NFL Week 14: Keys to all games
December 10, 2016
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) at Buffalo Bills (6-6)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, New Era Field. TV: CBS, Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson.
SERIES HISTORY: 22nd regular-season meeting. Steelers lead series, 13-8. The last time the Steelers played in Buffalo, they pulled out a 19-16 overtime victory, a game remembered in Buffalo for a dropped pass in the end zone by a wide-open Stevie Johnson that would have given the win to the Bills, and then Johnson asking God why he let Johnson down like that. Pittsburgh won the last meeting, in 2013 at Heinz Field, 23-10.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: After three consecutive wins, the Steelers are in contention for the AFC North division title and a playoff berth. One reason for the late-season turnaround is a stingy defense. They are only 19th in the league against the pass and 14th in total defense, but seventh in the most important stat, points allowed, at 19.7 per game.
Unlike the struggling Bills, the Steelers control their path to the playoffs. If they win their remaining four games, they are in.
The Steelers' No. 1 task this Sunday will be stopping the Bills' running game, which leads the league with 162 yards per game after registering 212 last week against Oakland. That infantry is led by LeSean McCoy, who has 949 yards at 5.5 per try.
The Bills will certainly lean on the run to control the ball and keep Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and his potent offense off the field. Three times this year the Bills have topped 200 yards rushing (one game was a 313-yard performance) and McCoy's backup, Mike Gillislee, averages a whopping 6.4 yards per carry.
When the Steelers have the ball, not only must Buffalo try to cover Pittsburgh's great receiver, Antonio Brown, but try to match up against the running and receiving of versatile Le'Veon Bell.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell vs. Bills linebackers. One of the things that makes Bell so great is his ability to wait for a crease to open and then burst through. The Bills are stout up the middle with DTs Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus, so Bell will probably need to bounce some runs outside. If he does, Preston Brown and Zach Brown will be put to the test, and the issue for them is that neither is very good at shedding blockers. That may be just enough for Bell to break some big runs.
--Bills RB LeSean McCoy vs. Steelers LB Ryan Shazier. McCoy is a dual threat out of the backfield. In addition to rushing for 949 yards this season, he also has 35 receptions, including seven against the Raiders last week. Shazier has been a big part of the improving defense and often draws the assignment of covering running backs out of the backfield.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
--Out: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (foot), S Shamarko Thomas (concussion)
--Doubtful: DT Javon Hargrave (concussion)
--Questionable: K Chris Boswell (abdomen), G Ramon Foster (chest), RB DeAngelo Williams (knee)
BUFFALO BILLS
--Out: LB Lerentee McCray (concussion)
--Questionable: TE Charles Clay (knee), T Cordy Glenn (back), WR Sammy Watkins (foot), DT Kyle Williams (back), WR Robert Woods (knee)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Bills S Sean Davis. The rookie second-round pick is starting to come into his own and become a playmaker at strong safety. He recorded his first interception of the season against the Giants on Sunday and also led the team with seven tackles. He should be a central figure in the game against the Bills, who have the No. 2 rushing offense in the NFL.
FAST FACTS: In the last four games, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger amassed 1,085 yards passing, 8 TD passes and one interception. ... Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell seeks his fifth consecutive game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage and leads the NFL with 146.4 scrimmage yards per game. He is second among NFL RBs with 63 catches. ... Steelers WR Antonio Brown leads the NFL with 11 TD catches and is tied for the league lead with 88 receptions. ... Steelers LB James Harrison has five sacks in the last five games, not bad for a 38-year-old who almost retired two years back. ... Bills QB Tyrod Taylor has three TD passes, two TDs rushing in the last three home games. Since 2015, he is the only NFL QB with 5,000 yards passing (5,327) and 1,000 yards rushing (1,037). ... Bills RB LeSean McCoy aims for a third consecutive game over 100 rushing yards. ... Bills DT Marcell Dareus had a sack and a forced fumble in the last meeting and has 3.5 sacks in the past four games. ... Bills LB Zach Brown is one of two players in NFL with more than 100 tackles (116).
PREDICTION: The Steelers appear to be on a mission to roll into the playoffs in high gear. QB Ben Roethlisberger can pick apart any defense with WR Antonio Brown and RB Le'Veon Bell.
OUR PICK: Steelers, 28-17.
--Frank Cooney
San Diego Chargers (5-7) at Carolina Panthers (4-8)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Bank of America Stadium. TV: FOX, Sam Rosen, Brady Quinn, Jennifer Hale.
SERIES HISTORY: Sixth regular-season meeting. Panthers lead series, 4-1. Carolina has won two straight, both in San Diego. Sunday will be the first meeting in Charlotte since 2004.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: Residual reaction to Tie-gate continued through Wednesday, when Panthers QB Cam Newton usually speaks to the media. He did not, thereby avoiding questions about his being benched for the first play against the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Ron Rivera sat the 2015 NFL MVP for not wearing a tie, per pre-game dress code. Backup QB Derek Anderson's game-opening pass bounced off fullback Mike Tolbert and was intercepted. The Seahawks won, 40-7. Rivera pleaded Wednesday to "move forward and start focusing on the Chargers."
The Panthers have struggled to run the ball for more than a month, and that may not change against San Diego's third-ranked run defense. So this one could be on the arm of Newton, who needs to take advantage of a Chargers pass defense that ranks 27th. As long as Newton's makeshift offensive line can keep him upright, there will be chunks of yards there for the taking.
For San Diego, usually reliable QB Philip Rivers has been uncharacteristically careless with the football. Every interception has a story but it's been a tale of two halves lately for the Rivers -- his interceptions are piling up in the final 30 minutes of games; he had two more last Sunday.
So, to take the pressure off Rivers, the Chargers need to lean on RB Melvin Gordon more often. Gordon had 10 carries in the second half last week, despite the Chargers having the lead for the majority of it. The Panthers are giving up nearly 108 rushing yards per game, but starting linebacker Luke Kuechly is expected to return from concussion protocol although he was listed as questionable in Friday injury report..
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Chargers TE Antonio Gates vs. Panthers LB Luke Kuechly. Kuechly is expected to return from a concussion after a two-game absence. Gates, in his 14th season, is still going strong, although maybe not as fast. The Panthers have been gashed by opposing TEs -- with or without Kuechly -- and Gates is a dangerous target for QB Philip Rivers.
--Panthers' offensive line vs. Chargers DE Joey Bosa. Carolina's O-line allowed no sacks against the Seahawks. Bosa has 5.5 sacks and seven QB hits in his first eight games. The Panthers used plenty of max protection to keep QB Cam Newton clean in Seattle and Bosa will be a handful for a banged-up line.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
--Out: CB Brandon Flowers (concussion)
--Questionable: LB Jatavis Brown (knee), G Orlando Franklin (knee)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
--Out: DE Charles Johnson (hamstring), LB David Mayo (concussion), T Daryl Williams (ankle)
--Questionable: DE Mario Addison (foot), S Kurt Coleman (concussion), LB Luke Kuechly (concussion), CB Daryl Worley (concussion)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Panthers C Tyler Larsen. Undrafted out of Utah State in 2014, Larsen wasn't even on a practice squad the past two seasons. But he's turned what was likely his final chance into a season-ending audition. In his first career start, Larsen was part of a line that held the Seahawks without a sack; and, with the Panthers' top two centers on injured reserve, Larsen is set to play four more games in the middle of the line.
FAST FACTS: Chargers QB Philip Rivers has thrown two or more touchdown passes in each of the last five games, which is tied for the third-longest active streak in the league and is also tied for the second-longest streak of his career. His longest streak of multi-touchdown games was seven, set in September-October 2014. ... Chargers RB Melvin Gordon, who ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing, needs eight yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark. Gordon is averaging 155 scrimmage yards per game since Week 8, the highest mark in the league. ... Panthers QB Cam Newton has completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes in each of his last three games, which is a career high, or low. The last quarterback to make at least 25 attempts and complete fewer than half of them in four or more straight games was Andrew Luck in December 2012 (five straight). ... Carolina WR Ted Ginn Jr. aims for a fourth consecutive game with a TD catch.
PREDICTION: This is a sad state of affairs for two of the more dynamic QBs in the NFL. Rivers is still capable of beating any team if he stops throwing them the ball, but Newton won't need to dress to impress as he seeks respect in a home game
OUR PICK: Panthers, 32-28.
--Frank Cooney
Cincinnati Bengals (4-7-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-12)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FirstEnergy Stadium. TV: CBS, Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein.
SERIES HISTORY: 87th meeting. Cincinnati leads the series 47-39, including wins in the past four meetings. The Bengals are 18-24 as the road club. Cincinnati owns a 19-8 record against the Browns during coach Marvin Lewis' tenure.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Bengals don't want to be the first team to lose to the Browns in more than a year.
Robert Griffin III might just give Cleveland hope of finding the win column for only the third time in nearly 750 days. He's certainly more of a threat than the Bengals faced in the first meeting this season, in which rookie Cody Kessler left with a concussion and gave way to another rookie, Kevin Hogan.
Players in Cincinnati confess they are sensing pressure playing a winless team coached by former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.
"You don't want to be the team to help them stop their streak," said defensive end Carlos Dunlap. "For us it's an AFC North game, against one of our old coaches. We know it's personal for him and we're going to approach it that way."
It was clear that Bengals players believe the team needs to prepare for anything this week from Jackson's Browns.
Cleveland also will have two of its top defensive playmakers back in LB Jamie Collins and CB Joe Haden, neither of whom played in the Bengals' 31-17 win in October.
Cincinnati is coming off its most complete performance of the season in last week's 32-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. With wide receiver A.J. Green not expected to play due to a hamstring strain, they'll feed running back Jeremy Hill, who has averaged 116.5 yards in four career meetings.
Griffin hasn't played since Week 1, but the Browns are ready to give him another shot at the helm after losing 11 in a row with a revolving door at quarterback.
He carried the ball five times in the opener and was injured on an 11-yard scramble, but the threat of Griffin on the move could be the Browns' best weapon.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Bengals WR Brandon LaFell vs. Browns CB Joe Haden. There's no A.J. Green to contend with so, depending on matchups, the veteran Haden will get LaFell or one of the Bengals' young receivers. Haden didn't play when the teams met in October.
--Browns RB Isaiah Crowell vs. Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict. Cleveland wants to win at a slow, methodical pace; but, with a 30th-ranked third-down offense, the strategy demands success on first and second downs. Burfict missed the first four games but leads the team in tackles.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
CINCINNATI BENGALS
--Out: DE Wallace Gilberry (calf), WR A.J. Green (hamstring), S Derron Smith (thigh), TE C.J. Uzomah (calf), WR James Wright (knee)
--Questionable: LS Clark Harris (groin)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
No players listed
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Browns OG Jonathan Cooper. The 2013 first-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals is ready to make his first start at right guard for the Browns. The Browns have given up a league-high 45 sacks and Cincinnati's defensive muscle is in the line.
"I'll step in and do the best I can to help the team however I can," Cooper said. "Do I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders specifically? No. I'm only one person. I know as long as we work together and continue to improve as a unit, the sky's the limit."
Cooper is starting because John Greco is out for the rest of the season with a foot injury. Bengals DL Geno Atkins is one of the best defensive tackles in the league.
FAST FACTS: The Bengals have won four consecutive meetings. ... Cleveland has lost 17 straight games dating back to last season. Bengals QB Andy Dalton has seven TD passes, zero interceptions and a passer rating of 137.3 in the past three meetings with the Browns.
PREDICTION: If not now, when? The Browns will come out swinging and take down the Bengals to avoid going winless in 2016. But it won't be easy.
OUR PICK: Browns, 23-20.
--Jeff Reynolds
Chicago Bears (3-9) at Detroit Lions (8-4)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Ford Field. TV: CBS, Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots.
SERIES HISTORY: 173rd regular-season meeting. Bears lead the series, 97-71-5. The Bears beat the Lions in the last meeting on Oct. 2, 17-14. One memorable matchup between these two teams was in 2010, when the Bears beat the Lions 19-14 in the season opener after Calvin Johnson had a late touchdown catch nullified because he "didn't complete the process of the catch."
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Bears can't count on Lions QB Matthew Stafford throwing two interceptions right to them as he did in the first game between these teams. The Bears need to challenge the Lions' receivers with man-to-man coverage and mix in more blitzes than they've shown in the past to keep Stafford off stride.
This will put more pressure on inexperienced safeties such as Deon Bush, so the pass rush needs to be effective helping the secondary. The Lions have no real running game, so blitzing and playing man-to-man against a quarterback who isn't known for great mobility makes all the more sense. A strong interior pass rush is needed again from Akiem Hicks. He had a big game last week, with two sacks, and pressure up the middle is one of the best ways to force Stafford into mistakes.
This is Bears QB Matt Barkley's first start on the road; and, to keep him comfortable, Chicago will need to get running back Jordan Howard moving early and often. Barkley isn't mobile and the Bears were able to keep Detroit's defense off balance last time by moving Brian Hoyer around in the pocket or moving the pocket entirely. So this will be more difficult to do. Without a running game, it will be almost impossible to do.
The Lions struggled to move the ball in their first meeting. They had 11 yards on their first four possessions and ran for just 66 yards in the game, and Stafford threw those two interceptions. The Lions want to get on the scoreboard early and force an ill-equipped Bears team to play from behind.
Defensively, the Lions' focus will be on stopping rookie running back Jordan Howard and making sure Eddie Royal doesn't have another big game.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Lions OG/C Graham Glasgow vs. Bears DL Akiem Hicks. Center Travis Swanson is out (concussion). If Swanson can't play, Glasgow will slide over to center from his left guard spot for the first time this year. Hicks is coming off a monster 10-tackle, two-sack game, and he had a sack on Matthew Stafford in the first meeting. He rushes from all over the line and will be a bear for the rookie to handle.
--Lions S Rafael Bush vs. Bears WR Eddie Royal. Adairius Barnes should play as the Lions' third cornerback with Quandre Diggs out for the season, but Bush is the third safety in the Lions' big nickel package and will see the field plenty this week. He has two key interceptions this year. The bears hoped to isolate Bush on Royalm but Royal is doubtful with a toe injury. Royal had seven catches for 111 yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 meeting.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
CHICAGO BEARS
--Doubtful: T Mike Adams (back), WR Eddie Royal (toe)
--Questionable: LB Jonathan Anderson (hamstring), CB Johnthan Banks (ankle), WR Josh Bellamy (shoulder), WR Marquess Wilson (groin)
DETROIT LIONS
--Out: C Travis Swanson (concussion)
--Questionable: DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), S Don Carey (hamstring), TE Eric Ebron (knee), WR Marvin Jones (quadricep), LB DeAndre Levy (knee), RB Theo Riddick (wrist), RB Dwayne Washington (ankle), LB Tahir Whitehead (knee)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Bears DE Akiem Hicks. He is a steady performer at defensive end and provided an interior pass rush when nose tackle Eddie Goldman missed more than half the season with an injury. Hicks has had to be versatile throughout his career, but his height and overall size made him a better fit in the Bears' 3-4, and they already had drafted Goldman the previous year to be at nose.
FAST FACTS: Bears QB Matt Barkley had career-high 97.5 passer rating last week. ... Bears rookie RB Jordan Howard rushed for 117 yards and three TDs in Week 13 and became the fifth rookie in Bears history with three rushing TDs in a game. He ranks second among rookie RBs with 883 yards rushing and five TDs on the ground. ... Bears DE Akiem Hicks has four sacks and a forced fumble in the last four games. ... Lions QB Matthew Stafford has 916 passing yards and seven TDs in the past three games vs. the Bears. ... Detroit WR Anquan Bolden has TD catches in six home games with the Lions. Since entering the NFL in 2003, he ranks third with 13,627 yards receiving.
PREDICTION: The Lions are in the playoff chase, the Bears are not and this game in Detroit should show why. Chicago is 0-6 on the road this season and probably will not avoid losing its first seven road games in a season for the third time in franchise history (1969 and 1974).
OUR PICK: Lions, 38-21.
--Frank Cooney
Houston Texans (6-6) at Indianapolis Colts (6-6)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium. TV: CBS, Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon.
SERIES HISTORY: 30th regular-season meeting. Colts lead series, 23-6. Indianapolis is 13-1 against the Texans in home games (6-0 at the Hoosier/RCA Dome and 7-1 at Lucas Oil Stadium) and 10-5 in road matchups (all games played at Reliant/NFG Stadium). The Colts have won eight of the last 13 meetings with Houston but have lost the last two contests. The Texans had not won a game in Indianapolis until last season's triumph. The Colts have swept the series nine times while Houston has never swept the series. Indianapolis won the first nine games of the series before losing and then ran off another six-game winning streak.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: When it comes to deciding the AFC South, the playoffs begin this weekend. Three teams are tied for first place, each with a 6-6 record -- Indianapolis, Houston and Tennessee.
With the possibility of any of those three teams earning wild-card postseason spots pretty much out of the question, only the AFC South winner will make the playoffs.
The Colts already swept their home-and-home series with the Titans. Indianapolis, however, lost its only other meeting with the Texans, dropping a 26-23 road game in overtime on Oct. 16.
Tennessee has a home game with Denver and a road trip to Kansas City over the next two weeks. So, with the Colts and Texans scheduled to face off Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium, the game will have a definite postseason feel.
Indianapolis had success with its newfound aggressiveness on both sides of the ball in the win over the Jets. That game plan is expected to continue Sunday against Houston.
The Colts have been taking more shots downfield offensively and getting the ball into the end zone. Indianapolis is also getting the tight end much more involved in the team's passing attack.
Defensively, the Colts will have to dial up some pressure against Houston quarterback Brock Osweiler in an attempt to force turnovers and bad plays. Indianapolis will try to set the tone better defensively than the team did in the earlier loss to the Texans. In that game, Osweiler engineered a dramatic 26-23 comeback victory in overtime Oct. 16.
Osweiler has completed 59.8 percent of his throws for 2,509 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is keenly aware he needs to play the way he did in the first game against the Colts with the season on the line.
"This is the biggest game of our season," Osweiler said. "I'm viewing our season right now as a one-game season, and it's one game we must win. I think our entire football team understands that. There's great urgency in this building right now and it's reflected at practice."
The Texans are averaging just 13.2 points per game on the road, the worst in the NFL. Meanwhile, although the Colts are averaging 29.3 points on the road, they are scoring just 22.5 at home. That 6.8-point drop-off at home is the biggest in the league.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Colts CB Vontae Davis. Hopkins caught his first touchdown pass in six games against the Packers. He is still a dangerous threat despite his reduced production overall. Davis is a strong, physical cornerback.
--Colts QB Andrew Luck vs. Texans CB A.J. Bouye. Bouye is having a breakthrough season and is primed to cash in as a free agent. Luck comes into the Houston game with 3,105 yards, 23 TDs and eight interceptions. He has connected on 64 percent of his passes but has been sacked a league-leading 36 times. The Texans are ranked fifth in the league in pass defense, allowing 208.4 yards per game.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
HOUSTON TEXANS
--Out: RB Tyler Ervin (ribs), WR Braxton Miller (shoulder), QB Tom Savage (right elbow), LB John Simon (chest), WR Jaelen Strong (ankle)
--Questionable: DE Jadeveon Clowney (elbow, wrist), LB Brian Cushing (back, ankle), CB Johnathan Joseph (ribs)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
--Out: S Clayton Geathers (neck), T Denzelle Good (concussion), DT Zach Kerr (concussion), LB Robert Mathis (bicep), CB Patrick Robinson (groin)
--Questionable: LB Curt Maggitt (concussion)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Colts RB Robert Turbin. Turbin has filled his role as the primary backup to Frank Gore. Since signing with the Colts in the offseason, the former Dallas and Seattle running back has become a valuable short-yardage and red-zone producer. He had a touchdown run against the Jets on Monday night. Turbin has four TD runs, which ties for the team lead with Gore.
FAST FACTS: Texans QB Brock Osweiler is 3-0 as starter vs. division in 2016 and threw for 2 TDs and 97.6 passer rating last week. ... Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins has 28 catches for 334 yards in the past three meetings. ... Texans LB Whitney Mercilus has five TFL, a sack and a fumble recovery in the last two games. ... Texans LB Benardrick McKinney is the only player in the NFL with 100 tackles (106) and at least four sacks (four). ... Colts QB Andrew Luck is a native of Houston, where he played at Stratford High School before going to Stanford. Luck is 5-2 against his hometown Texans, throwing for 1,637 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has been sacked 19 times in seven games. ... Colts WR T.Y. Hilton ranks second in the NFL with 1,088 yards receiving. ... Colts LB Robert Mathis has the most sacks (18.5) by any player vs. the Texans, including a sack in three of the past four meetings. He is the franchise leader with 121 sacks.
PREDICTION: While much attention is on Raiders-Chiefs and Cowboys-Giants this week, here is a game that may be key in putting one of these teams in the playoffs. The loser is probably out. The Colts have the advantage at home with the more experienced QB.
OUR PICK: Colts, 28-21.
--Frank Cooney
Minnesota Vikings (6-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, EverBank Field. TV: FOX, Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin.
SERIES HISTORY: Sixth meeting. Minnesota leads the series, 4-1. Jacksonville's only win came in 2001, a 33-3 win in Minneapolis. The Vikings are one of just two NFL teams (New England) that the Jaguars have not beaten at home. Last meeting between the teams was on Sept. 9, 2012, in Minneapolis with the Vikings winning 26-23 in overtime.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: First, let's get the report from Minnesota's busy infirmary. After four eye surgeries this season, coach Mike Zimmer can fly with the team to coach in Jacksonville, although probably from the coaching box above the field. Versatile safety Harrison Smith is probably lost for the season with an ankle injury. And superstar running back Adrian Peterson says he can return to action (knee surgery), but only if the Vikings are in the playoff picture.
That probably means there is a slim chance he will return this year and a good chance he will be released before the third day of the 2017 NFL year or the team will owe him $6 million.
As far as the game at Jacksonville is concerned, the absence of Smith is most important. His replacement could be rookie Jayron Kearse, second-year pro Anthony Harris or even starting cornerback Terence Newman, who shifted to safety a year ago when Smith missed the game at Arizona.
In stats that may matter, the Vikings head into the game with the fourth-ranked scoring defense (17.4) and the second-ranked turnover margin (plus-13). The Jaguars have the 27th-ranked scoring offense (18.7) and are last in turnover margin (minus-18), giveaways (25) and interceptions thrown (18).
Both quarterbacks are on the hot seat.
The Vikings gave up a lot now and in the future to get QB Sam Bradford after Teddy Bridgewater went out with a major knee injury.. But Bradford has not proven to be the answer to the Vikings' offensive woes as the team ranks 25th in passing and 26th in scoring. Bradford has had moments, including five games in which he has passed for over 260 yards.
Jaguars QB Blake Bortles has done little to go forward in recent games, and Jacksonville's record reflects it -- the Jags are on a seven-game losing streak. In his last five outings, Bortles has thrown for fewer than 250 yards each game.
This Sunday he goes against a Vikings secondary that is ranked No. 4 in the league for allowing the fewest passing yards. If the Vikings shut down Bortles for yet another week, the Jaguars likely will notch a franchise-record-tying eighth consecutive loss.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Jaguars RT Jermey Parnell vs. Vikings DE Danielle Hunter. Last week Parnell encountered Denver's Von Miller, who came into the game leading the NFL with 12.5 sacks. Miller made just three tackles and had no sacks until late in the game when he pushed Parnell into Blake Bortles, causing him to fumble. Parnell allowed four sacks in losses to Oakland, Tennessee and Kansas City, but hasn't allowed a sack in his last four games. Hunter has 9.5 sacks this year, eighth best in the NFL.
--Vikings OTs Jeremiah Sirles and T.J. Clemmings vs. Jaguars LEO Yannick Ngakoue. In coach Gus Bradley's defense, the LEO position is the weakside edge rusher. The team found a good one in Ngakoue in the third round this year. After 13.5 sacks as a senior at Maryland, Ngakoue has a team-high six for Jacksonville. He's a 6-2, 252-pounder with 4.75 speed. He could present difficulties for Sirles on the right side and Clemmings on the left. Both players were backups at the start of the season. They struggle with edge rushers and even committed three false start penalties at home against the Cowboys last week.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
--Out: C Joe Berger (concussion), DT Sharrif Floyd (knee), S Harrison Smith (ankle)
--Questionable: LB Edmond Robinson (hamstring), CB Marcus Sherels (rib)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
--Out: WR Allen Hurns (hamstring), DE Jared Odrick (shoulder), RB Denard Robinson (ankle), TE Julius Thomas (back), S Peyton Thompson (ankle)
--Questionable: RB Chris Ivory (hamstring), G Brandon Linder (ankle), LB Dan Skuta (elbow)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Vikings DE Danielle Hunter. The second-year pro might be the best athlete on a team that includes Adrian Peterson. He is a physical marvel that the Vikings stole in the third round because of how raw he was at LSU. He developed more quickly than expected and is proving to be unblockable at times. He has 15.5 sacks the past two years, including a team-high 9.5 this season. He doesn't start, but does play a lot. Typically, the Vikings put him at left end in passing situations. When that happens, starting left end Brian Robison moves to a two-point stance and rushes from an interior spot on the left or right side.
FAST FACTS: Vikings QB Sam Bradford passed for 222 yards and three TDs in the only career meeting. He ranks second in the NFL in completion percentage (71.2). Bradford established season highs last week when he attempted 45 passes and completed 32. But the Vikings are 5-0 this season when Bradford attempts no more than 36 passes (starts only), compared to 0-6 when he throws at least 37 times. ... Vikings WR Stefon Diggs caught eight more passes last week and leads the NFL with 48 receptions since Week 8. For the season, Diggs is averaging 7.5 receptions per game, the third-highest rate in Vikings history. Only Cris Carter, who averaged 7.6 catches per game in both 1994 and 1995, has had a higher rate for Minnesota. ... Jaguars QB Blake Bortles completed only 45.2 percent of his passes last week, a season low, and compiled a passer rating of 37.9, a career low. He also threw the 11th pick-6 of his career, a total that tops the league since Bortles debuted in 2014.
PREDICTION: As long as they can stay healthy enough to play the game, the Vikings and their coach should eye a victory over a Jaguars team that has a long way to go before it is competitive in the NFL.
OUR PICK: Vikings, 28-14.
--Frank Cooney
Arizona Cardinals (5-6-1) at Miami Dolphins (7-5)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium. TV: FOX, Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Holly Sonders.
SERIES HISTORY: 12th regular-season meeting. The Dolphins hold an 8-3 edge in the all-time series, although the Cardinals have won the last three matchups. Three of the last four games have been decided by three points or fewer. This is the Cardinals' first visit to Miami since 2004. In that game, Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald finished with five catches for 92 yards to begin his active streak of catching at least one pass in 191 consecutive games, which ranks third on the all-time list. Fitzgerald caught a touchdown pass in that game with 19 seconds remaining to secure a 24-23, come-from-behind victory. The All-Pro wideout is the only player on either roster that played in that game.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: Miami had its six-game win streak snapped with a 38-6 loss at Baltimore last week. The 32-point losing margin was the Dolphins' largest since 2012 (Titans, 37-3), while the Ravens' 38 points, 496 total yards, and 386 net passing yards were all season highs for a Miami opponent.
Arizona moved within a game of .500 (5-6-1) with a 31-23 home victory over the Redskins on Sunday. While the Cardinals are unbeaten in their last four home games (3-0-1), they are 0-3 in their last three road contests, and just 1-4 on the road for the season. Arizona was 7-1 in road games in 2015.
The Cardinals had 11 players listed on their injury report on Wednesday, although three of them -- quarterback Carson Palmer, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker -- were each given a veteran's day off to rest and were not injury related.
Missing practice due to injuries were receiver John Brown (illness), linebacker Markus Golden (hamstring), safety Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder), who was ruled out Friday, and cornerback Tharold Simon (ankle). Listed as limited were cornerback Justin Bethel (foot/knee), defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (elbow), defensive tackle Corey Peters (foot) and cornerback Patrick Peterson (knee).
In a game where both teams like to control things with a running game, this is not a good matchup for Miami. Arizona is No. 3 in time of possession (31:37) while the Dolphins are 28th; Cardinals running back David Johnson is No. 3 in rushing at 1,005 yards while the Dolphins are 30th in run defense at 130.3; Arizona is No. 2 in total defense while the Dolphins are 25th in offense.
The Cardinals do not take chances when an opponent has a stud receiver who constantly makes big plays, so cornerback Patrick Peterson will shadow Jarvis Landry to make sure Miami's biggest receiving threat doesn't doom Arizona. Peterson has won most of his individual matchups when he travels against an opponent's No. 1 wideout.
The right side of the Cardinals' reshuffled offensive line, consisting of right guard John Wetzel and right tackle Ulrick John, must come up with a way to neutralize Miami defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who could blow things up for the Dolphins if the Cardinals aren't careful.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Cardinals RB David Johnson vs. Dolphins run defense. The run defense gets the focus because Johnson is No. 3 in the NFL with 1,005 rushing yards and the Dolphins are 30th in run defense at 130.3 yards per game. But this could be expanded to Miami's entire defense. Johnson has at least 100 yards from scrimmage in all 12 games this season, so he's also a receiving threat. But with the Dolphins it all starts with stopping the run so they can unleash the pass rush on third down.
--Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald vs. Dolphins DB Bobby McCain. You won't see this matchup all the time because Arizona moves Fitzgerald around, but the future Hall of Famer will give fits to the young McCain. The Rams picked on McCain and got a crucial penalty in the end zone. Look for Arizona to work McCain and, if things fall apart, it could be very costly because it could shred the pass defense the way Baltimore did last week.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
ARIZONA CARDINALS
--Out: S Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder)
--Questionable: WR John Brown (illness), LB Markus Golden (hamstring),
MIAMI DOLPHINS
--Out: C Mike Pouncey (hip)
--Doubtful: LB Kiko Alonso (hand, hamstring), LB Jelani Jenkins (knee, hand), DE Mario Williams (ankle)
--Questionable: S Isa Abdul-Quddus (neck), T Branden Albert (wrist), RB Kenyan Drake (knee), CB Xavien Howard (knee), DT Earl Mitchell (back), QB Matt Moore (right shoulder), WR DeVante Parker (back), LB Spencer Paysinger (ankle), G Anthony Steen (shoulder, foot), C Kraig Urbik (knee)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Cardinals QB Carson Palmer. He has taken the lion's share of the blame for the Cardinals' inauspicious 5-6-1 record thus far, but he is quietly posting very good numbers and results despite the team's record. He is piling up 300-yard games and, with his next one, will tie Kurt Warner with his 22nd, the most in franchise history. With two more TD passes, Palmer also will tie Warner (3) and Neil Lomax (3) as the only players in team history to pass for 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in three seasons.
FAST FACTS: Cardinals QB Carson Palmer had exactly 300 yards passing last week vs. Washington, his 48th career 300-yard game. He has 21 as a member of the Cardinals, one shy of Kurt Warner's franchise record of 22. ... Cardinals RB David Johnson is the second player in NFL history to gain 100 yards from scrimmage in each of his team's first 12 games. Edgerrin James did it with the Colts in 2005 (first 13 games) and 2000 (first 12). Johnson's 1,709 yards (1,005 rushing, 704 receiving) are the most in the NFL. ... Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill tied a career high with three interceptions last week vs. the Ravens (done five times previously). He was intercepted just once total during Miami's six-game win streak. ... Miami DE Cameron Wake had a franchise-record 4.5 sacks in the last meeting. He has 7.5 sacks in the past seven games and is second among active players with 78.5 sacks since 2009.
PREDICTION: Neither team is to be trusted, but Miami may be able to pull together at home following last week's embarrassing loss at Baltimore.
OUR PICK: Dolphins, 28-21.
--Frank Cooney
Washington Redskins (6-5-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field. TV: FOX, Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, Pam Oliver.
SERIES HISTORY: 164th regular-season meeting. Washington leads the all-time series, 84-73-5. A win would give the Redskins five consecutive for the first time since a six-game streak between 1981 and 1984. The Redskins won 27-20 at FedEx Field on Oct. 16.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Redskins were stable on the offensive line almost all season, even during the loss of Pro Bowl LT Trent Williams (four-game suspension) because Washington had a competent replacement in Ty Nsekhe. Williams returns this week just in time. Nsekhe (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday and left guard Shawn Lauvao, who struggled so much in Sunday's loss to Arizona, didn't practice (groin).
Meanwhile, center Spencer Long (concussion) also didn't practice Wednesday. The Redskins plugged in veteran John Sullivan, a six-year starter in Minnesota, and still performed well enough on Sunday. But they are concerned enough that veteran center Kory Lichtensteiger, the starter at the beginning of the season, was designated to return from IR in case Sullivan needs a backup.
The Redskins need to be stout on the interior because the Eagles have players like defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (four sacks), who is still a force despite his production dropping from 9.5 sacks in 2015.
Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins was 18-for-34 for 263 yards in the Redskins' 27-20 win over the Eagles on Oct. 16. Cousins had two touchdowns but has improved since that game.
Eagles rookie QB Carson Wentz threw 60 passes last week against the Bengals and has averaged 44.5 attempts per game the last six games. The large number of attempts has to do with the fact that the Eagles keep falling behind. They hope to establish the run early Sunday against the Redskins and stay with it. The Redskins are 29th in the league against the rush, allowing 4.6 yards per carry.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Redskins LG Arie Kouandjio vs. Eagles DT Fletcher Cox. Kouandjio is a good bet to play because starter Shawn Lauvao is hurt (groin) and the best alternative -- moving Spencer Long over from center -- is unlikely given Long's concussion on Sunday. Cox has been kept in check because of constant double-teams all season and is frustrated with his production. But Kouandjio, a second-year pro, has started only one game in his career.
--Redskins WR DeSean Jackson vs. Eagles CB Nolan Carroll. Ironic in a week where multiple reports linked Jackson, a free agent at the end of the season, back with Philadelphia. But there are no good options here for the Eagles, whose cornerbacks struggled with confidence lately and now face the NFL's second-best passing offense. Jackson had a 59-yard catch last week against Arizona. Since leaving Philadelphia after the 2013 season, he has 17 catches for 336 yards and a touchdown in four games against the Eagles.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
--Out: S Will Blackmon (concussion, thumb), DE Anthony Lanier (shin), C Spencer Long (concussion, stinger)
--Questionable: DE Chris Baker (ankle), TE Derek Carrier (knee), LB Will Compton (hip), DE Ricky Jean Francois (foot, knee), G Shawn Lauvao (groin), T Ty Nsekhe (ankle), TE Jordan Reed (shoulder), G Brandon Scherff (ankle), LB Preston Smith (groin)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
--Out: T Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee)
--Questionable: WR Dorial Green-Beckham (abdomen), RB Ryan Mathews (knee), WR Jordan Matthews (ankle)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Redskins WR Pierre Garcon. Mr. Reliable for the Redskins, Garcon is in his fifth season in Washington and on his way to at least 68 catches for a fifth time. He has 59, which is tied for the team lead with tight end Jordan Reed. With 714 receiving yards, Garcon is on pace for his best season since 2013, when he had 1,346 yards on 113 catches. Garcon turned 30 in August and is a free agent at the end of the season.
FAST FACTS: In the past nine road games, Redskins QB Kirk Cousins has 2,876 yards passing, 18 TDs and four interceptions. He ranks third in the NFL with 3,811 passing yards. ... Washington RB Robert Kelley is third among NFL rookies with 524 rushing yards. ... Eagles QB Carson Wentz ranks second among NFL rookies with 2,901 yards passing. He tied an NFL rookie record with 36 completions last week.
PREDICTION: The Redskins have won four straight games over the Eagles, their longest winning streak in the series since a four-game streak from 1985 to 1987. The last time Washington won five (or more) in a row against Philadelphia was a six-game streak between 1981 and 1984. They should make it five straight on Sunday.
OUR PICK: Redskins, 42-30.
--Frank Cooney
Denver Broncos (8-4) at Tennessee Titans (6-6)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Nissan Stadium. TV: CBS, Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn.
SERIES HISTORY: 38th meeting. Broncos lead series, 21-15-1. The Broncos have won four of the last five. The most historic meeting between was on Jan. 4, 1992, when John Elway led "The Drive II," converting two fourth downs to set up David Treadwell's game-winning field goal. The Broncos mashed the Titans in the last meeting, in Denver in 2013. That game is most known for Matt Prater making an NFL-record 64-yard field goal.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: It's another week of wait-and-see at quarterback for the Broncos, with another must-win game looming. Starter Trevor Siemian shed the walking boot early this week, but coach Gary Kubiak said he would work both of his top two quarterbacks, and the possibility of going into Tennessee with rookie Paxton Lynch lingers. sIEMIAN WAS LISTED AS QUESTIONABLE fRIDAY.
The Jaguars' offense was ineffective enough to allow the Broncos to withstand Lynch's struggles last week. That almost certainly won't be the case with the Titans.
The Broncos are hoping to get a boost for their injury-plagued running game with the signing of Justin Forsett, who enjoyed his best season in 2014 with Baltimore. The Ravens' offensive coordinator that year? None other than current Denver coach Gary Kubiak.
The Denver defense's strength is against the pass, as teams are enjoying success running the football. That should play into the hands of Titans RBs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry.
With Murray healthier than he has been in a while after battling turf toe throughout November, he could be primed for a big game. That would allow the Titans to munch on the clock and perhaps diminish Von Miller's opportunities to get after Marcus Mariota.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Titans defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau vs. Broncos QB Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch. Siemian may not know his status until later in the week after he missed last week with an injured foot. Either way, look for LeBeau to throw exotic looks and blitzes at a young quarterback, whether it be Siemian or first-round pick Lynch.
--Titans LT Taylor Lewan vs. Broncos LB Von Miller. Miller is one of the league's premier pass rushers, and Lewan will have his hands full containing him, despite playing well this season and allowing only one sack. If Lewan can win his share of this battle, it would make things easier for QB Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee offense.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
DENVER BRONCOS
--Out: LS Casey Kreiter (calf), LB Brandon Marshall (hamstring)
--Questionable: WR Bennie Fowler (knee), QB Trevor Siemian (foot)
TENNESSEE TITANS
--Questionable: DT Jurrell Casey (foot)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Titans RB DeMarco Murray. While Denver has a terrific pass rush and excellent secondary, it is also ranked 28th against the run, allowing 122.8 yards per game. Enter Murray, who has 1,043 yards and is also healthier after battling turf toe in November. If the Titans' O-line can create a new scrimmage line consistently, Murray should have a big day and the impact of the Broncos' pass rush could be reduced.
FAST FACTS: Broncos QB Trevor Siemian threw for 368 yards and three TDs in his last start. He has 10 TDs and three interceptions in five road starts. ... Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas had 88 receiving yards and a TD in the last meeting. Since 2012, he ranks second in the NFL with 468 receptions. He also is one of four players with five TD catches in each of the past five seasons. ... Broncos LB Von Miller leads the NFL with 12.5 sacks. He has 17.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and an interception in his past 14 games. ... Denver CB Bradley Roby had a 51-yard interception for a TD last week. He and Kansas City's Eric Berry are the only players with two pick-sixes this season. ... Titans QB Marcus Mariota has 21 passing TDs and three INTs in his past eight games. He is tied for fourth in the NFL with 25 passing TDs and ranks fifth with a 101.9 rating. He has thrown at least two TD passes in eight straight games. ... Titans LB Brian Orakpo ranks fifth in the AFC with nine sacks. In his past two games vs. Denver, he has 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
PREDICTION: The Titans' offense is rolling, and the defense should benefit from facing Denver's stumbling offense.
OUR PICK: Titans, 24-20.
--Chris Cluff
New York Jets (3-9) at San Francisco 49ers (1-11)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Levi's Stadium. TV: CBS, Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl.
SERIES HISTORY: 13th regular-season meeting. 49ers lead series, 10-2. The 49ers won the most recent game, Sept. 30, 2012, when CB Carlos Rogers returned a fumble 54 yards for a touchdown in a 34-0 victory at MetLife Stadium. The most memorable game in the series was played Sept. 6, 1998, when Garrison Hearst scored a 96-yard touchdown in overtime to lift the 49ers to a 36-30 win. It remains the longest overtime touchdown run in NFL history.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: Bryce Petty and Colin Kaepernick have been the focus of attention leading into Sunday's game. Don't be surprised, however, if Matt Forte and Carlos Hyde have a greater impact on who wins the battle of last-place teams.
The Jets will be seeking to wash away the embarrassment of a nationally televised blowout while the 49ers attempt to end an 11-game losing streak in a game that figures to greatly aid someone's draft position in May.
Petty was named the starter for the Jets' remaining four games shortly after Monday's 41-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Petty relieved starter Ryan Fitzpatrick for the second half and went 11-for-25 for 135 yards and one touchdown. He threw two interceptions.
Look for lots of work out of the shotgun and plenty of quick passes from Petty. Forte and Bilal Powell have been underused as pass catchers, but this should be a game in which they get plenty of work on dumpoffs and screens.
San Francisco coach Chip Kelly decided to stick with Kaepernick after benching him last week.
The Jets' linebacking corps, shredded by Colts tight end Dwayne Allen for three touchdowns on Monday night, will need to limit Kaepernick's running.
The 49ers need to dominate the line of scrimmage to get their running game going early.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--WR Brandon Marshall vs. CB Tramaine Brock and/or CB Jimmie Ward. Marshall is on pace for just 960 receiving yards and has yet to display any chemistry with new QB Bryce Petty, but this is a get-right spot against a 49ers secondary that has given up 26 passing touchdowns, tied for the second-most in the league. Look for the Jets to exploit the 6-foot-4 Marshall against Brock or Ward, each of whom are listed at smaller than six feet tall.
--49ers QB Colin Kaepernick vs. Jets LB Darron Lee. The Miami Dolphins didn't assign a linebacker to spy Kaepernick two weeks ago, when Kaepernick ran for 113 yards while leading the 49ers within a few yards of an upset victory. Kaepernick's weaponry is decidedly unimposing, so it makes sense for the Jets to try to further limit the 49ers' offense by assigning Lee, their youngest and fastest linebacker, to Kaepernick in the middle of the second level.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
NEW YORK JETS
--Out: S Antonio Allen (concussion), T Breno Giacomini (back, calf, shoulder), WR Jalin Marshall (concussion), LB Lorenzo Mauldin (ankle), DT Steve McLendon (hamstring), RB Khiry Robinson (lower leg)
--Questionable: DE Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
--Doubtful: T Joe Staley (hamstring)
--Questionable: DT Quinton Dial (elbow), LB Aaron Lynch (ankle)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Jets WR Robby Anderson. New QB Bryce Petty loves Anderson, whom he peppered with 11 targets in the second half of Monday's 41-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Petty completed just four passes to Anderson, though one went for a 40-yard touchdown. Anderson has undeniable deep-threat ability but has a propensity for drops. This is as big a chance for Anderson as it is for Petty to prove he deserves to be a part of the Jets' plans in 2017.
FAST FACTS: Jets QB Bryce Petty passed for 135 yards and a TD in relief Monday. ... Jets RB Matt Forte has 387 scrimmage yards (96.8 per game) and a rushing TD in four games vs. the 49ers. He is one of seven players in NFL history with 9,000 rushing yards (9,386) and 500 receptions (516). ... Jets DT Leonard Williams led the team with 10 tackles and had half a sack last week. He ranks second among NFL defensive tackles with 6.5 sacks. ... 49ers RB Carlos Hyde has returned from a shoulder injury to rush for 86, 65 and 92 yards the last three weeks. The 49ers have amassed 456 rushing yards in those games, the third most in the league behind Buffalo (548) and Seattle (519). . . . In his past two home games, 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has 604 passing yards, four TDs and one interception. In his past five home games vs. the AFC, he has seven TDs and no interceptions,
PREDICTION: The 49ers have lost their last three home games by an average of 16 points, and Todd Bowles knows Colin Kaepernick well.
OUR PICK: Jets, 17-10.
--Chris Cluff
Seattle Seahawks (8-3-1) at Green Bay Packers (6-6)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Lambeau Field. TV: FOX, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews.
SERIES HISTORY: 17th regular-season meeting. Packers lead series, 9-7. Green Bay won last meeting, 27-17, last year. The home team has won the last four regular-season meetings and all three postseason matchups. Seattle beat the Packers 28-22 in overtime in the 2014 NFC Championship Game.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: Now that they're back to .500, the Packers must pass a stringent late-season test to climb all of the way back to the plus side for their record and remain in contention for the NFC North title and a playoff berth. The momentum of two straight wins on the heels of a four-game losing streak will be challenged by the NFC West-leading Seahawks and possibly Mother Nature, with a second straight Sunday of snow showers in Green Bay forecasted.
Points were going to be at a premium anyhow under stellar playing conditions. After all, Seattle has long been the stingiest on the scoreboard, leading the league again this season by allowing an average of only 16.2 points per game.
The Packers' lack of a quality rushing attack could mean Aaron Rodgers will have to try to keep the chains moving against Seattle's talented secondary if he's given time to get the football out in the face of a potent pass rush. The notable loss of All-Pro safety Earl Thomas to a broken leg should leave some soft spots in the middle of Seattle's defense for Rodgers to attack with his receivers and tight ends.
Green Bay's banged-up defense, on the other hand, will be keyed on containing the Seahawks' resurgent rushing attack. Seattle piled up a season-high 240 yards on the ground in its blowout win over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday and is averaging a robust 173 rushing yards the last three outings. Explosive second-year halfback Thomas Rawls is back healthy, and the Seahawks aren't bashful about getting fleet-footed receiver Tyler Lockett the football in the backfield. Then throw in the option reads of quarterback Russell Wilson, who will look to lure Green Bay's defense close to the line of scrimmage to create open passing lanes. The Packers must be disciplined and aggressive with their pass rush against a suspect offensive line.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett vs. Packers CB Quinten Rollins. Lockett had his most productive game of the season last week against the Panthers and will face a Green Bay defense that has struggled against opposing passing attacks the second half of the season.
--Seahawks DE Cliff Avril vs. Packers RT Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga has struggled in past games against Seattle' left end. Whether Chris Clemons, Bruce Irvin or Avril, Bulaga has allowed several sacks and pressures on Aaron Rodgers and could be a battle Seattle can win again.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
--Out: LB Brock Coyle (foot), DE Damontre Moore (foot), RB C.J. Prosise (shoulder), RB Will Tukuafu (concussion)
--Questionable: LB Michael Morgan (hip)
GREEN BAY PACKERS
--Out: LB Kyler Fackrell (hamstring), LB Nick Perry (hand)
--Questionable: CB Ladarius Gunter (illness), G T.J. Lang (foot), LB Blake Martinez (knee), LB Clay Matthews (shoulder), CB Damarious Randall (groin, illness), C J.C. Tretter (knee)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: FS Steven Terrell. In facing Rodgers and the Packers' passing attack, Terrell will be under the spotlight as he steps into a starting role following the season-ending injury to All-Pro safety Earl Thomas. With games against Los Angeles, Arizona and San Francisco remaining, Terrell may face his toughest test before the playoffs this Sunday.
FAST FACTS: Seahawks QB Russell Wilson has six TD passes and one interception in three career meetings. ... Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin caught seven passes for 92 yards and a score in the last meeting. Since 2015, Baldwin ranks second in the NFC with 19 receiving touchdowns. ... Seahawks DE Michael Bennett has four sacks and a forced fumble in four meetings. ... Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has averaged 291 passing yards per game, with seven touchdowns and no interceptions, in the past three games. He has 486 passing yards, three TDs and no interceptions in two home meetings. ... Packers WR Randall Cobb has caught a TD pass in four straight home games. He caught eight passes for 116 yards in the last meeting.
PREDICTION: This is the proving game for the Packers, who face a much more explosive offense than the two they have beaten the past two weeks. But the Russell Wilson and the Seahawks have owned December (17-3).
OUR PICK: Seahawks, 30-25.
--Chris Cluff
Atlanta Falcons (7-5) at Los Angeles Rams (4-8)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. TV: FOX, Dick Stockton, David Diehl, Kristina Pink.
SERIES HISTORY: 77th regular-season meeting. The Rams lead the series, 47-27-2. The Falcons won the last meeting with the St. Louis Rams, 31-24, on Sept. 15, 2013. The Falcons won their last game against the Rams in Los Angeles, 8-5, on Oct. 2, 1994.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Falcons must hold off the surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers in order to claim the NFC South title and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The Falcons and the Bucs are tied at 7-5, but the Falcons hold the tiebreaker advantage if both teams win out and finish 11-5.
While much of the hype in SoCal is about rookie QB Jared Goff, the Falcons will need their run defense to play well in order to beat the Rams.
The Rams finished strong last season at 7-9 and were projected to lean heavily on second-year running back Todd Gurley while developing Goff. But the Rams have not been able to spring Gurley and their respectable defense has spent too much time on the field.
Gurley was named the NFL's offensive rookie of the year after rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He has gone 15 consecutive games without rushing for more than 100 yards and had a season-low 11 carries against the Patriots on Sunday. Gurley has rushed for a paltry 679 yards on 211 carries.
The Falcons need QB Matt Ryan to get the ball to WR Julio Jones. The Falcons have targeted Jones only six times in the red zone.
Overall, Ryan has completed 284 of 414 passes for 3,813 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has a passer rating of 112.3. Jones has 72 catches for 1,253 yards and five touchdowns. He did not practice on Wednesday with his turf toe injury.
The Rams have faced two straight Pro Bowl quarterbacks in Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints and Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. A defense that was playing at an elite level for most of 2016 responded by surrendering 78 points in two blowout losses.
The Rams' challenge will be forcing Ryan to look elsewhere with the ball by limiting his looks to Jones.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
--Rams LT Greg Robinson vs. Falcons DE Vic Beasley. Robinson returned to the starting lineup Sunday after getting benched the week before over season-long poor play and mental lapses. He fared reasonably well against the Patriots. But he is in for a tall task vs. Beasley, who leads the Falcons with 10.5 sacks and will be a handful with his quickness, burst and physicality.
--Falcons LG Andy Levitre vs. Rams DT Aaron Donald. Levitre is having a strong second season with the Falcons, but he will have to anchor and anticipate Donald's quickness. Donald, a two-time Pro Bowler, is a disruptive force and has six sacks on the season. He was ejected from a game earlier in the season after making contact with a referee.
FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
ATLANTA FALCONS
--Out: DE Adrian Clayborn (knee), WR Mohamed Sanu (groin)
--Questionable: WR Julio Jones (toe), T Jake Matthews (knee), S Robenson Therezie (ankle)
LOS ANGELES RAMS
--Doubtful: RB Benny Cunningham (neck)
--Questionable: CB E.J. Gaines (thigh), DE Robert Quinn (concussion)
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Rams CB Michael Jordan. With E.J. Gaines coming up lame with a quad injury Sunday against the Patriots, Jordan will likely get the starting nod. An undrafted rookie free agent from Western Missouri, Jordan has spent most of the season on the practice squad. Gaines did not practice Wednesday.
FAST FACTS: Falcons WR Julio Jones had seven catches for 113 yards last week vs. Kansas City and now has an NFL-high 1,253 yards. In his only previous game against the Rams (2013), Jones caught 11 passes for 182 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown. ... Falcons RB Devonta Freeman had two rushing touchdowns last week vs. Kansas City, after having two rushing touchdowns the week before against Arizona. ... Top overall 2016 draft pick Jared Goff has lost his first three NFL starts. Goff has thrown four touchdown passes against three interceptions and has a 70 passer rating. The last quarterback selected No. 1 overall to lose his first three starts was Alex Smith with San Francisco in 2005 (lost five). ... Rams WR/PR Tavon Austin had two TD catches in the last meeting. Since 2013, he is the only NFL player with five TDs rushing (7), 10 receiving (12) and punt return TDs (3). ... Rams DT Aaron Donald leads NFL DTs with 26 sacks.
PREDICTION: The Rams' defensive front can be a challenge for any team, but Falcons QB Matt Ryan has not been flustered easily this year.
OUR PICK: Falcons, 35-21.
--Frank Cooney
New Orleans Saints (5-7) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium. TV: FOX, Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman.
SERIES HISTORY: 49th regular-season meeting. Saints lead series, 30-18. After the Saints took seven consecutive games in the series, the Bucs finally ended the run with a 26-19 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Week 2 last season. The Saints, however, rebounded to take the rematch at Raymond James Stadium, 24-17, on Dec. 13 for their fourth win in a row in Tampa. The Saints have won six of the last seven meetings at the site of Sunday's game, outscoring the Bucs 187-118. Since Sean Payton took over in 2006, the Saints are 13-7 against the Bucs.
GAMEDATE: 12/11/16
KEYS TO THE GAME: After having a difficult time throwing the ball in Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions, the Saints now get to face the Bucs' 15th-ranked pass defense, which has allowed just 249.9 yards per game. That likely means the Saints will try to move the ball on the ground and loosen up the Bucs' 25th-ranked run defense, which gives up 116.1 rushing yards a game and 4.4 yards per carry. Yet, that doesn't mean Drew Brees won't be highly motivated to atone for their clunker of a game a week ago.
The Bucs have given up 22 touchdowns and 12.7 yards per reception, which will provide opportunities for Brandin Cooks, Michael Thomas and Willie Snead to make some plays, especially if running backs Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower are successful early.
The Saints have done a decent job in their last seven games of pressuring the quarterback while the secondary provides coverage down the field. They will need more of that against the Bucs and quarterback Jameis Winston, who has completed 61.7 percent of his passes with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Winston has been sacked 24 times and the Saints have reco
