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Cowboys target Baker Mayfield; Bucs clamoring to clinch
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers roll toward the playoffs with a win streak that the Dallas Cowboys likely need to ruin to keep their own postseason possibilities alive Sunday. Leading the NFC South at 8-6, the Buccaneers wrested the NFC's third seed from Seattle last week when the Green Bay Packers took down the Seahawks. Winners of four in a row, the Buccaneers hold a one-game lead in the South over the Atlanta Falcons. After their first win in a month, the Falcons announced they benched quarterback Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons hold the existing first tiebreaker over Tampa Bay having swept both meetings this season. Dallas enters at 6-8 with three wins in the past four games, but the Cowboys are three games behind Washington. The Commanders (9-5) hold the final wild-card spot in the NFC entering Week 16 and the Cowboys are given a 1 percent chance of qualifying for the playoffs by NFL.com's playoff predictor. Their last two wins came against teams long eliminated from the playoff picture, Carolina (3-11) and the New York Giants (2-12). Tampa Bay's voluminous offense looms as troubling for a Dallas defense that has allowed 380 points to carry a worrisome minus-82 point differential. The Buccaneers lead the NFL with eight games of 400-plus total yards and four games with both 300-plus yards passing and more than 100 rushing. The Los Angeles Chargers were the NFL's best scoring defense before the Bucs arrived last week and delivered a 40-17 thrashing. Bucs coach Todd Bowles credited the booming offense to coordinator Liam Coen for fully unlocking the playbook. "It's really attention to detail," Bowles said. "I think it all starts with the run game -- how can we run it off of this? How can we throw it off of this? What did we do last week? What do we see? What do they see? And kind of putting it together that way so with the coaches collaborating upstairs and then giving it to the players and feeding it downstairs and (quarterback) Baker (Mayfield) executing it all on the field -- the camaraderie and the coordination with those guys, the chemistry of seeing it the same way has been very good." Dallas needs to keep pressure on Mayfield to help out a worn-down and injury-depleted secondary. Pass rusher Micah Parsons (8.5 sacks; 5.5 in the past four games) leads the Cowboys. But behind Pro Football Focus' top-ranked pass blocker, left tackle Tristan Wirfs, putting a mark on Mayfield is a plan difficult to execute. The hyper-aggressive Chargers dropped Mayfield just once last week. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, out since Week 4 because of a foot injury, isn't expected to help the cause. "I don't see DeMarcus being available this week," Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. "He wasn't part of the conversation (for Sunday)." Mayfield was named the Offensive Player of the Week in the NFC for his exploits in the road win over the Chargers. He completed 22 of 27 pass attempts for 288 yards and four touchdowns with a pair to wide receiver Mike Evans. The quarterback posted a 135.3 passer rating, helping the Bucs to the largest margin of victory in Week 15. Tampa Bay scored on nine of 12 possessions and didn't punt. Mayfield ranks third in the league in passing touchdowns (32) and completion percentage (70.8), fourth in total touchdowns (35) and passing yards (3,617), and sixth in passer rating (104.1). The Bucs will be without safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee), while linebacker K.J. Britt (ankle) and tight end Cade Otton (knee) were listed as questionable. Safety Mike Edwards is questionable after missing two games due to a hamstring injury. Dallas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown underwent surgery Wednesday to repair the ACL, MCL and PCL in his right knee. Cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) needs surgery and might not play until the 2025 opener, according to vice president Stephen Jones. Cowboys tackle T.J. Bass (thigh), linebackers Eric Kendricks (calf) and Nick Vigil (foot), cornerback Jourdan Lewis (elbow) and defensive back Juanyeh Thomas (knee) were considered questionable for Sunday. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Desperate for win, offense, Dolphins dig in for 49ers
Miami maintains visions of crashing the postseason, but coach Mike McDaniel underscored the fine line it will take for the Dolphins to get back to the playoffs. "When your line of scrimmage is violated to the point you have some turnover football, that you have some hits on the quarterback and you're not able to stay on the field as long as you want, you have to figure out a way to re-establish the line of scrimmage and that problem is not going anywhere until we solve it," McDaniel said as the Dolphins (6-8) ready for the San Francisco 49ers (6-8) to hit South Florida on Sunday. Former colleague Kyle Shanahan not only knows McDaniel -- offensive coordinator in San Francisco before he took the Miami job -- but they are speaking the same language these days. Shanahan is feeling much the same pain in San Francisco. The defending NFC champions share more than a 2024 record with the Dolphins. The 49ers are operating without their top blocker, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, and lost four of the past five games to reduce their playoff odds to essentially zero. The point? Points are the problem. The 49ers finished third in the NFL in scoring last season (28.9 per game), a fraction behind the No. 2 scoring team in the league: Miami (29.2). They were No. 1 (San Francisco) and 2 in the red zone and were both over 42 percent on third-down conversions. This season, the Dolphins average 19.7 points per game, which ranks 24th, and are No. 26 in the NFL at 101.4 rushing yards per game. The 49ers allowed 18 QB pressures and didn't score a touchdown last week in a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Rams, rushed for only 63 yards and are scoring on just over 61 percent of goal-to-go situations (27th). It prompted Shanahan to say he would take a few days away, "come back and play better football and challenge the character of our team." Introspective analysis is McDaniel's forte, but Miami is running out of time to rediscover the formula that made the Dolphins one of the NFL's feared offenses -- and a wild-card team -- last season. In last week's loss to the Houston Texans, who feature a tandem of edge rushers with 10-plus sacks, McDaniel felt it was virtually impossible for the offense to find a groove because the front five folded too easily. Miami is tied for the second-fewest yards per carry this season with 3.9 and won't likely know until gameday whether game-wrecking defensive end Nick Bosa will suit up for San Francisco. He missed three games with an oblique injury and is questionable for Sunday. "With Nick, we felt good with his oblique (last week)," Shanahan said. "But he ended up hurting the other one. It was a completely different injury. We always worry about that stuff and there's a very fine line." San Francisco beat Miami 33-17 in 2022 in the first significant action for then-rookie quarterback Brock Purdy. San Francisco limited the Dolphins to 33 rushing yards and sacked Tua Tagovailoa three times. The 49ers will have one key ingredient in their run-stopping plan. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw played 30 snaps, mostly in the first half, against the Rams after a 10-month rehab from a ruptured Achilles. Greenlaw is questionable for Sunday after being limited in practice all week. "I love having him out there," Bosa said. "He's probably my favorite teammate to ever play with, college or pros. He's an absolute dog. He was showing it. To come after a year of not playing and look like that is pretty impressive." Tagovailoa isn't certain his full complement of weapons will be ready, either. After leading the league in passing yards (4,624) last season, Tagovailoa admitted he's not on the same page with wide receiver Tyreek Hill. They were out of sync against the Texans last week and Tagovailoa threw three interceptions. Hill is dealing with multiple injuries, and Tagovailoa understands Shanahan knows what McDaniel and the Dolphins are trying to do with the ball. "They know how to counteract the offenses that have found success against them," Tagovailoa said. "So I think it's going to be a tough challenge for us going against those guys with Fred (Warner) leading the charge. My opinion, probably one of the best linebackers that I've gotten to play against." Hill is listed as questionable with a wrist injury that has bothered him all season. Fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) was listed as doubtful on the Friday injury report after missing all three practices this week. The Dolphins will be without long snapper Blake Ferguson (illness), who wasn't able to practice this week. Wide receiver Dee Eskridge (knee) is doubtful, while tackles Terron Armstead (knee) and Kendall Lamm (back) and linebackers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Cameron Goode (knee) are questionable to play. For the 49ers, starting running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) was ruled out Friday after not practicing all week, and defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle) is questionable. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Feeling drafty, Raiders (2-12) roll out red carpet for 11-loss Jaguars
Five combined wins, 23 total losses and starting quarterbacks confined to IR bring the Jacksonville Jaguars to Las Vegas with 2025 top of mind. The Raiders own a league-worst 10-game losing streak and get ready to face Jaguars backup quarterback Mac Jones in perhaps the best opportunity for a win Las Vegas has had in weeks. The Raiders (2-12) let a good opportunity slip through their fingertips on Monday, falling 15-9 to the Atlanta Falcons despite limiting Kirk Cousins to a season-low 112 yards and an interception. The Raiders allowed just 261 yards but could only muster 249 yards themselves. Ex-Falcon Desmond Ridder made his debut start for the Raiders, throwing one touchdown and two costly interceptions. Las Vegas is without former Jaguars starter Gardner Minshew, and the Jaguars continue behind Jones because Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is on IR, too. Long afterthoughts in the postseason picture, both franchises are fully in the tight race for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The Raiders last picked No. 1 in 2007 (JaMarcus Russell) but are currently tied with the New York Giants for the worst record in the league. Not far behind are the Jaguars in a pack that includes the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns. Jacksonville beat the Titans and Patriots for their two most recent wins this season and lost to the Browns in Week 2. Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, who could be on the chopping block at the end of the season, insists Jacksonville isn't focused on a draft board, but finishing the current season with focus and intensity. He said the front office in Jacksonville and elsewhere will take notice of players willing to show up the rest of the way. "Those are the guys you can build your team around," Pederson said. Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who has a bone bruise in his knee from the Raiders' loss at Tampa Bay, is expected to return this week after a one-game absence. He was a full participant in practice all of this week. "I'm just taking the opportunity as it is and, I think, when you put too much pressure on yourself, you put yourself in a bad position," O'Connell said Friday. "So I'm just going to lock in and focus on this week and whatever's to come after that, I'll worry about it later." The Raiders, however, will be without All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby. He underwent surgery on a lingering foot injury. Crosby was officially placed on IR on Wednesday, as was running back Sincere McCormick (ankle). Jacksonville is looking for its second win in three games despite a disappointing season otherwise. Lawrence initially suffered the injury in a Week 9 loss to the Eagles and missed the next two games before suffering a concussion on a controversial hit from Texans safety Azeez Al-Shaair in his return. Lawrence elected to have season-ending surgery to fully correct his left shoulder once he cleared concussion protocol. The Jaguars went down to the wire at home against the Jets on Sunday, losing 32-25 as they gave up the game-winning touchdown with 1:05 remaining. Jones was serviceable, completing 31 of 46 pass attempts for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Jones did throw two costly interceptions, but all things considered he looked more like the 2021 version of himself than the version seen at the end of his stint in New England. If the Jaguars find their way to the No. 1 pick in the draft, it would be the third time since 2021, when they drafted Lawrence, in the top spot. Their most recent first-rounder, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., has emerged as a rising star in the Jaguars offense. The rookie out of LSU displayed superstar potential in the Jaguars' loss Sunday, catching 10 passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas is tied for fifth in the NFL with eight touchdown receptions and is likely to reach 1,000 yards receiving on the season this week as he enters Sunday's game with 964 yards. Tight end Brenton Strange sustained an AC joint sprain last week in an 11-catch game against the Jets, but he should be set to play on Sunday. He could become a complement to Thomas with Evan Engram out for the season. The Raiders also have an emerging superstar in rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who led the league in receptions going into last week. Bowers, now fourth in receptions (90) after only catching three passes in each of his last two games, has three games this season with 10-plus grabs. Bowers already has more catches than any rookie tight end in league history and is still within range of the overall rookie receptions record set by Rams receiver Puka Nacua (105) last season. "(Bowers is a) great young player," Pederson said. "Just his ability to separate and get open. Obviously (the Raiders are) using him the right way and just making plays for him. He's a dynamic tight end." "(Tight ends) are a bigger body, so you can create some matchups and that's what you see (the Raiders doing). He runs extremely well, obviously" Raiders offensive guard Jordan Meredith (ankle) was listed as doubtful for Sunday, while linebacker Kana'i Mauga (illness) and cornerbacks Sam Webb (back/illness) and Nate Hobbs (illness) were listed as questionable. No active Jacksonville players are expected to miss the Raiders game. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Playoff vibes shared as Vikings streak into Seattle
When the NFC North champion is finally crowned, the division title will have been earned. The Minnesota Vikings pulled even with the Detroit Lions atop the North and clinched a playoff berth with a 30-12 victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday night. The Vikings (12-2), who have won seven consecutive games, play Sunday at Seattle (8-6), then close the season with divisional games against Green Bay (10-4) and at Detroit (12-2) with home-field advantage in the playoffs up for grabs in the conference. "It's going to be incredibly competitive down the stretch," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. "We're going to have to play well and continue to improve, chasing our best football." The Vikings didn't overlook the Bears and know they're in for a tougher time in Seattle, where they've lost five in a row dating to 2006. "Just the maturity, people understanding how to handle success," said linebacker Jonathan Greenard, whose first-quarter sack forced a fumble that led to a touchdown against Chicago, referring to the team's recent surge. "Just making sure we give everybody the same respect as the best team in the league, because anybody can get beat on any given play or any given day, so we're always going to give that same respect and bring that same fire." Aaron Jones and Cam Akers scored to give the Vikings two rushing touchdowns in a game for the first time this season. Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 73 yards, including a TD from Sam Darnold. Jefferson has 82 receptions for 1,243 and eight touchdowns this season, drawing attention that has opened up the field for No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison. He has 27 catches in the past four games. "Just seeing us stacking the plays, stacking the good games together is really good to see," Jefferson said. "Our potential is so high. Every game we're expecting the offense to be the best on that field." There is much to be decided in the NFC West, too. The Seahawks coughed up the division lead and had a four-game winning streak snapped in a 30-13 loss to Green Bay last Sunday night. Seattle is chasing the Rams and has been uncharacteristically fragile at home (3-5) in 2024, but 5-1 on the road. "We know what type of team we are. We know what the goal is, what we're trying to accomplish. Playoff ball is just putting the emphasis on what we said early in the year that we wanted to get done," Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV said. "That's win the division, go into the playoffs, get a home playoff game, one or two, or whatever the case may be." A 3-0 finish against Seattle, the Packers and Lions comes with a steep degree of difficulty but the reward for the Vikings would be the No. 1 seed and home field in the NFC playoffs. The Seahawks stand in the way with expectations of their own. "Everything is still in front of us. All of our goals," Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said. "We just have to get ready for (Sunday). Be ready for Minnesota and get a win." The Seahawks are one back of the Rams in the win column with a Week 18 trip to Los Angeles left as a potential division-deciding date next month. Another window remains open to the Seahawks that could equate to sending the team on the road for the postseason. The Seahawks trail the current No. 7 seed Washington (9-5) by a game in the wild-card chase. Seattle holds a tiebreaker over the Falcons (7-7) because of a 34-14 win at Atlanta and swept the season series from the Cardinals (7-7). San Francisco (6-8) is not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoff picture but would lose a tiebreaker with Seattle because of a 1-4 record against the NFC West. The Seahawks are 3-2. Seattle has another North opponent on deck. The Seahawks play at Chicago on a short week next Thursday, the day after Christmas. Seattle was without leading rusher Kenneth Walker III (calf) for the second straight game and quarterback Geno Smith suffered a right knee injury midway through the third quarter and didn't return in the loss to the Packers. Sam Howell struggled in Smith's place, completing just 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards and an interception. Coach Mike Macdonald said tests on Smith's knee didn't reveal anything major and the veteran was able to fully practice all week. The Seahawks' offense got a lot healthier this week as Walker returned to full practice on Thursday and will return Sunday. Fellow running back Zach Charbonnet (oblique) will also suit up, along with No. 1 wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder). Tight end Brady Russell (foot) and linebacker Trevis Gipson (ankle) were ruled out. Vikings defensive end Jalen Redmond (concussion) and cornerback Fabian Moreau (hip) were ruled out, while safety Harrison Smith (foot) and fullback C.J. Ham (ankle) are questionable to play. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Cardinals bid to make postseason push in clash vs. Panthers
The Arizona Cardinals consider themselves to be in a must-win situation across the final few weeks of the season. And that will be so true on Sunday when they visit the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C. "From here on out, we got to win them all and that's our mindset going into everything," Cardinals offensive tackle Jonah Williams said. "But there's definitely a heightened sense of urgency." The Cardinals (7-7) are flirting with NFC playoff position after halting a three-game losing streak with a 30-17 victory over the visiting New England Patriots last weekend. The Panthers (3-11), who have lost four games in a row, hold the third-worst record in the NFL. Sunday will mark the team's home finale. "Here we go, we've got another challenge," Panthers coach Dave Canales said. "They're going to keep coming." Carolina lost tight games to divisional leaders Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia before dropping a 30-14 decision to the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. In Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon's view, that turnover-ravaged result can be dismissed when assessing the Panthers. "I think if you look, their last six games they've played really good ball," Gannon said. "I think they've turned the corner. We're going to have to play our brand of ball if we want to win." Carolina quarterback Bryce Young committed four turnovers against Dallas, but he had a strong stretch of outings leading into that game. Gannon said he sees creativity from the Panthers when it comes to using Young, a second-year quarterback. "I think he has really taken a step forward with the play-making capabilities," Gannon said. "Obviously, he's mobile and that's real." Yet Young's gaffes last week have pushed his season totals to nine interceptions and eight touchdown throws. He has run for three touchdowns. "I'm really hoping for Bryce to just take that next step, to execute the game plan," Canales said. "To be special when called upon." The Cardinals made off-field moves that might bode well in the big picture, including in the final weeks of this season. Safety Budda Baker, running back James Conner and center Hjalte Froholdt were given contract extensions. With those decisions, there's a heightened level of buy-in for those players and the team. Baker has been a captain for five seasons. "I think they help keep everybody in alignment and they're premier players," Gannon said. "And they're good people, and that's who we want to build the team around." Conner has rushed for a team-high 973 yards this year. He's coming off a 110-yard outing at New England for his second-highest total of the season and his fifth time reaching 100 yards this year. Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark earlier this month, but he was held to the second-lowest total of the season with 32 yards on the ground last week. Carolina running back Raheem Blackshear (chest) was a full practice participant Wednesday. But Panthers linebackers Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus are out for the season after going on injured reserve. "It could be a great opportunity for (other) guys to get in there and see what they can do," Canales said. The Cardinals have adjusted their roster, notably on special teams. Kicker Matt Prater was eligible to return for the first time since Week 4 following knee surgery but was ruled out on Friday. Punter Michael Palardy was added to the roster. Arizona will be without left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee), inside linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (concussion) and running back Trey Benson (ankle). Defensive lineman Roy Lopez (ankle) and corner Sean Murphy-Bunting (hand) were limited all week and are questionable for the game along with starting left guard Evan Brown (neck) and running back DeeJay Dallas (illness), who did not practice Friday. For the Panthers, receiver Xavier Legette (hip) was ruled out while linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (illness/knee), receivers David Moore (concussion) and Jalen Coker (quadriceps), offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (illness), guard Robert Hunt (illness) and defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (knee) are questionable. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Titans, Colts connected by QB conundrums
While the Indianapolis Colts still harbor slim playoff hopes, the Tennessee Titans aim to land a potentially fatal blow to those chances with a new starting quarterback. Tennessee coach Brian Callahan turns to veteran backup Mason Rudolph in place of second-year pro Will Levis when his team journeys to Indianapolis on Sunday for an AFC South matchup. It's actually Rudolph's second turn as the team's starter this year. He got the call for three games in late October and early November when a shoulder injury sent Levis to the sidelines. Levis returned on Nov. 10 and played well before a disastrous, turnover-prone performance in last week's 37-27 loss to Cincinnati. Levis tossed three interceptions and coughed up a fumble in 2 1/2 quarters, getting the hook after giving up a pick-six that helped sink the Titans to a 3-11 mark. "I felt like it was the best thing for our team these last few weeks to see what Mason can bring offensively," Callahan said of his approach to the final weeks of the 2024 campaign. "Situationally, in the season, I felt like we needed a spark at the quarterback position." Rudolph has completed 97 of 154 passes for 1,015 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions, while Levis is 181 of 284 for 1,916 yards with 12 scores and 12 picks. Tennessee is 26th in passing yards per game, 27th in total yards per game and 27th in scoring. Rudolph said he is sympathetic for Levis but excited to get on the field again. "Thankful to get another opportunity to go out there and play with this team," he said. "It will be fun to go out there and play football again on Sunday. I know what it feels like for the switch to be made. We've always had each other's backs." The Titans' opponent this week knows something about benching a young quarterback. The Colts (6-8) tried that approach with second-year pro Anthony Richardson for two games in November, inserting veteran Joe Flacco into the lineup for losses to Minnesota and Buffalo. Richardson returned to the lineup, playing well in a comeback win at the New York Jets. But his level of play dropped in the past three games, cratering last week in a 31-13 loss at Denver, where he completed only 17 of 38 passes for 172 yards with two interceptions. Richardson, who has made just 14 NFL starts due to injuries that cost him most of last year, is completing only 47 percent of his passes for 1,683 yards with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. "You've got to be able to make great decisions at all times, whether that's handing the ball off the right way or looking at coverage the right way, checking the play," Richardson said. "So I'll always have to make sure my decisions are on point." Richardson's mistakes were overshadowed by two brutal blunders. A failed double pass on a lateral resulted in a key Denver touchdown in the fourth quarter, while Jonathan Taylor dropped the ball just outside the goal line, denying him a 41-yard touchdown that would have given the Colts a two-touchdown lead in the third quarter. Instead, the ball went out of bounds in the end zone and was ruled a touchback. Indianapolis leads the all-time series 38-22, including a 20-17 win in October in Nashville. It has to win out and hope for the Los Angeles Chargers to drop two of their last three games to have a playoff chance. On the injury front, Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was ruled out Friday due to a concussion. Wideout Ashton Dulin (ankle), kicker Matt Gay (neck), tight end Mo Alie-Cox (hip), cornerback Julius "JuJu" Brents (knee), linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula/shoulder) and center Ryan Kelly (knee) are questionable. Titans linebacker Luke Gifford (concussion) will not play. Kicker Nick Folk (abdomen), linebackers Kenneth Murray Jr. (hamstring) and Otis Reese (ankle), running back Tony Pollard (ankle) and Levis (right shoulder) were considered questionable. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Commanders welcome Eagles, meaningful December football in Washington
The Philadelphia Eagles are securely in the playoffs and will go for their 11th straight win when they visit the Washington Commanders on Sunday, a welcome postseason atmosphere at a site unaccustomed to high-leverage football in late December. The Eagles (12-2) lead the Commanders (9-5) by three games and can clinch the NFC East on Sunday, but they have a bigger goal in mind. With the Detroit Lions (12-2) losing to Buffalo last week and continuing to lose players to injury, the Eagles can swipe the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs. But first the division title looms. "No, we're pretty boring," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said when asked if he talked to the locker room about clinching the division. "We're getting ready to play this game. We know that if we do win this game that will happen, but all we can control and focus on is our preparation." The Commanders have postseason goals -- realistic ones after a 4-13 finish in 2024 -- within reach but need a huge three-game finishing stretch to seal a playoff berth. With their 20-19 win at New Orleans last Sunday, the Commanders have won two in a row to recover from a three-game losing streak. Washington can clinch a wild-card berth with a win and a combination of losses involving the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. A loss would add extra wattage to the spotlight Sunday night game against the Falcons next week. Sunday's game is rematch of Week 11 when the Eagles were leading 12-10 in the fourth quarter before winning 26-18. Washington coach Dan Quinn opted to go for it on fourth down with his team in field goal range and a chance to go up 13-12. Quarterback Jayden Daniels scrambled and was stopped for no gain. Washington traded three draft picks to acquire one player who could make a big difference in the second meeting between NFC East rivals. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, formerly with the Saints, healed from a nagging hamstring injury to make his Commanders debut last Sunday. "He's a really good player that would allow them to do different things because of how good he's played as a pro," Sirianni said. "So, we'll have to be ready for him and this is a good defense we're going against." The Commanders were competitive in both games with the Eagles last season: 34-31 (overtime) and 38-31 losses. Washington has lost three straight to Philadelphia at home and Quinn knows the importance of stopping that streak on Sunday. "It's a big deal. If you want to be seen as a heavy hitter you got to beat them," Quinn said. "In the NFC East, Philadelphia has been the heavy hitters so far this season in the division. Great challenge for us, we are pumped to get them back here at home with the fans." In the Week 11 game, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ran for the go-ahead score, and Saquon Barkley rushed for 146 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns. "He's at his best in the end of games," Quinn said of Barkley. "We have to make sure the fit and tackling on the fifth run is the same as on the 25th. They're exceptional at staying at it. It takes a lot of discipline and work to do it over and over again." Before being held to 65 yards by the Pittsburgh Steelers in last Sunday's win, Barkley had averaged 158 yards over his previous four games. Daniels and his banged-up offense will be facing an Eagles defense that leads the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game (275.6) and is tied for first in fewest points allowed (17.6). Both teams got some good injury news Wednesday. The Commanders opened the 21-day practice window for defensive end Jonathan Allen (torn pectoral muscle), and Philadelphia did the same for defensive end Bryce Huff. The latter missed the past four games after undergoing a procedure on his wrist. Both players subsequently were ruled out for Sunday. Washington tight end Zach Ertz (concussion) is questionable, as is safety Jeremy Chinn (concussion). Both must be cleared by the NFL before suiting up. For Philadelphia, wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) was ruled out, while safety Sydney Brown (concussion) is questionable and also must be cleared by the league to be eligible to play. In 2022, the Commanders entered December with a record of 7-5 and fumbled away any prayer of the postseason with a 20-20 tie against the New York Giants, three consecutive losses and an insignificant season-ending win over the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys. Washington can improve to 10-5 with a win, which would match the franchise's best record through 15 games since 1991. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Focused Bills insist they are not overlooking Patriots
The Buffalo Bills already have clinched the AFC East division title, but they plan to maintain their intensity in the final three weeks of the regular season. Buffalo (11-3) will host the division-rival New England Patriots (3-11) on Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills are coming off a 48-42 win over the Detroit Lions, a decision that marked their eighth victory in the past nine games. Bills coach Sean McDermott said his players should have no issues focusing on the Patriots. "A champion's mindset has a certain degree of discipline that goes along with it," McDermott said. "They know what they're after. So, that's the type of discipline we have to have moving forward every week. "Every week, it's a new challenge. We certainly have a ton of respect for this football team. They've played really good football, especially since the quarterback has taken over." That quarterback is Patriots rookie Drake Maye, who completed 19 of 23 passes for 202 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 30-17 setback to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday. Maye has provided glimpses of his potential but the Patriots as a team continue to slide. New England has lost four games in a row and 11 of its past 13. The slump has put a spotlight on Patriots coach Jerod Mayo and his job security. "I think our players, we're behind him, we're backing him," Maye said. "We trust the plan he's got for us and we trust what he says in the team meeting rooms and all his little sayings that he has. We believe in it and we're bought into it. "I think the results are coming. I think they're coming. Everybody wishes they were now, and I think we're kind of striving for that. ... The winning is coming in the near future." Meanwhile, Buffalo has its sights set on a possible Super Bowl run. The Bills are led by quarterback Josh Allen, who is putting together an MVP-caliber season with 3,395 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and five interceptions to go along with 11 rushing touchdowns. James Cook is the Bills' top option out of the backfield with 828 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Khalil Shakir leads the receiving unit with 71 catches for 774 yards and four touchdowns. The weather could hinder both teams' offenses this weekend. Forecasts call for a high temperature in the teens and a possibility of snow. McDermott acknowledged that weather could be a factor, especially after the Bills combined for 90 points over their past two games playing the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions in domes on the road. "It's a real question," McDermott said. "We play here, right? We live here. This is what we embrace, playing in Buffalo, and playing well at home. "It's just one of those things that you've got to accept and you've got to figure out early in your journey." Weather conditions could lead both teams to rely upon their running game. Rhamondre Stevenson leads the Patriots with 740 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Antonio Gibson is not far behind with 406 yards and one score. Aside from Cook, the Bills have two other running backs in rookie Ray Davis (357 rushing yards, three touchdowns) and Ty Johnson (154 yards, one touchdown) who can make a difference. "It starts with the offensive line," McDermott said. "Those running backs have been tremendous for us this year. All three of them have done a phenomenal job. It starts at the line of scrimmage, and that's really where the game begins every week." Buffalo is 6-0 at home this season. New England is 2-6 on the road. Seven Bills are questionable for Sunday: safeties Damar Hamlin (rib) and Taylor Rapp (neck), cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee), wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib), and linebackers Matt Milano (biceps, groin), Dorian Williams (elbow) and Baylon Spector (elbow). As for the Patriots, running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle) and cornerback Marcus Jones (hip) have been ruled out. Safeties Kyle Dugger (ankle, illness) and Jabrill Peppers (hamstring), along with wide receiver Javon Baker (concussion), offensive lineman Cole Strange (knee) and offensive tackle Caeden Wallace (ankle) and defensive end Keion White (hamstring) are questionable. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Frustrated Bears stumble into rematch with unbowed Lions
The Detroit Lions have lost four of their past six road games against the Chicago Bears and arguably enter their Sunday visit to Chicago in a precarious position despite their perch atop the NFC. That's because Detroit (12-2) knows injuries about as well as it does victories, even if Chicago's extensive pain has stretched months since the Bears' last win. Lions running back David Montgomery (sprained MCL) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (torn ACL) sustained likely season-ending knee injuries in a home loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, while cornerback Carlton Davis III fractured his jaw and is out indefinitely. Montgomery reportedly is seeking a third opinion on his knee injury and is on this week's injury report but not yet on injured reserve. He was ruled out for Sunday. To coach Dan Campbell, setbacks shouldn't equal sympathy, especially as the Lions control their path to the top seed in the NFC playoffs. "Nobody's gonna give us a pass or give us an asterisk next to (our) record," Campbell said. "So, what it means is that some guys are gonna have an unbelievable opportunity." Detroit's 11-game winning streak ended with the 48-42 defeat against Buffalo, but the Lions are still marching toward a bid for a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the conference playoffs. Their second loss of the season left the NFC North-leading Lions even with the Philadelphia Eagles and North rival Minnesota Vikings. However, the Lions can earn the top seed with victories against the reeling Bears (4-10), San Francisco 49ers (6-8) and the Vikings to close the regular season. "There's a lot of football left, and I think we're looking forward to this, to be honest with you," Campbell said. "You pick yourself up, you dust yourself off and you go back to the basics, man. Go back to work." Chicago returns home trying again to end a losing streak that stands at eight games. The run includes a 23-20 Thanksgiving Day defeat in Detroit that led to the firing of third-year Bears coach Matt Eberflus the following day. Playing under interim head coach Thomas Brown the past two weeks, the Bears lost lopsided road games at San Francisco, 38-13, and Minnesota, 30-12. Chicago has been outscored 53-0 in the first half of its past three contests. Brown ensures "our guys continue to battle" and pledged "to continue to fight for them and stay behind them." The Bears realize their chances to demonstrate that resilience are dwindling. "Of course players got the responsibility to make the plays, and I know nobody's purposely not trying to make plays," cornerback Jaylon Johnson said. "Everybody's goal is to be the best and try to make your place. It's just not going our way." Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, is resolute about furthering his development despite the results. Chicago was just 1-for-12 on third downs against Minnesota and has struggled with protection all season. The Bears' 58 sacks allowed are tied with the Cleveland Browns for most in the NFL. Protecting Williams might be a worry even if the Lions are short-handed up front. Bears offensive lineman Ryan Bates (concussion) is ruled out for Sunday, and running back Travis Homer (hamstring) is doubtful. Left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion), left guard Teven Jenkins (calf), defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (knee) and cornerback Jaylon Johnson (illness) are questionable. "You motivate yourself, you encourage yourself. You have positive affirmations that you say to yourself," Williams said. "With that, it makes the days better, it makes when you're going through a tough patch, it makes those days a little bit easier rather than pulling yourself down, telling yourself you're this and that." Detroit has won four of five against Chicago overall, with three of those meetings decided by five points or fewer. The Lions lead the NFL with an average of 32.8 points per game. Quarterback Jared Goff tied a career best with five touchdown passes against Buffalo. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 14 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown while Jahmyr Gibbs contributed rushing and receiving TDs. Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) won't play Sunday, while safeties Brian Branch (calf) and Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand) and left guard Graham Glasgow (knee) are questionable to suit up. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Bengals seek first sweep of rival Browns since 2017
The Cincinnati Bengals will look for a season-best third straight win to keep their faint playoff hopes alive when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Both teams had high expectations when the NFL schedule came out in May. But both have endured disappointing seasons, and the game was flexed out of its original Thursday night spot. The Bengals (6-8) are coming off consecutive road wins at Dallas and Tennessee. The Browns (3-11) have dropped three straight and are making another quarterback change. On Wednesday, coach Kevin Stefanski announced Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the new starting quarterback after Jameis Winston was benched during a 21-7 loss to Kansas City last weekend. "A young player that's really gotten better in every area," Stefanski said of Thompson-Robinson. "He's done a very, very good job of getting up to speed on all the nuance of the position. He's done a very good job of keeping himself prepared for when a moment comes that he's being put in there. So he's really taken the preparation part of this really well." Winston threw 13 touchdowns and amassed 2,121 yards through the air. But the former No. 1 overall pick tossed 12 interceptions, including eight in the three-game skid. Thompson-Robinson started three games as a rookie in 2023. This season, in four games, he is 15 of 34 for 100 yards with three interceptions. For the Bengals, a 37-27 win over the Titans last week marked the 400th regular-season victory in franchise history and Joe Burrow set a new single-season team record with his 36th touchdown pass. Ja'Marr Chase remains in contention for the receivers' triple crown, as he leads the NFL in receptions (102), receiving yards (1,413) and touchdowns (15). The Bengals created six turnovers last week but committed four themselves, while committing a season-high 14 penalties. "I'm happy we won -- I don't take that lightly," head coach Zac Taylor said. "There are a lot of really positive things that we highlighted with the team that we did well. We got turnovers, scored off those turnovers. So, there was a lot of really good stuff there. The 14 penalties is not us. We addressed every single one of those. There's things that we can continue to clean up." Cincinnati enters this week with an opportunity to sweep the Browns for the first time since the 2017 season. The Bengals beat the Browns, 21-14, at Cleveland in Week 7, as Burrow threw a pair of TD passes in the third quarter and the defense held the Browns to just 77 net rushing yards. Through 15 weeks, Burrow leads the NFL in completions (361), passing attempts (527), passing yards (3,977) and TD passes (36). He has passed for at least 250 yards and three touchdowns in each of Cincinnati's past six games, joining former New England quarterback Tom Brady as the only players in league history to reach those marks in six straight contests. The Browns continue to deal with bad injury luck, having already lost quarterback Deshaun Watson to a torn Achilles in Cleveland's first game against Cincinnati on Oct. 20. In a home loss to Kansas City last week, the Browns lost running back Nick Chubb for the season to a broken foot. Jerome Ford will take his place. Cleveland defensive end Shelby Harris (elbow) was ruled out for the Cincinnati game on Friday. Cornerback Martin Emerson (concussion), tight end David Njoku (hamstring), Cedric Tillman (concussion) and Winston (right shoulder) were listed as questionable. The Bengals will be without defensive linemen Sam Hubbard (knee), tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) and Sheldon Rankins (illness). Left tackle Orlando Brown (fibula), wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin) and guard Alex Cappa (concussion) are questionable. Burrow was limited in practice all week due to right wrist and knee injuries. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
No. 17 Ole Miss seeks improvement for clash vs. Queens
Although his team did enough to win on Tuesday, Ole Miss coach Chris Beard hardly was enamored of certain aspects of the game, notably how his offense struggled holding on to the ball and how his club was outrebounded. Beard and the 17th-ranked Rebels hope to correct both areas and get their fifth straight win Saturday when they host Queens in Oxford, Miss. Ole Miss (10-1) heads into the game before facing No. 21 Memphis on Dec. 28 and entering league play on Jan. 4 as the Southeastern Conference's fourth-best scoring defense (63.9 points per game). During their past four wins, the Rebels have allowed an average of 55.8 points. Ole Miss had its closest margin during the streak on Tuesday when it earned a 74-61 win over Southern. The Rebels were outrebounded 38-36 on a night in which the offense committed a season-worst 17 turnovers. "I think what we learned is we got to continue to execute the plan," Beard said Tuesday. "We're trying to become a better rebounding team, and tonight, the bottom line is we didn't get it done. We tried to take care of the ball. It's been an early part of our identity, and tonight was our worst performance in terms of just turnovers." Even with Beard's complaints, the Rebels continue to get a variety of strong performances for an offense that is averaging 81.9 points and shooting 47.8 percent from the field. Jaylen Murray, who scored a team-high 18 points against Southern, is 11-for-18 from the field in his past two games. Jaemyn Brakefield has scored in double figures in consecutive games, and Dre Davis has reached double digits in seven of the last 10 games. The Rebels hope leading scorer Sean Pedulla will bounce back from his worst shooting night of the season. Pedulla, who is shooting 42.9 percent for the season, was 2 of 11 Tuesday after going 17 of 33 in his previous three games. Ole Miss' opponent on Saturday, Queens (7-5), is riding a four-game winning streak entering its third contest against a power conference opponent. The Royals were blown out last month at Big 12 foes Utah and BYU. Queens is coming off a 73-66 home win Wednesday over Mercer that was highlighted by one of the Royals' best defensive showings this season. Queens allowed the Bears to shoot just 37.9 from the field and 16 percent from 3-point range. The Royals are averaging 75.3 points a game but are coming off their second win in six games when scoring under 75. Leading scorer Leo Colimerio (10.9 points a game) is coming off his first double-double (11 points, 12 rebounds) but also scored 27 a week ago against Gardner-Webb after totaling one point on 0-of-8 shooting against Utah and BYU. "Our defensive effort tonight was phenomenal," Queens coach Grant Leonard said. "We managed to hold a team that shoots the ball well to four threes and under 40 percent, so we're really excited about that. Even though it wasn't our best shooting night, it was a really good defensive effort." --Field Level Media
NCAA Basketball Breaking News
Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. begins initiation against Giants
With their playoff hopes fading fast, the Atlanta Falcons benched $180 million quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. ahead of a Sunday meeting with the visiting New York Giants. Atlanta (7-7) looked to be a shoo-in six weeks ago to appear in the postseason for the first time since 2017. After a Week 9 home win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Falcons, with a 6-3 record, sat atop the NFC South with a two-game lead. With three weeks left, Atlanta is on the outside looking in as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead the division by a game. Hoping Cousins would be the answer to the franchise's playoff drought, Atlanta signed the veteran quarterback to a four-year contract in March, with $100 million guaranteed. The two sides looked to be a match, until Weeks 10-15, when Cousins averaged just 236 yards per game and totaled one touchdown pass and nine interceptions. Following an ugly 15-9 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, when Cousins completed 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, a touchdown and a pick, Atlanta coach Raheem Morris announced the team was going in a different direction. Penix, the eighth overall pick out of Washington, will start for the first time in his professional career on Sunday. The 24-year-old has completed 3 of 5 passes for 38 yards in garbage time during two losses. "Obviously, we've got to play better at that position and we want to play better at that position, so that's why we made that decision," Morris said. "Michael's been the number two, he's been one snap away all year. He's been grinding away, learning from Kirk, being around the coaches. ... This definitely has some financial implications for us, but we're always going to make football decisions in order to win football games." Cousins, who passed for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions this year, knows that he hasn't lived up to expectations so far. "There's a standard that I have for myself and the team has for me that unfortunately I wasn't playing up to consistently," Cousins said. "Now you just support Michael and try to help this team be able to find a way to win these last three and get in the playoffs. That's what it's all about." The Giants certainly aren't looking at any playoff scenarios, as they are firmly in the hunt for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. New York (2-12) holds the NFC's worst record and is tied with the Raiders in the league basement. Losers of a franchise-tying nine straight games, the Giants also have had their fair share of problems under center. After releasing Daniel Jones in November, New York has plugged in Tommy DeVito, Tim Boyle and Drew Lock as it limps to the finish line. Lock (heel/elbow) missed the team's 35-14 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week, but Giants coach Brian Daboll said the Missouri product "should be OK to start this week." Daboll, who is 17-30-1 over three years on the job, was asked about the possibility of owner John Mara firing him and general manager Joe Schoen at the conclusion of the season. "I just focus on things that I can control," Daboll said. "(John) and I have good conversations every week. We have a number of conversations about a lot of different things that I'll keep private. ... We're just getting ready here for the Falcons." Atlanta placed kicker Younghoe Koo, who was 25-for-34 on field-goal attempts this year, on injured reserve Wednesday due to a hip injury. The club signed Riley Patterson off the Browns' practice squad to replace him. Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington (concussion) returned to a limited practice Friday but was ruled out for Sunday. Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (ribs), who blocked a punt and got his hand on another in the Monday win at Las Vegas, is questionable, as is linebacker Lorenzo Carter (groin). For New York, linebackers Patrick Johnson (knee) and Bobby Okereke (back) were ruled out along with guard Aaron Stinnie (concussion). Cornerback Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) is doubtful, while running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), linebacker Brian Burns (ankle/neck), cornerback Deonte Banks (rib) are questionable. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Playoff-bound Chiefs, Texans meet with Patrick Mahomes set to play
After sustaining a high right ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of a victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes appears set to play on Saturday when Kansas City hosts the Houston Texans. Initially saddled with a recovery period described as week-to-week, Mahomes was listed as a full participant in practice on Tuesday and aimed to start for the Chiefs (13-1) this weekend. Head coach Andy Reid indicated Thursday that Mahomes "most likely" will play. "That's the reason you play this game is to push to play," Mahomes said earlier in the week. "So I'll get the work in practice and try to push it to see where I get to. But at the end of the day, I'm not going to put our team in a bad position. So if I feel that I can play and go out there and win a football game, I'll play. If I don't feel that's the best-case scenario, I'll let Carson (Wentz) play. "It's just about pushing it this week, seeing where I'm at and making the best decision then." Mahomes projected optimism after making progress with treatment that followed the Sunday victory. With the AFC West title already in the bag and a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the race for the top seed in the AFC, the Chiefs aren't exactly pressed to push Mahomes for an entire four quarters if he does play. "Obviously we've put ourselves in a good position where I wouldn't say it's dire that I play," Mahomes said. "We have a little bit of room to spare, but at the end of the day, we're trying to win. And I'm a competitor and I want to go out there and play. "I'll push myself to get to the best place possible over these next few days and we'll make a decision then." Like Kansas City, the Texans (9-5) already have clinched a playoff berth, securing their second consecutive AFC South crown with their 20-12 home win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. While the Texans could elevate their seeding with a strong closing kick, the likelihood that they remain fourth in the standings seems as plausible as igniting a sudden, late-season surge. That leaves Houston facing the annual predicament plenty of teams face after locking up a postseason berth while a handful of games remain in the regular season: How will the Texans approach the final three contests in advance of a wild-card tilt once the schedule is complete? "Even though we've clinched the AFC South, it still doesn't change our approach," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "When we line up and play, we're still trying to improve as a football team in all areas and try to play our best ball when playoffs time hits. So, we're trying to still improve, still do our best." The first game for the Texans with the playoffs guaranteed will hinge as much on Mahomes' availability as their effort. Even considering the Chiefs' overall excellence, Mahomes remains the ultimate game-changer, and the Texans' odds for success are greater if he rests. "I have no idea on if he's playing or not, so I really can't focus on it or be concerned about it," Ryans said. "... The light shines on Patrick a lot, but if you watch the Chiefs play, their defense is an outstanding unit. "Coach (Andy) Reid and the offense, they're going to find a way no matter who is there, they'll find a way to move the football. And so, we just have to be on it in all areas of the game whether Patrick is there or not." The Texans' quarterback, C.J. Stroud, threw a combined three touchdown passes and no interceptions over the past two games, but his yardage total in that span (373 combined) wasn't massive. And Joe Mixon was held to 23 yards on 12 carries against the Dolphins after topping 100 yards in six of the previous eight weeks. Houston has ruled out four players: defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (ankle), wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder), center Juice Scruggs (foot) and tight end Cade Stover (illness). The Texans promoted tight end Irv Smith Jr. from their practice squad on Friday to fill in for Stover. Texans linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (foot) and backup quarterback Davis Mills (illness) went from non-participants Tuesday to full participants Thursday. Linebacker Christian Harris (ankle) found his way onto the injury report and is questionable to play. Kansas City tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring) and defensive back Chamarri Conner (concussion) was ruled out. Wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown will make his Chiefs debut after an injured-reserve stint caused by a shoulder ailment. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Steelers, eyeing division title, hope hex on Ravens continues
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who already own a playoff spot, are setting their sights on clinching the AFC North against their bitter rivals in Baltimore. The Ravens want no part of watching that celebration scene and can sew up their own playoff spot with a victory over the visiting Steelers on Saturday. Pittsburgh (10-4) is in a potential division-clinching position thanks to an 18-16 home win over Baltimore (9-5) on Nov. 17. The Steelers' Chris Boswell kicked six field goals, and the Ravens came up empty on a two-point conversion with 1:06 remaining. That victory was the Steelers' eighth in the past nine meetings with the Ravens. "Losing, in general, bothers me -- not the team we play, really," Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said. "(We've) just got to find a way to get a 'dub.'" Jackson will face a Pittsburgh squad that feels there is much more to accomplish. "We understand that there's a checklist we made for ourselves," star defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said. "We talk about being a top team in the AFC. To be a top team in the AFC, you need to win the AFC North, to get to the playoffs. "We want home games in January. This is a step toward that." The Steelers saw their division lead decrease to one game last week with a 27-13 road loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh clinched a playoff spot due to losses by the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. Baltimore gained ground on Pittsburgh with a 35-14 road win over the New York Giants. That contest marked the Ravens' first of three in an 11-day span, including a Christmas Day clash against the Houston Texans on a Wednesday. But first up is figuring out how to stop their woes against the Steelers. Jackson fell to 1-4 as a starter against the Steelers with the loss last month. During his seven-year career, he has never started a home game in front of a packed house against Pittsburgh. His lone home start vs. the Steelers -- a 28-24 setback in 2020 -- came with only 4,345 fans present due to COVID-19 restrictions. Jackson badly craves a victory against the Steelers, but he isn't alone. "It bothers me," Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey said of the recent 1-8 mark. "That's not a good number at all. You want to be able to beat your rival. "I'm talking to the team at some point this week after practice, but that has to be the message. This means a lot to a lot of people. It means a lot to me being here for a long time, and if you don't understand, the message will be very clear as the week goes on." Ravens star running back Derrick Henry ranks second in the NFL with 1,474 rushing yards but has failed to reach 100 in four of the past five games. Henry had 65 in the loss to the Steelers, with 31 coming on one play. Jackson tossed five touchdown passes for the sixth time in his career in the victory over New York. He has thrown 34 touchdowns against three interceptions this year. Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson threw for a season-high 414 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 1 but has followed up with meager outputs of 158 and 128 yards. The Steelers are monitoring the progress of star linebacker T.J. Watt, who injured his left ankle late in the loss against the Eagles. Watt was a limited practice participant on Wednesday and a full participant on Thursday. The Steelers gave him no game designation on the final injury report, indicating he can play. "We'll see Sunday -- or Saturday I guess I should say -- but I felt pretty good this week," Watt said Thursday in regard to his recovery. "Obviously it's a short week but felt pretty good." Wide receiver George Pickens will miss his third straight game due to a hamstring injury. He joined quarterback Justin Fields (abdomen) in being ruled out while safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) is doubtful after being limited in practice on Thursday. Cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) are questionable to play against the Ravens. Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman was seen wearing a walking boot in the locker room and did not participate in practice on Thursday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a foot injury. Bateman was limited in practice on Wednesday, three days after reeling in a pair of touchdown receptions against the Giants. Fellow wideout Nelson Agholor was ruled out Friday due to the lingering effects of a concussion. He had worked out on a side field Thursday but did not participate in practice. The Ravens waived wide receiver Diontae Johnson on Friday after he was suspended by the club last week for conduct detrimental to the team. Wide receiver Anthony Miller was called up from the practice squad as a replacement. Baltimore ruled out cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (hamstring), while guard Daniel Faalele (knee) and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (ankle) are questionable. --Field Level Media
NFL Breaking News
Notre Dame holds off Indiana, faces Georgia in CFP quarterfinal
Riley Leonard passed for 201 yards and one touchdown and rushed for another score as No. 7 seed Notre Dame held on for a 27-17 win against No. 10 seed Indiana in the first round of the College Football Playoff tournament on Friday night in South Bend, Ind. Jeremiyah Love rushed for a 98-yard touchdown and tallied 126 total yards for Notre Dame (12-1). The Fighting Irish advanced to the CFP quarterfinals, where they will face No. 2 seed Georgia on Jan. 1 in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. "It's all about finding a way to get another week," Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. "It wasn't easy. (Indiana) didn't quit until the end of the game. We're going to enjoy this one, and we've earned ourselves another one." Kurtis Rourke completed 20 of 33 passes for 215 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for Indiana (11-2). Myles Price and Omar Cooper Jr. each caught a touchdown pass. "All good things come to an end," first-year Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti said. He added, "(We've) set the foundation for hopefully what's to come." Freeman added, "I told Coach Cignetti that's a heck of a football team we faced." Notre Dame outgained Indiana 394-278, including a 193-63 advantage on the ground. Notre Dame opened the scoring with 10:57 to go in the first quarter. The Fighting Irish got the ball on their own 2-yard line after All-America safety Xavier Watts picked off an errant pass from Rourke. Moments later, Love took a handoff, bounced off a defender and outraced the Indiana secondary for a 98-yard touchdown. It was the longest rushing play in a CFP game, surpassing Ezekiel Elliott's 85-yard touchdown run for Ohio State in 2015. Notre Dame increased its lead to 14-0 with 12:52 left in the second quarter. Leonard hit Jayden Thomas on a play-action pass for a 5-yard touchdown. Indiana pulled within 14-3 on Nicolas Radicic's 34-yard field goal with 3:26 to go in the first half. The Fighting Irish regained a 14-point lead with seven seconds left in the half on Mitch Jeter's 49-yard field goal. Jeter connected again, this time from 33 yards, to put Notre Dame on top 20-3 with 4:21 remaining in the third. Leonard, who completed 23 of 32 passes and rushed for 30 yards, set the record for most rushing touchdowns by a Fighting Irish quarterback in a season with 15. He scored from the 1-yard line with 4:50 left in regulation, breaking a tie with Brandon Wimbush, who ran for 14 TDs in 2017. Indiana notched its first touchdown with 1:27 remaining. Rourke connected with Price for a 7-yard score. Rourke converted a two-point conversion moments later with a pass to Elijah Sarratt to pull the Hoosiers within 27-11. Cooper caught a 23-yard TD pass from Rourke with 25 seconds to go. The Hoosiers failed to convert a two-point conversion, and Notre Dame recovered an onside kick to seal the victory. --Field Level Media
NCAA Football Breaking News