:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25836696/2173326528.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Vikings Links: Offseason Planning Has Begun")
This offseason is off to a great start. The debates are going to be fierce but great. What will and should they do at QB? When will they extend KOC and KAM? What positions will they target in free agency and then the draft? Will they trade for or away anyone? Will someone answer the dang phone? How much will KOC get in a new deal? I am thinking at least 10M per year and probably 13M sounds good. The Highest-Paid Head Coaches in the NFL Updated: January 7, 2025 Rank : Coach : Team : Total Compensation 1 : Andy Reid : Kansas City Chiefs : $20 million 2 : Sean Payton : Denver Broncos : $18 million T-3 : Mike Tomlin : Pittsburgh Steelers : $16 million T-3 : Jim Harbaugh : Los Angeles Chargers : $16 million 5 : Sean McVay : Los Angeles Rams : $15 million 6 : Kyle Shanahan : San Francisco 49ers : $14 million 7 : John Harbaugh : Baltimore Ravens : $12 million T-8 : Dan Campbell : Detroit Lions : $11 million T-8 : Sean McDermott : Buffalo Bills : $11 million 10 : Mike Macdonald : Seattle Seahawks : $9 million 11 : Nick Sirianni : Philadelphia Eagles : $7 million 12 : Matt LaFleur : Green Bay Packers : $6 million T-13 : Zac Taylor : Cincinnati Bengals : $4.5 million T-13 : Dan Quinn : Washington Commanders : $4.5 million T-15 : Mike McCarthy : Dallas Cowboys : $4 million T-15 : Raheem Morris : Atlanta Falcons : $4 million T-17 : Kevin Stefanski : Cleveland Browns : $3.5 million T-17 : Mike McDaniel : Miami Dolphins : $3.5 million Another topic has been will they sign a guard or two in free agency. Here is a list of recent guard contracts and their pff grades for last year … Player : Pos : Team : Ht : Wt : Age : Began : Years : Total : Avg./Year : PFF OVERALL : PFF PASS : PFF RUN : SNAPS Landon Dickerson : LG : Eagles : 6’6” : 332 : 27 : 2024 : 4 : $84,000,000 : $21,000,000 : 79.2 : 73.6 : 79.7 : 995 Robert Hunt : RG : Panthers : 6’6” : 335 : 29 : 2024 : 5 : $100,000,000 : $20,000,000 : 67.7 : 57.5 : 72.0 : 966 Samuel Cosmi : RG : Commanders : 6’7” : 309 : 26 : 2024 : 4 : $74,000,000 : $18,500,000 : 68.8 : 74.3 : 66.4 : 1157 Quinn Meinerz : RG : Broncos : 6’3” : 320 : 27 : 2024 : 4 : $72,000,000 : $18,000,000 : 87.8 : 80.3 : 87.1 : 1089 Jonah Jackson : LG : Rams : 6’4” : 311 : 28 : 2024 : 3 : $51,000,000 : $17,000,000 : 67.5 : 59.3 : 68.8 : 266 Kevin Dotson : RG : Rams : 6’4” : 321 : 29 : 2024 : 3 : $48,000,000 : $16,000,000 : 81.3 : 65.6 : 83.0 : 1023 Damien Lewis : LG : Panthers : 6’3” : 332 : 28 : 2024 : 4 : $53,000,000 : $13,250,000 : 75.5 : 72.0 : 76.9 : 942 Jon Runyan, Jr. : LG : Giants : 6’4” : 307 : 28 : 2024 : 3 : $30,000,000 : $10,000,000 : 56.1 : 62.6 : 52.3 : 842 Ezra Cleveland : LG : Jaguars : 6’6” : 312 : 27 : 2024 : 3 : $24,000,000 : $8,000,000 : 64.9 : 67.8 : 59.7 : 911 Graham Glasgow : RG : Lions : 6’6” : 315 : 33 : 2024 : 3 : $20,000,000 : $6,666,667 : 57.9 : 56.2 : 57.8 : 1080 Kevin Zeitler : RG : Lions : 6’4” : 340 : 35 : 2024 : 1 : $6,000,000 : $6,000,000 : 86.8 : 71.8 : 87.2 : 1047 John Simpson : LG : Jets : 6’4” : 330 : 28 : 2024 : 2 : $12,000,000 : $6,000,000 : 77.3 : 72.3 : 79.2 : 1020 Nick Allegretti : LG : Commanders : 6’4” : 310 : 29 : 2024 : 3 : $16,000,000 : $5,333,333 : 61.7 : 57.5 : 63.9 : 1146 Chris Lindstrom : RG : Falcons : 6’3” : 307 : 28 : 2023 : 5 : $102,500,000 : $20,500,000 : 93.5 : 68.0 : 94.6 : 1099 Zack Martin : RG : Cowboys : 6’4” : 315 : 35 : 2023 : 2 : $36,850,000 : $18,425,000 : 65.6 : 62.0 : 63.3 : 638 Ben Powers : LG : Broncos : 6’4” : 310 : 29 : 2023 : 4 : $52,000,000 : $13,000,000 : 63.9 : 66.6 : 60.7 : 1088 Shaquille Mason : RG : Texans : 6’1” : 310 : 32 : 2023 : 3 : $35,000,000 : $11,666,667 : 62.3 : 65.2 : 57.7 : 931 Cesar Ruiz : RG : Saints : 6’4” : 316 : 26 : 2023 : 4 : $44,000,000 : $11,000,000 : 67.6 : 67.5 : 64.4 : 813 Isaac Seumalo : LG : Steelers : 6’4” : 303 : 32 : 2023 : 3 : $24,000,000 : $8,000,000 : 67.6 : 63.0 : 69.7 : 826 Will Hernandez : RG : Cardinals : 6’2” : 332 : 30 : 2023 : 2 : $9,000,000 : $4,500,000 : 69.3 : 74.2 : 66.0 : 280 Quenton Nelson : LG : Colts : 6’5” : 330 : 29 : 2022 : 4 : $80,000,000 : $20,000,000 : 81.3 : 79.7 : 81.7 : 1083 Elgton Jenkins : LG : Packers : 6’5” : 311 : 30 : 2022 : 3 : $68,000,000 : $17,000,000 : 66.0 : 83.1 : 61.2 : 1069 Brandon Scherff : RG : Jaguars : 6’5” : 315 : 34 : 2022 : 3 : $10,000,000 : $10,000,000 : 64.7 : 74.5 : 57.3 : 1013 James Daniels : RG : Steelers : 6’4” : 327 :
Vikings Links: Offseason Planning Has Begun
NFL Picks Against the Spread: Divisional Round Playoff Games
Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images Which bets do you like the most? Before the Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL playoffs kicks off, let’s have some fun by taking a look at the lines for this weekend’s postseason games. You can CLICK HERE for straight up NFL picks without regard to the spread. You can find all of the NFL betting lines via FanDuel. My overall record is 136-139-3, which is well behind the collective BGN community at 152-123-3. Feel free to fade my advice and lean into the community’s selections instead. Here are suggestions when trying to beat the odds. DIVISIONAL ROUND PICKS AGAINST THE SPREAD HOUSTON TEXANS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-8.5): The Chiefs typically don’t make it look easy … but they just win. Houston’s defense is good enough to help them cover the spread in a loss. PICK: Texans +8.5 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS at DETROIT LIONS (-9.5): The Commanders have had a great run to get to this point. But their roster has limitations that will be on display here. Remember how Philly looked poised to blow out Washington prior to Jalen Hurts getting hurt in Week 16? The Lions are going to stomp the Commanders. PICK: Lions -9.5 LOS ANGELES RAMS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (-6.5): Kinda tempted to take the points since 1) bad weather could lower scoring and 2) the Eagles’ offense has been uneven while the Rams’ defense has been better recently. But the potential of Saquon Barkley having his way is too great. Not to mention Matthew Stafford’s struggles playing in inclement weather. I think the game will be close until the Eagles pull out a late touchdown that allows them to win by two possessions. PICK: Eagles -6.5 BALTIMORE RAVENS (-1.5) at BUFFALO BILLS: Lamar Jackson’s playoff passer rating is 81.2. Josh Allen’s playoff passer rating is 102.3. The Bills are also undefeated at home this season. PICK: Bills +1.5
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73854880/2194078219.0.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "The Linc – PFF shows love to the Eagles’ “secret superstar”")
The Linc – PFF shows love to the Eagles’ “secret superstar”
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links … Every NFL team’s secret superstar from the 2024 season – PFFPhiladelphia Eagles: EDGE Nolan Smith. When Brandon Graham suffered a torn triceps in Week 12 and with Bryce Huff missing time, the Eagles easily could have experienced a decline in pass-rusher productivity. Instead, Smith rose to the occasion, accumulating 22 pressures and an 82.3 PFF run-defense grade since Week 13 — both of which are top-22 marks among all defenders. Howie Roseman selected Smith with the intention of molding him into a long-term edge defending piece, and he’s already paid dividends in Year 2. Why Nolan Smith is fueled by Georgia shipyards, life ‘on the port’ while emerging into one of Eagles’ key postseason performers – PHLY This has been the book on Smith even before his recent burst of production. For someone as athletically gifted as Smith, his reputation has been based more on effort than tools. Sirianni cites his intangible characteristics, which is noteworthy because somebody with his athletic testing is more often known for tangible characteristics. “You could run 4.2 and not give energy the entirety of your career,” special teams coordinator Michael Clay said. “He gives energy regardless if it’s Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, obviously it’s infectious on Sunday. He’s in these meetings, he’s dialed in. He asks questions. He just wants to help out. I see him up in (edge rusher coach Jeremiah Washburn’s) room on Fridays after a lighter practice, getting more feedback, ‘What can I get better at?’ His intangibles and his want-to-be great is just unbelievable.” “He’s one of the hardest workers we’ve had,” said Lane Johnson, who’s practiced against pestering pass rushers for 12 seasons. How the inquisitive Nolan Smith grew to become the Eagles’ answer at edge rusher – Inquirer Zack Baun, the Eagles’ All-Pro inside linebacker, is typically aligned in the middle of the action on the gridiron on Sundays. During the week, Baun sits in the middle of the action in Vic Fangio’s defensive meetings, too. Nolan Smith, the second-year outside linebacker, and Jeremiah Washburn, his position coach, sit on either side of Baun in the auditorium. Baun isn’t just a fly on the wall for their interactions, he practically is the wall. As Fangio speaks, Smith peers around Baun to ask Washburn questions throughout the meeting, over and over again. The energetic edge rusher seeks input from Washburn, especially about his pass-rush decisions. Should I go bull-slip here? Or should I have done something else? The 6-foot-2, 238-pound Smith jots his takeaways down in his notebook, then repeats the process throughout the meeting. Baun finds their exchanges enlightening about Smith’s desire to hone his craft. “He doesn’t seem like a second-year player to me at all,” Baun said. “He’s tough, he’s physical, and he’s willing to learn.” Eagles’ tenacious player delivering power to defense: ‘One time, he broke my nose’ – NJ.com “One time, he broke my nose,” Carswell told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday. “I was playing scout team quarterback. He was going full speed. I dipped and bent back around and there he was. … He was like, ‘Coach, sorry, sorry, sorry.’ I was like, ‘Hey, you’re doing exactly what I told you to do. You were going full speed.’” It would not be the last time Smith, whom the Eagles drafted in the first round of the 2023 draft, caused an injury. During the first quarter of the Eagles’ playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers last Sunday, Smith knocked Packers offensive guard Elgton Jenkins out of the game with a stinger. Eagles-Rams Film Preview – BGN Let’s focus on the passing game first. Matthew Stafford has superstar ability. The arm talent and funky arm angles he can throw from are rare. If the Rams’ offensive line keeps him clean, he will be hard to stop. However, Stafford is a statue in the pocket and does not want to get hit. If the Eagles can get pressure early, Stafford will really struggle. The Rams were 0/8 against the Eagles on 3rd down in week 12 because the Eagles did a good job getting after Stafford. Despite what I just said, the Eagles should not blitz Stafford a lot. Stafford is too smart and he can shred the blitz. Brian Flores blitzed him a lot last week, and Stafford made him pay. The best way to get after Stafford is with simulated pressure, such as ‘Whip’, a Vic Fangio favorite! Annoyingly, Nakobe Dean is usually the blitzing linebacker on Whip, which makes his injury even more annoying. Rams-Eagles bold predictions – Turf Show Times Only one team scores above 20 points. The Rams defense is not getting enough love after matching a NFL playoff record with their nine sack performance against the Minnesota Vikings in their Wild Card matchup. After stifling multiple offenses on their route to the playoff contention many analysts have claimed that Sunday’s bout is the “true test” to see if the Rams defense has become one of the best in the league… They might be right. The last time LA saw Philly it was in their own house and it was Saquon Barkley chasing Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record to a tune of 255 yards on the ground. A lot has changed since then. The Rams wouldn’t lose another game and their young defense appears to have improved mightily thanks to the re-emergence of Akhello Witherspoon in the back field and a fearsome defensive line that has kept opposing quarterbacks up at night. The Eagles have nothing to prove on defense and have the number one ranked unit in the league. Jalen Carter and Darius Slay headline their vaulted group and just held the Green Bay Packers to 10 points during Wild Card Weekend. Jordan Love was picked off three times and sacked twice. How do the 2024 Eagles stack up against the 2022 and 2017 Eagles? – PhillyVoice In my opinion, the 2022 and 2024 Eagles
Divisional playoffs: How to watch Texans at Chiefs, Commanders at Lions
Patrick Mahomes | Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images Can Chiefs keep hopes of three-peat alive? The Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs begins with a doubleheader on Saturday. Here is how to watch, listen, stream and wager on the games. Houston Texans (11-7 – No. 4) at Kansas City Chiefs (15-2 – No. 1) The Chiefs open their bid to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. The Chiefs have won seven consecutive postseason games and can join the New England Patriots (10 consecutive postseason wins from 2002-06) and Green Bay Packers (nine from 1961-68) as the only teams all-time to win eight consecutive playoff games. The Chiefs have at least one postseason win in each of the past six seasons with head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The only team, head coach and quarterback to register at least one postseason victory in seven consecutive seasons were the 2011-18 Patriots (eight consecutive seasons), with head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. The Chiefs defeated the Texans, 27-19, in Week 16 in Kansas City and were 8-0 at home during the regular season. The Texans can advance to the Conference Championship Game for the first time in franchise history with a victory. When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead StadiumGame time: 4:30 p.m. ETTV: ESPN/ABCAnnouncers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters (field reporter), Laura Rutledge (field reporter) Radio: Westwood One — Kevin Harlan, Ross Tucker | Sirius — Chiefs, Ch. 225; Texans Ch. 226; National, Ch. 88Referee: Clay MartinStreaming: NFL appFanduel Sportsbook odds: Chiefs -8.5 | Moneyline: Texans +350, Chiefs -450 | Over/Under: 41.5 Washington Commanders (13-5 – No. 6) at Detroit Lions (15-2 – No. 1) The Commanders, with their win on Wild Card Weekend at Tampa Bay, earned their first postseason victory since 2005 and look to advance to their first Championship game since 1991. Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had 304 yards (268 passing, 36 rushing), two touchdown passes, no interceptions and a 110.2 passer rating in the Wild Card round and became the fourth rookie quarterback all-time to win his first career playoff start on the road. Detroit earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time in team history with a franchise-record 15 wins during the regular season and looks to win a postseason game in consecutive seasons for the second time in franchise history (1952-53). The Lions led the NFL in scoring offense (33.2 points per game) and ranked second in total offense (409.5 yards per game) during the regular season. When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025Where: Ford Field Game time: 8 p.m. ETTV: FOXAnnouncers: Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews (field reporter), Tom Rinaldi (field reporter) Radio: Westwood One — Kevin Kugler, Mike Mayock | Sirius — Commanders, Ch. 229; Lions, Ch. 228; National, Ch. 88Referee: Ron TorbertStreaming: NFL appFanduel Sportsbook odds: Lions -9.5 | Moneyline: Commanders +385, Lions -500 | Over/Under: 55.5
Rams-Eagles bold predictions
Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images Cooper Kupp gets his step back The Los Angeles Rams decimated the Minnesota Vikings on Monday thanks to an absurd defensive showing. Did anyone correctly predict that Sam Darnold would be sacked nine times and possible lose millions of dollars on his next contract? Here is my best shot at getting the predictions right this week. Only one team scores above 20 points THIS DEFENSE >>> pic.twitter.com/B3jx6PiPty — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 14, 2025 The Rams defense is not getting enough love after matching a NFL playoff record with their nine sack performance against the Minnesota Vikings in their Wild Card matchup. After stifling multiple offenses on their route to the playoff contention many analysts have claimed that Sunday’s bout is the “true test” to see if the Rams defense has become one of the best in the league… They might be right. The last time LA saw Philly it was in their own house and it was Saquon Barkley chasing Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record to a tune of 255 yards on the ground. A lot has changed since then. The Rams wouldn’t lose another game and their young defense appears to have improved mightily thanks to the re-emergence of Akhello Witherspoon in the back field and a fearsome defensive line that has kept opposing quarterbacks up at night. The Eagles have nothing to prove on defense and have the number one ranked unit in the league. Jalen Carter and Darius Slay headline their vaulted group and just held the Green Bay Packers to 10 points during Wild Card Weekend. Jordan Love was picked off three times and sacked twice. DARIUS SLAY GOES STRIDE FOR STRIDE AND PICKS OFF JORDAN LOVE (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Ndn4he47ja — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 12, 2025 With both teams playing other-worldly on defense at the tail-end of the season and the forecast showing a potential snow-bowl on Sunday, I predict that it will be a low scoring affair with the team that scores over 20 walking away with the win. Cooper Kupp leads team in receiving Cooper Kupp may be taking a lesser role in the Rams offense, but he can still work effectively on a vertical plane. Kupp came open earlier in the game on the Stafford fumble that was called back. Good protection here. Stafford’s placement allows Kupp to come back to the ball. pic.twitter.com/KihGHzE2aX — Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) January 18, 2025 The Rams have found a number of different ways to win games this season and recently have not had to rely on the pass game to get the W, but when they have it usually means Puka Nacua is going off for a 100+ receiving game. Lost in the offense is Cooper Kupp who has not been targeted more that three times in a game for four weeks in-a-row. Against this defense LA will need all of their personnel ready to make an impact and after a few week hiatus I believe Kupp will answer the bell. Nacua should get most of the secondary’s attention after burning them for 117 yards on nine receptions during the regular season. It should give Kupp just enough opportunity to be his normal self and come away with a big game when his best is required. I am predicting that he will lead the team in receiving yards when it is all said and done. Jonah Jackson sees the field With everyone talking about Barkley and the likely impact he will have this weekend it’s Kyren Williams that has been lost in the sauce, but he is also bound for a big day. Sean McVay will have to establish the run early to set up the pass game later and that means winning in the trenches against a stout defensive line. If there was one weakness that could be exploited though it is the Eagle’s run defense who the last time Williams played against averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and finished with 72 yards on just 16 carries. How does that mean Jonah Jackson will get to see the field? McVay will be in his bag of tricks and lay it all on the line in hopes of advancing which is why I am predicting he goes with a six linemen package to get the run game going early. The Ravens put a sixth OL on the field for 15 snaps and POUNDED the rock with Josh Jones as an inline blocker. Jones with the NASTY combo to create displacement of the 3t then cleanly flips his hips and seals the linebacker on this Derrick Henry touchdown. BIG BOY FOOTBALL! pic.twitter.com/yh2W7Bhvng — Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) January 14, 2025 As much as Jackson has struggled, having an additional big-body to run through will exploit the Eagles defense and allow the Rams run game to win in the trenches. AJ Brown is caught reading another book AJ Brown reacts to some of the negative reaction to him reading a book on the sideline “None of that really matters…I’m going to continue to be myself. I’m not pretending, it’s not a facade…Who cares who don’t like it. I’m a 3x All-Pro” AJ is 100% right about this: pic.twitter.com/yyJvIMDToe — Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) January 15, 2025 We may never understand the true message that AJ Brown was trying to deliver to his team when he brought out a book on the bench to read against the Packers last week. Maybe it was a nod to his defense, maybe he was sending a message to Nick Sirrani, or maybe he was just bored after being targeted just three times and coming down with one reception for 10 yards. The last thing that Sirrani and the rest of the staff want to see is the game coming down Jalen Hurts’ arm and not Barkley’s legs. Would Brown double-down on his charades if he saw minimal targets again? More importantly, where can I put money on it? Because if there was cash to be made my
Ravens at Bills: 10 stats to know for AFC Divisional Round Game
James Cook Bills running back James Cook ran for a total of 39 yards in his game against the Jaguars at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sept. 23, 2024. Baltimore has been susceptible to running backs catching passes out of the backfield. That is a strength of James Cook and others. https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Ravens 3rd down effectiveness BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball after a catch during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Baltimore is among the best at keeping drives going. https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Both quarterbacks can do it all BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles during the first quarter naps during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Allen and Jackson rank No. 1 and No. 2 in NFL history regarding rushing yards in playoffs. Allen has 609 in his career, and Jackson has 602. John Harbaugh BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) In his 17th year leading Baltimore, John Harbaugh is the NFL’s second-longest-tenured coach (Mike Tomlin – 18) and has now led the Ravens to 12 playoff berths. Producing a 185-114 overall record, which includes a victory in Super Bowl XLVII (2012), Harbaugh is one of only five coaches in NFL history to lead his team to at least 12 playoff berths in the first 17 seasons of a career (also Pete Carroll, Bud Grant, Mike Holmgren & Mike McCarthy). Ravens will run you out the building BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Baltimore averaged 187.6 rushing yards per game during the regular season. Lamar Jackson led the league, averaging 6.6 yards per rush, and Derrick Henry wasn’t far off, averaging 5.9 yards per rush (3rd best). Ravens historic offense BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hands the ball off to Derrick Henry #22 during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) In 2024, Baltimore’s No. 1 offense (424.9 ypg) became the first unit in NFL history to post at least 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season. … The Ravens’ franchise-record 7,224 total yards stand as the third most in NFL single-season history, trailing only the 2011 Saints (7,474) and 2013 Broncos (7,317). …Baltimore (41 & 21) also became the first team in NFL singleseason history to score 40+ passing TDs & 20+ rushing TDs. Jackson’s best season ever Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Jackson posted career highs in each passing yards (4,172), passing TDs (41) and passer rating (119.6), while throwing just four interceptions. He became the first QB in NFL history with at least 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards (he had 915) in a single season. 3rd down battle Oct 2, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) cuts in front of Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (58) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Buffalo has improved on third down. Against the Patriots in Week 18, Buffalo held New England to a 33% third down conversion rate (4/12). Last Sunday against Denver, the Bills held Denver to just 22% on third down. These are big improvements because Buffalo finished the regular season ranked 29th allowing teams to convert third downs 43.8% of the time. Buffalo’s defense had two big third-down sacks against the Broncos thanks to linebacker Matt Milano and defensive end Greg Rousseau. Milano, who missed the first 12 weeks of the season due to a torn bicep, was a big reason for the improvement. Baltimore is one of the best on third down. The Ravens converted 48.2% of their third downs in the regular season, good for third best in the league. They converted 66.7% of their third downs (10/15) against the Steelers in the Wild Card round. When the Ravens and Bills faced each other in Week 4, Baltimore converted 55.5% (5/9). Derrick Henry Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs to score a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Baltimore’s No. 1 rushing attack (187.6 ypg) was fueled by RB Derrick Henry, who ran for the NFL’s second-most yards (1,921) and registered single-season franchise records in rushing TDs (16) and scrimmage TDs (18, tied for second in the NFL in ’24). Ravens defense TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 21: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) The Ravens ranked No. 1 vs. the run (80.1 ypg allowed) and No. 2 in sacks (54), behind career highs from OLB Kyle Van Noy (12.5) and OLB Odafe Oweh (10). … CB Marlon Humphrey produced an AFC-best 6 INTs (tied for third in the league overall).
Saturday Divisional Round open thread
Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images Who wins Chiefs vs. Texas and Lions vs. Commanders? We’ve got a double-dose of NFL Playoff games today as the Divisional Round kicks off, so come join the fun in our open thread!
Raiders vs. Bears: Which team is more attractive for Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson | Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images Weighing several categories that could sway the big name head coach The Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach search is in full swing and rumors are swirling that the Raiders are the favorites to land the most-coveted coach on the market, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. However, Las Vegas does have some competition as Johnson also interviewed with the Chicago Bears. That has sparked some debate on X/Twitter about which organization is more attractive to Johnson. So, let’s dive into it and look at a few factors that could sway the offensive mastermind. Quarterback Advantage: Bears While Caleb Williams had his faults and was a disappointment in 2024, the No. 1 overall pick still has plenty of talent that an offensive-minded head coach would want to work with. Plus, part of his issues can be chalked up to poor coaching as Matt Eberflus should have been fired last offseason. Additionally, Johnson was rumored to be interested in the Bears’ job a year ago if it became available and the opportunity to draft/work with Williams was likely a big factor in that. Meanwhile, the most important position on the field is the biggest need in Las Vegas and the organization doesn’t have a clear path to get a new quarterback this offseason. Ownership Advantage: Raiders Don’t get it wrong, Mark Davis has plenty of faults and hasn’t been able to get results on the field since taking over as principal owner in 2012. But the Halas/McCaskey family has owned the Bears since 1920 and has only won one Super Bowl (1985) since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. Meanwhile, the Raiders have three thanks to Al Davis, and the Bears have been just as bad as the Raiders since Mark took over. Here’s how #Raiders and Bears compare since Mark Davis’ 1st full season as owner in 2012:Win percentage: Bears .406, Raiders .392Playoff berths: Bears 2, Raiders 2Playoff wins: Bears 0, Raiders 0Non-interim coaches: Bears 5, Raiders 5Starting QBs: Bears 16, Raiders 13 https://t.co/tSUafkgfFl — Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 16, 2025 Also, Tom Brady’s presence changes the perception of Las Vegas’ ownership group. That’s already paid off as Brady is speculated to be one of the biggest reasons Johnson is even interested in pacing the sidelines of Allegiant Stadium. General Manager Advantage: Raiders An argument could be made that Ryan Poles is a good or at least up-and-coming GM. He’s built a good roster with the Bears and was praised for getting a massive return from the Carolina Panthers in the trade for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. Granted, he has lost some momentum with the latter given how Bryce Young and Williams finished this past season. Also, Poles owns an ugly 15-36 record in three seasons at the helm. But what really gives the Raiders the nod here is that we’re looking at this from Johnson’s perspective. Johnson reportedly wants a say in who the general manager is for whatever team he’s coaching, and he can get that with the open position in Las Vegas. That should make the Silver and Black more attractive to him. Current Roster Advantage: Bears Part of this goes hand-in-hand with the quarterback situation, but Chicago also has a talented defense led by Jaylon Johnson and Montez Sweat. Also, every starter on that side of the ball is under contract next season while six of the Raiders’ top defenders are impending free agents, including Tre’von Moehrig, Robert Spillane and Malcolm Koonce. Offseason Assets Advantage: Toss-up Yeah, yeah, yeah, this is a cop-out. But a strong argument could be made for either team’s case. Per Over The Cap, the Raiders ($92.5 million) do have the second-most cap space in the NFL but the Bears ($66 million) aren’t far behind with the seventh-most. Also, as mentioned above, Chicago doesn’t have as many holes to fill. Las Vegas has more picks in the 2025 NFL Draft—ten to eight—but both organizations own four top 100 selections and the Bears have two second-rounders with the Raiders owning a pair of picks in the third. So, it’s hard to say that one team has a true advantage over the other in this department. That leaves us with a 2-2 tie in the factors above, so it depends on how much weight/importance Johnson places on each category. Also, winters in Vegas sound a whole lot better than in The Windy City and no state income tax would be intriguing. I’m biased but I know which club I’d pick…
Bills vs. Ravens: Final injury reports for both teams
Bills vs. Ravens: Final injury reports for both teams Bills vs. Ravens: Final injury reports for both teams Nick Wojton Here are the full injury reports for the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens ahead of their Divisional round matchup at Highmark Stadium: Baltimore Ravens (12-5) Out N/A Doubtful WR Zay Flowers (knee) Questionable WR/RS Deonte Harty (knee) Will play N/A Buffalo Bills (13-4) Out N/A Questionable RB Ray Davis (concussion) Will play OL Alec Anderson (calf) CB Christian Benford (back) KR Brandon Codrington (hamstring) WR Amari Cooper (back) CB Taron Johnson (neck) TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) DB Cam Lewis (shoulder/neck) LB Matt Milano (bicep) TE Quintin Morris (groin) DE Greg Rousseau (finger) LB Dorian Williams (elbow)
2025 NFL Draft prospect profile – Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images Can Gordon regain his OPOY form in the NFL? Draft stock is a fickle thing, and it’s nearly as common to see a prospect tumble down draft boards as it is to see meteoric rises. The former is what happened to Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II in 2025. Gordon was considered one of the top running back prospects in the nation before the start of the 2024 season after being voted the Big XII Offensive Player Of the Year in 2023. However, he didn’t take the expected step forward at the same time Oklahoma State had a pitiful 3-9 season. The New York Giants will almost certainly be looking to add to their offense over the course of the 2025 off-season. Could Gordon be a surprise pick if the value is right? Prospect: Ollie Gordon II (0)Games Watched: vs. South Dakota State (2024), vs. Arkansas (2024), vs. Utah (2024), vs. Kansas State (2024)Red Flags: Knee/leg (2024) Measurables Height: 6-foot-2 (estimated)Weight: 220 pounds (estimated) Strengths Best traits: Long speed Physicality North-south running Contact balance Receiving and pass protection Gordon II is a good-sized running back with a solid blend of size and athleticism. Gordon is listed at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and is a slightly high-cut and “leggy” athlete. His size and build make him appear more like a big X receiver than a modern running back in a spread offense. That said, he certainly plays with a big running back’s mentality and is a physical player. He’s at his best when allowed to get north-south as soon as possible. He plays with solid patience behind the line of scrimmage and understands blocking schemes well. He follows his blockers in man-gap runs well and anticipates where holes will open in zone blocking schemes. Gordon is also dangerous on the edge when he gets the ball on toss plays. Gordon has good contact balance for a taller player and is able to run through incidental contact as long as he has momentum. He’s able to regain his feet on the move and is difficult for individual defenders to bring down. His height makes it difficult for him to maximize his play strength, but he’s able to carry defenders in space. He plays with good competitive toughness and rarely shies away from contact – though he can be a bit too eager to try and cut back or bounce plays to pick up extra yardage. Gordon is an asset in the passing game. His size and understanding of blocking schemes make him a capable pass protector. He does a good job of coming up to meet defenders and has the strength to sustain his blocks. Gordon is also a good receiving back despite not being asked to run a varied route tree. He’s a natural hands catcher who frames the pass well, extends to pluck the ball out of the air, and has soft hands to make secure catches. Weaknesses Worst traits: Burst Agility Change of direction Gordon is a one-cut runner. He has some stop-start ability and change of direction skills, but he lacks the burst necessary to cut sharply and explode in new directions. Likewise, he’s an upright runner, which gives him a high center of gravity and further limits his short-area quickness. He lacks the acceleration to consistently win the edge on off-tackle runs and is relatively easily stopped if the defense forces him to stop his feet. His limited agility can also make him appear slightly out of control at times. While Gordon is a capable pass protector, he can whiff on blocks because he’s unable to make last-second adjustments. Game Tape (Gordon is the Oklahoma State RB No. 0) Projection Gordon II projects as an important back in an active running back rotation. He will need to land in an offense that allows him to play downhill. Gordon would fit best in an offense that wants to use a bigger back between the tackles after the passing game has spread the defense out. He isn’t a true power back and lacks the burst to run with true violence and really “punish” defenses. Likewise, he doesn’t have the agility to make something out of nothing or the acceleration to win the edge on off-tackle runs from behind center. That said, he’s tough to bring down once he’s squared his shoulders and is also capable of generating big plays once he’s past the line of scrimmage. Gordon’s ability as a pass protector and a receiver should expand his appeal and help raise his draft stock. His age (just 21 on draft day) and relatively low mileage could make him a great value if he slips into the third day of the draft. Does he fit the Giants?Possibly, if they want a between-the-tackles runner Final Word: An early Day 3 value