Tag: NFL

Staff predictions for Chargers vs. Falcons

Find out who the Chargers Wire staff is picking between Los Angeles and Atlanta in Week 13.

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.

Who is going to come out victorious?

Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:

Gavino:

The Chargers look to bounce back after losing to the Ravens last Monday. Los Angeles enters this game on a short week, while the Falcons come into this one well-rested after their bye. Offensively for the Bolts, I expect Justin Herbert to shred a Falcons defense that has struggled against the pass. On the other side of the ball, I see Jesse Minter’s unit getting back on track after surrendering 57 points combined in the last two weeks. Kirk Cousins is not on the same level as Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson. Bijan Robinson is also no Derrick Henry. Chargers 27, Falcons 21

Alex K:

Atlanta’s defense doesn’t have the resources to compete with Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey if both come out sharp, but the Falcons offense is getting healthier and has been effective moving the ball this season. Expect a fairly high-scoring affair that the Chargers can pull out with some key plays on special teams. Chargers 30, Falcons 23

Is Alex Highsmith playing today? Injury updates for the Steelers’ EDGE

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher Alex Highsmith is still dealing with an ankle injury. Here are the latest updates.

In the fourth quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders, pass-rusher Alex Highsmith sustained a left ankle injury. While pressuring quarterback Jayden Daniels, Highsmith stepped on Daniels’ foot, causing his ankle to twist awkwardly. He fell to the ground in pain and required assistance leaving the field. Post-game, Highsmith was seen using crutches, indicating the injury’s severity.

This setback follows Highsmith’s earlier three-game absence due to a groin injury. In his absence, the Steelers plan to rely on Nick Herbig and recently acquired Preston Smith to fill the void.

Alex Highsmith injury update

There was a glimmer of hope that Highsmith would be back on the field this Sunday after participating in Thursday and Friday practice, though in a limited capacity.

“We got Alex Highsmith leaning in on a return,” Tomlin said in his Tuesday press conference. “We’ll let his participation and the quality of that participation be our guide in terms of whether he gets back in or what degree he gets back in.”

Unfortunately, what Tomlin saw wasn’t quality enough, and Highsmith was ruled out for the third consecutive game.

How long will Alex Highsmith be out?

It appears Highsmith is inching closer to playing. Barring a setback, expect him to be ready for Pittsburgh’s Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.

Steelers outside linebacker depth chart

Pittsburgh struggled mightily to contain Cleveland in their Week 12 loss. Getting Highsmith back should be huge, but expect healthy doses of Herbig and Smith in the meantime.

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Is Tyler Higbee playing today? Injury updates for Rams TE

Rams TE Tyler Higbee is nearing a return from offseason knee and shoulder surgeries. Here are the latest updates.

Tyler Higbee has been sidelined since tearing his ACL and MCL in the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff loss to the Detroit Lions in January. It’s been a long road but the veteran tight end finally returned to practice for the first time last week.

He’s going to play at some point this season, it’s just a matter of when. The Rams could use him, too, with the offense sputtering and stalling out, particularly on third down and in the red zone.

Here are the latest updates on Higbee as he continues to work his way back from a serious knee injury suffered eight months ago.

Tyler Higbee injury update

Sean McVay provided an update on Higbee’s status Friday, telling reporters that the Rams will hold him out for another week so he will not play against the Saints today. He said Higbee isn’t “quite ready,” even though he “probably is.”

The Rams just want to be smart with him rather than rushing him back.

“It was great having him back in practice this week,” McVay said. “He has brought a spark and an energy and just being himself. He’ll still be out though, not quite ready. He probably is, but we’re going to be smart with him.

How long will Tyler Higbee be out?

It’s uncertain how much longer Higbee will be out but he’s clearly getting close to returning. McVay indicated he’s probably ready to play now but they want to take it slow and ensure that he’s fully healthy before putting him on the field again.

Rams TE depth chart

Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Hunter Long will continue to split time at tight end while Higbee is out.

Commanders make the right choice with Austin Ekeler

The Commanders placed Austin Ekeler on IR, which was the right move.

The Washington Commanders placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve Saturday. The move means that Ekeler will miss at least the next four games, making him eligible to return for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ekeler suffered a concussion at the end of last week’s loss to Dallas. It was his second concussion of the season, as he suffered one back in Week 3 and missed the following game.

Washington did the right thing, sidelining Ekeler for at least the next five weeks. Remember, the Commanders have a Week 14 bye.

Since Ekeler entered the NFL back in 2017, he has suffered four documented concussions. That doesn’t take into account any concussions he may have had before his NFL career. No concussion is more severe than another. Each time you suffer a concussion, it’s a head injury and should be treated with extreme caution.

So, while the Commanders are in a playoff race and Ekeler is one of their best players, they do right by the player, something that wasn’t always the case before new owner Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn arrived.

Depending on how Ekeler recovers, he may or may not play again this season.

In the meantime, Washington will try to get it done on offense with running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez. Quarterback Jayden Daniels will also be involved in Washington’s running game.

There are usually very few updates on players in the NFL’s concussion protocol, meaning it could be a while before there is a definitive update on Ekeler.

NFL Week 13 picks: See who experts are taking in Commanders vs. Titans today

Who are the experts riding with in Week 13?

The Washington Commanders (7-5) host the Tennessee Titans (3-8) in one of the most interesting NFL Week 13 games.

In a meeting of teams with first-year head coaches and young quarterbacks, the Commanders and Titans appeared to be heading in completely opposite directions a few short weeks ago. However, Washington has lost three games in a row — all by one score — while the Titans have played much better behind second-year quarterback Will Levis.

Levis led the Titans to an upset road win over the Houston Texans last week, passing for 278 yards and two touchdowns despite being sacked eight times. Meanwhile, the Commanders were disappointing for 55 minutes against Dallas before the offensive came alive with two Jayden Daniels touchdown passes in the final five minutes. Unfortunately for Washington, kicker Austin Seibert missed the extra point, giving Dallas the upset win.

The Commanders enter Sunday as a six-point favorite over the Titans.

We made our picks. What do the experts think?

According to NFL Pickwatch, 89% of the experts’ picks are going with the Commanders. Last week, 99% of the picks came in for Washington over Dallas.

Can the Commanders avoid another upset before their Week 14 bye?

Prediction and betting odds for Commanders vs. Titans in Week 13

Analyzing Commanders vs. Titans game with odds and lines, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Commanders (7-5) host the Tennessee Titans (3-8) in Week 13 action from Northwest Stadium. The Commanders hope to snap a three-game losing streak before finally hitting their bye next week.

Despite its recent struggles, Washington still has one of the NFL’s top offenses. However, the team will be without two key performers: running back Austin Ekeler, who is now on injured reserve, and right tackle Andrew Wylie, who will miss Sunday’s game. The Commanders will also have to deal with Tennessee’s No. 2-ranked defense.

Below are the latest odds and our final score prediction for Sunday.

Commanders vs. Titans game odds:

All NFL Odds via BetMGM:

  • Point spread: Commanders -6 (-110) / Titans +6 (-110)
  • Money line: Commanders -275 / Titans +220
  • Over-under: 44.5 (O: -110 / U: -110)

Commanders vs. Titans injury updates:

  • Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore: Doubtful (hamstring)
  • Commanders RT Andrew Wylie: Out (concussion)
  • Commanders RB Austin Ekeler: Out (concussion, placed on IR)
  • Titans OT Leroy Watson: Out (back)
  • Titans CB Chidobe Awuzie: Out (groin)

Commanders vs. Titans prediction, pick:

Bryan Manning:

This game looks much different now than it would have a few weeks ago. The Commanders were rolling, and the Titans looked lost. Over the last three weeks, Tennessee has played much better behind second-year quarterback Will Levis. Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels and Washington’s offense isn’t playing at the same level as it was during the first half of the season. On Sunday, the Commanders face a stingy Titans defense. Daniels will find a way to get it done and end Washington’s three-game skid. Commanders 20, Titans 16

Ivan Lambert:

The Commanders come into the game averaging 27.8 points per game, while the Titans have only been able to generate 18.4.

Jayden Daniels has certainly had a much better season than the Titans’ Will Levis. This is illustrated in the Commanders passing for 222.8 yards per game, while the Titans have managed 183.7.

With Austin Ekeler on injured reserve and Brian Robinson injured again last week, Robinson will not be 100 percent.

Thus, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez must be ready to step up and produce. The Commanders have been averaging 147.8 rushing yards this season. While the Titans have only been managing to produce 118.4.

The question will be, what kind of rushing attack can the Commanders generate? If they can’t accomplish a good rushing threat, the Titans’ pass rush will have more success against Daniels. Commanders 20, Titans 17

Serena Burks: Earlier this season, the conversation would have been very different if these two teams had met. Jayden Daniels took the league by storm, and Will Levis looked like he didn’t belong. Now, though, both teams look different. The Titans are on an upswing, while the Commanders have lost three in a row. The Titans’ stout defense will do everything in its power to stop Jayden Daniels, but the truth is, if they can take away his weapons and force Daniels to do it on his own, the Titans have a strong chance of winning. Still, the Commanders are at home and desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. It will be a fun game to watch and it will probably be close in the end, but the Commanders will pull it off at home. Commanders 27, Titans 24

Commanders vs. Titans channel, start time, streaming:

The Commanders vs. Titans game starts at 1:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on CBS.

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson injury news ahead of Week 13

How healthy is Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Titans?

The Washington Commanders placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve Saturday. That means Ekeler will miss at least the next four games and is eligible to return in Week 17. So, what about fellow Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr?

Robinson has battled injuries all season. In his second game back against the Cowboys last week, he exited after his first carry. Washington’s leading rusher missed three games earlier this season with knee and hamstring injuries. While those injuries appear behind him, he added a new one against the Cowboys.

Robinson twisted his ankle under the weight of a Dallas player. It didn’t look good, but somehow, Robinson quickly returned. However, after a few more carries, he exited again, this time for good.

Robinson was fortunate the injury isn’t more severe, but it did have him limited in practice last week. Fortunately, though, Robinson was removed from the injury report after participating fully in Friday’s practice.

While Robinson will play, how much can Washington count on him? Jeremy McNichols has been excellent in relief this season. Chris Rogriguez Jr. is also back after being released and re-signed. Rodriguez was critical in the Commanders’ Week 9 win over the Giants.

Tennessee has one of the NFL’s best defenses. Running against the Titans will be difficult. Obviously, a healthy Robinson gives Washington the best chance.

Pittsburgh is undefeated when one Steelers defender is healthy

One Steelers defender, when healthy, has made a significant impact on the team’s success, and his absence in Week 13 could be pivotal.

It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have faced their share of injury woes in 2024, losing several key starters to season-ending injuries. However, one key defender’s absence has impacted the team’s odds of winning more than most. When OLB Alex Highsmith has been injured—missing five of the eleven games this season—the Pittsburgh Steelers have gone 2-3. In contrast, when Highsmith hasn’t been dealing with his previous groin injury or his current ankle issue, the Steel City has remained undefeated, boasting an impressive 6-0 record.

While backup OLB Nick Herbig has provided impressive pass-rush abilities while filling in for the injured edge rusher, could Highsmith’s strength against the run, combined with the need for opposing offenses to prepare for his presence, lead to a stronger Black and Gold team?

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It is concerning, to say the least, that Highsmith is unlikely to play in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals after being listed as doubtful for the AFC North divisional matchup. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the opportunity to prove their ability to win games without Highsmith against their bitter rivals.

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Will WR Mike Williams have his Steelers breakout game in Week 13?

Mike Williams has struggled to shine in Pittsburgh, but Cincinnati’s defensive flaws may finally give him the chance for a breakout.

WR Mike Williams’ journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers has been up-and-down, to say the least. From being acquired from the New York Jets to scoring the game-winning TD in Week 10, to being practically nonexistent on offense the past two weeks, could Williams finally have his breakout moment in Week 13?

Williams could benefit from a below-average Cincinnati pass defense, as the Bengals are ranked 23rd in passing yards per game, allowing 225.6 yards. The big-bodied Williams could also see additional red zone opportunities, as his first and only Steelers reception went for a TD. He’ll face one of the NFL’s worst red zone defenses in Week 13. The Bengals currently rank 31st in TDs allowed in the red zone and 30th in total TDs allowed.

QB Russell Wilson should have plenty of time to throw to Williams on Sunday as well, as Cincinnati’s defense has one of the league’s worst sack percentages, ranking 30th at 4.88%.

Williams is due for a Black and Gold breakout game in 2024, and Cincinnati’s weaknesses could provide the former Jets WR with the chance to make it happen.

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Steelers CB Donte Jackson excited to face fellow LSU alumni in Week 13

Steelers CB Donte Jackson admires LSU alumni Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase ahead of Pittsburgh’s Week 13 matchup with Cincinnati.

The LSU brotherhood appears to be running strong. Although the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are bitter rivals, CB Donte Jackson, who dons the Black and Gold, admires the impressive start fellow LSU alumni Bengals QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase have had to their NFL careers.

During media availability leading up to the Steelers’ Week 13 contest against the Bengals, Jackson spoke highly of both Chase and Burrow but specifically highlighted what makes Burrow so special: his “killer instinct.”

Reporters jokingly asked if Jackson spoke so highly of the two because of his ties to LSU, and the Steelers CB had one simple response: “Go Tigers.”

While Jackson admires the younger generations of great LSU talent, his admiration will quickly shift to determination, especially when he likely faces Chase directly in a few matchups. Fans can witness the action when the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 on December 1st at 1:00 PM EST.

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