NFL

J-E-T-S Offense Wakes Up

November 1, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

EAST RUTHERFORD – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Garrett Wilson made two superb touchdown catches and the New York Jets halted a five-game losing streak with a 21-13 victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday night in New Jersey.

Embed from Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 32 passes for 211 yards and three second-half scoring passes as New York (3-6) won for the first time since beating the New England Patriots on Sept. 19. Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich earned his first win since taking over after the club fired Robert Saleh earlier this month.

Wilson caught nine passes for 90 yards, Davante Adams had seven catches for 91 yards and a touchdown and Breece Hall had 74 yards on 15 rushes.

C.J. Stroud was just 11-of-30 passing for 191 yards and was sacked eight times for the Texans (6-3), who lost for the second time in three games. Joe Mixon rushed for 106 yards on 24 carries for his fourth straight 100-yard outing and Tank Dell had six receptions for 126 yards.

Wilson’s second one-handed grab of the night gave the Jets a 14-10 advantage with 13:01 left in the game.

New York was facing third-and-19 from the Texans’ 26-yard line when Rodgers heaved it toward Wilson at the back of the end zone. He jumped and reached to grab the ball with his right hand but it was ruled that he didn’t get both feet down.

The Jets challenged and replays showed Wilson got his left foot down and the call was reserved.

Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked a 43-yard field goal with 8:23 left but the Texans accepted a New York penalty. When the drive again stalled, Fairbairn’s 27-yard attempt clanked off the left upright with 6:57 to play.

The Jets responded. Rodgers threw a 37-yard score to Adams to make it 21-10 with 2:56 remaining. Adams briefly left the game late in the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion before returning during this drive.

Fairbairn kicked a 29-yarder with 39 seconds left and the Jets recovered the ensuing onside kick.

After being shut out in the first half, New York scored with 9:03 left in the third quarter when Wilson made a one-handed grab inside the 15 and turned it into a 21-yard touchdown that tied the score at 7.

Fairbairn kicked a 54-yard field goal nearly five minutes later to give Houston a 10-7 lead.

Mixon scored on a 3-yard run with 3:21 remaining in the first half for the only points before halftime.

New York’s Malachi Corley made a huge gaffe on the opening play of the second quarter.

The Jets were on the Houston 19 when they ran a reverse to Corley and the rookie took it to the right and was headed toward the end zone. But he dropped the ball inside the 1-yard line and it rolled through the back of the end zone for a touchback.

–Field Level Media

Shanahan, Holmgren Ready for Canton

October 31, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

CANTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Super Bowl-winning head coaches Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan and George Seifert are among the nine semifinalists from the coach category nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Embed from Getty Images

Only one from the group can be named a finalist to be considered by the full Hall of Fame Selection Committee for possible election in 2025.

The Coach Blue-Ribbon Committee narrowed a list of 14 candidates to these semifinalists: Bill Arnsparger, Coughlin, Holmgren, Chuck Knox, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert, Shanahan and Clark Shaughnessy. All but Arnsparger, Knox and Seifert reached the semifinalist stage in 2023.

The same committee is scheduled for a virtual meeting on Nov. 19 to nominate one finalist to be considered for enshrinement.

Earlier this week, the Hall of Fame semifinalists from the contributor category, from which one finalist will be up for consideration with the next Hall of Fame class, were released: K.S. “Bud” Adams, Ralph Hay, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Art Modell, Art Rooney Jr., Seymour Siwoff of the Elias Sports Bureau, Doug Williams and John Wooten.

A grand total of 20 finalists are presented for debate at the selection committee’s annual meeting in advance of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, including 15 modern-era players, three seniors, one coach and one contributor. Between four and eight new members will be selected, according to the Hall of Fame’s selection process bylaws.

–Field Level Media

Patriots Upend J-E-T-S

October 28, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

FOXBOROUGH – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for a go-ahead 1-yard touchdown with 22 seconds remaining to lift the New England Patriots to a 25-22 win over the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in Massachusetts.

Embed from Getty Images

Stevenson then hauled in a two-point conversion pass from backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett as New England (2-6) ended a six-game skid.

New York (2-6) had gone up 22-17 when Braelon Allen ran for a 2-yard score with 2:57 left. However, the Jets came up empty on a two-point conversion attempt, and it ended up costing them.

Brissett was under center because rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, sustained a concussion late in the first quarter. Brissett ended up completing 15 of 24 passes for 132 yards.

Maye was 3-of-6 passing for 23 yards prior to exiting. He also had 46 yards and a TD on three carries.

Stevenson finished with 48 yards and two scores on 20 touches.

Aaron Rodgers had 233 yards and two TDs on 17-of-28 passing for the Jets, who dropped their fifth game in a row. Breece Hall rushed 16 times for 80 yards, and Garrett Wilson hauled in five catches for 113 yards.

After the New England defense forced a three-and-out to begin the second half, Marcus Jones put the Patriots at New York 26 with a 62-yard punt return. Five plays later, Stevenson ran into the end zone from 3 yards out for a 14-13 edge.

Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein booted a 29-yard field goal with 7:54 to go in the third quarter before missing a 44-yarder early in the fourth.

Joey Slye made it 17-16 New England with a 23-yard field goal with 7:34 left in the game.

Maye used his legs to open the scoring, scrambling for a 17-yard touchdown with 5:18 left in the first quarter to put New England up 7-0.

Tyler Conklin was on the receiving end of a 2-yard score just under four minutes later, but Zuerlein pulled the ensuing extra-point attempt wide left to keep New York trailing.

However, it wouldn’t be long until the Jets moved in front, taking a 13-7 lead when Rodgers found Xavier Gipson for a 1-yard touchdown with 9:06 remaining in the first half.

–Field Level Media

NFL Round-Up

October 28, 2024 by Terry Lyons

LANDOVER – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – DC QB Jayden Daniels threw a 52-yard Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown on the final play of the game and the Washington Commanders beat the Chicago Bears 18-15 on Sunday.

Embed from Getty Images

Roschon Johnson had scored on the ground from 1 yard out with 25 seconds left in regulation, and the Bears (4-3) made good on the ensuing two-point conversion to take a 15-12 lead after trailing 12-0 earlier in the contest.

That left just enough time for the Commanders (6-2) to return the kickoff to their own 24 and complete two short passes to set up the game-winning heave, which deflected off a crowd of players and went into Brown’s hands in the end zone as time expired.

The game matched rookie quarterbacks Caleb Williams of Chicago, selected first overall out of Southern California in this year’s draft, and Daniels, taken No. 2 out of LSU.

Daniels was 21-of-38 passing for 326 yards and the score. He also ran eight times for 52 yards. Williams completed 10 of 24 passes for 131 yards. D’Andre Swift ran for 129 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries for Chicago.

Lions 52, Titans 14

Kalif Raymond returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown and added a receiving score as Detroit overwhelmed visiting Tennessee.

David Montgomery ran for a touchdown and threw for another in the first half for the Lions (6-1). Jared Goff tossed three scoring passes and Jahmyr Gibbs had a 70-yard scoring run as Detroit surpassed the 50-point mark for the first time since scoring 55 points in 1997. Gibbs finished with 127 rushing yards.

Tennessee’s Mason Rudolph passed for a touchdown and ran for another but was also intercepted twice. Calvin Ridley caught 10 passes for 143 yards for the Titans (1-6).

49ers 30, Cowboys 24

Brock Purdy passed for 260 yards and one touchdown and also rushed for a score as San Francisco beat Dallas in Santa Clara, Calif.

George Kittle had six receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown as the 49ers (4-4) beat the Cowboys for the fourth consecutive time, with two of those wins coming in the playoffs. Kittle also became the fifth player in 49ers history with 500 or more career receptions.

Dak Prescott completed 25 of 38 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Cowboys (3-4). CeeDee Lamb matched his career high of 13 receptions to go with 146 yards and two scores for Dallas, which lost its second straight game.

Patriots 25, Jets 22

Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for a go-ahead 1-yard touchdown with 22 seconds remaining to lift New England over New York in Foxborough, Mass.

Stevenson then hauled in a two-point conversion pass from backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the Patriots (2-6) ended a six-game skid. The Jets (2-6) had gone up 22-17 when Braelon Allen ran for a 2-yard score with 2:57 left.

Browns 29, Ravens 24

Jameis Winston threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman with 59 seconds remaining as Cleveland stunned visiting Baltimore.

Winston completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards with three touchdowns in his first start since 2022. The 30-year-old stepped in after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury last Sunday and backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson injured his finger in relief of Watson.

Tillman had seven catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns for the Browns (2-6). His game-winning score came one play after Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton dropped an interception that could have sealed the win for Baltimore (5-3).

Texans 23, Colts 20

C.J. Stroud threw for 285 yards and a touchdown as Houston took a commanding lead in the AFC South with a win over visiting Indianapolis.

One week after finishing with only 86 passing yards in a loss against the Green Bay Packers, Stroud was back in form, completing 25 of 37 passes and directing five scoring drives. The Texans (6-2) took a two-game lead over the second-place Colts (4-4) in the division and also earned a sweep of the season series.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson struggled from the start. He completed only 2 of 15 passes in the first half and finished 10-of-32 passing for 175 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Packers 30, Jaguars 27

Brandon McManus booted a game-winning field goal as time expired for the second straight week and Green Bay survived an injury to quarterback Jordan Love during a victory over host Jacksonville.

McManus’ game-winner came from 24 yards out and lifted Green Bay (6-2) to its fourth consecutive victory. Josh Jacobs ran for 127 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries for the Packers. That performance was crucial after Love was visibly limping throughout the second quarter due to a groin injury.

Trevor Lawrence completed 21 of 32 passes for 308 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for Jacksonville (2-6). He also ran for a touchdown.

Cardinals 28, Dolphins 27

Chad Ryland booted a 34-yard field goal with no time remaining as Arizona clipped Miami in Miami Gardens, Fla.

The game-winning kick was Ryland’s second straight and third of the season. He hit a field goal to beat the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 6 and made good on another to knock off the Los Angeles Chargers last Monday.

Kyler Murray completed 26 of 36 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns for the Cardinals (4-4). Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa returned from a concussion and completed 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown as the Dolphins (2-5) achieved a season-high point total.

Falcons 31, Buccaneers 26

Kirk Cousins completed 23 of 29 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns, leading visiting Atlanta past Tampa Bay.

Darnell Mooney had five catches for 92 yards and a touchdown while Kyle Pitts hauled in four receptions for 91 yards and two scores as the Falcons (5-3) improved to 4-0 against NFC South opponents.

Baker Mayfield completed 37 of 50 passes for 330 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions as Tampa Bay (4-4) lost its fourth game in six tries. Cade Otton led the Buccaneers with nine receptions for 81 yards and two scores.

Eagles 37, Bengals 17

Jalen Hurts ran for three touchdowns and threw for another as visiting Philadelphia blew by Cincinnati.

Hurts finished 16-of-20 passing for 236 yards for Philadelphia (5-2), which won its third straight. Saquon Barkley eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark for the second straight game and fourth time this season, finishing with 108 yards on 22 carries.

The Bengals (3-5) fell to 0-4 at home this season. Joe Burrow was held to 234 yards on 26-of-37 passing, tossing one touchdown and an interception.

Chargers 26, Saints 8

Justin Herbert threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns as Los Angeles stopped struggling New Orleans in Inglewood, Calif.

Herbert completed 20 of 32 passes, the biggest one a 60-yard scoring strike to rookie receiver Ladd McConkey with 8:48 left in the third quarter. McConkey finished with six catches for 111 yards and two scores, making him the first Charger rookie receiver to get 100 yards and a touchdown in a game since Keenan Allen did so in 2013. J.K. Dobbins added a score for Los Angeles (4-3).

The Saints (2-6) dropped their sixth straight game and again struggled to generate offense with starting quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) sidelined. Rookie Spencer Rattler started and went 12-for-24 passing for 156 yards before being pulled in the third quarter for Jake Haener.

Bills 31, Seahawks 10

James Cook rushed for a season-high 111 yards and two touchdowns as Buffalo defeated host Seattle in a matchup of division leaders.

Josh Allen completed 24 of 34 passes for 283 yards and two scores for the AFC East-leading Bills (6-2), who won their third game in a row. Khalil Shakir grabbed a career-high nine receptions for 107 yards.

The NFC West-leading Seahawks (4-4), who lost for the fourth time in their past five games, managed just 233 yards of total offense without leading receiver DK Metcalf, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament last week. Geno Smith completed 21 of 29 passes for 212 yards with an interception.

Broncos 28, Panthers 14

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw for three touchdowns and ran for another and Denver kept visiting Carolina’s sluggish offense in check.

Nix completed 28 of 37 throws for 284 yards, with 11 Broncos making at least one reception. Courtland Sutton had eight catches for 100 receiving yards for the Broncos (5-3).

The return of quarterback Bryce Young, the 2023 draft’s first overall pick, to a starting role didn’t provide much of a spark for the Panthers (1-7) even though the team produced the game’s first touchdown.

Chiefs 27, Raiders 20

Patrick Mahomes completed 27 of 38 passes for 262 yards, two touchdowns and one interception and Kansas City held on for a win over host Las Vegas.

Travis Kelce had 10 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown for the Chiefs (7-0), who are the NFL’s last unbeaten team this season. Kareem Hunt added a touchdown on the ground and Xavier Worthy had a TD catch.

Gardner Minshew completed 24 of 30 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders (2-6). Jakobi Meyers and D.J. Turner had one touchdown catch apiece.

–Field Level Media

SNF: Big Game for SF v. DAL

October 27, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

SANTA CLARA – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Dallas Cowboys come off their bye week desperately in need of a victory while traveling to face a San Francisco 49ers team dealing with a litany of injuries to their skill position personnel.

One of the NFC’s oldest rivalries closes out Sunday’s action in Week 8 of the NFL’s regular season.

Embed from Getty Images

ODDS AND TRENDS
The 49ers (3-4) are consensus 5.0-point favorites at home. That includes at BetRivers, where the 49ers have drawn 64 percent of the spread-line money, while the Cowboys (3-3) have been backed by 53 percent of the total bets.

Dallas’ +180 moneyline has been popular, attracting 61 percent of the money, although the 49ers have garnered 46 percent of the total bets at -225.

The Over/Under total points line has hovered around 47.5 and 48.0 at most books. At BetRivers, the Under has been backed by big wagers with 82 percent of the total money, although 70 percent of the total bets have supported to Over.

SERIES HISTORY
San Francisco has won the past three meetings, including playoff victories to end Dallas’ 2021 and 2022 seasons. Last season’s meeting was one-sided as the 49ers clobbered the Cowboys 42-10 behind four touchdown passes from Brock Purdy, three to George Kittle.

That beatdown might not have been as bad as the one Dallas (3-3) just experienced — a 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions before the team’s much-needed bye.

THE NEWS
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had a message for his teammates before they all took time off for last week’s bye.

INJURY REPORT
What the Cowboys could really use is seeing star linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) and cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) on the field. But they’re both out again Sunday night, and Bland’s replacement in the starting lineup in 2024, Caelen Carson, is questionable with a shoulder injury.

Parsons will miss his third straight game. Bland has yet to play this season.

Cowboys starting linebacker Eric Kendricks (shoulder) is also listed as questionable.

The 49ers are battling a slew of injuries and lost star wideout Brandon Aiyuk to a season-ending right knee injury during last Sunday’s 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Wideout Deebo Samuel (pneumonia/wrist) played just a few snaps and was later hospitalized and released on Tuesday. Though he sat out Wednesday’s practice, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Samuel might play, but he’s listed as questionable, the same designated the 49ers gave Kittle (foot).

Receiver Jauan Jennings (hip/groin) missed the Kansas City game, was unable to practice all week and is out along with kicker Jake Moody (ankle).

Of course, McCaffrey (Achilles) remains on injured reserve and hasn’t played a down this season.

THEY SAID IT
–“I think we’ve gotta go into these games and say, ‘We’ve gotta step on somebody’s neck. It’s just the simple things: being disciplined, can’t kill each other on red-zone trips. Can’t kill each other on third downs.” –Parsons

–“The guys in the building are really talented, so we have to figure that out. It’s on our vets to pull them along, whether they’re ready or not. … (The injuries) impact you to an extent but you have to have the three-foot mindset and just attack what’s in front of you.” –Kittle

PREDICTION
The Cowboys’ three wins have all come on the road, although the first two came against Cleveland and the New York Giants. Dallas did also secure a solid win at Pittsburgh before getting blown out at home by Detroit. The 49ers due enter the game with a concerning amount of injuries to key personnel, but this is an equally critical game for San Francisco and Dallas simply hasn’t played well against quality teams. –49ers 26, Cowboys 23

–Field Level Media

NFL Thursday Night Football Preview

October 24, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

LOS ANGELES – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Los Angeles Rams host Minnesota on Thursday night seeking consecutive victories for the first time this season, while the Vikings try to rebound from their first loss of the campaign. Los Angeles (2-4) snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the visiting Las Vegas Raiders 20-15 last weekend. Meanwhile, Minnesota (5-1) dropped a back-and-forth 31-29 affair to division rival Detroit on a field goal with 15 seconds remaining.

Embed from Getty Images

ODDS AND TRENDS
The Vikings are about a field goal favorite on the road by most sportsbooks.

The line is 3.0 points at BetRivers, where the Vikings have been backed by one-sided action with 79 percent of the spread-line money and a lopsided 93 percent on their -150 moneyline.

The public jury is certainly still out on Minnesota. After suffering their first loss of the season in Week 7, the Vikings have received only 4 percent of the total money wagered on the NFC championship at DraftKings, where they’re being offered at +650 to reach the Super Bowl. That’s the same percentage that have backed the Rams as +5000 long shots.

The Over/Under for Thursday night’s game is 48 total points at BetRivers, with the Over backed by 65 percent of the money.

PROP PICKS
–Cooper Kupp Over 6.5 Receptions (-130 at DraftKings): This has been the most popular player prop at DraftKings with Kupp expected to play for the first time since Week 2. Kupp had 14 receptions on 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown in the season opener, and had hauled in four catches on six targets before leaving the Week 2 loss to Arizona.

–Justin Jefferson Anytime TD (-143 at BetRivers): Jefferson reaching the end zone on Thursday night has drawn the most total money (1.5 percent) and bets (4.5 percent) of any player prop at the book. He has a touchdown in all but one game thus far, two weeks ago against the Jets in a game where Jefferson was targeted 14 times.

INJURY REPORT
Both teams are hoping to get key playmakers back for this contest.

For the Rams, Kupp is expected to play. Kupp participated in full at practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, while fellow receiver Puka Nacua was limited both days due to a knee injury after having his 21-day practice window opened up. Still, NFL Network reported Thursday the Rams are “optimistic” Nacua is ready to play, which would require a decision to activate Nacua off injured reserve.

Defensive end Braden Fiske (back) was limited Wednesday and linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) has been ruled out.

This week could also mark the return of tight end T.J. Hockenson for the Vikings. The veteran has been sidelined since late last season, when he tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said it was “very much a possibility” that Hockenson could return against the Rams, although his workload could be limited. He was limited in practice this week and listed as questionable on Wednesday.

“It’s early,” O’Connell said as the Vikings returned to practice this week. “We’ll make that determination as these next couple of days (go by). As we put together game plans, we want to have a good feel for that.”

Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games (11 starts) for Minnesota last season. His return would give quarterback Sam Darnold another top target in the passing game alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

Aaron Jones also said he felt good to play on short rest despite a hip injury that has nagged him for a couple of weeks. Jones racked up 116 total yards (93 rushing, 23 receiving) and a touchdown against Detroit.

“No problems out of it,” Jones said. “I’ll continue to stay on top of it on my end and do everything to check the boxes so I don’t end up back in that situation (with the injury).”

Linebacker Blake Cashman missed the Vikings’ practice this week because of a toe issue and has been declared out against the Rams. Hockenson and Jones were among those limited on Tuesday, although Jones was a full participant on Wednesday.

SCUFFLING RAMS NEED STAR WRs
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will look to improve upon his 83.6 passer rating against a physical Vikings defense. Stafford has thrown for 1,392 yards and three touchdowns, with four interceptions this season.

Kyren Williams is the Rams’ biggest threat on offense. He has rushed for 436 yards and eight touchdowns in six games (all starts).

Tutu Atwell leads the team’s receiving unit with 23 catches for 332 yards. Demarcus Robinson, Kupp and Williams each have a receiving touchdown.

THEY SAID IT
“I’m aware of it, but at the end of the day, I mean, I’m going to be where my feet are. That’s all I know. I have a job to do here. And I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building and being able to step on the field knowing that I prepared the best that I can.” — Kupp on rumors he could be traded ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline.

PREDICTION
This has the feeling of a do-or-die game for the Rams, who could look to trade Kupp and other veterans should they fall further in the NFC West. The Vikings are coming off a loss, but were toe-to-toe with the high-powered Lions. Los Angeles enters with the 26th-ranked defense, which even Kupp’s return can’t mask against a Minnesota offense averaging 333.2 yards per game. — Vikings 27, Rams 23

–Field Level Media

NYJ at NE: Somebody’s Got to Win

October 24, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

FOXBOROUGH – (Staff and Wire Service Report) A 1-6 start has New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo questioning his team’s toughness. Mayo believes there still is time to flip the script, though, and New England will have a chance to do just that when it faces the New York Jets on Sunday on the Pats’ home field in Massachusetts.

Embed from Getty Images

After an all-out disaster in London last weekend, the Patriots were called out by Mayo following a 32-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, with their first-year coach declaring them a “soft football team across the board.”

More conversations went on behind closed doors between Mayo and his players, and while he wouldn’t share exactly what was said, he is confident that New England will be playing inspired football against the Jets (2-5).

“We’re on to the Jets,” Mayo told reporters on Wednesday. “We’ve had those conversations. I’ve always looked at that as an opportunity to go out there and prove everyone wrong. Once again, going back to a chip on your shoulder, we’ve all had those chips on our shoulders at times that have gotten us through. So, this is no different.

The opening line was reminiscent of a line used by former coach Bill Belichick when the Patriots blew a game in their glory years and were next playing the Bengals at Cincinnati

“Obviously, once again, we are struggling as a team. Our record is what it is. It’s about what we can do to get better.”

New York also is out to turn things around after a 37-15 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week pushed its losing streak to four games. Star wideout Davante Adams, acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 15, was reunited with Jets signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, but he hauled in just three catches for 30 yards.

Mayo doesn’t think Adams will be nearly as quiet in his second game with New York.

“He’s a good player, obviously has a great rapport with the quarterback,” Mayo said of Adams. “I expect him to be more involved, even though he was involved the first game.”

Adams, now in his 11th NFL season, already considers himself a vital piece of the Jets’ offense and is willing to do anything he can to help New York get out of its funk.

“Regardless if I just got here, I’m a leader of this football team,” Adams said. “Whether or not every single person in there sees it that way, that’s how I see it and that’s my responsibility and that’s something I take seriously.”

There is a chance that Rodgers might not be throwing to him on Sunday, as knee and hamstring injuries limited the 40-year-old quarterback during practice on Wednesday.

Cornerback Michael Carter II (back), edge rusher Will McDonald IV (shoulder), linebacker Quincy Williams (neck) and offensive lineman Morgan Moses (knee) also were limited. Wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) and safeties Tony Adams (hamstring) and Ashtyn Davis (concussion) were among those held out.

Linebacker Anfernee Jennings, who is working through shoulder and knee issues, was one of six Patriots who missed all of practice on Wednesday. Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk remained on the sideline because of a concussion.

New England had another six players who were limited, including safety Kyle Dugger (ankle).

The Jets and Patriots met back in Week 3, when New York cruised to a 24-3 victory ahead of its current four-game skid.

–Field Level Media

NFL: Sunday Night Football

October 20, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

New York Jets (2-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2), 8:20 p.m. ET

Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers are together again, as the longtime Packers’ teammates debut with the Jets at Pittsburgh in prime time with little time to waste. The week before acquiring Adams the Jets fired their head coach, and falling to 2-5 could prompt more changes. The Steelers made waves of their own by opening the door for Russell Wilson to claim the QB job this week in what head coach Mike Tomlin framed as a declaration of health for the former Broncos and Seahawks starter.

Embed from Getty Images

Justin Fields accepted responsibility for the demotion, saying he didn’t do enough to win the job while Wilson was hobbled. Pittsburgh’s defense might give Wilson time to settle in, as the Steelers give up just 14.3 points per game. LB Patrick Queen, in his first season in the middle of the 3-4 after playing for the Ravens, is becoming a major part of the machine and posted a season-high 13 tackles last week. He’ll have the responsibility of helping contain Jets RB Breece Hall (169 yards from scrimmage last week).

NFL: Afternoon Game Capsules

October 20, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) at Los Angeles Rams (1-4), 4:05 p.m. ET

Aside from a popularity contest — California still loves the Raiders — Sunday’s game matches a pair of teams off to disappointing starts with offenses in dire need of consistency and a few good men to play wide receiver. The Raiders and Rams are two of 11 NFL teams averaging fewer than 19 points per game. And the concerns are even more heightened on defense, where the Raiders are tied for fifth worst in the NFL at 27.2 points allowed per game, while the Rams are fourth worst at 27.8 per game. Rams QB Matthew Stafford has averaged 247.6 yards per game, 11th best in the NFL, but has just three touchdown passes in five games and has been sacked 16 times behind a makeshift line.

The Raiders moved away from Gardner Minshew last week and went to Aidan O’Connell at quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. But Las Vegas had its second-lowest point total of the season in a 32-13 home loss. O’Connell is set to start again this week to guide an offense that has moved away from wide receiver Davante Adams, after he was traded to the New York Jets for a third-round draft pick. Adams played the first three games and caught 18 passes. Without him the past three games, rookie TE Brock Bowers had 19 receptions for 187 yards and one TD. Jakobi Meyers, considered the Raiders’ top wideout in Adams’ absence, did not play last Sunday with an ankle injury.

Carolina Panthers (1-5) at Washington Commanders (4-2), 4:05 p.m. ET

Dave Canales and the Panthers had a vision for what this season might look like for 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young, and it appears to be playing out — in Washington. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels has performed at what teammates dubbed this week “an MVP level,” steering Washington to the top of the NFC East in Dan Quinn’s debut season with the Commanders. Daniels’ 75.3 completion percentage is the second-highest all-time in the first six games of an NFL career (minimum 100 pass attempts). Young was bypassed by journeyman Andy Dalton at QB and the offense has performed well enough to hang around in most games. RB Chuba Hubbard is third in the NFL with 485 rushing yards. Getting the ball in the end zone isn’t a challenge for Washington, which averages 29.7 points per game. But the Panthers are putting up only 17.2 points per game. Daniels has connected with Terry McLaurin for a TD in four consecutive games while the combination of RBs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler and Daniels has helped Washington generate a dynamic running game, averaging 157.3 yards and more than two TDs per game.

Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) at San Francisco 49ers (3-3), 4:25 p.m. ET

49ers LB Fred Warner and head coach Kyle Shanahan were frank in their discussions about facing the Chiefs, who beat San Francisco in the Super Bowl in February (and in 2019), and QB Patrick Mahomes on Sunday. Mahomes is 4-0 with 1,356 pass yards (339 per game), 11 TDs (10 pass, one rush) with a passer rating of 104.6 against San Francisco. The Cliff’s Notes version of their outlook on the Week 7 matchup: Beating Mahomes can’t be done at the microphone. The 49ers are relatively rested coming back from a Week 6 Thursday night victory at Seattle, but the Chiefs are returning from their bye week. They’ve won five of the past six games coming out of the bye, and head coach Andy Reid is 21-4 all-time after byes. Kansas City got back to work this week with RB Kareem Hunt reinstalled as the lead back and the Chiefs leaning on a collective at wide receiver to help settle an offense prone to stalling in the red zone. Mahomes has six touchdowns and six interceptions in 2024. Production isn’t a problem for San Francisco. QB Brock Purdy has 1,629 passing yards and nine touchdowns with the 49ers developing a running game without RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles). Jordan Mason (shoulder) left last week’s game only to see rookie Isaac Guerendo gain 99 yards on the ground.

NFL: Sunday Game Capsules

October 20, 2024 by Digital Sports Desk

Today’s 1pm NFL Games:

Seattle Seahawks (3-3) at Atlanta Falcons (4-2), 1 p.m. ET

The Falcons are riding a three-game winning streak, their longest since winning the last four games of the 2019 season. Seattle opened the season by winning its first three games before dropping three straight. Atlanta is looking for its first winning season and playoff appearance since 2017 having just completed a three-game sweep of divisional opponents. QB Kirk Cousins set the franchise’s single-game passing total with 509 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-30 win to open October. Then the run game took over against Carolina. Backup running back Tyler Allgeier led the team with 105 rushing yards and one score, while Bijan Robinson ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns. First-year head coach Raheem Morris has been impressed with the work of offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who is also in his first year. Robinson, who spent the last two seasons as the pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the Los Angeles Rams, has Atlanta averaging 24.8 points per game, up from 18.9 last season. Seattle is fighting injuries, especially in the secondary, and could be forced to use its fourth-string right tackle.

Tennessee Titans (1-4) at Buffalo Bills (4-2), 1 p.m. ET

The Bills introduce new No. 1 WR Amari Cooper, who was acquired Tuesday from the Browns and is looking forward to bigger and better things in his fourth NFL home. Not only did he gain three games in the standings by joining Buffalo, but he’s now the top target of Josh Allen. Allen has thrown 156 passes this year without an interception. RB James Cook (toe) might not play. But he wasn’t missed in Monday night’s 23-20 win at the New York Jets as rookie Ray Davis accumulated 152 total yards (97 rushing, 55 receiving) on 23 touches. QB Will Levis struggled again and the Titans blew a late lead to the Colts last week. Levis completed 16 of 27 passes for only 93 yards. Of more importance to Tennessee is his turnover trouble. His fourth-quarter interception last week was his seventh in five games and his 10th giveaway this season. The Titans’ problems offensively are obscuring the solid work of their defense, which is ranked No. 1 in the league in total defense (248.8 yards per game) and against the pass (137.0).

Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-5), 1 p.m. ET

Maybe AFC North rivalries can awaken the Browns, or perhaps the long-awaited return of RB Nick Chubb. Cleveland faces its first division opponent, hosting the Bengals in pursuit of a season-shifting win. Chubb is expected to take the field for the first time since a Week 2 knee injury prematurely ended his 2023 season. He comes back in a time of need for Cleveland, which just traded wideout Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday. The Browns are scoring the third-fewest points per game in the NFL (15.8) and have dropped four games in a row. The Bengals got off to an 0-3 start, but they have since won two of their past three games, most recently beating the New York Giants 17-7 in Week 6. Cincinnati’s defense finally stepped up, holding an opponent under 24 points for the first time since a season-opening 16-10 setback against the New England Patriots. But Cincinnati has a six-game losing streak in Cleveland and has yielded an average of 27.5 points per contest in those defeats. QB Joe Burrow continues to do his part, ranking second in the NFL with 12 TD passes and fifth with 1,578 passing yards.

Houston Texans (5-1) at Green Bay Packers (4-2), 1 p.m. ET

Two of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league since the start of the 2023 season are center stage at Lambeau Field. Jordan Love has two-plus TD passes in 15 games since he became the Packers’ starter to open last season. C.J. Stroud has multiple TD passes in three of his past four road games, driving the Texans to the top of the AFC South. He had three TD passes in a 41-21 win at New England last week. Neither quarterback could solve the Vikings’ defense run by Brian Flores, but Love thrives at home with four TD passes in each of his last two games in Green Bay. The Packers’ defense is tops in the NFL with a plus-9 turnover differential and will be looking to force Stroud into uncharacteristic mistakes. Safety Xavier McKinney leads the league with five interceptions. Green Bay will use new kicker Brandon McManus after releasing rookie Brayden Narveson, who missed five of 17 field-goal attempts this season.

Miami Dolphins (2-3) at Indianapolis Colts (3-3), 1 p.m. ET

The visiting Dolphins are back at it following a well-timed week off and Miami has won four in a row coming out of its bye. The road team is also 4-1 in the past five meetings in this series. Miami remains in a holding pattern as it awaits word on the future availability of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Tyler Huntley will again guide the NFL’s lowest-scoring offense on the road. The Dolphins’ output of 3, 12 and 15 points in the full games Tagovailoa sat out was two steps back from the juggernaut that averaged almost 30 per game last season. Standout receivers Tyreek Hill (23 catches, 286 yards, TD) and Jaylen Waddle (21-258-0) are taking a hit during the offensive upheaval. Last season, the two players combined for 191 receptions, 2,813 yards and 17 scoring receptions. Miami did have Raheem Mostert on the field for the first time in four weeks when he rushed for 80 yards against New England in Week 5. The Colts are experiencing their own quarterback quandary. Anthony Richardson (oblique) will start unless he has a setback but a number of Colts are hurting. WR Michael Pittman (back) played through severe pain last week — and caught a TD pass from Joe Flacco — and RB Jonathan Taylor (349 yards, four touchdowns) has missed the past two games due to an ankle injury.

Detroit Lions (4-1) at Minnesota Vikings (5-0), 1 p.m. ET

No matter the quarterback, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson isn’t the player the Lions want to see coming after losing their top pass rusher. Aidan Hutchinson (broken leg) was the league’s leader in sacks and without him, the Lions might need to dig deeper into their bag of tricks to move QB Sam Darnold out of the pocket. Jefferson has 140-plus yards in three consecutive dates with Detroit. In eight career games vs. the Lions, Jefferson has 62 catches for 1,073 yards (134.1 per game) and three TD catches. A Vikings’ win would be significant in the packed NFC North standings and give Minnesota its first 6-0 start since 2009. The Lions are clicking of late behind mistake-free QB Jared Goff. He’s going for his fourth consecutive win over the Vikings and has averaged 302 passing yards with six touchdowns and no picks in the past three meetings. His own alpha wide receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, had seven catches and 100-plu yards in both matchups with the Vikings last season. Lions coach Dan Campbell is 4-2 against the Vikings since he arrived in Detroit.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) at New York Giants (2-4), 1 p.m. ET

Saquon Barkley is back at MetLife Stadium and heads to the visitor’s locker room with the Eagles for the first time since exiting New York for Philadelphia in free agency. He’s looked the part of difference-maker with at least 115 yards from scrimmage in four of five games this season. A main obstacle to Philadelphia’s success inside is containing Pro Bowl DT Dexter Lawrence, who is tied for second in the NFL with 7.0 sacks and vowed not to miss this matchup despite being dinged up last week. The Giants are not well-suited to match up with the Eagles outside now that A.J. Brown is recovered from a hamstring injury. Brown and DeVonta Smith both hauled in TD passes from Jalen Hurts last week. Pass protection reemerged as a concern for the Giants when LT Andrew Thomas had season-ending foot surgery on Tuesday. It ended a stretch of more than 400 snaps together for the offensive line and introduces untested options into the starting mix. The Giants are getting production in the passing game from Jones and Wan’Dale Robinson, and first-round rookie Malik Nabers suits up for the first time in three weeks after clearing concussion protocol. Nabers could join a tiny group of receivers who had at least five catches in their first five career games (Terry Glenn, CeeDee Lamb, Puka Nacua).