At his morning press conference, coach Matt Patricia ruled quarterback Matthew Stafford OUT for this weekend’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
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At his morning press conference, coach Matt Patricia updated the health status of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford and said he doesn’t “see a scenario” in which Stafford will be able to suit up for the game this Sunday — effectively ruling him out.
Jeff Driskel will get his second start as a Lion.
Stafford injured his back against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9, and after practicing in a limited fashion last week, an MRI revealed a fractured bone and he was not cleared to play in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.
This week, Stafford has still been unable to suit up for practices. He has been in attendance, helping Driskel with the Lions’ game plan, but it’s been very clear he is not ready to participate at even a minimal level.
Patricia indicated there was a plan in place for Stafford’s recovery but elected not to share what that plan was at this time, instead only saying that Stafford was working to return to the field.
Our weekly NFL underdog betting staple continues into Week 11, where Ken Pomponio features three teams likely to upset their underdog odds
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NFL Week 10 was wild, a memorable week and a surprise-filled week which featured nine of 13 underdogs covering the mid-week lines.
We weren’t on either of the big underdogs (Atlanta Falcons +11.5 in New Orleans, Miami Dolphins +9.5 in Indianapolis) who not only covered but also won outright, but we did go 3-0 to snap a run of three straight 1-2 weekly finishes and up our season record to 18-12.
Now it’s back to board to find more underdog value, utilizing, as usual, Wednesday’s posted point spreads from BetMGM.com.
Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.
Dolphins (+6) vs. Buffalo Bills
Nov 10, 2019: Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Brian Spurlock – USA TODAY Sports
Don’t look now, but the Dolphins’ tanking mission is suddenly headed the wrong direction.
Behind the fearless play of veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and an energized, no-name defense, Miami is 2-0 in November and has covered in five straight outings after a brutal 0-4 against-the-spread start in which the Dolphins were outscored 163-26.
The Bills, meanwhile, have gone 2-2 after a 4-1 start, including a tighter-than-it-looks 31-21 home win over the Dolphins in Week 7.
Keep riding with Fitzpatrick and Co. here as the oddsmakers have been slow to adjust to the new-and-improved Dolphins. They’re playing hard for a first-year coach in Brian Flores, who clearly doesn’t include “tanking” among his best career interests.
Philadelphia Eagles (+3½) vs. New England Patriots
Feb 4, 2018: Eagles coach Doug Pederson (left) and Patriots coach Bill Belichick reunite Sunday. Matthew Emmons – USA TODAY Sports
It hasn’t proven to be wise wagering against Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Co., who are 10-3 in their last 13 games ATS dating back to Week 17 of last season — and coming off the bye in this one.
But the host Eagles are coming off their bye, as well, and they are 4-2 after starting off 1-2.
Philly is sure to be fired up for the teams’ first meeting since Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, and while the Pats are sure to be focused coming off their first loss followed by the bye, we’ll take a solid team getting a field goal and the always-tempting half-point hook at home.
Arizona Cardinals (+11½) at San Francisco 49ers
Oct 31, 2019: Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray faces the 49ers again. Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
If it seems like we just saw this NFC West matchup, it’s because we did, two weeks ago in the desert as the visiting Niners prevailed in a much-tougher-than-expected 28-25 contest on Halloween.
In between, San Fran suffered its first loss, falling to the visiting Seattle Seahawks 27-24 in an overtime duel Monday night that arguably has been the best NFL game this season.
The 49ers also continue to battle the health bug with tight end George Kittle and receiver Emmanuel Sanders likely to be game-time decisions. And quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is battling some obvious shakiness after completing only 24 of 46 passes Monday for 248 yards, a touchdown and an interception, along with two lost fumbles.
Rookie QB Kyle Murray and the Cards, meanwhile, are 3-6-1 straight up but have been one of the league’s best ATS squads at 7-3, including five covers in their last six outings.
We were on Arizona last week in Tampa, and we’ll go with the Cards again here Sunday afternoon in San Fran where the home team is simply giving too many points.
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The NFC Playoff race doesn’t have much drama with the wildcard. The teams that don’t win the North and West will most likely make it to the tournament. There are a ton of interesting divisional races. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) NFC …
The NFC Playoff race doesn’t have much drama with the wildcard. The teams that don’t win the North and West will most likely make it to the tournament. There are a ton of interesting divisional races.
(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys 5-4
Dallas blew a winnable game against Minnesota, but that’s what the Cowboys have been doing all year. Blowing winnable games. Now they are in a tight race with the Eagles. They could shoot for a wild card if they slip up in the NFC East, but the Vikings now have the tiebreaker and it will be difficult to catch the loser of the NFC West race between the Seahawks and Niners. The Eagles game in Week 16 could decide the division.
The Eagles need to split their next two games at worse. If they don’t all isn’t lost though. Their schedule is pretty easy after Week 12. Those NFC matchups outside of the Cowboys game are cakewalks. Their record looks like 10-6 at the worst.
The Falcons are not among the teams looking for a QB, however, with the workout taking place in Atlanta, they will have someone in attendance, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has a private workout scheduled on behalf of the league this Saturday in Atlanta. All 32 teams are invited to attend and will have the chance to interview Kaepernick.
The Falcons are not among the teams looking for a QB, however, with the workout taking place in Atlanta, they will have someone in attendance, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones said after practice on Thursday that he believes Kaepernick is good enough to be playing in the league right now, as tweeted by William McFadden below.
Julio Jones on Colin Kaepernick: “Kaep’s good enough to be in the league right now.” #Falcons
Many feel the same way as Jones, and Kaepernick’s career stats show he’s probably a better option than many of the backup quarterbacks in the NFL currently.
Over the course of six seasons, Kaepernick has thrown for 12,271 yards, 72 touchdowns and 30 interceptions for a passer rating of 88.9. He’s rushed for an additional 2,300 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub is one of the better backups in the league, but there are plenty of other teams that could be interested in Kaepernick’s services.
The Broncos are expected to place cornerback Bryce Callahan (foot) on injured reserve, ending his season.
After cornerback Bryce Callahan (foot) missed practice again Thursday, Broncos coach Vic Fangio said “it’s looking more and more” likely that the defensive back will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Callahan, 28, signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Denver in March. He has been sidelined with a foot injury all season.
Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (hand) is expected to be activated from injured reserve to the 53-man roster this week and Denver will have to make a corresponding move to make room for him on the roster. The team might place Callahan on IR to create Patrick’s roster spot.
The Broncos’ complete Thursday injury report can be seen below. DNP = did not participate. N/L = not listed.
Player
Injury
Wed
Thur
Fri
Status
CB Bryce Callahan
Foot
DNP
DNP
TE Jeff Heuerman
Knee
Limited
Limited
OT Ja’Wuan James
Knee
Limited
Limited
CB Duke Dawson
Foot
Full
Full
RB Phillip Lindsay
Wrist
Full
Full
DB Will Parks
Hand
Full
Full
DE DeMarcus Walker
Shoulder
Full
Full
WR DaeSean Hamilton
Knee
N/L
Limited
The Minnesota Vikings’ complete injury report can be seen below.
Both Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper are likely to miss this weekend’s matchup with the Panthers at the very least. The team got some good news though, as quarterback Matt Ryan returned to the practice field on Thursday.
The Falcons ended their six-game losing streak in Week 10, but lost two offensive starters in the process.
Both Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper are likely to miss this weekend’s matchup with the Panthers at the very least. The team got some good news though, as quarterback Matt Ryan returned to the practice field on Thursday.
Ryan was absent on Wednesday, but that was likely a precautionary measure while he recovers from an ankle injury. Check out Atlanta’s complete injury report from Thursday’s practice below.
Player
Injury
Wed.
Thur.
Fri.
QB Matt Ryan
Ankle
DNP
LP
RB Devonta Freeman
Foot
DNP
DNP
TE Austin Hooper
Knee
DNP
DNP
G Wes Schweitzer
Head
DNP
LP
S Kemal Ishmael
Head
DNP
DNP
TE Luke Stocker
Knee
LP
FP
DE John Cominsky
Ankle
LP
LP
S Sharrod Neasman
Hamstring
LP
FP
CB Desmond Trufant
Toe
LP
LP
P Ryan Allen
Ankle
LP
LP
DB Damontae Kazee
Shoulder
FP
FP
Check back after Friday’s practice for more Falcons injury updates.
Detroit Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford was still not able to practice on Thursday while running back Ty Johnson and edge rusher Romeo Okwara returned to the field.
The Detroit Lions were back on the practice field on Thursday preparing for a Week 11 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Ford Field, and once again they were without Matthew Stafford.
It wasn’t all bad news for the Lions though as running back Ty Johnson and edge rusher Romeo Okwara were able to return to the field for limited practices.
Let’s take a closer look at what we know.
Thursday’s changes to the participation report
RB Ty Johnson (concussion) — upgraded to limited
DE Romeo Okwara (groin) — upgraded to limited
LB/S Miles Killebrew (concussion) — upgraded to full
NT John Atkins (wrist) — upgraded to full
CB Darius Slay (neck) — downgraded to limited practice
S Will Harris (quad) — downgraded to limited practice
DT Damon Harrison (groin) — veteran rest day
Johnson getting back on the field is a step in the right direction for him clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol, but he’s not out of the woods yet. Johnson is in the later stages of the process, but doctors’ examinations and time may still be needed.
Okwara has been unable to practice for the last seven days, but a return to the field today suggests he has a chance to play this weekend. Tomorrow’s participation level will get us closer to knowing his game status but he may be headed to a game-time decision.
Like Johnson, Killebrew appears to be moving through the league’s concussion protocol. From an outside perspective, it appears as he only needs to pass an independent medical exam to be cleared for game day.
Atkins’ injury appears to only be minor as he has missed very little time because of it. He’s on track to play.
Slay was not on the injury report for one day, then suffered a neck injury that limited him today. He continues his season of injury and his status will be worth monitoring tomorrow.
Harris was also a full participant on Wednesday, then a quad injury limited him today. Mid-week injuries tend to be problematic, so this is another situation worth paying attention to tomorrow.
Harrison practiced in full yesterday and is getting his weekly rest day today, as is typical since injuring his groin. Expect him to be a limited or full participant on Friday and carry a questionable designation into the game.
Not Practicing Thursday
QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
Stafford missing another practice is not ideal but it’s also not surprising. At this time, there is no timetable for his return to game action.
Wagner not taking the field today suggests his status for this weekend’s game is very much in doubt, as passing the league concussion protocol will be difficult. If he is unable to play, Tyrell Crosby will continue to start at right tackle.
Hand and Walker continuing to miss practices indicate they may be long shots to play this Sunday. There’s still time, but these look like they are the type of long-term injuries that the Lions like to take their time with.
Limited
P Sam Martin (abdomen)
Martin is limited once again, but with no other punter on the roster, he appears on track to play.
Full participants
DT Mike Daniels (foot)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle, thumb)
WR Danny Amendola (hand)
Good news for all three participants here, as consistency here, equals progress.
Week 10 was a bit of an adjustment for Falcons fans. Not only did the team play uncharacteristically well, there was another player wearing former QB Michael Vick’s infamous No. 7 jersey.
Week 10 was a bit of an adjustment for Falcons fans. Not only did the team play uncharacteristically well, there was another player wearing former QB Michael Vick’s infamous No. 7 jersey.
Koo was asked about winning the award, and just how bizarre it is to be wearing Vick’s former number. Watch what he had to say below, as tweeted by ESPN’s Vaughn McClure:
Falcons Younghoe Koo talks about being named NFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week and about wearing the No. 7 Michael Vick jersey. pic.twitter.com/SUtEcEiVFK
“I want to play badly, but again, I’ve said it before, I trust the coaches,” Broncos quarterback Drew Lock said.
After injuring his thumb in a preseason game, Broncos rookie quarterback Drew Lock was sidelined for nearly three months before finally returning to practice Tuesday. Lock is still on injured reserve and his return to practice trigged a 21-day window for Denver to make a decision about his season.
The Broncos have three weeks to decide if Lock will be activated to the 53-man roster or spend the rest of the season on reserve. Lock’s not worrying about that at the moment, he’s just happy to be back on the field.
“It had been a long time [since I last practiced],” Lock said Wednesday. “It was like a dream come true coming back out here. It’s like I’m starting my journey back in the NFL all over again. It feels good to be finally back out there with the guys.
“It’s different because you’re involved with the team when you’re not practicing, but it doesn’t feel the same when you’re not actually out there doing it with them. To finally be able to be out there and be around the guys and toss the ball around a little bit, it felt really good.”
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Denver keep Lock on reserve for the next two games (on the road against the Vikings and another road game against the Bills) before activating him to be Brandon Allen‘s backup. By season’s end, Lock will probably be starting.
The QB may still be a few weeks away from even being a backup, though.
“Any guy that is a competitor is going to want to play today,” Lock said. “I want to play badly, but again, I’ve said it before, I trust the coaches. I trust their plan for me.
“If their plan is three weeks, their plan is three weeks. If their plan is two, whatever — whatever their plan is, I’ll be here and ready for them.”
The folks over at Bet MGM have the Panthers as 5.5-point favorites over the Falcons Week 11, with the over/under set at 49.5.
The Falcons earned their second win of the season last week against the heavily-favored Saints in New Orleans. After making some minor coaching changes during the bye week, Atlanta’s defense dominated up front, sacking Drew Brees six times.
The team will look to keep the momentum going when it takes on another divisional foe in the 5-4 Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
The folks over at Bet MGM have the Panthers as 5.5-point favorites over the Falcons in Week 11, with the over/under set at 49.5.
It isn’t surprising that Carolina is favored. Running back Christian McCaffrey has been a one-man show this season, making a legitimate case for the 2019 MVP award.
With starting QB Cam Newton out for the season, Panthers backup Kyle Allen has played well above expectations. Allen has cooled off a bit in recent weeks, though.
Carolina has slowed down since winning four straight games, and has lost two of its last three.
This could be the perfect chance for the Falcons to win their second straight NFC South matchup and keep their extremely thin playoff chances alive for another week.
[Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.]
