Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images A look at five things that must happen for the Detroit Lions to meet expectations in the 2024 season—along with other mailbag questions. Earlier in the week, Erik Schlitt and I recorded a podcast answering all of your Detroit Lions questions for Week 1. Well, not all of them. There were plenty of leftover questions, and beginning this year, I wanted to try and commit to doing both a podcast mailbag and a written mailbag each week. No promises that I’ll be able to keep up for the entire year, but it’s Week 1. It’s special. Let’s give the people what they want! Who finishes the season with more receiving yards: Kalif Raymond or Tim Patrick? — Big Daddy Drix ️ (@BigDaddyDrix) September 3, 2024 While I do think Tim Patrick eventually wins out the WR-X position, I think that will be more of a part-time role than we’re making it out to be. Meanwhile, a month ago, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson noted that Kalif Raymond will be “a big part” of the offense. Raymond is averaging 560 receiving yards in three years in Detroit, and while Patrick has two seasons of 700+ yards, I don’t think he’ll reach that level in 2024. If you rule out injuries, and we make an assumption all the new pieces play at least decently and returning players at least level to what they did last year. What could be something that makes this season not live up to expectations? — Ryan (@DET_in_TOL) September 3, 2024 Well, if there are no serious injuries and the players play to their potential, the only real factors left over that could sink Detroit are opponent improvement and bad luck. The NFC will be more competitive and the division could produce three teams this year. As for the bad luck, Detroit could find themselves on the bad end of officiating, poor fumble luck, or just be the victim of one bad game in the playoffs. Since expectations are Super Bowl or bust, it’s very possible they just have one letdown game in the playoffs and it’s over. Single-elimination football means it’s not always the best team that advances. What are 5 predictions for our team this season, to add another Division title and deep playoff run? What has to go right? — Vantheman14 (@mr_tonychaos) September 3, 2024 5 things that have to go right for a deep playoff run: 1. There can be no regression on the offensive line Everyone understandably assumes the Lions have the best offensive line in football, but over half of their starters are over 30 years old. It’s quite possible some of those players are on the downslide of their career. But Detroit can’t afford that. Their entire offense depends on a punishing run game and good pass protection. 2. Jameson Williams must hit at least 800 all-purpose yards The Lions have ample weapons in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs, but there’s no doubt that they also expect Jameson Williams to take a massive jump this year. This isn’t about replacing Josh Reynolds, this is about forging his own path as a versatile weapon. The deep shots and end-arounds are nice and will do wonders to open space for the rest of the offense. But when it’s third down and both St. Brown and LaPorta are getting bracketed, they’re going to need Williams to win his one-on-ones and hold onto the ball in traffic. 3. A pass rusher not named Aidan Hutchinson to emerge Hutchinson will continue to be a pain in the ass to the opponent’s offensive line, but Detroit needs those pressures to turn into sacks—and not necessarily sacks from Hutchinson. So often last year, Hutchinson’s pressure was just funneling the quarterback into open space elsewhere. But with the growth of Alim McNeill, the addition of DJ Reader, and breakout candidates in both Levi Onwuzurike and Marcus Davenport, hopefully that will be enough to bring the heat from all angles. 4. The secondary overhaul has to actually work The Lions have changed faces in the secondary for two straight offseasons, but change doesn’t always mean improvement. Is Carlton Davis ready to step into a CB1 role? How long before rookie Terrion Arnold looks like an NFL cornerback? Will Brian Branch truly make more plays in his move to safety? These are a lot of serious questions with unclear answers, but if they fall in Detroit’s favor, it’s going to lead to massive improvement in the team overall. 5. Coaching staff stays true to itself This is the one I’m least worried about. The reason the Lions were able to get as far as they did last year was because of their aggression. The fourth down decisions extended drives, gave Detroit seven points instead of three, and kept defenses gassed. I trust Dan Campbell to ignore the largely unwarranted criticism from the NFC Championship Game and keep the pressure on. Could the high level of faith in Hank Fraley be a part of the reason Brad has neglected to spend a high draft pick on an offensive lineman these past two years? With an offensive line that is mostly over 30 do you see this as an issue short/long term? — swagkazekage93 (@swagkazegefan93) September 3, 2024 I would say yes and no. On one hand, Penei Sewell proves they are willing to draft an offensive lineman highly, and I don’t think there’s been a hugely pressing need at the position. On the other hand, I don’t think you draft long-term projects like Giovanni Manu and Colby Sorsdal unless you have a large amount of confidence in your offensive line coach. Still, I think the ceiling of those two players are probably career backups, so don’t be surprised if the Lions draft an interior offensive lineman or two early next year. Another theory is that the Lions just don’t put a high money or draft capital value on guards. They let Johan
Mailbag: 5 things that must happen for Detroit Lions to meet expectations
2024 Detroit Lions season preview: NFC North winner predictions
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Eagles-Packers Game Preview: 6 questions and answers with the enemy
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images Previewing Philadelphia’s Week 1 matchup in Brazil! The Philadelphia Eagles are in São Paulo, Brazil to kick off their 2024 season with a Friday night game against the Green Bay Packers at the Corinthians Arena. In order to preview this Week 1 matchup, I reached out to our enemies over at Acme Packing Company. The jovial Justis Mosqueda kindly took the time to answer my questions about this upcoming battle. Let’s take a look at the answers. [For my answers about the Eagles, stay tuned to APC.] 1 – Jordan Love was pretty impressive in the second half of last season; the resemblance to Aaron Rodgers at times was uncanny. What’s the confidence level in him right now? Packers fans are sky high and so is the team. Everyone believes that the Love we saw in the second half of the year was what we’re getting in 2024. They made him the highest paid quarterback in NFL history for a reason. Long live the Packers. 2 – The Packers don’t seem to have that one true alpha wide receiver as much as they have a bunch of good receivers who can contribute. What do you expect the target distribution to look like in Week 1? Pretty much what you said. I think the team is going to split catches between Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft and Josh Jacobs. Head coach Matt LaFleur really likes keeping defenses on their toes and the team has been repeating that all summer. It’s going to be hard to take away things from this offense, because they just move players around and spread the ball evenly. In the red zone, I would watch for Doubs, who is more of a contested catch guy, and Watson, who gets gadget plays. 3 – To what extent are you buying or selling the Josh Jacobs bounce-back? I’m pretty optimistic. The Raiders’ blocking situation was poor last year. Michael Mayer wasn’t as good as I thought he would be coming out and Parham the guard was a real deal liability. I’m not surprised Jacobs kind of shut it down with that injury in the last month. With that being said, Jacobs took all of one carry in the preseason so it’s hard to really hang my hat on the bounce back just yet. He’s going to be their featured back for sure with AJ Dillon now on season-ending injured reserve and rookie MarShawn Lloyd just coming back from injury. 4 – The Eagles had a lot of trouble handling the blitz last season, so, I imagine we’re going to see teams test them early and often in that regard. What are some things we can expect to see from new Packers DC Jeff Hafley? Hafley played a pretty vanilla defense in the preseason. The Packers joked that he had six calls on his call sheet. They are gonna put pressure on third downs for sure. We saw a little bit of them using middle linebacker Quay Walker off of the edge and stuff. Edgerrin Cooper should be a good blitzer, too, but who knows if he’s gonna be on the field on defense. He missed all of the preseason and was previously competing with Isaiah McDuffie for nickel linebacker snaps. Cooper was used as a spy/blitzer at A&M, so maybe they have a package for Jalen Hurts in this game. We haven’t seem too much out of him yet, though, because of the injury. You’re gonna get a lot of single high coverages. Cover 1 and Cover 3. I bet the Packers lead the NFL in single high looks this season. They are gonna keep an extra guy in the box. 5 – The Packers’ kicker situation seems to be an issue. What’s going on there and what are your other biggest Week 1 concerns about this team? It sure is! So Anders Carlson was pushed by Greg Joseph and three other kickers over the course of camp. None of them really took a hold of the kicking job, which led to the Packers claiming Brayden Narveson on waivers. They seem excited about him, but I’m not gonna get hyped up about a rookie undrafted free agent who was claimed off of waivers just before Week 1. The other major concern I have for this team is their pass rush. They have good individual pass-rushers, but they seem to want to start Preston Smith at defensive end over Lukas Van Ness and TJ Slaton at defensive tackle over Devonte Wyatt, who are better pass-rushing options. I think some team in the first two months is gonna force them to have to change their defensive line depth chart. With so much single high defense being played, crossers should be more open. The team is gonna have to rely on their pass-rush to stop those routes from being completed. Eventually, someone is gonna get them and the Packers are gonna have to look in the mirror and play their first-round picks. 6 – Who wins this game and why? With the Eagles currently listed as three-point favorites on a “neutral” field, what’s your score prediction? And then what do you generally expect for the rest of this Packers season? I’m gonna go Packers just because I’m not sure about your offensive line. It’s Week 1, though, so I’m not really certain about anything. Hoping for a good game more than anything. I expect the Packers to win the division and be a contender in the NFC. If they fall short of that, they’ll be a disappointment for sure.
Giants’ WR Malik Nabers can’t wait to hear fans chant ‘Leeeeeeek’
Malik Nabers | Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images Expectations are high for Giants’ first-round pick ‘Leeeeeeek’! Malik Nabers can’t wait to hear that from New York Giants fans at MetLife Stadium on Sunday when the 2024 season opens and Nabers plays his first game as an NFL wide reciever. “I’m expecting the fans, when I catch a first down or touchdown, they say, ‘Leeeeeeek’!,” Nabers said on Wednesday. The Giants are expecting to hear that a lot, with hopes after an electric training camp that the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft will be a transformative player for the franchise. Nabers will debut as a Giant on a day the franchise is going all-out to celebrate its 100th NFL season. Many of the best players to ever wear a Giants uniform will be in the building as the Giants honor the top 100 players in franchise history. If things go the way Nabers and the Giants hope, Nabers will someday be among those Giants greats. Fans members of the Giants organization are not the only ones with high expectations for Nabers. Skip to the 1:30 mark of the video below when Isaiah Simmons crashes a Nabers interview for evidence of what Nabers’ teammates think he can do: Caught up with #Giants wideout Malik Nabers before his debut. He’s confident — that’s what the team loves about him. But the hype around him resonates through the locker room. Just listen to what @isaiahsimmons25 believes he’s capable of this year pic.twitter.com/So92MXUUkt — Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 4, 2024 Simmons listed: Offensive Rookie of the Year. More than 1,000 receiving yards, with hopes of 1,500. A dozen touchdowns. “I say all these things because I’ve seen a lot of really good receivers — players like DeAndre Hopkins, guys like that,” Simmons said. “I see some greatness in him.” For reference, Odell Beckham Jr. had 91 catches for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in his 2014 Rookie of the Year season for the Giants. Yup. No pressure for Nabers. The youngest player on the Giants’ roster at 21, Nabers knows there will be nerves when he steps on the field to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. “I‘m always going to have butterflies any time I go out there,” he said. “But I feel like if you’re not nervous then you’re not ready, you’re not prepared.” Nabers is now the focal point of the Giants’ offense. It was obvious throughout the spring and summer that the former LSU star is the best receiver quarterback Daniel Jones has worked with in his six seasons with the Giants. Jones has been criticized the last couple of seasons for being unwilling to take downfield shots. After averaging 8.0 Intended Air Yards per Pass Attempt under Pat Shurmur as a rookie in 2019, Jones averaged career lows of 6.4 and 6.8 Intended Air Yards the past two seasons. With head coach Brian Daboll now calling offensive plays and encouraging Jones to take advantage of a young, speedy wide receiver group led by Nabers, Jones has throughout the summer shown a renewed willingness to push the ball down the field. “Malik’s going to be a big part of what we do for sure. And he’s shown up through camp, made a ton of big plays for us. And he’s going to help us out a ton,” Jones said during training camp. “We have a lot of confidence in Malik.” The fan base wants to embrace Nabers. In fact, it already has. Still, the massive expectations can swallow a young player. The Giants simply want Nabers to focus on playing the game. “I’d say to a rookie, the same thing I’d say to a vet(eran), and really to the entire offense, is just, ‘Do your job, focus on your responsibilities, communicate, and then play the game as fast as you can and have fun out there,’” offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said when asked what advice he would give Nabers about handling those expectations. Nabers is trying. “I’m happy to go out there with my teammates, go out there with the offense. Just go out there and do our best,” he said on Wednesday. “I’m embracing it very well. I’m excited to go out there. I’m excited to go catch some touchdowns and do what I can do to help the team, help the offense.” What are his Week 1 expectations? “Through the preseason, the game was fast. I’m mostly sure that it’s going to be way faster, and the competition level is going to have to rise,” he said. “I’m just happy to go out there with the team and see what we can do.” Nabers and the Giants will be wearing throwback uniforms on Sunday honoring the early days of the franchise. Nabers’ thought on those uniforms? “Hard to drip out. It’s going to be hard to drip, but I’ve got a plan to see what I’m going to do with the drip,” he said. “The helmet’s fire. I love the helmet. The helmet is fire.” The Giants are looking for Nabers to bring the fire, and the big plays, to their offense.
Thursday Night Football — Ravens vs. Chiefs: How to watch, game time, TV channel, streaming
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images The NFL season is really here! The wait is over! The 2024 NFL season begins with an excellent Thursday Night Football matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a rematch of the AFC Conference Championship Game, where the Chiefs went on the road to defeat Baltimore, 17-10. The reigning Super Bowl Champions are 4-1 against the Ravens since Patrick Mahomes (2017) and Lamar Jackson (2018) were drafted. Kansas City added several pass-catchers in the offseason; one, Hollywood Brown, will miss the game with a collarbone injury. Former Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald is now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. The Ravens added former Tennessee Titan Derrick Henry to their backfield and will have tight end Mark Andrews healthy. The Detroit Lions upset the Chiefs 21-20 on last year’s opening Thursday Night Football game. Can the Ravens do something similar? Want to join FanDuel Sportsbook? Click here for deals! How to watch What: Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs When: Thursday, Sept. 5Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri Game time: 8:20 p.m. ETTV: NBC, PeacockAnnouncers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark (field reporter)Radio: Westwood One: Kevin Harlan, Kurt Warner | SiriusXM: 88; Baltimore: 226 or Kansas City: 225Referee: Shawn HochuliStreaming: NFL +Fanduel Sportsbook odds: Spread: Ravens (+3 |-120) | Chiefs (-3 |-102) Moneyline: Ravens +130, Chiefs -154| Over/Under: 47.5 (Under -110, Over -110) Follow us on social media BBV on Twitter: Follow @BigBlueViewNick Falato: Follow @nickfalatoBBV on Facebook: Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook pageBBV on YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channelBBV on Instagram: Click here to follow our Instagram pageBBV podcasts: Click here to subscribe to BBV Radio
The Linc – Fantasy football advice says to shy away from Saquon Barkley
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 9/5/24. Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links … The 2024 Shy-Away 30: Barkley, Diggs lead list – RotoworldSaquon Barkley (Yahoo ADP: 13.1). When I’m taking a running back at the top of the second round, I’m looking for high-value touches — goal-line carries plus targets — and elite efficiency. Does Barkley have either of these things? Since the Eagles have a free touchdown play with Jalen Hurts and the Tush Push, they ranked 26th in running back carries inside the three-yard line. Hurts hasn’t been one to throw to his backs, either. Last year, the Eagles’ backfield sat at 21st in targets per game. Barkley’s efficiency has left a lot to be desired in recent years, as well. Over the past three seasons, he has never finished higher than 30th in yards after contact per carry. His numbers will improve behind Philly’s elite offensive line, but the change of scenery needs to turn back time half a decade for Barkley to look like the superstar he once was. Parlaying a return to form, a change in goal-line tendencies, and an uptick in running back targets is too much to ask for inside the first 15 picks. With the Eagles, ‘cocky’ Saquon Barkley can’t wait to show how the Giants stifled his talent – InquirerSix years ago it galled Eagles fans to see Barkley — who wore Whitehall High School’s maroon and gold, then Penn State’s blue and white — squeeze his thunderous thighs into the red, white, blue, and gray of the New York Giants. In the swamps of East Rutherford, N.J., Barkley wasted the first six seasons of his career. “You’ll definitely get a better sense [of my abilities] in this offense,” Barkley said. “Not trying to sound cocky — the tape speaks for itself.” 5 things to be excited about the 2024 Eagles – BGNSaquon Barkley is going to be “the guy” in the new Eagles offense. Head coach Nick Sirianni said this week the team was ready to fully unleash the former Giants star and Pro Bowler, saying “He can go for it here” after watching a Barkley run in practice Monday that made him do a double take. I’m also fascinated to see if the Eagles can finally utilize a running back out of the backfield as a pass-catcher, and how much that will help Jalen Hurts. I’m excited to see what Barkley can do running behind a real quarterback in a real offense with real weapons that teams have to focus on other than him. In New York, all eyes were on him. In Philadelphia, he may be option No. 3 or 4 at times. Some believe the offense will run through Barkley, but whether that’s true or not, I’m most excited about a potentially monstrous season from him. Game Week – Iggles BlitzI am most excited to see Saquon in action. I watched him for three years at Penn State. He was a special player there and has done some special things while trapped as a member of the Giants. Saquon finally gets to be part of a good team. He has good blocking. He’s part of a good passing attack. All of this could bring out the best in him. Saquon could have a special season. Special Teams is an x-factor every season. With the new kickoff rules that could be especially true. Michael Clay did a terrific job with the STs last year. Let’s hope he can repeat that. This team should once again be a Super Bowl contender. They need to stay relatively healthy. They need Jalen Hurts to play like he did in 2022. And they need the defense to be good enough. This offense can be special, but they can’t be in a shootout on a weekly basis. 2024 should be a fun season. At the very least, it will be interesting. Eagles-Packers player matchups to watch in Week 1 in Brazil – NBCSPJalen Carter vs. Jordan Morgan. The Eagles are expecting big things from Jalen Carter this season. Carter flashed enough last season to show an All-Pro ceiling. There’s a strong argument to be made that he’s the Eagles’ most important defensive player in 2024. And Carter will likely get to face a rookie in Week 1. The Packers drafted Jordan Morgan with the No. 25 overall pick in April and moved the former Arizona left tackle to right guard this summer. Morgan didn’t get to play in the preseason because he was dealing with a shoulder injury. So not only is he flipping sides of the line and changing positions, but Morgan missed some time in training camp and wasn’t able to play in the preseason. His first game action in the NFL is coming at a new position and against a guy who could be an All-Pro in 2024. NFL QB Index, Week 1: Ranking all 32 starters entering 2024 season – NFL.com10) Jalen Hurts. Here’s where I’m going to end up drawing the ire of Dolphins fans (again), who, honestly, have a case for their QB being in the top 10. But I feel confident in placing Hurts here for one key reason: We still don’t know what on earth happened with the 2023 Eagles. I firmly believe that, by the end of 2024, we’ll be able to reach one of two conclusions: The back half of last season can be tossed out as an anomaly, or it was the first sign of the Eagles’ downfall under Nick Sirianni. At this point, I’ll rely on prior evidence and predict they’ll get it right this season, with Hurts returning to the elite tier he occupied through 2022 and into the first half of 2023. When empowered and composed, Hurts is a special quarterback whose play is worthy of the $51 million he’s making per year. He’s only 26 years old and has his whole career ahead of him — and I, for one,
Giants news, 9/5: Malik Nabers, Eli Manning, Daniel Jones, more headlines
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports New York Giants news for Thursday Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View NFL Week 1 power rankings: Giants considered one of league’s worst teams Did Hard Knocks catch Joe Schoen scouting quarterbacks? Adoree’ Jackson contract details: 1-year, $1.75 million for the veteran cornerback Giants-Vikings Wednesday injury report: All 53 Giants participating in practice Giants’ ST coordinator Michael Ghobrial: Speed still big factor on kickoff returns Test your NFL knowledge on Sep 4 with SB Nation’s new daily trivia game Other Giant observations Q&A: Giants legend Eli Manning talks Malik Nabers, Hall of Fame prospects and more | The Athletic Just go play football. He’s focused. He’s worked hard to get healthy, to get where he is. He’s looked great in training camp running around, moving around. I think he feels confident about that, which is important. You’ve got to go in there feeling very confident about your health, and you can do all the things that he’s done — being able to run, being able to move in the pocket. Just go out there and try to win football games. I know he’s excited for this opportunity. Gunner looking to be moving better Gunner Olszewski, working back from a groin injury, fielding punts on Wednesday during NYG practice. pic.twitter.com/lruSnypt8e — Big Blue View (@bigblueview) September 4, 2024 Tyler Nubin: Giants rookie already making presence felt, voice heard | The Record “I don’t back down from anybody,” Nubin said. “I put myself to a high standard. I hold myself to a higher standard than anybody else around me can hold me to. Having that standard for myself, having that expectation for myself, just elevates me and elevates everybody else. There’s nothing that anybody can expect from me that I don’t already expect of myself.” NFL Season Predictions: 1 Player Who Will Regress on Every Team in 2024 | ProFootballNetwork.com This isn’t to say that Kayvon Thibodeaux isn’t going to be a productive player for the Giants, but his statistical production may not be what it was in 2023. His rate-based stats, such as pass rush win rate, did not imply an 11.5-sack campaign, and with Brian Burns coming over from Carolina, Thibodeaux could take a back seat in terms of getting to the quarterback. Pass rusher Brian Burns may be the missing piece for Giants’ D | ESPN.com “I feel like a high-end pass rusher can make his plays and be a game-changer, but at the same time, I feel like it’s a unit type of thing,” Burns said. “I feel like any great pass rusher would tell you, yeah, he’s good at what he does and he’s great, but if it wasn’t for the other three guys or the other four guys, he couldn’t get that job done. So without Dex, I can’t get sacks. Without me, he can’t get sacks.” 2024 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 1 | Bleacher Report Even if the Giants manage to surprise and stay relevant in the NFC East this season, they could end up taking calls on pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari. Another team could be eager to take a chance on Ojulari, though, and with the player set to be a free agent in 2025, the Giants may be willing to deal. High expectations Caught up with #Giants wideout Malik Nabers before his debut. He’s confident — that’s what the team loves about him. But the hype around him resonates through the locker room. Just listen to what @isaiahsimmons25 believes he’s capable of this year pic.twitter.com/So92MXUUkt — Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 4, 2024 NFL’s All-Underrated Team: Most Overlooked Player at Every Position in 2024 | Bleacher Report Darius Slayton, meanwhile, has only suited up for the New York Giants. He’s been a part of many mediocre New York offenses in five seasons but recorded four years of 46-plus receptions and 700-plus yards. Can Giants’ stopgap RB committee replicate Saquon Barkley’s production? | NJ.com To say the Giants’ running back room went through a massive overhaul this summer would be putting it lightly. Saquon Barkley — the face of the franchise since 2018 — skipped town for the rival Eagles on Day 1 of free agency. Last year’s backup Matt Brieda wasn’t re-signed. Even the offensive line blocking for them looks new, with right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and guards Greg Van Roten and Jon Runyan all signing this summer and earning starting jobs. Agent’s Take: Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins headline 10 quarterbacks who are looking to bounce back in 2024 | CBSSports.com The Giants will likely move on from Jones if he can’t take advantage of these key offensive upgrades. It wouldn’t be surprising for the Giants to bench a healthy Jones at some point with him looking more like he did in 2023 than in 2022 because $23 million of his $30 million 2025 base salary is guaranteed for injury. On the fifth day of the 2025 league year (March 15, 2025), $12 million of the $23 million becomes fully guaranteed. The Giants would pick up $19.395 million of 2025 salary cap room from parting ways with Jones next March as there would $22.21 million in dead money rather than his $41.605 million 2025 cap number. NFL Hope-O-Meter results: Ranking how optimistic fans are for all 32 teams | The Athletic 31. New York Giants: 17.2 percent optimism. Pessimist Danny: The Giants have never been conventionally good. In Super Bowl seasons and recent playoff runs alike, they are entirely dependent on miracles, crazy catches, the other team’s misfortune, etc. The Giants don’t win games by large margins. Everything they do is squeaking it out. Terrible. Seven wins max. Gold medalist visits Giants Got a visit from Olympian @_Kingben_ pic.twitter.com/EL1JtdRigu — New York Giants (@Giants) September 4, 2024 5 storylines to follow as Giants kick off 100th season vs. Vikings | Giants.com But of course, the Vikings offense starts with the three-time Pro Bowler and former NFL Offensive Player of the Year, wide receiver
Vikes Views: Who Wins the NFCN?
Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images The Minnesota Vikings are in one of the best divisions in football (according to the experts). It’s going to be a tough road ahead. Detroit Lions – Last year Detroit finished 12-5 last year and finally won their first NFCN crown. The should’ve been in the Super Bowl if not for being outscored by 20 in the 2nd half against the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. They’re brining back Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and all those studs on offense. Our friend Marcus Davenport is joining Aidan Hutchinson on the pass rush. The team is stacked and will be the favorite to win the North again. Green Bay Packers – The Packers finished strong last year thanks to a nice run by 1st year starter Jordan Love. Love proved a lot of doubters wrong. Small sample sizes can lie. The 6-2 stretch to finish the year and get the Wild Card spot was impressive. Even more impressive was the beating they put on the Cowboys defense in the playoffs. Yet another NFCN team that blew a late lead to the 49ers in the playoffs (thank goodness). The Packers will have to prove they can do it without Aaron Jones in the backfield. He was a big part of their year end run as well. Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams looks like the next great QB. Much like Justin Fields looked like the next great QB. Chicago has never had a good QB in their entire history. I’m always going to be a prove it person with the Bears. They have a strong WR group, decent secondary and some nice pieces overall. Caleb is setup for success, but is Matt Eberflus really the coach to get them there? I don’t think so. Bears are terrible until proven otherwise. Minnesota Vikings – The biggest wild card of the group. The Vikings would’ve given the Lions a run for their money last year if not for injuries to Kirk and Justin Jefferson. Kirk is gone. Sam Darnold is here and it’s a massive question mark. Will we get Case Keenum type run or could this be 2013 Cassel/Ponder/Freeman type year? Time will tell and it will likely be somewhere in between. The Vikings are at NYG to start. Memories of the Freeman game are all too real right now.
Could Dolphins be without Jalen Ramsey on Sunday – The Splash Zone 9/5/24
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours. The Miami Dolphins could potentially be down one of their best defenders as cornerback Jalen Ramsey has been dealing with a hamstring injury and hasn’t been practicing. If Ramsey cannot go Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ethan Bonner would be in line to get the start. Bonner had a very good offseason considering he only saw 11 defensive snaps as a rookie last year and quickly rose up the depth chart. The season hasn’t even started and the Dolphins are already dealing with plenty of injuries. You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below. Miami Dolphins Practice Report and Injury Update: It’s Time To Worry About Jalen RamseyThe first Miami Dolphins injury report of 2024 had some bad news: Jalen Ramsey remains out of practice just four days before the season opener. Dolphins Offense How will Dolphins compensate for receiver injuries? Achane explains one option. And notes – Yahoo SportsDolphins working with Achane at receiver again amid injuries at the wide receiver position. Attention Fantasy Managers: Mike McDaniel Explains the Miami Dolphins’ F PositionAlec Ingold is a fullback. Jonnu Smith is a tight end. But they’re both listed as F’s on the Miami Dolphins’ first depth chart of 2024. Dolphins Quarterbacks How Tua Tagovailoa’s College Hip Injury Continues To Limit Miami Dolphins QB 5 Years LaterThe Miami Dolphins love Tua Tagovailoa’s skill set, even if there’s an important part of his game that will probably never be what it was at Alabama. Dolphins Running Backs ‘A very versatile back.’ Dolphins rookie RB Jaylen Wright wants to show he can do it all – Yahoo Sports‘I feel like I’m a very versatile back, somebody who can go out in space and catch the ball and make something happen with the ball in his hands,’ Jaylen Wright said. Dolphins Offensive Line Will Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker Expose New-Look Miami Dolphins Offensive Line?Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel’s confidence in his O-line will be put to the test Sunday when Josh Hines-Allen and the Jacksonville Jaguars come to town. Dolphins Defensive Line Miami Dolphins DL a Question Mark Post-Christian WilkinsNew defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s previous work with defensive linemen should be a source of optimism Dolphins Secondary Ethan Bonner: From Undrafted Rookie to Miami Dolphins StarFind out how Ethan Bonner went from being an undrafted rookie to earning a spot on the Miami Dolphins, becoming a player they refused to trade. Dolphins 2024 Season NFL power rankings: How do Miami Dolphins stack up among all 32 teams? | Habib – Yahoo SportsSee where the Miami Dolphins are slotted in our NFL power rankings entering the 2024 season. Miami Dolphins Week 1 Power Rankings RoundupHow the national media stacks the Dolphins as they head into their regular season opener Dolphins Jaylen Wright and Chop Robinson are geeked for NFL debut – Yahoo SportsMiami Dolphins rookies Jaylen Wright and Chop Robinson feel ready to make an NFL impact as rookies Phinsider News You May Have Missed Reasons for optimism heading into 2024 season – Miami Dolphins News 9/3/24 – The PhinsiderWelcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours. Jaguars vs. Dolphins: Miami slight favorites in 2024 Week 1 odds – The PhinsiderThe Miami Dolphins open as home favorites in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dolphins fans question direction of team in first SB Nation Reacts confidence poll for 2024 – The PhinsiderThe majority of the fans are behind the team, but not as many as you may have expected. Jack Driscoll rejoins Eagles after preseason stint with Dolphins – The PhinsiderDriscoll was projected to boost the offensive line but the Miami Dolphins went in a different direction. Phinsider Question Of The Day: Your Jaguars Vs Dolphins Predictions – The PhinsiderWe get your predictions for this week’s game between the Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars. NFL roundup: Will Bengals and Chase get a deal done this week – The PhinsiderJustin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and Brandon Aiyuk have all inked new deals. Will Ja’Marr Chase get one soon? Miami Dolphins Week 1 fan survey: Who will be the best addition this year? – The PhinsiderOur SB Nation Reacts poll is back as the Miami Dolphins prepare for Week 1. Miami Dolphins dealing with plethora of injuries; thirteen players listed on first official injury report – The PhinsiderMany veterans rested on Wednesday; Jalen Ramsey sits with hamstring injury. Phinsider Question Of The Day: Week 1 Dolphins MVPs Edition – The PhinsiderMiami Dolphins give us their predictions for week 1 team MVPs.
Ravens vs. Chiefs: Marlon Humphrey should cover WR Rashee Rice in week 1
Ravens vs. Chiefs: Marlon Humphrey should cover WR Rashee Rice in week 1 Larry Brown Jr. The Baltimore Ravens don’t need another heroic speech from defensive back Marlon Humphrey, but they could use his help slowing down Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice. Quietly, Rice had a solid 2023 season, finishing with 79 total receptions with an 11.9 yards per catch average. Rice also had success versus the Ravens in the AFC Championship, recording eight catches for 46 yards. As if stopping the Chiefs’ offensive passing attack were ever easy, it may be increasingly difficult if the Ravens can’t dictate at the line of scrimmage in week 1. Their matchup this upcoming Thursday will come down to their ability to defend with man coverage, meaning Humphrey (and others) will need to live up to the hype. Hopefully, Humphrey has been studying film to make the corrections needed to neutralize Rice at the deep and intermediate levels in the passing game. Humphrey’s physical (not verbal) success will be key in this game.
