LIONS' PLAYOFF HOPES ON HOLD AFTER 42-21 LOSS TO COWBOYS

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Matthew Stafford lost to his hometown team again, and the playoff plans are on hold for the Detroit Lions.

Dez Bryant threw his first career touchdown pass between a pair of scoring catches, Ezekiel Elliott ran for two TDs and the Dallas Cowboys kept the Lions from clinching a postseason spot with a 42-21 win Monday night.

Despite a second straight loss following five consecutive victories, Detroit (9-6) still controls its postseason fate. The Lions will be at home against Green Bay (9-6) with the NFC North title at stake in the finale Sunday.

''It's a one-game season,'' Stafford said. ''If you told me in Week 17 we would have a game at our place and got a chance to win the division, I'd take it all day.''

Stafford, a championship-winning high school quarterback in the Dallas area, had a 1-yard scoring plunge , but was sacked four times - matching a season high - almost two years after losing a wild-card game at Dallas.

He was 26 of 46 for 260 yards, including an interception that set up Elliott's 1-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to break a 21-all halftime tie. Read more....

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LIONS EYE HIGH-STAKES FINALE VS PACKERS AFTER LOSS TO DALLAS

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Matthew Stafford moved on quickly from another loss to his hometown team.

The Detroit quarterback was already thinking about his home field, where the Lions will play Green Bay for the NFC North title in the regular season finale Sunday after missing a chance to clinch a playoff spot in a 42-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

''If we get a win, we win the division and get a home playoff game,'' said Stafford, who lost Monday night on the same field where he dropped to 0-2 in the playoffs with a wild-card loss two years ago. ''That's the focus right now, and I can just see it standing right there.''

The Lions (9-6) lost a second straight game coming off five consecutive victories, with Dez Bryant throwing his first career touchdown pass between a pair of scoring catches while rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott rushed for two more TDs for the Cowboys (13-2).

Dallas, which tied a franchise record for wins reached two other times, had already clinched the top seed in the NFC.

Detroit faces a short week after a long flight home, looking to avenge a 34-27 loss at the Packers in Week 3. Green Bay (9-6) has won five straight. Read more....

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THE LATEST: COUNTY OKS NEGOTIATIONS FOR $1.3B RAIDERS DEAL

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Latest on a $1.3 billion stadium financing deal for the Oakland Raiders (all times local):

9:00 p.m.
The Oakland City Council is taking up a proposal to open negotiations with an investment group to build a new football stadium that might sway the Oakland Raiders to stay.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved the idea earlier Tuesday.

If the city council agrees, the county and city can start negotiating a formal agreement for a $1.3 billion stadium project that includes $350 million in public money.

The agreement to negotiate does not include the Raiders at this stage.

The push for a new stadium is being led by Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott and former quarterback Rodney Peete, who are working with Fortress Investment Group.

Team owner Mark Davis already has committed to moving the Raiders to Las Vegas, where a $1.9 billion stadium project has been approved. Read more....

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LA RAMS VS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - 12/15/2016 - PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The LA Rams debut new interim head coach Fassel as they had to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Both teams were defeated in bad losses just a week ago, and the Rams loss led to the firing of head coach Jeff Fisher, more firings through out the organization are likely to come.

The Rams will likely be in disarray for this week without their head coach, but maybe just maybe they can finally find some resemblance of  a run game with Fassel at the helm. The Seahawks have been amazing with the 12th man behind them as they're undefeated at home.

The Rams haven't been able to do much of anything on offense this season as they rank dead last in scoring this season. The Rams will need new coach Fassel to be on his A-game just to not get embarrassed on the road this week.

The Rams running game was projected to be one of the best in the NFL this season, but Gurley can't get much of any help from a pass game or the offensive line as they currently rank 30th in rushing yards per game. Not to mention the defense has not been what it used to be in recent years as they're rated as the 19 ranked defense in the league this season.  Read more...

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LUCK THROWS FOR 4 TDS, COLTS ROUT JETS 41-10

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (AP) Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck bounced back well after a week out with concussion symptoms and led the Colts to a 41-10 romp past the New York Jets on Monday.

''To get back out there and do some decent things, that's fun,'' Luck said after throwing for four touchdowns, three to Dwayne Allen. ''Sitting out is no fun.''

Luck missed last week's loss to Pittsburgh, cleared the NFL's concussion protocol on the weekend, and came back in style with a prime-time performance. He lifted Indianapolis (6-6) into a tie for the lead in the AFC South with Tennessee and Houston.

''The quarterback was outstanding,'' coach Chuck Pagano said. ''It's always great to have your starting quarterback under center.''

Allen and T.Y. Hilton were his main targets as he made 22 of 28 pass attempts for 278 yards, and they received little opposition from the Jets (3-9).

The Colts toyed with the lifeless Jets from the beginning, when New York's Jeremy Ross got to only his 11-yard line with the opening kickoff return. A three-and-out gave Luck the ball, and seven plays later, he hit a wide-open Allen for a 7-0 edge.

Indy needed only four plays on its next series, with Allen even more open for a 21-yard reception to make it 14-0. At that juncture, the Colts had gained 120 yards, the Jets 6.

The Jets (3-9) finally found some spark as Matt Forte turned a short pass into a 40-yard gain, but that drive stalled and Nick Folk made a 38-yard field goal. Read more...

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JETS EMBARRASSED BY COLTS, TURN TO PETTY FOR LAST 4 GAMES

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) It was ugly. And, embarrassing. And mostly downright pitiful.
The New York Jets were thoroughly outplayed and outclassed by Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, hitting rock bottom in a season that has been spiraling for weeks with a brutal 41-10 loss in front of a national TV audience Monday night.

''I thought for the first time this year, we got our (butts) handed to us,'' coach Todd Bowles said. ''That's very disappointing.''

Luck returned after missing a game with a concussion by throwing for four touchdowns, three to Dwayne Allen. It was 24-3 at halftime, and the game was over at that point.

''I thought they kicked our (butts),'' Bowles said, repeating that often in his postgame news conference. ''It's very troubling when you get your (butt) kicked.''

An ineffective Ryan Fitzpatrick was benched in the third quarter for Bryce Petty, who will start the final four games for the Jets (3-9).

''The plan was to start him the last four games, anyway,'' Bowles said. ''So, we just started a half early.''

It was the culmination of an awful night - and the epitome of what has been a terrible year - for the Jets. Read more...

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FREE PREDICITONS FOR EVERY THANKSGIVING DAY GAME

NFL PICKS:

Vikings @ Detroit 12:30 ET:
Washington @ Dallas 4:30 ET:
Steelers @ Indianapolis 8;30 ET:
NCAAF PICK:
LSU @ Texas AM 7:30 ET

Read more.....

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FANTASY PLAYS: SEEK MATCHUPS VS. PACKERS, PATRIOTS, BROWNS

The trying times for constructing fantasy lineups appear to be over: most of your better players should be available in Week 12.

Of course, injuries and tough individual matchups always make it a challenge to set the ideal lineup. And with the fantasy playoffs getting closer, there seems to be more pressure surrounding every move.

Don't go crazy second-guessing yourself. Your first instinct when making a tight decision is often your better one.

TARGETING GB DEFENSE

The Packers defense has allowed 40 points in consecutive games and over 30 in its last four. Injuries at linebacker and in the secondary have made the Green Bay defense into a weekly unit to target for fantasy purposes. Philadelphia lacks notable playmakers at wide receiver, but the Pack allows 28.4 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, the most in the league. Jordan Matthews has been a disappointment this year but is a must-start this week.

 Dorial Green-Beckham scored last week and can be used in larger leagues. Wendell Smallwood could get a lot of work at running back this week and deserves strong flex consideration. He is versatile and the Eagles may move the ball very well against the Packers, ensuring he gets enough significant work as both a runner and receiver. Smallwood might play an expanded role in the Philadelphia backfield this week because of injuries. Read more...

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NEW ENGLAND HOSTS SEATTLE IN SUNDAY NIGHT SUPER BOWL REMATCH

The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will meet Sunday night for the first time since Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson to seal Super Bowl 49 for the Patriots.

This time the two will face off in Foxborough where the Patriots have been rolling, coming off back-to-back wins against the Steelers and the Bills. The Seahawks have been a little shaky on offense this season, but are also coming off a big win against Rex Ryan and his crew.

Seattle’s offense simply put has been bad this season. So bad that we can mention it in the same breath as San Francisco or Los Angeles and within 20 yards a game of those teams. The offense has gone much of the way as Russell Wilson has. While completing almost 66% of his passes, he has thrown for 1,812 yards and just five touchdowns. In the team’s first season without Marshawn Lynch, they manage an anemic 75.4 yards a game on the ground.

Defense remains the bread winner for the Seahawks, ranking eighth in the league in total defense while holding opponents to just 16.8 points per game. While the secondary remains strong as ever, the defensive line has stepped up as well with defensive end Cliff Avril ranking third in the league in sacks. Read more....

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FANTASY PLAYS: A HEALTHY RUSSELL WILSON; FADING BAD DEFENSES

Setting an optimal lineup for Week 10 is once again a true challenge, with many key players unavailable on byes and fantasy teams jostling for postseason berths.

A few of the hurdles you'll face this week:

SEATTLE WITH A HEALTHY WILSON
Russell Wilson looked healthier on Monday night against Buffalo, which meant he was able to move around more and out of the pocket and seemed to have no limitations throwing downfield. Jimmy Graham had two one-handed TD receptions, but the Patriots might limit his upside and can use cornerback Malcolm Butler on wideout Doug Baldwin. That opens up opportunities for Tyler Lockett, who finally started looking healthier last week, and versatile rookie C.J. Prosise, who could be the most-utilized Seahawks running back this week. Lockett is a bold and possibly very productive streamer, and Prosise is worth some serious point-per-reception consideration as a flex option or fill-in.

KELLEY RUNNING FOR WASHINGTON
Rob Kelley is expected to be the lead running back for Washington again this week, and while Minnesota has allowed only 15.5 fantasy points per game to the running back position according to FantasyPros.com, the Vikings have become more vulnerable to the run recently. Theo Riddick rushed for 70 yards on just 14 carries last week against Minnesota and rookie Jordan Howard had a career-high 153 yards against the Vikes the week before. Kelley is in line for volume and as a TD finisher for a team that likes to throw the ball. He is at least a viable flex play for Week 10. Read more...

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VIKINGS OC TURNER RESIGNS

The Minnesota Vikings will be seeing a change within their coaching staff.

Offensive coordinator and longtime NFL coach Norv Turner resigned from his position effective Wednesday with the Vikings. The resignation comes on the heels of Minnesota’s Monday night loss to the Chicago Bears, their second straight.

The resignation comes as a surprise to head coach Mike Zimmer and told ESPN’s Ed Werder that “I think it’s just we have different views on where the offense was going.”

Norv Turner released a statement on his resignation:
“I have tremendous respect for Mike Zimmer, our coaching staff and our players and at this time I think it is in the best interest of the team to step down. I thank the Wilf family for my time here in Minnesota and want to see our players and coaches achieve success.” Read more....

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FALCONS TRYING TO AVOID DROPPING SECOND GAME TO BUCS THIS SEASON

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked as if they were going to turn around their 2015 season woes after a big win in week one against the Falcons. Then they dropped three straight games and since have won two of their last three. If the Bucs can win against the Falcons in this Thursday Night Football matchup it could put them just a half game behind the Falcons for the division lead.

The Bucs and Saints have been the best of the NFC South over the past few weeks combining for a record of 7-2 and now they'll both try to catch a game on the Falcons.

​The Falcons have dropped two of their last three after starting the season 4-1 and looking like one of the best teams in the NFL. They received a big win last week against the Packers, but over the past few seasons the Falcons have not been able to play an entire season at a high level.

The season is now reaching the breaking point for the Falcons, where they'd usually fall apart in the second half of a season.  Read more...

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QUARTERBACK CONTROVERSY SWIRLS IN NEW YORK AFTER LOSING 4TH STRAIGHT

With the New York Jets struggling the way it has in the first six weeks of the season, Todd Bowles opens up the possibility of Geno Smith starting. To this point in the season, Ryan Fitzpatrick has looked like a completely different quarterback than he was a season ago as he has thrown 127 for 223 with 1,441 yards five touchdowns and a head scratching 11 interceptions. Though he was not perfect a year ago, he still had a two to one ratio and nearly 4,000 yards on his way to leading the Jets to a 9-7 record.

The frustration mounted enough that on Monday night, he was pulled and replaced with Smith who has a past of poor play. A big factor in this decision had to be the most interceptions thrown (10) in a four game span since Dante Culpepper back in 2005.

Bowles had previously stated that he had confidence in Fitzpatrick, but a day later withdrew that remark by stating that every week there will me some changes made, player-wise.

Geno Smith in the game against the Cardinals was four of six with 31 yards and one pick, though Bowles was relatively pleased with his performance has he mentioned, “He did show some promise when he was in there, he understood the game plan and he did a good for that drive he was in there.” With the experiences that the franchise has had with Smith in the past, he may not be the right choice moving forward. Read more...

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NO. 6 A&M RESTED AND READY FOR CHALLENGE AT NO. 1 ALABAMA

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) Myles Garrett isn't about to tip his hand. Not with top-ranked Alabama next on the schedule.

The sixth-ranked Aggies' star defensive end said he felt much better Tuesday following Texas A&M's week off after admitting to being only 65-70 percent healthy against Tennessee. Garrett is dealing with an unspecified leg injury.

He broke into a huge smile when asked for an update.

''Well I can't let them know,'' he said. ''I'm good enough to play well.''

The Aggies (6-0) will need him and the rest of their star players to be at full strength as they put their undefeated record on the line on Saturday against the Crimson Tide (7-0), the Southeastern Conference's other unbeaten team.

Garrett and fellow defensive end Daeshon Hall have formed a dangerous combination this year with nine tackles for losses each, helping the Aggies rank third in the nation with 9.7 a game.

While Alabama was dismantling Tennessee 49-10 last week, the Aggies had time to recharge before traveling to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this week. Read more...

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RAMS STILL LAST IN OFFENSE, BUT JEFF FISHER SEES IMPROVEMENT

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Rams are moving the ball better. Now they need to turn that production into touchdowns.

The Rams had a season-high 345 yards of total offense Sunday, but scored only one touchdown from four trips into the red zone in their 30-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Coach Jeff Fisher was left alternating between defending his offense and being dismayed with a unit still ranked last overall in the NFL - the same spot it occupied last season.

''You can take the 32nd in the league and write all you want about it,'' Fisher said. ''But this offense is improving.''

Fisher started his Monday press conference highlighting statistics including rushing attempts and time of possession, calling it a ''formula for winning.'' But when asked about the offense's inability to score touchdowns inside its opponents' 20-yard line, Fisher pointed to how far the Rams had to go on third down against the Bills.

A false start penalty against guard Roger Saffold resulted in a third-and-13 on the game's opening drive, while the Rams faced third-and-goal from the 13 in the fourth quarter. Both drives ended in field goals by Greg Zuerlein.

Zuerlein has converted all nine of his attempts so far, showing terrific improvement after only making 20 of 30 field goals last season. Still, Fisher would like to redistribute Zuerlein's work load.
''If we need him at the end, we have confidence in him to make that kick, but I'd much rather see him kick extra points,'' Fisher said.

That could happen Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

The Lions have allowed at least 324 yards in each of their first five games. Opponents have scored touchdowns on 81.25 percent of red-zone possessions, the worst mark in the NFL. That is the kind of defensive generosity the Rams will need to exploit to remove themselves from the bottom of rankings in yards and points per game. Read more...

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CASINO INDUSTRY LEADERS BACK LAS VEGAS STADIUM PROPOSAL

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) Heavy hitters in Nevada's casino industry are going to bat for a project backed by one of their competitors, saying a proposed NFL stadium and a convention center expansion in Las Vegas are game-changing opportunities that Nevada lawmakers shouldn't pass up.

Steve Wynn of Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren and Caesars Entertainment Executive Vice President Jan Jones Blackhurst gave speeches Monday to Nevada lawmakers who are meeting in a special session to vet public financing for a stadium that's backed by Las Vegas Sands casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. The venue could house the Raiders.

''This is an absolute dead-bang, winning opportunity, and I hope you will find it in your wisdom to approve it shortly,'' Wynn told lawmakers, saying professional sports would be a cornerstone to the stability of Nevada tourism. ''I personally believe that if we lose this opportunity, it will be one of the most heartbreaking mistakes we've ever made.''

Blackhurst, the former mayor of Las Vegas, said the projects will take the tourism mecca to the next level.

''We've been offered a gift here,'' she said. ''We've been offered a gift that takes us from 45 million visitors, to 55, to 65 million visitors.''

Murren fought back against the idea that his company, the largest employer in the state and a major player in the convention industry, would be threatened by the improvements.

''You might come to the conclusion that MGM would be opposed to both of the projects before you. In fact, the exact opposite is true,'' he said. ''We know the entire community benefits when our convention center is full.'' Read more...

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NFL TO STAGE JANUARY CAREERS FORUM FOR WOMEN IN ORLANDO

In its efforts to get more women into administrative, coaching, officiating and scouting jobs, the NFL will offer a careers forum during Pro Bowl week.

The forum in Orlando, Florida from Jan. 25-27 is designed to educate and prepare women to fill such positions. The league's Rooney Rule to enhance diversity in hiring was expanded earlier this year to include interviewing women for all open executive positions at the NFL office.

Earlier this month, the NFL hired Samantha Rapoport, a former tackle football player who previously worked for the league and for USA Football. As director of football development, Rapoport will oversee creating new programming to develop a talent pipeline.

''Really the mission in my role is to provide opportunities for females in positions traditionally held by men,'' she says, ''and to enhance gender equality.

''In my previous role I oversaw the female development in tackle football at USA Football. I saw thousands of women in this country who know football very well, can talk X's and O's ... but felt disenfranchised from football programs. I thought it was a void and a disconnect. We want to connect the two worlds. Both sides are open to it, they just don't know each other yet.''

The Orlando forum will run in conjunction with Pro Bowl week, in which there also will be youth and high school programs. The women's event is one of several Rapoport hopes to make available to women over the next year or so.

It will coincide with the fourth annual Women's World Football Games (Jan. 25-29) that will bring together more than 250 female football players from around the world for five days of training, skill sessions and 11-on-11 competitions. Read more...

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BELL, BURFICT LEAD PACK OF PLAYERS RETURNING FROM SUSPENSION

Le'Veon Bell insists he'll do everything in his power to make sure his latest run-in with the NFL's substance abuse policy is his last. Vontaze Burfict isn't so sure he can say the same about his reprimands from the league's disciplinary committee.

Either way, two of the NFL's most dynamic players head back to work this week after serving three-game suspensions to start the 2016 season. Bell sat for running afoul of the drug policy for the second time, Burfict as penance for a series of unhinged moments on the field that culminated in his helmet-to-helmet knockout blow of Pittsburgh wide receiver Antonio Brown in last year's wild-card round.

Their returns should give their teams - both expected to compete for a playoff spot in the hypercompetitive AFC North and both coming off one-sided losses last Sunday - a boost as October dawns, the front edge of a wave that will include other bold-faced names (including some dude in New England) that will come off the suspended list next week.

How their teams have survived in the absence of such vital parts is a mixed bag.

For all of Bell's talent, DeAngelo Williams led the NFL in rushing through two weeks before Pittsburgh's hot start came to a sudden and decisive halt in Philadelphia. The Bengals, however, have missed Burfict - the emotional touchstone of a defense that is among the NFL's best when it at its finest.

Their comebacks, however, come with a caveat. Any potential missteps going forward would carry far harsher penalties. Bell doesn't think that will be an issue. Read more...

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LIONS ROLL INTO MOTOR CITY AGAINST TITANS STILL ON A ROLL

DETROIT (AP) The Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans have familiar looks.

Detroit opened with a 39-35 victory at Indianapolis, its seventh win in nine games dating to last year.
The Titans, meanwhile, started the season with a loss at home to Minnesota for their fifth straight setback since last December.

The Lions seem to have a shot at extending their successful stretch against Tennessee on Sunday in their home opener.

Matthew Stafford has simply been sensational since midway through last season, finding a groove with offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. Stafford has thrown 22 touchdown passes and two interceptions in his last nine games as Cooter has coached him to get rid of the ball quicker in the passing game.

''I think it's a whole sort of offensive philosophy,'' Cooter said. ''We're getting it to our best players, doing what they do best.''

The Lions lost their best player, Calvin Johnson, in the offseason to retirement. That has forced Stafford to spread the ball more, and it worked well in Week 1. Detroit had three receivers, two running backs and a tight end making at least three catches against the Colts.

''The show must go on,'' receiver Golden Tate said. ''So, we don't get caught up worrying about who we don't have. We just try to step up our game individually.''

Marcus Mariota, meanwhile, took a step back in last week's game with a fumble and an interception in the second half that helped Minnesota win 25-16 after trailing by 10 points in the third quarter.
Mariota, the 2015 No. 2 pick overall, insisted he has learned how to move on 24 hours after wins and losses. He hopes, though, that the Titans don't have to do much of the latter this season. Read more....

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JETS FINALLY GET A W AGAINST THE BILLS

The New York Jets after five straight losses to the Buffalo Bills pulled out a win Thursday night. The Jets receiving core played fantastic as Matt Forte ran in three touchdowns to bring the Jets a 37-31 win.

Enunwa for the second straight week led the Jets early in receiving, as the Jets took an early first half lead. An end of half score for the Bills, another added on at the beginning of the second half and a fumble recovery for touchdown. The Bills found their selves up 24-20 just four minutes into the second half after trailing 20-7 with just seconds left in the first half.

The Jets weren't done scoring yet though, as they would score 17 straight points to take a 37-24 lead. The Bills late comeback would mean nothing in the end as the Jets would win 37-31. This was a big win for the Jets after a late week one loss to the Bengals. The Jets will take the field next week at Arrowhead against the Chiefs. The Bills however find themselves 0-2 this season under the Ryan brothers looking for a win against a very good Cardinals team.

Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Quincy Enunwa all finished the game with over 90 yards receiving. Forte added 100 yards on the ground and three touchdowns as Fitzpatrick threw for 374 yards and a touchdown.

The Jets offense looked outstanding and were able to do anything they needed to on offense to win this game. They will need every bit of offense in their next four games as they will face the Chiefs, Seahawks, Steelers and Cardinals. Read more...

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TOM TERRIFIC OUT, JIMMY G IN FOR PATRIOTS AT ARIZONA

Jimmy Garoppolo couldn't have a tougher assignment in his first NFL start. While Tom Brady is suspended, the third-year quarterback faces the Arizona Cardinals, one of the Super Bowl favorites, a team owning a strong defense.

At Arizona.

In prime time.

''There's so much going on right now,'' Garoppolo said. ''Mentally, I'm straight Arizona, but it is a phenomenal opportunity. This is why you play the game. You play to be in the game and play; you don't want to be the backup. The opportunity is here. I've just got to go take advantage of it.''
That opportunity is thanks to the ''Deflategate'' saga that finally has played out. Brady is gone for four weeks, and Jimmy G is the guy.

''I think that just comes with being a quarterback,'' said of taking ownership of the position - for now.
''Naturally, that kind of happens on its own. But yeah, you want to go in there and let the guys know that you're here to work and here to do your job the right way.''

Arizona is quite the challenge, with perhaps the most talented roster in the NFL. And back from injury is All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu, who adds spark and gumption to the defense.

How did coach Bruce Arians know the Honey Badger was ready after the safety missed the preseason?

''It's about two interceptions every day,'' Arians said. ''He flies around and makes every check and has the energy and passion that he always has.''

Also Sunday, it's Green Bay at Jacksonville, the New York Giants at Dallas, Minnesota at Tennessee, Miami at Seattle, San Diego at Kansas City, Oakland at New Orleans, Cincinnati at the New York Jets, Buffalo at Baltimore, Cleveland at Philadelphia, Chicago at Houston, Tampa Bay at Atlanta, and Detroit at Indianapolis. Read more...

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TRIP TO THE DENTIST: CAM FEELS THE PAIN IN LOSS TO BRONCOS

DENVER (AP) Cam Newton's latest encounter with the Broncos must've felt like another trip to the dentist.

The Panthers quarterback added yet another move to his repertoire - he actually flossed his teeth on the sideline - but his rematch with the Broncos in Thursday night's season opener was a brutal affair that ended with a missed field goal and the same outcome as the last time these teams met.

Newton led Carolina within range of the winning score, but Graham Gano's miss, wide left from 50 yards, gave Denver a win in the Super Bowl rematch, 21-20.

After an opening half in which he debuted a new touchdown dance and looked to have set aside all the bad memories from last year's Super Bowl, Newton met, head-first, with Von Miller and a defense that has now made him look like something less than an MVP in Carolina's last two meaningful games.

Newton ran for a touchdown and threw for another, but passed for only 16 more yards than Broncos newcomer Trevor Siemian.

The Panthers quarterback probably deserved better.

He was hammered throughout this game.

Two of the hits were of the head-to-head variety, and neither drew any penalty yardage. The first came from - who else? - Miller, who met him facemask-to-facemask early in the third quarter while DeMarcus Ware was dragging him down. The hit left Newton doubled over in pain on the sideline. Newton didn't miss a play, but after leading the Panthers to a 17-7 lead in the first half, he produced only a field goal after the collision. Read more...

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VIKINGS LET LONG-TIME CENTER JOHN SULLIVAN GO ON CUTDOWN DAY

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have released center John Sullivan, ending his eight-year tenure with the team after he missed last season because of a back injury.

Sullivan was among the 13 players let go by the Vikings on Tuesday to meet the NFL deadline for reducing rosters to 75. Joe Berger will be the starting center.

Also cut by the Vikings were offensive tackle Austin Shepherd, defensive end Theiren Cockran, offensive tackle Sean Hickey, tight end Brian Leonhardt, defensive tackle Claudell Louis, receiver Marken Michel, linebacker Terrance Plummer, wide receiver Terrell Sinkfield, quarterback Brad Sorensen and wide receiver Troy Stoudermire.

Defensive tackle Scott Crichton and safety Antone Exum were waived with an injured designation. Offensive lineman Mike Harris was placed on the non-football illness reserve list. Read more...

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VIKINGS LOSE BRIDGEWATER TO KNEE INJURY

The Minnesota Vikings will go into the 2016 season without their starting quarterback.

Teddy Bridgewater suffered a dislocated knee and torn ACL at practice Tuesday the team said in a released statement. Practice concluded just 30 minutes after it started due to his injury.

“After undergoing an MRI, it was determined that Teddy suffered a complete tear to his ACL and other structural damage,” the Vikings statement said. “Fortunately, there appears to be no nerve or arterial damage. Surgical repair will be scheduled within the next few days.”

“Although the recovery time will be significant, we expect Teddy to make a full recovery. I would like to thank all of the medical professionals and our athletic training staff for all of their help today. Teddy has already displayed the attitude needed to overcome this injury and attack his rehab.”

Announcement of Bridgewater’s injury comes hours after he went down in practice with a non-contact injury.

With Bridgewater going down, this places backup Shaun Hill into the starting role. In his career, Hill is 16-18 as a starter and last started for the Los Angeles Rams in their last season in St. Louis. He completed over 63% of his passes for 1,657 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.

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WATT PLANS TO RETURN SOON, TEXANS SAY NOT QUITE

If you ask J.J. Watt, he will be on the field come Week 1. If you ask head coach Bill O’Brien, he wouldn’t have that same optimism.

In his five years in the NFL, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has yet to miss a game, but that streak may be coming to an end as Watt continues to recover from offseason back surgery. Not only is Watt in a possible situation to miss the season opener, he may even miss Week 2 of the season.

The first two games of the season for the Texans would be the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs. Both of these games become more difficult with Watt out of the lineup.

With how competitive the AFC South has become with the Colts getting Andrew Luck back and the Jacksonville Jaguars building themselves up to be within the discussion, every game becomes even more critical for a team that won the division last season with only nine wins.

 Watt was seen running at practice Monday with no signs of discomfort. In fact, he is looking to increase his workload to help him get back on the field and in game shape come September 11. Read more...

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POLICE LOOKING FOR PATRIOTS FAN WHO STOLE AUTOGRAPHED HELMET

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) Police in Massachusetts are seeking the public's help in identifying a man who they say stole a helmet autographed by the Super Bowl XLIX champion New England Patriots from a bar near Gillette Stadium.

The theft occurred Aug. 11 at Skipjack's in Foxborough. Surveillance video from the restaurant shows a man in a Tom Brady jersey climb over the bar, take the helmet and wrap it in his jersey before walking out.

Police say the man also left without paying his bill.

Skipjack's general manager says the thief called the next day to confess and said he would ship the helmet back to the bar. But the helmet still hasn't been returned.

Police say the bartender remembers the culprit's license. He's reportedly from the Wilmington area. Read more...

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THOMAS RAWLS COMES OFF THE PUP LIST

Being undrafted out of college didn't effect Rawls ability to perform in the NFL in his first season as the Seattle Seahawks running back. After being tackled by the Ravens Chris Canty, the NFL's leader in yards per carry suffered an ankle injury. Today he was removed from the PUP list and can now return to practice with his teammates.

Rawls exploded onto the season when he got the opportunity. With the retirement of Marshawn Lynch, it was of the upmost importance Rawls gets back to the team soon. Rawls had a strange path to the NFL after playing in limitted time for the Michigan Wolverines Rawls decided to move on when he transfered to Central Michigan.

At his new school he ran for 1103 yards on 210 carries and scored 10 TD's. Rawls later got his opportunity as an undrafted free agent with the Seahawks and acquired a roster spot. Now in 2016 he will be out to prove his first NFL season was no fluke as an undrafted player.

Rawls return means a lot for the Seahawks and for Fantasy owners every where. Rawls averaged 5.6 yards per carry in the NFL last season and with no Lynch, he will be receiving a much larger work load. Rawls best game came on November 22nd when he pounded out an amazing seven yards per carry, for 209 yards rushing, 46 yards receiving and two touchdowns. If Rawls can come back as himself from a season ago, he will be a fantasy must have and a key in the Seahawks offense to success. Read more..

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PHILADELPHIA EAGLES BREAKDOWN 2016

In Chip Kelly’s first year with the Eagles, it looked like they could become the powerhouse of the NFC East. Since then the Eagles have made a less than gracious decline and find themselves on the cusp of a rebuilding mode after trading away players like DeMarco Murray and Kiko Alonso. It doesn’t appear that the Eagles did enough to rebuild this offseason and could be in for a rough 2016.

2015 record: 7-9
Key draft picks: QB Carson Wentz, OL Issac Seumalo, RB Wendell Smallwood
Key additions: WR Reuben Randle, CB Leodis McKelvin
Key departures: LB Kiko Alonso, CB Byron Maxwell, RB DeMarco Murray

The Philadelphia Eagles started two quarterbacks last season. Mark Sanchez and Sam Bradford. Bradford was the better option for the Eagles and passed for 3,725 yards last season with an uninspiring 19:14 touchdown-interception ratio. With the possibility of second overall pick Carson Wentz waiting in the wings to start, the pressure is on for the former first overall pick to succeed. Bradford will have a familiar group of receivers to throw to while adding former Giant Reuben Randle to the mix.

The running game gets an overhaul after last season’s big signing DeMarco Murray was shipped to Tennessee to move up to the second spot to take Wentz in the draft. The backfield will mostly be split between Ryan Matthews as the featured back and Sproles will be situational and used for his versatile skill set. Read more..

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WASHINGTON REDSKINS BREAKDOWN 2016

The NFC East often seems like the division no one wants to win. The Washington Redskins closed the season on a four game winning streak to win the East behind an up and down Kirk Cousins. Going into the offseason, Washington wanted to get the taste of their playoff loss to the Packers out of their mouths and made big moves to make sure that doesn’t happen again in 2016.

2015 record: 9-7
Key draft picks: WR Josh Doctson, CB Kendall Fuller
Key additions: CB Josh Norman, TE Vernon Davis
Key departures: QB Robert Griffin III, S Dashan Goldson, RB Alfred Morris

Kirk Cousins started off the 2015 in a rocky place. He was consistently turning the ball over and put the Redskins in a 3-4 hole going into the bye week. That was just the break he and the team needed to gather themselves.  For the rest of the season, the team only dropped three more game with two of those coming to the Patriots and Panthers. In six of the last nine games of the season, Cousins completed at least 70% of his throws. He finished the regular season with 4,166 yards, 69.9% completion with 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Yes, Washington fans like that.

When you have someone like DeSean Jackson to throw to, you would think he would be the team’s leading receiver. Surprisingly, it was not. It was the tight end Jordan Reed. Reed finished 2016 with 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. Going into the 2016 season, the receiving corps still starts with Jackson and Pierre Garcon, but now first round pick Josh Doctson comes into the mix to round out the three go-to receivers. Reed is now accompanied by Vernon Davis after his Super Bowl run with the Denver Broncos. Read more...

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FOOTBALL IS BACK:HALL OF FAME GAME PLAYERS TO WATCH

The Colts will take the field tonight and running back Josh Ferguson of Illinois will be thier top player to watch. Ferguson has had a great offseason so far with the Colts and could take carries from veteran Frank Gore sooner rather than later. Tonight will be his first opportunity to prove himself and Colts fans will certainly hope the young back comes out swinging. Ferguson averaged over five yards per carry in 2015 for the Fighting Illini and will look to bring his talents to the NFL.

As for the Packers linebacker is a pressing need and Blake Martinez of Stanford has been showing great promise as a fourth round pick. The Packers need for linebackers is large and looming and Martinez shows great range against the run and great hands against the pass. Martinez will fight for a starting job at linebacker and it all starts tonight in the Hall of Fame Game. It's nice to say, football is back! Read more...

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JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS BREAKDOWN 2016

The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team that could surprise a lot of people in 2016. The front office has made solid picks that are working out quickly for the team and Gus Bradley has the team heading in the right direction. It may be a bit of a jump to say they could win the AFC South this season, but this roster has the chance to challenge for it.

2015 record: 5-11
Key draft picks: CB Jalen Ramsey, LB Myles Jack
Key additions: S Tashaun Gipson, LB Malik Jackson
Key departures: DE Chris Clemons

The offense for the Jaguars last season ran through Blake Bortles. With the running game ranking 27th in the league, Bortles threw for 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns. The only drawback to his 2015 season was his turnovers. Bortles threw 18 interceptions coupled with five fumbles. Going into the season, he will have to handle the ball better for the team to improve on the strides they made.

In Bortles breakout season, many of the receivers saw their numbers go up as well. The Allens Robinson and Hurns are not big name receivers, but they sure played like it. Robinson was the leading receiver for Jacksonville with 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns while Hurns racked up 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns. These two young wideouts are proving to be big weapons for the Jaguars and key figures on offense.

With the success of the offense last season, the coaching staff and front office put their focus in the side of the ball that needs the most help, the defense. Ranked just above last in the league in points per game and passing defense, they made it a point of emphasis in the draft by selecting Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey and UCLA’s Myles Jack in the first two rounds.

Ramsey gives them a talented defender in the secondary that can match up with just about any receiver in the league. Many knock the lack of interceptions he had in college, but his ability to play man-coverage speaks for itself. Read more..

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COWBOYS CONSIDERING SIGNING JOHNNY MANZIEL

It wouldn’t be the offseason if Jerry Jones wasn’t taking a risk on a questionable free agent.

According to the Daily Caller, Jones is considering on signing troubled quarterback Johnny Manziel. The expectation is that he would be the backup to Tony Romo and have time to get himself together opposed to playing right away.

The considered deal would likely be a one-year deal with low risk to the organization, but also allows Manziel to show that he can behave first and foremost.

Jones has been a fan of Manziel heading into the draft and considered trading up to get him before the Cleveland Browns traded with the Philadelphia Eagles to take him off the board.

His journey in Cleveland was a bumpy one as Manziel entered into rehab before his second year in the league. Manziel showed flashes of what he could be, but not enough for the coaching staff to believe in him to be the long-term starter. There were reports that he was late to meetings and practices, which hurt his chances of starting.

As Manziel lost his starting spot, the legal troubles followed. During the season, Manziel was accused of striking his then-girlfriend while driving on the highway. No charges were filed in this incident. Another assault occurred between the two with charges being filed. Manziel continued with his substance abuse and was released by the Browns. Read more..

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LOS ANGELES RAMS UNAWARE OF MASON'S WHEREABOUTS

The Los Angeles Rams are in a position where football becomes one of the last things on the minds of the coaching staff and management.

The Los Angeles Rams have not heard from running back Tre Mason since their season ended in January. Despite attempts from teammates, coaches and management, no one associated with the Rams organization has had communication with him.

“I haven’t personally spoken with Tre since the season ended,” head coach Jeff Fisher said to the media. “I tried numerous times to reach him. Tre has made a decision not to communicate with us, not to talk. Not talking to his teammates. Right now we’re more concerned about Tre Mason’s well-being than we are his football career.”

The Rams have since put Mason on their Reserve/Did not report list and has been excused from team activity.

In March, Mason was tasered by police and arrested on charges of reckless driving, possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. Within the last five months, he has had four encounters with police.
According to Deadspin, Mason’s mother says he was “acting unusual” during his most recent incident involving police. Read more...

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NEW YORK JETS BREAKDOWN 2016

The New York Jets failed to reach the playoffs last season despite a .625 winning percentage and just 2.5 games behind first place in the AFC East. Making sure they don’t face a similar situation in 2016, the Jets made big improvements to the team by signing some big names and keeping their own to not only fight for a playoff spot, but make a serious attempt at taking the AFC East away from the Patriots. Within only a few seasons, the Jets might have become a team to take seriously.

2015 record: 10-6
Key draft picks: OLB Darron Lee, OLB Jordan Jenkins, QB Christian Hackenberg
Key additions: RB Matt Forte, DT Jarvis Jenkins
Key departures: CB Antonio Cromartie

Once the Fitzpatrick saga ended, we could really start to look into what this Jets offense can be. It’s more than obvious that Fitzpatrick is the better option than Geno Smith. When he threws for 3,905 yards and a franchise record 35 touchdowns in a season, you want that guy back under center. The one year deal he said with the Jets is just an audition for the rest of the league, but if I were Fitzpatrick, I would try and sign an extension with the Jets as soon as possible.

With a receiving corps that features Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Quincey Enunwa and Jace Amaro coming off a season ending injury. With the receivers and tight ends at his disposal, Fitzpatrick should repeat his 2015 success with opportunity to improve. Read more...

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS BREAKDOWN 2016

The New England Patriots start off the 2016 without Tom Brady. After a series of offseason moves, the Patriots put themselves in a position to succeed until Brady’s return and potentially putting them back in the Super Bowl after just falling short last season.

2015 record: 12-4
Key draft picks: CB Cyrus Jones, DT Vincent Valentine
Key additions: DE Chris Long, TE Martellus Bennett, OG Jonathan Cooper
Key departures: TE Scott Chandler, WR Brandon LaFell

The Patriots remained one of the top teams in the league and one of the most prolific offenses week after week. Tom Brady led the team to being the third highest scoring offense in the league by throwing 4,770 yards, 36 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Jimmy Garoppolo will take the reins of this offense for the first four games while Brady serves his suspension for his role in Deflategate.

The Patriots offense only got better in the offseason while acquiring Jonathan Cooper from Arizona and Martellus Bennett from Chicago. These additions add extra protection to one of the best offensive lines in the league and another tall, athletic tight end to throw to. Bennett will join a group that includes the best tight end in the league in Rob Gronkowski and position receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. Read more..

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LEON HALL MAKING GIANT FREE AGENT MOVES

Leon HALL has been with the Cincinnati Bengals his entire career, but things may be about to change. An injury has sideline the Bengals newest safety, William Jackson the first round selection. Leon HALL is now meeting with the New York Giants.

Hall has consistently been a good player in this league and will continue to be just that. The Giants could use the help in the secondary and Hall may fill the safety position easily. Read more...

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REGGIE BUSH, BUFFALO BILLS AGREE TO ONE YEAR DEAL

With the Bills being Bush’s fifth team since coming into the league in 2006, he is hoping for a little more of a landing spot like he had in New Orleans for five seasons rather than one to two years like in Miami, Detroit and San Francisco.

“It’s good to be back to football,” Bush said after the signing. “I felt like the opportunity here was special for me and the team, for the coaching staff and for the fans as well.”

Bush will compete for the backup spot as Karlos Williams will miss the first four games of the season due to a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Williams was coming off a strong rookie season.

Bush’s versatility and athleticism helps the Bills not just in the running game or catching out of the backfield, but as a return man as well. None of the players who returned punts last season for Buffalo are still with the team and the coaching staff doesn’t feel comfortable with the guys they have now.

Bush suffered a season-ending injury with the 49ers last season when he tore the meniscus in his left knee against the St. Louis Rams by slipping and falling on exposed concrete surrounding the field of the Edward Jones Dame in St. Louis. Read more..

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TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS BREAKDOWN 2016

The Buccaneers season was a little disappointing, but they are trending in the right direction. The last few drafts and offseasons have been beneficial to the team. They are hoping with Jameis Winston going into his second year, the team can take the next step and make some noise in the NFC South.

2015 record: 6-10
Key draft picks: CB Vernon Hargreaves, DE Noah Spence
Key additions: LB Daryl Smith, CB Brent Grimes
Key departures: LB Bruce Carter

Over the years, we have become used to huge rookie seasons like we saw with Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck. Jameis Winston’s rookie was solid and effective for Tampa Bay. He threw for 4,042 yards, 22 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Going into 2016, pass catchers like Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins become keys to Winston’s growth.

Speaking of Mike Evans, in his second season he was able to improve on some of his big rookie numbers. In his rookie year he caught 1,051 yards and improved that to 1,206 yards in 2015. Though his touchdowns dipped from 12 to three, he was still very effective for the Bucs. The rest of the receivers are poised to have impactful years with Vincent Jackson, Seferian-Jenkins and Cameron Brate.

The running game for Tampa Bay was at its best it has been. With the effectiveness of Doug Martin and Charles Sims, the Bucs ranked 5th in the league. Martin’s 2015 was the best since his breakout rookie season and enough to land him a five-year contract with the team.

Former head coach Lovie Smith’s bread and butter has been defense. With the talent that his defense has, they were middle of the road. Management was aware of this and went defense early in the draft. Vernon Hargreaves has the chance to sit behind Brent Grimes and Alterraun Verner and learn a lot from these veterans while Noah Spence will likely be thrust into the starting lineup alongside Gerald McCoy and Robert Ayers. The Bucs went out and signed Daryl Smith to star linebacker Lavonte David. Read more..

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BECKHAM JRS HURT LEG DOESN'T WAIVER GIANT EXPECTATIONS

Odell Beckham Jr is coming into the preseason with a hurt leg, but he won't let that change his Giant expectations for his team. After practice Beckham Jr spoke with Michael Irvin in a one on one, and said he truly believes the Giants can win it all. "It's cool to catch a couple passes, it's cool to be in the NFL but I don't like losing. If we're gonna do it, we might as well do it big."

The New York Giants had every opportunity to win most of their games last season and had the most blown 4th quarter leads in the NFL last season. With the Cowboys dealing with injuries in 2015, and the Eagles struggling the Giants only had to compete with Washington to win the division. Frustration set in for the Giants Beckham Jr when Norman shut him down against the Panthers. Fighting broke out between the two and now Beckham will need to play against the shut down corner Norman, twice a year. Read more...

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TENNESSEE TITANS BREAKDOWN 2016

The Tennessee Titans started off the 2015 season with a battle of top picks with their pick Marcus Mariota and Tampa Bay’s Jameis Winston. The Titans beat out the Bucs 42-14 and Mariota threw for four touchdowns. The rest of the season would not carry the same joy and hope that fans felt in Week 1. The Titans made some big moves that could help the team in the future and help with the growth of their coveted 2015 first round pick.

2015 record: 3-13
Key draft picks: OT Jake Conklin, LB Kevin Dodd, RB Derrick Henry
Key additions: RB DeMarco Murray, WR Andre Johnson
Key departures: S Michael Griffin

A lot didn’t work out for the Titans last season, but there aren’t high expectations for a team in the early stages of a major rebuild. Mariota appeared in 12 games of his rookie season where he threw for 2,818 yards and 19 touchdowns and 16 total turnovers. The offense line gave up 54 sacks on the season, 38 to Mariota alone.

With that alarm stat, the Titans’ brass invested their first round pick in protection for Mariota with Jake Conklin to go on the line with Chance Warmack and Taylor Lewan.
To help protect Mariota and take pressure off of him, the Titans made a big trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for DeMarco Murray. Murray gives them an instant upgrade at the running back position where the group for Tennessee ranked 25th in yards per game. Read more..

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NFL DENYING CONTACTING DONALD TRUMP ABOUT SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

This season two NFL games will be scheduled during presidential debates. With sports fans focus on the up and coming NFL season, there's an over lap of the presidential election. This overlap consists of two prime time games conflicting with the scheduling of debates and Donald  Trump is not happy about it as he stated in an interview with ABC News.

Trump has now stated he received a "letter from the NFL", stating "This is ridiculous" that they would scheduled the debates at conflicting times with the NFL. Trump went on to say in the interview "Because the NFL doesn't want to go against the debates, because the debates are going to be pretty massive from what I understand, OK? - Hillary Clinton wants to be against the NFL, maybe like she did with Bernie Sanders when they were on Saturday nights when nobody's home."

As soon as the NFL got whiff of this claim by the republican presidential candidate they immediately denied Trumps statement. Trump has since stated the elections are being rigged because of the schedule conflict. Trumps worried if the NFL and debates are conflicting, then everyone will watch the games and not the debate.  Read more....

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NEW ORLEANS SAINTS BREAKDOWN 2016

The New Orleans Saints were a team we have come to expect to be in the playoffs as long as Drew Brees is under center. It seems that the same issues that have plagued the Saints each season struck again as New Orleans finished with a losing record. With Drew Brees saying he can compete at a high level into his 40s, the Saints are focused about this season and making their way back in the postseason.

2015 record: 7-9
Key draft picks: DT Sheldon Rankins, WR Michael Thomas, S Vonn Bell
Key additions: TE Coby Fleener, DT Nick Fairley
Key departures: WR Marques Colston , OL Jahri Evans

Drew Brees kept the Saints offense moving the right direction despite trading Jimmy Graham away. Brees put up 4,870 yards passing with 32 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions. In Graham’s absence, Brandin Cooks stepped up New Orleans, collecting 1,138 and nine touchdowns. If he can repeat a performance like that, he could quickly be considered one of the better receivers in the league.

Former Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram had a remarkable season and finally started to look like the player New Orleans always thought he could be. Stepping up in the running game, he rushed for 769 yards and six touchdowns while gaining 405 yards on 50 receptions. Whether this is a one year spark and him reviving his career is up in the air, but if he can sustain his success, the Saints offense becomes that more dangerous and takes pressure off Brees.

The defense has been the one thing holding the Saints back year after year. 2015 was no different. The Saints ranked 31st in the league in pass and rush defense. The only team with a worst total defense than New Orleans was the New York Giants.

The Saints made sure to target those weak points in the draft and free agency. They signed DT Nick Fairley to a one year deal and took Sheldon Rankins with their first pick. Anchoring the defense through the line will be key for New Orleans as they were no better at getting after the quarterback as they were stopping the run. Putting these two with Cameron Jordan should change that in 2016. Read more....


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