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BIG AL
Our complimentary selection for Sunday, Dec 17 is:
Miami Dolphins +3.5 over Buffalo Bills.
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Arthur Ralph Sports
SUN Vikings -10
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JOEY JUICE
Nick Foles? No problem!
Let's back the Philadelphia Eagles who have clinched the NFC East and now look to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs today when they head into MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles are coming off off a huge 43-35 road win over the Rams, while the Giants lost to the Cowboys at home by a score of 30-10.
Nick Foles is a capable backup and is more than good enough to destroy this Giants team. Remember, back in 2013/14 he played for the Eagles and had 27 TD passes to just two INTs.
Besides, the Eagles run game is 2nd in the league and the Giants are 31st in the league against the run. The Eagles running game will set up Foles and make it much easier for him to have success passing the ball.
The Eagles will want to send a message with this game to the rest of the league that they will be just fine with Wentz out. The Giants just won’t have enough offense or defense to keep this one close.
Eagles by 2 touchdowns in this one.
2* PHILADELPHIA
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JEFF BENTON
My Sunday freebie is the Vikings minus the big number as they look to clinch the NFC North Division, and also get back into consideration for the overall # 1 seed in the NFC.
Minnesota has played one - just one - home game since October 29th, and they are back home after 3 straight away games. Last Sunday saw the Vikings 8-game winning streak (7 game cover streak) halted in a 31-24 loss at Carolina.
Expect the Vikings to handle matters against a Cincinnati team that sure looks like their loss at home to Pittsburgh a few weeks back is having a residual effect on this team. Cincy was trounced to a tune of 33-7 on their home field last weekend by the Chicago Bears, and the Bengals 5-13 spread mark their last 18 against non-division opponents does not bode well for this 1pm contest at US Bank Stadium.
Minnesota is 12-3 against the spread their last 15 versus the AFC, and with another road game coming up at Green Bay next Saturday, look for the Vikings to get things together today and clinch their second division title in the past 3 years.
Vikings by at least 14-points.
2* MINNESOTA
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TOMMY BRUNSON
After 3 in a row on the road, Minnesota is finally back home for just their second home game since October 29th!
Going to look for the Vikes to be able to generate some offense against a Bengals team that allowed Chicago to post 33 points on them last week in Cincinnati. While that game did hold Under the total due to the fact Cincy could only muster a touchdown in their 33-7 lay-down performance, the Bengals have played 2 of their last 3, and 3 of their last 5 overall Over the posted total.
Minnesota is fresh off an Over in Carolina, and have landed Over the total in 5 of their last 7 games.
The Vikings offensive line is now showing some dings and bruises, and that means QB - Case Keenum is starting to get a little pressured and making some bad decisions - 2 interceptions and a lost fumble in last Sunday's game against the Panthers - so count on there being some short-field scoring opportunities for Cincy in this game.
The Over is 5-1 in Minnesota's last 6 games following a straight up loss, and the Over is also 5-1 the Vikings last 6 games when facing a team with a losing road record.
This game's total is hanging right around 6 combined touchdowns, and I feel the home-starved host is good for at least 4 TD's and a couple of field goals. I fully expect the visitor to show some pride and post a few scores of their own.
This one is Over by the end of the third quarter.
3* CINCINNATI-MINNESOTA OVER
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VIC DUKE
NFL | Dec 17, 2017
Patriots vs. Steelers
OVER 53½
Patriots/Steelers 4:25: Both QBs - Brady and Roethlisberger have had huge games against their respective opponents. Today, I see a similar result. The Steelers miss Shazier bad. Last week Baltimore, laboring in the bottom of NFL offensive production, thrashed them for 413 yards! Brady has Gronk back today and that will be a huge boost. New acquisition Kenny Britt could also be available for extra depth. Brady sports a 114.8 QB rating with 70% completion and 21:3 TD:INT ratio. On the other hand, Roethlisberger has been nearly as hot vs NE. He sports a solid 98.2 QB rating, 63% completions and a 15:5 TD:INT ratio. Patriots have been decimated by injuries defensively, and are playing many young players. That should translate into getting scorched by the number of Steeler skill weapons including Antonio Brown, RB Bell, TE James. Steelers 8-1 O/U as dogs of less than 7 points against a .500 or greater opponent. Series 5-2 O/U at Heinz Field.
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CHIP CHIRIMBES
Cincinnati at Minnesota1:00 ET
Bengals (+) over Vikings
Okay, we all won with the Bears over Cincinnati last week as 'we' were well aware the 'Cowardly' Bengals would just mail it in after blowing the huge lead to the Steelers. This week after last week's embarrassment they will bounce back with a professional effort as they are 5-1 ATS following a double-digit loss. It is ugly but it should be a winner...take CINCINNATI!
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SCOTT SPREITZER
NFL | Dec 17, 2017
Jets vs. Saints
Jets+16½ -115
I'm recommending a play on the New York Jets plus the points on Sunday. The look-ahead line at Westgate was 10 1/2 for this contest and we see the Saints as a 16 1/2 point favorite as we post this play. It's also a tough spot for New Orleans with this game sandwiched between two games against the Falcons. The Jets' offense sputtered in Bryce Petty's start in place of the injured Josh McCown, but Petty is likely to have more control of the offense this week and will be up to NFL speed after facing the NFL's top-ranked defense in Denver. The Saints aren't bad on defense, overall, but you can run on them and I believe the ground game will fare better, allowing Petty a better chance to manage the game. Finally, NFL home teams have covered just 77 of the last 202 chances if they're off a SU road loss and their opponent is off a road loss by 14 or more points. I'm recommending a play on the Jets plus the points. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
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MIKE LUNDIN
NFL | Dec 17, 2017
Packers vs. Panthers
Packers+3
The Green Bay Packers have been without their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the last seven weeks, but he's expected to be back under center for Sunday's matchup with the Carolina Panthers.
Rodgers has been out since breaking his collarbone in a Week 6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the Pack added the All-Pro quarterback to the active roster yesterday, and with that roster move he's officially clear to start Sunday.
The Packers have kept their playoff hopes alive (although slim) by going 3-4 in his absence and they're just one game out of a wild-card spot in the NFC. I think Rodgers' return will give Green Bay a massive boost giving the visitors the edge in this contest.
The Carolina Panthers have won four of their last five and defeated Minnesota 31-24 last week. Possible let down spot here after snapping Minnesota's eight-game win streak, and I'm taking the points on the Packers in this matchup. We can also note that the underdog is 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 in this series.
My free pick is on Green Bay Packers.
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Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach
NFL Game #322 Sunday Free Pick Cleveland Browns (+) vs Baltimore Ravens @ 1 ET
The Ravens are off of a tough 1-point loss at Pittsburgh where they allowed 545 yards. The Browns are also off of a tough loss (in OT) versus Green Bay last week but at least Cleveland gets the benefit of being at home again this week. Baltimore is traveling for the 2nd straight week while the Browns are hosting for a 2nd straight week. Cleveland is going to continue to fight hard as they battle for that elusive first win of the season and this is their final chance to do it for the home fans as their last two games of the season are on the road. The Ravens are 3-8 ATS as a favorite between 3.5 and 9.5 points. Baltimore is also an ugly 4-10 ATS in games against teams with a losing record. As a road fave of 3.5 to 7 points, the Ravens are 8-15 ATS. Free Pick CLEVELAND
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CAPPERS ACCESS
(NFL)
Jaguars
Redskins
Rams
Raiders
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Packers vs. Panthers Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/14/2017
Aaron Rodgers is returning for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, just in time to save the season. Rodgers, who insists he is not coming back to do that, will get the start when the Packers visit the Carolina Panthers in a matchup key to keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.
"Hopefully it gives a lift to some of the guys, but I'm not coming back to save this team," Rodgers told reporters. "I'm coming back to play quarterback the way I know how to play it. Hopefully, we all raise the level of our play collectively and find a way to win these three games." The star quarterback missed the last seven weeks while recovering from a broken right collarbone and returns to a Green Bay squad that went 3-4 in his absence and sits one game out of a wild-card spot in the NFC with three to play. The Packers are chasing - among others - the Panthers, who occupy the No. 5 spot in the conference but have a shot to win the NFC South and possibly earn home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a strong finish. "I told our guys, 'It doesn't matter if (Rodgers) plays, we've still got to play the Packers,'" Carolina coach Ron Rivera told reporters. "If he's the quarterback, great. If he's not, great. I don't think to us that should be a big deal. They said that he was going to be back for our game. That's what we expected."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -2.5. O/U: 47
ABOUT THE PACKERS (7-6): Rodgers can't officially be activated until Friday but spent the week practicing with the first team and breezed through his rehab with the help of some mental toughness. "Obviously, what he does physically and his ability on the field, but just the way he not only conducts himself mentally and emotionally to get ready for a game, but you can see the same intensity, the awareness, the education ability to get into other things to enhance his opportunity to get back," Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy told reporters of Rodgers. "It's probably, in my opinion, his greatest asset. His mental toughness is, you'd like to say, old-school. ... This guy could have played mentally in any generation in the National Football League. That's a big part of why he's ready today." The Packers don't have an easy schedule the rest of the way, with away games at Carolina and Detroit sandwiched around a date with the Minnesota Vikings.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (9-4): Carolina has its own former NFL MVP at quarterback in Cam Newton, but it is the running game that is keeping the Panthers in playoff position. Running back Jonathan Stewart took home his second NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award after running for 103 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-24 win over NFC North-leading Minnesota last week, and Newton is a big contributor to the running game as well. "I have no problem with running the football," Newton told reporters. "I feel as if I've always taken care of that part. Contrary to what another person may think, football is a physical sport, so I can get just as sore in the pocket as I can get sore outside the pocket. I'm just trying to put as much pressure on the defense as possible to give them certain things that a lot of other quarterbacks can't give them."
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Packers are hurting in the secondary with CBs Demetri Goodson (hamstring) and Davon House (shoulder, back) both questionable.
2. Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (foot) and G Trai Turner (concussion) are both doubtful.
3. Carolina earned a 37-29 win the last time Green Bay visited on Nov. 8, 2015.
PREDICTION: Panthers 28, Packers 24
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Ravens vs. Browns Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017
After having a three-game winning streak snapped last week at Pittsburgh, the Baltimore Ravens look to continue their playoff push when they visit the winless Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Ravens blew a late double-digit lead in a wild 39-38 loss to the Steelers last week that knocked them into a tie for the final wild-card slot in the AFC.
Baltimore ranks fourth in the NFL, allowing 18.9 points a game, but were helpless to stop Ben Roethlisberger last week as the veteran Steelers quarterback threw for 506 yards. "This one hurts," Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said after the game. "It's best for us to have a short memory on the this one because if we win out there's a good chance we'll be in the playoffs." The losses continue to mount Cleveland, which is 0-13 for the second straight season. The Browns self-destructed last week in a 27-21 overtime loss to Green Bay, dropping a critical third-down pass which would have allowed them to run out the clock with the lead in regulation before DeShone Kizer threw a game-turning interception in the extra session.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -7. O/U: 40.
ABOUT THE RAVENS (7-6): Running back Alex Collins continued his eye-popping surge with a powerful performance against the Steelers, rushing for 120 yards on 18 carries. Collins, who was cut by the Seattle Seahawks in the preseason and didn't make his first start with the Ravens until Week 4, has scored five touchdowns in his past four games and his 5.1 yards per carry ranks third in the NFL. Quarterback Joe Flacco has returned to stretching the field a bit more lately, throwing for season highs of 269 yards in both of his last games with four touchdowns and one interception.
ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-13): Apparently not even the return of wide receiver Josh Gordon can change Cleveland's fortunes. In addition to Gordon, who caught his first touchdown pass since 2013 last week, the Browns are now getting production from other receivers such as Corey Coleman, who had five catches for 62 yards and a score against the Packers. Its offense ranks 31st in the league with an average of 15.2 points. Cleveland is just three games away from becoming the second team in NFL history to go 0-16 and the Browns are 1-28 under coach Hue Jackson, who could be coaching his final games down the stretch.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Cleveland's 14-7 halftime lead was just its second of the season, having led Minnesota 13-12 in a game played in London.
2. Baltimore has won four straight and six of the last seven meetings in the series, including a 24-10 victory earlier in the season.
3. Cleveland DB Jabrill Peppers sat out the last game with a knee injury and his status for Week 15 against the Ravens is undecided.
PREDICTION: Ravens 24, Browns 20
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Bengals vs. Vikings Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017
The Minnesota Vikings, who had their eight-game winning streak snapped last week, can clinch the NFC North Division title with a win against the visiting Cincinnati Bengls on Sunday. Case Keenum continues to excel at quarterback for Minnesota, going 9-3 as a starter, but he committed three turnovers in the 31-24 setback at Carolina.
Even if they don't win, the Vikings can lock up the division crown if both Green Bay and Detroit lose on Sunday. And, after Philadelphia's Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending injury last week, Minnesota is optimistic it can catch the Eagles and earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The playoff picture is not as bright for the Bengals, who were virtually eliminated from the race following its 33-7 drubbing at the hands of Chicago last week. Despite Cincinnati's recent tailspin, where it has lost four of its last six games, Andy Dalton has played well, throwing 12 touchdown passes with just one interception over his past seven contests.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Vikings -10.5. O/U: 42.
ABOUT THE BENGALS (5-8): Cincinnati could get back the services of running back Joe Mixon (concussion), but even with their star running back in the fold the Bengals rank 31st in the league in rushing. Cincinnati already put defensive back Adam Jones on injured reserve and list both Dre Kirkpatrick or Vontaze Burfict as questionable, also dealing with concussions. Coach Marvin Lewis shrugged off questions about his job security during the week saying, "These jobs are not meant to last forever."
ABOUT THE VIKINGS (10-3): Minnesota could be without tight end Kyle Rudolph, who has a team-best seven touchdowns, but has missed multiple practices with an ankle injury while shutdown defensive back Xavier Rhodes is limited with a hip injury. Keenum is just 17 yards shy of reaching 3,000 for the first time in his career and has thrown 18 touchdowns passes. Adam Thielen continues to be his top target as he is tied for third in the NFL with 1,161 yards receiving and seventh in receptions with 80.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Bengals' defense yielded 271 passing yards last week to Bears rookie Mitch Trubisky, who had previously surpassed the 200-yard barrier in just one of his previous eight starts.
2. This will be the first game the Vikings have played at home since Nov. 19.
3. Homes teams have won the last five meetings in the series but they haven't met since the 2013 season.
PREDICTION: Vikings 27, Bengals 10
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Dolphins vs. Bills Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017
The Buffalo Bills were able to plow their way through the snow and into sixth place in the AFC, putting the western New York representatives in the discussion to make their first playoff appearance since 1999. The Bills look to bolster their position on Sunday when they host a Miami Dolphins team that is coming off an upset victory over defending Super Bowl champion New England.
LeSean McCoy capped a 32-rush, 156-yard performance with a 21-yard touchdown run in blizzard-like conditions to give Buffalo a 13-7 overtime victory over Indianapolis on Sunday. McCoy, who has averaged 5.12 yards per carry since Week 10, resides 39 yards shy of becoming the 30th member of the NFL's 10,000-yard club and has five touchdowns (four rushing) in five career meetings with Miami. The Dolphins completed a sweep of last season's series with a 34-31 overtime win in Week 16 that eliminated the Bills from postseason consideration. Jay Ajayi rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown in that contest, but Kenyan Drake has assumed the lead back duties and rolled up a career-high 193 yards from scrimmage in Miami's 27-20 victory over the Patriots on Monday.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bills -3. O/U: 39
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (6-7): Jay Cutler authored his signature performance in Miami by throwing for three touchdowns and finding eight different receivers in the win versus New England. Pro Bowl wideout Jarvis Landry, who is tied for second in the NFL with 88 receptions, found the end zone on two occasions while reeling in eight catches for a meager 46 yards last week. "It was a good win for us," coach Adam Gase said. "But if we lose (to the Bills), nobody is really going to (care)."
ABOUT THE BILLS (7-6): Tyrod Taylor is trending toward yet another return behind center for Buffalo, which saw rookie Nathan Peterman sustain a suspected concussion last week. "(The knee) feels good - it's just pain tolerance. Since this happened, I haven't had any setbacks," said Taylor, who threw for a career-high 329 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 60 yards in the last meeting with Miami. Former Dolphins tight end Charles Clay has been hampered by an ailing knee after a strong start to the season, mustering just 14 catches for 131 yards and no touchdowns over the last five games.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Miami CB Xavien Howard was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording two interceptions for the second straight game.
2. Buffalo WR Kelvin Benjamin was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice as he deals with an ailing knee injury.
3. The Dolphins have permitted one third-down conversion in 24 attempts over the last two games.
PREDICTION: Dolphins 20, Bills 17
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Eagles vs. Giants Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017
Nick Foles has traveled a long and winding road throughout his NFL career, and it's one that has taken him back to the field as the now-starting quarterback of a high-powered offense. Foles steps in for the injured Carson Wentz as the Philadelphia Eagles look to improve upon their postseason positioning on Sunday when they visit the New York Giants.
"I feel comfortable in this offense. I love this offense. We're going to run this offense. So nothing is going to change," said Foles, who authored a 27-touchdown performance in 2013 before being traded and released and was contemplating retirement before returning to the City of Brotherly Love. The 28-year-old Foles answered the bell after Wentz tore his ACL on Sunday, guiding Philadelphia to field goals on consecutive drives en route to a 43-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles can clinch a first-round bye with a win on Sunday and capture home-field throughout the playoffs with two victories in their final three games or one win and one loss by the Vikings (10-3), the hapless Giants have less on their plate to worry about. "Obviously, it hasn't been the season that we hoped for, but you don't want to look back," running back Orleans Darkwa said. "At the end of the season, we'll reflect on all that, but right now we're focused on Philly this week and getting a win."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Eagles -7.5. O/U: 40.5
ABOUT THE EAGLES (11-2): Philadelphia can lean on the NFL's second-ranked rushing attack to ease Foles back into action, with Jay Ajayi averaging a robust 7.0 yards per carry since being acquired from Miami. The passing game also gets a boost from the return of tight end Zach Ertz (team-leading 57 receptions), who cleared concussion protocol after sitting out last week's game versus the Rams. Ertz is tied with Nelson Agholor for second on the team with 663 receiving yards, with nine of the wideout's 15 catches over the last two games resulting in first downs.
ABOUT THE GIANTS (2-11): A lot was made of New York's handling of its benching Eli Manning, but the veteran recorded season highs in completions (35), passing yards (366) and touchdown passes (three) in a 27-24 loss at Philadelphia on Sept. 24. While two of those scoring strikes went to Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard also had one - his only of the season - and is dealing with an ailing hamstring that kept him limited in practice. Tight end Evan Engram has proven to be a trusted target with 55 receptions and 623 receiving yards and ranks first among NFL rookies in touchdown catches with six.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Darkwa has three of New York's four rushing touchdowns, with Manning having the other.
2. Philadelphia K Jake Elliott, who won the first encounter with a 61-yard field goal, has made 18 of his last 20 attempts.
3. Giants G Justin Pugh (back) was headed to injured reserve for the first time in his career, interim coach Steve Spagnuolo said on Thursday.
PREDICTION: Eagles 24, Giants 10
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Cardinals vs. Redskins Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017
The Arizona Cardinals will have to keep their microscopic playoff chances alive without Adrian Peterson as the veteran running back reportedly will be placed on injured reserve before the team visits the Washington Redskins on Sunday. The 32-year-old former league MVP has missed Arizona's last two games with a neck injury and is expected to be shut down for the season as the team has virtually no chance at making the postseason.
The Cardinals have won two of their last three contests but are 11th in the NFC, two games out of the second wild-card spot with only three remaining. Washington has dropped four of its last five, allowing at least 30 points in each defeat. The Redskins' lone victory in that stretch came at home, a 20-10 triumph over the New York Giants in Week 12 that evened their record at FedExField to 3-3. Arizona has won the last two meetings between the clubs but dropped a 22-21 decision in its last visit to Washington on Sept. 18, 2011.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Redskins -4. O/U: 41.5
ABOUT THE CARDINALS (6-7): Peterson provided an initial boost to Arizona's horrid rushing attack after being acquired from New Orleans, gaining 314 yards over his first three games, but ran for fewer than 80 in each of his next three contests before being injured. Larry Fitzgerald registered 44 receiving yards in last week's 12-7 victory over Tennessee to raise his career total to 15,311 and move him past Randy Moss for third place on the all-time list. Linebacker Chandler Jones leads the NFL with 14 sacks, which is the highest amount through the first 13 games of a season in franchise history.
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (5-8): Linebacker Zach Brown leads the league with 127 tackles and has averaged 10.3 at home this season but his status for the game is uncertain due to multiple injuries. Running back Kapri Bibbs was promoted from the practice squad on Tuesday and is expected to be used on third downs thanks to his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. "I know what I've got to do in these third downs and every single one of these touches to show them that I'm the guy going forward," Bibbs, who appeared in 13 games with Denver over the previous two seasons, told the team's website.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Cardinals RB Kerwynn Williams has rushed for 170 yards over his last two games despite playing with several cracked ribs.
2. Washington TE Vernon Davis was named a finalist for the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
3. Arizona signed OL Khalif Barnes and placed T Jared Veldheer (ankle) on injured reserve.
PREDICTION: Redskins 31, Cardinals 23
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Texans vs. Jaguars Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in position to clinch their first playoff spot since 2007 when they host the Houston Texans on Sunday. The Jaguars have made an improbable rise from last season's 3-13 record and sit atop the AFC South by one game over Tennessee.
Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone is aware of the excitement regarding the probable postseason spot, but he repeatedly refused to discuss the possible clinching. "Right now, I'm trying to keep this team focused on today - preparing today for (the Texans)," Marrone told reporters. "That has been the way it's been all year. I understand it. I've got to do questions and everything, but I promise you: None of you is going to be able to take me there." Houston is experiencing a dreadful season that began with being thumped 29-7 by the Jaguars and will be starting third-string quarterback T.J. Yates on Sunday. "He's been there before," Texans coach Bill O'Brien told reporters. "He knows our system. He's a smart guy. ... It's not hard to get him ready, you know what I mean?"
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Jaguars -11.5. O/U: 39
ABOUT THE TEXANS (4-9): Injuries to Deshaun Watson (knee) and Tom Savage (concussion) have created the opportunity for Yates, a 30-year-old with eight career touchdown passes - including two after Savage's departure in last Sunday's 26-14 loss to San Francisco. Star receiver DeAndre Hopkins (88 receptions for 1,233 yards) caught both of Yates' TD tosses to raise his season total to an NFL-leading 11. The defense is allowing an average of 25.8 points while suffering without J.J. Watt, but fellow defensive end Jadeveon Clowney ranks second in the league with 20 tackles for losses - including nine sacks.
ABOUT THE JAGUARS (9-4): Cornerback A.J. Bouye is tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions and is part of a defense that leads the league in scoring defense (15.5 points per game), takeaways (30) and sacks (47) while ranking second in total defense (291.6 yards). Brash cornerback Jalen Ramsey (four interceptions) draws the task of slowing down Hopkins, while defensive end Calais Campbell has recorded a career-best 12.5 sacks, which also is a franchise record. Quarterback Blake Bortles is enjoying a solid season with 2,821 yards and 16 touchdowns against eight interceptions, while Leonard Fournette is 77 yards away from joining Fred Taylor (1,223 in 1998) as the lone running backs in franchise history to rush for 1,000 as a rookie.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Jaguars ended a six-game losing streak in the all-time series when they recorded 10 sacks en route to the convincing victory on Sept. 10.
2. Hopkins recorded 149 receiving yards versus San Francisco for his fifth 100-yard performance of the campaign.
3. Jacksonville LB Telvin Smith cleared the concussion protocol and will play Sunday after missing the previous two games.
PREDICTION: Jaguars 30, Texans 9
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Jets vs. Saints Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017
Despite losing two of their last three games, the New Orleans Saints still are in control of the tight NFC South title race. The Saints will try to maintain their upper hand and get back on track when they host the New York Jets on Sunday.
The Saints remain in control of their own destiny in the NFC South despite last week's 20-17 loss at Atlanta. New Orleans is tied with Carolina atop the division but owns the tiebreaker as it swept the season series. "I live by the motto, 'You can only worry about the things you can control,'" Saints quarterback Drew Brees told reporters. "What we can control is right in front of us. If we keep winning, then all of our hopes and dreams are alive." The Jets' offense tanked last week without injured quarterback Josh McCown, as Bryce Petty completed just 2-of-9 passes for 14 yards in a 23-0 loss at Denver.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Saints -16. O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE JETS (5-8): McCown's season-ending injury torpedoed an offense that had been playing fairly well and posted a season-high 488 total yards in a 38-31 win over Kansas City in Week 13. The Jets managed only 100 total yards against the Broncos, and the pitiful showing overshadowed a solid defensive effort. New York has held three of its last four opponents under 300 total yards but lost all three of those games.
ABOUT THE SAINTS (9-4): New Orleans boasts the league's top offense, but the team is far more balanced than in past years. A big part of the struggles against Atlanta was the club's inability to get the running game going, especially after dynamic rookie Alvin Kamara left with a concussion. The defense has struggled to stop the run at times and gave up 132 yards on the ground against the Falcons, but it should be able to load the box to stop the run and force Petty to try to beat a solid secondary.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Brees has passed for 1,216 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in his last four home contests.
2. The Jets have not forced a turnover in their last three games after recording at least one takeaway in nine of their first 10 contests.
3. Kamara has been a full participant in practice this week and is expected to be active against New York.
PREDICTION: Saints 27, Jets 10
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Rams vs. Seahawks Preview and Predictions
By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
by Gracenote on 12/15/2017
The Los Angeles Rams are vying for their first playoff berth since 2004 and can move closer to making that a reality when they visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Rams have a slim chance of clinching a postseason spot this Sunday, but a loss will forge a tie for first place in the NFC West and put the Seahawks in the driver's seat by virtue of sweeping the season series.
Seattle recorded a 16-10 victory in Los Angeles earlier this season, which gives Sunday's showdown the definitive feel of a must-win game. "I think so," Rams coach Sean McVey told reporters. "I think what it is, is it's a great opportunity for us, and that's the way that we look at it. ... It's going to be a great atmosphere, a great environment, and I know our guys are excited to be able to compete against a great football team, and we can't wait to get going." The Seahawks are fighting through some defensive injury issues, and coach Pete Carroll is mighty concerned about Los Angeles quarterback Jared Goff, who is having a solid second NFL season. "He's playing to his potential," Carroll told reporters. "You can see him game in and game out making great throws, he's in command of the offense, he's creative with the plays that he makes, he's utilizing his players really well. He was in more of a survival mode his first year, I think, and he's not there at all anymore."
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Seahawks -2.5. O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE RAMS (9-4): Goff (3,383 yards, 22 touchdowns) and running back Todd Gurley (1,035 rushing yards) are the stars of the offense, but rookie wideout Cooper Kupp has been one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season. Kupp, a third-round pick who had 73 touchdown receptions at Eastern Washington, has set a franchise rookie record with 56 catches while his 783 receiving yards rank third among this year's rookie class. Los Angeles lost a key cog on defense when cornerback Kayvon Webster suffered a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury last Sunday but continues to get strong play from pass-rushing mainstay Robert Quinn (four sacks in his last three games) and defensive tackle Aaron Donald (team-leading eight sacks).
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (8-5): Seattle ranks eighth in scoring defense at 19.4 points per game, but middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (hamstring) and outside linebacker K.J. Wright (concussion) are in jeopardy of missing the contest. "K.J.'s in the protocol, and that's up to the (doctors)," Carroll told reporters. "Bobby's going to go all the way through the week, as he has the last couple weeks, so we'll have to wait and see. He's very upbeat and very positive, and he's planning on getting ready." Russell Wilson is experiencing a superb season with 3,527 yards and ranks second in the NFL with 29 touchdown passes.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Seahawks outscored the Rams 40-13 while winning the last two meetings.
2. Seattle TE Jimmy Graham is tied for second in the NFL with nine touchdown receptions.
3. Los Angeles WR Robert Woods (shoulder) will return after a three-game absence.
PREDICTION: Seahawks 31, Rams 27
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