Tag: NFC

Updated NFC Wild-Card Standings following Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

Updated NFC Wild-Card Standings following Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

The Seattle Seahawks sat out Sunday’s festivities via their Week 10 bye. Mike Macdonald’s squad currently sits outside the playoff picture in both the NFC West and a tight-knit race for the conference’s three wild-card positions. Here’s an updated look at the NFC West wild-card playoff picture.

Minnesota Vikings remain in No. 1 wild card spot

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 12-7 on Sunday to remain the NFC’s top wild-card seed. They own an excellent 7-2 record, but trail the 8-1 Detroit Lions in the NFC North. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is overseeing an elite defense that limited the Jaguars to 143 total yards. The Vikings feel like a lock for the postseason.

Washington Commanders No. 2 seed

The Washington Commanders lost 28-27 by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson connected with Mike Williams for a 32-yard go-ahead game-winning touchdown with 2:27 remaining. The Commanders entered the weekend leading the NFC East, but fell down to the No. 2 wild-card seed as the Philadelphia Eagles took over the division lead.

Green Bay Packers remain No. 3 seed

Like the Seahawks, the Green Bay Packers enjoyed a Week 10 bye. Despite the off-week, the 6-3 Packers did not forfeit their current postseason positioning. Matt LaFleur’s squad is the third place team in the NFC North, trailing the Lions (8-1) and Vikings (7-2).

San Francisco 49ers remain in contention

The San Francisco 49ers got Christian McCaffrey back and defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. The 49ers improved to 5-4 and remained on the Packers’ heels for the final wild-card spot. Kyle Shanahan’s annual contenders will remain in the playoff hunt despite their current outside-looking-in circumstances.

Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football

Seattle’s other NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams, play the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. The red-hot Rams are 4-5 and could equal the 49ers’ 5-4 record with a victory. A Dolphins upset would greatly benefit the Seahawks’ postseason positioning.

Chicago Bears free-fall

The Chicago Bears have lost three consecutive contests, equaling Seattle’s current record of 4-5. Former Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is struggling to build a successful offense around No. 1 overall quarterback Caleb Williams.

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NFC wild-card rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

NFC wild-card rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

The Seattle Seahawks enter Sunday’s Week 10 bye at 4-5. They currently sit outside the playoff picture in both the NFC West and a tight-knit race for the conference’s three wild-card positions. With the Seahawks enjoying some down-time, here’s your NFC wild-card playoff rooting guide for the weekend.

Jacksonville Jaguars over Minnesota Vikings

The 6-2 Minnesota Vikings currently own the conference’s top wild card spot, because they trail the 7-1 Detroit Lions in the NFC North. The Vikings are heavy favorites over the 2-7 Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. The Jaguars would be doing the Seahawks (and the entire NFC) a massive favor by upsetting Minnesota on Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys over Philadelphia Eagles

The 6-2 Philadelphia Eagles own the NFC’s No. 2 wild-card spot because they trail the shocking Washington Commanders in the NFC East. The Eagles have a divisional showdown versus the Dallas Cowboys, who lost starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a multi-week injury. We’re not holding our breath on this hopeful upset.

New England Patriots over Chicago Bears

The 4-4 Chicago Bears are slightly ahead of the Seahawks in the postseason race despite also being outside the playoffs as things stand. Caleb Williams’ Bears host Drake Maye’s New England Patriots in an exciting rookie-vs-rookie matchup. A Patriots upset would be helpful, but qualifies as unlikely.

Miami Dolphins over Los Angeles Rams

The Seahawks trail the Los Angeles Rams in both the NFC West and in the heated wild-card race. A Miami Dolphins victory over the Rams on Monday Night Football would be especially helpful. Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

A San Francisco 49ers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers tie?

It’s difficult to choose between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, because the Seahawks trail both in the current postseason picture. When in doubt, root for the non-divisional option. A Buccaneers victory would be the preferred outcome if a tie feels unrealistic.

New York Jets over Arizona Cardinals

The 5-4 Arizona Cardinals sit atop Seattle’s division at 5-4. Should the Cardinals lose to Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets on Sunday, they’ll fall back into the wild-card hunt. Regardless, a Jets victory would enhance Seattle’s postseason chances.

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Josh Allen calls Bills’ win over Seahawks best of 2024: ‘It’s up there’

Josh Allen calls Bills’ win over Seahawks best of 2024: ‘It’s up there’

The Bills traveled from Buffalo in the North East to Seattle in the North West to ground the Seahawks on their home turf by a final score of 31-10.

For quarterback Josh Allen, it also was one of his best overall games of the 2024 NFL Season.

“It’s up there,” The Bills QB said to the media after the game. “I think you look at it from all three phases, I think everybody went out there, knew their job, and executed at a high level — offense, defense, and special teams.”

With over half the offensive plays in motion, Allen is keeping it simple and seeing strong results.

“I wouldn’t say we’re too overcomplicated in what we’re doing,” he added. “I know we have some motions and shifts, but again, it takes guys learning it and understanding it but going out there and executing at a high level, everybody knows their spots, and when you got that, you got a dangerous team.”

He would finish the game 24 of 34 throwing for 283 yards with two passing touchdowns. The Buffalo offense was 8-of-15 on third downs and 4-of-6 in the red zone, scoring touchdowns in every quarter of the game.

Allen’s streak of passes without an interception did come to an end during a rainy and slippery day on the field, which also saw him fumble and recover the ball twice.

But that didn’t stop the most successful quarterback in NFL history from paying him some compliments.

“He has really lit the league on fire since he’s been in it,” said player-turned-analyst Tom Brady. “Sometimes, he played like a spaz. Like a grade-schooler on a sugar high. But now, he’s controlled the chaos. He’s like a storm coming into town. And you don’t want that storm coming into this town.”

The former AFC East foe and long-time UGG enthusiast awarded his “Player of the Game” to the Bills signal caller.

Playing against the Seahawks at home is famously a noisy affair due to their “12th Fan” base, though Allen pointed both to the impact that having a couple of 90-yard scoring drives in the first half as well as a big presence by the members of Bills Mafia in attendance made during the game.

“I think it takes the crowd out of it,” he said of the scores. “You stay out of third-and-longs like we did and be able to convert as well as we did. It quiets them down quite a bit which helps with communication. Helps really with just the whole vibe and momentum of the game. Crowds can be such a big part of it. I do want to shout out Bills Mafia. That was a crazy scene walking off the field to the thousands of fans still here. Appreciate them coming out. Hopefully, they enjoyed the game today.”

Keon Coleman ‘don’t think anybody’ can stop the Bills

Keon Coleman ‘don’t think anybody’ can stop the Bills

The Buffalo Bills clipped the wings of the Seattle Seahawks in all three phases of a 31-10 win that saw them improve to 6-2.

The Buffalo offense has continued to have a strong year, thanks in part to the addition of recent trade acquisition WR Amari Cooper, as well as the arrival of rookie pass catcher Keon Coleman.

During the Bills’ past two contests, Coleman has begun to show the type of high-level playmaking abilities and numbers he was drafted for.

“We feel like every play we come out there and execute at a high level, I don’t think anybody really can stop us but ourselves,” Coleman said after the game.

Among the things that have stood out during those recent game performances in terms of productivity is the first-year receiver’s efficiency numbers.

He went for 70 yards on five receptions Sunday with an impressive contested touchdown grab, and the previous week against the Tennessee Titans he put up 125 yards on four receptions during their NFL Week 7 win.

“When you’ve got an explosive offense, just specific to this game, you know you have to be efficient offensively and explosive at the same time,” head coach Sean McDermott said after the game. “I felt like we were both.”

The way the offense is taking shape stood out to him as well.

“Just growth, one week at a time, growth, development. Adam’s doing a really good job with him. Having Amari, I think, helps too because he’s another veteran in the room and, to me, a big-time established veteran that’s done great things in this league for a while. So that helps with the guys that are already in that room. We’ve got good guys in that room that help young players develop and teach them the right way, teaching them the right habits, the right routines, Monday through Saturday. That’s what leads to what you saw today.”

Bills quarterback Josh Allen also shared what he’s noticed about Coleman.

“Absolutely [playing more confident], and that’s something, our staff has got him rolling,” the QB said. “Knows what he’s doing, and when he knows what he’s doing and gets rolling, he’s a damn good football player. He’s continuing to make plays for us, and you love to see that from your young guy. He’s only going to get better.”

WR Khalil Shakir joined Coleman for their post-game media availability and talked about what he saw on Coleman’s touchdown in particular.

“That’s a big boy play right there. It comes from him and Josh [Allen] being on the same page. Josh trusting him, throwing it up there and him making a play. Anytime we score a touchdown, we’re lit. For it to be him, especially in our wide [receiver] room, for it to be anybody in our wide [receiver] room, I know we get really excited for each other. Just to see each other ball out. But as an offense, as long as we get in there, it can be anybody.”

Will Cardinals QB Kyler Murray make Swiss cheese of the Packers?

Instead of bathing in accolades, the Green Bay Packers need to prepare for the dual-threat ability of Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray.

Instead of bathing in accolades, the Green Bay Packers need to prepare for the dual-threat ability of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

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Sure, the Packers have shown strength on defense this season but not versus a quarterback with dynamics like Murray. Packers’ defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will be forced to make a business decision in Week 6. Hafley will either (1) have to play man coverage to account for the scramble, or/and (2) frequent in some disguise zone to confuse Murray on passing downs.

Murray is averaging 10.7 yards per carry this season and his 50-yard touchdown run last weekend sent a power rush through the Cardinals’ locker room. Unlike in years under former coach Kliff Kingsbury, Murray is operating in a much more balanced and traditional offensive system. 12 personnel packages and heavier doses of run are allowing Murray to settle into the flow of the game.

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Murray is building chemistry with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride, two pass-catchers the Packers don’t necessarily have an answer for.

Lastly, with All-Pro Jaire Alexander hindered by a groin injury, it’s unclear as to why NFL analysts don’t like Murray and the Cardinals’ chances in week 6.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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Jets vs. Vikings: Justin Jefferson has landed in a ‘no fly zone’ with Sauce Gardner

Jets vs. Vikings: Justin Jefferson has landed in a ‘no fly zone’ with Sauce Gardner

Despite criticism, defensive back Sauce Gardner and the New York Jets defense still rank No. 2 in the NFL in opponent pass yards allowed per game.

Gardner understands that covering Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson won’t be an easy tasks, but that’s why defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is likely to blitz and use multiple coverage scheme.

The physicality at the line of scrimmage will dictate this game and if the Vikings pass protection can’t hold, that means Gardner won’t be stuck in man coverage long.

While Gardner is an excellent defender, he’s an even better teammate, understanding his role in helping his unit yield coverage sacks with the assistance of defensive back D.J Reed.

Both Gardner and Reed’s excellence will be required for the Jets to win in London and everyone knows that starts with slowing down Jefferson.

Here’s why NFL Draft prospect Ray Davis deserve more acclaim

Amongst various talent in 2024 NFL Draft class, running back Ray Davis from the University of Kentucky definitely deserves more acclaim.

With all the talk about the superstar talent in the 2024 NFL Draft class, running back Ray Davis from the University of Kentucky definitely deserves more acclaim.

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After five seasons in the NCAA, Davis opted out of what would’ve been his final Bowl game with the Wildcats, and declared for the NFL Draft. Davis produced 21 total touchdowns last season, 14 rushing, and seven receiving. More impressively, Davis rushed for 1,129 yards on 199 carries in arguably the toughest NCAA division in football, the SEC. 

Nimble, swift, and stocky, Davis would be ideal for NFL teams looking for a feature back on passing downs. With a 40-yard dash time of 4.5, Davis isn’t the fastest on the field, but his consistency as both a pass-blocker and pass-catcher do more than make him serviceable. Davis produced a season high 280 rushing yards versus the Florida Gators on Sep. 9, the only game last season where he featured a volume higher than 22 carries.

Davis passes the eye-test and was ranked at No. 6 on PFF’s best running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft class list. Hopefully, NFL scouts find a place for Davis, even if they aren’t sold on him in the Draft.  

Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs headed to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games

Additionally, wideout Mike Evans is skipping the games due to injury.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have been on the front end of a few Pro Bowl snubs, but they’ll still be sending two players to Orlando for the Pro Bowl Games in 2024.

The team announced that both quarterback Baker Mayfield and left tackle Tristan Wirfs will attend the Pro Bowl Games as alternates, as the San Francisco 49ers are going to the Super Bowl to play the Kansas City Chiefs, LT Trent Williams unavailable on the NFC side. Mayfield is set to replace Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who cannot participate due to injury. Additionally, wideout Mike Evans is skipping the procedures due to an injury, according to the team.

The trip will be the first for Mayfield, who had one of the best seasons of his career in 2023. Mayfield threw for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 picks during his first season as a Buccaneer, and he also had a strong six-touchdown, three-interception performance in the playoffs. With this Pro Bowl nod, Mayfield gets just his second yearly accolade of any sort in the NFL, with his only other one coming in 2018 when he was a Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie.

Tristan Wirfs, however, has been here before. This marks Wirfs’ third season in a row he will be at the Pro Bowl Games, halfway to former Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy’s six-consecutive Pro Bowl appearances for the franchise. Wirfs switched over from right tackle to left tackle in 2023 after the departure of Donovan Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs.

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3 bets and one parlay to make in the Eagles-Buccaneers game

Despite a frustrating end, the Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) set themselves up for a postseason run earlier this season.

Despite a frustrating end, the Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) set themselves up for a postseason run earlier this season. The Eagles prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) in another Wildcard Round matchup. Just two years ago, the Eagles and Buccaneers were in the same position.

Right now, the Eagles are (-150) favorites with the Buccaneers at (+125) underdogs on BetMGM. The over/under is set at 43 total points with (-110) odds in both directions.

Check out these bets to make in the Wildcard matchup.

J. Hurts Anytime Touchdown

I give out this play as an early doubt in the Eagles. I know even in winning situations the Eagles have started slow, and it usually feels like a Hurts touchdown gets things going. There may also be a situation where the Eagles need to deliver in crunch time, where that may rest on Hurts’ shoulders.

M. Evans Anytime Touchdown

The Buccaneers have a handful of great receivers that have experience against the Eagles’ defense. With the way the Eagles have played lately, I think they’re bound to let someone on the Bucs breakthrough and score, and I have confidence in Mike Evans delivering.

D. Swift O 54.5 Rush Yards

For Eagles fans, a perfect world would be to do exactly as they did before and let Swift cook. Better yet, it’s his birthday, so it almost makes a ton of sense for him to celebrate with getting the rock. Whether or not the Eagles decide to run the ball, I think this number is low enough for Swift to hit the over.

Jenn’s Philly-Philly Parlay (+775)

Moneyline – Eagles

Total Points – O 43.5 Points

Player TDs – J. Jones Anytime TD

Player Stats – J. Hurts 2+ Passing TDs

Check out EaglesWire all season long for NFL bets and analysis.

Eagles vs Buccaneers: How to watch, stream and listen to the Wildcard Matchup

The Eagles face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) once again in the postseason.

The Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) round out the 2023-24 season with a loss to the New York Giants. Now, the Eagles have the chance to take control of the issues presented at the end of the season. The Eagles face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) once again in the postseason.

Here’s how to watch, stream, and listen to the game.

Game Information

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

8:00 PM ET on Monday, January 15

Raymond James Stadium – Tampa Bay, Florida

How to watch

Monday’s game will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be in the broadcast booth. Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge will be on the sidelines.

Fans can also catch the game on NFL Network.

Streaming

NFL Game Pass, the NFL mobile app, and NFL+.

Also available live on FuboTV

“Live stream fuboTV (free 7-day trial)”

Radio

Philadelphia: For Eagles fans or those in the market, you can listen to Merrill Reese and Mike Quick calling the game on SportsRadio 94WIP. The desktop version of PhiladelphiaEagles.com/LiveRadio will provide a live feed of the SportsRadio 94WIP broadcast feed that is available nationwide. Fans can also listen on the Eagles app in the Philadelphia market.

Buccaneers: For Buccaneers fans or those in the market, you can listen to the game on 96.1 FM. Fans can also listen to the Buccaneers app in the Tampa Bay market.

Satellite Radio

SiriusXM Philadelphia – Ch. 83 or 225, Buccaneers – Ch. 88 or 109, National – 88

Social Media

Follow along on Twitter
Facebook, Thacover2NFL.