Prescott's Cowboys overcome Mahomes' fourth-down magic in 31-28 Thanksgiving win over Chiefs By SCHUYLER DIXON AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press ARLINGTON, Texas
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys still face long odds in trying to rally for a spot in the playoffs.
They won't be short on confidence with a win over last season's Super Bowl runner-up just four days after beating the defending champs.
Prescott threw for two touchdowns, Malik Davis sprinted 43 yards for a score and the Cowboys overcame two fourth down TD throws from Patrick Mahomes in a 31-28 Thanksgiving Day victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday.
CeeDee Lamb scored the first Dallas touchdown and finished with 112 yards on seven catches after drops plagued the star receiver in a 24-21 victory over reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia .
The Cowboys (6-5-1) have won three straight and dropped the defending AFC champion Chiefs (6-6) back to .500 in a matchup of playoff-chasing teams.
Dallas is 3-0 since 24-year-old defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide during the club's open week. The Cowboys came back from the emotion-filled break with a 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
“On top of where we put ourselves right before these games and just the place that we’re in, having to get these wins against two elite teams,” Prescott said. “I mean, two teams that played in the Super Bowl last year. Last year’s last year, but you’re talking about two organizations that obviously know how to win and we just beat them both in two great games.
“On top of everything that we've been through.”
Mahomes had four touchdown passes in his first professional game at the home of the Cowboys, where he played three times for Texas Tech not far from his East Texas roots.
“They’re the same desperation that we are and they play better over four quarters than we did,” said Mahomes, who threw for 261 yards and was sacked three times, twice by Jadeveon Clowney. “So even though we have good plays here and there, we have be more consistent at the end of the day.”
Travis Kelce caught Mahomes' first fourth-down TD toss on a 2-yarder, and Rashee Rice's second scoring catch came on fourth-and-3 early in the fourth quarter.
Kansas City was down 10 when Mahomes was almost tripped in the backfield by Quinnen Williams but kept his feet and found Xavier Worthy wide-open down the field for 42 yards, setting up a 10-yard scoring toss to Hollywood Brown with 3:27 remaining.
Prescott and company didn't give Mahomes another chance.
After two pass interference penalties gave Dallas first downs, Prescott hit George Pickens for 13 yards and a clinching first down at the two-minute warning. Prescott knelt three times after that.
The Chiefs had five pass interference penalties, one that was declined, and another defensive holding that gave Dallas a first down. Kansas City finished with 10 penalties for 119 yards.
“Bottom line is we’re having too many penalties, and we have to make sure to take care of that,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “No excuses with it. We’re going to clean it up.”
Rice had eight catches for 92 yards, his first score coming on a 27-yard catch-and-run on the sideline two plays after Prescott was intercepted by Jaylen Watson on the first Dallas possession.
Davis had just three carries, but his long run gave Dallas its first lead at 17-14 late in the second quarter. Lead running back Javonte Williams scored on a 3-yard catch early in the fourth quarter, and Pickens' catch on a 2-point conversion put Dallas back in front 28-21.
The Cowboys were 10th in the NFC entering the game, same as the Chiefs in the AFC coming off nine consecutive AFC West titles. The schedule doesn't get much easier, although two of the next four opponents — all playoff teams from a year ago — aren't in the postseason picture at the moment.
“We've got to continue with the same mentality,” Lamb said. “Obviously it's been a short week. Now we get a little time to rest, a regular week so to speak. We get our bodies back, relax, build, grow, get better and on to next week.”
Injuries
Chiefs: The Chiefs lost two offensive linemen to injuries after beginning the game without RG Trey Smith, who was inactive because of an ankle injury. RT Jawaan Taylor injured an elbow, and rookie LT Josh Simmons went out with a wrist injury. ... S Bryan Cook injured an ankle in the first half.
Cowboys: CB Caelen Carson, who had started the previous two games, was inactive after being listed as questionable. He was added to the injury report during the week. ... CB DaRon Bland injured a foot in the second half.
Up next
Chiefs: Play host to Houston in prime time on Dec. 7.
Cowboys: Visit Detroit next Thursday night.
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Here comes the sun: Bright rays come into play again for Cowboys against Chiefs By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer The Associated Press ARLINGTON, Texas
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Here comes the sun again at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
George Pickens was open but the Cowboys receiver never saw the pass thrown his way by Dak Prescott early in the second quarter of their 31-28 win over Kansas City on Thanksgiving Day.
The ball landed a few feet in front of Pickens inside the 20-yard line, and the receiver threw out his hands indicating he never saw it, then shaded his eyes when looking back to the west end of the stadium — and directly into the sun.
“He already knew it. Welcome to Dallas, bro,” said fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb, who had a similar play just more than a year ago.
“It definitely did. Some of the guys told me, too. That was my first time having that,” Pickens said. “Just coming on the crossing route, the sun was beating in my eyes, so I couldn’t see. But made up for it.”
Pickens caught six passes for 88 yards and Lamb, just four days after being hampered by some drops in a comeback win over Philadelphia , had seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes later in the second quarter was looking downfield into the bright rays after scrambling to his right from the shade to a wide sliver of shining sun. Rashee Rice appeared open in the middle of the field before the quarterback was sacked from behind by Jadeveon Clowney for a 7-yard loss, though Mahomes downplayed any issue with the sun.
“It's just when you play some games. ... I played baseball growing up, the sun's part of it,” Mahomes said. “Just got to find those guys whenever you're scrambling, and make those throws.”
Still, this was not the first time play has been impacted by the sun shining through the huge glass doors at the west end of AT&T Stadium.
The stadium has an unusual east-west alignment from end zone to end zone, as opposed to most venues being north-south. So on clear days, such as Thursday, the sun shines through the west-end windows during portions of games that kick off later in the afternoon.
In a 34-6 loss to Philadelphia last November, Pro Bowl receiver Lamb lost a ball in the sun on an incompletion that helped keep Dallas from scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the first half. Lamb was open on a crossing route in the end zone when a throw from Cooper Rush went behind him and he never adjusted to the ball.
In a 23-17 playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers in January 2022, a pass whizzed by the head of open Dallas receiver Cedrick Wilson, who apparently never saw the ball looking back into the sun.
Cowboys billionaire owner Jerry Jones has flatly rejected numerous suggestions that the team should put up curtains at that end of the $1.2 billion stadium during games, even though they are used for some concerts and other events.
When asked after last year's loss to the Eagles if curtains should be put up, Lamb responded, “Yes. One thousand percent.”
Pickens agreed Thursday.
“Yeah, I mean, definitely. But that’s up to Jerry. But definitely curtains would help,” Pickens said. “I really couldn’t see the ball. It was the sun. Like I said, I always bounce back. Kind of like CeeDee bounced back from last week to this week. All you can do is just one foot forward, keep getting better.”
Prescott’s pass on first down intended for Pickens, right after a 10-yard pass to convert fourth-and-4, was potentially a four-point swing. Instead of moving closer to maybe a touchdown, the Cowboys settled for Brandon Aubrey’s 49-yard field goal to get within 14-10.
Kansas City won the opening coin toss, and when Dallas elected to receive, the Chiefs opted to defend the west end zone — the one going into the sun.
There were no issues after halftime because the sun was setting by then.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
Bengals win in Burrow's return, taking advantage of 5 Ravens turnovers in a 32-14 victory By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer The Associated Press BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE (AP) — Joe Burrow returned to the field and delivered a poised performance despite not playing since Week 2.
Lamar Jackson, on the other hand, looked erratic and uncertain.
Burrow threw two second-half touchdown passes for Cincinnati, and the Bengals snapped Baltimore's five-game winning streak with a 32-14 victory over the fumble-prone Ravens on Thursday night. Burrow had been sidelined by a turf toe injury, and it may be too late to rescue Cincinnati's playoff hopes, but he and Ja'Marr Chase are already clicking again.
“It's a lot of fun to watch Joe Burrow play football," said Bengals coach Zac Taylor, whose team won only once in nine games without the star quarterback. "Statistically it's not the best game that we've ever had as an offense, but you could feel the rhythm he was in, the confidence he was in.”
Baltimore (6-6) lost three fumbles in the first half and turned the ball over five times in the game. All five of them were on passing plays — two fumbles and an interception by Jackson, plus fumbles by tight end Isaiah Likely and receiver Zay Flowers.
The Bengals (4-8) didn’t take full advantage of those miscues, but by the end of the game their offense had done more than enough, holding the ball for 38:46. Burrow went 24 of 46 for 261 yards. Chase had seven catches for 110 yards on 14 targets.
“I thought second half, I started to put it more where I wanted,” Burrow said.
Tanner Hudson made a terrific one-handed grab in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown to put Cincinnati up 19-7 in the third quarter, and after the Ravens answered with Keaton Mitchell’s 18-yard touchdown run, Burrow threw a 29-yard scoring pass to Andrei Iosivas.
Baltimore then drove into Bengals territory, but Jackson’s deflected pass was intercepted by Demetrius Knight Jr.
“I can’t describe the level of frustration. I’m ticked off,” Jackson said. “Turnovers are a big part of winning or losing games. Turning the ball over and giving them an extra possession pushes the outcome.”
Jackson was 17 of 32 for 246 yards.
The Ravens had recovered from a 1-5 start to pull even with Pittsburgh atop the AFC North, but Baltimore didn’t look all that impressive offensively in recent wins over Cleveland and the New York Jets, and that continued against a woeful Cincinnati defense.
Derrick Henry scored on an 18-yard run on Baltimore’s first possession to give the Ravens a 7-3 lead, and Jackson looked quicker while running than he has of late. But he missed quite a few open receivers, and he seemed rushed in the pocket behind an offensive line that’s had a rough season.
Jackson lost a fumble while being sacked, giving Cincinnati the ball at the Baltimore 2. The Bengals came away with no points, turning the ball over on downs, but the Ravens’ problems were just beginning. Likely nearly scored on a long catch-and-run in the second quarter, but he fumbled just before the goal line and the ball went through the end zone, giving possession to Cincinnati.
Later, Flowers had a touchdown wiped out by an offensive pass-interference flag, and then Jackson fumbled near the end of the half — unforced — when he tried to hold up while throwing and the ball slipped out of his hand.
The Bengals only led 12-7 at halftime after all that, but after a three-and-out by Baltimore to start the third quarter, Cincinnati produced a 10-play drive that ended with the touchdown by Hudson.
Doing its part
This was the fewest points the Bengals have allowed all season, and the first time they allowed fewer than 26 since a 17-16 win over Cleveland in Week 1.
“That was kind of the first all-around game we've played all season," Taylor said. “It wasn't perfect by any means, but road divisional wins — on Thursday nights, nonetheless — never come easy. It started with our defense.”
Milestones
Baltimore's DeAndre Hopkins reached 1,000 receptions, and tight end Mark Andrews became the team's career leader in catches with 473.
Henry passed Jim Brown for 11th on the NFL's career rushing list. He's up to 13,354 yards.
Injuries
Bengals: LB Brian Asamoah II injured his knee.
Ravens: Baltimore did not have CB Nate Wiggins (foot) in the second half, which likely contributed to the defense's difficulty getting off the field. ... LB Chandler Martin injured a knee in the first half. ... The Ravens put RB Justice Hill on injured reserve before the game with a disc issue.
Up next
Bengals: At Buffalo on Dec. 7.
Ravens: Host Pittsburgh on Dec. 7.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
Lamar Jackson the main culprit in Ravens' turnover-laden 32-14 loss to Bengals By DAVID GINSBURG Associated Press The Associated Press BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens' five-game winning streak came to an inglorious end Thursday night, and they've got only themselves to blame after an uncharacteristic, mistake-prone performance against the struggling Cincinnati Bengals.
Baltimore (6-6) lost four fumbles, including two by Lamar Jackson, who also threw an interception in a 32-14 defeat. The Ravens were also flagged for seven penalties, most notably a pivotal pass-interference call on a third-down play that led to a Bengals touchdown for a 19-7 third-quarter lead.
The Ravens' first loss since Oct. 12 dropped them out of a first-place tie with Pittsburgh in the AFC North. The defeat was especially painful because it came in front of a national television audience against a team that had won only once since Sept. 14.
“When you turn the ball over as much as we did tonight, that’s the story of the game,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You just can’t do it if you want to win.”
Joe Burrow returned after a nine-game injury absence to guide the Cincinnati offense. The veteran quarterback threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns, but he really wasn't the main reason why the Bengals (4-8) won.
No, this game was essentially given away by Baltimore. The mistakes began when tight end Isaiah Likely fumbled just short of the goal line on 44-yard pass play. Had he gone one step farther before the ball was dislodged, Baltimore would have been up 14-6 in the second quarter.
Instead, the ball rolled out of the end zone and the Bengals took over after the touchback.
The next two fumbles were by Jackson, who just doesn't look like a two-time NFL MVP after battling a myriad of injuries (hamstring, toe, ankle, knee) over the past few weeks. The star quarterback was then picked off in the third quarter before Zay Flowers ended the Ravens' turnover-fest by losing a fumble late in the game.
“I’ve just got to be consistent,” Jackson said. “Two fumbles and an interception. Can’t have them.”
Jackson went 17 of 32 for 246 yards. He ran for 27 yards, but most of those half-dozen jaunts appeared out of necessity rather than by design.
Is Jackson playing hurt? He and the Ravens insist that's not the case.
“He’s fully healthy to play. Absolutely. That’s why he’s playing,” Harbaugh said.
Jackson said, “I’ve got to make those throws. I don’t miss them in practice, I shouldn’t miss them in games.”
While this loss should sting for a while, the Ravens have a chance to erase the memory when they host the division-leading Steelers on Dec. 7 before facing the Bengals on the road the following week.
“Everything we want to accomplish is still in front of us,” Harbaugh said. “Every game stands alone. This one we’ll put behind us.”
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Buccaneers try to end 3-game skid against lowly Cardinals, who have dropped 8 of 9 By The Associated Press The Associated Press
Arizona (3-8) at Tampa Bay (6-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox.
BetMGM NFL odds: Buccaneers by 3.
Against the spread: Buccaneers 5-6, Cardinals 5-6.
Series record: Tied 11-11.
Last meeting: Buccaneers beat the Cardinals 19-16 in OT on Dec. 25, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona.
Last week: Jaguars beat the Cardinals 27-24 in OT; Buccaneers lost to Rams 34-7.
Cardinals offense: overall (15), rush (25), pass (10), scoring (18t).
Cardinals defense: overall (19), rush (17), pass (20), scoring (24).
Buccaneers offense: overall (20), rush (20), pass (19), scoring (14).
Buccaneers defense: overall (21), rush (8t), pass (27), scoring (25).
Turnover differential: Cardinals plus-5; Buccaneers plus-8.
Cardinals player to watch
WR Michael Wilson. He has been great as the team's No. 1 option at receiver while Marvin Harrison Jr. is recovering from surgery for appendicitis. Wilson has caught 25 passes for 303 yards in the past two games, providing easily the best production of his three-year career. Even if Harrison returns against the Bucs, Wilson's eye-opening performance makes him a bigger target.
Buccaneers player to watch
RB Bucky Irving. He's expected to return after missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries. Though he's expected to be limited in snaps, Irving is a playmaker and a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball.
Key matchup
Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat vs. Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Sweat has nine sacks in 11 games in his first season with Arizona after signing a huge deal in free agency following a 2 1/2-sack performance in the Super Bowl for Philadelphia. Wirfs is an All-Pro and they've battled previously. Wirfs protects Baker Mayfield's blind side. Mayfield is dealing with a left shoulder sprain and his status is uncertain. Teddy Bridgewater would start if he can't play.
Key injuries
Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray (foot) has to miss at least one more game on injured reserve. ... Sweat (eye), LB Baron Browning (concussion), RB Emari Demercado (ankle) and S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle) were among those who didn't practice Wednesday. ... DL Walter Nolen III (knee) won't play Sunday. ... RB Trey Benson (knee) and WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) were limited at practice.
Buccaneers: Mayfield could be a game-time decision. ... Irving is expected back after missing seven games. ... WR Mike Evans (clavicle) and WR Jalen McMillan (neck) remain out. ... OLB Haason Reddick (knee, ankle) isn’t expected to play. ... LG Ben Bredeson (hamstring), CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) and CB Jamel Dean (hip) didn't play last week.
Series notes
The Buccaneers have won two in a row, including the last meeting when Tom Brady led Tampa Bay to an overtime victory on Christmas Day.
Stats and stuff
The Cardinals have lost eight of their past nine games after starting the season with a 2-0 record. Six of those losses have come by four points or less. ... Cardinals TE Trey McBride enters Sunday's game with 301 career receptions. He needs one more to pass Jimmy Graham for the most in his first four seasons for a tight end in NFL history. ... Arizona QB Jacoby Brissett leads the NFL with 1,887 yards passing since Week 6, providing stellar production since taking over for Murray. ... The Cardinals rank second in the NFL with 10 forced fumbles. ... The Cardinals have 19 players on injured reserve or non-football injury lists, which is the most in the NFL. ... Cardinals DL Calais Campbell will play his 273rd career game on Sunday. That's the third-most in NFL history behind Jim Marshall (282) and Bruce Smith (279). ... Mayfield is fifth in the NFC with 18 TDs. He had 41 last season. ... Irving, expected to return for the first time since Week 4, had 165 yards from scrimmage in that game. ... WR Emeka Egbuka ranks first among rookies in TD catches (six) and second in yards receiving (749) this season. ... Fellow rookie WR Tez Johnson has five TDs. ... LB Lavonte David joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers as the only players since 2000 with 40 sacks, 30 forced fumbles and 10 interceptions. David has 41 1/2 sacks, 32 forced fumbles and 14 interceptions in his career. ... S Antoine Winfield Jr. needs two sacks to join Jamal Adams (21 1/2) as the only defensive backs since 1982 with 20 sacks in their first six seasons. .... K Chase McLaughlin is 8 for 8 from beyond 50 yards on field goals.
Fantasy tip
McBride could have a big day facing Tampa Bay's poor pass defense. He has had five catches in 13 straight games and leads all tight ends with 80 receptions and 797 receiving yards this season.
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Buccaneers dynamic running back Bucky Irving is eager to play after a tough time with an injury By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Not playing football may have been tougher mentally on Bucky Irving than dealing with his physical injuries.
The dynamic running back is nearing a return to Tampa Bay’s lineup this week and spoke about his struggles for the first time on Wednesday. He was a full participant in practice after missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries.
“It’s tough, man, (especially) your first time being hurt,” Irving said. “When I step out onto that field — like I always say — I don’t take this game for granted. I love what I do every day. I love my teammates. When I go out there, I show them that each and every time I get the ball, I’m trying to make plays and make things happen for this organization and this team to help them in any type of fashion to win football games. When God takes something away from you, He’s telling you to get closer to Him and lean on Him.”
Irving, a fourth-round pick last year, ran for 1,122 yards and scored eight touchdowns as a rookie while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He had 237 yards rushing and 19 catches for 193 yards and two scores in the first four games this season before going down.
While Rachaad White and Sean Tucker filled in nicely during Irving’s absence, the Bucs missed his playmaking abilities. He missed being out there on the field even more.
“It’s always tough not being able to be out there and go to war with your guys, but being able to go through that, learn from that and being able to move on, I’m happy to be back with my guys,” Irving said.
Irving has overcome more adversity than most. He lost his dad when he was 2, his grandmother when he was in high school and a half brother when he was a freshman in college. Both his father and half brother were victims of gun violence.
The 23-year-old leaned on his faith and team resources to help him deal with the emotional strain of being on the sideline.
“This whole organization. I can’t name everybody from this person to this person, but the people who were with me every step of the way know who they are,” Irving said. “I want to give big praise and a shout out to them for helping me throughout this process. They’ve been around and they’ve seen it before, so just being able to trust them, trust their plan and help me get back and be around my teammates. I love being around my teammates.”
Irving should provide a spark to the offense when the Buccaneers (6-5) host the Arizona Cardinals (3-8) on Sunday. Baker Mayfield is dealing with a shoulder injury and star wide receiver Mike Evans is out.
“Anytime you can get a starter back, especially a player of Bucky’s caliber and the way he prepares and the way he loves the game and how he is around his teammates, that should always elevate you,” offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said.
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Fantasy plays: Players to start and sit for NFL Week 13 By DORIAN COLBERT of RosterWatch The Associated Press
By Week 13, the fantasy football playoff push becomes a weekly stress test. Lineups tighten, injuries pile up and matchups take on outsized importance. These are the plays and fades that can tilt your roster toward the postseason this week.
Quarterbacks
Start: Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars vs Titans
Lawrence steps into one of the cleanest quarterback matchups of the week. Tennessee has been vulnerable to competent pocket passers, allowing multiple passing touchdowns in three of its past four games and struggling to defend layered route concepts — the exact areas Jacksonville leans on when Lawrence is in rhythm. With the Titans generating one of the league’s lowest pressure rates, Lawrence should see the clean pockets he needs to push the ball downfield and sustain drives. In a matchup where Jacksonville’s offense should control tempo, Lawrence carries strong QB1 upside in Week 13.
Other locks:
— Caleb Williams vs Eagles
— Patrick Mahomes vs Cowboys
— Lamar Jackson vs Bengals
Avoid: Jared Goff, Lions vs Packers
Goff has been lackluster as of late, but that’s because he can lean so heavily on Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Why take the risk when you have one of the best RB tandems in the league? Against Green Bay’s stout run-blocking scheme, Goff has only mild upside. Find another route.
Running backs
Start: Devin Neal, Saints vs Dolphins
Neal has taken control of the early down and goal-line work in New Orleans, and the Dolphins present one of the softest run matchups on the schedule. Miami has been repeatedly hurt on the ground, struggling with gap integrity and giving up consistent chunk plays. Neal’s versatile style pairs perfectly with how teams beat the Dolphins, and with the Saints leaning on the run to settle their offense, Neal enters Week 13 as a flex/RB2 with legitimate touchdown upside.
Other locks:
— James Cook vs Steelers
— Jaylen Warren vs Bills
— Kyren Williams vs Panthers
Avoid: Devin Singletary, Giants vs Patriots
Singletary is a name fantasy managers will think about flexing, but this matchup is a dead end. With Tyrone Tracy siphoning off passing game and red zone work, Singletary’s path to a usable fantasy line all but disappears against the Patriots stifling run defense. Sit him in Week 13.
Wide receivers
Start: Chimere Dike, Titans vs Jaguars
Dike’s role continues to expand in Tennessee’s passing game, and Week 13 offers real flex appeal. Jacksonville has struggled all season with secondary receivers, giving up steady production on slants, digs, and timing routes — exactly the areas where Dike has been earning his snaps. With Calvin Ridley out and Tennessee needing someone to fill the volume void, Dike has a solid WR3/flex floor with upside in a matchup that suits his skill set.
Other locks:
— Nico Collins vs Colts
— CeeDee Lamb vs Chiefs
— Amon-Ra St. Brown vs Packers
Avoid: Josh Downs, Colts vs Texans
Downs is a tempting PPR play, but this matchup reduces the appeal. Houston has quietly become one of the league’s stingiest defenses against slot receivers, tightening coverage inside and limiting underneath separation. With Indianapolis spreading targets unpredictably and Downs rarely involved in scoring situations, his floor plummets. Bench him in Week 13.
Tight ends
Start: Dalton Schultz, Texans vs Colts
Schultz had a down Week 12, but that was against Buffalo’s top-ranked tight end defense. He’ll have a much easier go of it against the top 10 tight end matchup Colts, as one of Houston’s primary pass catchers. He’s had at least eight targets and 50 yards in his previous three matchups before Week 12.
Other locks:
— Hunter Henry vs Giants
— Brock Bowers vs Chargers
— Juwan Johnson vs Dolphins
Avoid: Dallas Goedert, Eagles vs Bears
Chicago isn’t particularly tough against tight ends, but Goedert has struggled fantasy-wise since his Week 9 bye. The Eagles are leaning on their perimeter receivers, and they’re just inconsistent as a passing team overall. If you have other options, you should use them.
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This column was provided to The Associated Press by RosterWatch, www.rosterwatch.com
Tre'Von Moehrig to miss Panthers' game against Rams after suspension appeal denied The Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina safety Tre’Von Moehrig will miss the Panthers' home game Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams after losing an appeal of a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The NFL said Wednesday that Moehrig intentionally hit San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin near the end the game Monday night.
The suspension will cost Moehrig $65,000, or an 18th of his $1.17 million salary.
It’s a tough loss for the Panthers, who may be also without starting cornerback Jaycee Horn after he sustained a concussion against the 49ers. Horn remains in the concussion protocol.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown for an NFL-high 30 touchdowns this season.
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Memorable moments have defined Old Oaken Bucket series between No. 2 Indiana and Purdue By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory learned to appreciate the Indiana-Purdue rivalry the old-fashioned way — through family stories.
His father, Mike, might recount the time he was a grad assistant when Will's grandfather, Bill, earned the first of his seven Old Oaken Bucket victories in 1987. One uncle, Curt, could brag about being on Indiana's staff long enough to add two “I's” to the chain in 1993 and 1994. Another other uncle, Doug, might talk about his field-side view as an assistant when the Indiana players honored their head coach with one final victory ride after beating Purdue 33-16 in 1996.
Yes, the Thanksgiving week stories became as much a part of the Mallory lore as turkey dinners. Even today, as Will Mallory prepares to play Sunday, he'll monitor Friday night's big game — the 100th presentation of The Bucket.
“I wasn't born when my grandfather was coaching, but, obviously, just growing up with it and knowing how much that meant to my family, it's a big game,” said Mallory, who attended high school and college in Florida. “I'm excited for them (the Hoosiers). They've got to keep it rolling.”
The late Bill Mallory's 69 career wins still stand as the school record.
And though he beat Ohio State twice, Michigan once, pulled off the rarest of triples by beating both Big Ten powers and Purdue in 1987 and delivered two of the program's three bowl wins, it's those seven wins against the Boilermakers — and the indelible image of him pumping his fists while riding on his players' shoulders in 1996 — that rekindle so many memories.
It's the kind of moment that has defined this series, which began in 1891. The Bucket was introduced in 1925 after representatives of the two in-state schools located the decaying, mossy, moldy object on a family farm in southern Indiana. Once restored, it was ready for prime time.
Ever since, coaches and players at both schools spend entire years chasing the prized trophy and making the sprint across the field to get their hands on the trophy so they can put their imprint on the series by adding either an “I” or a “P” to the chain that fits inside The Bucket.
Those who have experienced the atmosphere recognize it's not just another rivalry — or trophy.
“I've been at several different universities, especially in the Big Ten with the different rivalries or games you play, but I just remember that one being pretty special because of the disdain you had for IU,” said Colts defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said, who was on Purdue's staff for the 2016 loss. “(Bucket week) just meant a little more — the preparation, the details, were done just a little more. That was a game, no matter how the season was going, you wanted to win.”
The result has produced many memorable moments.
In 1966, Purdue won the Big Ten title by taking The Bucket. The Hoosiers returned the favor in 1967 and haven't won a conference crown since then.
Purdue punched its ticket to Pasadena in 2000 by beating the Hoosiers 41-13 as Drew Brees and late coach Joe Tiller celebrated with a Bucket full of roses. The Boilermakers also took the Big Ten West Division title and a trip to their first league championship game in 2022.
Indiana delivered one of the most emotional moments in 2007 when Austin Starr's 49-yard field goal with 30 seconds left helped Indiana fend off Purdue's furious second-half comeback for a 27-24 victory that made the Hoosiers bowl eligible — fulfilling coach Terry Hoeppner's three-year pledge, five months after his death.
Now there's a whole new set of players — and coaches — taking center stage.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, will get his first taste of the rivalry after leading California to wins over Stanford in The Big Game the last two seasons.
And after handing Purdue the worst loss in school history last year, 66-0, Curt Cignetti will try to become the first Hoosiers coach since Hall of Famer Bo McMillin in 1934-35 to beat the Boilermakers in each of his first two contests. If he does, the Hoosiers (11-0, 8-0) will play for the Big Ten title and likely will lock up another playoff berth after a much needed bye week.
“I think the entire organization was a little tired. I could feel it, sense it, Penn State week and Wisconsin week, so I think it came at a really good time,” Cignetti said. “Everybody seems to be refreshed. There was a lot of spirit at practice yesterday, and I can tell in the office everybody is rested up, so it’s a good thing.”
Perhaps not so good for Purdue (2-9, 0-8).
The Boilermakers have lost nine straight overall, a school-record 17 straight in conference play and enter the game as a 28 1/2-point underdog as coach Barry Odom — and dozens of newcomers — make their Bucket debuts.
On paper, it's perhaps the biggest mismatch in decades. For the Boilermakers, it's a chance to salvage something valuable from another dismal season.
“They all will leave here with experiences of what this past season was,” Odom said, reflecting on Senior Night. “Some are really good, some are leaning experiences and not great, but all of them, I believe, will look back on this experience and be thankful for the opportunity we had together.”
But for fans of the two programs, it will add yet another chapter to this storied rivalry, one many will continue to talk about at dinner tables for years to come just like the Mallorys.
And Will Mallory will eagerly await hearing one more tale from outside his family.
“I know Mendoza from growing up in Miami and stuff, so it's been awesome to watch him play,” Mallory said. “They (the Hoosiers) have built a great program, they've invested a lot of money in it and they brought in the right guys.”
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No. 9 Notre Dame will try to ignore the playoff chatter as they face must-win scenario at Stanford By CURT RALLO Associated Press The Associated Press SOUTH BEND, Ind.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman sent a clear message to his team this week.
Win Saturday at Stanford and the playoff picture will sort itself out. Nothing else.
For the second straight year, the Fighting Irish find themselves not only playing a must-win regular season finale to make the 12-team field but also without another opportunity to impress the selection committee. Freeman wants his players thinking only about the rivalry game.
“You start thinking about the big picture and an uncertain future, that’s added pressure you don’t need,” he said. “ This game is the Super Bowl. It can’t be lip service. Your actions have to follow that. If our actions do follow that, I’m confident we'll be prepared for the opportunity Saturday.”
The most immediate scenario for No. 9 Notre Dame (9-2, No. 9 CFP) is simple: Win and they are likely in for the second straight year, lose and they'll almost certainly be left out. Beyond that, the scenarios are more complex.
The Fighting Irish have won nine straight since opening the season with two straight losses by a total of four points against two potential playoff teams but have been locked into the No. 9 seed for weeks. If they remain there, they'll open the postseason on the road. If the Irish win again, they could host a game for the second straight year .
There's even a potential scenario in which Alabama wins the SEC title, BYU wins the Big 12 and Miami joins the fray, perhaps knocking out the Irish. But Freeman doesn't want his players watching scoreboards or thinking about the what-ifs.
“Coach (Freeman) does a good job of just preaching to us to allow us to elevate each and every week, and not thinking too much about the playoffs,” said cornerback DeVonta Smith, who spent his first four seasons at Alabama. “Practice is about what can we do to be able to elevate, to be able to give it all and reach that team glory on Saturday. The team is truly locked in and focused on what’s ahead of us at Stanford."
Freeman didn't have to look far to find warning signs, even though the Irish are riding high after back-to-back blowouts of Pittsburgh and Syracuse.
Stanford (4-7) has won four of its five home games, will celebrate Senior Night and interim coach Frank Reich's finale. Notre Dame also will be missing two more players — linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and cornerback Chance Tucker — who suffered season-ending injuries last week. And the prime-time start in California will feel like 10:30 p.m. in South Bend.
Freeman is trying to make some adjustments.
“It starts with the mental approach,” he said. “We have to make 7:30 Pacific Time, Notre Dame Time.”
For some, like Smith, hearing playoff banter this time of year has become an annual tradition.
For others, such as receiver Will Pauling who played for Cincinnati and Wisconsin before transferring to Notre Dame this year, it's a new experience and they are heeding Freeman's advice.
“Obviously, you hear a lot of the noise from all the outside sources. Coach Freeman’s done a good job of telling us to block all that out and that’s exactly what we’re going to do," Pauling said. “I think that’s just natural human instinct for everybody to lock in. We’re all competitors, we’re all winners. We want to win every single game. So it doesn’t matter if it’s Stanford or if it’s Syracuse lining up, we want to win every single time.”
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