/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73744579/1417033807.0.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts live score updates, highlights")
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images The Detroit Lions (9-1) face off against the Indianapolis Colts (5-6) for a big Week 12 matchup. The Lions need to continue to win if they want to lock up the No. 1 seed and earn a first-round bye. Both the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) and Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) are on their heels, so Detroit cannot afford a step back. That said, they’re going to be a bit shorthanded on defense. On top of the season-long injuries to Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes, the Lions will be without both Alex Anzalone and Terrion Arnold this week. That said, their high-powered offense is all available and ready to go. The Colts are clinging to playoff hopes in a weak AFC South. At 5-6, they’re still second in the division and just a couple games behind the Texans (although Houston swept the season series). With Anthony Richardson back in the lineup, there’s some renewed hope in Indy. Last week, he looked much more comfortable and productive against the New York Jets. But can he keep it up against a strong Lions defense and a beat-up offensive line? We’ll be providing live updates from Lucas Oil Stadium after the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. That includes live score updates, highlights, injury news, and drive-by-drive analysis. Just stay on this page and occasionally hit the refresh button once the game begins. Come join us as the Lions try to win their ninth game in a row and hold onto the best record in football. REMINDER: If you want to hang out with our Lions community in a live event, we’re doing a live PODcast recording on Wednesday, December 4 in downtown Detroit. Get your tickets here. First quarter The Colts won the toss and opted to receive, giving Anthony Richardson an opportunity to build on his strong performance last week. Richardson completed a couple passes and had a designed run that quickly moved Indy into Lions territory. On a third-and-1, a QB power run went for 17 yards down to the Lions’ 12-yard line. Then on third-and-7, the Colts failed to connect on a pass and had to settle for a field goal. 3-0 Colts. The Lions responded with a balanced drive into Colts territory, but on third-and-3, Jared Goff tried to escape pressure and slipped. A 9-yard loss dropped them out of field goal range, and Detroit punted for the first time since Week 10. The Colts nearly connected on a huge play to start the next drive, but a QB hit by DJ Reader forced Richardson to just outshoot Alec Pierce on a bomb. After a holding penalty, the drive stalled for the Colts, and they punted back to Detroit. With a 16-yard return from Kalif Raymond, the Lions started at their own 40-yard line. Detroit got back into field goal position with a nice scramble play from Goff, who found Tim Patrick across his body for a 27-yard gain. That was the final play of the first quarter. Second quarter The Lions found themselves in a third-and-8, but they found the Colts sleeping on a draw play, and Jahmyr Gibbs took it for 17 yards into the red zone. A few plays later, Gibbs took it in for a 2-yard touchdown. 7-3 Lions. The Colts answered back. On a third-and-3, Richardson found Adonai Mitchell for 10. Then he connected deep with Alec Pierce for a 40-yard gain. But Detroit clamped down in the red zone (with an assist from a bad Colts drop), and forced another short field goal. 7-6 Lions. The Lions offense went about their business with a long, methodical drive. David Montgomery picked up a big first down on a third-and-6 run for 13 yards. Two plays later, Montgomery was in the end zone 14-6 Lions. With 3:34 left in the half, the Colts tried to cut into the Lions’ lead. Richardson connected with Michael Pittman for a 30-yard gain to kick off the drive. But that’s was all for the Colts’ drive. As quick pressure from DJ Reader and company forced two straight incompletions from Richardson. With 1:55 left and all three timeouts, Detroit started from their own 10-yard line in a quest to add to their lead before halftime. But the Lions focused on bleeding clock, and a third-and-6 pass to Kalif Raymond was behind the receiver and nearly intercepted. Detroit punted and that was the end of the half. Third quarter The Lions hoped to add to their lead, but a big play from the Colts prevented it. Detroit marched down the field thanks to a third-and-7 a swing pass to Gibbs got just enough to move the chains. Then a checkdown to Montgomery earned 16 into Colts territory. On a key third-and-4, Goff found Tim Patrick for 14 yards, resetting the downs just outside of the red zone. Eventually the Lions found themselves in a fourth-and-1 deep in Colts territory and went for it. Indianapolis was all over it, and the Colts took over on downs.
Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts live score updates, highlights
Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts second half live thread
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images The Detroit Lions lead the Colts 14-6 at halftime. Come join our second half live chat here. The Detroit Lions hold a 14-6 lead over the Indianapolis Colts at halftime. Come hang out with us during the second half with our live chat in the comment section below. REMINDER: If you want to hang out with our Lions community in a live event, we’re doing a live PODcast recording on Wednesday, December 4 in downtown Detroit. Get your tickets here.
Giants injury news: Jermaine Eluemunor, Azeez Ojulari questionable
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images The Giants’ offensive line takes another hit New York Giants left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and edge Azeez Ojulari (toe) have been ruled questionable to return to the game. Ojulari had spent a significant number of the Giants’ defensive snaps as Kayvon Thibodeaux makes his return from the injured reserve. Meanwhile, Azeez Ojulari is questionable to return with a toe injury. So Kayvon Thibodeaux’s pitch count just went up. Patrick Johnson is the only other active OLB. — Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) November 24, 2024 Eluemunor left the field following the Giants’ first possession and was seen to be in “significant” pain on the bench. Hubbard is in at LT https://t.co/QH0MYEqAAI — Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) November 24, 2024 Eluemunor was replaced at left tackle by Chris Hubbard for the Giants’ following drive, which ended in a failed fourth-down conversion on the Giants’ 38 yard line. A 2024 free agent acquisition, Eluemunor started the season as the Giants’ right tackle, but moved to left tackle prior to the Giants’ bye week. The the team made the decision to reinsert Evan Neal at right tackle, believing that he and Eluemunor were their best option for replacing Andrew Thomas. For now, Neal will be bookended by Chris Hubbard, which could be a significant blow to the Giants’ pass protection. Tommy DeVito has already taken one big sack this game, the play on which Eluemunor was (apparently) injured. Stay with Big Blue View for more on the situation as it unfolds.
NFL Week 12 Early Games Open Thread
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images Let’s watch some football together! Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season will get continue on Sunday at 1:00 PM, with a few interesting matchups including an NFC East battle between the Cowboys and Commanders, and the Giants hosting the Buccaneers. The Philadelphia Eagles will play the Los Angeles Rams in primetime on Sunday Night Football, so you can enjoy some stress-free viewing in this early batch. Click here to see which game is broadcasted in your region. For the early games, the Philadelphia area is set to receive Chiefs vs. Panthers on CBS and Cowboys vs. Commanders on FOX. Here’s who the BGN writers are predicting to win, and who you should be rooting for this week. Read on for more information on how to watch these NFL Week 12 early games. Online Streaming FuboTV | Paramount+ Sunday, November 24 All start times at 1:00 PM Eastern. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-1) at CAROLINA PANTHERS (3-7)Channel: CBS TENNESSEE TITANS (2-8) at HOUSTON TEXANS (7-4)Channel: CBS NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-8) at MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-6)Channel: CBS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-6) at NEW YORK GIANTS (2-8)Channel: CBS MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-2) at CHICAGO BEARS (4-6)Channel: FOX DETROIT LIONS (9-1) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (5-6)Channel: FOX DALLAS COWBOYS (3-7) at WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (7-4)Channel: FOX Note: This is an open thread. Discuss all of the NFL Week 12 early games here in the comment section.
Eagles vs. Rams Week 12 game preview and predictions
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images How are you feeling about this matchup? Let’s get to some Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los. Angeles Rams thoughts in bullet list form: As previously mentioned, the Eagles really need to win this game. If they don’t, it could effectively be kissing the No. 1 seed goodbye. Jalen Hurts needs to have a strong showing in this one. The Rams’ defense is solid against the run. The Rams’ defense is not good against the pass. Only two teams are allowing more yards per pass attempt and six teams are allowing a higher average passer rating. Not having DeVonta Smith isn’t ideal but Hurts still has enough weapons to work with. He has to come up big in this spot. Hurts’ propensity to hold onto the ball — the NFL’s second-longest average time to throw — is a concern in this matchup. The Rams’ pass defense isn’t good but that’s more about their coverage than their pass rush. If Hurts repeatedly gives them a chance to get to him, well, the Eagles’ passing offense could struggle to get going. The chess match between Vic Fangio and Sean McVay is going to be really interesting. Fangio has gotten the better of McVay in the past. And it’s hard not to feel confident in this Eagles defense with just how good they’ve been playing. But Matthew Stafford can get hot and he has two big-time weapons to work with in Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. We also saw Fangio’s unit struggle with a quick-releasing quarterback back in Week 4 and Stafford likes to get the ball out very fast. Quinyon Mitchell and Jared Verse obviously aren’t directly going up against each up but this is a huge game for both of them as it relates to the Defensive Rookie of the Year narrative. Verse is currently the betting favorite but I bet that soon swings to Mitchell if the Eagles cornerback can get an interception tonight. I think he’s due for it to finally happen, especially since Stafford likes to throw to his out routes. Jalen Carter had a huge game against the Rams last season. With Stafford getting the ball out so quickly, Carter generating interior pressure is going to be key to disrupting the Rams QB. I wonder if Britain Covey might be due for a bigger role than most would expect. When A.J. Brown missed Week 2, Covey had six targets. He then had one target within the Eagles’ first six passing plays in Week 3 before he got hurt. I think Hurts might trust Covey more than Jahan Dotson. Sean Desai revenge game? The former Eagles defensive coordinator now works for the Rams as a senior defensive assistant. There’s no denying the Eagles did Desai dirty last season with the way they demoted him in favor of Matt freaking Patricia. All told, I’m not feeling like the Eagles are a lock to win here. The Rams’ record says 5-5 but they’re 4-1 in their last five. A lot of their season-long stats aren’t quite reflective of their current iteration since they’re healthier now than they were during their struggles. I do trust the Eagles’ defense to do their part. I’m less confident in the offense fully pulling their weight. I think the Eagles win a close one and Jake Elliott gets redemption with a game-winning field goal. For more, check out BGN’s weekly NFL game predictions and NFL picks against the spread. Suggested format: Score prediction: Bold prediction: My predictions: Score prediction: 24 to 22, Eagles win. Bold prediction: Quinyon Mitchell logs his first career interception. Your predictions: Scroll down and leave your own score predictions in the comments!
College Football Week 13: Conference Teams of the Week and Player Awards
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton and Buffalo linebacker Shaun Dolac headline PFF’s college football Week 13 Team of the Week. College Football Week 13: Conference Teams of the Week and Player Awards 2YF2H3E Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton (2) fires a pass in the first quarter against Iowa State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Bryon Houlgrave) By Mitch Kaiser Posted Nov 24, 2024 9:45 am EST • PFF grades are LIVE for college football Week 13: Every Week 13 game is unlocked in PFF Premium Stats. Dive in now! • Texas Tech’s Behren Morton racks up the big-time throws: Morton’s seven big-time throws in Week 13 led all FBS signal-callers. • Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full access to all our in-season fantasy tools, including weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and more. Sign up now! Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes National Team of the Week QB: Behren Morton, Texas Tech RB: Devin Neal, Kansas WR: Pat Bryant, Illinois WR: Eli Pancol, Duke TE: Michael Trigg, Baylor Flex: WR O’Mega Blake, Charlotte LT: Will O’Steen, Jacksonville State LG: Jordan Church, FAU C: Pat Coogan, Notre Dame RG: Alani Noa, USC RT: Monroe Mills, Louisville EDGE: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee EDGE: Jack Sawyer, Ohio State DI: Bryson Eason, Tennessee DI: Brodarius Lewis, Southern Miss LB: Cody Simon, Ohio State LB: Shaun Dolac, Buffalo CB: Jeremiah Wilson, Houston CB: Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech S: Caleb Downs, Ohio State S: Adrian Maddox, UAB Flex: EDGE Vic Shaw, UTSA SEC QB: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU HB: Quintrevion Wisner, Texas WR: Dalevon Campbell, South Carolina WR: Luther Burden III, Missouri TE: Lawson Luckie, Georgia Flex: WR Cam Coleman, Auburn LT: Monroe Freeling, Georgia LG: Dylan Fairchild, Georgia C: Jared Wilson, Georgia RG: Miles Frazier, LSU RT: Xavier Truss, Georgia EDGE: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee EDGE: Colin Simmons, Texas DI: Bryson Eason, Tennessee DI: Warren Brinson, Georgia LB: Brad Spence, Arkansas LB: Kip Lewis, Oklahoma CB: Rickey Gibson III, Tennessee CB: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee S: Andrew Mukuba, Texas S: TJ Metcalf, South Carolina Flex: CB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina Big Ten QB: Will Howard, Ohio State HB: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa WR: Pat Bryant, Illinois WR: Vinny Anthony II, Wisconsin TE: Tyler Warren. Penn State Flex: J.Michael Sturdivant, UCLA LT: Hollin Pierce, Rutgers LG: Emmanuel Pregnon, USC C: Jonah Monheim, USC RG: Alani Noa, USC RT: Bryce Benhart, Nebraska EDGE: Kameryn Fountain, USC EDGE: Jack Sawyer, Ohio State DI: Aaron Graves, Iowa DI: Lavon Johnson, Maryland LB: James Kreutz, Illinois LB: Jay Higgins, Iowa CB: D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana CB: Josh Fussell, Northwestern S: Devin Turner, Northwestern S: Lathan Ransom, Ohio State Flex: DB K.J. Wallace, UCLA Big 12 QB: Behren Morton, Texas A&M HB: Devin Neal, Kansas WR: Jayden Higgins, Iowa State WR: Travis Hunter, Colorado TE: Michael Trigg, Baylor Flex: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State LT: Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona LG: Coltin Deery, TCU C: Cash Cleveland, Colorado RG: Preston Wilson, Oklahoma State RT: Spencer Fano, Utah EDGE: Tyrin Bradley, West Virginia EDGE: Nyjalik Kelly, UCF DI: Fatorma Mulbah, West Virginia DI: Anthony Holmes Jr., Houston LB: Trey Lathan, West Virginia LB: Jamal Morris, Houston CB: Jeremiah Wilson, Houston CB: Lorando Johnson, Baylor S: Bud Clark, TCU S: Devin Lemear, Baylor Flex: CB Jacob Parrish. Kansas State ACC QB: Aaron Philo, Georgia Tech HB: Jordan Lyle, Miami (FL) WR: Eli Pancol, Duke WR: Darrell Gill Jr., Syracuse TE: Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse Flex: WR Ali Jennings, Virginia Tech LT: Blake Miller, Clemson LG: Noah Josey, Virginia C: Brian Stevens, Virginia RG: Harris Sewell, Clemson RT: Monroe Mills, Louisville EDGE: Ashton Gillotte, Louisville EDGE: David Reese, Cal DI: Sean FitzSimmons, Pittsburgh DI: Brandon Cleveland, NC State LB: Tre Freeman, Duke LB: Stanquan Clark, Louisville CB: Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech CB: Avieon Terrell, Clemson S: Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU S: Mishael Powell, Miami (FL) Flex: CB Chandler Rivers, Duke Group of Five QB: Keyone Jenkins, FIU HB: Robert Henry Jr., UTSA WR: O’Mega Blake, Charlotte WR: Markus Allen, Eastern Michigan TE: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green Flex: WR Eric Rivers, FIU LT: Will O’Steen, Jacksonville State LG: Jordan Church, FAU C: Dominic Serapiglia III, Central Michigan RG: Brady Ploucha, Central Michigan RT: Daniel King, Troy EDGE: Clev Lubin, Coastal Carolina EDGE: Eric O’Neill, James Madison DI: Brodarius Lewis, Southern Miss DI: Brandon Brown, UTSA LB: Shaun Dolac, Buffalo LB: Bryan McCoy, Akron CB: Amarian Williams, Liberty CB: Jashon Prophete, Northern Illinois S: Adrian Maddox, UAB S: Wesley Miller, South Alabama Flex: CB James Chenault, USF Offensive Player of the Week: QB Behren Morton, Texas Tech Red Raiders Morton led the Red Raiders to a shootout victory behind a huge offensive output. He threw for more than 400 yards for the first time in his career and added four touchdowns. Morton also recorded a career-high seven big-time throws, which led the FBS in Week 13. This outing earned Morton an 88.5 PFF passing grade. Defensive Player of the Week: LB Shaun Dolac, Buffalo Bulls Dolac leads all linebackers in PFF overall grade and total tackles through Week 13. He added nine more tackles and seven more defensive stops to his 2024 resume, finishing with a 93.6 PFF overall grade this week. It was also Dolac’s first multi-interception game. Offensive Line of the Week: Georgia Bulldogs Georgia dominated the line of scrimmage all game long, earning a 92.8 PFF grade as a five-man unit. They primarily got the run game going with left tackle Monroe Freeling, who recorded a 90.3 PFF run-blocking grade. This allowed running back Nate Frazier to have an excellent day on the ground. Across 40 pass-blocking snaps, the Bulldogs’ line surrendered only five pressures.
5 Rams keys to victory: Can Sean McVay get his vengeance on Vic Fangio?
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images Can Sean McVay finally solve Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme when Rams play Eagles on Sunday night? We’ve officially come full circle when it comes to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and now Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Back in 2018, it was Fangio that drew up the game plan that Bill Belichick would use to beat the Rams in the Super Bowl. The entire NFL then used that game plan the following season in 2019 that forced McVay to rethink his entire coaching philosophy. That game plan utilized a 6-1 front that took away the wide zone that McVay had been so successful with throughout his tenure. Using a quarters coverage behind it, it forced the Rams offense to suffocate. That was a defining moment for Sean McVay. The Rams head coach would go on to do everything in his power to rebuild that defensive philosophy. He went so far as to hire Fangio’s right-hand man in Brandon Staley to implement that defensive scheme. McVay has also since gone away from the wide zone and introduced much more of a duo/gap-based running scheme. It’s hard to believe, but this is the first time since that Sunday Night in Chicago that McVay and Fangio will be going head-to-head. McVay got over the Brian Flores hump earlier this season, beating the Minnesota Vikings. Now, he’ll have an opportunity to beat his other nemesis in Fangio. 1. Be Patient on Offense and Win with “Death by a Thousand Cuts” The Eagles defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season. While they started slow, allowing big games to Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield, this is a defense that has started to find its identity under Vic Fangio. Quinyon Mitchell is playing like one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL while Cooper DeJean has held his own in the slot. Zack Baun at linebacker has been a perfect fit in this defense. #FlyEaglesFly vs. #RamsHouse ! The Eagles are one of the NFCs biggest contenders. @GregCosell goes into the specifics within their defense and how the team has really embraced the Vic Fangio scheme.@DariusJButler | @GregCosell pic.twitter.com/kEDznwEctm — NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) November 24, 2024 Part of the Fangio defense is to make the offense feel like it’s being suffocated by a boa constrictor. The goal here is to force the quarterback and skill players to doubt everything down the field. This leaves an offense looking for explosive plays to get frustrated. Fangio wants an offense to feel stressed and lose patience. Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford have to be ok winning with a ‘death by a thousand cuts’ method of football. If they can be ok taking what’s available, the yards will be there and then they just have to finish drives. 2. Win in the Trenches This is the case for most games, but it will especially be the case on Sunday night. The Rams offensive line played better last week, not allowing the New England Patriots to sack Stafford. The Rams seemed to find an interior combination on the offensive line that works. However, this Eagles front will provide a different kind of test. The Eagles may not be getting a lot of production from their edge rushers, but Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo have been a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. The Eagles rank 27th in defensive pressure rate. The interior of Steve Avila, Beaux Limmer, and Kevin Dotson must keep the pocket clean for Stafford. On the other side of the ball, this will be the first real test for the Rams defensive line. Jared Verse and Byron Young have been very good on the edge with Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner doing work inside. With that said, this is one of the best offensive lines in football. Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata are the best offensive tackle duo in the NFL. Whether or not Verse can win with his power and then Turner and Fiske win inside will be a difference in this game. offensive tackle island rate and performance when on an island pic.twitter.com/sVwTRx9ZKa — Timo Riske (@PFF_Moo) November 21, 2024 3. Keep Jalen Hurts in the Pocket and Force Him to Attack the Middle That leads us directly to the next point here. At times this season, the Rams have struggled defending mobile quarterbacks that can extend the play. They allowed big plays to Kyler Murray earlier in the season. Drake Maye extended a few plays last week as well. Jalen Hurts has the ability to scramble and when he does, he is very dangerous. Hurts has 251 scramble yards this season which is the fourth-most among quarterbacks. It’s not just about keeping Hurts in the pocket, but also forcing him to win over the middle of the field. The Eagles quarterback will attack the boundaries consistently and that’s where he prefers to go. AJ Brown is likely going to have some success on the outside. However, the Rams must force Hurts to attack the middle. While he has been better recently, making the tight-window throws over the middle is an area where he can still be prone to mistakes. Name a better duo than Jalen Hurts and the middle of the field pic.twitter.com/mCScQxghd0 — Football Insights (@fball_insights) October 17, 2024 4. Test Eagles defense with Motion This isn’t to say that the Eagles have been bad against motion as they rank third in EPA per play defending motion this season. When broken down, that’s third against the pass and ninth against the run. The Eagles haven’t faced a team that utilizes motion like the Rams since early in the season. Against the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons who rank seventh and eighth in offensive plays with motion, they allowed 29 and 22 points. Eagles have defended motion much better this season than they did in 2023 and 2022. Vic Fangio’s defense will be put to the
Harbaugh parents won’t be attending the Harbowl on Monday Night Football
Harbaugh parents won’t be attending the Harbowl on Monday Night Football paulbanks It’s not often that a super-hyped football game has the steak to match the sizzle, but Monday night definitely will. The next edition of Monday Night Football sees John Harbaugh and the 7-4 Baltimore Ravens visit Jim Harbaugh and the 7-3 Los Angeles Chargers in a game with multi-layered significance. Yes, the Harbaugh Bowl, or Harbowl, will feature some fierce sibling rivalry, and it will happen just before the Thanksgiving holiday. But this contest also has major implications for the AFC playoff picture, so it’s a game with a lot of meaning outside all the Harbaugh households. Unfortunately, the two Harbaugh parents will not be in attendance. While appearing on the Ravens’ official podcast, The Lounge, Jack Harbaugh said Monday night will see him and his wife, Jackie, heading to Florida, where they’ll be visiting their daughter Joanie (as you’ve certainly figured out by now, it’s mandated in this family that everybody has a first name that begins with J). The Harbaugh parents will spend Thanksgiving with Joanie, her husband, former Georgia, Indiana, and Marquette men’s basketball coach Tom Crean, and their children, Jack and Jackie’s grandchildren. “We are choosing to go down there and celebrate Thanksgiving with them and be able to watch the game with them,” Jack said. “And we’ll have a lot of fun and enjoyment doing that.” Monday night’s game also falls on Jack and Jackie’s 63rd wedding anniversary.
Derwin James calls Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase the ‘Best in the World’
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images High praise from the two-time First-Team All-Pro. Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s seven-catch, 75-yard, and two-touchdown performances in last Sunday Night’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers landed him heavy praise from one the NFL’s best defensive backs. Chargers safety Derwin James, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, shared a moment with Chase postgame telling him he was “the best in the world.” “Best in the world. I don’t give a f*** what nobody say. Best in the world.” Before the NFL’s triple crown leader walked off another disappointing loss, two-time all pro Derwin James stopped Ja’Marr Chase to tell he’s the best at what he does. pic.twitter.com/uV4h7dJ2nt — Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) November 18, 2024 The praise from James should come as a massive compliment. James, who is in his seventh NFL season, has had to match up head-to-head with Travis Kelce twice a year and has faced just about every superstar wide receiver the NFL has had to offer since he was drafted by the Chargers in 2018. To say Chase is the best of them all is quite the compliment, but unfortunately for Chase, the praise came after yet another gut-wrenching loss, as the Bengals dropped to 4-7 on the season and likely saw their playoff hopes die.
Looking ahead: Margin of error for playoffs slim, but opportunity for late push is great
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images The Colts face perhaps their toughest challenge of the season today vs the Lions, but irregardless of the result today, the chance for a playoff push remains… if the Colts can take care of business against the bottom of the NFL. The Colts by around 4:15pm today will be 5-7 or 6-6 (after a monumental upset victory hopefully) and likely on the outside looking in of the playoffs if the season ended today. Irregardless of the games’ outcome, the Colts are on the cusp of making the playoffs for the first time since 2020. With 5 games left and a bye week remaining on the schedule, what can the Colts do to close the gap for a playoff spot, and which teams could be most at risk for losing their spot to the Colts? AFC Playoff Picture: Kansas City Chiefs | 9-1 Buffalo Bills | 9-2 Pittsburgh Steelers | 8-3 Houston Texans | 7-4 LA Chargers | 7-3 Baltimore Ravens | 7-4 Denver Broncos | 6-5 Indianapolis Colts | 5-6 Miami Dolphins | 4-6 Cincinnati Bengals | 4-7 Remaining Schedule: Week 13: @ Patriots | 3-8 Week 14: BYE Week 15: @ Broncos | 6-5 Week 16: vs Titans | 2-8 Week 17: @ Giants | 2-8 Week 18: vs Jaguars | 2-9 Since the NFL adopted the 14 team playoff structure instead of the prior 12, every 10 Win team in the NFL has made the playoffs. 10 is the magic number of wins for a near guarantee of a playoff berth (>99% chance per New York Times Playoff Machine), which means if the Colts lose to the Lions today, they need a clean sweep of their remaining schedule to earn that 10 win playoff guarantee. Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images Is a clean sweep feasible? With 4 games against 2-3 win teams that are looking towards the NFL draft rather than playoff aspirations at this point in the season, it is certainly possible. The Colts cannot to afford to overlook any of these teams, especially their division rivals the Titans (who the Colts beat by 3 earlier in the year) and the Jaguars (who the Colts lost to by 3 in Jacksonville earlier this season). The most important game for the Colts playoff aspirations by far is against the Broncos. If the Colts lose any other game instead to drop to 9-8 by the end of the year, their playoff odds drop down to 75-80%, a still likely playoff berth. If the Colts only lose to the Broncos, their playoff odds plummet to 40%. The impact of a 2 win swing in record between two teams fighting for a final spot and losing the head to head tiebreaker is immense. While not a death sentence to the playoff hopes, the Colts would certainly need outside help to sneak into the playoffs through that path. The Broncos also have a tough path to the playoffs in their schedule. While they have 2 easier games against the Raiders and Browns prior to their Bye and Colts matchup, the remaining 3 games on the schedule are against the Chargers, the Bengals (who can still be dangerous with Joe Burrow at QB), and the Chiefs. If the Broncos drop 2 or 3 of those games, their path to the playoffs becomes much tougher. Another team with a tough end of season schedule is the Chargers, who are currently at 7-3 and 5th in the AFC. The Chargers matchups against Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs, Buccaneers (with Mike Evans back), and Broncos could all present challenges. The Broncos vs Chargers matchup will be huge for the AFC playoff race between these 3 teams. If the Colts can take care of business against the lower end teams on their schedule they got a shot at the playoffs, but the Broncos game looms large on their schedule.
