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Vince Carter/T-Mac Team-Up Again

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BUFFALO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Basketball Hall of Famers Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are two of the 10 new partners added to the Buffalo Bills’ ownership group, the team announced during the NFL league meetings in Dallas on Wednesday.

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“It’s a huge honor to join this historic Bills organization,” Carter said in a statement. “I’m truly thankful the Pegula family has given me the opportunity to help the franchise continue to grow and thrive in player growth, community service and of course winning the Lombardi trophy. See you soon Bills Mafia!!!!”

Former United States men’s national team member Jozy Altidore and private investment firm Arctos were also added to the ownership group.

This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that it has added minority owners.

“This has been an incredible journey to add such an impressive and diverse group of limited partners along with a reputable private equity partner in Arctos that has an extensive track record of success with professional sports franchises,” Bills owner Terry Pegula said in a statement.

“They all have all achieved high levels of success in their respective industries and we’re grateful for their interest in our team, our sport, and the future of the Buffalo Bills. Most of them have a personal attachment with our team, Western New York or Southern Ontario which was a very important factor to me.”

The remaining minority owners are Rob Palumbo, co-managing partner of Accel-KKR, a technology-focused private equity firm; Sue McCollum, CEO and owner of beverage distribution companies Eagle Brand Sales and Double Eagle Distributing; Theresia Gouw, co-founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm Acrew Capital; Rob Ward, co-founder and general partner of venture capital firm Meritech Capital; Mike Joo, COO of Global Corporate & Investment Banking and head of North America Corporate & Investment Banking at Bank of America; Tom Burger, co-founder and managing partner of the investment firm Gridiron Capital.

–Field Level Media

Lions Beat Packers with Buzzer FG

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DETROIT – (Staff and Wire Service Report0 – Detroit placekicker Jake Bates kicked a 35-yard field goal on the final play of the game and the host Lions extended their franchise-record winning streak to 11 games with a 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.

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Jared Goff passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns (two to Tim Patrick) for the Lions (12-1). David Montgomery had 84 combined yards rushing and receiving and scored a touchdown.

Josh Jacobs scored three rushing touchdowns for Green Bay. Jordan Love, who was held to 31 yards passing in the first half, finished with 206 passing yards and a touchdown.

The Packers (9-4) are 7-2 over their last nine games with both losses coming against Detroit.

The Lions held a 17-7 halftime lead.

Detroit scored on its first possession of the game, with Montgomery finishing off the 11-play, 70-yard march with a 3-yard scoring run.

Love’s second completion of the game was fumbled by Christian Watson on the first play of the second quarter. The Lions recovered the ball at their own 46-yard line and turned the giveaway into three points, as Bates kicked a 43-yard field goal.

Early NFL Playoff Picture

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DETROIT – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – All eyes are on the NFC North pecking order with a Thursday showdown between the Lions and Packers kicking off Week 14 in Motown.

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The Lions (11-1) already registered a win over Green Bay (9-3) at Lambeau Field and begin their second pass through the division with a 3-0 record in the North. The Vikings (10-2) sit between the teams in the standings, but there are tangible and desirous goals in play for Minnesota on Sunday.

With a win over the NFC South-leading Falcons, Minnesota would gain a game on the losing team Thursday and potentially push their former quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and Atlanta outside the playoff picture behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bucs (6-6) host the 2-10 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

There’s less drama in the AFC, where the division leaders have enough cushion to breathe and ample motivation to continue putting up victories with home-field advantage not yet decided.

Last week, the Bills (10-2) clinched the AFC East and the Chiefs (11-1) can clinch the West on Sunday by beating the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) in Kansas City.

Looming for the murky AFC wild-card picture are head-to-head matchups between the Denver Broncos and Chargers (Dec. 19) and Indianapolis Colts and Broncos (Dec. 15). And Baltimore’s closing schedule is unusual, if not tricky, with a Saturday division game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 21) and a midweek, Christmas Day game pitting the Ravens and Texans in a 2024 playoff rematch.

The current playoff picture entering Week 14:

AFC Division Leaders
1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)
Up Next: vs. Chargers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

2. Buffalo Bills (10-2)
Up Next: at L.A. Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
Up Next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

4. Houston Texans (8-5)
Up Next: Bye Week

AFC Wild-Card Standings

5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Up Next: at Kansas City, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

6. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)
Up Next: Bye Week

7. Denver Broncos (8-5)
Up Next: Bye Week

8. Indianapolis Colts (6-7)
Up Next: Bye Week

9. Miami Dolphins (5-7)
Up Next: vs. N.Y. Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
Up Next: at Dallas, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

11. Cleveland Browns (3-9)
Up Next: at Pittsburgh, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

12. New York Jets (3-9)
Up Next: at Miami, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

13. Tennessee Titans (3-9)
Up Next: vs. Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

The New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders have been eliminated.

NFC Division Leaders

1. Detroit Lions (11-1)
Up Next: vs. Green Bay, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
Up Next: vs. Carolina, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

3. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)
Up Next: at Arizona, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
Up Next: at Minnesota, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

NFC Wild-Card Standings

5. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
Up Next: vs. Atlanta, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. Green Bay Packers (9-3)
Up Next: at Detroit, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

7. Washington Commanders (8-5)
Up Next: Bye Week

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)
Up Next: vs. Las Vegas, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Arizona Cardinals (6-6)
Up Next: vs. Seattle, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

10. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
Up Next: vs. Buffalo, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

11. San Francisco 49ers (5-7)
Up Next: vs. Chicago, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

12. Dallas Cowboys (5-7)
Up Next: vs. Cincinnati, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

13. New Orleans Saints (4-8)
Up Next: at N.Y. Giants , Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

14. Chicago Bears (4-8)
Up Next: at San Francisco, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

15. Carolina Panthers (3-9)
Up Next: at Philadelphia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

The New York Giants have been eliminated.

–Field Level Media

Thanksgiving Day in Detroit

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DETROIT – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The NFL’s slate of Thanksgiving Day games kicks off with an NFC North battle between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions at 12:30 ET on Thursday.

For the Lions, it’s an opportunity to improve to 11-1 and stay atop the NFC standings. For the Bears (4-7), it represents a critical game to just stay in the conversation for a wild-card spot.

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ODDS & TRENDS
The Lions are consensus 9.5-point favorites — and popular ones at that. They have been backed by 71 percent of the spread-line money at BetRivers, while the Lions’ -590 moneyline to win the game outright has been backed by 91 percent of the money.

Of the three Thanksgiving Day games, Detroit’s moneyline has been the most wagered-on play, followed closely by the Lions’ spread line.

DraftKings reported the Lions’ to have drawn the most total moneyline bets and money among Week 13 games, while they have also been backed by the most Super Bowl winner bets since Week 12.

The Over/Under for Thursday’s game is at 48.0 at BetRivers, where the Over has been supported by 86 percent of the money and 83 percent of all bets.

PROP PICKS
–Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs 70+ Rushing Yards (-140 at DraftKings): Gibbs is coming off a 90-yard game against the Colts when he logged a season-high 21 carries. With David Montgomery nursing a sore shoulder, a bigger workload could again fall to Gibbs to attack a Bears run defense allowing an average of 129.7 yards per game on the ground.

–Bears RB Roschon Johnson Anytime TD (+225 at BetRivers): What inconsistent work Johnson gets in Chicago’s backfield often comes near the goal line. He scored one a one-yard run last week for his sixth rushing touchdown of the season. That includes reaching the end zone in consecutive games.

THE NEWS
Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago.

The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving — the Bears have 11 wins — this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22.

“I think there’s two things,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. “No. 1 — Get a W. And it’s a division win that’s why this huge. No. 2 is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it’d be nice to feel good about it when you’re with everybody because it’s just not real fun. It’s not real fun to be around.”

Detroit owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren’t even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs.

The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven’t allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters.

Detroit’s offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters.

The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago’s defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the past four games.

The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27.

“We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we’ve missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it’s been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That’s what we are searching for.”

Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes.

INJURY REPORT
The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn’t expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries.

Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday’s walkthrough.

KEY STAT
Lions rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field-goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games.

THEY SAID IT
“What I’ve been impressed with is just how he has grown. He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he’s taken off and what they’re doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn’t get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he’s an accurate passer, big arm, and he’s got some guys that can get open for him.” –Campbell on Williams

PREDICTION
The Lions have been putting their foot on the gas early of late, and refusing to back down. They’ve won their past two games by a combined 76-12 and have put up at least 42 points three times this season. The Bears’ defense will pose a stiffer test than most, but Chicago’s offense isn’t ready to keep pace in a track meet. –Lions 30, Bears 20

–Field Level Media

NFL Thanksgiving Day in Dallas

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DALLAS – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – A matchup between teams with a combined six wins through 22 games probably wasn’t what the NFL envisioned when scheduling the New York Giants at the Dallas Cowboys for the second of three Thanksgiving Day games.

No matter the records, the matchup between bitter NFC East rivals always draws national attention — even if both teams are jockeying primarily for draft position.

The Giants (2-9) are expected to start their third different quarterback in as many weeks in an attempt to snap a six-game losing streak, while the Cowboys (4-7) will trot out their own backup signal-caller in search of their first home victory since 2023.

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ODDS & TRENDS
The Cowboys are consensus 3.5-point favorites, which the public views as a big opportunity. Dallas has been backed by 83 percent of the spread-line money while its -200 moneyline to win the game outright has drawn 95 percent of the money.

This has also been the second most wagered-on Week 13 game at DraftKings, where the Cowboys’ moneyline has drawn more money this week than every team other than Detroit.

What oddsmakers don’t expect is a high-scoring game between two backup quarterbacks. The low 37.0 total points line at BetRivers has seen the Over draw 65 percent of the money and 77 percent of the total bets.

PROP PICKS
–Giants RB Tyrone Tracy 70+ Rushing Yards (+100 at DraftKings): The rookie has taken over as the primary ballcarrier, and this prop will likely be determined by how long New York remains competitive on Thursday. After logging at least 16 carries in three consecutive games, Tracy was limited to 42 yards on nine carries in a blowout loss to Tampa Bay last Sunday. The Giants must run the ball effectively to stay in the game, and Tracy has at least 66 rushing yards in four of his past seven games.

–Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb Anytime TD (+155 at BetRivers): Lamb has been targeted 118 times this season — 60 more than anyone else on the team. That includes 12 targets last week, when Lamb caught 10 passes but for only 67 yards. He hasn’t scored since last month, however, a trend Dallas will look to break at home against a defense that has allowed 12 passing touchdowns this season.

THE NEWS
Cooper Rush helped the Cowboys return to the win column at Washington before the three-day prep for playing holiday host to the Giants, who have shuffled plans amid another potential quarterback switch.

“The fight has definitely been there,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “But we’re still pretty far down in the valley of adversity right now. We’ve made one step in the right direction, so we’ve still got a lot of climbing to do.”

The playoffs are an afterthought at the moment. Dallas is tied for 12th in the NFC and the Giants are dead last with the final third of the season ahead.

Beating the Commanders 34-26 on Sunday helped the Cowboys exhale, if only briefly, and they will now try to win at home for the first time in six tries.

Last in the NFL in scoring (14.8 points per game) and 28th in passing offense at 187.9 yards per game, the Giants are devoid of highlighter-worthy names on the offensive scouting report. They traveled to Texas on Wednesday without last week’s starting quarterback, Tommy DeVito, who was officially listed as questionable because of a forearm injury.

The last win for the Giants, 29-20 at Seattle, came one week after losing 20-15 to the Cowboys in September. New York is 0-4 against the NFC East including two losses by a combined eight points to the Commanders.

Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers are among those who have been publicly critical of the team’s effort of late.

“When you lose a game like that, there’s frustration,” Daboll said of Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay. “Certainly, you’d like to keep it in house. But you understand them, and I’ve been doing this for a while. There’s conversations that you have to have if comments like that are made. I respect the opinions of the players and of the coaches. We’ll work as hard as we can to get this fixed.”

Extra blockers likely are mandatory to keep Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons from feasting. Parsons had two sacks at Washington, his second game with multiple sacks in three outings since returning from a high-ankle sprain. He had two sacks of Daniel Jones the last time the Giants visited for Thanksgiving in 2022.

Nabers caught 12 passes for 115 yards from Jones in defeat against the Cowboys Week 4. That was before the QB switch. Nabers wasn’t targeted in the first half last week.

Beyond their 0-5 home record, the Cowboys are 2-1 in the NFC East but have been outscored by 98 points on the season. The nine-loss Giants own a minus-89 scoring margin.

Rush was not special at Washington, but he threw a pair of TDs, completed 75 percent of his passes and didn’t throw an interception. He was limited Monday with a knee injury, but .

Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle handled a career-high 19 carries, for a career-best 86 yards last week, erasing his previous best — 12 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown — against the Giants last season. He caught a 15-yard TD pass in the Cowboys’ win over the Giants in September.

New York gave up 156 rushing yards to the Buccaneers, the fifth consecutive game of allowing at least 140.

INJURY REPORT
Banged up in the aftermath, DeVito wasn’t asked to complete a full practice the past three days but did throw a few times Monday and Tuesday. He didn’t practice Wednesday and didn’t accompany the team to Arlington, Texas, leaving Drew Lock to get the call for the Giants if DeVito doesn’t get transportation to Texas and medical clearance by Thursday afternoon.

Giants offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) was ruled out. Evan Neal (hip) was on the long list of injury concerns for the Giants but had no injury designation Wednesday. Eluemunor left last week’s game in the first half and couldn’t return.

The Cowboys are hopeful for the return of key players, including tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion), guard Tyler Smith (ankle/knee) and No. 1 cornerback Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) after they sat out Week 12. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is expected to be back for the first time since Week 4, but left guard Zack Martin (shoulder, ankle) won’t play.

Cooks was activated to the 53-man roster on Wednesday, when the Cowboys moved rookie cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) and second-year offensive lineman Asim Richards (ankle) to injured reserve. Defensive backs Andrew Booth and Kemon Hall were elevated from the practice squad.

KEY STAT
Dallas was 8-0 at home in the 2023 regular season, then started a streak of six consecutive losses — including the wildcard blowout by the Packers — by an average of 22.3 points.

SERIES HISTORY
The Cowboys are shooting for a season sweep of the Giants for the fourth consecutive season.

THEY SAID IT
–“Blood is in the water now. You’ve got to understand this is the NFL and ball security is job security.” –Tracy, who has three fumbles — losing two — in the past two games.

–“It was great to get some wind under our wings, but this Thursday’s game comes on you so fast. That’s really where my mind is and my heart is, too.” –McCarthy

PREDICTION
The switch to the Lock has the potential to bring the Giants’ offense some much-needed veteran leadership. But he’s playing behind an offensive line that will struggle to protect him and the constant uphill sledding against poor field position will eventually lead to a comfortable Cowboys victory. –Cowboys 27, Giants 17

–Field Level Media

NFL Thanksgiving Night Preview

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GREEN BAY – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love played interception-free football for the first time this season during a home rout of the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

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The Packers’ Thanksgiving night home clash with the Miami Dolphins offers a chance to be equally efficient. Just don’t expect Love to scale back his approach in the meeting of playoff contenders.

“I definitely am a guy who always wants those big plays, want to put that pressure on the defense and take some of those shots,” Love said.

Love threw for a season-low 163 yards on 13-of-23 passing to go with two touchdowns against the 49ers. Still, with Josh Jacobs (26 carries, 106 yards, three touchdowns) wreaking havoc in the running game, Love found opportunities to strike a balance.

“Those are the lessons that I had to learn last year and I’ll continue to learn: just when the right time (is) to take those shots,” he said. “If guys get a step or we’re in the right coverage versus just finding those completions. Because these check-downs and just finding those completions turn into big plays, as well, sometimes.”

Green Bay (8-3) is third in the rugged NFC North but holds a two-game lead in the loss column for the No. 6 seed in the conference playoff race.

Winners of three straight, the Dolphins (5-6) are 1 1/2 games behind the Denver Broncos for the seventh seed in the AFC.

“I think this is an awesome opportunity,” Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. “Being able to play Thursday night football, prime time on Thanksgiving.”

Tagovailoa continues to surge since returning from injured reserve in Week 8. With four touchdown passes during a 34-15 home win against the New England Patriots on Sunday, he has 11 TDs through the air against just one interception in his five games back.

Tagovailoa dismissed the notion that chilly temperatures in Green Bay on Thursday could be enough to cool him. The Hawaiian-born signal-caller is 0-7 when the temperature is 40 degrees or lower.

“To me, it’s just a mindset,” he said. “That’s really all there is.”

Added Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver: “I’ve never lost a game and thought, ‘Guys, it was too cold outside.’”

Miami boasts a versatile set of playmakers for Green Bay to defend. Running back De’Von Achane also is active in the passing game, as he made two touchdown receptions against New England.

Among the Dolphins’ receivers, wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and tight end Jonnu Smith each have at least 41 receptions and 535 yards. The three have combined for nine TDs.

Green Bay is hoping for another jolt from second-year linebacker Lukas Van Ness, whose strip-sack against the 49ers was the big play he said he needed for his confidence. It led to Jacobs’ third TD.

“I told myself I’m going to get off the ball, use my God-given abilities and just get in the backfield and make a play,” Van Ness said. “So I think that’s what I’ve wanted to do all year. I just need to continue that.”

Miami leads the all-time series 10-6, but Green Bay has won five of the past six matchups. The teams’ most recent meeting also came on a holiday, with the visiting Packers prevailing 26-20 on Christmas Day 2022.

Green Bay won each of its previous November home games against Miami, in 2002 and 2018.

–Field Level Media

MNF: Ravens End Chargers Win Streak

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INGLEWOOD – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson accounted for three touchdowns and his teammate Derrick Henry rushed for 140 yards on 24 carries to help the Baltimore Ravens record a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night in the “Harbaugh Bowl” in California.Calif.

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Justice Hill added a long scoring run and Rashod Bateman caught a touchdown pass to help Baltimore coach John Harbaugh improve to 3-0 against younger brother Jim, the coach of the Chargers.

Jackson completed 16 of 22 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for a touchdown for Baltimore (8-4), which won for the eighth time in 10 games. Mark Andrews caught a touchdown pass and converted a stunning fourth-down gamble for the Ravens.

Justin Herbert was 21 of 36 for 218 yards and rushed for a score for the Chargers (7-4), who had a four-game winning streak snapped. Cameron Dicker kicked three field goals for Los Angeles.

John and Jim Harbaugh exchanged a quick handshake and hug after the contest.

The big meeting between the brothers was Baltimore’s 34-31 win over Jim’s San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl following the 2012 regular season. The other meeting was on Thanksgiving Day in 2011 when the host Ravens won a 16-6 decision.

Baltimore star linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) sat out the Monday contest.

Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee), a former Baltimore player, exited in the first half. He gained 40 yards on six carries and had three catches for 19 yards.

The Ravens took a 23-16 lead when Jackson hit Andrews on an 8-yard touchdown pass with 12:32 left in the game. The two-point conversion pass failed.

Baltimore added on when Hill exploded for a 51-yard scoring run to make it a 14-point margin with 7:24 remaining.

Gus Edwards ran in from the 1 for the Chargers with 46 seconds left, and the Ravens recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal it.

Baltimore overcame a 10-point second-quarter deficit to lead 14-13 at halftime.

The Ravens got on the board with Jackson’s 10-yard run with 7:48 left in the half.

After the two-minute warning, Baltimore lined up to go for it on fourth-and-1 from its own 16-yard line. Andrews, the tight end, lined up behind center and took the snap and gained 2 yards for a first down.

The gamble paid off when Jackson tossed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Bateman to give the Ravens a 14-10 lead with 24 seconds left. The drive covered 93 yards on eight plays.

Dicker booted a 52-yard field goal as time expired in the half.

The Chargers scored the first 10 points on Herbert’s 5-yard run in the opening quarter and Dicker’s 42-yard field goal with 11:26 left in the second quarter.

–Field Level Media

NFL: Week 11 Previews

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Green Bay Packers (6-3) at Chicago Bears (4-5), 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Green Bay hopes to roar out of the bye week and keep its dominance of the Bears on trend. Head coach Matt LaFleur is 10-0 against the Bears and counterpart Matt Eberflus is 0-4 in his career against the Packers. Since their bye week, the Bears played three games and dipped from 4-2 and contender conversation to hot water, dropping all three games with a total of 27 points. Eberflus made a change at offensive coordinator and promoted Thomas Brown to the play-caller role. While a yo-yo of personnel contributed, Chicago hasn’t been committed to running the ball — 43 attempts in the past two games — compared to the Packers, who have games with 53, 37, 38 and 39 rushes. In turn, No. 1 pick Caleb Williams has been sacked 15 times with zero TDs the past two games. The Bears will know where they stand in the NFC North division by the end of the month. Sunday is the first division game for the Bears. They host the Vikings (7-2) next week and spend Thanksgiving with the Lions (8-1).

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) at Detroit Lions (8-1), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Aaron Glenn has been masterful in helping Detroit rack up nothing but wins since Week 2. One prized pupil is hybrid defensive back Brian Branch, a playmaker and the heartbeat of the group since Aidan Hutchinson (knee) was lost for the season. Branch is the only player in the league with 25-plus passes defensed and 10 tackles for loss since the start of 2023. He’ll get in on the assignments of slowing a two-headed monster at running back with Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, while also trying to prevent rookie WR Brian Thomas from getting behind the defense. Backup QB Mac Jones makes another start with Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) banged up. Jones passed for 111 yards last week. The Lions found a way to win with Jared Goff at his season’s worst — five interceptions — in Week 10. He passed for 340 yards and two TDs in his last game against the Jaguars. No. 1 WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is going for his eighth consecutive game with a TD catch.

Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) at Miami Dolphins (3-6), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

With one tackle for loss, Raiders DE Maxx Crosby would become the third player in since 2000 with 100 TFLs, and he notched a sack in the last go-round with Miami. He’s the menace in the trenches that worries Miami the most, even as the Dolphins are finding success with the short passing game and explosive RB De’Von Achane. The Raiders are searching for answers that didn’t come from Luke Getsy, the offensive coordinator fired before Las Vegas took a bye in Week 10 to get new play-caller Scott Turner and his more prominent dad, Norv Turner, comfortable with existing personnel. QB Gardner Minshew received a soft endorsement from head coach Antonio Pierce — “what do we have to lose, we’re 2-7” — and starts again after being replaced by Desmond Ridder in a blowout loss at Cincinnati before the bye.

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Los Angeles Rams (4-5) at New England Patriots (3-7), 1 p.m., FOX

Rookie QB Drake Maye awakened Demario Douglas and Ja’Lynn Polk, who were nonfactors during Jacoby Brissett’s run as the Patriots’ starter to begin the season. But the Patriots aren’t fully weaponized relative to their opposition Sunday. Matt Stafford has 25-plus completions in three games in a row because of the dynamic route-runners outside, Puka Nacua (9-98 last week vs. Miami) and Cooper Kupp (7-80). Bell-cow RB Kyren Williams is tied for third in the NFL with 10 total touchdowns to maintain offensive balance. Blocking in front of Stafford might have coach Sean McVay perspiring. New England’s DE Deatrich Wise and LB Anfernee Jennings both had two sacks at Chicago last week and DE Keion White is among the league leaders in snap-to-pressure time based on advanced metrics analysis. New England had nine total sacks in Week 10, when Stafford went down four times.

Cleveland Browns (2-7) at New Orleans Saints (3-7), 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Jameis Winston knows his way around New Orleans, and the former Saints quarterback who previously started for division rival Tampa Bay comes to town trying to keep Cleveland out of the NFL cellar. The Browns are one of four AFC teams with two wins. Injuries on the offensive line and the switches at QB and wide receiver have made for a disjointed outfit in Cleveland. The Saints ended a seven-game losing streak in their first game under interim head coach Darren Rizzi last week, a 20-17 surprise takedown of NFC South-leading Atlanta. QB Derek Carr connected for two touchdowns with WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. New Orleans allowed more than 400 yards for the fourth time this season, including 181 rushing yards, which is sure to catch the attention of Browns play-caller Ken Dorsey. Dorsey doesn’t mind close games and wants to distribute the weight of the offense away from Winston’s shoulders to RB Nick Chubb.

Indianapolis Colts (4-6) at New York Jets (3-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Playoffs? The Colts are still thinking postseason and reversed their decision at quarterback as coach Shane Steichen pushed the reset button on second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Steichen sat Richardson days after a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Oct. 27. Richardson not only struggled with accuracy in that game (10-of-32 passing), he tapped out in exhaustion before a key third-down play in the second half. The wake-up call the Colts desired didn’t come from Joe Flacco, who helped steer the Browns to the playoffs after signing in November. Flacco threw a combined four interceptions in losses to Minnesota and Buffalo, including a pick-six in last week’s 30-20 setback to the Bills on Indianapolis’ first play of the game. The Jets’ defense can make life difficult for Richardson, who has completed only 44.4 percent of his 133 passes for 958 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s rushed for 242 yards, second on the team, but has fumbled six times in six games. Which Jets team will show up Sunday afternoon is the mystery. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich summarized the defensive effort at Arizona last week saying he saw a “criminal, egregious amount” of missed tackles. Aaron Rodgers continues as the New York quarterback but the 31-6 loss at Arizona was a dud. Rodgers had 151 yards on 22-of-35 passing but lost 23 yards while taking three sacks.

Baltimore Ravens (7-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

For the first time this season the Steelers are staring across the line at an AFC North division opponent and first place is up for grabs when the Ravens come calling. Two new faces make their introduction in the storied rivalry. The Steelers roll out QB Russell Wilson and the Ravens yank the curtain to shine the spotlight on RB Derrick Henry, the NFL’s No. 2 rusher (1,120 yards, 12 TDs) who has a league-leading TD streak of 11 games. The Ravens lead the NFL in total offense (440.2 yards per game). Baltimore is the third team ever with 20-plus points and 375-plus total yards in each of its first 10 games of season. The full story there is the Ravens can’t afford to take their foot off the accelerator because their defense has been user-friendly. The Steelers are giving up only 16.2 points per game, second in the NFL, and have had the number of Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, 1-3 all-time as a starting quarterback against the Steelers.

Minnesota Vikings (7-2) at Tennessee Titans (2-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Why is Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell on the defensive about his quarterback? Sam Darnold is three TDs shy of his first NFL season with 20 touchdowns, but he’s already at 10 interceptions after tossing three last week in a palm-sweat performance against the Jaguars. The Vikings won (12-7), and O’Connell said the focus should be on the result. Darnold does have multiple TD passes in three of four starts on the road for the Vikings and the Titans have proven capable of playing the role of easy prey. They’ve lost four of the past five games and are 1-3 in Nashville this season. Sunday provides another chance for the Titans to determine whether Will Levis can be the long-term solution at quarterback. He has seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024 but unlike Darnold, there’s no Justin Jefferson to turn to when times are tough. Tony Pollard leads the Titans with 666 rushing yards and three touchdowns but has been hindered by a foot injury. Calvin Ridley is the team’s No. 1 wide receiver with 32 catches for 483 yards and three scores. Jefferson leads the Vikings with 53 receptions for 831 yards and five TDs.

Atlanta Falcons (6-4) at Denver Broncos (5-5), 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

If Broncos rookie RB Audric Estime can hold onto the football, he’s likely to assume a leading role in Denver’s youth movement. Estime had a career-high 53 rushing yards last week and Javonte Williams has yet to leave the runway in what some projected to be a breakout season. The Falcons are doing just fine with a timeshare between Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier behind Kirk Cousins in the backfield. Robinson is one of three NFC backs with 1,000 yards from scrimmage already in 2024 and can challenge the Broncos’ underappreciated front seven. Denver’s offense needs more of a spark. The Broncos mustered only 260 total yards in last week’s 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, when Will Lutz’s 35-yard field goal attempt was blocked as time expired. The week prior, Denver managed only 10 points against a Baltimore defense that had been torched all season.

Seattle Seahawks (4-5) at San Francisco 49ers (5-4), 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX

QB Brock Purdy had a season-high 353 passing yards last week in Christian McCaffrey’s first game of the season. McCaffrey returns to Levi’s Stadium on Sunday for the first time since January as the 49ers attempt to break up the logjam in the NFC West. McCaffrey has seven touchdowns and an average of 168.4 yards from scrimmage in seven career games against the Seahawks and WR Deebo Samuel averages a TD per game against Seattle. WR DK Metcalf plans to return from a knee injury this week with Seattle coming out of its bye week. The Seahawks have lost five of six games since a 3-0 start. Sagging defensive numbers are not encouraging with McCaffrey in the 49ers’ lineup. In the 12-point defeat by San Francisco on Oct. 10, the Seahawks allowed a season-worst 228 rushing yards and 6.9 yards per carry to a 49ers’ attack powered by Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo.

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Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) at Buffalo Bills (8-2), 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS

At Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium for a matchup of AFC frontrunners and division leaders, the KC Chiefs put their highwire act on display and go for a 10-0 start and 16th consecutive win dating to last season. QB Patrick Mahomes is 4-3 against Josh Allen and the Bills, averaging 289.1 passing yards per game with 16 total touchdowns in seven career starts including the playoffs. Mahomes might have his best detail of skill players yet this season with JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) pegged to play alongside De’Andre Hopkins for the first time. With seven of nine wins coming in one-possession games this season, the Chiefs do have one cause for concern with the third-most reliable kicker in NFL history, Harrison Butker, landing on IR with a knee injury. Untested 25-year-old rookie Spencer Shrader could be called upon in a tight game Sunday in his K.C. debut. Buffalo claimed the past three regular-season games in the series, all of which were played in Kansas City. And the Bills can still tap into a revenge factor. The eventual repeat Super Bowl champion Chiefs eliminated the Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs 27-24 at Buffalo in January. The Bills rank third in points per game (29) — the Chiefs average 24.3 — and Allen didn’t throw two picks in a game until a win over the Indianapolis Colts last week. Buffalo leads the NFL in turnover margin at plus-13. And the Bills bring a respectable defense of their own. The group is allowing just 19.3 points per game and has 19 takeaways, the latter figure ranking second in the league.

-Field Level Media

Can Patriots Put 1+1 Together?

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FOXBORO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Stringing wins together has been nearly impossible for the New England Patriots for the better part of the past three seasons.

New England hasn’t posted back-to-back victories since a three-game winning streak in 2022. The Patriots will attempt to accomplish the feat on Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams roll into Massachusetts.

The Patriots (3-7) suffocated the Bears last Sunday, notching a season-high nine sacks from their defense in a 19-3 win. They held Chicago to 142 yards of total offense and 1 of 14 third down conversions.

However, considering they haven’t had consecutive wins in almost two years, New England coach Jerod Mayo has made it clear to his team that it needs to play with a sense of urgency to stay in the win column.

“Big win from there, and just build on it,” Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said. “Sense of urgency, what coach Mayo is preaching. I think it starts with cleaning up from the game (last) Sunday, cleaning up some little things that I think we could have ended up being a bigger margin of victory for us, especially offensively.

“I think we’ve got another chance here at home. L.A.’s coming off a short week, so we’ve got to prepare for them. They’re good up front on defense, so we’re preparing for them.”

Los Angeles has a quicker-than-usual turnaround following a 23-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. The Rams (4-5) were never able to find the end zone, getting five field goals from Joshua Karty to at least keep the game competitive.

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It marked the end of a three-game winning streak for Los Angeles, which is still within striking distance of the Arizona Cardinals (6-4) for the lead in the NFC West. Rams linebacker Jared Verse realizes that time is of the essence when it comes to making a playoff push, though.

“We can’t dwell on this (loss against Miami), ‘Oh no, woe is me,’ ” Verse said. “We have to move on.”

Verse was among the few bright spots for Los Angeles against the Dolphins. The rookie had four tackles (two for loss), one sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Still, Verse believes he can be even better against the Patriots.

“I’ll never be satisfied with the way I play,” he said. “I think there were definitely a couple plays here and there that I could have made if I did a little bit more.”

Offensive linemen Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein are both dealing with ankle injuries that forced them to miss practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Charles Woods (ankle) and defensive lineman Neville Gallimore (neck) did not practice as well. Linebacker Byron Young (knee) was limited during the session.

Four Patriots players did not practice on Wednesday, including defensive end Deatrich Wise (foot) and linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee). Safety Kyle Dugger was limited by an ankle injury and tight end Hunter Henry was limited because of a foot issue.

New England and Los Angeles are facing each other for the first time since Dec. 10, 2020, when the Rams beat the Patriots 24-3.

–Field Level Media

MNF: Dolphins End Three Game Skid

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INGLEWOOD – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa passed for 207 yards with a touchdown as the visiting Dolphins ended a three-game losing streak with a 23-15 victory Monday night over the Los Angeles Rams in California.

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Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill had a second-half touchdown reception for the Dolphins (3-6) after he was questionable to play with a wrist injury. Jason Sanders made three field goals, including a 50-yarder with 2:38 remaining to seal the victory. Miami’s defense recorded four sacks.

Tagovailoa was 20-of-28 passing with an interception, while improving to 1-2 since returning from concussion protocol in Week 8. De’Von Achane ran for a team-best 37 yards and had five receptions for 15 yards.

Matthew Stafford was 32-of-46 passing for 293 yards, but did not throw for a touchdown with one interception, the sixth consecutive game he threw a pick.

Puka Nacua had nine receptions for 98 yards and Cooper Kupp had seven catches for 80 yards as the Rams (4-5) saw their three-game winning streak come to an end. Rookie Joshua Karty made five field goals for Los Angeles, including a career best from 55 yards.

After Karty missed a 57-yard field-goal attempt on the opening drive of the second half, the Dolphins responded with a six-play, 53-yard drive that ended with Hill’s 1-yard TD reception from Tagovailoa for a 17-6 lead.

The Rams had 133 yards of offense in the fourth quarter but were only able to come away with three Karty field goals.

Sanders made a 37-yard field goal with 9:07 remaining before his boot from 50 yards gave Miami a 23-12 lead with less than three minutes on the clock.

The Dolphins took the opening drive of the game 70 yards in five plays with Malik Washington scoring on a 19-yard end around for a 7-0 lead. A defensive tussle immediately ensued.

After Sanders’ 50-yard field goal in the second quarter gave Miami a 10-0 lead, the Rams finally scored on a 34-yard field goal from Karty with 5:46 remaining in the second quarter. His make from 55 yards got Los Angeles within 10-6 on the final play of the first half.

–Field Level Media