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Seahawks Take the West

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SANTA CLARA – (Wire Service Report) – Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined to rush for 171 yards, Sam Darnold played turnover-free and Seattle’s defense was dominant as the Seahawks clinched the NFC West title and the conference’s top playoff seed with a 13-3 victory against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night in California.

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Jason Myers kicked two field goals and Charbonnet scored the game’s lone touchdown for the Seahawks (14-3), who won their seventh consecutive game. Walker rushed for 97 yards on 16 carries and Charbonnet added 74 on 17 attempts. Darnold was 20-of-26 passing for 198 yards, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba making six catches for 84 yards.

The 49ers (12-5), who had won six in a row and scored more than 40 points in each of their previous two games, were limited to 173 yards of total offense and nine first downs. Brock Purdy was 19 of 27 for 127 yards with one interception and Christian McCaffrey was limited to 23 yards on eight carries.

Myers kicked a 31-yard field goal with 14:15 remaining to give the Seahawks a 10-point lead. The 11-play, 55-yard drive was kept alive when Walker rushed for 19 yards on third-and-17 and the 49ers’ Renardo Green was called for pass interference against Rashid Shaheed on third-and-nine. The 49ers didn’t get a first down on the ground until Purdy scrambled for one with 13:34 remaining.

San Francisco reached the Seahawks’ 6-yard line on that drive before McCaffrey bobbled a tipped pass and the ball fell into linebacker Drake Thomas’ arms for an interception.

The Seahawks dominated the first half statistically but led just 10-3 at the intermission.

Seattle got a first-and-goal at the 49ers’ 1-yard line on the game’s opening drive before Darnold was sacked for a 12-yard loss by Tatum Bethune. The Seahawks went for it on fourth down from the 4, but Darnold’s pass for Cooper Kupp fell incomplete.

The 49ers were held to a three-and-out on their first possession and Seattle needed just three plays to take the lead on Charbonnet’s 27-yard run around the left end.

Myers converted from 45 yards with 5:19 left in the half to make it 10-0.

The 49ers’ Eddy Piniero booted a 48-yarder with 1:06 remaining in the second quarter for the hosts’ lone points.

The Seahawks had a 12-3 advantage in first downs and 196-69 edge in total yards at the half.

–Field Level Media

Star Bucs Still Have Hope

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TAMPA – (Wire Service Report) – Tampa Bay’s Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals and the Buccaneers kept their chance to win the NFC South alive by beating the Carolina Panthers 16-14 on a rainy Saturday at Tampa.

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The Buccaneers (8-9) and Panthers (8-9) finish tied in the NFC South, but they’ll be joined by the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) if they beat the New Orleans Saints (6-10) on Sunday. A three-way tie would benefit Carolina and put the Panthers into the playoffs, while the Buccaneers will be rooting for the Saints because Tampa Bay would win the division if there’s only a two-way tie.

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield was 16-for-22 for 203 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His 20-yard completion to Cade Otton for a first down late in the fourth quarter helped seal the outcome.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was 24-for-35 for 264 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Carolina produced only 19 rushing yards.

McLaughlin’s 48-yard field goal with 14:12 remaining marked the first points of the second half and stretched the Buccaneers’ lead to 16-7.

Then the Panthers moved to the Tampa Bay 20, but a flea-flicker went awry with a wayward pitch from Rico Dowdle, resulting in a fumble recovered by Lavonte David for the Buccaneers.

But Carolina had another chance and went 72 yards on eight plays, capped by Young’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Coker with 2:27 left. The Panthers forced a punt, but got the ball back at their own 3-yard line with 18 seconds left and no timeouts.

It was the second Panthers-Buccaneers matchup in less than two weeks, with Carolina winning 23-20 on Dec. 21 in Charlotte.

The Buccaneers scored on the game’s first possession, with Mayfield completing three passes, including an 18-yard touchdown to Otton.

Tampa Bay threatened again right away but settled for McLaughlin’s 29-yard field goal.

Carolina’s Christian Rozeboom intercepted Mayfield and his 20-yard return put the ball at Tampa Bay’s 19. Three plays later, the Panthers were within 10-7 after Young’s 8-yard pass to Tommy Tremble.

Carolina’s next possession ended when Jacob Parrish picked off Young at the Tampa Bay 42. The Buccaneers converted on McLaughlin’s 36-yard field goal with two seconds left in the first half to stretch their edge to 13-7.

–Field Level Media

NFL Playoff Picture: Week 18

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PITTSBURGH – (Wire Service Report) – The Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are starting the playoffs one week early.

At least that’s the mindset shared by Broncos coach Sean Payton with Denver (13-3) in line to secure the No. 1 seed, first-round bye and home-field advantage in the AFC by beating the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) on Sunday.

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Week 18 shapes up as a maze for many teams assured only a spot — but not their current seeding — in the postseason bracket.

The Seahawks and 49ers settle the NFC West in a Saturday night game that also decides the No. 1 seed in the conference.

Two other division titles — and playoff spots — are up for grabs in the regular-season finale. The Buccaneers and Panthers play for the second time in three weeks for the NFC South crown in which the eliminated Atlanta Falcons are suddenly a significant factor.

Because of Atlanta’s win over the Rams on Monday night, the Buccaneers now face a two-tiered clinching scenario.

Even if the Buccaneers win Saturday, they would still need the Falcons (7-9) to lose at home to the New Orleans Saints (6-10).

And if the Panthers lose, but Atlanta beats the Saints, Carolina would win the division. Wins by the Bucs and Falcons would create a three-way tie with the Panthers at 8-9. But Carolina would win the first tiebreaker by virtue of their head-to-head record (currently 2-0 vs. Falcons, 1-0 vs. Buccaneers).

AFC North rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh drop the gloves in primetime Sunday for the final spot in the playoff field.

If the Broncos stumble against the Chargers, a Denver loss kicks the door open for the New England Patriots to jump to the front of the pack in the AFC. The Patriots host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Should Denver and New England lose, the Jacksonville Jaguars could claim the top seed with a home win Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Here’s a look at the current playoff picture by conference:

Clinched AFC playoff and/or division:
Denver Broncos (13-3) — AFC West
New England Patriots (13-3) — AFC East
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) — playoff berth
Buffalo Bills (11-5) — playoff berth
Houston Texans (11-5) — playoff berth
Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) — playoff berth

Clinch AFC playoff and division with win Sunday:
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

Diggs Facing Felony Charges

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FOXBORO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing a felony charge of strangulation or suffocation and a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery.

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The charges were announced Tuesday morning in Dedham (Mass.) District Court with Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, calling in via phone, according to a Boston 25 News report.

DiStefano reportedly sought to have the police report sealed so that the details are not made public. He also shared that Diggs has made a financial offer to the alleged victim in an effort to end the dispute.

The judge is expected to make a ruling on whether the details will be impounded or not ahead of Diggs’ scheduled arraignment on Jan. 23.

The alleged incident in question occurred Dec. 2, the day after New England’s 33-15 win over the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football.”

“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon,” the Patriots said in a statement. “We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”

The team did not share an update on Diggs’ status for Sunday’s Week 18 home game against the Miami Dolphins. The four-time Pro Bowl receiver could be placed on the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt List and be ineligible to play depending on what the league learns about the alleged incident.

Diggs, 32, signed a three-year, $69 million contract which includes $26 million guaranteed with New England in March. In his first season with the Patriots, he leads the team in catches (82) and receiving yards (970) with four touchdowns in 16 games (all starts).

New England (13-3) enters the final week of the regular season in second place in the AFC, although it could claim the No. 1 seed, a first-round bye and homefield advantage to the Super Bowl with a win on Sunday paired with a Denver loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

As of now, Diggs’ arraignment is scheduled for two days before the AFC championship game. However, the judge is considering moving the arraignment to March in order to not conflict with the potentially ongoing Patriots season.

–Field Level Media

Pro Football Hall Finalists

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Kraft and Belichick Both Up for Enshrinement in 2026

CANTON – (Wire Service Report) – Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Drew Brees and Eli Manning and one of the most clutch kickers in league history, Adam Vinatieri, are among 15 finalists up for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee meets prior to Super Bowl LX, and any players selected will be revealed February 5 during the “NFL Honors” broadcast in San Francisco.

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Brees, Manning, Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and edge rusher Terrell Suggs (Ravens, Cardinals, Chiefs) are among the candidates up for debate by the Selection Committee in February.

Four other players — Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Vinatieri — reached the committee’s Final 7 for election with the Class of 2025 and were automatically advanced in the 2026 class.

Holt and returning finalist Reggie Wayne (Colts) have been finalists seven times and this is the fifth year Anderson is among the group openly debated for election.

Former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson (fourth time as a finalist) is in his 18th year of eligibility. He’s joined by first-timer and former Dallas tight end Jason Witten. Brees, Fitzgerald, running back Frank Gore (five teams in 16 seasons) and former Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams are also first-time finalists. Williams has been eligible for six years.

Up to five “Modern Era” players for the Class of 2026 can be elected by the Selection Committee, which requires a minimum positive vote of 80%.

Seniors category finalists Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood, coach finalist Bill Belichick and contributor finalist Robert Kraft are candidates for the Class of 2026 with voting held separately and a maximum of three of these five finalists can be elected.

Between four and eight total enshrinees can be elected in a given year according to the Hall of Fame bylaws.

Willie Anderson, a right tackle with four All-Pro seasons for the Bengals, has been eligible for 13 years and this is the 12th year for Holt. Holt had 920 career receptions for 13,382 yards and 74 TDs and caught at least 80 passes in eight consecutive seasons with the Rams.

The 2026 Modern-Era Finalists (positions, years and teams):

Willie Anderson, Right Tackle — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
Drew Brees, Quarterback — 2001-05 San Diego Chargers, 2006-20 New Orleans Saints
Jahri Evans, Guard — 2006-16 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver — 2004-20 Arizona Cardinals
Frank Gore, Running Back — 2005-14 San Francisco 49ers, 2015-17 Indianapolis Colts, 2018 Miami Dolphins, 2019 Buffalo Bills, 2020 New York Jets
Torry Holt, Wide Receiver — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
Luke Kuechly, Linebacker — 2012-19 Carolina Panthers
Eli Manning, Quarterback — 2004-19 New York Giants
Terrell Suggs, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End — 2003-18 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs
Adam Vinatieri, Kicker — 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-19 Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver — 2001-14 Indianapolis Colts
Kevin Williams, Defensive Tackle — 2003-13 Minnesota Vikings, 2014 Seattle Seahawks, 2015 New Orleans Saints
Jason Witten, Tight End — 2003-17, 2019 Dallas Cowboys, 2020 Las Vegas Raiders
Darren Woodson, Safety — 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
Marshal Yanda, Guard/Tackle — 2007-19 Baltimore Ravens

–Field Level Media

Maye Tosses 5-TDs in 42-10 Win

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EAST RUTHERFORD – (Wire Service Report) – Drake Maye completed 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns to lead the visiting New England Patriots to a 42-10 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.

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Maye completed his first 11 attempts and tossed TD passes to tight end Austin Hooper (2 yards), running back Rhamondre Stevenson (22 yards), wide receiver Stefon Diggs (3 yards), tight end Hunter Henry (13 yards) and wide receiver Efton Chism (10 yards). It was Chism’s first NFL touchdown.

Maye, who was pulled in the third quarter after his fifth TD pass, became the fourth Patriots quarterback to pass for at least five touchdowns in a game, joining Tom Brady, Steve Grogan and Babe Parilli.

Stevenson also scored on a 1-yard run to help the Patriots (13-3) improve their road record to 8-0. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson led the New England ground attack with 82 yards on 19 carries.

New York quarterback Brady Cook completed 18 of 32 passes for 152 yards with one interception in the loss.

Breece Hall scored New York’s only touchdown on a 59-yard run. The TD helped trim New England’s lead to 42-10 with 14:51 to play. Hall gained 111 yards on 14 carries and became the first Jet to rush for at least 1,000 yards in a season since Chris Ivory in 2015.

Nick Folk added a 39-yard field goal for the Jets (3-13), who have lost four games in a row and six of their last seven.

The Patriots were up 14-0 after one quarter, 35-3 at halftime and 42-3 entering the fourth.

New England outgained New York 344-77 in the first half, when the Patriots had a 23-3 edge in first downs.

The Patriots finished the game with a 440-307 advantage in total yards, and had twice as many first downs as the Jets (28-14).

New York defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers recorded a game-high 10 tackles.

–Field Level Media

NFL Week 17 Previews – Sunday 1pm

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Arizona Cardinals (3-12) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bengals -7, Total 53.5

There hasn’t been a lot to celebrate for either team this season, but the Bengals are not complaining about Joe Burrow finding his groove last week. The Bengals enjoyed arguably their best all-around performance of the season last Sunday, scoring 35 straight points to wipe out an early 14-10 deficit in a 45-21 rout of the host Miami Dolphins. The Cardinals lost their seventh straight, a 26-19 home setback to the Atlanta Falcons, last Sunday and are fixed on figuring out what’s needed to compete next season. The Bengals answered their first shutout loss since 2017 – and their first with Burrow as quarterback – by posting their largest scoring output of the season. The Bengals lead the NFL with 11 takeaways since Week 12. Defensive end Myles Murphy and safety Jordan Battle, both third-year starters, teamed up for Cincinnati’s first takeaway against Miami. Jacoby Brissett has consistently produced since taking over the starting spot for Kyler Murray. He has 200-plus yards and at least one TD pass in each of his 10 starts this season. He has helped TE Trey McBride reach 100-plus receptions for the second consecutive season. McBride can become the first NFL tight end with back-to-back 110-catch seasons with one reception Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) at Cleveland Browns (3-12)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Steelers -3, Total 34.5

The Steelers might be AFC North champions before midnight Saturday — if the Ravens lose at Green Bay — but the plan for Pittsburgh is to win the final two games, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. The gameplan might be different given the subtraction of WR DK Metcalf, who serves the first of his two-game suspension for grabbing a fan at Detroit. QB Aaron Rodgers called for other wide receivers to “step up” when called upon the next two games. Metcalf has been targeted 99 times and caught 59 passes for 850 yards, while all other Pittsburgh wideouts combined have been targeted 90 times with 56 receptions for 665 yards. Even without Metcalf, a huge boost might be on the way in the form of pass rusher T.J. Watt, who practiced Wednesday for the first time in two weeks. Watt has been sidelined since a procedure required to recover from a punctured lung. Watt’s presence is newsworthy for rookie QB Shedeur Sanders, who makes his first start against a division opponent. The Steelers held the Browns to three field goals in a 23-9 victory in their first meeting this season but haven’t won in Cleveland since 2021. Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins landed on injured reserve with a broken leg and dislocated ankle sustained last week, ending his season after rushing 34 times for 69 yards the past three games. Sanders is 1-4 as a starter but had the Browns in position to take down the Buffalo Bills last week before succumbing in a 23-20 defeat.

New Orleans Saints (5-10) at Tennessee Titans (3-12)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Saints -2.5, Total 39.5

Rookie quarterbacks are front and center on Sunday with Cam Ward starting to show why Tennessee drafted him first overall in April. Ward has three consecutive two-TD games and completed a career-high 75% of his passes against the Chiefs last week. New Orleans rookie Tyler Shough delivered a 300-yard game in the Saints’ 29-6 thrashing of the Jets last week. Ward was the headliner in a rookie class that leads a youth movement in Tennessee. Titans WR Chimere Dike, a fourth-round pick, has set himself apart by leading the NFL in all-purpose yards (151.3 per game) to earn a starting spot in the Pro Bowl. Shough has completed 66.4% of his passes for 1,792 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. His passer rating is 86.5.

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) at Indianapolis Colts (8-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Jaguars -5.5, Total 48.5

Jacksonville demoralized the Colts in a 36-19 win in Florida on Dec. 7 and has already clinched its first playoff berth since 2022. The Jaguars, winners of six of the past eight meetings with Indianapolis, have won five consecutive games to surge ahead of the AFC South pack while the Colts have lost five in a row. Philip Rivers took over the QB1 job for the Colts since Daniel Jones tore his Achilles in the loss at Jacksonville earlier this month. Signed off the couch to start the last two games at age 44, Rivers had Indianapolis in the game for four quarters at Seattle and on Monday for two-plus quarters before the 49ers pulled away. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence ran his interception-free streak to four games. With three touchdowns in the win, he set a career high with 26 touchdown passes this season. While 2025 first-round pick Travis Hunter played just seven games before sustaining a season-ending knee injury and 2024 first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. has battled injuries and not followed up his breakout rookie season, Jacksonville’s receiver-by-committee approach has worked well with five different leading receivers in the team’s last five games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) at Miami Dolphins (6-9)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Buccaneers -5.5, Total 45.5

The Buccaneers have won four consecutive division titles since 2021 and are in must-win territory at Miami after being bounced from the NFC South lead by the Panthers last week. Tampa has won six of the past seven meetings with the Dolphins, who are going with Quinn Ewers at quarterback for the second consecutive game because of Tua Tagovailoa’s turnover issues. The Bucs have lost each of their past three games by four points or fewer. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield faces a Miami defense that excelled during the team’s recent four-game winning streak that provided a brief sliver of hope to make the playoffs. In two games since, the Dolphins have allowed 73 points; opponents have scored on 11 of their last 18 possessions with 10 touchdowns. Miami allowed four consecutive touchdown drives to open the second half last week in a 45-21 loss to Cincinnati. The prior week, the Dolphins allowed four consecutive touchdown drives from the end of the first half into the third quarter in a loss to Pittsburgh. Ewers was effective early and then struggled toward the end of his first start last week. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards but threw two interceptions with no touchdowns.

New England Patriots (12-3) at New York Jets (3-12)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Patriots -13.5, Total 42.5

The Jets are cooking up a top draft pick and have been out of the playoff chase for weeks as a familiar, crippling problem struck for first-year coach Aaron Glenn: the franchise still doesn’t have a quarterback. Justin Fields (knee; IR) and Tyrod Taylor were not successful getting the Jets’ offense off the ground and undrafted rookie Brady Cook has been given a shot this month to prove he can bring value to the team going forward. The Patriots are more than settled at the position with Drake Maye delivering MVP-caliber production in his second NFL season. The No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft leads the league in completion percentage (70.9) and New England is 7-0 on the road this season. Cook has passed for 527 yards and one touchdown with six interceptions in three games this season.

Seattle Seahawks (12-3) at Carolina Panthers (8-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Seahawks -7.5, Total 42.5

Seattle has won five consecutive games and the Panthers are riding high after a statement win over reigning NFC South division champion Tampa Bay last week, but the challenge on Sunday could be not looking ahead to bigger fish in Week 18. The Seahawks play at San Francisco in the regular-season finale, which could decide the NFC West and determine the No. 1 seed in the conference. The Panthers, leading the division after a 23-20 win over the Buccaneers last Sunday, are at Tampa next week with a playoff spot on the line. Panthers QB Bryce Young drove the Panthers down the field for a go-ahead field goal with a little more than two minutes remaining last week. It was the 12th game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime in three seasons for Young — the most of any QB over that span. The Seahawks can win the division this week in Mike Macdonald’s second season — and for the first time since 2020 — but won’t know anything about their final playoff positioning until the 49ers (11-4) and Rams (11-4) take the field. Seattle took control of its playoff destiny when it overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat the Rams, 38-37, in overtime last week, grabbing the division lead in the process.

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NFL MNF Preview: Rams at Falcons

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ATLANTA – (Wire Service Preview) – With slim NFC West hopes still alive, the visiting Los Angeles Rams return to action after an extended break when they face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.

In order to clinch its second straight division title, Los Angeles (11-4) needs to beat Atlanta and the Arizona Cardinals, while the Seattle Seahawks (12-3) and San Francisco 49ers (11-4) must lose at least once each across the final two weeks.

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The Rams’ odds of earning the NFC’s lone postseason bye took a hit last time out, as they squandered a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit in a 38-37 overtime loss to Seattle on Dec. 18.

With everything to play for still in front of the team, Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay is eager to remove the bad taste the Week 16 loss left.

“We did get a chance to get caught up on rest, but at the same time, as a competitor, you’re ready to get back at it,” McVay said. “I couldn’t have been more excited to get back in the building and get around our players and start our preparation.”

The Rams lead the NFL with 30.5 points and rank second at 396.7 yards per game, paced by the favorite to win league MVP in quarterback Matthew Stafford. The 37-year-old leads all players with 4,179 passing yards and 40 touchdowns.

The Rams have allowed 36 points per game across the last two outings, leaving McVay’s defense with a challenge on Monday night — mainly that of stopping dynamic Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

“Oh, he’s unbelievable,” McVay said of Robinson. “It’s a tremendous impact and you have to be aware of him, but they’ve got great skill everywhere. (Quarterback) Kirk (Cousins) does a great job running the show. They can beat you in a variety of ways. Every time they touch the ball, they’re a threat to score.”

Atlanta (6-9) was eliminated from postseason contention for the eighth straight year on Dec. 7, but have won consecutive games for just the second time this season. The Falcons host Los Angeles for the first time in six years and head coach Raheem Morris knows they have their hands full with the Rams’ high-octane offense.

“These guys are a problem. We know these guys,” Morris said. “Start with ‘Weapon X’ (Stafford). The quarterback, he’s a problem. Obviously, Sean McVay calling it for those guys. And then, you know, Puka’s (Nacua) a dog in every right. Leads the league — I don’t know what he leads the league in. Probably everything. … You’re talking about one of the best teams, if not the best team in the National Football League.”

Nacua’s 1,592 receiving yards rank second in the NFL, while teammate Davante Adams’ 14 receiving touchdowns lead the league.

In another disappointing campaign, the Falcons can hang their hat on playing well in the national spotlight. Atlanta is playing its fifth prime-time game, winning three of its first four ahead of the final regular-season edition of “Monday Night Football.”

“In prime time, we’ve gone out and found different ways of winning, whether it was Buffalo, whether it was Minnesota, whether it was Thursday night versus Tampa,” Morris said. “Those are the type of games you want to be able to put together week in and week out. If we can find ways to be consistent in doing those things, I think that will really help us.”

Robinson leads the NFL with 2,026 all-purpose yards while being named to his second straight Pro Bowl. Cousins has thrown for five touchdowns across the Falcons’ rare winning streak against the Buccaneers and the Cardinals.

Atlanta cornerback Mike Hughes (ankle) was a DNP on Thursday’s estimated practice report. Wide receiver Drake London (knee), tight end Teagan Quitoriano (hamstring), edge rusher James Pearce Jr. (neck) and corner Clark Phillips III (triceps, illness) were limited.

The Rams’ estimated report listed Adams (hamstring) as a non-participant along with offensive linemen Alaric Jackson (knee) and Kevin Dotson (ankle), defensive end Braden Fiske (ankle) and cornerback Josh Wallace (ankle).

–Field Level Media

NFL Week 17 Previews – Saturday

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Houston Texans (10-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chargers -1.5, Total 39.5

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Denver’s win in Kansas City on Christmas night gave the Chargers added incentive to win Saturday night. If Los Angeles loses to Houston, the Broncos are AFC West champions. If the Chargers win, they go to Denver next week with a chance to claim the division — and at least one home game in the playoffs. Justin Herbert threw just three interceptions during the 2024 regular season before topping that total in a miserable playoff performance against the Texans. Houston walloped the visiting Chargers 32-12 in the AFC wild-card round last season, picking off Herbert four times. Los Angeles has won four straight games and seven of eight and clinched a playoff spot when the Indianapolis Colts lost to the San Francisco 49ers. The Texans have won seven straight games and would clinch a playoff berth by beating the Chargers. They are one game behind Jacksonville in the AFC South, thanks in large part to their harassing defense. Houston pass rushers Danielle Hunter (13 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (11.5) are enjoying big seasons.

Baltimore Ravens (7-8) at Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Packers -4.5, Total 40.5

The Packers insist the late-game collapse and overtime loss at Chicago last week won’t dampen their spirit with the NFC North division title still in play. They’re a confirmed playoff participant after the Lions’ loss on Christmas Day at Minnesota and the Bears still have to play at San Francisco, where a loss equates to high stakes in Week 18. For the Packers to stay in that conversation, they’ll have to take care of business against the Ravens. Baltimore is hanging on by a thread in the AFC North and a loss hands the division title to the Steelers. A win kicks open the door to a possible playoff path — through Pittsburgh. Those teams play in Week 18. Quarterback health is a hot topic in the lead-in to this week’s game. Lamar Jackson (back contusion) has been banged up off and on since September. The Packers had their top quarterbacks leave Chicago hurt, but Jordan Love (shoulder/concussion) and Malik Willis (shoulder/illness) practiced Thursday in a limited capacity. Tyler Huntley, who won his only start of the season against the Bears in Week 8, would get the start if Jackson can’t play. After missing practice all week, Jackson is doubtful.

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Pats in Playoffs and “Digg It”

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BALTIMORE – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – New England quarterback Drake Maye completed 31 of 44 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns as the Patriots improved their road record to 7-0 by beating the Baltimore Ravens 28-24 on Sunday night. In doing so, New England clinched a spot in the NFL’s AFC Playoffs.

New England (12-3) trailed 24-21 until Rhamondre Stevenson scored on a 21-yard run and Andy Borregales kicked the extra point with 2:07 to play. The Patriots recovered a Baltimore fumble on the second play of the ensuing drive and ran out the clock.

Derrick Henry rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries for the Ravens (7-8).

New England’s Stefon Diggs had nine receptions for 138 yards.

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The Ravens played most of the night without quarterback Lamar Jackson, who left the game because of a back injury with 1:16 remaining in the first half and did not return. Backup QB Tyler Huntley was 9-of-10 passing for 65 yards.

New England running back TreVeyon Henderson also missed the second half with a head injury.

The Ravens struck first on Henry’s 21-yard touchdown run with 12:21 left in the first quarter. It was the 10th opening-drive score the Patriots have allowed this season — tied for most in the NFL — and the seventh time they’ve given up a touchdown on their opponents’ first drive.

It was 7-7 after Maye tossed a 1-yard TD pass to Hunter Henry and Borregales kicked the PAT with 11:17 remaining in the second quarter.

Borregales put the Patriots up 10-7 on a 45-yard field goal with 5:39 left in the first half. Baltimore tied the game on Tyler Loop’s 36-yard field goal with 1:03 remaining in the second quarter for 10-10 at halftime.

Borregales kicked a 41-yard field goal to give New England a 13-10 advantage, but Zay Flowers regained the lead for the Ravens with an 18-yard TD run. The PAT put Baltimore in front 17-13 with 4:35 left in the third.

Henry’s second TD run came from 2 yards away with 12:50 to play in regulation. Loop’s PAT gave the Ravens a 24-13 advantage.

New England answered with a 37-yard TD pass from Maye to Kyle Williams, and was within 24-21 after Maye completed a pass to Stevenson for the two-point conversion with 9:01 remaining in the fourth.

–Field Level Media