baylor got a boost when quarterback Garrett Nussmeier decided not to enter the NFL draft. In his first season as a starter, Nussmeier threw for the second-most yards (3,735) and the second-most touchdowns (26) in the SEC.

“Obviously it’s not where we want to be, but we get an opportunity to play another football game,” Nussmeier said. “I get another opportunity to play football with my teammates, and at the end of the day that’s all that matters.”

Nussmeier will be operating behind a makeshift offensive line after tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones opted out to prepare for the draft. Guard Garrett Dellinger’s status is uncertain. He hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury in a loss Oct. 26 at Texas A&M.

–Field Level Media

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) escapes from Green Bay Packers defensive end Kingsley Enagbare (55) on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Vikings won the game, 31-29. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Vikings, Packers battle for playoff positioning in divisional clash

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Sam Darnold has played most of his football on either the East or West Coast.

After staying home to play his college ball at Southern California, Darnold spent his first three NFL seasons with the New York Jets before stints in Carolina and San Francisco.

Now that he’s in the Upper Midwest, the veteran quarterback has a much better appreciation of the rivalry between his Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. The NFC North foes will battle Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.

“It’s the whole entire NFC North, man,” Darnold said. “It’s an incredible kind of rivalries or bitterness, I guess you could say. It’s awesome to be able to run into Packers fans. I’m not going to lie, they’re nice and everything, but when you start to talk about football, they’re not shy about speaking their mind about who they think the better team is.

“It’s just fun, man. It makes everything more fun, makes the game more fun. That’s the reason we play.”

Along with the traditional bragging rights between the border rivals, Sunday’s matchup also holds significant playoff implications for the Vikings (13-2) and Packers (11-4), though both teams already have clinched a spot in the postseason.

Minnesota is tied with the Detroit Lions for the top spot in the division with two games to play, though the Lions hold the tiebreaker by virtue of their 31-29 win at the Vikings in Week 7. Green Bay could end up with the No. 5, 6 or 7 seed as a wild-card team, and Sunday’s outcome will go a long way toward determining its playoff positioning.

“We’re playing for something,” said Packers running back Josh Jacobs, who leads Green Bay’s ground attack with 1,216 yards and 13 scores.

Jacobs ran for 69 yards and a touchdown in the Packers’ 34-0 home win over New Orleans on Monday night. Quarterback Jordan Love threw for 182 yards and a score without committing a turnover for Green Bay in its second straight win.

Love has passed for 3,135 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over his 13 starts this season, good for a 97.8 passer rating. Jayden Reed has a team-high 52 catches for 803 yards and six touchdowns. Christian Watson is next with 29 catches for 620 yards and two TDs.

“What’s really cool is you are getting contributions from a lot of different people,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “I think that is usually the mark of a good team.

“You have to stay healthy and continue to build on what you’ve done. I love the energy of our group. Our guys show up ready to work, willing to work every day, and we have to continue to push one another to be at our best because this is the time when you need to be playing your best ball.”

Minnesota is going for its ninth straight win. The Vikings’ only other loss besides Detroit came four days later, a 30-20 Thursday night setback at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8.

Darnold has powered Minnesota with 3,776 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 starts. He has posted a 105.4 passer rating in his first season with the team. Former Green Bay star Aaron Jones is Minnesota’s top running back with 1,046 yards and five TDs.

Justin Jefferson is Darnold’s top target with 92 receptions for 1,387 yards and 10 touchdowns. No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison has 56 catches for 806 yards and eight scores.

Packers top cornerback Jaire Alexander is dealing with a knee injury that could keep him out of Sunday’s contest. While he may not match up against one of the league’s premier defenders in Alexander, Jefferson remains motivated for the divisional clash.

“I love any competition regardless of if it’s Green Bay or I’m playing the No. 1 corner in the league,” Jefferson said. “I’m always going to prepare to go out there and play my best regardless of who’s out there. I always say I love these types of games, the games that you really need, the games that are exciting for everyone to watch.”

Alexander was limited in Green Bay’s practice Thursday, as were safety Javon Bullard (ankle), tackle Andre Dillard (concussion), linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper (ankle) and tight ends Tucker Kraft (hip) and Luke Musgrave (ankle). Guard Elgton Jenkins (knee), linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), safety Evan Williams (quad) and Watson (knee) sat out Thursday’s session.

The Vikings were fully healthy for Thursday’s practice aside from cornerback Fabian Moreau, who has not practiced all week due to a hip injury.

This will be the final regular-season meeting between the rivals. Minnesota jumped ahead of host Green Bay 28-0 before holding on 31-29 on Sept. 29.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) scrambles against the Wofford Terriers in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

No. 15 South Carolina, No. 20 Illinois vie for 10th win at Citrus Bowl

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South Carolina’s best defensive player — actually, the nation’s best defensive player — won’t play in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Illinois won’t have its all-Big Ten receiver.

But aside from the Gamecocks’ Kyle Kennard and the Fighting Illini’s Pat Bryant opting out for NFL Draft purposes, both No. 15 South Carolina and No. 20 Illinois will be loaded and eager to battle for a coveted 10th win Tuesday afternoon in Orlando, Fla.

The Gamecocks (9-3) are riding a six-game winning streak — including three victories over Top 25 opponents — as they shoot for their first 10-win season since 2013. The Illini (9-3) have won three in a row as they vie for their first 10-win campaign since the 2001 Big Ten champions.

Of course, this clash to end 2024 is also about what can happen for both schools in 2025.

“We’re either the first- or second-youngest team coming back in Power 4 football,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said. “We’re all juniors and sophomores.”

That includes junior quarterback Luke Altmyer, who publicly committed for the 2025 season when he addressed the sellout crowd at Illinois’ home basketball game versus top-ranked Tennessee on Dec. 14. Altmyer clicked on 60.9 percent of his passes during the regular season for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

“In this crazy world that we’re in with the portal and the transfers, he’s the definition of what you’re looking for,” Bielema said.

Meanwhile, redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers has made a similar agreement to return to South Carolina, signing a deal with the school’s NIL collective. The 6-foot-3, 242-pound dual threat racked up 2,274 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air along with 655 yards and seven scores on the ground.

Sellers and the Gamecocks are working with a new offensive coordinator. Former Alabama head coach Mike Shula was upgraded from offensive analyst last week when offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains took the head coaching job at Appalachian State.

“I trust him,” Sellers said of Shula. “He’s coached a lot of guys, had a history with a lot of guys in the NFL.”

As prolific as Sellers has been, South Carolina’s defense has been the superior unit most of the year, allowing just 17.8 points per game.

The Gamecocks will miss Kennard, who led the Southeastern Conference with 11.5 sacks and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player, but they still boast first-team All-American safety Nick Emmanwori. He led South Carolina with 83 tackles and returned two of his four picks for touchdowns.

Without Bryant (54 receptions, 984 yards, 10 TDs) to serve as Altmyer’s go-to guy, the Illini will rely on Zakhari Franklin (51 catches, 613 yards, three scores) to keep drives going. Illinois split its rushing workload between the speedy Aidan Laughery (522 yards, four TDs) and the stout Josh McCray (495 yards, eight scores).

South Carolina doesn’t expect to have its leading rusher available. Second-team all-SEC running back Raheim Sanders (881 yards, 11 TDs) announced on social media his intent to enter the NFL Draft.

That puts more on Sellers’ plate, but he’s facing an Illini defense that allowed 59 points across its season-ending wins at Rutgers and against Northwestern. Illinois also surrendered 35 points in the first half against top-ranked Oregon during its visit to the West Coast on Oct. 26.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks to teammates before a snap against Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

Lions prepare for NFC Championship rematch vs. banged-up 49ers

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The Detroit Lions will know how meaningful their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night will carry before they step on the field.

If Minnesota defeats Green Bay on Sunday, the Lions will still have to beat the Vikings in the regular-season finale to take the NFC North and gain the top seed in the NFC playoffs. If the Packers win, the Lions (13-2) can lock up the division and best record in the NFC with a victory in Santa Clara, Calif.

In either case, Lions coach Dan Campbell plans to go all out to defeat the team that dashed their Super Bowl dreams in last season’s NFC Championship game. Detroit led 24-7 at halftime but San Francisco rallied for a 34-31 victory.

“I think that experience, as difficult as it was, served us well moving forward into this year,” Campbell said. “You don’t like to lose, so you’ve got an opportunity with a team that got the best of you, and so you just want to go out and find a way to get a win.”

With power back David Montgomery sidelined by a knee injury, Jahmyr Gibbs had 27 touches in a 34-17 win over Chicago on Sunday. He rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and gained another 45 yards on four receptions. Montgomery is expected to return for the playoffs, but the Niners can expect to see plenty of Gibbs on Monday.

Jared Goff surpassed the 4,000-yard passing mark against the Bears. He’s thrown for 17 touchdowns, compared to one interception, over the last six games.

San Francisco (6-9) has lost five of its last six games and was officially eliminated from playoff contention last weekend. Kyle Shanahan expects his team to handle that reality in a professional manner.

“You’ve still got to go out there and perform the same way,” Shanahan said.

Goff expects a strong challenge, regardless of San Francisco’s plight.

“They’re a good team, I don’t care that they’re eliminated,” he said. “They have a lot of great players on that team that have played in big games and they’re going to want to beat us, so we have to come out ready to go. It’ll be hard on the road, good atmosphere — I get a lot of family there, which will be nice, but it’ll be a good one.”

With top running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason out for the season, the Niners’ offense has become increasingly reliant on quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle.

Purdy has passed for more than 300 yards in two of the last three games. Kittle has led the club in receiving yards four of the last five games.

Purdy threw for 31 touchdowns last season, compared to 17 this year with McCaffrey sidelined most of the year and premier receiver Brandon Aiyuk sustaining a season-ending injury in the early going.

“This year, just having a number of his guys down and things like that, it’s been harder for (Purdy),” Shanahan said. “Usually, that stuff can make you better. He fought through it all year and he’s got two more weeks to fight through it.

“I think he’s disappointed,” Shanahan added. “He had high expectations this year, just like we all did. He hasn’t ever been in a losing situation yet, so that’s been very hard for him.”

San Francisco placed offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle) on injured reserve. The Niners have also shut down linebacker Dre Greenlaw due to leg injuries. Running back Isaac Guerendo, who missed the Niners’ 29-17 loss to Miami on Sunday, practiced on a limited basis on Thursday.

Detroit cornerback Terrion Arnold missed Thursday’s practice due to an illness.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) avoids the sack of New York Giants linebacker Darius Muasau (53) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons, Commanders eye playoff clincher behind rookie QBs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Two teams aiming to secure playoff berths meet when the Atlanta Falcons visit the Washington Commanders on Sunday night in Landover, Md.

The Falcons (8-7) can clinch the NFC South with a win over the Commanders and a loss by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) against the visiting Carolina Panthers.

The Commanders (10-5) can clinch a wild-card spot – their first playoff berth since 2020 – before they play if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. If Tampa Bay wins, Washington can clinch with a win over Atlanta.

Atlanta is searching for its third straight victory while Washington has won three in a row and could get to 11 wins for the first time since 1991.

According to NBC Sports, Sunday night will be the first time in NFL history that two first-round rookie quarterbacks will start in a primetime game as Washington’s Jayden Daniels opposes Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr.

Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, six selections before Penix.

Penix will make his second career start after replacing Kirk Cousins last week. He completed 18 of 27 passes (66.7 percent) for 202 yards with an interception and led the Falcons to four scoring drives in a 34-7 home win against the New York Giants.

“Me and Mike are boys,” Daniels said this week. “Obviously, we trained together. We went through the draft process together, so we built the relationship over that time, and I’m happy for him, you know, he waited his time. He’s a phenomenal player in my eyes and, you know, I’m excited to be able to match up against him.”

After several drops and missed throws against the Giants, the Falcons were looking forward to another week of practice with Penix.

“I mean, it takes a lot of reps,” Penix said. “That’s the biggest thing. Just getting those reps in practice, as many live reps as we can — and we did a lot of reps this past week. We’re going to continue to grow.’

Daniels is coming off a five-touchdown performance, including the game-winner with six seconds remaining, to lead Washington to an upset win over the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. He passed for 258 yards and ran for 81 more.

The Falcons realize the danger presented by Daniels’ running ability, as he has rushed for a team-high 737 yards along with six touchdowns. Washington entered Week 17 third in rushing (152.7 yards per game) and 16th in passing (220.9 yards per game).

“It adds an extra gap up front. Now, you have to make sure you get up there to make sure you stop that gap,” Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake said. “And now, you get too many guys up there, here comes the play-action pass and you leave your guys in the back end open. So, it’s going to be a chess match all night long.”

Daniels has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes (301 of 432) for 3,303 yards with 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Both teams saw their leading receivers on the injury report Thursday. Atlanta’s Drake London (83 catches, 978 yards, seven touchdowns) was limited because of knee injury but told reporters he will be good to go on Sunday. Washington’s Terry McLaurin (73 catches, 1,029 yards, 12 touchdowns) was limited with an ankle injury after sitting out practice Wednesday.

Atlanta cornerbacks Kevin King (concussion) and Antonio Hamilton Sr. (quad) did not participate in Thursday’s practice.

Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (pectoral) was a full participant and could be activated from injured reserve to play Sunday.

Washington cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) remained out of practice Thursday along with wide receiver Dyami Brown (hamstring), linebacker Jordan Magee (hamstring), safety Tyler Owens (ankle) and tackle Andrew Wylie (groin). Defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) was limited after not practicing Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The pass fell incomplete.

Colts need help for playoff shot, while Giants seek end to record skid

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts could show up to the stadium on Sunday with nothing to play for.

Or the scenario may call for a victory so they can remain alive in the AFC playoffs.

Either way, the Colts’ postseason fate hangs on other teams as they enter Sunday’s game against the lowly New York Giants at East Rutherford, N.J.

Indianapolis (7-8) is mathematically alive in the playoff hunt but trails the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos by two games with two contests left.

The Chargers and Broncos both have games on Saturday. If both nine-win clubs win, the Colts will be eliminated and miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is well aware of the team’s predicament and scenarios entering the game against the Giants (2-13), who have lost a franchise-record 10 straight games.

“We still have an opportunity, with some help from other people,” Richardson said. “But we just taking it one game at a time because it doesn’t do us any good if everybody else does what they have to do to help us out and then we don’t go out there and take advantage of it.”

Richardson (back/foot) sat out practice Thursday and the Colts remain confident his ailments will improve. If not, veteran Joe Flacco could be in line to start against New York.

Flacco was just 1-3 as a starter when Richardson was sidelined or benched earlier this season. But Flacco (nine touchdowns, five interceptions) has a superior touchdown-to-interception ratio than Richardson (eight TDs, 12 interceptions) and has completed 66.5 percent of his passes compared to Richardson’s 47.7 percent.

No matter who starts, the game plan will revolve around star running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards and three scores on 29 carries during last weekend’s 38-30 home win over the Tennessee Titans.

It was Taylor’s second-most rushing yards in a game behind the club-record 253 he put up against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2020 season.

The Giants are starting Drew Lock at quarterback for the fourth time in the past five games.

Lock underwent an MRI exam on his passing shoulder Monday but no damage was found. He hurt it during Sunday’s 34-7 road loss against the Atlanta Falcons.

Lock is 0-3 as a starter this season and has completed just 52.7 percent of his passes. He has one touchdown and four interceptions in 129 attempts.

“As a quarterback, the ball is in your hands every play and one or two bad plays can change a game,” Lock said of his miscues. “You try to look at them individually, try to learn from each play individually and go onto the next week. Learn from what you did and just have a heavy emphasis on taking care of the ball.”

Giants coach Brian Daboll opted for Lock over Tommy DeVito, who is 0-2 as a starter this season.

Daboll said he made the decision to continue the continuity from last week.

Meanwhile, star rookie wideout Malik Nabers (toe) missed practice Thursday and called himself a game-day decision.

Nabers has 97 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches as one of the bright spots of the horrendous season.

“It’s tough on everybody. It’s not just tough on me. It’s tough on everybody,” Nabers said of the team’s troubles. “I’m continuing to keep my mental (attitude) strong, continue to move forward, continue to try to better the team, better myself. Lead by example. I feel like that’s really all we can do in this state of mind that we’re going through.”

In addition to Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), cornerbacks Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) and Dee Williams (toe) and safety Raheem Layne (knee) sat out practice Thursday.

Richardson was one of three Colts to miss practice. The others were tight end Mo Alie-Cox (toe) and linebacker E.J. Speed (knee).

In the most recent meeting, the Giants routed the Colts 38-10 late in the 2022 season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) stiff arms New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Bills not satisfied with recent play, aim to be better vs. Jets

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The playoff-bound Buffalo Bills are far from satisfied.

It’s been four weeks since Buffalo punched its ticket to the postseason, but the Bills still have plenty of work to do as they prepare for a meeting with the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Buffalo (12-3) believes it has room for improvement on both sides of the ball after being tested by the 3-12 Patriots last week. Most of the Bills’ struggles came on the defensive end, as New England jumped out to a 14-0 lead and converted 7 of 12 third downs for the game.

A string of 24 consecutive points allowed Buffalo to escape with a 24-21 victory, but Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich wants to make sure New York (4-11) has a hard time extending drives.

“Certainly we’re not where we need to be or where we want to be, and we’re constantly looking to get that corrected,” Babich said of Buffalo’s third-down defense. “It’s a combination of us putting our players, and me specifically, putting the players in position to be successful and understand how they’re going to get attacked.”

The Bills are also hoping to get wide receiver Amari Cooper going. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns in October, Cooper has 17 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in seven games with Buffalo. He had just one catch for 10 yards against the Patriots.

“We’re better when Amari Cooper is out on the football field,” Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady said. “I got to do a better job of getting the ball in his hands, because he helps us.”

While Buffalo gears up for a playoff run, the Jets are trying to put a disappointing season to bed.

New York once had aspirations of winning the AFC East, dreams that the Bills shattered by running away with the division. A 19-9 setback against the Los Angeles Rams last weekend dropped the Jets to 1-5 over their past six games, but finishing strong is still important to linebacker Jamien Sherwood.

“There are only two weeks (remaining). There is no reason for anybody to be checked out,” Sherwood said. “You have two full weeks of football left and preparation and go out there and put your best tape on the line.

“In these final moments in seasons like this, it shows what type of person you are, what type of player you are.”

Any sense of optimism New York still holds took a bit of a hit earlier this week, though, as veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers noted that his future with the Jets is a big question mark.

While appearing on the “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, Rodgers joked about team owner Woody Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, cutting him at season’s end. The Athletic had reported that Johnson takes advice from his kin, and Rodgers might not be in their plans for 2025.

“You should ask Woody,” Rodgers said Tuesday when asked if he thought Johnson wants to stick with the 41-year-old next season.

Rodgers is dealing with a knee injury but would have practiced in full on Wednesday had the Jets gotten a session in. Wide receiver Davante Adams (hip), offensive linemen Morgan Moses (knee) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and cornerbacks Michael Carter II (back) and Sauce Gardner (hamstring) were among those who would have sat out.

Buffalo also didn’t practice on Wednesday, turning in an estimated injury report. Five Bills were listed as limited, including safety Damar Hamlin (rib) and linebacker Matt Milano (biceps, groin).

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) runs with the ball against New York Jets defensive end Micheal Clemons (72) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Rams on rise entering matchup with hurting Cardinals

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Riding a four-game winning streak, the Los Angeles Rams are playing some of their best football as they close in on a possible NFC West title.

The Rams will aim to maintain their impressive form Saturday night against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif.

Los Angeles (9-6) is coming off a 19-9 road win over the New York Jets last week in freezing temperatures after trailing 9-6 entering the fourth quarter while being outgained by nearly 100 yards.

The Rams matched their largest margin of victory this season. They have won eight of 10 games since their bye week, when they were 1-4.

“You don’t want to ride the emotional roller coaster that these games can take you on,” Los Angeles coach Sean McVay said this week about persevering through the early-season struggles. “You do have the ability to stay steady, to stay the course and try to right the ship.

“Certainly that’s not complete by any stretch, but our guys have done an excellent job of not allowing the way that we started, especially in those first five games, to affect what we did coming off that bye.”

The Rams have clinched their seventh winning record in eight regular seasons under McVay. The franchise endured 13 consecutive non-winning seasons before McVay took over in 2017, when he was only 31 years old.

A productive running game led by Kyren Williams has provided support for quarterback Matthew Stafford during the Rams’ winning run in December.

Williams, a Pro Bowl selection last season, has a career-high 1,243 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on 303 carries following his 122-yard game against New York.

Arizona (7-8), which has dropped four of its past five games, was eliminated from playoff contention with a 36-30 overtime loss to the host Carolina Panthers last week.

The Cardinals may have to play their last two games without running back James Conner, who came out in the third quarter last week with a knee injury after producing 117 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that Conner wants to continue playing despite his injury and the Cardinals’ out-of-contention status.

“If they’re healthy enough to play, they’ll play,” Gannon said in general of his injured players. “We’re gonna play who we think gives us the best chance to win.”

Conner has never played a full season in his eight years in the NFL, missing at least one game due to injury each year.

He has a career-high 1,090 rushing yards. His 410 receiving yards are close to his career-high total of 497 set in 2018.

Right tackle Jonah Williams and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. were both placed on injured reserve Tuesday due to knee ailments.

Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray completed 20 of 32 pass attempts for 202 yards with one touchdown and an interception in the loss at Carolina. Murray also rushed eight times for 63 yards and a TD.

Conner was his top receiver with 49 yards on four receptions.

Gannon plans to play Murray in the last two games. The Cardinals close with a home game with the San Francisco 49ers next week.

“He gives us the best chance to win,” Gannon said. “He’s gonna play.”

Arizona safety Joey Blount (ribs) and cornerback Elijah Jones (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, while Conner was limited.

For the Rams, right tackle Rob Havenstein (shoulder) was the only player on the Wednesday injury report. He was listed as limited in practice.

–Field Level Media