Giants would select third overall if season ended today

If the regular season were to end today, the New York Giants would select third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

With their Week 10 loss to the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, the New York Giants fell to 2-8 on the season and now have themselves set up for another top 5 pick in the NFL Draft.

Although records are unbalanced due to bye week cycle, the Giants would be slated to pick No. 3 overall if the regular season were to end today.

Here’s how the top 10 stacks up:

Cincinnati Bengals (0-9)
Washington Redskins (1-8)
New York Giants (2-8)
Miami Dolphins (2-7)
New York Jets (2-7)
Atlanta Falcons (2-7)
Cleveland Browns (3-6)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-6)
Denver Broncos (3-6)
Arizona Cardinals (3-6-1)

ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gives the Giants a 10.1% chance to attain the No.1 overall selection and an 83.9% chance of landing a Top 10 pick.

The Giants are mired in such an ugly stretch in their franchise’s history that they’ve selected in the top 10 three times over the previous four seasons — No. 10 in 2016, No. 23 in 2017, No. 2 in 2018 and No. 6 in 2019.

If things don’t turn around over the final seven weeks of the season, the Giants will make that four times over the past five season, which speaks volumes about how far this organization has fallen.

The Giants have a bye in Week 11 and depending on how things shake out, they could move from No. 3 to No. 5, but will remain in the top 5 regardless.

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Where do Colts sit in AFC South standings in Week 11?

How do the standings look in Week 11?

As Week 11 begins, the playoff races are beginning to heat up. The Indianapolis Colts took a tumble in the AFC playoff picture following their rough loss against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Even with two of the teams in the division enjoying their bye week, the Colts’ loss at home slid them down the standings in the AFC South all the while giving some breathing room to the leaders.

Here’s how the AFC South standings look entering Week 11:

1. Houston Texans (6-3)

One of the teams that enjoyed their bye week, the Texans gained a half-game in the standings thanks to the Colts’ loss. Now, Houston has a full one-game lead over the Colts in the division and have a chance to control their fate down the stretch of the regular season.

In Week 11, the Texans have a tough matchup on the road against the Baltimore Ravens (7-2).

2. Indianapolis Colts (5-4)

Even with Brian Hoyer replacing the injured Jacoby Brissett, this matchup seemed like a cakewalk. However, it would turn out to be the complete opposite. A bad showing from the offensive line and an even worse showing from Hoyer led the Colts into one their worst upset losses in recent memory.

The Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 11.

3. Tennessee Titans (5-5)

It seems most of the AFC South has the Kansas City Chiefs’ number. The Titans are the latest team in this division to beat the Chiefs in an upset win. Derrick Henry had another monster game taking 23 carries for 188 yards and two touchdowns while the Titans blocked Harrison Butker’s attempt to tie the game in the final seconds.

The Titans get to enjoy their bye week coming off of a huge home win against one of the best teams in the NFL.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5)

The Jaguars may be in last place, but they are still just two games behind the leading Texans. They also just go their starting quarterback to return as Nick Foles is ready to take snaps under center for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 1.

The Jaguars are on the road against the Colts in Week 11.

After poor outing in Week 9, kicker Jason Myers rebounds against 49ers

After missing three kicks against Tampa Bay, Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers more than redeemed himself vs. the 49ers in Week 10.

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers couldn’t have asked for a better ending Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Just one week removed from missing three kicks, Myers found redemption in Santa Clara.

Myers nailed two critical field goals in Week 10 — including the 42-yard winner in overtime — to ensure the victory for the Seahawks.

Coach Pete Carroll never doubted his kicker and his faith in Myers paid off in dividends.

“Yeah, man I’m so fired up for him,” Carroll said after the game. “We’ve got a long season. We’ve got so many kicks in so many games. We’re going to be like this all year and he’s going to have to keep making those kicks for us, and he will. Fortunately, it didn’t lose a game for us and here we go, we win a game with him. I hope you can see why it’s so important to support your people, and to stay with them, and hang with them and all that.”

Despite the misses against Tampa Bay, Myers was able to stay focused on the job ahead, kicking clean on Monday night. Myers was good on all three extra points and both field goal attempts.

“It’s just, to hang him out there, and leave him out there, and ostracize him and whatever, I don’t even know how to think that way, ” Carroll continued. “We love him … and he came through and had a big night, and shoot, they’re carrying him around in the locker room in there.”

The Seahawks will need more performances like that from Myers as they continue their quest for the playoffs.

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UT football: How opponents fared in Week 11

KNOXVILLE — With Week 11 of the college football season in the books, Vols Wire takes a look at how Tennessee’s opponents fared last week and what lies ahead for each of them.

How Tennessee’s opponents fared in Week 11

Georgia State (6-3) lost to Louisiana-Monroe 45-31 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Appalachian State, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

BYU (5-4) beat Liberty 31-24 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Idaho State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Chattanooga (5-5) beat Samford 35-27 on Saturday. Next up: vs. The Citadel, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Florida (8-2) beat Vanderbilt 56-0 on Saturday. Next up: at Missouri, Saturday, Noon.

Georgia (8-1) beat Missouri 27-0 on Saturday. Next up: at Auburn, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Mississippi State (4-5) was idle. Next up: vs. Alabama, Saturday, Noon.

Alabama (8-1) lost to LSU 46-41 on Saturday. Next up: at Mississippi State, Saturday, Noon.

South Carolina (4-6) lost to Appalachian State 20-15 on Saturday. Next up: at Texas A&M, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

UAB (6-3) lost to Southern Mississippi 37-2 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Texas-El Paso, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Kentucky (4-5) lost to Tennessee 17-13 on Saturday. Next up: at Vanderbilt, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Missouri (5-4) lost to Georgia 27-0 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Florida, Saturday, Noon.

Vanderbilt (2-7) lost to Florida 56-0 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Kentucky, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Miller Grove to name its court after former ALL-USA Coach of the Year Sharman White

Miller Grove to name court after former ALL-USA Coach of the Year Sharman White.

Miller Grove coach Sharman White is headed to Georgia Tech as an assistant. (Photo: USA Basketball)

Earlier this decade when Wheeler High School (Marietta, Georgia) named its basketball gym after former coach Doug Lipscomb, Sharman White recalled thinking “it was cool because they gave him his flowers while he could smell them.”

“I never related it to myself,” said White, head boys’ basketball coach at Pace Academy (Atlanta). “I was just happy that they honored him while he could enjoy it. So many times it’s after someone has passed. I just liked that they did that.”

Chances are he’ll have a similar feeling tonight when Miller Grove High School (Lithonia, Georgia) names its court after White, who coached the Wolverines from 2005-2016.

In 11 years at Miller Grove, White won seven state titles and posted a 264-47 record. He’s also won two gold medals as an assistant coach with USA Basketball and was named ALL-USA Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year in 2014 and National High School Association Coach of the Year in 2016.

White left Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.) in 2016 to take an assistant coaching position at Georgia State, where he served for two seasons before taking the job at Pace in 2018.

Miller Grove’s court will now be called “Sharman White Court” with White’s signature.

RELATED: The Sharman White Blog

“It’s humbling and it’s a blessing,” White said. “We had a special run at Miller Grove, and it means a lot to receive this honor.”

White will be honored between the girls and the boys game.

“It’s really cool because I can enjoy it while I’m still actively coaching and still striving to be the best that I can be at this profession,” White said. “It’s definitely gratifying.”

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY

2023 athlete Treyaun Webb commits to Georgia Bulldogs football

Treyaun Webb, a 2023 athlete, has verbally committed to the University of Georgia. Webb is from Jacksonville, Florida and plays football at Trinity Christian Academy. Webb named UGA his leaders back in February. Today, he committed to Georgia via …

Treyaun Webb, a 2023 athlete, has verbally committed to the University of Georgia. Webb is from Jacksonville, Florida and plays football at Trinity Christian Academy.

Webb named UGA his leaders back in February. Today, he committed to Georgia via Twittter:

It was already written ‼️#CommitToTheG #GoDawgs @KirbySmartUGA @DellMcGee 🔴⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ym7ZS8Ozga

— Treyaun Webb (@w_treyaun) November 12, 2019

Webb is UGA’s first commitment in either the class of 2022 or 2023. Kirby Smart and company only have three commits in the class of 2021. Webb has a long way to go throughout the process and several years to develop before he’d come to Athens.

Webb is only 180 pounds and is six feet tall. He may grow some more before he plays in college. It’s another win for Georgia recruiting.

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Knicks-Bulls odds: New York spotted 6-plus in Chicago

Previewing Tuesday’s New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The New York Knicks (2-8) meet the Chicago Bulls (3-7) Tuesday at the United Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET between the 15th- and 13th-place teams in the Eastern Conference. We analyze the Knicks-Bulls odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Knicks at Bulls: Key injuries

Knicks

C Mitchell Robinson (concussion) out
PG Elfrid Payton (hamstring) out
PG Dennis Smith Jr. (personal) questionable
PG Kadeem Allen (knee) questionable
SG Reggie Bullock (neck) out

Bulls

SF Otto Porter (foot) out

Knicks at Bulls: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Knicks 103, Bulls 98

Moneyline (ML)

The Bulls are just 1-3 at home while the Knicks are 1-5 on the road. New York’s minus-10.1 average point differential is the worst in the NBA as it’s outscored 109.3-99.2 on average. The Bulls are minus-4.6 (110.0-105.4). Both teams come into Tuesday having lost their last game. The Knicks took a 108-87 loss at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday. The Bulls lost 117-94 at home to the Houston Rockets.

In a coin flip game between two bad teams such as this, it’s never a bad idea to chase the value. Back the KNICKS at +190 and make a profit of $19 on a $10 bet should New York come away with the outright road win.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

There’s still value on the KNICKS on the spread of +6.5 with -121 odds. The same $10 wager fetches an $8.26 return if they stay within six points in a loss or win outright. The Bulls’ three wins all came by margins of at least six points, but they’re just 4-6 overall against the spread and 2-2 at home. The Knicks are 5-5 ATS and 4-2 on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 211.5 (+105). The Bulls and Knicks rank 28th and 29th, respectively, in true shooting percentage at rates of 52.2 and 51.0%. The Knicks also play to the league’s fifth-slowest pace at 99.85 possession per game.

New York is 2-8 against the Over/Under and falls an average of 7.1 points shy of the projection. Chicago is 4-6 against the projected totals while falling five points below the projection.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 30-23

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Eastern Michigan-Akron odds: Akron searching for first win

Previewing Tuesday’s Eastern Michigan Eagles at Akron Zips sports betting odds and lines, with college football matchup analysis and picks.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles (4-5) head to Northeast Ohio Tuesday night trying to keep the Akron Zips (0-9) down. The MACtion kicks off at 8 p.m. ET at InfoCision Stadium. We analyze the Eastern Michigan-Akron odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Eastern Michigan at Akron: Three things you need to know

1. Eastern Michigan needs two wins for bowl eligibility, and the three remaining teams on the schedule have a combined record of 6-21 straight up.

2. Not only is Akron winless at 0-9, the Zips are the only team in FBS which hasn’t covered the spread this season, too.

3. Eastern Michigan won the most recent meeting by a 27-7 score back on Nov. 10, 2018 on the gray turf in Ypsilanti.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Eastern Michigan at Akron: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Eastern Michigan 45, Akron 13

Moneyline (ML)

EASTERN MICHIGAN (-1000) is a bit too expensive on the moneyline, but the Eagles are going to get it done on the road. Akron (+525) has been the worst team in FBS, and shows no signs of turning it around.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Eastern Michigan returns a profit of $1.

Against the Spread (ATS)

EASTERN MICHIGAN (-16.5, -115) is the better play, as it looks to keep up the offensive resurgence and get into position for a bowl game. The Eagles have scored 23 or more points in three of the past four games, and five of the past seven. The Eagles rank 32nd in the nation with 276.6 passing yards per game, so they can move the ball. Their problem is a lack of defense, ranking 109th in points allowed (33.2 PPG). The Eagles are 6-0 against the spread in the past six trips to Akron, and 9-3 ATS in the past 12 meetings in this series overall.

EMU’s lack of defense shouldn’t be a problem against Akron (+16.5, -106), as the Zips rank near the bottom of FBS in total yards per game (255.6), rushing yards per game (52.9) and points scored (10.2). They’re 129th in total yards, and 130th in rushing yards and scoring. Defensively, the Zips have allowed 35.7 PPG to rank 119th in the country.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (46.5, -110) has cashed in four straight on the road for Eastern Michigan, and the Over is 3-1-1 in its past five conference tilts. Akron has a total of nine points scored over its past four games against Kent State, Buffalo, Northern Illinois and Bowling Green. However, the defense has allowed 84 total points over the past two, and 26 or more points in eight of nine this season.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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7 free-agent offensive linemen Rams should consider signing

There are options available if the Rams want to sign a free agent to bolster the offensive line.

The Los Angeles Rams have taken a few big hits to their offensive line recently, losing Brian Allen for the season and Rob Havenstein for at least one week, but possibly more. There will be a lot of shuffling up front, which already began on Sunday.

As it stands right now, Austin Blythe will move from guard to center, while Austin Corbett will likely take over at left guard. David Edwards should remain at right guard with Bobby Evans taking over for Havenstein. No matter how it shakes out, the Rams are in trouble.

Sean McVay said the Rams will look at free agents this week, so here are seven potential options for Los Angeles.

C John Sullivan

A familiar face for the Rams, Sullivan should at least be in consideration. The team moved on from him this offseason by declining his 2019 option, which was an understandable move after he struggled last season.

However, his veteran leadership would at least bring some stability to the line, and he’s obviously familiar with the blocking scheme.

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Sean McDermott says ‘plan wasn’t to huddle’ in dying seconds vs. Browns

The Bills had a rookie mistake followed by a rookie mistake, leading to their 19-16 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

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The Bills had a rookie mistake followed by a rookie mistake, leading to their 19-16 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

After crossing into Browns territory, Bills quarterback Josh Allen tossed a six-yard pass to rookie running back Devin Singletary. It put the Bills in field goal range.

But the first rookie mistake was made by the rookie. He didn’t get out of bounds. The clock kept running with less than a minute left.

The next rookie mistake is perhaps the worst thing you could’ve done from there, not hurry up. Buffalo’s offense huddled instead of moving quickly to the line of scrimmage.

Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott admitted on Monday that wasn’t what the coaching staff wanted to see unfold.

“The plans weren’t really to huddle at that point. It was to go to the line and get the third-down call off and then save the timeout there,” McDermott said.

The bench boss added it was a mistake that the Bills have tried to focus on in the past, and will keep focusing on in the future. Maybe even more detailed now.

“Those are situations we practice every week. … We didn’t execute well enough, so we’ll go back and look at that again this week,” McDermott said.

The poor clock management eventually bled the clock down to 22 seconds remaining and a fourth down after the Bills failed to connect on third down. It was a 53-yard Stephen Hauschka game-tying kick attempt.

It was no chip shot and Hauschka missed his fifth-straight kick from 50-plus yards. Buffalo didn’t have to kick it there and could have opted to go for it on fourth down. The Bills did go for it twice earlier in the game on fourth down but didn’t there.

McDermott said he believed kicking it was the best chance for the Bills to win.

“We’re going to win it,” he said. “That’s the mindset. At a minimum, trying to put us into overtime in that situation. We had a chance, I thought.”

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