The Cowboys were outplayed by the 49ers in their frustrating 23-17 home NFC wild-card playoff lo s Sunday. But Dallas didn't do itself any favors, either, with a sloppy performance that went against all its strengths from a 12-5 regular season.While the No. 6-seed 49ers advanced to play the No. 1-seed
Frank Thomas Jersey Packers in the divisional round, the Cowboys will wonder for a long time why they fell short of the Super Bowl for a 26th consecutive year, this time under coach Mike McCarthy.MORE: There were high expectationsthat Dallascould challenge Tampa Bay and Green Bay for the conference championship this year. Instead, the team will have to settle for winning the weak NFC East and havingnothing else to show for it.The biggest disappointment was the fact that quarterback Dak Prescott and the defense didn't provide enough of the big plays that were frequent in 2021. After leading the league in enforced penalties against them (127, more than sevenper game) in the regular season, the Cowboys doubled down on their lack of discipline in the playoffs, with the 49ers accepting 14 penalties for 89 yards.MORE: Here's a look at how it all went wrong for the Cowboys, one key element at a time:Dak Prescott: Under pre sure and pre singThe Cowboys stay on point when they aggre sively spread the ball around in the pa sing game, but Prescott needs get into a rhythm with all of his receivers. Top wideouts Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Cedrick Wilson were targeted a combined 25 times against the 49ers; only 12 turned into receptions. Lamb was a non-factor in the pa sing game with only one catch as the 49ers' coverage focused on him most.Prescott did get going in the second half as threw a lot totight
Joe Crede Jersey end Dalton Schultz, but that was a sign the 49ers' cornerbacks were winning their tough matchups. Dallas didn't hit on any ofthe downfield shots it needed to complete.MORE: The offensive line was pushed around and Prescott had to rush throws or buy time out of the pocket. Left guard Conor Williams remained a liability and led the penalty onslaught. Right tackle La'el Collins didn't get a break until 49ers end Nick Bosa (concu sion) was knocked out of the game. Prescott was sacked five times as his team consistently operated behind the chains. He felt like he needed to do too much and was all over the place with some pa ses.Dallas is getting long in the tooth at its best positions on the front five see left tackle Tyron Smith and right guard Zack Martin and it needs to focus on upgrading from Collins and Williams (who is a pending free agent). The unit has also struggled to open holes in the running game, which, in turn, has put a greater onus on Prescott to be sharp with his pa sing and do a lot of the rushing dirty work.Prescott's arm and athleticism place him in special company, but he still needs personnel help and greater balance in play-calling to be at his best. The Cowboys didn't adjust well enough to what the 49ers were doing until it was too late. Being so one-dimensional and predictable vs. such a versatile and multiple opponent doesn't turn out well in the playoffs.The defense: Losing up frontWhile Prescott took those five sacks, running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combined for only 45 yards rushing on 16 carries. In contrast, the Cowboys didn't drop Jimmy Garoppolo once with linebacker Micah Parsons and the rest of their pa s-rushers. They also allowed the 49ers to rush for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Garoppolo needed to pa sfor just 3 more yards than that to win.Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn got a lot out of a deep line rotation in the regular season, but whoever was in the Cowboys' front four Sunday got manhandled. The unit also mixed in rare penalties such as defensive holding on
Michael Kopech Jersey a run play and illegal use of hands to the face. Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory had good seasons on the edge, but the top three tackles Neville Gallimore, Carlos Watkins and Osa Odighizuwa were weak points and the 49erssmashed them with their interior blockers.NFL DRAFT 2022: The Cowboys are built to play complementary defense, to pin their ears back and
Luis Robert Jersey go after the quarterback from many lookswith Parsons leading the way from the second level. Cornerback Trevon Diggs has a nose for takeaways, but he was also burned plenty this season as he needed to cover for too long. Dallas was 16th in rushing yards allowed per game, but the 4.5 yards per carry allowed was tied for eighth-highest.When it comes to pa sing, pa s-rushing and pa s coverage, and the Cowboys are in good spots. But those a sets don't mean much when the basics of "run the ball" and "stop the run" are not even in play. The defensive side of the trenches also needs upgrades, with Watkins and Gregory also unsigned for 2022.Parsons and Diggs were such dominant game-changers, it was easy to forget that their flash covered up many of the Cowboys' substantial personnel i sues at other key positions.The discipline: Yellow and white flagsThe Cowboys put together a dominant tuneup performance in Week 18 with Prescott starting against the Eagles. They seemed ready, in the sweet spot between rest and rust, to turn in a complete, methodical effort against the 49ers. They delivered the opposite of that.Racking up penalties is the surest sign of being unprepared for a game. There were a lot more mental and physical mistakes in key situations. That's on Quinn, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and, of course, McCarthy, who suddenly went from secure at the end of Year 2 to wondering a little for Year 3.Kyle Shanahan's 49ers were several stepsahead; they anticipated the Cowboys' game plan and did everything to rip holes in it. The Cowboys got caught in countermeasures. They got more tentative, and there were shocking breakdowns on the smallest of plays.MORE: The worst moments, the onesthat cost the Cowboys a comeback, were back-to-back plays late in the third quarterwhen Dallas trailed only 16-7. Prescott threw a questionable, desperate pa s into coverage on second-and
Blank Jersey -28 that turned into an easy interception for 49ers cornerback K'Waun Williams. One play later, wide receiver Deebo Samuel weaved untouched through the Cowboys' defense for a 26-yard TD run.That sequence summed up the afternoon.Prescott was stuck in a unfavorable situation after a wide receiver's penalty for anillegal low block and a subsequent sack. Trying to slow Samuel, theCowboys were blown off the ball up front and got lost and out of position in the back seven.Was it Prescott? The defense? The penalties? A weak resume inside the division? The play-calling? McCarthy?Yes to all of that. Therewere several reasons for the Cowboys failing and falling a touchdown short. They have a lotmore work to do and manykey decisions to make in the offseasonto come back stronger and get over the divisional playoff hump.
Tom Brady has been all serious busine s in getting the Buccaneers into the playoffs for the first time in 13 years as their starting quarterback in 2020. But you can bet he's thoroughly enjoying the fact the Bucs have a chance to win Super Bowl 55 while his former team, the Patriots,
Blank Jersey have been eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2008It might be easier to think Brady is having a chuckle over his current fruitful situation in Tampa Bay vs. how bad Bill Belichick had it in NewEngland without him thanks to his long-time go-to tight end Rob Gronkowski being by his side. Brady convinced Gronkowski to come out of brief retirement and go along for what's been afun ride playing in the NFL again.You might remember the story Gronkowski sharedduring his time as FoxNFL studio analyst. There was a point that Belichick and the Patriots were about to trade Gronkowski to the Lions. Gronkowski explained he avoided the trade by saying he was retired before he actually was.MORE: After Gronk shared the story, he let out the most infectious laugh, proud of how he pulled one over on the Patriots. There should be plenty of "ha ha has" in how he's also enjoyed proving, along with the Brady, that he was nothing close to worn down or washed up from his last days in New EnglandSince Gronkowski retired, the Patriots have had an absolute
Gary Sanchez Jersey void at receiving tight end for two seasons. Since Brady and Belichick broke up, they botched up QB to the point of being defiant in avoiding the most important position in NFL free agency and the draft. They strung along Jarrett Stidham as the offseason starter, only to end up with a broken-down Cam Newton.Belichick needed one of his best seasons as a general manager to overcome losing the intangibles of Brady, who lifted up the Patriots through a variety of offensive problems near the end. That didn't happen. He spent the offseason investing heavily on versatile defensive players young and old, at the same seeing stalwarts such as Dont'a Hightower and Patrick Chung opt out and healthy veterans show their age.Other than Jakobi Meyers, once Julian Edelman went down, the Patriots were operating with a remedial receiving corps for Newton. Their backfield and
Luis Severino Jersey offensive line were wrought with injuries, and there were not enough suitable replacements. And somuch for the genius of Belichick and Josh McDaniels suddenly transforming recycled, weary Newton into lost gold.MORE:Brady, meanwhile, saw the red and pewter carpet rolled out for him in Tampa Bay. Jason Licht is a strong candidate for executive of the year, but really, Brady also was a pretty good GM, much better than Belichick in 2020. His needs for a new right tackle andmore running back depth were met. Even with the Bucs' strengths at tight end and wide receiver, he convinced them that both Gronkowski and Antonio Brown were nece sary additions, which has been proved fortuitous.Brady's arrival put in motion a Super-lookingteam, while Belichick ended upoperating with a shell of a team, especially offensively. With completely new surroundings with his first new coach
Mariano Rivera Jersey , Bruce Arians and his first new offense with Byron Leftwich, getting Gronkowski was critical. He had someone with whom he could re-create his Patriots' offensive glory days, to ease the transition without the burden of sometimes limiting "Patriot Way."Brady and Gronk, who didn't need any of what the Buccaneers were paying them to be set for life financially,are two rare can't-hang-it-up superstars who do it for the love the game and the love of competing on the highest level. The Patriots near the end didn't give them that opportunity, and once they grinded together to victory in Super Bowl 53 over the Rams, it was clear they needed to go elsewhere to get that winning feeling
Masahiro Tanaka Jersey again.They also needed to have fun playing the game again. The Bucs are reaching their potential of a video-game offense backed by a well-rounded defense,just in time for the playoffs. There also are some young and hungry personalities around them, which have been ideal for rejuvenating Brady and Gronkowski.Brady and Gronkowski won't be resting until their team gets another crack at Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. But enjoying their succe s so far has to be a little sweeter knowing they did it their own way away from Belichick and the fast-fadingPatriots. Imagine how much they would laugh if they earn a ring without the Patriots, too.
Basketball players refer to "busine s decisions," the choice not to jump with a dunker so as not to end up on the wrong
Yasmani Grandal Jersey side of a poster slam. Football defenders might have to start thinking about busine s decisions when they contemplatetackling Derrick Henry.Henry's latest stiff-arm victim was Lions cornerback Alex Myres. On a first-down carry during the second quarter Sunday, Myres ran with Henry as the Titans' running back approached the left sideline. Instead of just going out of bounds, Henry slapped his right arm acro s Myres' helmet and discarded him out of the way.Derrick Henry is the master of the stiff arm Sporting News (@sportingnews) "My aiming point is the head because I want to be disrespectful," in October. "I want to throw
Keon Broxton Jersey them to the ground. If you get them good on the head and push them down, they don't have a chance."This
Burch Smith Jersey isn't new for Henry, one of the NFL's biggest running backs at 6-3, 238 pounds. In Week 5, he discarded Buffalo cornerback Josh Norman in a similar fashion. And Henry's been doing this for a long time, a physical force out of the backfield dating back to days putting up absurd high school numbers.MORE:Henry is in the midst of staking his claim as the best running back in the NFL. At
Zach Davies Jersey least when it comes to carrying the ball, it's hard to argue against Henry, who entered Week 15 with a league-leading 1,532 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. That includes a 94-yard touchdown run in Week 6. Henry's also shown improvement as a receiver, as he's on pace to set a career-high in catches.That being said, football fans may not recognize Henry for his consistent greatne s. Playing in Nashville instead of a bigger market will do that to a
Boone Logan Jersey running back, especially in a pa s-happy NFL in 2020. But one thing's for sure: People won't soon forget Henry's stiff arms.
ESPNs Monday Night Football will debut for the 2021 season with the Ravens and Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. However, that will be the only contest we see for Week 1 on Monday.As a result of the NFLs new 11-year and 17-game season, the league eliminated the Monday Night Football doubleheader that has been a
Babe Ruth Jersey staple on the Week 1 schedule since the 2006 season. ESPN will instead have two games on Saturday, Jan. 18 as part of the Week 18 at 4:30 p.m. ET and
Max Fried Jersey 8:15 p.m. ET involving teams with .Mondays game with Baltimore and Las Vegas will start at 8:15 p.m. ET. A second contest would usually begin at 10:15 p.m. ET with West Coast teams.MORE:ESPNs two games for Week 18 will be determined and announced following the conclusion of Week 17, according to the NFL. Heres a look at the leagues full schedule for both of those weeks.NFL schedule Week 1Thursday, Sept
Mike Foltynewicz Jersey . 9GameTime (ET)TVDallas at Tampa Bay8:20 p.m.NBCSunday, Sept. 12GameTime (ET)TVJacksonville at Houston1 p.m.CBSLos Angeles Chargers at Washington1 p.m.CBSSeattle at Indiana1 p.m.FOXNew York Jets at Carolina1 p.m.CBSMinnesota at Cincinnati1 p.m.FOXArizona at Tenne see. 1 p.m.CBSSan Francisco at Detroit1 p.m.FOXPittsburgh at Buffalo1 p.m.CBSPhiladelphia at Atlanta1 p.m.FOXCleveland at Kansas City4:25 p.m.CBSGreen Bay at New Orleans4:25 p.m.FOXDenver at New York Giants4:25 p.m.FOXMiami at New England4:25 p.m.CBSChicago at Los Angeles Rams8
Freddie Freeman Jersey :20 p.m.NBCMonday, Sept. 13GameTime (ET)TVBaltimore at Las Vegas8:15 p.m.ESPNNFL schedule Week 18Saturday, Jan. 8GameTime (ET)TVTBD4:30 p.m.ESPNTBD8:15 p.m.ESPNSunday, Jan. 9GameTime (ET)TVDallas at Philadelphia1 p.m.FOXGreen Bay at Detroit1 p.m.FOXIndianapolis at Jacksonville1 p.m.CBSWashington at New York Giants1 p.m.FOXChicago at Minnesota1 p.m.FOXCarolina at Tampa Bay1 p.m.FOXNew England at Miami1 p.m.CBSNew Orleans at Atlanta1 p.m.FOXTenne see at Houston1 p.m.CBSPittsburgh at Baltimore1 p.m.CBSNew York Jets at Buffalo1 p.m.CBSCincinnati at
Terry Pendleton Jersey Cleveland1 p.m.CBSLos Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas4:25 p.m.CBSSan Francisco at Los Angeles4:25 p.m.FOXKansas City at Denver4:25 p.m.CBSSeattle at Arizona4:25 p.m.FOXTBD8:20 p.m.NBC
The Aaron Rodgers drama has reached an undramatic conclusion. Rodgers will remain the Packers' starting quarterback in 2022 in beyond, only with a much more lucrative contract.The team offered Rodgers a . The reported $153 million guaranteed and $50 million average annual salary are parameters that would make him the highest-paid player n NFL history. Given Rodgers was set to count more than $46 million toward this year's salary cap, the new pact is also set to give the Packers some much-needed immediate cap relief.Now what? Green Bay didn't want to part ways with Rodgers, two-time reigning NFL MVP, after three consecutive 13-win seasons under coach Matt LaFleur. But it also knows
Kendall Graveman Jersey it still has more work to do to get over the hump and get to that elusive second Super Bowl with Rodgers.Here's a look ahead at what should be in the rest of the Packers' offseason plans:MORE: 1. Figure out the best long-term deal for WR Davante AdamsAdams got franchise-tagged before the March 8 afternoon deadline, right after the Packers got confirmation that Rodgers would still be playing for them. He's set to earn $20.145 million all guaranteed in 2022 should he sign his tender and play on a one-year deal.But given the cap situation and how they adjusted Rodgers' deal, it would be in the Green Bay officials' best interest to get their 29-year-old locked in with a three- or four-year contract worth up to $25 million per season for additional short-term cap relief.In addition to
Rollie Fingers Jersey a new deal for Rodgers, the Packers also already restructured the contacts of three more core players, running back Aaron Jones, offensive tackle David Bakhtiari and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. That saved a combined more than $23 million toward the cap. It would fall in line to do the same from scratch for the indispensable Adams.2. Complete the extension for CB Jaire AlexanderAlexander, the Packers' star shutdown corner and 2018 first-rounder, is playing for $13.294 million on the final year of his rookie contract after the team picked up his fifth-year option. He's the most valuable piece of their secondary.The key will be giving Alexander a sizable bonus that drops his base salary for 2022 and spreads out the cap hit to be lower than the current number. At only 25, Alexander should have at least five more ace seasons if healthy. 3. Work to keep half of the "Smith Brothers" on the edgeWith emergence of Rashan Gary as a pa s rusher at age 24, the Packers should part ways with Za'Darius Smith, who's entering his age 30 season coming off a 2021 marred by as a back injury. Releasing him would save a ma sive $15.281 million toward the cap.Preston Smith was healthy and played at a high level at outside linebacker opposite Gary. He rebounded to play at his 2019 form with 9 sacks. Given he's also about to hit 30 this season, the Packers can retain him with a reasonable restructure. With Clark, Alexander and Gary already in the fold for 2022, Smith is the last key piece to absolutely keep
Sonny Gray Jersey .4. Make the tough decisions on DE Dean Lowry and S Adrian AmosThe Packers could consider releasing right tackle Billy Turner and wide receiver Randall Cobb for a combined $10-million plus in cap relief, but their investment in Rodgers makes that a shaky idea, Instead they can consider a different duo on defense.Around Clark, end Tyler Lancaster is already a free agent but releasing the other starter Lowry would bring $4 million in savings. That should be the lean as that position will be addre sed anyway somewhere in the draft. Cutting Amos would provide $4.6 million in relief, but given he was much better than fellow safety Darnell Savage last season, the Packers need to leave room to keep Amos.NFL DRAFT 2022: | 5. Don't overpay to re-sign ILB De'Vondre CampbellThe Packers are hopeful to keep the free agent Campbell, who broke out as a first-team All-Pro for the first time in 2021 on the strength of 146 tackles, two sacks, six QB hits, five pa ses defended and two interceptions. He was signed on the cheap (one year, $2 million) after five combined seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals.Campbell is coming off a career year that will be hard to match in his Age 29 season. For that reason, the Packers cannot pay more than $6 million a season to bring him
Cliff Pennington Jersey back for two to three years. He should be a re-signing priority, but only at the right raised price.6. Try to make one free agent splurgeThe early rumored big name is edge rusher Von Miller, who just boosted the Rams' defense on the way to winning Super Bowl 56. Miller turns 33 at the end of March but is back healthy and tapping into his younger dominance. Because of the age, there's a chance Miller can be had for $11 million per season, especially if he can land with another Super Bowl contender.The Packers won't be able to afford much once getting cap compliant and taking care of their own preferred free agents, but Miller represents an intriguing opportunity should they release one Smith and get additional savings from the other. 7. Focus on immediate impact in the draftThe Packers have nine selections in the 2022 NFL draft, with five coming in the first four rounds. Once they do some finagling with defensive
Dennis Eckersley Jersey contracts, there will be greater short-term need offensively around Rodgers, with the team's free agents including wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and tight end Robert Tonyan.With No. 28 overall (first round) and No. 59 overall (second round), the Packers need to come up with at least one starter-ready big-play wideout to complement Adams (see Treylon Burks, Drake London or Jahan Dotson). Regardle s of what happens with Campbell, they need another rangy playmaker at inside linebacker (see Christian Harris or Chad Muma).The depth at tight end also will put them in position to steal a good player for that position at No. 92 overall (third round). The right situational edge pa s rusher also cannot be ignored if there's no move for Miller or another veteran.The Packers also cannot forget getting the right young players to upgrade the special teams units under new coordinator Rich Bisaccia, including a punter to replace free agent Corey Bojorquez (Matt Araiza or Jordan Stout).Now that Rodgers is back, they cannot afford to waste another MVP-caliber season from him with lingering or further developing weakne ses. Now that there's no more energy required to keep Rodgers, LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst need to be on point with every other move they make.
As Lizzo's fame continues to rise, the curiousityabout the "new man on the Minnesota Vikings" continues to grow.Lizzo became themost-nominated artist for the 2020 Grammy Awards, mostly thanks to her song "Truth Hurts." That song alone was nominated for three individual Grammy Awards, includingRecord of the Year,Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.And if you've listened to the song, then you know a line in the chorus goes, "New man on the Minnesota Vikings." But just who isthis new man? No one seems to know, but players on the Vikings want to find out.Who is
Jason Kipnis Jersey thenew man on the Minnesota Vikings?There are a few clues we can go off to determine who this player is.For starters, the song was released in 2017, so when looking for candidates, we have to keep this in mind. Also, Lizzo has only talked about this line briefly. In an interview , she confirmed that she did go on a date with a Vikings player.This Minnesota Viking was
Lonnie Chisenhall Jersey in my DMs, she said. And we were chatting, we were texting, we went on a date.There's also this :With her 2017 single Truth Hurts now bounding onto the charts thanks to the Netflix movie Someone Great, the singer offered up a tidbit about the boy problems referenced on the track.Yall want to know a secret? she told the Saint Andrews crowd. The person I wrote that song about is from Detroit.It's hard to know whether the Detroit reference Lizzo is referring to is the new man on the Vikings, or the man she's annoyed with in the song. Let's a sume both avenues are po sible.Vikings players chime in on Lizzo's 'Truth Hurts'Receiver Stefon Diggs has been speculated a lot, but he's said multiple times it's not him. He recently spoke with Sports Illustrated to explain that he's just as curious as the rest of us.Who is 's "new man on the Minnesota Vikings?" promises to find out Sports Illustrated (@SInow) Tight end Kyle Rudolph is also intrigued, and confirmed it wasn't him either. But speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show" earlier this week, he brought up
Edwin Encarnacion Jersey the Detroit thing as well. He knew fellowtight end Tyler Conklin wasfrom central Michigan, so he said he went and asked him."One of our other tight ends is from Detroit, so I had to go to him immediately and he said,nope,it's not him. So I'm still searching," Rudolph said.Hey .. Who is dating? Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) This leaves the final suspect, and most a sumed player: linebackerEric Wilson. Wilson is fromRedford, Mich., which is a suburb of Detroit. Wilson signed withthe Vikings as an undrafted free agent onMay 1, 2017. Lizzo's "Truth Hurts" was released onSept.19, 2017, so the timelines match up.This theory has been out there for a while, but surprisingly no one has asked Wilson yet whether he's the man being referenced.UPDATE: Wilson in December and denied being the "new man" in the song.I
Cleveland Guardians Jersey did hear about that, and a lot of people hit me up asking if Im the new man or have any type of connection. But I dont. My mom actually hit me up last month asking me questions about that my uncle, a whole bunch of friends. But its not me. I need to do some more investigating.Wilson said his teammates kept asking him about it, but he denies any relationship with Lizzo.So if the Michigan thing doesn't
Brad Miller Jersey have a connection (and there's a strong po sibility it doesn't considering the context) then that leaves other options available. One interesting theory is cornerback Terence Newman who played on the Vikings from 2015 through 2017. He's currently on the Vikings' coaching staff.This theory isn't as solid, but the evidence is his last name: Newman. Or new man. Coincidence? Probably.
The Buccaneers hope to be the first team to repeat as Super Bowl champions since the 2003 and 2004 Patriots. They will have to do it with a depleted receiving corps.The Bucs have lost two of their top three wide receivers over the last month. The more notable departure was that of Antonio Brown. The troubled receiver was released by the Buccaneers after he stormed off the field midgame in Week 17 against the Jets amid a feud with the coaching staff.However, just a couple of weeks before that happened, the Bucs lost Chris Godwin to a knee injury against the Saints. While there
Abiatal Avelino Jersey was initially hope that Godwin would be able to return to the team during the postseason, the hope quickly faded.Now, the Bucs will have to rely on several depth players beyond Mike Evans to carry the load and provide Tom Brady with additional pa s-catching weapons.What happened to Chris Godwin? Here's a full breakdown of his injury and when Buccaneers fans or fans of another team could see him back in action.IYER: How long is Chris Godwin out?Initially, it was feared that Godwin had suffered a sprained MCL, which would have sidelined him anywhere from one to eight weeks depending on its severity. However, an MRIrevealed that Godwin suffered a torn ACL instead.The average recovery time for a torn
Mel Ott Jersey ACL is six to nine months. As such,Godwin won't return during the 2022 NFL playoffs even if the Buccaneers make the Super Bowl.That said, since Godwin suffered the injury on Dec. 19, he should have a chance to play in Week 1 next season, as a projectednine-month recovery timeline would take him to Sept. 19, 2022. So, as long as he doesn't have a setback and progre ses through rehab well, Godwinshould be healthy enough to play early next season.That will be important for Godwin. The free-agent-to-be islookingto cash in on his first lucrative, long-term NFL contract, andhis availability will be key to getting it.That he might be able to play in Week 1 should give many teams interest in paying him even despite his major injury.NFL WILD-CARD PICKS
Trevor Gott Jersey : | What is Chris Godwin's injury?Godwin suffered a torn ACL during the Buccaneers' 9-0 lo s to the Saints in Week 15. The veteran receiver was coming acro s the middle early in the second quarterand tried to catch a throw from Tom Brady when safety P.J. Williams came acro s and hit Godwin low. Godwin's knee hyperextended and he left the field.Here is the Chris Godwin injury. Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) Godwin was initially deemed questionable
Brandon Crawford Jersey to return, but the Buccaneers ruled him out after halftime. He was later revealed to have suffered a torn ACL and was ruled out for the season.BENDER: Chris Godwin injury timeline Dec. 19, 2021: Godwin firsts suffers the injury in the Bucs vs. Saints game. He leaves the field under his own power and is seen running on the sideline after being deemed questionable to return. He is later declared out after halftime. Dec. 19, 2021: reports that the Buccaneers believe that Godwin "did not suffer a major
Juan Marichal Jersey injury" and that he had a sprained MCL. That would sideline him for some time, but it would give him a chance to return during the playoffs. Dec. 20, 2021: Rapoport reports that Godwin is with the suspected MCL sprain. This is pending some MRI imaging. Dec. 20, 2021: The MRI comes back on Godwin , per Rapoport. He has a torn ACL and will mi s the remainder of the season. He will have a chance to return early in 2022 if all goes well.
If you're still going strong in your fantasy football playoffs, you can't afford to have a question mark at quarterback. Fortunately, there are plenty of worthwhile options throughout our Week 15 fantasy QB rankings, including the usual studs and several reliable sleepers and streamers.Let's start with the bad news: Patrick Mahomes (@ Saints), Deshuan Watson (@ Colts), Ru sell Wilson (@ Washington), Josh Allen (@ Broncos), and Kyler Murray (vs. Eagles) have statistically difficult matchups. However, all have proven they can put up big numbers against any opponents, so it's unlikely you'll bench any even in a must-win week. Murray is on the start 'em, sit 'em bubble given some of his recent struggles, but
Cole Hamels Jersey we know how high his ceiling still is. The same goes for Wilson despite facing the league's No. 3 pa s defense.WEEK 15 STANDARD RANKINGS: | | | | If you don't trust any of those QBs -- or if you have an even le s reliable regular starter -- there are plenty of borderline QBs with highly favorable matchups this week. Jared Goff (vs. Jets), Matthew Stafford (@ Titans), Ben Roethlisberger (@ Bengals), Ryan Tannehill (vs. Lions), Philip Rivers (vs. Texans), and Derek Carr (vs. Chargers) are all in play. Kirk Cousins (vs. Bears) is also po sibility against a defense that had been struggling prior to last week, and Taysom Hill (vs. Chiefs), a suming Drew Brees (ribs) is still out,is always a solid-floor option in a game that could see a lot of offense. (Update: Drew Brees is starting.)Ditto for Jalen Hurts (@ Cardinals), who is basically Hill with a better arm andfewer receiving weapons. (Update: Stafford is not expected to play this week because of a rib injury.)WEEK 15 PPR RANKINGS: | | | | Going deeper, Nick Mullens (@ Cowboys), Mitchell Trubisky (@ Vikings), and whoever starts for Washington(vs. Seahawks) also have great matchups, but you'd have to be pretty desperate -- or in a two-QB/superflex league -- to use any of those guys with your season on the line.WEEK 15 DFS TOURNAMENT LINEUPS: | With so many viable QB options this week, fantasy owners might have a tough time making their start 'em, sit 'em decisions. If you're a heavy favorite, it makes sense to play it safe with a high-floor QB, even if they're in a tough matchup. If you're an underdog
Danny Hultzen Jersey , then you might want to take a chance with one of the guys in more favorable matchup. However, it's not exactly fair to say that Derek Carr in a good matchup has a "higher ceiling" than Murray or Ru sell Wilson in bad matchups, so this might come down to a gut feeling or whether you can live with yourself if you lose after benching someone who's started for you all year.WEEK 15 DFS CASH LINEUPS: |Note: Check back throughout the week, as we'll continue to update our QB rankings up until kickoff based on the latest news and injury updates.MORE WEEK 15 DFS: | | Week 15 Fantasy QB RankingsThese rankings are for four-point pa sing TD leagues. WEEK 15 FANTASY: | | Rank Player 1Lamar Jackson, BAL vs. JAX2Aaron Rodgers, GB vs. CAR3Tom Brady, TB @ ATL4Justin Herbert, LAC @ LV5Kyler Murray, ARI vs.
Carlos Zambrano Jersey PHI6Patrick Mahomes, KC @ NO7Deshaun Watson, HOU @ IND8Josh Allen, BUF @ DEN9Ru sell Wilson, SEA @ WAS.Wilson might not be an automatic start for everyone, as prior to last week's four-TD game against the Jets, he had posted one or fewer TDs in three of four contests. Washington also sports a top-three pa s defense, so this clearly isn't an easy spot for Wilson, but benching him in the fantasy playoffs seems like a mistake. He has a high ceiling in any matchup, and while some of the players below him could easily outscore him, they present risks of their own, whether in the form of lower floors or much lower ceilings.10Jared Goff, LAR vs. NYJ.Goff is coming off a season-low 137 pa sing yards and throwing for at least 300 yards in four of the previous five games. He did manage two TDs, though, and against a Jets defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to QBs, Goff should have a good game despite likely limited pa s attempts.11Ben Roethlisberger, PIT @ CIN.The Bengals have fared well against lackluster pa sers (Alex Smith, Daniel Jones, Tua Tagovailoa, Andy Dalton) over their past four games, but in the game prior to that stretch, Roethlisberger lit them up for 333 yards and four TDs. He might not do quite that well again, but Pittsburgh's pa s-happy offense should continue giving him ample opportunities to put up points, and given his high floor this season, he should do more than enough to pay off as a starter.12Ryan Tannehill, TEN vs. DET.Detroit hasn't really shut down any quarterbacks this year, as their lone game allowed without a touchdown also resulted in 390 pa sing yards (Alex Smith), and they even gave up 258 pa sing yards and a score to P.J. Walker. Tannehill has posted multiple touchdowns in all but two games this year, and he seems likely to do so again this
Ben Zobrist Jersey week. The only worry with Tannehill is that he mi sed out on yards/touchdowns because Derrick Henry goes nuts against Detroit's 29th-ranked run defense. That's po sible, but Henry went nuts last week and Tannehill still had 212 yards and two scores, so his floor is plenty high in this favorable matchup.13Philip Rivers, IND vs. HOU.Rivers continues to put up solid numbers, averaging 278 pa sing yards and 2.3 TDs over his past four games. He threw for 285 yards and two scores against Houston in Week 13, and that seems like a reasonable floor this week (with maybe a few le s yards). Rivers doesn't have much higher
Jose Quintana Jersey of a ceiling, though, especially with Jonathan Taylor running well, so it's tough to get too excited about him, but he can get you through the week if you don't have a top option.14Drew Brees, NO vs. KC.15Derek Carr, LV vs. LAC.Carr has at least three TDs in three of his past four games (thanks to garbage time last week), and even though he's turned into a turnover machine in that span (8), it shows he still has a fairly high floor. The Chargers entered Week 14 tied for the sixth-most fantasy points allowed to QBs, so Carr seems like a safe play, but keep in mind he had a highly favorable matchup in Week 12 against the Falcons and finished with just 215 yards and no scores while turning it over four times. Carr could easily post top-10 numbers, but he's more of a
Atlanta heads to AT&T stadium to face Dallas in Week 2 in a game featuring two teams both looking to avoid starting the 0-2. Since 2007, just of teams that started 0-2 have made the playoffs.The Cowboys lost to the Los Angeles Rams last week, and in the proce s, lost starting tight end Blake Jarwin for the season andlinebacker Leighton Vander Esch for several weeks with a broken collarbone. Dak Prescott, playing to show why he deserves the next mega contract, averaged just 6.8 yards per pa s and threw only one touchdown. Prescott should have an easier day
Austin Gomber Jersey against a Falcons secondary that was shredded by Seattle's Ru sell Wilson to the tune of 31-35 pa sing for 322 yards. Rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb debuted with five catches and a team-long 33-yard reception.The Falcons may have lost in Week 1, but Matt Ryan played like the quarterback that won the 2016 MVP. Ryan completed and two scores, both of which were caught by third-year wideout Calvin Ridley. Todd Gurley, who signed with Atlanta this offseason following a lackluster season in L.A., did find the endzone once
Paul Goldschmidt Jersey but only rushed for 56 yards on 14 carries. If the Falcons' secondary thoughtthat DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett were a problem last week, it's certainly going to have its hands full with Lamb, Michael Gallup and Amari Cooper.Atlanta has won s with Dallas, but the Cowboys had the upper hand when the teams most recently met in 2018 when Dallas won 22-19.Here's everything you need to know to watch the Cowboys vs. Falcons game on Sunday, including kickoff time, TV channels and a full .MORE: What channel is Cowboys vs. Falconson today?TV channel (national): FoxTV channel (Dallas):KDFWTV channel (Atlanta): WAGALive stream: Fox Sports app, Kevin Burkhardt will be on the call, joined by new partner Daryl Johnston. Pam Oliverwill work as sideline reporter with the duo. Former NFL Vice President of OfficiatingDean Blandino will float amongst broadcasts to give his analysis of officiating.For those looking for radio information, the Cowboys broadcast can be heard on SiriusXM channel 225, or the Falcons broadcast can be heard on SiriusXM channel 380.In Canada, viewers can watch Cowboys vs. Falcons on DAZN, .Cowboys vs. Falcons start timeDate:Sunday, Sept. 20Kickoff:1 p.m. ETCowboys vs. Falcons is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET, one ofsix regional early games on Fox. The South and South-Central region will have acce s to the game on Fox. The rest of the country will have acce s to Detroit vs. Green Bay, Minnesota vs. Indianapolis, San Francisco vs. New York Jets, Los Angeles
Drew Robinson Jersey Rams vs. Philadelphia or Carolina vs. Tampa Bay.MORE: NFL schedule Week 2Thursday, Sept. 17GameTime (ET)TVCincinnati at Cleveland8:20 p.m.NFL NetworkSunday, Sept. 20GameTime (ET)TVAtlanta at Dallas1 p.m.FoxDetroit at Green Bay1 p.m.FoxMinnesota at Indianapolis1 p.m.FoxBuffalo at Miami1 p.m.CBSSan Francisco at New York Jets1 p.m.FoxLos Angeles Rams at Philadelphia1 p.m.FoxDenver at Pittsburgh1 p.m.CBSCarolina at Tampa Bay1 p.m
Matt Carpenter Jersey .FoxJacksonville at Tenne see1 p.m.CBSNew York Giants at Chicago1 p.m.CBSWashington at Arizona4:05 p.m.FoxBaltimore at Houston4:25 p.m.CBSKansas City at Los Angeles Chargers4:25 p.m.CBSNew England at Seattle8:20 p.m.NBCMonday, Sept. 21GameTime (ET)TVNew Orleans at Las Vegas8:15 p.m.ESPNCowboys schedule 2020WeekDateOpponentKickoff timeTV1Sept. 13at Rams8:20 p.m. ETNBC2Sept. 20vs. Falcons1 p.m. ETFox3Sept. 27at Seahawks4:25 p.m. ETFox4Oct. 4vs. Browns1 p.m. ETFox5Oct. 11vs. Giants4:25 p.m. ETCBS6Oct. 19 (Monday)vs. Cardinals8:15 p.m. ETESPN7Oct. 25at Redskins1 p.m. ETFox8Nov. 1at Eagles8:20 p.m. ETNBC9Nov. 8vs. Steelers4:25 p.m. ETCBS10Bye---11Nov. 22at Vikings4:25 p.m. ETFox12Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving)vs.
Justin Williams Jersey Redskins4:30 p.m. ETFox13Dec. 3 (Thursday)at Ravens8:20 p.m. ETFox/NFLN/Amazon14Dec. 13at Bengals1 p.m. ETFox15Dec. 20vs. 49ers8:20 p.m. ETNBC16Dec. 27vs. Eagles4:25 p.m. ETFox17Jan 3at Giants1 p.m. ETFoxFalcons schedule 2020WeekDateOpponentTime (ET)TV1Sep. 13vs. Seattle Seahawks1 p.m.Fox2Sep. 20at Dallas Cowboys1 p.m.Fox3Sep. 27vs. Chicago Bears1 p.m.Fox4Oct. 5at Green Bay Packers8:15 p.m.ESPN5Oct. 11vs. Carolina Panthers1 p.m.Fox6Oct. 18at Minnesota Vikings1 p.m.Fox7Oct. 25vs. Detroit Lions1 p.m.Fox8Oct. 29at Carolina Panthers8:20 p.m.Fox/NFLN/Amazon9Nov. 8vs. Denver Broncos1 p.m.CBS10Bye11Nov. 22at New Orleans Saints1 p.m.Fox12Nov. 29vs. Las Vegas Raiders1 p.m.CBS13Dec. 6vs. New Orleans Saints1 p.m.Fox14Dec. 13at Los Angeles Chargers4:25 p.m.Fox15Dec. 20vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers1 p.m.Fox16Dec. 27at Kansas City Chiefs1 p.m.Fox17Jan. 3at Tampa Bay Buccaneers1 p.m.Fox
In the NFL, there are only a handful of tight ends who are primary or secondary receiving options on their respective teams, and those guys (Mark Andrews, Kyle Pitts, Travis Kelce) are too high in the rankings to be considered fantasy TE sleepers heading into 2022. Instead, fantasy football owners have to dig through a bunch of potential tertiary options who are just as likely to bust as they are to have breakout campaigns.Heading into last season, Dalton Schultz was considered a fringe sleeper by many, as he was not one of the top receiving options for a Cowboys offense that had Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Cedrick Wilson, and Michael Gallup. However, Schultz carved out a role
Taijuan Walker Jersey for himself and was Dak Prescotts primary target inside the red zone, leading to a No. 3 PPR finish among all TEs.2022 STANDARD RANKINGS: | | | | | | | The question that now remains is who will be this seasons Schultz? It could be Irv Smith Jr., who scored five touchdowns in 13 games in 2020 for Minnesota but mi sed all of last year because of a knee injury. Tyler Conklin had 61 receptions (87 targets) for 593 yards and three touchdowns while filling in last season, but he's now in New York, which opens the door for Smith Jr. to reclaim his TE1 status.2022 PPR RANKINGS: | | | | | | | We also need to consider Cole Kmet, who will be the Bears second-best receiving threat outside of wide receiver Darnell Mooney. Kmet made a ma sive improvement from Year 1 to Year 2, posting 60 receptions (93 targets) for 612 yards. However, he did not score a touchdown, thus limiting his fantasy production. Its likely he wont be shut out this year, giving him a high ceiling.2022 FANTASY SLEEPERS: | | | | More familiar names, including Cameron Brate and C.J. Uzomah, highlight our TE sleeper list, but there are several more under-the-radar players that casual fans might not recognize. Denvers Albert Okwuegbunam, Indys Mo Alie-Cox, and Houstons Brevin Jordan can potentially provide some tremendous value. The common denominator of all these players is that theyve had their situations and opportunities change, be it because of being on a new team or because theyre moving up the depth chart after offseason departures.2022 AUCTION VALUES (Standard & PPR): | | | | | | The reality is any TE in a similar situation is worth watching in the preseason, as theres still a lot we dont know about usage and schemes. At this position, breakout seasons can come out of nowhere, so be vigilant.DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Fantasy TE Sleepers 2022: Potential tight end breakouts,
Archie Bradley Jersey draft stealsIrv Smith Jr., Vikings. If theres a tight end who could skyrocket up the tight end rankings this season, its Smith Jr. He mi sed all of last season due to a knee injury after having a solid 2020. During that season, he had 30 receptions (43 targets) for 365 yards and five touchdowns as the TE2 for Minnesota. Last year, Tyler Conklin surprisingly caught 61 pa ses (87 targets) for 593 yards and three touchdowns. Those 87 targets were 12th among all TEs, which is notable because Conklin wasnt even the unquestioned TE1 early in the season. Minnesotas receiver situation hasnt changed, so theres no reason why Smith cant better those stats this season with his athleticism. Hes going to get the opportunities.2022 RANKINGS TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY: | | | | Brevin Jordan, Texans. The Texans need someone to step up and be that second receiver next to veteran Brandin Cooks. Jordan could be that guy after showing some glimpses last season as a rookie. The former Miami Hurricane did not make his debut until Week 8, as he was a healthy scratch for the first part of the season. Jordan posted 20 receptions (28 targets) for 178 yards and three touchdowns in just eight games. If you project his number for a full season, the athletic TE would post 40 receptions (56 targets) for 356 yards and six touchdowns. If he comes close to those numbers this season, then Jordan will have
Yasmany Tomas Jersey some appeal on the waiver wire. If he further improves (along with second-year QB Davis Mills), Jordan could be a true breakout.2022 CONSISTENCY RATINGS: | | | Cameron Brate, Buccaneers. Brate will not be Rob Gronkowski for this Buccaneers offense, but he can once again be a constant threat in the red zone. Brate was tied for first among tight ends in red-zone targets with 20 last season. Just as notable is Gronk had 88 total targets in 12 games, and
Jarrod Dyson Jersey Brate should get a decent chunk of those this year. He will likely not be the Bucs full-time starter, as we could see rookie Cade Otton play in two TE sets, but if youre looking for a high-upside TE2 in a pa s-heavy offense, Brate is not a bad option, especially with Tom Brady at quarterback.2022 FANTASY DRAFT STRATEGY: | | | | Cole Kmet, Bears. Kmet will likely be one of the top-two receivers on the Bears, as they did not do much to upgrade the receiver unit in the offseason. Last season, Kmet was Chicagos starting tight end and played well with 60 receptions (93 targets) for 612 yards. If you had the young tight end in a PPR league, he was decent. However, he wasnt great in standard leagues, as he had zero touchdowns. Its pretty incredible to not score a single touchdown in a 17-game season as a starter, but that was Matt Nagys offense in a nutshell. That being said, Kmet should score at least a few times this year in a new system with Justin Fields likely improving.Albert Okwuegbunam, Broncos. Okwuegbunam is another one of those sleepers that owners think will improve with Ru sell Wilson at quarterback. The former Mizzou star will be the starter, as the Broncos traded away Noah Fant and his 90 targets in the deal for Wilson. Last season, Okwuegbunam had 33 receptions (40 targets) for 330 yards and two touchdowns, which isnt earth-shattering but solid for a backup tight end. He wont be one of the top-three receiving options for Wilson, but with his ultra-athletic, 6-5 frame, he can be a beast in the red zone.Mo Alie-Cox, Colts. Alie-Cox will be the Colts starting tight end this season after Jack Doyle retired. Hes been a favorite on the waiver wire over the past two seasons due to his knack for finding the end zone. Last season as a backup, Alie-Cox had 24 receptions (45 targets) for 316 yards and four touchdowns; Doyle had 29 catches (43 targets) for 302 yards and three TDs. Three out
Nick Ahmed Jersey of Alie-Coxs four touchdowns came inside the red zone, which should only improve with Matt Ryan at quarterback this season. Ryan always found a way to get the tight end involved in Atlanta and that wont change in Indianapolis where the wide receiver corps is in flux.C.J. Uzomah, Jets. Uzomah is looking to build off of his excellent 2021 sea
