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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is drawing praise from coach Kevin Stefanski for his recent progress. Stefanski specifically highlighted Sanders' ability to find balance by effectively extending plays, indicating positive development for the young signal-caller within the team's system.
Denver Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto expressed enthusiasm about his team being home underdogs against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Despite the Broncos' 10-game winning streak and undefeated home record, oddsmakers favor Green Bay. Bonitto stated, 'I love it. It fuels me, honestly. I like when people doubt us. They can stay on that side. We’ll go out and prove what we’ve got to prove,' embracing the perceived lack of respect as motivation for their Super Bowl aspirations.
Wan'Dale Robinson is projected to experience a rebound in target volume for Week 15. This projection is derived from his route usage, quarterback tendencies, and predicted target share. Fantasy analysts identify Robinson as a player whose opportunities are set to increase, positioning him as a potential rebound candidate. The New York Giants receiver's involvement in the passing game is anticipated to expand significantly.
Jerry Jeudy is projected to see a rebound in target volume for Week 15. This forecast is based on his route usage, quarterback tendencies, and predicted target share. Fantasy analysts highlight Jeudy as a player whose opportunities should increase, making him a potential rebound candidate for upcoming games. The Cleveland Browns receiver's role is expected to expand, offering more involvement in the passing game.
New Orleans Saints special teams coordinator Phil Galiano stated Charlie Smyth's future as a permanent squad member is "up in the air." Smyth is set to make his third successive NFL start and home debut against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. NFL rules permit three practice squad elevations before a player must be signed to the 53-man roster. Smyth, who replaced Blake Grupe, previously landed a 56-yard field goal and an onside kick on debut, and despite missing a 48-yard attempt, he tied the Buccaneers game with a 30-yard kick and was perfect on three extra points.
Bills fans are experiencing anxiety over the New England Patriots' resurgence with promising young QB Drake Maye, drawing parallels to Josh Allen's early career ascent. Despite Buffalo's strong team led by Allen, there's a fear of repeating the past decades of Patriots dominance. Insider Tyler Dunne notes that while Bills fans are confident in their Super Bowl chances due to Allen, the Patriots and Maye are a significant concern for the foreseeable future, especially with New England's young roster.
Kyle Pitts delivered a career-best performance, scoring three touchdowns to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a stunning 29-28 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pitts became the eighth tight end in NFL history with three receiving touchdowns and over 150 receiving yards in a single game, amassing 166 yards on 11 receptions. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 373 yards and three scores, orchestrating a game-winning drive capped by Zane Gonzalez's field goal as time expired. The Falcons improve to 5-9 with this upset.
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who had been a shell of himself since returning from a hamstring injury, showed vintage dual-threat form in Week 14 against Pittsburgh. He generated his first rushing touchdown since Week 1 and exceeded 40 rushing yards for the first time since initially suffering the hamstring injury in Week 4. Despite being contained by Cincinnati in late November, Jackson is now showing signs of life and is predicted for a breakout performance this Sunday against the Bengals' porous defense, which allows a league-high 31.8 points per game. He's considered a terrific bargain in Week 15 DFS if at full capacity.
Britain Covey, after missing most of 2024 with shoulder and neck injuries and rejoining the Eagles from the practice squad in late November, delivered an explosive performance against the Chargers. He returned 3 punts for 54 yards and 4 kickoffs for 103 yards, becoming only the fourth Eagle to achieve 18+ yards per punt return and 25+ yards per kick return in the same game since 2002. Covey increased his career punt return average to 11.6, now the highest in Eagles history (min 75 returns) and 9th highest in NFL history, also the highest for an undrafted player. He feels a renewed passion for the game.
Brandon Graham, 37, played a season-high 30 snaps at defensive tackle for the Eagles against the Chargers due to Jalen Carter's absence. Despite being undersized at 6-foot-2, 265 pounds, Graham's strength (31 bench reps at 2010 Combine) allowed him to excel, with teammates and coaches praising his versatility. He's been attending DT meetings and feels comfortable with the role, focusing on technique. Graham, who came out of retirement around the bye week, has played in the last five games and felt surprisingly good after his high snap count. He's excited for the remaining four games.
David Sills delivered a career-best performance for the Atlanta Falcons in their 29-28 win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night. He secured six of 10 targets for 78 yards, finishing third in receptions, receiving yards, and targets for the team. Sills played an expanded role due to Drake London's knee absence, but his opportunity could decrease in a Week 16 road matchup against the Cardinals if London returns to action.
Emeka Egbuka was productive for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bringing in four of seven targets for 64 yards in their 29-28 loss to the Falcons on Thursday night. He tied for second in receptions and was runner-up in receiving yards and targets to Mike Evans. Despite the top four receivers playing together for the first time, Egbuka's target tally saw only a slight hit. He also recorded multiple catches of 20-plus yards (two) for the first time since Week 10 and will look to capitalize on reduced defensive attention against the Panthers in Week 16 on Dec. 21.
Bucky Irving was largely held in check by the Falcons' front seven, rushing 16 times for 60 yards and adding one catch for 11 yards on three targets in the Buccaneers' 29-28 loss on Thursday night. This marked his third consecutive game averaging under 4.0 yards per carry. Despite the low production, Irving was the unquestioned lead back, outpacing Rachaad White by 15 carries. His reception total was also his lowest of the season. He aims to atone against the Panthers on the road in a key Week 16 matchup on Dec. 21.
Baker Mayfield completed 19 of 34 passes for 277 yards, two touchdowns, and one critical interception, adding one rush for one yard in the Buccaneers' 29-28 loss to the Falcons on Thursday night. Despite taking five sacks and seven hits, Mayfield achieved his best yardage total since Week 5, benefiting from the returns of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, who combined for 170 receiving yards. His interception at the Falcons' 33-yard line led directly to an Atlanta touchdown. Mayfield will seek a more efficient performance against the Panthers in Week 16 on Dec. 21.
Joe Flacco, signed by the Cleveland Browns on November 20, 2023, at age 38 after being off an NFL roster, led the team to a playoff berth. Despite an 11-month layoff, he had been throwing 2-3 times weekly. Flacco delivered four 300-yard passing games in five starts, reviving his NFL tenure. He expressed confidence in his ability to play, stating his return was 'like riding a bike.' His arm strength was rated a 'five,' and his quick release was lauded, aiding the Browns' top-ranked defense.
Philip Rivers, 44, has unretired to join the Indianapolis Colts, with a 'very real' chance to start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. His return comes 59 months after his last NFL action, filling a void with Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson Sr. on IR. Rivers, seen leading QB drills, is pushing to start immediately despite concerns about his readiness after a long layoff and no clear throwing routine. Head coach Shane Steichen is evaluating daily, also considering rookie Riley Leonard's knee. Rivers brings energy to the Colts, who rank fifth in scoring and sixth in total offense, and returns to a familiar system.
Kirk Cousins delivered a 'throwback effort' in the Falcons' 29-28 upset win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night, completing 30 of 44 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. This prolific performance, which included a recovered fumble, largely targeted Kyle Pitts for 11 completions, 166 yards, and all three scores. Cousins' strong outing, achieved despite Drake London's knee absence, significantly brightens the outlook for Atlanta's air attack heading into their Week 16 road game against the Cardinals on December 21.
Bijan Robinson had a 'big night' for the Atlanta Falcons in their 29-28 upset win over the Buccaneers on Thursday, rushing 19 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, while also adding eight catches for 82 yards. Despite losing a fumble in the fourth quarter that led to a Buccaneers touchdown and a 28-14 lead, Robinson scored one of the two crucial fourth-quarter touchdowns that helped erase Tampa Bay's deficit, contributing significantly to Atlanta's comeback victory.
Mike Evans (collarbone) made a stellar return from injured reserve, playing for the first time since Week 7 in the Buccaneers' 29-28 loss to the Falcons on Thursday night. He caught six of 12 targets for a season-high 132 yards, including significant gains of 12, 33, and 45 yards. This performance, his best in almost a year, saw him looking as good as reported by coach Todd Bowles. Evans aims to carry this momentum into a Week 16 divisional road game against the Panthers on December 21.
Zane Gonzalez secured the Atlanta Falcons' 29-28 upset victory over the Buccaneers on Thursday night, kicking a walk-off 43-yard field goal on the final play. His game-winning kick came after the Falcons erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit with two touchdowns and two missed two-point conversions. Gonzalez's clutch performance delivered a 'dagger' to the Buccaneers' playoff hopes, capping a chaotic, penalty-filled night for Atlanta.
