Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Philadelphia’s primary punt returner could be back on the field soon. The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced three roster moves on Wednesday afternoon. An overview: WR Britain Covey’s 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve was opened. DT Siaki Ika was signed to the practice squad. WR Kyle Philips was released from the practice squad. Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis. BRITAIN COVEY Covey suffered a shoulder injury back in Week 3. At the time, he said he expected to miss at least six weeks. The Eagles placed him on injured reserve. At the very least, Covey is now healthy enough to practice. Perhaps he’ll be ready to play as soon as Sunday when the Eagles take on the Los Angeles Rams. Covey figures to take over punt returning duty when he’s back on the field. He’s arguably one of the best punt returners in the NFL; he averaged 14.4 yards on 29 returns in 2023. Covey’s sole punt return this year gained nine yards. Cooper DeJean has looked good returning punts in Covey’s absence; his 14 returns have resulted in a 11.8 average. But one would figure the Eagles would ideally like to decrease his special teams role since he’s playing a lot of snaps as the team’s nickel cornerback. Vic Fangio previously mentioned he’s not a big fan of seeing DeJean take hits as a returner. Covey also might have a role — albeit a small one — in the offense. He caught all seven of his targets (for just 34 yards) over the first three weeks before getting hurt. Covey’s return might lead to rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith being a healthy scratch on game day. The Eagles could open up a roster spot for Covey by placing Bryce Huff on injured reserve. Huff is expected to miss multiple games after undergoing a procedure on Thursday for his wrist injury. SIAKI IKA The Eagles originally signed Ika to their practice squad on October 23 only to release him six days later. Now the big man is back. Here’s what we previously wrote about him: After playing college football at LSU and Baylor, Ika was selected by the Cleveland Browns with a third-round pick (No. 98 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft. Ika only played 100 defensive snaps as a rookie, logging zero stats. The Browns waived him in late August and then re-signed him to the practice squad. Then they cut him two days after the Browns’ loss to the Eagles. Now in Philly, the 6’3”, 335 pound Ika figures to provide nose tackle depth behind Jordan Davis. Of course, Ika is a lot less athletic than Davis is. We’ll see if Ika’s able to stick longer this time around. KYLE PHILIPS The Eagles originally signed Philips in early September. He’s a slot receiver/punt returner type. Now that Covey is on track to return, the Eagles deemed Philips expendable. EAGLES PRACTICE SQUAD Each player below is eligible to be temporarily elevated to the active roster up to three times unless otherwise noted. DT Siaki Ika WR Parris Campbell (zero elevations remaining) TE E.J. Jenkins (zero elevations remaining) TE C.J. Uzomah (two elevations remaining) DE Tarron Jackson LB Dallas Gant DB Tariq Castro-Fields CB Parry Nickerson OLB David Anenih WR Danny Gray DB A.J. Woods RB Tyrion Davis-Price DT Gabe Hall WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint S Andre’ Sam T/G Brett Toth OT Laekin Vakalahi (international exemption) PRACTICE SQUAD INJURED LIST WR John Ross (two elevations remaining)
Eagles roster news: Britain Covey’s practice window opened among 3 moves
New York Giants not expecting Daniel Jones to leave team during the season
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images Jones looked like QB4 at Wednesday’s practice Daniel Jones appeared to be QB4 for the New York Giants on Wednesday as they practiced in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jones, the starter when healthy since taking over for Eli Manning in 2019, was replaced this week by Tommy Devito. Jones was fourth in line Wednesday in drills during the portion of practice open to media. DeVito, Drew Lock, and newly-signed practice squad quarterback Tim Boyle all went before the deposed former starter. Daniel Jones was QB4 today in individuals. Behind practice squad QB Tim Boyle in first open practice to media since he was benched pic.twitter.com/iTnlsRvSFq — Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) November 20, 2024 When the Las Vegas Raiders benched Derek Carr in a similar situation in 2022, Carr and the Raiders agreed that Carr would leave the team for the final few games to avoid becoming a distraction. It does not appear that will be the case with Jones and the Giants. “Daniel’s been a pro. It’s not the easiest situation,” Daboll said. “He’s out here. He came into meetings. He’s ready to go for practice, the things we need him to do. I expect him to be every bit a pro he’s always been.” Daboll did not commit to starting DeVito for the final seven games. “I’m not going to go what’s going to be. I’m going to focus on this week with Tampa,” Daboll said. “I’m going to try to do the best job we can to get him ready to play so he can go out there and perform at the highest level he can.” The coach also downplayed potential locker room furor over the switch from Jones to DeVito, which bypassed No. 2 quarterback Drew Lock. “Look, everybody’s not going to agree with the decision, and I understand that,” Daboll said. “We make the decision we feel is best and then we move forward “I got a lot of confidence in our locker room. We got a close-knit group. Obviously not where we want to be with the record, but I have a lot of confidence in the players and the coaches and the chemistry that we have. We got to have a good week and get ready to play Tampa.”
Kayvon Thibodeaux could play Sunday for New York Giants
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Thibodeaux back to practice after missing five games The New York Giants are “optimistic” that edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux will be able to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants opened the 21-day practice window on Wednesday for Thibodeaux, who has missed the last five games with a fractured wrist. Thibodeaux had 11.5 sacks to lead the Giants last season. He had 2.0 in the first five games this season before being injured. Azeez Ojulari had 5.0 sacks replacing Thibodeaux in the first three games after Thibodeaux was placed on IR, but did not have a sack in the Giants’ last two games. The Giants are surrendering 22.2 points per game, 16th in the league. They have struggled against the run, though, giving up a league-worst 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. They have given up 157 rushing yards or more in each of their last three games. Thibodeaux’s physicality should help there. Wide receiver Darius Slayton, who missed the Week 10 game with a concussion, has cleared protocol and is back to practice.
Bryce Huff injury: Eagles pass rusher will undergo procedure on his wrist
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Philadelphia’s big free agent signing could be set to miss multiple games. Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff is set to undergo a procedure on his wrist this Thursday, according to multiple reports. Nick Sirianni confirmed as much during his Wednesday press conference. Huff is expected to have a chance to return to the field later this season. Huff originally suffered an injury in warmups prior to the Eagles’ Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 3. He was limited to a season-low six snaps in that contest. Playing with a cast on his left hand (as pictured below), Huff only logged 12 snaps against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10 and 14 snaps against the Washington Commanders in Week 11. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images Vic Fangio recently brought up Huff’s injury when questioned about Jalyx Hunt’s increased playing time: “[Hunt’s] done better in practice. And it’s kind of a result, too, of Bryce [Huff] — he’s got a big cast on his hand. Leaves his thumb totally immobilized. His palm is really immobilized. So he’s just got four fingers dangling there with no thumb or palm to help him. On the less obvious [passing] downs, just makes sense to put a guy in there that’s 100%.” When asked if the Eagles will place Huff on injured reserve, Siriainni didn’t commit to that outcome. But it seems like a logical option if he’s going to have to miss multiple weeks. If the Eagles do indeed put Huff on IR ahead of this week’s matchup, he’ll automatically miss at least the following four games: Week 12 — at Los Angeles RamsWeek 13 — at Baltimore Ravens Week 14 — vs. Carolina PanthersWeek 15 — vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Huff would then be eligible to return for the Eagles’ Week 16 road game against the Washington Commanders. It’s unclear if he’ll be recovered by then. It’s safe to say Huff’s season hasn’t gone as the Eagles hoped it would’ve when the team signed him to a three-year, $51.1 million contract in March. Huff’s logged just 37% of the Eagles’ defensive snaps this year. He didn’t produce his first solo tackle until Week 4. He only has 2.5 sacks, three TFLs, and four quarterback hits in 10 games played. Huff ranks tied for 80th out of 122 edge rushers in Pro Football Focus “Pass Rushing Productivity.” Huff’s absence leaves the Eagles with the following healthy edge rushers on the roster: Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Brandon Graham, and Jalyx Hunt. Smith will likely see the biggest increase in playing time, though the rookie Hunt could also have an expanded role. The Eagles also have Tarron Jackson and David Anenih on the practice squad.
CFL Week 24: PFF Team of the Week & Player Awards
With the 2024 CFL season having wrapped up, PFF ranks the top individual performers during this year’s Grey Cup. CFL Week 24: PFF Team of the Week & Player Awards By Bryson Vesnaver Posted Nov 20, 2024 11:06 am EST • QB Nick Arbuckle does enough to lead Toronto to victory: He finished the game with a 77.4 overall grade and a well-deserved Grey Cup MVP award. • CFL Most Outstanding Player Brady Oliveira good despite loss: He broke five tackles, had two explosive runs, picked up four first downs and scored a touchdown. Oliveira finished with a game-high 73.7 rushing grade. • Toronto LB Wynton McManis with an unbelievable coverage performance: McManis was targeted seven times and allowed just three catches for 29 yards. He had an interception and forced two incompletions. Estimated reading time: 5 minutes After three quarters of Grey Cup football, the Toronto Argonauts led the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 17-13. It seemed we were set up for an exciting finish. Instead, Toronto picked off Winnipeg QB Zach Collaros three times in the fourth quarter and rolled to a 41-24 victory, securing the franchise’s CFL-best 19th Grey Cup win. With the win, it’s no surprise that Toronto makes up the majority of the year’s final “Team of the Week.” Of the 27 players on the team, 18 are Argonauts players. Players like LT Stanley Bryant and RB Brady Oliveira had great games for Winnipeg, but it just wasn’t enough to carry the Blue Bombers to victory. OFFENSE QB: Nick Arbuckle, Toronto RB: Brady Oliveira, Winnipeg Receiver: Ontaria Wilson, Winnipeg Receiver: DaVaris Daniels, Toronto Receiver: Makai Polk, Toronto Receiver: Dejon Brissett, Toronto Receiver: Kenny Lawler, Winnipeg LT: Stanley Bryant, Winnipeg LG: Dylan Giffen, Toronto C: Peter Nicastro, Toronto RG: Anthony Vandal, Toronto RT: Dejon Allen, Toronto DEFENSE DI: Jake Ceresna, Toronto DI: Ralph Holley, Toronto Edge: Willie Jefferson, Winnipeg Edge: Celestin Haba, Winnipeg LB: Wynton McManis, Toronto LB: Tony Jones, Winnipeg Cover LB: Robert Priester, Toronto CB: Benjie Franklin, Toronto CB: Terrell Bonds, Winnipeg HB: DaShaun Amos, Toronto HB: Nick Taylor, Winnipeg S: Royce Metchie, Toronto SPECIAL TEAMS K: Lirim Hajrullahu, Toronto P: John Haggerty, Toronto Returner: Janarion Grant, Toronto QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK: QB NICK ARBUCKLE, TORONTO In our Grey Cup Preview, we said that Toronto would win if it wasn’t forced to put the game on Arbuckle’s shoulders. That gameplan was executed flawlessly. Arbuckle did exactly what he needed to do in this one, managing the offence and not making mistakes. Arbuckle had an adjusted completion rate of 74.4% and an average depth of target of just 7.8 yards. More importantly, he recorded no turnover-worthy plays; his two interceptions were the result of a miscommunication and a batted pass. Arbuckle also picked up two first downs with his feet. He finished the game with a 77.4 overall grade and a well-deserved Grey Cup MVP award. OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RB BRADY OLIVEIRA, WINNIPEG Winnipeg’s gameplan in the first half was pretty balanced, mixing in some Oliveira runs to go along with its passing game.The Blue Bombers went away from that in the second half as they fell behind, which was tough to see. Oliveira actually averaged more yards per carry (7.6) than Toronto’s yards per passing attempt average (6.1). The 2024 Most Outstanding Player turned 11 carries into 84 yards, with 74 of those coming after first contact. He broke five tackles, had two explosive runs, picked up four first downs and scored a touchdown. Oliveira finished with a game-high 73.7 rushing grade. OFFENSIVE LINE OF THE WEEK: TORONTO ARGONAUTS It’s no surprise that Toronto’s offensive line was a highlight in the Grey Cup. One of the best units all season long, Toronto’s line was effective regardless of the concept. The group blocked well in the run game, with Toronto RB Ka’Deem Carey gaining 55.7% of his 79 rushing yards before first contact. When pass-blocking, the Argos allowed just one sack and lost just eight total pass-blocking snaps (compared to Winnipeg’s 21 pass-blocking losses). RG Anthony Vandal was the star, not losing a single pass-blocking rep and finishing with a game-high 86.7 pass-blocking grade. PASS RUSHER OF THE WEEK: ED WILLIE JEFFERSON, WINNIPEG Despite the lopsided final score, Winnipeg’s defence actually played well for much of this game. There were plenty of strong performances, but none that stood out more so than big Willie Jefferson. The veteran edge rusher finished with two sacks, a hit and a hurry when rushing the passer. One of those sacks was on second down in the red zone, and the other was a strip sack in the third quarter. His biggest play wasn’t even a pressure: Jefferson caught his own batted pass to intercept Arbuckle deep in Toronto territory when the game was still very much in question early in the fourth quarter. Jefferson led all Grey Cup participants with an 87.3 pass-rushing grade. RUN DEFENDER OF THE WEEK: LB REDHA KRAMDI, WINNIPEG Run defence was not great for either team in this game. Both lead backs averaged more than 5.0 yards per carry, and neither team had a player finish with a run defence grade above 70.0. Still, Kramdi was the best of them, posting a 67.5 run defence grade. He made two tackles, with one of them being a solo stop. Kramdi concludes a solid season with a 72.6 overall grade, one of the top grades among SAM linebackers. COVERAGE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: LB WYNTON MCMANIS, TORONTO The Argonauts had multiple players that could have won this award. In racking up four interceptions and holding the Bombers to a sub-50% completion rate, they were ready to stop this Winnipeg pass offence. It helped that Toronto boasts the best coverage linebacker in the CFL. McManis was targeted seven times and allowed just three catches for 29 yards. He had an interception and forced two incompletions, plus made four tackles in the pass game and recorded an 85.0 coverage grade.Including the playoffs, McManis actually finished the season with
Rams stock up, stock down: Beaux Limmer most surprising rookie of the year
Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Rams beat the Patriots in Week 11. Rookie Beaux Limmer took command at center The Los Angeles Rams defeated the New England Patriots, 28-22, in Week 11. The win improved them to 5-5 on the season, and while the win wasn’t perfect, it was much needed. Matthew Stafford had a strong performance, while some questions have been asked about rookie kicker Joshua Karty. Here is this week’s stock up, stock down. Stock Up: iOL Beaux Limmer The Rams took somewhat of a risk when they took Beaux Limmer out of the lineup in favor of free-agent signing Jonah Jackson. While it was a move that needed to happen, replacing Jackson with Limmer this week also needed to happen. Injuries certainly have played a role, but the Rams have not gotten what they needed out of Jackson. However, they needed to see him and Avila together to make a fair evaluation. They got that last week against the Dolphins. Limmer continues to impress as someone who was drafted in the sixth round. He gave up a single pressure against the Patriots and has given the Rams’ offense stability and someone they can rely on at the center position. Stock Down: K Joshua Karty Joshua Karty is going to have good games, OK games, and bad games. He didn’t necessarily have a bad game against the Patriots. However, his missed 26-yard field goal wasn’t great, and the lack of confidence the coaching staff had in him certainly affected the decision to punt on the final drive from the 35-yard line. Unless Karty’s level completely nosedives, the Rams are likely going to stick with him for the rest of the season. With that said, there may be questions about whether he can be the long-term answer at kicker within the organization. He needs to bounce back and show some consistency over the second half of the season. Stock Up: Matthew Stafford in the Red Zone There was a lot of talk about how Matthew Stafford was struggling in the red zone over the first half of the season. Stafford wasn’t faultless by any means, but there was context for those struggles. He now has 10 touchdown passes in the red zone this season, which is the same number as Jared Goff. Stafford’s touchdowns to Puka Nacua and Colby Parkinson were two of the better throws that you’ll see in that area of the field. In fact, Nacua’s 12-yard touchdown catch had a completion probability of just 13.4 percent. That was the most improbable completion in Week 11 and the sixth-most improbable catch all season. For the Rams to be better in the red zone, that starts with Stafford. The Rams quarterback was dialed in on Sunday. Stock Down: Rams Cornerbacks One can only hope that the Rams address the cornerback position this offseason and do more than just put a band-aid on the position. They took the band-aid approach this year, and at times it has cost them. There is a conversation to be had about just how much better Ahkello Witherspoon has been than Tre White, because it isn’t much. The only real difference between the two has been touchdowns allowed. Outside of that, it’s clear why the Rams waited so long to bring Witherspoon back. Cobie Durant has been very inconsistent, while Darious Williams has been stable but not great on the outside. To a point, the Rams have been able to hide their cornerbacks with their safety play. However, when it’s one-on-one on the boundary, there isn’t a lot of confidence that a Rams cornerback is going to make a play on the ball. Stock Up: Warren McClendon as the Rams’ Future Right Tackle The Rams are likely still a few years away from having to find a replacement for Rob Havenstein. He is under contract for 2025 and 2026. He will likely be back for 2025, but big changes could be coming the year after, and it’s possible that both sides could move on at that point. This isn’t to say that McClendon should undeniably be the right tackle of the future. The Rams have been there before with Joe Noteboom. This is only to say that McClendon played well at right tackle and held his own. He was one of nine offensive tackles to not allow a single pressure. At the very least, the Rams have some good depth here.
All 32 NFL quarterbacks (including Lamar Jackson) ranked by Total QBR ahead of Week 12
Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season will begin on Thursday night, and the Ravens will begin preparation for a critical Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Baltimore is 7-4, and Lamar Jackson may have slipped some in the MVP race, and one of the actual measuring sticks of his candidacy will be where he lands in Total QBR entering the playoffs. When evaluating quarterback play, a trusted metric is ESPN’s Total QBR rating, which does more than take into account statistics. According to ESPN, Adjusted Total Quarterback Rating (QBR) “values the quarterback on all play types on a 0-100 scale adjusted for the strength of opposing defenses.” So where do Jackson and other NFL quarterbacks, including the Bengals’ Joe Burrow, Cardinals’ Kyler Murray, Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, 49ers’ Brock Purdy, Bills’ Josh Allen, and Chiefs Patrick Mahomes, rank entering Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season? Here’s a look at the QBR ratings for all 32 NFL quarterbacks ahead of Steelers (8-2) at Browns (2-8). 31. Deshaun Watson –Browns Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson heads to the sideline during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. Total QBR: 22.4 30. Will Levis –Titans Nov 10, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) sets to pass in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Total QBR: 32.6 29. Gardner Minshew –Raiders Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) drops back to hand off in the first quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Total QBR: 39.1 28. Caleb Williams –Bears Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images Total QBR: 44.5 27. Anthony Richardson– Colts Nov 17, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Total QBR: 45.9 26. Daniel Jones –Giants Nov 10, 2024; Munich, Germany; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) carries the ball against the New York Giants in the second half during the 2024 NFL Munich Game at Allianz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Total QBR: 46.8 25. Dak Prescott –Cowboys ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 10: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys walks the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) Total QBR: 46.9 24. Aaron Rodgers –Jets Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Total QBR: 51.0 23. Justin Fields — Steelers Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports Total QBR: 53.5 22. C.J. Stroud –Texans Nov 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Total QBR: 54.4 21. Bo Nix –Broncos Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Total QBR: 55.3 20. Geno Smith –Seahawks Oct 27, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Total QBR: 55.4 19. Sam Darnold –Vikings Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured out of the pocket and forced to run during the second quarter an NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 12-7. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Total QBR: 55.7 18. Baker Mayfield -Buccaneers Nov 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Total QBR: 56.2 17. Justin Herbert –Chargers Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass in the second quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. The Chargers led 24-6 at halftime. Total QBR: 56.3 16. Kirk Cousins –Falcons Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Total QBR: 56.3 15. Jordan Love –Packers Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Total QBR: 59.3 14. Jared Goff — Lions Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass against Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. Total QBR: 59.4 13. Drake Maye –Patriots Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images QBR: 59.6 12. Tua Tagovailoa — Dolphins Nov 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) moves out to pass as Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) moves in during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images QBR: 60.4 11. Matthew Stafford –Rams
AFC Week 12 playoff race: Raiders can play spoilers
Antonio Pierce | Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images Las Vegas is buried in the conference Another week, another Las Vegas Raiders loss. As they continue to be buried in the AFC conference, they can play spoilers to ruin other teams playoff chances. They will get that chance Sunday in Week 12 when they host the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT. The Broncos are currently positioned in the seventh and final playoff spot. Here is the AFC standings entering Week 12 1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)4. Houston Texans (7-4)5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)6. Baltimore Ravens (7-4)7. Denver Broncos (6-5)8. Indianapolis Colts (5-6)9. Miami Dolphins (4-6)10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)11. New York Jets (3-8, 2-1 vs. common NE opponents)12. New England Patriots (3-8, 0-3 vs. common NYJ opponents)13. Cleveland Browns (2-8, 2-3 AFC)14. Tennessee Titans (2-8, 2-4 AFC)15. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8, 2-6 AFC)16. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
Power rankings: Where the Bills rank heading into Week 12
Power rankings: Where the Bills rank heading into Week 12 Power rankings: Where the Bills rank heading into Week 12 Kam Towle The Buffalo Bills (9-2) head into their Week 12 bye fresh off of a 30-21 home win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming into the year, many were all over the place when ranking how the Bills stacked up against the rest of the league. But, through 11 weeks the Bills have put the NFL world on notice. Their 9-2 record is the Bills’ best mark through 11 games since 1992. Here’s how the Bills fare in national media power rankings polls heading into Week 12: USA Today Imagn Images 2. Buffalo Bills (+2) Josh Allen remains superhuman, which is exactly what the Bills need to end a streak of postseason futility. But the more encouraging sign from Sunday night’s win was a rebuilt defense’s ability to limit Patrick Mahomes’ offense to just 5.0 yards per play — a mark roughly equal to what the Jets have put together in 2024 as a whole. Pro Football Talk Imagn Images 2. Buffalo Bills (+1) We know they can beat the Chiefs in the regular season. Can they do it in the postseason? Bleacher Report Imagn Images 3. Buffalo Bills (-) After a two-score win over the reigning champions, Buffalo is the team to beat in the AFC. Without starting tight end Dalton Kincaid and upstart rookie wideout Keon Coleman, the Bills knocked off the Chiefs, who came into Week 11 undefeated.Though the Chiefs have had the Bills’ number in January, Buffalo should feel confident about another meeting with Kansas City in the playoffs. NFL.com Imagn Images 2. Buffalo Bills (+1) Josh Allen’s fourth-and-2 TD rumble will be talked about for some time. Was it his “MVP moment”? Perhaps. Did it start the boulder rolling toward the Bills taking the AFC crown? We’ll see. Buffalo has six games remaining, while Kansas City has seven, and the Bills are still a game back in the loss column. But even with their run game stalling at times, they made a statement by dropping 30 points on a Chiefs defense that hadn’t allowed an opponent to score that many in a regular-season game in more than two years. That they did it without Dalton Kincaid or Keon Coleman is a testament to Allen and his ability to lift everyone around him. Buffalo’s defense certainly did its job, forcing interceptions on K.C.’s first and last possessions and inducing three-and-outs on three separate occasions in between. Not to mention, the unit could get Matt Milano back for the home stretch. The Bills are by no means perfect, but they can go toe to toe with just about any team right now. CBS Sports Imagn Images 2. Buffalo Bills (+1) The face some tough games down the stretch, but they have a chance at the top seed. The defense often gets overlooked and shouldn’t. 33rd Team USA Today Sports 3. Buffalo Bills (-) The Chiefs are no longer the clear-cut best team in the AFC. The Buffalo Bills have now won six straight games and took down the Chiefs in Week 11. Josh Allen made nearly every significant play in the game, and the defense managed to create several turnovers and big-time stops against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.In a year in which many expected the Bills to regress, they have a chance to clinch the AFC East by Thanksgiving. But they still have much bigger goals on the radar. ESPN USA Today Sports 3. Buffalo Bills (+1) This was never about job security but instead about the challenge facing McDermott due to the many changes to the Bills’ roster. He has aced the task and put himself in conversation for NFL Coach of the Year. Buffalo is off to its best start since 1992 and goes into the bye week having taken down the defending Super Bowl champions and keeping the No. 1 seed in play. Despite injuries and new faces, McDermott has impressively coached the Bills to a 9-2 start. — Alaina Getzenberg Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Eli Manning’s divisive Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy takes another step forward
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images As a player, Manning never found controversy — his HOF candidacy, though, is certainly that A contentious back room debate over whether or not former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer moved one step closer this week as Manning was selected as one of 25 semifinalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. This is Manning’s first year of Hall of Fame eligibiity. Six other first-time eligible players also reached the semifinal stage. They are linebacker Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, defensive end Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas, placekicker Adam Vinatieri and offensive lineman Marshal Yanda. The group of 25 was selected from a group 167 Hall of Fame nominees that was created earlier this year. Next, the group of 25 will be cut to 15 players for consideration by the Selection Committee during Super Bowl week. Manning’s Hall of Fame worthiness is always a source of debate. Former Giants defensive end Justin Tuck certainly backs his quarterback: Justin Tuck is backing Eli Manning as a 1st ballot Hall of Famer @JustinTuck | @Realrclark25 @EliManning | #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/S1xVBTcZis — New York Revival (@NewYorkRevival) November 13, 2024 “I got to see that dude work every day for alost 11 years. I don’t even understand how it’s a question,” Tuck said. “What Eli did as long as he did in this city, to win those Super Bowls in the fashion that he helped us win them, I don’t understand why it’s even a question.” There is also this from the Hall of Football Substack: Eli is an interesting case. He shows up with two Super Bowl MVPs but not a single All-Pro honor. Nada. Nichts. Pfft. But forget that he has the fewest honors of any candidate in this class. We expect discussion on his validity as a first-ballot inductee to dominate meetings. Seniors selector Gary Myers is expected to lead the charge, but it will be a hard sell.