Tag: NFL football

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford puts Michigan home up for sale

Former Georgia football star and current Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford recently listed his Michigan home for sale worth $6.5m.

Detroit Lions veteran QB Matthew Stafford recently listed his $6.5 million Michigan home for sale. The home was rumored to be on the market this off-season, but it seems it has only been listed for the last day or so.

Stafford was drafted by the Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft with the No. 1 pick. Now in his 12th season, the former Georgia star is the most prolific passer in Detroit Lions history with over 41,000 yards through the air.

Trade speculation is usually high on the list when a tenured quarterback puts his home up for sale, but this isn’t exactly the case with the Stafford family. Matthew and his wife, Kelly Stafford, have three daughters and are expecting a fourth child soon. So it’s fair to guess that the reason they are selling their current home is so they can move into a more kid-friendly one. They moved into this house in 2013, before they had any children.

Kelly confirmed that when she said on her Instagram that the reason for the move is to find a home that is more suitable for their young girls rather than a house with a pool and a lake.

 

NFL Cancels Europe Games for 2020 – College Football Impact

The NFL made an announcement Monday that only means bad news for Notre Dame and Navy fans in regards to their August game in Dublin, Ireland

Think back just a couple of months ago to when conference tournaments were getting going and we thought the NCAA Tournament was about to be played in front of empty stadiums.  What happened that ended that from happening?

Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus and as soon as the Dallas Mavericks home contest against the Denver Nuggets ended that night we haven’t seen a big-time sport played in the United States since as the NCAA suspended events the next day.

I remind you of that sequence to tell you that the news of the NFL cancelling all of their games abroad for 2020.

The NCAA wasn’t about to be the first league or organization to step in and cancel things but when the NBA did they felt their hand was forced.

I know we sit and hope for everything to go off as scheduled between Notre Dame and Navy at the end of August, but is the NCAA going to let those two play a contest abroad when the NFL won’t even send their players and team employees?

The chances of that happening are slim to none and and slim is waiting for his jacket at the coat check.

I want to be wrong, I really do.  I was fortunate enough to head to the Emerald Isle in 2012 to take in Notre Dame and Navy and as great as a 50-10 opening day victory was, the trip was downright fantastic before even bringing up the football part.

As much as I’d like to be wrong I simply can’t see the NCAA not following the lead of the NFL here and putting a stop to Notre Dame vs. Navy in Dublin from happening.

Welcome to NFL Draft Week – Final Mock Time

PFF has been a huge fan of one Notre Dame player ahead of the draft. They have him move up a spot in their last mock before Draft Day, 2020.

Welcome to NFL Draft week as on Thursday night we’ll get all the locations for the first 32 picks in 2020.  Will Notre Dame see one of their former players called?  Many thought Cole Kmet had the potential to but that thought seems to have simmered.

One outlet who has been a big fan of Julian Okwara from the get-go continues to be as they released their final mock draft on Monday.

Pro Football Focus has been a bigger fan of Notre Dame edge rusher Julian Okwara more-so than anywhere else.  They’ve regularly had him being selected in their first round for literally months now and the latest edition is no different as they have Okwara going 27th overall to the Seattle Seahawks, courtesy of Steve Palazzolo.

Okwara has a fantastic combination of burst, length and power, and the Seahawks might like Mike Renner’s Chris Clemons comp from the PFF draft guide. Okwara has the movement skills to dabble at linebacker in the right scheme, but he’s likely a pure edge rusher for Seattle. He finished with an outstanding 90.4 pass-rush grade last season, though he’s got work to do against the run where he graded at just 64.0. 

This is actually a pick higher than they’ve had Okwara going in recent mocks as they had previously had him linked to the Ravens for quite some time.  Either way, Okwara and Notre Dame fans will be thrilled if he gets his name called Thursday night because aside from Pro Football Focus, nobody else lately seems to believe any former Domers have a shot at having their names called in round one.

Kyler Murray continues to lobby for CeeDee Lamb to be Arizona’s first pick

Former Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray has lobbied for Cardinals GM Steve Kiem to draft a host of offensive weapons. 

With the 2020 NFL Draft coming up, former Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray has lobbied for Cardinals GM Steve Kiem to draft a host of offensive weapons, which could include former Sooner teammate CeeDee Lamb.

Murray earned Offensive Rookie of the Year in the 2019 season, throwing for  3,722 yards and 20 touchdowns on 64.4% completion. He also amassed 544 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Despite an impressive season from their rookie QB, the Cardinals finished 21st in the league in yards per game, prompting Murray to ask for more offensive weapons.

The Cardinals currently have the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, and Murray has apparently been asking Kiem to reunite him with Lamb.

“Kyler has lobbied for CeeDee Lamb, he’s lobbied for four or five OL, a RB and a tight end.” Kiem said. “He hasn’t once said anything to me about defensive players so I’m not sure he’s a guy I’m going to hang my hat on when it comes to draft day.’’

Despite trading for star receiver DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason, the Cardinals could still nab Lamb with their eighth pick to add even more depth to what was a shaky receiver corps last season.

The draft will take place on April 24 at 7 p.m. It has moved to a completely online format due to the coronavirus.

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Texas legend Colt McCoy: Only active QB from the 2010 NFL Draft class

Out of the 14 quarterbacks selected in the 2010 NFL Draft, only one remains active in the league.

Only one remains.

Continue reading “Texas legend Colt McCoy: Only active QB from the 2010 NFL Draft class”

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) will close out their regular season on Sunday afternoon against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers (5-10). The game will be at Arrowhead Stadium and kickoff is set for at 1 p.m. ET.

Chargers at Chiefs: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Chargers are 1-5 straight-up and against the spread in their last six games.
  • Kansas City is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games against the Chargers.
  • The Chiefs are 5-0 ATS in their last five games, winning all five by at least seven points – and three by 20 or more points.
  • The Chiefs are 4-1 SU in their last five games at home against the Chargers.
  • The total has gone under in each of the Chiefs’ last five games.
  • Kansas City is 12-5 in its last 17 games at home dating back to last season (including playoffs).

Chargers at Chiefs: Key injuries

  • Chargers T Russell Okung (groin) is uncertain to play and could be replaced by Trey Pipkins.
  • Chiefs CB Morris Claiborne has a shoulder injury and is questionable for Sunday.

Chargers at Chiefs: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Chiefs 27, Chargers 17

Moneyline (?)

The Chiefs have plenty to play for, with a first-round bye in the playoffs still within reach. They won’t be resting starters, and should put the pedal down in Week 17.

Take the CHIEFS (-385) to win outright on Sunday, especially with the moneyline being a reasonable price.

Against the Spread (?)

The Chiefs are only 8.5-point favorites over the Chargers, who have lost five of their last six. The last time they met, the Chiefs won by seven points, but this game is at home and Los Angeles is playing poorly as of late.

Kansas City will win this game comfortably. The only concern is Andy Reid pulling starters in a blowout. Still, take the CHIEFS -8.5 (-110) to cover and win.

Over/Under (?)

The over/under is 46.5 points. The Chiefs haven’t allowed more than 17 points in any of their last five games and the Chargers have only scored more than 20 once in their last five.

Bet the UNDER 46.5 (-134), partly because the Chiefs defense is playing extremely well right now.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva 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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Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins NFL Week 16 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Cincinnati Bengals (1-13) face the Miami Dolphins (3-11) in a game someone has to win but likely few will watch when they meet at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.

Cincinnati at Miami: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • Miami has had a ratty record, but the Dolphins are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games after starting off the season 0-4.
  • Miami is 7-1 against the moneyline in its last eight games as a home favorite.
  • Nobody has scored fewer points this season than Bengals’ 211 points – an average of just 15 a game.
  • Miami has hit the over in four of its last five games.
  • Cincinnati is 0-7 against the moneyline on the road this season, but 4-3 ATS.
  • Last week, the two teams allowed a combined 70 points in losses – 34 by the Bengals and 36 by the Dolphins.

Cincinnati at Miami: Key injuries

Three Bengals haven’t practiced yet this week – the usual suspect A.J. Green (ankle), who has been on the active roster for all 15 games; G John Miller (concussion); and CB Darius Phillips (illness). RB Joe Mixon was added to the injury report Thursday with a calf injury, but did practice. No Dolphins missed practice Thursday and only three – WR Allen Hurns (ankle/knee), DT Zach Sieler (ankle) and K Jason Sanders (illness) – were limited.

Cincinnati at Miami: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines as of Friday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Miami 31, Cincinnati 24

Moneyline (?)

This is a bet correction for action coming in to force a pick-’em scenario. You almost never see an NFL moneyline at -110 for both teams. Nobody who thinks Miami will win will take that bet when they can get even money on the point line. If you think the Bengals are going to win, the price of getting 1.5 isn’t worth it – unless you somehow think the game could go to overtime and end in a tie.

Against the Spread (?)

The same rule of thumb applies. If you’re going to give away 1.5 points (Miami), you’re at even money (100). Get 1.5 (Cincy) and your price goes to -121 from -110. The only people who should be on this are those backing Miami.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Dolphins to win outright would return a profit of $9.09, while the same wager on the Dolphins to win by more than 1 point would return $10. A $10 wager on the Bengals to win outright would return $9.09, while the same wager on them to win or lose by 1 point would return $8.26.

Over/Under (?)

This is the most intriguing bet of them all. These teams have won four games out of 28 played because they both have iffy offenses and bad defenses. But when a veteran QB gets up against a bad defense, shootouts can take place. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andy Dalton have nothing left to lose. Let the ball fly! The bet is the under (-121), but we’re taking OVER 46.5 (100) and running with it.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @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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Notre Dame Football: Four Former Domers Headed to Pro Bowl

Finally, Ronnie Stanley who we discussed more thoroughly just a few days ago because of his truly elite pass blocking grades is headed to his first ever Pro Bowl. 

Tuesday night brought news of the 2020 Pro Bowl rosters in the NFL and as a surprise to none, Notre Dame was well-represented as four former Fighting Irish football players were named to the NFL All-Star rosters.

Perhaps the least surprising news is that three of the four players to earn a berth to the Pro Bowl make their living on the offensive line.

It’s becoming a late December tradition but Nick Martin, right guard of the Dallas Cowboys was named to his sixth straight Pro Bowl on Tuesday.  Martin has made the game each of his six years in the league.

Joining him at the guard position will be Quenton Nelson of the Indianapolis Colts. Nelson has transformed the Colts from having one of the poorest offensive line units in the league to one of the better ones and will be participating in his second Pro Bowl of his two-year NFL career.

Finally, Ronnie Stanley who we discussed more thoroughly just a few days ago because of his truly elite pass blocking grades is headed to his first ever Pro Bowl.  He is one of a record 12 Baltimore Ravens to be selected for the game, a game he very well could miss since his Ravens appear to be the best thing going in the NFL right now and could very well be getting ready for the Super Bowl on Pro Bowl Sunday.

And defensively Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings is headed to the Pro Bowl for the fifth season in a row.  Smith has again been a bright spot on a Vikings team that has seen the rest of it’s secondary begin to a look a little long in the tooth this season.  Smith has picked off three opponents passes this season while forcing and recovering a couple of fumbles each as well.

The 2020 Pro Bowl will take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on January 26.

Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Colts at Saints Week 15 NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) will try to snap their three-game losing streak on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints (10-3), who are coming off a loss to the 49ers in Week 14.

These two cross-conference foes will square off at 8:15 p.m. ET from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

Colts at Saints: Week 15 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Colts have lost five of their last six games this season, going 2-3-1 against the spread in that span.
  • The Saints are 9-2 straight up and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games. Their only SU losses this season were to the Rams, Falcons and 49ers.
  • New Orleans is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home (including playoffs).
  • The Saints are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games against the Colts
  • In the last five games between these teams in New Orleans, the total has gone over four times.
  • The Colts are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games against teams above .500.
  • The Saints are 4-1 ATS against teams with a losing record.

Colts at Saints: Key injuries

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton has a calf injury and is questionable to play on Monday night.

Saints DT Sheldon Rankins (ankle) and DE Marcus Davenport (foot) were both placed on injured reserve this week. TE Jared Cook suffered a concussion against the 49ers and will be monitored.

Colts at Saints: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Saints 31, Colts 20

Moneyline (?)

It’s hard to fathom a way in which the Saints lose this game, especially being at home and coming off a 48-46 loss to the 49ers. The Colts are really struggling right now and shouldn’t pose much of a threat to the Saints.

Bet the SAINTS (-455) to win outright on Monday night and defend their home turf.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 wager on the Saints to win would return a profit of $2.20.

Against the Spread (?)

The Saints come into this one as 9.5-point home favorites over the Colts. Three of the Saints’ last five wins have come by at least 11 points, so they’re plenty capable of winning handily.

Take the SAINTS -9.5 (-106) to cover the spread and beat the Colts by at least 10 points.

Over/Under (?)

The over/under of 45.5 points is certainly a reachable number, considering the Saints have scored at least 26 points in each of their last four games, and just put up 46 on the 49ers’ top defense.

Take the OVER (-125) because this game has a good chance of topping 50 total points.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva 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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WATCH: Quandre Diggs gets his second interception of the game

After an interception that went for a touchdown earlier in the game, Quandre Diggs picked off Jared Goff for the second time. Watch it here.

After an interception that went for a touchdown earlier in the game, former Texas cornerback Quandre Diggs picked off Rams quarterback Jared Goff for the second time in as many drives.

This one was different than the first one, as it was downfield. Goff threw it deep to wide receiver Brandon Cooks on 3rd and 5 but overthrew him by a few yards. Diggs was five yards behind the receiver, being in the perfect position to intercept the pass.

You can watch the interception here:

This is Diggs’ third interception of the year, all being with the Seahawks. He continues to make big plays for Seattle, keeping them in games.

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