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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

NFL Week 16: 1pm Game Previews

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Buffalo Bills (10-4) at Cleveland Browns (3-11)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bills -10.5, Total 41.5
Series Rewind: The Browns have the 13-10 edge all-time (counting playoffs), but Buffalo has won three of the past four and five of seven in the series. However, it’s been since 2012 that the Bills won in Cleveland, falling short there in 2013 and 2019.

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The Bills have at least 10 wins for the seventh straight season, the longest streak in franchise history. Next in their sights is seven straight years with a playoff trip; the Bills need one more win along with a loss by either Houston or Indianapolis in order to punch their ticket. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen leads the league’s top rushing offense (158.5 yards per game) and third-best scoring offense (29.4 ppg), as he has totaled 37 touchdowns to this point, 25 passing and 12 rushing. Dawson Knox had two touchdown receptions in last week’s crucial win over AFC East leader New England, and he could see additional playing time if fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid is hindered by his knee injury. Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders will face a tall task in challenging the Bills, who boast the second-stingiest passing defense (169.5 yards per game) in the NFL. Sanders’ fifth career game and fourth start was his worst so far, with 177 yards and three picks in last week’s 31-3 loss at Chicago. The Browns are not playoff-bound, but one storyline worth watching is Myles Garrett’s shot at breaking the single-season sacks record. He collected 1.5 sacks last week to boost his season total to 21.5, one shy of the record shared by Michael Strahan (in 2001) and T.J. Watt (in 2021).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) at Carolina Panthers (7-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Buccaneers -3, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: The Buccaneers walloped Carolina 48-14 last December and swept the 2024 season series to run their dominance in the series to nine wins in the past 10 games.

Since the start of the 2021 season, the Buccaneers can claim ownership of the South, holding at least a share of the division lead for 73 of the 87 weeks with four consecutive division titles. Carolina last won the division in 2015 but the Panthers share first place in the NFC South, matching Tampa Bay’s current 7-7 record with three weeks — and two games against the Buccaneers — left in the regular season. “We’re in the same position we’ve been in the past two or three years,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said of a tight race. “We have an opportunity. We still have everything right in front of us. … We’re playing meaningful games in December.” The Panthers might be early arrivals to the postseason conversation under second-year coach Dave Canales. Wins over NFC contenders — most recently beating the Los Angeles Rams, 31-28, on Nov. 30 — has helped shift the narrative. Canales and the Panthers are well aware of the final step necessary to realize a postseason goal: beat the division champs. The Buccaneers have won five consecutive meetings and during their 9-1 string over the past five years, Tampa outscored Carolina by 124 points (287-163). The Buccaneers have won only once since October, so their 1-5 record coming down the stretch has been troublesome. They’ve lost to NFC South rivals New Orleans and Atlanta in their past two games. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield, a former Panther, was coached by Canales in Tampa before the Panthers hired him away in 2024. Mayfield should have a nice selection of weapons to work with after last week’s return of wide receiver Mike Evans. Coming back from a collarbone injury, Evans hauled in six catches for 132 yards in the Atlanta game and already had the Panthers’ full attention.

Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) at Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Cowboys -1.5, Total 49.5
Series Rewind: The Chargers have won their past three road games in the series. Their last road loss against Dallas came in 1990 when the Cowboys played in Irving.

The Cowboys must win their three remaining regular-season games and have the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles lose all three of theirs to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight season. The outlook isn’t looking good after Dallas allowed 78 total points while losing back-to-back games to the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. Dak Prescott leads the NFL with 3,931 passing yards while closing in on his fourth career 4,000-yard campaign. Tony Romo is the only Cowboys quarterback currently with four such seasons. Prescott ranks third with 26 touchdown passes, and he has been intercepted 10 times. Wideout CeeDee Lamb is 24 yards shy of his fifth straight 1,000-yard season. The Chargers are red-hot with six wins in their past seven games. Los Angeles can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Cowboys along with some help from either the Las Vegas Raiders (against the Houston Texans) or San Francisco 49ers (vs. the Indianapolis Colts). The Chargers allowed just 239 yards in last week’s 16-13 road win over the Kansas City Chiefs. It marked the third straight game and sixth in the past seven that the Chargers gave up 20 or fewer points. Justin Herbert (3,191 yards) will play for the third straight week after undergoing left hand surgery.

Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) at Tennessee Titans (2-12)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chiefs -3, Total 37.5
Series Rewind: Andy Reid is 3-9 all-time against the Titans. Tennessee interim head coach Mike McCoy is 2-6 all-time against the Chiefs.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid isn’t in a tinsel-tossing mood days after losing Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending knee injury last Sunday. While Mahomes gets busy attacking post-surgery rehabilitation with a goal of getting on the field in September, the Titans are eager for any advantage to help further rookie QB Cam Ward’s development. Tennessee has been outscored by a league-worst 169 points with 24 fewer touchdowns than its opponents. The Chiefs have a three-game losing streak and lug the emotional letdown of losing Mahomes and what was left of faint playoff hopes last week in a 16-13 heartbreaker to the Chargers. Gardner Minshew takes the reins for the Chiefs with questions around the formation due to injuries at the wide receiver position. He went to TE Travis Kelce consistently in his cameo subbing for Mahomes last week. Kelce is 203 yards shy of 1,000 yards for the season and 13 receptions away from hitting 80 for the 10th year in a row. The Titans have their highest two-game point total of the season — 55. Kansas City put up 23 total points the past two weeks and was held under 275 total yards by the Chargers and Texans.

Minnesota Vikings (6-8) at New York Giants (2-12)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Vikings -2.5, Total 43.5
Series Rewind: What a difference a year makes. Minnesota opened the 2024 season with a 28-6 win against the Giants at MetLife Stadium when the starting QBs were Sam Darnold (Vikings) and Daniel Jones (New York).

A couple of 22-year-old quarterbacks go head-to-head as Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy makes his ninth NFL start and New York’s Jaxson Dart makes his 10th. The Vikings have followed up a four-game losing streak with two straight wins against the NFC East, with McCarthy throwing five touchdowns and just one interception in victories against the Commanders and Cowboys. The Giants have lost eight in a row and are 0-2 against the NFC North with losses to the Bears and Packers. Dart leads all rookie QBs in TD passes (13) and ranks second in passing yards (1,802). Vikings star Justin Jefferson hasn’t caught a touchdown pass since Week 9 and hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 5. New York first-round pick LB Abdul Carter is coming off a monster game vs. Washington and is looking for his third straight game with a sack. Giants LB Brian Burns is second in the NFL with 13 sacks. McCarthy has been sacked 24 times in eight games.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) at Miami Dolphins (6-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bengals -4.5, Total 47.5
Series Rewind: The Dolphins lead the all-time series 18-8, but the Bengals won the most recent game in the series (27-15 in 2022) and have won three of the past five over Miami.

While Cincinnati and Miami were both eliminated from playoff contention with their losses last week, they’re approaching that news in vastly different ways. The Dolphins are benching starting QB Tua Tagavailoa, who has a league-leading 15 interceptions and had just 65 passing yards through three quarters of Monday’s 28-15 loss at Pittsburgh. Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round pick in April’s draft, will make his first career start against the Bengals. He came off the bench to complete 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards in his first career appearance Oct. 19 at Cleveland. He’ll likely be helped by breakout running back De’Von Achane, who has 105-plus scrimmage yards in six straight games and a touchdown in 10 of his last 11 home games. The Bengals, on the other hand, are sticking with quarterback Joe Burrow despite not having any remaining postseason stakes. Cincinnati was shut out for the first time in a Burrow start last week, falling 24-0 at home to the Ravens. In his first three starts back from a toe injury that sidelined him for nine games, Burrow has 770 passing yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. With 132 yards last week, receiver Ja’Marr Chase became just the second player in NFL history (along with Randy Moss) to amass 6,500 receiving yards and 50 touchdown catches in his first five seasons.

New York Jets (3-11) at New Orleans Saints (4-10)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Saints -5.5, Total 40.5
Series Rewind: These teams have faced off just five times in the past 20 years. New Orleans has won four of those games, including the past two, to claim an 8-6 lead in the all-time series.

While both New York and New Orleans are nearing the end of underwhelming seasons, they probably feel a bit differently about the rookie quarterbacks they’ll start in this week’s matchup. Saints second-round pick Tyler Shough enters coming off back-to-back wins over division opponents, the team’s first multiple-game winning streak of the season. After rushing for 55 yards and two scores Dec. 7 vs. Tampa Bay, Shough completed a career-high 75% of his passes for 272 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 20-17 win over Carolina. New Orleans is 3-4 when Shough starts after it was 1-6 with Spencer Rattler at the helm. With 52 more receiving yards, Saints running back Alvin Kamara would become the fifth player in NFL history with 5,000 rushing and receiving yards in his career. Jets rookie QB Brady Cook has been forced into action due to injuries to Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields. He had a touchdown and three interceptions in his first career start last week vs. Jacksonville and has thrown 339 yards and five interceptions in his first two games. Jets coach Aaron Glenn fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks this week after the defense allowed 48 points in the loss to the Jaguars. New York is 30th in scoring defense (28.4 points per game) and last in takeaways (three), with no interceptions this season.

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NFL Week 16: Late Game Previews

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Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) at Denver Broncos (12-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Broncos -3.5, Total 46.5
Series Rewind: The Broncos have won four of the past five games to take an 8-6 lead in the series. The road team has won the past four times Denver and Jacksonville faced off.

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The Broncos became the first AFC team to punch their playoff ticket with last week’s 34-26 win over Green Bay, their 11th straight to tie the franchise record. Things don’t get easier from here with a Jacksonville team that has won five straight games coming to town this week. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw a career-high five touchdowns and ran for a sixth in last week’s 48-20 beatdown of the Jets. After he had 11 interceptions in the first 11 games of the season, Lawrence has nine TDs and no picks in the past three games. Jacksonville has scored 35-plus points in three of its last five games. While the Jaguars have a one-game cushion in the AFC South, Denver has a one-game cushion in the race for the AFC No. 1 seed with its win last week paired with New England’s loss to Buffalo. Broncos QB Bo Nix tied his career high with four touchdowns last week, as Denver outscored the Packers 20-3 over the final 25 minutes of the game. The Broncos’ defense leads the league with 58 sacks, 10 more than any other team and just off the pace of breaking the Bears’ NFL record of 72 sacks in 1984. Jacksonville’s defense had three interceptions last week to bring its season tally to 18, second in the league.

Atlanta Falcons (5-9) at Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Falcons -2.5, Total 47.5
Series Rewind: The Falcons are 1-9 in the desert, including a wild-card playoff loss in the 2008 season. Since the Cardinals left St. Louis in 1988, Atlanta’s lone win at Arizona was a 34-14 victory on Sept. 30, 2001.

Arizona is on a six-game losing streak and hasn’t won a home game since Week 2 against the Panthers. Atlanta has won two of its last three road games, including a 29-28 win at Tampa Bay in Week 15. Both teams are playing out the string with backup quarterbacks, with 37-year-old Kirk Cousins leading the Falcons against journeyman Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals. Cousins turned back the clock with a season-high 373 yards and three TDs against the Bucs, while Brissett leads the NFL with 2,708 passing yards since replacing Kyler Murray in Week 6. Bijan Robinson has been a bright spot for Atlanta, leading the NFL with 1,858 yards from scrimmage, and TE Kyle Pitts is coming off an epic 11-catch, 166-yard, three-touchdown game at Tampa. Cardinals counterpart Trey McBride just became the first tight end in NFL history with back-to-back 100-catch seasons. Falcons edge James Pearce has recorded a sack in six straight games, two shy of the NFL rookie record (Jevon Kearse, 1999).

Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) at Houston Texans (9-5)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Texans -14.5, Total 37.5
Series Rewind: The Raiders routed Houston 38-20 in 2022 when they had Derek Carr (241 passing yards, one TD), Josh Jacobs (143 rushing yards, three TDs) and Davante Adams (eight catches, 95 yards) on the roster.

The Texans are currently in possession of the final AFC wild-card spot but have their eyes on overtaking the Jacksonville Jaguars and winning the AFC South. Houston has rattled off six straight wins and registered a season high for points last week with a 40-20 rout of the Arizona Cardinals. C.J. Stroud passed for 260 yards and three touchdowns with Nico Collins collecting two of the scoring receptions. The Texans also have allowed 20 or fewer points in five straight games behind the best all-around defense in the NFL. Defensive ends Danielle Hunter (12 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.5) are each enjoying big campaigns. The Raiders have been big disappointments in Pete Carroll’s first season as coach and are tied with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants for the league’s worst record. Las Vegas has dropped eight consecutive games, twice losing 31-0, first to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 and to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. Kenny Pickett passed for just 64 yards and the Raiders had just 75 total yards and seven first downs. Rookie Ashton Jeanty has rushing outputs of 31, 30 and 35 yards over the past three games. Linebacker Devin White (149 tackles) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (10 sacks) have been shining standouts during the dismal campaign.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) at Detroit Lions (8-6)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Lions -6.5, Total 51.5
Series Rewind: The Steelers have won five of the past six meetings, but the most recent game in 2021 went to overtime and ended in a 16-16 tie.

The rapid release of Rams veteran QB Matthew Stafford stunted the Lions’ pass rush last week, prompting similar concerns for head coach Dan Campbell as the Lions hit Week 16 knowing there’s only one possible way into the postseason: win three consecutive games and hope for chaos to strike the seven teams ahead of them in the NFC playoff picture. Both coaches referenced expectations for a physical game won in the trenches this week. The Lions put up 34 points in a loss to the Rams last week and there’s as much power as there is pomp in the Detroit scheme. Pittsburgh gears up for Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who has 1,100 rushing yards, 494 receiving yards and 16 total touchdowns in 2025. The Lions average 131.1 yards per game on the ground and the Steelers are giving up 120.9 rushing yards per game as part of the league’s 28th-ranked defense in total yards allowed (383.3 per game). Aaron Rodgers and his snappy delivery make pressuring the pocket a long day’s work but Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson leads the NFL in pressures. He’s getting help from a group he dubbed “castoffs,” which includes the team’s leader in catches, No. 2 running back Kenneth Gainwell. The Steelers are likely to emphasize Jaylen Warren and Gainwell due to the balance they can bring an inconsistent offense. Gainwell had 126 yards from scrimmage Monday in the Steelers’ win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday.

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NFL SNF: Patriots at Ravens

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New England Patriots (11-3) at Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Ravens -3, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: The teams have split the past eight meetings after the Patriots won seven of the first eight (including playoffs).

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The Patriots are 6-0 on the road this season and stand one game behind the Denver Broncos in the battle for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. New England will know when it takes the field Sunday night whether it can clinch a playoff spot with a win. Results involving the Indianapolis Colts (vs. San Francisco 49ers) and Houston Texans (vs. Las Vegas Raiders) are in play. Drake Maye passed for a season-low 155 yards in last week’s 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The setback ended a 10-game winning streak. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson rushed for 148 yards — one more than his previous high — and two touchdowns. Baltimore is two games behind the Texans in the wild-card chase so its best bet to reach the playoffs is overtaking the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. Baltimore is one game behind but will play at Pittsburgh in the final week of the season. The Ravens halted a two-game losing streak with a strong 24-0 win over the Cincinnati Bengals last week. The Bengals had clobbered Baltimore 17 days earlier. Derrick Henry rushed for 100 yards on just 11 carries and ranks fifth in the NFL with 1,125 yards. Linebacker Roquan Smith racked up 14 tackles and leads the squad with 114.

–Field Level Media

TL’s Sunday Sports Notes | Year End #1

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By TERRY LYONS, Editor of Digital Sports Desk

BOSTON – Fenway Sports Group unloaded the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins franchise this weekend at a hefty $1.7-to-$1.8 billion, an increase over the $900m the Boston-based agency paid for the ice hockey franchise in 2021.

Crosstown from Fenway and up at North Station, financier and entrepreneur Bill Chisholm, a lifelong Boston Celtics NBA basketball fan, dropped a cool $6.1 billion in order to purchase a controlling chunk of the C’s.

Is it possible that an NBA franchise is worth $4.3 billion more than an iconic NHL team? Or, if you count the exorbitant $10 billion valuation of the Los Angeles Lakers – recently purchased by Mark Waller (from the family of Dr. Jerry Buss), you’ve got a ridiculous 8.3 billion difference.

To level the playing field, hardwood and ice, you must consider the fact the Celtics and the Lakers, respectively, are the two most decorated franchises in the NBA and only the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors can be held in the lofty rare-air of value. In the NHL, the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks can be compared. Pittsburgh would be in the second tier of NHL franchise valuations. The global allure and the recent TV/media deal struck by the NBA make it a very steady investment for the ultra-rich who might be seeking a vehicle to balance their bank books.

Fenway has been seeking a buyer for the ice hockey franchise for a while. The Penguins were never a good fit for the agency, as its Boston-based sister clubs (Boston Red Sox and NHL Bruins) co-own cash cow regional sports network NESN. FSG also owns Liverpool of the English Premier League, and the (Worcester, Mass) Woo-Sox and the minor league teams which support the Red Sox. Fenway also has its investments in, RFK (Roush Racing venture with driver Brad Keselowski), the PGA Tour, and TGL Golf via the Boston Common GC of indoor golf.

Fenway Sports Group and Hoffmann Family of Companies announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for the Hoffmanns to acquire a controlling interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins. Headquartered in Chicago, the Hoffmann family have built a diverse portfolio of operating businesses and commercial real estate holdings and are also owners of the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. The close of the transaction is subject to approval by the National Hockey League Board of Governors.

“During a formal process to explore investor interest in the Pittsburgh Penguins, we were approached by the Hoffmann family with an offer that warranted serious consideration,” said Sam Kennedy, CEO of Fenway Sports Group. “From our earliest conversations, their love of the sport and their commitment to doing things the right way made it clear they would be thoughtful stewards of the franchise, which is why we chose to seriously consider their interest. We plan to work closely with them to ensure a smooth transition and to carry forward the momentum that’s been built. It has been an honor to be part of the Penguins’ story, working alongside a world-class leadership team, passionate fans, and a dedicated community.”

Hoffmann Family of Companies is a rapidly expanding, family-owned private equity enterprise of over 125 global brands led by brothers Geoff and Greg Hoffmann. Geoff oversees the family’s private equity investments with Greg managing its real estate holdings. In addition to their business ventures, the Hoffmann’s acquired the Florida Everblades of the ECHL in 2019 and are deeply committed to community impact, contributing millions annually to nonprofits across the country.

Their philanthropic efforts include the creation of Type 1 Timer Hockey in 2022 by Geoff Hoffmann and his wife, the only nonprofit hockey camp in North America dedicated to supporting young athletes with type 1 diabetes.

“Hockey has always been a meaningful part of our family’s story, which makes this an incredibly special opportunity,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of Hoffmann Family of Companies. “We’ve long admired the Pittsburgh Penguins – not just for their championship legacy and history, but for the culture, passion, and loyalty that define the organization. From our earliest conversations, we saw how deeply the Penguins are woven into the fabric of Pittsburgh. We are honored to join that tradition and excited to become an active part of the community.

“Our goal is to support Kyle Dubas with everything he needs to bring the Penguins back to the pinnacle of the NHL. We look forward to working alongside the exceptional leadership team already in place, strengthening our connection with Penguins fans, and ensuring the franchise remains a source of pride for the city for generations to come.”

That all equates to a press announcement filled with back-patting along with a stated commitment to the city of Pittsburgh, the home to the Penguins since the NHL expansion of 1967.

The Penguins lifted the Stanley Cup five times, in 1991,1992, 2009, 2016, and 2017, a tremendous run with much of it due to the talents of the great Mario Lemieux. The success noted, it was Lemieux who bailed the franchise out after they were forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 1998.

TIDBITS & NUGGETS: St. John’s University basketball entered the 2025-26 season with a lofty No. 5 ranking, the highest since the Chris Mullin era in the mid-1980s. Coming off the (31-5) 2024-25 season, a BIG EAST Championship and the magic of Rick Pitino’s off-season recruiting efforts, St. John’s was destined for greatness this season … Not so fast, as Saturday’s 78-66 loss to Kentucky set the Johnnies back to (7-4) on the season, including losses to Alabama, Iowa State, Auburn, and the Wildcats – not to mention an exhibition loss at the hands of Michigan at Madison Square Garden. While St. John’s improved defensively over the first three weeks of the young season, and won three games during that timespan, their half-court offense was non-existent in the loss to the (8-4) Wildcats. St. John’s is (0-3) against ranked teams. After one last non-conference game (home vs Harvard), for St. John’s, the tough, full BIG EAST schedule awaits. … A one-of-a-kind baseball card featuring a gold logo patch commemorating Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 NL MVP Award fetched $3 million during an auction this week. The card was autographed by Ohtani. … Long before the advent of breaking news “Woj Bombs” and “Shams Scoops” on Twitter/X, Peter Vecsey, was writing NBA basketball only sports columns in New York and he fast became an influential NBA insider who helped define modern sports journalism. Author Pete Croatto profiled Vecsey for Poynter.

PGA SCHEDULE: The PGA TOUR usually begins its season with a Tournament of Champions on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. Each year, roughly 30 pro golfers, who won on the circuit last season, get a one week head start on the rest of the tour. The SONY Open – which was the second event on the tour in year’s past – will now act as the No. 1 tournament for 2026, playing in Honolulu from January 15-18.

A SHAMELESS PGA TOUR BRUNCH PLUG: Say Happy New Year to your favorite golf fan with PGA Tour Brunch. Posted to in-boxes six days a week (not Tuesdays) for lunch or brunch-time reading, PGA Tour Brunch provides fans of the PGA Tour (and its growing list of Fantasy, gambling and DFS players, too) with a one-stop, mobile friendly e-news to help navigate the hundreds of golf news sites available. PGA Tour Brunch is short and sweet, a couple mobile page scrolls and it provides all the basic information, like tee times, the field, odds, player notes, leaderboards, and even some breaking news. It’s designed by @terrylyons with a blessing from the popular @SoxLunch creators.

What Was Written by WWYI in the First Half of ‘25

HERE NOW, THE NOTES: As the Year of 2025 comes to a close, your favorite column does a customary look-back at the stories we looked at each week of the year. It works best when split into two parts. One part this week, then Part 2 next weekend. Here’s January to June 2025:

Part One – January 2025 to June ‘25 (Tune in Next Week for July to December)

Jan. 5:

Bold Predications – Actually chalk – Ohio State will win the College Football Playoffs

I made 10 predictions. Plain text = Incorrect but Bold Text = Correct

Ohio State will win the College Football National Championship.

Free agent pitcher Roki Sasaki will sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Canada will win the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The Detroit Lions will win the Super Bowl. Jared Goff will be MVP.

Kansas will win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship with Tennessee, Duke and Florida falling short in the 2025 Final Four. (2 of 4, and Florida won)

Citizen Bull will win the Kentucky Derby but not the Triple Crown. (Sovereignty won and Citizen Bull came in a lowly 15th).

The Vegas Golden Knights will win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Washington Capitals. (Florida Panthers won, but Vegas was 1st in Pacific but lost to Edmonton in the Second Round).

The Oklahoma City Thunder will win the NBA title, defeating the Boston Celtics with OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning a double MVP for the regular season and NBA Finals.

Scottie Scheffler will repeat as the winner of the TOUR Championship, the FedEx Cup and the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year. He will not get arrested this season. (Scheffler fell short and Tommy Fleetwood won)

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be World Series champions once again.

*****I went five for 10 (.500) with partials at the NCAA Final 4 (Duke and Florida). Roki Sasaki signed with the LA Dodgers in March but was oft-injured and placed on the 60-day IL with right shoulder impingement.

Jan. 12:

  • What happened to the Boston “Title Town” teams?
  • LA Wild Fires
  • Venu is Kaput (ESPN changes direction, never launches site/channel)

Jan. 19:

  • CFP 2025 – Good Job
  • MSG photographer George Kalinsky – RIP
  • FIBA ‘25 – Hall of Fame Inductees

Jan. 26:

  • AFC/NFC Championship – Great Day

Feb 2:

  • Ground Hog Day Meets Red Sox Truck Day
  • MLB Spring Training on the Horizon

Feb. 9:

  • The Doncic Trade
  • All-Time Fictional Character Hoops Team

Feb. 16:

  • Ups & Downs of NBA All-Star
  • Jeff Twiss Named BHofF Bunn Award Winner

Feb. 23:

  • 4 Nations Ice Hockey Scores!

March 2:

  • MLB Spring Training/Little Fenway
  • Diana Taurasi

March 9:

  • On-site at MIT Sloan Sports Conference

March 16:

  • On-site at the BIG EAST Tournament at The Garden
  • MLB Opener in Japan

March | Special:

  • St. John’s Wins Big East Championship

March Madness | Special – March 20:

  • Brackets!

March 22:

  • St. John’s Bows-Out Early (On-site in Providence)
  • Celtics Sale

March 30:

  • Frozen Four
  • College Basketball Crown

April 4 | Special | Fenway Home Opener

  • Digital Sports Desk Opens MLB Season at Fenway

April 6:

  • Boston Red Sox Review of Home Opener | Timeline
  • Torpedo Bats

April 13:

  • The Masters
  • Ch, ch, ch, CHANGES in Sports

April 20:

  • Jackie Robinson Day in MLB (April 15)

April 27:

  • Relegation in the Premier League/European Futbol
  • Relegation: Not So Fast in North American-based Pro Sports
  • Relegation in LARGE College Conferences

May 4:

  • San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Tribute

May 11:

  • The Cooper Flagg NBA Draft Lottery
  • Devers Airs his Grievances with Red Sox

May 18:

  • Seasons Change and So Does Boston
  • PGA Championship | Quail Hollow

May 25:

  • The Memorial
  • The Ultimate Memorial: Carl Richard “Dick” Gumina

June 1:

  • The Belmont at Saratoga

June 8:

  • NBA Finals
  • NBA Photos
  • Look Out for the Florida Panthers

June 15:

  • Great Sports Promos – the NHL
  • Stanley Cup Final | Game 5

June 22:

  • NBA Finals – Game 7s
  • On-site for the PGA Tour | The Travelers
  • Cal Raleigh | Record-breaking Pace

June 29:

  • The “New” Texas Triangle

PARTING WORDS & MUSIC: Without pushing it too far or making one of my patented lists, one could easily say the most impactful musical voices of the 20th Century were:

  • The Beatles
  • Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones
  • Elvis
  • Frank Sinatra

Here’s a collection of Sinatra Christmas music for your yuletide enjoyment:

Pats Try to Avoid Back-to-Back Losses

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BALTIMORE – (Wire Service Report) – The New England Patriots will be looking to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time this season and remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs when they visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.

The Patriots (11-3) are coming off last Sunday’s 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Denver (12-2) is the only AFC team with a better record than New England, but the Broncos own the tiebreaker against the Patriots if the teams finish with the same record.

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New England would clinch a playoff berth with a win. Coach Mike Vrabel was asked Wednesday if a team can benefit from a late-season loss.

“I would say that’s TBD,” Vrabel said. “I don’t know. It’s only depending on how you respond, how you prepare, how you practice and ultimately how you play. So, we’ll see. There’s a lot of good things in there and we’ll need all those things on Sunday night against this football team that’s 6-2 after their bye, and really coming off a big win last week. A dominant win.”

The Ravens (7-7) ended a two-game losing streak by beating Cincinnati 24-0 last Sunday. Baltimore, however, will likely need a strong finish to earn a playoff berth.

If the Ravens win their final three regular-season games (New England, at Green Bay and at Pittsburgh), they will win the AFC North, although there are other scenarios in which Baltimore can qualify for the playoffs.

“You just assume that you have to take care of your business,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “It would be a stretch for us not to have to win out. So, we’ll plan on that and that’s what we’re going to have to try to do.”

New England is 6-0 on the road this season and will be facing a Baltimore team that’s 3-5 at home. The Ravens were without quarterback Lamar Jackson for home losses to Houston (44-10) and the Los Angeles Rams (7-3) in early October because of a hamstring injury.

“The Houston game was probably our worst home game that I can ever remember, (but) our guys were fighting their butts off — the guys that were out there playing, who were playing in the game,” Harbaugh said. “That game is what it was. The Rams game is what it was. Guys are fighting their butts off in that game, too. So, those games are history.”

New England ranks seventh among NFL teams in both scoring offense (27.3) and scoring defense (19.7). Baltimore is 14th in scoring offense (23.9) and 15th in scoring defense (22.8).

“Obviously, someone is coming into our house,” Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum said. “We have to win games. We have to put on a show for our crowd and end up getting wins like how we’re supposed to.”

Jackson (illness) is one of six Ravens who didn’t participate in practice Wednesday. Linebacker Roquan Smith (knee), linebacker Kyle Van Noy (quadriceps) linebacker Teddye Buchanan (knee), tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee/ankle) and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (foot) are the others.

Five Patriots did not participate in practice Wednesday: cornerback Carlton Davis (hip), cornerback Marcus Jones (knee), linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle), linebacker Harold Landry (knee) and linebacker Christian Ellliss (illness). Defensive tackle Christian Barmore was listed as a limited participant on the team’s participation report, but his situation is non-injury related.

–Field Level Media

NFL Week 16: Playoff Positioning

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NEW YORK – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Denver was the first AFC team to clinch a playoff spot and the Broncos have their sights set on the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage.

The Broncos (12-2) would need almost everything to break their way in Week 16 to secure the West division title and a first-round bye in the AFC: beat Jacksonville (10-4), a loss by the Patriots and a loss or tie by the Chargers and Bills. They’ll be AFC West champs for the first time since 2015 with a win or tie against the Jaguars and a loss or tie by the Chargers (10-4).

Should the Jaguars win in Denver, not only does Jacksonville clinch a playoff spot, but everything in the conference becomes a shade more interesting. It keeps the Chargers alive in the division race and kicks the door open to multiple teams for the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

The Chargers clinch a playoff spot with a victory at Dallas, which would also put the Eagles in the playoffs as NFC East champs.

Angling for the NFC West crown and a leg up in the conference race for home field, the Rams (11-3) clinched a playoff spot last week. But if Los Angeles loses at Seattle (11-3) on Thursday night, the Rams can still end up on the road for the wild-card playoffs. San Francisco (10-4), very much alive in the division race, closes Week 16 at Indianapolis (8-6) with a clear picture of what’s at stake in the grand landscape of the postseason. A Lions’ loss on Sunday punches the 49ers’ ticket to the playoffs. If Detroit wins, the 49ers can still clinch by beating the Colts on “Monday Night Football.”

Philadelphia can clinch the division with a win at any point in the final three weeks, starting Sunday against the Washington Commanders (4-10). The Eagles play the Commanders again on Jan. 4.

The Bears (10-4) and Packers (9-4-1) have their own clinching scenarios predicated on the Lions losing on Sunday. But first the NFC North rivals play in primetime Saturday night in Chicago, where the winner would be sitting pretty. A Packers win gives Green Bay a season sweep of the Bears while dealing Chicago a fifth loss. Beating the Packers pushes the Bears a game and a half up in the win column in the division with two to play.

It’s shakeout week in the NFC South, too. The Panthers (7-7) draw the Buccaneers (7-7) in Charlotte with the division lead on the line.

Here’s the full playoff picture entering Week 16 and the clinching scenarios in play beginning Thursday night:

AFC
–Division Leaders
1. Denver Broncos
AFC West
12-2 overall
7-2 vs. AFC
Up Next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday)

Clinched playoff berth last week

Broncos clinch AFC West division title and the AFC’s No. 1 seed, lone first-round bye and home-field advantage with:

DEN win + LAC loss or tie + NE loss + BUF loss or tie

Denver clinches AFC West division title with:

DEN win + LAC loss or tie OR
DEN tie + LAC loss

2. New England Patriots
AFC East
11-3 overall
6-3 vs. AFC
Up Next: at Baltimore Ravens (Sunday night)

Patriots clinch playoff berth with:

NE win or tie OR
IND loss or tie OR
HOU loss or tie

3. Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC South
10-4 overall
7-2 vs. AFC
Up Next: at Denver Broncos (Sunday)

Jaguars clinch playoff berth with:

JAX win + IND loss or tie OR
JAX win + HOU loss or tie OR
JAX tie + IND loss OR
JAX tie + IND tie + HOU loss

4. Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC North
8-6 overall
7-3 vs. AFC
Up Next: at Detroit Lions (Sunday)

–Wild-card leaders

5. Los Angeles Chargers
10-4 overall
8-2 vs. AFC
Up Next: at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday)

Chargers clinch playoff berth with:

LAC win + IND loss or tie OR
LAC win + HOU loss or tie OR
LAC tie + IND loss OR
LAC tie + IND tie + HOU loss

6. Buffalo Bills
10-4 overall
7-3 vs. AFC
Up Next: at Cleveland Browns (Sunday)

Bills clinch playoff berth with:

BUF win + IND loss or tie OR
BUF win + HOU loss or tie OR
BUF tie + IND loss OR
BUF tie + HOU loss

7. Houston Texans
9-5 overall
7-2 vs. AFC
Up Next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday)

–In The Hunt
8. Indianapolis Colts
8-6 overall
6-4 vs. AFC
Up Next: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Monday)

9. Baltimore Ravens
7-7 overall
5-5 vs. AFC
Up Next: vs. New England Patriots (Sunday night)

NFC
–Division Leaders
1. Los Angeles Rams
NFC West
11-3 overall
6-3 vs. NFC
Up Next: at Seattle Seahawks (Thursday)

Clinched NFC playoff berth last week.

2. Chicago Bears
NFC North
10-4 overall
6-3 vs. NFC
Up Next: vs. Green Bay Packers (Saturday)

Bears clinch playoff berth with:

CHI win + DET loss or tie OR
CHI tie + DET loss

3. Philadelphia Eagles
NFC East
9-5 overall
7-3 vs. NFC
Up Next: at Washington Commanders (Saturday)

Eagles clinch NFC East division title and playoff berth with:

PHI win OR
DAL loss OR
PHI tie + DAL tie

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC South
7-7 overall
5-5 vs. NFC
Up Next: at Carolina Panthers (Sunday)

–Wild-card leaders

5. Seattle Seahawks
11-3 overall
6-3 vs. NFC
Up Next: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Thursday)

Seahawks clinch playoff berth with:

SEA win or tie OR
DET loss or tie

6. San Francisco 49ers
10-4 overall
8-2 vs. NFC
Up Next: at Indianapolis Colts (Monday)

49ers clinch playoff berth with:

SF win OR
DET loss OR
SF tie + DET tie

7. Green Bay Packers
9-4-1 overall
7-2-1 vs. NFC
Up Next: at Chicago Bears (Saturday)

Packers clinch playoff berth with:

GB win + DET loss or tie OR
GB tie + DET loss

–In The Hunt
8. Detroit Lions
8-6 overall
5-5 vs. NFC
Up Next: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday)

9. Carolina Panthers
7-7 overall
5-4 vs. NFC
vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday)

10. Dallas Cowboys
6-7-1 overall
3-6-1 vs. NFC
vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday)

–Field Level Media

NFL Monday Night Football: Preview

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MIAMI GARDENS – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The Pittsburgh Steelers and visiting Miami Dolphins each are working to improve their chances of making the playoffs as they prepare to clash on Monday night. The Dolphins (6-7) are riding a four-game winning streak and need to extend that run to keep their slim playoff hopes intact.

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The Steelers (7-6) hold first place in the AFC North and are ahead of the Ravens by a half-game after ending a two-game losing skid with a 27-22 win at Baltimore last week. Pittsburgh also faces pressure to keep winning since its best route to the postseason is to win the division.

ODDS AND TRENDS
Pittsburgh is a consensus 3.0-point favorite, essentially due to being at home where the game-time temperature is expected to be in the teens. The Steelers have been backed by 62% of the spread-line money at BetRivers, where Pittsburgh’s -180 moneyline to win the game outright has drawn 83% of the money.

The 42.0 total points line has seen the Over backed by 67% of the total bets while the Under has drawn 76% of the money. Each of the Steelers’ past eight home games against AFC teams have gone Under the total points line, according to the book.

KEY STAT
Pittsburgh has won 22 of its past 23 Monday night home games.

PLAYER PROPS
–Dolphins RB De’Von Achane 80+ Rushing Yards (-128 at DraftKings): Achane will play after leaving last week’s win over the Jets with a rib injury. He had already rushed for 92 yards in a game Miami controlled easily, and Achane enters with 1,126 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground this season. This has been the most popular player prop at the book, perhaps in part due to the Steelers’ defense being charged with an NFL-high 65 broken tackles this season. A higher potential payout is available with Achane at +124 to rush for at least 90 yards, which he has done in four consecutive games.

–Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Under 0.5 INTs (-129 at BetRivers): Rodgers has not thrown an interception in his past six home games and was not picked off in his past three games overall. Pittsburgh figures to have a run-heavy approach in frigid conditions and when Rodgers does go to the air, he will be attacking a Miami defense that has produced just seven interceptions this season.

INSIDE EDGE
Rodgers has completed just 57.4% of his passes thrown over the middle of the field this season, the fifth-worst mark among qualified quarterbacks, according to Inside Edge’s Remarkable engine. By comparison, he completed 70.7% of such passes last season.

INJURY REPORT
Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt is out after undergoing surgery for a collapsed lung sustained at the team practice facility last Wednesday.

Pittsburgh has multiple players either dealing with injuries or in concussion protocol. Offensive lineman Andrus Peat (concussion) and cornerback James Pierre (calf) will not play Monday. Running back Jaylen Warren was a late addition to the injury report on Monday morning and, like defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (knee), is considered questionable. Wide receivers DK Metcalf (rest) and Ben Skowronek (hand), as well as tight end Darnell Washington (concussion), were limited in practice Saturday.

Dolphins cornerback Elijah Campbell (ankle/knee) was listed as doubtful to face Pittsburgh. Offensive lineman Andrew Meyer (tricep), the only other limited participant in Saturday’s practice, was questionable.

THEY SAID IT
–“The good news is that how he makes a living is avoiding tacklers. And that’s what he’ll have to do. The bumps and bruises in the National Football League — if you don’t have something in December, you’re probably playing football wrong.” –Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel on Achane’s rib injury.

PREDICTION
The Dolphins have picked themselves up off the mat this season, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is 0-5 all-time in games where the temperature is below 40 degrees at kickoff. Miami’s 27th-ranked run defense, which allows an average of 131.9 yards per game on the ground, will see a heavy dose of Warren and Kenneth Gainwell as Pittsburgh plays the field position game while capitalizing on a few Tagovailoa mistakes. –Steelers 23, Dolphins 20

–Field Level Media