Jason Pierre-Paul returns to the Buccaneers after sitting out nearly 2 years By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned to a familiar face to bolster their pass rush.
Three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul was signed to the team’s practice squad on Tuesday, nearly two years since he last played in an NFL game.
Pierre-Paul, who had 9 1/2 sacks for the 2020 Super Bowl champion Buccaneers, joins a group that includes veteran Haason Reddick and third-year player YaYa Diaby.
“Obviously, I’ve been wanting to play football since the beginning of the year,” Pierre-Paul said. “(When the) opportunity comes, you’re there, so that’s basically what happened. There was an opportunity given and I made the best of it.”
The 36-year-old Pierre-Paul was selected by the Giants with the 15th pick in the 2010 NFL draft. He spent eight seasons in New York, four in Tampa Bay, one in Baltimore and played a few games for New Orleans and Miami in 2023. He has 94 1/2 sacks in 14 seasons.
The four-time defending NFC South champion Buccaneers (7-6) are tied for first place with Carolina. They host Atlanta on Thursday night.
“As far as the training, and I’ve been doing a lot of training with my personal trainer, he doesn’t stop, he trains every day,” Pierre-Paul said. “I think he got me in the best shape — I won’t say in my whole entire career, but damn near. I’ve seen the results, running around the lake and running sprints and running drills, I was able to kill the bad drills out there. I think I killed it and I just think staying in shape was one of the main keys and just not giving up.”
Larry Foote, the Bucs' run game coordinator and outside linebackers coach, views Pierre-Paul as a voice players can relate to. Pierre-Paul hasn't played since Dec. 11, 2023, so it's not quite like Philip Rivers coming back to the Indianapolis Colts after sitting out the last four seasons.
”(He’s) a guy that can bring some of the intangibles that we cannot bring as coaches that I think he can help,” Foote said. “That’s the way I’m looking at it. His energy and his juice. ... We’ll see what he can do the next couple of weeks. This is a short week, see if he (has) something in the tank. We worked him out and he looked good; I worked him out personally and he can still move and bend and he (has) that God-given freaky ability, and we’ll see what he can do next week.”
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10 months after Super Bowl, Mahomes and Hurts struggle in historic week of turnovers By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press
The least productive start of Patrick Mahomes' career ended Kansas City's nine-year run of division titles and put another remarkable streak in jeopardy.
Jalen Hurts was even worse a night later for the Philadelphia Eagles, as the two starting quarterbacks from last season's Super Bowl combined for a week that had never before been seen in the NFL.
Mahomes threw three interceptions and no touchdowns in the Chiefs' 20-10 loss to Houston that dealt a major blow to their playoff hopes . Hurts threw four interceptions, lost a fumble and had no TDs in a 22-19 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
It marked the first time that the two starting QBs from the previous season's Super Bowl each threw at least three interceptions and had no TD passes in the same week.
The 19.8 passer rating for Mahomes and 31.3 for Hurts are the two lowest this season among quarterbacks with at least 25 attempts in a game as neither looked close to the level they reached last season on their runs to the Super Bowl.
Mahomes' rating was the lowest for any Chiefs QB with at least 20 attempts since Matt Cassel had a 19.1 in the 2010 season finale against the Raiders. The 10 points were the fewest ever scored by Kansas City in a game started by Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium.
The loss eliminated Kansas City from contention in the AFC West after nine straight titles and put their run of seven straight appearances in the AFC title game in jeopardy. The Patriots are the only other team with longer streaks, having won 11 straight division titles from 2009-19 and made eight straight AFC title games from 2011-18 with Tom Brady.
It also dropped Kansas City's chances of making the playoffs to 11%, according to the NFL NextGen Stats model. Barring a shocking turn of events, this could set up the first AFC championship game without either Mahomes or Brady at quarterback since the 2010 season.
Hurts' performance wasn't nearly as damaging to Philadelphia's playoff hopes as the Eagles still hold a 1 1/2-game lead over Dallas in the NFC East but provided a moment that had never before been seen in the modern NFL.
It happened when Hurts threw his second interception of the game in the second quarter. Chargers defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand caught it and started his return. He then fumbled when he was hit by the Eagles’ Will Shipley. Hurts recovered, but immediately fumbled right back after getting hit by Los Angeles' Jamaree Caldwell. Troy Dye recovered for the Chargers, giving Hurts both an interception and a lost fumble on the same play.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Hurts was the first player to commit two turnovers on the same play as far as records go back to 1978.
He threw two more interceptions, including a game-ending one in overtime to become the first Philadelphia player with five turnovers in a game since Donovan McNabb did it in 1999 as a rookie against Indianapolis.
Quarterback carousel
While Shedeur Sanders was named the starter for the rest of the season in Cleveland, some of the other franchises might be looking for new starters.
The New York Jets could be forced to use a new starter with Tyrod Taylor dealing with a groin injury and Justin Fields slowed by a knee injury. Rookie Brady Cook made his NFL debut in relief of Taylor on Sunday and could be in line for a start this week against Jacksonville that would make him the team's 41st starting QB since Joe Namath's last start in 1976 and the 46th since the merger.
The Browns have used the most starting quarterbacks since the merger with 60, with the only other teams using more than the Jets being Chicago (54), the Rams and Cardinals (49 each) and Washington (47).
Indianapolis could use its 44th starting QB since the merger after Daniel Jones tore his Achilles — or do something even more surprising. The Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to the practice squad this week even though he last played in the 2020 season. Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien are the options if Rivers isn't ready to go.
The Colts have lost four out of five games to go from 7-1 and the top spot in the conference to in danger of missing the playoffs. Only five of the 127 teams that started a season 7-1 or better since the merger missed the playoffs with it last happening with Chicago in 2012. Washington missed out in 1996, New Orleans in 1988, San Diego in the strike-impacted 1987 season and Miami in 1975.
Defensive stars
Seattle rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori and Buffalo cornerback Christian Benford put together some performances for the record book on Sunday.
Emmanwori had a sack, an interception and blocked a field goal in the Seahawks' 37-9 win at Atlanta. Only three other players since at least 2000 had a sack, interception and blocked kick in the same game with Emmanwori's teammate Leonard Williams the last to do it in 2024 for Seattle against the New York Jets.
Arizona's Adrian Wilson did it in the 2010 season opener against the Rams and Hall of Famer Julius Peppers did it in Week 12 of the 2004 season against Tampa Bay.
Benford had a game-changing pick-6 in the Bills' win over Cincinnati a week after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Pittsburgh. He is the first Bills player ever to score a defensive TD in back-to-back games and the first on any team to do it since Nik Bonitto did it for Denver last December.
Benford's 63-yard return on Sunday when Cincinnati was in Bills territory with a 28-25 lead with less than 6 minutes remaining gave Buffalo the lead and completely changed the game. According to the NFL's NextGen Stats , the play increased Buffalo's win probability from 16.2% to 77% — with the 60.8 percentage point increase in win probability the largest of any play outside of the last 2 minutes in 10 seasons of NextGen Stats data.
Vikings flip the script
The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a feat that hadn't been done in more than three decades.
One week after losing 26-0 at Seattle , the Vikings turned the tables on Washington and beat the Commanders 31-0 at home in a turnaround last accomplished by the 1992 Denver Broncos.
Minnesota was the fifth team in the Super Bowl era to shut out an opponent after getting blanked the previous game. John Elway's Broncos were the last to do it in 1992 when they followed up a 30-0 loss to Philadelphia in Week 3 with a 12-0 win at Cleveland the next week.
While that kind of turnaround is rare in the modern game it wasn't uncommon in the early days of the NFL when shutouts were far more common and there were 73 scoreless draws in the league's first quarter century. According to Sportradar, there were 160 instances in the pre-Super Bowl era when a team followed a shutout loss with a shutout win.
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Kirk Cousins and the Falcons aim to play spoiler against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons were supposed to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top competitor for the NFC South title.
Instead, they’re reduced to playing a spoiler role .
Kirk Cousins and the Falcons (4-9) visit Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers (7-6) on Thursday night in Tampa with a lot at stake for the home team.
The Bucs were cruising along to a fifth straight division championship before running into a difficult stretch. They returned from a bye with a 6-2 record and were aiming to earn a top seed in the second half.
But they’ve hardly played like a team that even belongs in the playoffs. The Bucs lost three straight games to winning teams, barely held on to beat the lowly Cardinals and then lost at home to the dismal Saints .
They’re tied with Carolina for first place and will play the Panthers twice in the next three weeks. First, they have to take care of business against a team looking to ruin their season.
“You never want to be in this spot,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said about being eliminated from playoff contention. “But really, the job is to go out and play spoiler right now. You’ve got a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team on Thursday that we’ve got a lot of respect for, that we love to play. That’s always a highly competitive football game, and I expect no different.”
The Buccaneers control their playoff hopes. If they win their next three games, they’ll secure the division crown before a Week 18 matchup against the Panthers.
They'll have extra help against the Falcons. Six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans is returning along with wideout Jalen McMillan. Evans hasn't played since he broke his clavicle on Oct. 20. McMillan will make his season debut after injuring his neck in the preseason.
“It’s that playoff mentality,” Mayfield said. ”(When you’re) looking at it, we’re playing a divisional opponent, they would love nothing more than to beat us and screw up our chances. So, you go into it expecting: ‘Okay, do they really have a lot on the line? Yeah, because they’re trying to knock us out of the playoffs.’ So that’s the mindset. It’s playoff mentality for us, and we have to expect to get their best.”
Kirk’s turn
Cousins beat the Buccaneers twice last season in his first year with Atlanta. He threw for 785 yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception. He had 509 yards passing against them in one of the wins. Michael Penix Jr. started in Week 1 when the Bucs beat Atlanta 23-20.
Cousins returned to the lineup after Penix sustained a season-ending knee injury. The four-time Pro Bowl QB is 1-3 in four starts with three TDs, three picks and a 76.5 passer rating.
“I don’t consider him a backup quarterback, I consider him a starter, and he has (been) for a long time,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. ”(He) knows where to go with the football, (is) very accurate, knows the offense inside and out, so it’s going to be a challenge for us, especially everyone needing to be where they need to be. The challenge is just facing the entire team. The entire team, we’ve got to learn from what happened last year.”
Appreciating Baker
Mayfield has struggled the past four weeks while dealing with injuries, including a left shoulder sprain that forced him to miss the second half of a loss to the Rams last month. But Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich expects to see the guy who was an MVP candidate over the first half of the season.
“He’s Houdini, you know, you watch him against some of the best defensive lines in this league, and feel like he’s corralled down, sacked, and all of a sudden, not only does he get out of like the most impossible situations, then he makes a play,” Ulbrich said. “So it’s just, he’s as good as I’ve seen in a long, long time, as far as the competitor that he is, the toughness that he demonstrates.”
Stopping Bijan
Dynamic Falcons running back Bijan Robinson leads the NFL with 1,683 scrimmage yards. He has 1,081 yards rushing. Led by run-stuffing nose tackle Vita Vea, the Bucs are ninth against the run. However, they allowed 136 yards to Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 7 and 147 to TreVeyon Henderson in Week 10.
Robinson’s high in five games against Tampa Bay is 63 yards. He’s averaging 3.9 yards per carry against them.
Extending drives
The Buccaneers were 2 for 7 on fourth downs last week, failing to convert fourth-and-1 twice and fourth-and-2 once.
The Falcons have the league’s second-worst third-down conversion rate at 31% — only better than the Titans — and were 1 for 13 on third downs last week against the Seahawks.
Not so special teams
The Falcons allowed a 100-yard kickoff return TD and had a field goal blocked last week in a 37-9 loss to Seattle. They’re last in kickoff return coverage, allowing 31.2 per return. The Buccaneers are fifth-worst, giving up 27.9 yards per kickoff return. The Bucs nearly lost a game earlier this season to the Jets when a blocked field goal was returned for a score late in the game.
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AP Sports Writer Maura Carey contributed to this report.
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Jayden Daniels will miss the Commanders' game against the Giants on Sunday By HOWARD FENDRICH AP National Writer The Associated Press ASHBURN, Va.
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Quarterback Jayden Daniels will sit out the Washington Commanders' game at the New York Giants on Sunday after aggravating his injured left elbow last weekend.
Coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that Daniels did not re-dislocate the elbow — which originally was hurt in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 2 — when the reigning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was knocked to the ground after throwing an interception in Washington's 31-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
“Landing on it, like full-on” was the issue, Quinn said, noting that an MRI exam on Monday and further testing this week showed “no structural setbacks at all.”
He said team doctors advised him to keep Daniels off the field against the Giants (2-11). Marcus Mariota will start for Washington.
"We’re really bummed for Jayden," Quinn said.
This will be the seventh game the QB will have missed because of injuries this season — half of the schedule for the Commanders (3-10), who have lost eight contests in a row. Daniels sat out two with a sprained left knee, one with a bad right hamstring and had been sidelined for three games in a row because of his nonthrowing elbow until returning last Sunday.
In addition, he has left before the end of the game each of the past three times he did play.
That's after appearing in all 20 of the Commanders’ games last season, including the playoffs.
As for any concerns over the fact that Daniels' latest problem arose when he was hit while chasing after a defender who had picked off a pass, Quinn pointed out that the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 pick in last year's NFL draft doesn't throw many interceptions.
“We're not going to live our whole life scared — I promise you that,” the coach said, and he noted that he would anticipate Daniels playing again this season.
“Let's see where we’re at next week,” Quinn said. “We’re always going to make the best decision for him, for the team.”
A season ago, Daniels was superb, leading Washington to a 12-5 record and completing 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions and running for 891 yards with six TDs.
After going 9 for 20 for just 78 yards passing plus an interception against Minnesota, Daniels owns a completion rate of 60.6 with 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. His passer rating slid from 100.1 to 88.1. He’s run for 278 yards with two scores.
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QB Philip Rivers eager to get back in the game with the Colts after coming out of retirement By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Philip Rivers wanted one more shot at winning that elusive Super Bowl ring.
So the 44-year-old grandfather and Hall of Fame semifinalist is coming out of retirement and rejoining the Indianapolis Colts.
Just hours after team officials announced they'd signed Rivers to the practice squad, the eight-time Pro Bowler told reporters he's eager to take his first NFL snaps since 2020 and hopes to start Sunday's crucial game at Seattle.
“Something about it excited me and it's kind of one of those deals, the door opens and you either walk through it and find out if you can do it or you run from it,” he said. “I know there's risk involved, what may or may not happen, but the only way to find out is going for it.”
While the exuberant Rivers has never been prone to backing down from a challenge, he's never faced one quite like this.
Rivers spent the past five years in Fairhope, Alabama, coaching St. Michael Catholic High School's football team. Yet his mind never strayed far from the NFL. He said he routinely watched the Los Angeles Chargers and Colts, the two teams he played for during his first 17 seasons, and was watching again last weekend when Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon injury in a 36-19 loss at Jacksonville .
Rivers said he immediately wondered if the Colts might call.
At the time he was unaware, as were the Colts (8-5), that rookie backup Riley Leonard also injured his right knee during the game, creating even more urgency for a team flailing to keep its playoff hopes alive. Then the phone rang.
“He said, ‘Heck yeah I’m interested,'” said Colts coach Shane Steichen, who worked with Rivers when they were both with the Chargers. “So he slept on it and then we called him back Monday morning and he said, ‘I need to get up there and throw in that building.’ So he came in here, and he didn't forget how to throw a football."
Steichen said it was possible Rivers could start Sunday — depending on how things go this week.
Then again, Rivers has done just about everything in his career except win a championship.
He finished the first part of his career ranked among the league's career leaders with more than 63,000 yards passing, more than 400 touchdown passes and 134 career wins. He was the 2013 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and he's been around long enough that the former N.C. State star was the key piece in the trade that sent two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning to the New York Giants in 2004.
The bigger question is what can the Colts expect from this version of Rivers?
While he's worked out and thrown at home, Rivers acknowledges there's a significant difference between what he's done and what it takes to successfully run a pro offense against one of the league's top defenses. And though Steichen said his playbook largely resembles the one he and Rivers used during their tenure with the Chargers, they must still navigate some new wrinkles.
He also weighs more this time around.
“I don't know, just being honest," he said when asked about his weight, drawing laughter. “It's not what it was when I walked away. I follow up with that, though, that I never ran away from anybody anyway.”
The Colts were desperate after losing Jones and possibly Leonard, who was expected to practice Wednesday.
Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2023, remains on injured reserve with a fractured orbital bone and Indy finally promoted veteran Brett Rypien from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday. Rypien hasn't started a game since 2023.
The good news for Indy: Rivers does have some familiarity with players such as Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. and Quenton Nelson from his last stint in Indy.
And with Indianapolis closing the season against four potential playoff teams — Seattle (10-3), Jacksonville (9-4), San Francisco (9-4) and Houston (8-5) — they needed a steady hand to try to end a four-year postseason drought.
So they're giving Rivers a shot to get them back in the playoffs and maybe a Super Bowl.
“Immediately the competitor in you, you get excited, like, ‘Are you serious?’” Rivers said, referring to the phone call. “I know routes on air is not playing the position on Sunday afternoon, I do know that. But I don't have any reservations about going there and throwing and doing that stuff, it feels good. So we're going to take it one day at a time, but I'm excited. I feel good.”
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Undrafted rookie QB Brady Cook takes snaps with Jets starters with Tyrod Taylor, Justin Fields out By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Brady Cook took the snaps with the New York Jets' starters at practice Wednesday. The undrafted rookie quarterback could be doing it for real on Sunday in Jacksonville.
Neither Tyrod Taylor nor Justin Fields participated on the field while dealing with injuries, and the team will see how both feel as the week progresses.
“There's a plan for the quarterbacks,” coach Aaron Glenn said. “Either way it works out during the week, we've got all our bases covered.”
That includes potentially having the 24-year-old Cook make his first NFL start after filling in last week for the injured Taylor.
“Not as many nerves today,” a smiling Cook said after practice. “Really just a focus on the game plan and execution and just going over a million things in my head and just trying to get it right."
Taylor made his third straight start for the benched Fields last Sunday before injuring his groin late in the first quarter of the Jets' 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins . Cook, who was Taylor's backup because Fields was ruled out ahead of the game with knee soreness, came in and went 14 of 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions in his NFL regular-season debut.
“I thought he did a pretty good job,” Glenn said of Cook’s performance. “It was a tough situation for him with Tyrod going down and him not getting all the reps with the first team.”
Cook acknowledged he was a bit anxious when he first entered the game — as displayed by some of the extra zip on a few of his rushed early passes — but settled down with each play.
“I think getting back out there in the second half, it definitely started to slow down,” he said. “The first few series was definitely quick. And I think when you’re not quite trusting it yet, things are moving fast. You might put a little extra heat on it to protect yourself from the people you don’t see, from the ghosts maybe, whatever it is, because things are moving fast.”
Several of Cook's teammates said after the game they were impressed with how the rookie commanded the huddle after stepping in without much preparation.
“I think when you’re a new quarterback, a new leader in that situation, it comes down to competence,” Cook said. “If your teammates and the people around you know that you’re competent at your job and you can do it at a high level, they are going to believe in you, they are going to listen to your command.
“And I think I’ve shown that to them, so they believe in me. I know they believe in me. So, when I got in that huddle, I trusted on that.”
New York also signed Adrian Martinez to the practice squad after he was released Tuesday by San Francisco. Martinez, the 2024 UFL MVP and UFL championship game MVP, was with the Jets through training camp this past summer.
Cook started the preseason finale against Philadelphia and Martinez played the second half.
“Went back in time a little bit,” Cook said of Martinez being back.
Cook, who was sacked six times and came up limping slightly at one point in the game against the Dolphins, was listed on the injury report with an ankle ailment but Glenn said he'll be fine. The coach was looking forward to Cook getting snaps with the starters Wednesday.
“Man, that does a lot for every quarterback, especially if we're getting him to building continuity with the rest of the guys,” Glenn said.
Cook, who threw for 9,008 yards and 49 touchdowns with 15 interceptions in five seasons at Missouri, was signed to the active roster Saturday. He had been promoted from the practice squad for two previous games this season, but hadn’t played in the regular season.
Cook was 25 of 38 for 235 yards and a touchdown with one interception in three preseason games.
The Jets (3-10), who were eliminated from playoff contention for the 15th straight season, are dealing with several other injuries.
Running back Breece Hall (knee), tight ends Mason Taylor (neck) and Stone Smartt (concussion), linebackers Quincy Williams (hand) and Kiko Mauigoa (knee), and cornerback Azareye’h Thomas (shoulder) didn't practice. Defensive lineman Harrison Phillips and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson had veteran rest days.
Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson is eligible to come off injured reserve after sitting four games with a knee injury, but Glenn said he hasn't yet been cleared to practice.
Roster moves
The Jets signed defensive lineman Eric Watts to the active roster and placed rookie D-lineman Tyler Baron on injured reserve after he hurt a knee against Miami.
Tight end Nick Muse, a seventh-round draft pick out of Minnesota in 2022, was signed to the practice squad. He was most recently with the Los Angeles Rams, who released him Tuesday, and also had stints with Philadelphia and Arizona.
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Chicago Bears prepare for Myles Garrett after tough loss to Packers By JAY COHEN AP Sports Writer The Associated Press LAKE FOREST, Ill.
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears have faced a few dangerous pass rushers this season, including Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson, Las Vegas' Maxx Crosby and Green Bay's Micah Parsons.
Next up might be their biggest challenge so far.
Looking to bounce back from last weekend's loss to Parsons and the Packers, the Bears take on Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at what is expected to be a frigid Soldier Field. Garrett arrives in town amid a historic season — and he certainly has the attention of the Bears.
“He’s just a complete player,” Chicago coach Ben Johnson said Wednesday. “I think when you look at the size and strength and speed, it’s just a unique package where he really has it all.”
Garrett has at least one sack in his last seven games and a career-high 20 in 13 starts this year. The NFL record is 22 1/2 shared by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt.
“Obviously, he’s right there at the sack record, almost there at the sack record,” Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said. “And so I’m going to try and make sure that he doesn’t get the sack record on us and on me.”
Garrett has recorded at least three sacks in three games this season, including five in a 32-13 loss at New England on Oct. 26. He is the leader of a Cleveland defense that allows an NFL-low 165.2 yards passing per game and ranks second in the league overall.
While Garrett is the headliner, he is surrounded by speed and athleticism. Johnson raved about the play of rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger, a second-round pick in the draft.
“I mean, he’s a really good player,” Johnson said. “He’s going to be a good player for a long time as well. He’s all over the place. Highly instinctive.”
Garrett's presence — along with Cleveland's aggressive style under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz — puts pressure on Chicago's offensive line to protect Williams and clear the way for D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai to run the ball.
Rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo figures to see a lot of Garrett, but he won't have to go it alone.
“We’ll certainly have a plan and be aware of how we can help, not just Ozzy, but it’s also Darnell (right tackle Darnell Wright) as well,” Johnson said. “Because the scheme that they run is a little bit different. ... I mean, these guys are in sprinter mode, and they’re looking to go right to that launch point at the quarterback every single snap, and if we happen to hand the ball off, and they’ll try to tackle the ball carrier along the way.”
The stakes are high for Chicago, which is going for the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2020. The Bears (9-4) were on top of the NFC North before Sunday's 28-21 loss at Green Bay.
Even with its stellar defense, Cleveland (3-10) has dropped two in a row and five of six overall. After the Browns game, the Bears host the division-leading Packers on Dec. 20.
“We have to keep stacking wins,” safety Kevin Byard said. “Like Coach (Johnson) said, getting to nine wins is cool but it’s not going to get us in the playoffs, so we need at least two wins if we want to get in the playoffs and I think three or four to win the division. That’s what we’re focused on. We’re focused on this week and then, obviously Green Bay when Green Bay comes.”
Notes: Johnson wasn't ready to provide an update on defensive back Kyler Gordon, who injured his groin during warmups before the matchup with the Packers. Asked if Gordon could return this season, Johnson responded: “To be determined. I haven’t heard over the last couple of days the extent of it, but coming out of that one, it didn’t look very good.”
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Browns' Shedeur Sanders is keeping his focus on improving after a strong 3rd start By TOM WITHERS Associated Press The Associated Press BEREA, Ohio
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Shedeur Sanders is still learning to decipher NFL defenses, recognize coverages and make much smarter decisions.
He can already read the room.
The rookie quarterback's path to starting for the Browns has been curious and circuitous, to say the least. But just because he's currently atop the depth chart, and will stay there the rest of this season, Sanders isn't stationary or satisfied.
Coming off the best performance of his young career, leading to coach Kevin Stefanski naming him the starter for the final four games, Sanders said before Wednesday’s practice he's not concerned with whether he has shown Cleveland enough to end its long search for a franchise QB.
He's staying in the moment.
“That’s not in my focus,” Sanders said. “My focus right now is the team we’re playing ahead, the Bears. So anything past that I’m not really focused on, honestly. I’m thankful for it, but I’m not content with my situation with everything.”
The former Colorado star has come a long way since tumbling to the fifth round of this year's draft. The 23-year-old was fourth string throughout training camp and the preseason before two trades and rookie Dillon Gabriel's concussion catapulted Sanders.
In just his third pro start on Sunday, Sanders threw three touchdown passes, ran for a score and finished with 364 yards against Tennessee. He joined Joe Burrow as the only rookie QBs in league history with at least 350 yards passing, three TDs and a rushing TD in a game.
The performance became a footnote as the Browns (3-10) came up short in an embarrassing 31-29 loss to the two-win Titans (2-11) and their rookie QB, Cam Ward.
Following the game, Sanders caught up on the field with Ward, last year's No. 1 pick who pressed him on his plans for the upcoming offseason.
Unlike Ward, Sanders can't afford to think that far ahead.
“This is my life here. So we on two different spectrums right now,” Sanders said. ”I got to focus on playing my best and being the best player I can for the team. And obviously the situations are different. I know he puts his all into these games and these final four games, but it’s just a little bit different because you don’t know what could happen.
“I just go here, enjoy my day, work hard, do everything I can. If I’m here, I’m here. If I’m not, I’m not. It’s nothing in my control. I try to control what I can control — going out there, making the right reads. Going out there, doing the right things, being the person I am and things will fall how they’re supposed to.”
Things rarely go as planned in Cleveland, but Sanders is giving the Browns some hope in another rotten season.
He's shown significant improvement each game, whether connecting on a downfield throw or firing the ball out of bounds to avoid a sack.
That's not to say he's been perfect.
In the third quarter last week, Sanders, who since college has had a bad habit of holding the ball too long, tried to create something out of nothing. It cost him.
Scrambling to buy time after the protection broke down, Sanders forced a pass down the middle that was easily intercepted by the Titans. The turnover set up Tennessee's go-ahead score and set the stage for the Titan's win.
It was another tough lesson for Sanders, who said changing his ways isn't problematic.
“Not hard. It just took a little explaining," he said, flashing a knowing smile. "It’s a negative thing to happen for me to just slow down. I look at everything and I understand, OK, this is what I was trying to do, and in this situation, this that’s what you should do.
“And sometimes it go your way, then they’ll be like, ‘that was lit’ and sometimes it don’t. So you got to limit those that wasn’t the best risk in certain situations, certain times of the game.”
This week presents another tough test for Sanders, who will face a Chicago defense leading the league with 18 interceptions.
Stefanski, whose future could hinge on how the Browns play in December, has been pleased with his QB's steady progress.
“In terms of a light turning on, those type of things, I just think he’s committed to getting better every single week,” he said. "And that’s what you want.”
Notes: The temperature could be in the single digits in Chicago. Sanders is doing all he can not to think about the icy weather. “One thing you don’t want to be is mentally defeated before you get there,” he said. “Whatever comes with however it feels out there just comes with it.” ... Several starters missed practice, including CB Denzel Ward (calf), S Grant Delpit (illness), DT Mason Graham (rib), TE David Njoku (knee) and WR Cedric Tillman (concussion). Stefanski ruled out RG Wyatt Teller (calf) for Sunday.
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Fantasy plays: Players to start and sit for NFL Week 15 By DORIAN COLBERT of RosterWatch The Associated Press
By Week 15, the margins get thin in fantasy football and every lineup choice carries playoff weight.
Matchups sharpen, roles stabilize and small edges can swing entire seasons.
These are the plays and fades you need this week.
Quarterbacks
Start: Brock Purdy, 49ers vs. Titans
Purdy draws one of the most favorable quarterback matchups of Week 15. Tennessee’s coverage unit has struggled to contain layered route concepts and timing-based passing game — exactly the structure of San Francisco’s offense. With the 49ers' run game forcing defensive overcommitment and Purdy excelling in rhythm throws, the Titans’ inability to generate consistent pressure creates a clean environment for efficient, high-value production. Purdy carries legitimate QB1 upside this week.
Other locks:
— Joe Burrow vs. Ravens
— C.J. Stroud vs. Cardinals
— Lamar Jackson vs. Bengals
Avoid: Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals vs. Texans
Brissett faces a nightmare matchup against a Texans defense that wins up front and compresses throwing windows. With Arizona unlikely to sustain drives and Brissett lacking mobility to escape Houston’s interior pressure, his floor is low. There’s no ceiling case here — he’s an avoid across all formats.
Running backs
Start: Tony Pollard, Titans vs. 49ers
Pollard steps into a high-usage role coming off the best performance of his career in Week 14. The 49ers' defense, while stout on early downs, has consistently leaked explosive plays to backs who win in space and through the air. Pollard’s route involvement has climbed, and Tennessee increasingly funnels touches through him when trailing — a likely script here. His combined rushing and receiving outlook gives him RB2 stability with RB1 breakout potential.
Other locks:
— Bijan Robinson vs. Buccaneers
— Kenneth Walker III vs. Colts
— Travis Etienne vs. Jets
Avoid: Breece Hall vs. Jaguars
Hall’s talent is undeniable, but this matchup is brutal. Jacksonville has been suffocating against running backs, allowing minimal yards after contact and erasing checkdown production with disciplined linebacker play. Hall’s fantasy value has already become volatile behind a struggling Jets offense, and the Jaguars' front is exactly the type that turns his explosive-play dependency into a liability. With scoring opportunities scarce and efficiency projecting poorly, Hall is a strong sit in Week 15.
Wide receivers
Start: Wan’Dale Robinson vs. Commanders
Robinson draws one of the most favorable matchups of Week 15 against a Washington defense that has struggled all season to contain slot receivers and short-area separators. With the Giants leaning heavily on quick-game concepts to stabilize their offense, Robinson has become their most reliable chain-mover and yards-after-catch threat. Washington’s linebackers consistently allow free access underneath, giving Robinson a strong floor in PPR formats with real spike-week potential if the Giants push tempo. He enters Week 15 as a high-volume WR3 with WR2 upside.
Other locks:
— Nico Collins vs. Cardinals
— Puka Nacua vs. Lions
— Jaylen Waddle vs. Steelers
Avoid: DJ Moore, Bears vs. Browns
Moore struggled last week, in the exact situation he should’ve thrived in, as Rome Odunze was out with an injury. Cleveland has been one of the league’s stingiest defenses against perimeter receivers, eliminating explosive plays and forcing quarterbacks into low-percentage throws outside the numbers. Moore’s production hinges on efficiency and big-play creation — two things the Browns specifically take away. With Chicago likely facing pressure and Moore drawing the highest level of defensive attention, he becomes a risky Week 15 option with a suppressed ceiling. He’s a fade this week.
Tight ends
Start: Jake Ferguson vs. Vikings
Ferguson is one of the safest high-usage TE1 plays of the week. Minnesota has been consistently vulnerable to tight ends who win on option routes and seam-breakers. Quarterback Dak Prescott trusts Ferguson in key moments and scoring areas, and Sunday night’s game script should push Dallas to lean heavily on its short and intermediate passing layers.
Ferguson’s combination of volume, red zone usage and matchup makes him a top-tier TE start.
Other locks:
— Harold Fannin Jr. vs. Bears
— Juwan Johnson vs. Panthers
— Brenton Strange vs. Jets
Avoid: Hunter Henry, Patriots vs. Bills
Henry has been a revelation this season, but the Bills match up well with tight ends who operate primarily in the short middle. With New England favoring perimeter and running game approaches in matchup-tight situations, Henry’s path to fantasy relevance is narrow. Low target share and a stingy matchup and inclement weather equal an easy Week 15 avoid.
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This column was provided to The Associated Press by RosterWatch, www.rosterwatch.com
Patriots and Broncos are both home underdogs despite 10-game winning streaks By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press
The AFC’s two top teams are home underdogs in Week 15.
That sums up the state of the NFL in 2025. There are no dominant teams and even the ones with the best records still have much to prove.
The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots each are 11-2 and both teams have a 10-game winning streak.
But the Broncos are 2 1/2-point underdogs against the Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) on Sunday and the Patriots are 1-point underdogs against the Buffalo Bills (9-4) in a divisional rematch.
Pro Picks breaks down all the games.
CAROLINA (7-6) at NEW ORLEANS (3-10)
Line: Panthers minus 2 1/2
The Panthers control their playoff hopes. They already lost at home to the Saints and won’t overlook them after New Orleans won in Tampa Bay last week. Bryce Young had an excellent game in a stunning upset over the Rams before a bye. Carolina has lost 11 straight games as a favorite and failed to cover the spread in each one. Tyler Shough is 2-3 as a starter with both wins on the road against the Panthers and Buccaneers.
BEST BET: PANTHERS: 23-17
DETROIT (8-5) at LOS ANGELES RAMS (10-3)
Line: Rams minus 5 1/2
Jared Goff is 2-1 against Matthew Stafford, including a playoff win, since they were traded for each other. But the Rams got their Super Bowl victory with Stafford while the Lions are still trying to get to one. They’ve got a tough road to even get in the playoffs, starting this week. Goff and coach Dan Campbell are 23-12 ATS as underdogs. The Rams are 16-3 ATS in December since 2021. Something has to give.
UPSET SPECIAL: LIONS: 27-26
ATLANTA (4-9) at TAMPA BAY (7-6)
Line: Buccaneers minus 4 1/2
Kirk Cousins beat the Buccaneers twice last season, throwing for 785 yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are coming off a terrible loss at home to New Orleans. They have to get on track after losing four of five but the Falcons won’t be a pushover. The Bucs are 2-9 in night games with Mayfield and coach Todd Bowles.
BUCCANEERS: 23-22
BALTIMORE (6-7) at CINCINNATI (4-9)
Line: Ravens minus 2 1/2
Maybe facing the league’s worst defense will get Lamar Jackson going. The Ravens have no margin for error after a tough loss to the Steelers. Joe Burrow and the Bengals are playing spoiler. They already won in Baltimore on Thanksgiving. Jackson is 6-2 against Burrow.
RAVENS: 29-24
BUFFALO (9-4) at NEW ENGLAND (11-2)
Line: Bills minus 1
The Bills opened 4-0 before the Patriots beat them at home in Week 4. New England has kept on winning. It feels like Josh Allen vs. Drake Maye is going to be a battle for AFC East supremacy for years. While the Bills rallied in a snowstorm to beat Burrow and the Bengals last week, the Patriots rested. Mike Vrabel’s teams in Tennessee were 6-1 overall and 6-1 against the spread off a bye.
BILLS: 27-24
WASHINGTON (3-10) at NEW YORK GIANTS (2-11)
Line: Giants minus 2
Quarterback Jayden Daniels will sit out Washington's game after aggravating his injured left elbow. He's been beat up all season and the Commanders have lost eight in a row. Jaxson Dart is taking his share of shots for the Giants, who’ve lost seven straight. Someone has to win.
GIANTS: 24-20
CLEVELAND (3-10) at CHICAGO (9-4)
Line: Bears minus 7 1/2
Shedeur Sanders has made the Browns watchable. Myles Garrett needs three sacks to set the single-season record. Caleb Williams and the Bears can’t afford to look past Cleveland with three tough games coming up. Chicago is 1-8-1 ATS in the last 10 games after facing Green Bay. But these aren’t the same Bears.
BEARS: 20-13
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (9-4) at KANSAS CITY (6-7)
Line: Chiefs minus 4 1/2
Coming off an overtime win against Philadelphia, the Chargers go for a sweep of a Chiefs team that’s on the verge of elimination. Patrick Mahomes and Co. ran out of margin for error. They need to win out and get plenty of help. Chiefs are 9-17 ATS in Mahomes’ last 26 starts.
CHIEFS: 22-20
LAS VEGAS (2-11) at PHILADELPHIA (8-5)
Line: Eagles minus 11
The Raiders are the remedy the Eagles need to snap a three-game losing streak. Jalen Hurts is coming off a five-turnover performance and the calls for backup Tanner McKee to replace the reigning Super Bowl MVP are getting louder in Philly.
EAGLES: 30-13
NEW YORK JETS (3-10) at JACKSONVILLE (9-4)
Line: Jaguars minus 13
The Jets are a disaster under rookie coach Aaron Glenn while the Jaguars’ first-year coach, Liam Coen, turned the team around quickly. The Jets are 1-14 in their last 15 games against teams in Florida.
JAGUARS: 27-13
ARIZONA (3-10) at HOUSTON (8-5)
Line: Texans minus 9 1/2
Trey McBride is trying to become the first tight end to lead the league in receptions since Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez in 2004. That’s the lone bright spot for the Cardinals. Houston’s No. 1 defense will make it difficult on Jacoby Brissett.
TEXANS: 22-13
GREEN BAY (9-3-1) at DENVER (11-2)
Line: Packers minus 2 1/2
Jordan Love, Micah Parsons and the Packers just beat the Bears to regain first place in the NFC North and face Chicago on the road next week. They can’t look ahead with a trip to Denver in between. This is a potential Super Bowl preview. The Broncos have come back to win nine games during their 10-game winning streak. The Packers under coach Matt LaFleur are 10-2 ATS after playing the Bears.
PACKERS: 21-17
TENNESSEE (2-11) at SAN FRANCISCO (9-4)
Line: 49ers minus 12 1/2
The Titans ran all over the Browns to earn their second win. The 49ers have been winning despite missing their best defensive players. But Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle are healthy and carrying the offense.
49ERS: 30-16
INDIANAPOLIS (8-5) at SEATTLE (10-3)
Line: Seahawks minus 13 1/2
The Colts have gone from 7-1 to signing Philip Rivers out of a five-year retirement. They’re in full panic mode, doing whatever it takes to get to the playoffs. The Seahawks are one of the most balanced teams in the NFL with a stifling defense and top-10 offense.
SEAHAWKS: 24-13
MINNESOTA (5-8) at DALLAS (6-6-1)
Line: Cowboys minus 6
J.J. McCarthy is coming off his best game and Minnesota’s defense is tough enough to keep the Vikings close. With the Eagles reeling, the Cowboys still have a shot to win the NFC East. But they have to win out and it starts against the Vikings.
COWBOYS: 23-18
MIAMI (6-7) at PITTSBURGH (7-6)
Line: Steelers minus 3 1/2
The Dolphins have won four straight games behind a strong rushing attack and improved defense to stay alive in the playoff chase. The Steelers are coming off a big win in Baltimore that put them back in first place in the AFC North. They can’t let up against Miami.
STEELERS: 22-17
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Last week: Straight up: 9-5. Against spread: 10-4.
Overall: Straight up: 149-58-1. Against spread: 106-96-6.
Prime time: Straight up: 28-18-1. Against spread: 20-27.
Best Bet: Straight up: 10-4. Against spread: 7-6-1.
Upset Special: Straight up: 11-3. Against spread: 11-3.
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Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here .
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl