Sunday 10/25/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arians calls Steelers loss 'identical' to Rams defeat

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Meet the new loss, same as the old loss.

That was coach Bruce Arians' assessment of his Arizona Cardinals' 25-13 defeat at Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Arians called the game ''identical'' to the Cardinals' other loss, 24-22 at home to the St. Louis Rams on Oct. 4.

''It was us beating us,'' he said on Monday.

In both games, despite playing poorly, the Cardinals had a chance to win it late.

This time, trailing 18-13, the Cardinals drove from their 21-yard line and, after Carson Palmer's 19-yard pass to John Brown, had the ball at the Steelers' 20. On the next play, Palmer threw deep to Brown but safety Mike Mitchell leaped in front of Brown to intercept in the end zone. Palmer said after the game he didn't see Mitchell before he threw.

Against the Rams, Palmer overthrew the intended receiver late on a play that would have put Arizona in position for a game-winning field goal.

Arians rated Palmer's performance on Sunday ''average to poor.''

The Cardinals quarterback racked up big numbers, completing 29 of 45 passes for 421 yards. It was his eighth career 400-yard game, but he threw for just one touchdown and was intercepted twice.

''He made a lot of throws and we made a lot of catches,'' Arians said, ''but we didn't execute very well inside the 20-yard line.''

The Cardinals, who entered the game as the NFL's highest-scoring team, had one touchdown in four trips inside the red zone. That makes them 2-of-9 in the red zone in their two losses. In Arizona's four wins, the Cardinals had 16 touchdowns in 17 red zone visits.

Arizona had 279 yards to the Steelers' 59 in the first half, but led only 10-3.

Brown caught 10 passes for a career-best 196 yards, but his fumble gave Pittsburgh the ball at the Arizona 32-yard line early in the third quarter. That led to Landry Jones' eight-yard touchdown pass to Martavis Bryant and the Steelers took the lead for good, 12-10.

Jones had never thrown a pass in an NFL game and his TD toss was his first completion.

Arizona safety Tony Jefferson was a teammate of Jones at Oklahoma and joked that the quarterback knew better than to throw the ball his way.

But Jefferson agreed with cornerback Patrick Peterson that the Arizona defense let up when Michael Vick was hurt and Jones, the third-string quarterback, entered the game.

''I think we kind of took a step back and kind of just relaxed a little bit,'' Jefferson said. ''But he brought his A game.''

The Steelers scored on all four possessions after Jones came in, not counting when he took a knee at the end of the game.

A week earlier, Detroit committed six turnovers to Arizona's zero in the Cardinals' 42-17 victory. On Sunday, the Cardinals turned it over three times, the Steelers none.

''We can't be a defense that doesn't get turnovers,'' Jefferson said. ''Even if our offense does give some turnovers, we've got to do our part to get some. We've got to be ball hawks. We've got to be playmakers.''

Pittsburgh was the first team with a winning record that Arizona has played, but the Steelers were without their starting quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger) and three defensive starters, and they lost their starting left tackle early in the game.

The Cardinals' Michael Floyd caught his first touchdown pass of the season. He had all kinds of trouble in three other end zone adventures. Once he was called for offensive pass interference, even though replays showed little evidence he committed the offense. Another time his toe touched out of bounds after his reception. And once a defender grabbed his jersey and pulled on it and he couldn't get to the ball. No penalty was called.

''I don't think anybody else missed it in the stadium,'' Arians said, ''other than the two guys with striped shirts on.''

Notes:

Arians said tight end Darren Fells has ''some sort of a strain'' in his knee. The coach said MRI results weren't in yet. Without Fells, Arizona is down to two tight ends - Jermaine Gresham and Troy Niklas. ... Next up for Arizona is a Monday night home game next week against the reeling Baltimore Ravens, who fell to 1-5 Sunday with a loss at San Francisco, the worst start to a season in Ravens history. ... The Cardinals still lead the NFC West at 4-2. St. Louis is 2-3, Seattle and San Francisco 2-4.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Buzz off: Jets taking low-key approach to facing Patriots

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) This is the week you could count on, at least twice an NFL season, to hear some pretty good trash talk all the way from New York to Boston.

Yep, it's Jets-Patriots.

Bad blood, memorable moments and players and coaches switching sides mark this AFC East rivalry.

So, with the latest showdown set for Sunday at New England with first place in the division on the line, the hype should be starting right about now, right?

''We're not trying to catch up on anybody,'' guard Willie Colon said Monday. ''We're not trying to make any statements. We just want to win, and everything will take care of itself.''

Wait.

What about the shots at Tom Brady? Or, that stuff about not kissing Bill Belichick's rings? And, the talk of knocking the Patriots off their throne atop the AFC East?

''You know the answer to that,'' Colon said. ''You know why. New regime.''

Rex Ryan certainly drove the narrative during his six years with the Jets, firmly establishing an us-against-them approach. Ryan always spoke of his respect for Brady and Belichick, but also made it clear that he wanted to beat them, and in a big way.

He wasn't very successful at it, though, going 4-9 against them with the Jets - although one of those victories came in the playoffs. That did little to stifle the chatter during the week leading up to the games against the Patriots.

Well, under coach Todd Bowles, the buzz is gone.

''Winning this game is not going to make us,'' Bowles said. ''Losing this game is not going to break us.''

Whoa.

But, Ryan used to say division games were worth 1 1/2 games because of their potential effect on the standings.

''No,'' Bowles said. ''It's one game for us.''

These are certainly new - and boring? - times in the Jets-Patriots rivalry, with New York taking on the even-keeled and low-key approach of its head coach.

The spiciest of the headline-making comments might have come after the Jets' 34-20 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday. That's when Sheldon Richardson declared that the Jets are ''licking our chops'' at facing the defending Super Bowl champions.

Yawn.

''You want them amped up on Sunday, but as far as playing the game or playing a specific person, you try to treat everybody the same and we go about our business the same way,'' Bowles said. ''We don't let that (determine) what we do in practice or what we do on Sunday.''

That includes not getting too high emotionally about facing an undefeated Patriots team that has won the division 12 of the past 14 seasons.

''Emotions is a tricky word,'' Colon said. ''Because if you fall into it, you kind of lose focus on everything that needs to be done around you. The only way to keep emotions out of that is just focus on your job, and focus on the job at hand.''

For the Jets (4-1), that means not having the type of sluggish starts that have been an early season problem, including their sloppy first half against the Redskins. New York had three turnovers in the first two quarters, leading to all of the Redskins' points as they took a 13-10 lead into halftime.

Ryan Fitzpatrick and the offense got their acts together in the third quarter, scoring 24 straight points and cruising to a win. Chris Ivory had another big game with 146 yards rushing and a touchdown, leading a Jets running attack that ranks first in the league.

''We have a lot of stuff to clean up,'' Fitzpatrick said. ''The turnovers early obviously put our defense in a tough spot. Those are just things that aren't going to be able to continue to occur if we want to continue to win games.''

The defense is ranked No. 1 overall in yardage allowed with 269.2 yards per game, and it has given up an NFL-low 75 points through five games.

In Brady & Co., the Jets will face the league's No. 2 overall offense, which also ranks second in passing.

''He's one of the ultimate quarterbacks of our time,'' Bowles said.

As a starting quarterback, Brady is 21-6 against the Jets, including 1-1 in the playoffs. So, he's an opponent the Jets know well - and can serve as an early season litmus test for New York.

Even if they're being hush-hush about it all.

''It's Week 6 and we just happen to be playing the New England Patriots,'' Colon said. ''That's our mindset. We know it's going to be a tough team to go against. But for us, it's another chance for us to prove ourselves. The only thing we need to prove to ourselves is that we can win.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Manning, Kubiak are committed to making this work

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Peyton Manning and Gary Kubiak are committed to making this shaky football marriage work.

Manning leads the league with 10 interceptions, as many as he threw in 2013 altogether, and his seven TDs so far match the total he had in that year's opener alone.

Yet, Denver is unbeaten thanks to a stout defense, a strong kicker and just enough clutch plays on offense to set up a Nov. 1 showdown with Green Bay featuring two flawed 6-0 teams coming off byes.

''Obviously, we've had a ton of breaks. I won't be going to Vegas for my bye weekend. I'm not feeling lucky now,'' Manning said after the Broncos' 26-23 overtime win at Cleveland.

He's not feeling fortunate because tipped passes keep landing in opponents' hands. But he should consider himself blessed that his many mistakes haven't cost the Broncos a game.

Manning's 61.6 completion percentage is his worst since 2001. His 6.5 yards per attempt are his worst since his rookie year in 1998. His TD-to-interception ratio is his worst ever and his 72.5 passer rating is his worst since '98.

So, no, he won't be jetting to Vegas to play some blackjack this weekend. He'll be working on his hybrid offense that ranks 29th in the NFL.

''Obviously, we are still going through a transition,'' Manning said. ''We are trying to get on the same page and get comfortable. The injuries have not helped that transition.''

His blindside protector, rookie Ty Sambrailo, has missed three weeks with a shoulder injury and left guard Evan Mathis has been bothered that long by a pulled hamstring, forcing some shuffling along the O-line. Tight ends Owen Daniels and Virgil Green have been non-factors, as has Pro Bowl running back C.J. Anderson, who's been surpassed by Ronnie Hillman as the primary ball carrier.

At 39, Manning hasn't looked anything like the five-time MVP his resume says he is.

''It has by no means been easy, but Coach Kubiak and I continue to talk and we are committed to trying to get on the same page and get where he and I have a good feel for each other,'' Manning said. ''We are both committed to the cause. I think this bye week comes at a good time where we can study some things we have done in the first six weeks and see what has worked and maybe what is not working as well.''

Kubiak has already acquiesced and put Manning in the pistol formation with a running back directly behind him rather than having his QB line up under center in his zone-blocking scheme.

Asked Monday if he'd consider going all the way back to letting Manning run things like he used to, out of the shotgun in the no-huddle, for example, Kubiak said: ''Well, first off, I'm going to do what I think ... is best for the quarterback. I would never do anything that I don't think is best for the quarterback. So, that's my plan every day I go to work.''

Kubiak pointed to the stat sheet from Sunday, where Demaryius Thomas had 111 yards receiving and Emmanuel Sanders 109, including a 75-yard TD. Hillman ran for 111 yards. Manning threw for 290.

''So, we improved,'' Kubiak said. ''We did a lot of good things yesterday. We moved the ball. We need to continue to make that improvement. We had two 100-yard receivers. We had a 100-yard rusher. Those are good things. Those are positive things. We need to protect the ball better. Between he and I, we've got to do a better job of that.''

The caveats: Manning misfired 22 times and threw three interceptions to go with his 26 completions.

''Whatever stats people are looking for, we've got a great stat and that's 6-0,'' left tackle Ryan Harris said. ''And No. 1 in the division.''

Notes:

The Broncos released RB Kapri Bibbs 48 hours after promoting him from the practice squad and re-signed TE Richard Gordon. ... Sanders said his bruised left shoulder was sore Monday, but ''I feel good.'' He's expected to practice next week when the team returns from its five-day furlough.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brian Hoyer to keep starting QB job for Texans

HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Texans have flip-flopped between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett throughout the early part of this season.

That indecision at quarterback appears to be over now after Hoyer's strong performance in Houston's win over the Jaguars on Sunday.

''He's our quarterback,'' coach Bill O'Brien said. ''We're going to stick with him. He's playing really well. He's playing at a high level, and we've got a lot of confidence in him.''

Hoyer made his second start this season on Sunday and it was the first time he both started and finished a game.

He won the starting job out of camp, but was benched during the season opener after struggling early in that game. But Mallett had a tough time in his three starts and Hoyer took over in the last two of them before regaining the starting job last week.

On Sunday, Hoyer was 24 of 36 for 293 yards and tied a career high with three touchdown passes. It was the third straight game with two or more touchdown passes for Hoyer, which is the longest streak of his career.

''I thought he threw the ball accurately, made good decisions with the ball, now the key is to do it again,'' O'Brien said. ''The trick is to do it again.''

Now that Hoyer is starting again for Houston, it's natural to wonder if O'Brien regrets the decision to bench him so early in the season.

''I thought it was in the best interest of the team to make that decision at that time,'' O'Brien said. ''I don't look back on those things, don't regret any decisions that I've made as it relates to this team. I just know that Hoyer approached it very well. Brian approached it very well, like the true professional that he is.''

Hoyer did not have a turnover on Sunday and the offensive line protected him well, allowing just one sack after he was taken down four times in his first start of the season. He and the Texans will try to win consecutive games for the first time this season on Sunday when they travel to face Miami.

The Dolphins have a defensive line featuring Cameron Wake, who had four sacks and forced two fumbles before halftime in a victory over the Titans on Sunday.

''This is a very difficult defense ... and they are playing at a high level right now so it will be a difficult challenge, but I think the guys on offense enjoying playing for and with Brian,'' O'Brien said.

A big reason for Hoyer's success on Sunday was the continued strong play of DeAndre Hopkins, who leads the NFL with 726 yards receiving. He had 10 receptions for 148 yards against Jacksonville to become the first player in NFL history to have at least nine catches and 145 yards receiving in three straight games.

Hopkins caught touchdown passes on two consecutive drives in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. O'Brien has been impressed with the fact that Hoyer has continued to find him despite different plans to stop him.

''Sometimes they do double him but we try to move them around so you can't get a beat on where he is,'' O'Brien said. ''I think Brian's done a good job of understanding the coverage in yesterday's game and knowing when he could get him the ball and when he couldn't get him the ball ... those two guys have developed a good connection.''

Left tackle Duane Brown has enjoyed watching the chemistry between Hopkins and Hoyer develop and knows it will only get better as Hoyer plays more.

''They are definitely clicking, man,'' Brown said. ''Hoyer has done a great job not just with DeAndre, but with all of the receivers, the tight ends, the backs being able to click and get on the same page and get in sync. The connection they have is unbelievable.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Steelers' Bryant shines in return from injury, suspension

PITTSBURGH (AP) Martavis Bryant ran out of running room in the middle of the field, swerved back to his right and took off.

Somewhere behind him, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell watched and waited for his teammate to get caught from behind. Bryant, after all, was being chased by one of the fastest players in the league in Arizona's Patrick Peterson.

While Peterson closed in on Bryant, he never did catch him.

Then again, neither did any of the other 10 Cardinals on the field.

By the time Bryant crossed the goal line - complete with a well-intentioned if somewhat shoddily executed flip - the second-year wide receiver had put Arizona and his own turbulent start to 2015 behind him.

''Tay just kind of took off on (Peterson),'' Bell said. ''It's amazing what he can do with the ball in his hands.''

Suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and forced to sit out another with a minor knee injury, Bryant wasted little time making amends. He caught six passes for 137 yards and two scores, including his 88-yard zigzag across Heinz Field that finished off the Cardinals and provided a needed reminder of his still somewhat untapped potential.

''I don't want to be one-dimensional,'' Bryant said.

Primarily a deep threat a year ago, when he averaged 21.4 yards per reception and caught eight touchdowns after being activated in Week 6, Bryant showcased more than just his speed against Arizona.

He used every inch of his 6-foot-4 frame to haul in Landry Jones' 8-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give the Steelers the lead. He channeled his inner Antonio Bryant, forcing players to miss as he navigated traffic in front of him on his way to Pittsburgh's longest play of the season.

''Last year we had called the same play and I dropped it and it would have been a touchdown as well,'' Bryant said. ''I just wanted to finish the catch with my eyes and use my vision to go do what I've got to do.''

Yet Bryant understands he needs to prove he's more than dynamic. The Steelers have no issues with his playmaking. It's his decision-making they're worried about. Bryant spent a portion of his suspension in Houston at a facility operated by former NBA player and coach John Lucas - a recovering drug addict. He returned to the locker room the morning after a Thursday night loss to Baltimore chastened and eager to move on.

He tweaked a knee in his second practice back, but was anxious to get going when he was finally cleared to face Arizona. With Michael Vick at quarterback, offensive coordinator Todd Haley called a couple of short throws and an end-around, none of which really went anywhere.

It wasn't until Jones - who'd spent plenty of time throwing to Bryant during the past two preseasons - took over for an injured and ineffective Vick that Pittsburgh took off.

All four of Bryant's receptions from Jones either ended with him in the end zone or extended drives that resulted in Chris Boswell field goals that padded Pittsburgh's advantage.

While Brown remains one of the best in the league, Bryant's presence will only make the Steelers (4-2) more dangerous as they try to keep pace with unbeaten Cincinnati (6-0) in the AFC North.

''He's only going to get better and continue to grow,'' Bell said. ''It's kind of scary to look at it. He's a guy who is still learning. He doesn't know everything, doesn't know how good he can be.''

NOTES:

Brown said Monday he's frustrated at his lack of touches while starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recovers from a sprained left knee, but added he can't get caught up in individual success. Brown has just 11 receptions for 109 yards and no touchdowns in Roethlisberger's absence. ... The Steelers placed LT Kelvin Beachum on season-ending injured reserve after Beachum tore the ACL in his left knee on Sunday. Pittsburgh signed lineman Byron Stingily to take Beachum's spot on the roster. Stingily started nine games for Tennessee from 2012-14.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saints bring in new kicker, Forbath, to replace Hocker

METAIRIE, La. (AP) - The New Orleans Saints have decided to make a change at kicker, releasing Zach Hocker on Monday and replacing him with former Washington Redskins kicker Kai Forbath.

Hocker missed two field goal attempts during Thursday night's Saints victory over Atlanta, dropping him to 9 of 13 on the season. Two weeks earlier, Hocker had missed a potential winning field goal against Dallas, hitting the left upright. However, the Saints won that game in overtime.

Forbath, whose signing was posted on the NFL transactions wire Monday afternoon, had kicked for the Washington Redskins from 2012 until his release last month. He has made 60 of 69 field goal attempts in his career. He hit 24 of 27 last season.

He becomes the 10th Saints kicker since coach Sean Payton was hired in 2006.

The previous nine kickers in New Orleans were: John Carney, Billy Cundiff, Olindo Mare, Martin Gramatica, Taylor Mehlhaff, Garrett Hartley, John Kasay, Shayne Graham and Hocker.

Hartley was one of the stars of the Saints' 2009 championship season, hitting the winning kick in the NFC title game and then making three kicks from beyond 40 yards in the Super Bowl. While injured, Hartley was replaced by Kasay in 2011. Hartley returned in 2012, but was replaced by Graham in 2013 after having one kick blocked and missing another wide left in a loss at St. Louis.

Graham remained with New Orleans through 2014, but Payton decided in the offseason to release Graham and open the job to a competition between a pair of young pros with no regular season NFL experience: Hocker, who kicked at Arkansas, and Dustin Hopkins out of Florida State.

Hocker won the job in the preseason. Hopkins, meanwhile, has replaced Forbath in Washington, hitting 10 of 11 attempts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bengals match best start in their history at 6-0

CINCINNATI (AP) The Bengals have never been better six weeks into a season. Next comes a bye to rest and get several injured players healthy.

The AFC North leaders are in a very good place.

A 34-21 win in Buffalo on Sunday left the Bengals one of five unbeaten teams in the NFL. Their 6-0 mark matches the best start in franchise history - they also did it in 1975 and in 1988, the last time they went to the Super Bowl.

''It's a great thing to be 6-0, there's no doubt about it,'' left tackle Andrew Whitworth said on Monday. ''It's a great thing to win and have that opportunity to look at our season and say, `Man, we have an opportunity to make the playoffs.' But it doesn't mean you've accomplished anything.''

One more win would accomplish plenty.

The Bengals are in control of the division with a two-game lead over the Steelers (4-2), who are still missing Ben Roethlisberger to a knee injury. After their bye, they play in Pittsburgh with a chance to open a three-game lead.

They still have two games left with Cleveland (2-4), and they host Baltimore (1-5).

With the Bengals, it's all about winning a playoff game. They haven't done that since the 1990 season, the sixth-longest postseason drought in NFL history. They've reached the playoffs each of the past four seasons and lost their opening game, three times on the road.

The fast start has put them in position to play for home-field advantage during the postseason. The Bengals are the first AFC North team to start 6-0 since realignment in 2002.

''We just have to keep driving the train straight,'' receiver Marvin Jones said. ''You'll hear everybody say that. We know what the focus is and that's something greater. It's great that we're 6-0, but we're chasing something great and we know it.''

The biggest change this season has been at quarterback. Andy Dalton has emerged during his fifth season, growing into one of the NFL's top passers for the first time. His 116.1 passer rating trails only the Patriots' Tom Brady, and he leads the league in fourth-quarter passer rating.

The win on Sunday was Dalton's 22nd on the road, which trails only Dan Marino, Roethlisberger and Matt Ryan - all at 23 - for most by a quarterback during his first five seasons in the Super Bowl era.

Dalton has completed 67 percent of his throws for 1,761 yards with 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Brady leads the league with only one interception.

So far, Dalton has been the leader in keeping them perfect.

''It's huge,'' Dalton said. ''I mean, you look at the schedule and you see the start week and the bye and this is exactly what you want, to be going undefeated into the bye.''

Notes:

Coach Marvin Lewis said several players who were limited by injuries on Sunday should be healthy enough to play against the Steelers after the bye. ... The NFL Network apologized to Bengals players who were shown naked in the locker room during a postgame interview on Sunday. A network reporter was interviewing cornerback Adam ''Pacman'' Jones, and the videographer's angle included the entrance to the shower area. Several players were shown naked in the background. NFL Network Executive Vice President Alex Riethmiller said during a conference call on Monday that the crew didn't follow network procedures that would have prevented it.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bye week offers breather for Lacy, other sore Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) A lack of carries for Eddie Lacy with the Green Bay Packers isn't necessarily solely tied to how the running back feels after he sprained his right ankle earlier this season.

Yes, Lacy is playing hurt, coach Mike McCarthy said Monday, but most of rest of the team is, too.

The upcoming bye week offers a much-needed break for Lacy and other sore Packers.

''He's beat up, this week will help him,'' McCarthy said, though adding, ''I don't see conditioning as an issue.''

Lacy got just four carries for 3 yards in the 27-20 win on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. James Starks, normally the backup, got the start and made quick impressions with a 5-yard touchdown off a shovel pass and 65-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Starks finished with 10 carries for 112 yards. Lacy said after the game he wasn't limited, though he thought he might have a reduced role.

''When Starks started off and he comes out with a big run right out of the gate, it's hard to shut that down,'' Lacy said Sunday. ''You want to keep going and get what you can get out of it, and he kept rolling.''

The distribution in carries isn't tied to what happens in practice, McCarthy said. At the same time, the veteran Starks has long been a trusted backup in Green Bay, and coaches like the way he has been running.

Starks offers more of a threat outside the tackles than the bruising Lacy.

''James Starks is an outstanding running back, so we want to be a one-two punch,'' McCarthy said.

McCarthy has mentioned in the past how he has wanted to get Starks more touches.

When healthy, Lacy has received the majority of carries since he arrived in Green Bay in 2013. But the third-year back left the 27-17 win over Seattle in Week 2 after spraining his right ankle, a type of injury that has also bothered Lacy in his previous two seasons.

Lacy hasn't missed a game this year. He has played much of the time since the latest ankle injury with a heavy tape job around his right foot.

''At this point, I'm not really interested in running one of my running backs 20-25 times in a game, I don't think that's the best thing for us,'' McCarthy said.

It's worth nothing that Lacy has tended to finish seasons strong. His physical style is suited for cold-weather football.

The easygoing Lacy isn't voicing concern about his carries. The immediate focus is on the bye week.

''It's definitely 6-0, use this time to press the reset button, refocus, relax and come back and start all over again,'' Lacy said.

NOTES:

McCarthy said WR Ty Montgomery was feeling better after leaving the Chargers game with a sprained left ankle. ... WRs Davante Adams (ankle) and Randall Cobb (shoulder), and S Morgan Burnett (calf) are among key players who should benefit from the bye week. ... The victory over San Diego was McCarthy's 100th in his 10 seasons as head coach.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Lions hope first win a step in right direction

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) If the Detroit Lions are going to salvage this season, Calvin Johnson will probably have to be a big part of it.

So in that respect, last weekend's victory was particularly encouraging.

''We've been asked this question on several occasions this year, last year and I answered it this year: Can he still run by people? Absolutely. Can he jump over the top of folks and make catches? You better believe it,'' coach Jim Caldwell said. ''Can he score touchdowns? All right, he can do all of those things.''

Johnson caught six passes for 166 yards and a touchdown Sunday, and his 57-yard reception in overtime set up the winning field goal in Detroit's 37-34 victory over Chicago. It was the first time this season Johnson surpassed 100 yards receiving.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was benched during a loss the previous weekend, threw for 405 yards against the Bears.

''Stafford's been doing it his whole career,'' Johnson said after the game. ''Especially when we've seen situations where not only him, but we've got our backs up against the wall and come out firing. That's all he did (Sunday), kept his composure all week and didn't worry about what happened in the past.''

On Monday, Caldwell seemed intent on moving on from this victory as quickly as the Lions (1-5) have tried to move on from their defeats. There was some bad news following the win over the Bears. Running back Zach Zenner is out with broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung.

''He is in the hospital, but things are improving for him,'' Caldwell said Monday. ''At some point in time, he'll be placed on injured reserve.''

Zenner has 60 yards on 17 carries this season. He impressed during preseason and has received some playing time in a backfield that's been hurt by Joique Bell's injury problems and Ameer Abdullah's fumbling.

Theo Riddick made the most of his opportunities Sunday, running for 28 yards on seven carries and catching three passes for 50 yards.

On Sunday, the Lions managed 155 yards on 32 carries.

''It's not that we have to go out and rush for 700 yards. That's not the kind of team we are, we're not constructed that way,'' Caldwell said. ''But what we have to do is make certain that our run game is respected. ... Doesn't necessarily have anything to do with necessarily how many times running, even though I think we had 32 attempts in this particular game, which was good.''

Stafford himself contributed to that total, showing more mobility than usual with six rushes for 37 yards.

''He wasn't hesitant,'' Caldwell said. ''There was a couple that he saw open up.''

The playoffs still seem like a longshot for the Lions. Their 0-5 start may be too much to overcome. But if the season ended now, the wild cards in the NFC would be Atlanta (5-1) and Minnesota (3-2).

The Vikings play at Detroit next weekend.

''We've got a tough (opponent) that has maybe one of the best runners in all of football and we better get started and get focused on him and that team,'' Caldwell said. ''They have an excellent quarterback and they're playing well.''

In other words, the Chicago game is over and done with.

''One game does not a season make either way,'' Caldwell said. ''We still have work to do. Let's see where we are after next week.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Gruden avoids 'drastic changes' with Redskins at 'code red'

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) Even if Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden senses his team's season is on the verge of spiraling out of control, he is not giving any thought to replacing Kirk Cousins as his starting quarterback.

The Redskins can't prevent Cousins from turning over the ball, can't hold a halftime lead or play well in the third quarter, can't keep their players healthy and, lately, can't win.

Yet Gruden said Monday: ''I'm not looking to make any drastic changes right now.''

After going 4-12 in Gruden's first season as an NFL head coach, Washington is 2-4 heading into next weekend against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3), which he called ''a big, huge game for us.''

On Sunday, when Cousins threw two more picks in a 34-20 loss at the New York Jets, Gruden referred to the upcoming game against the Bucs as ''critical'' and ''code red for us.''

Asked to elaborate Monday, the coach said: ''We're getting backed into a corner right now. And everybody is taking their shots at us right now. And we can either come out swinging or we can take it. And I hope that we all come out swinging.''

That would have to include Cousins, who has played two interception-free games this season - probably not coincidentally, Washington's two victories. In each of the four losses, the fourth-year quarterback has been picked off twice.

''I just feel like that right now, at this time, Kirk gives us the best chance to win, still,'' said Gruden, who elevated Cousins from Robert Griffin III's backup to starter toward the end of the preseason. ''I want to see him fight through this. That will be the making of a strong person, a strong football player - how they react to some tough times and how they improve. I'm excited to see him bounce back and have a big bounce-back game this week and coming weeks. We'll see how it goes.''

Gruden defended Cousins by saying he is capable of making every throw required of an NFL quarterback and noting that other QBs throw interceptions, too.

He also said other Redskins players have confidence in Cousins.

In evaluating Cousins at a postgame news conference Sunday, Gruden mentioned that it was a ''little windy.''

''I talk too much,'' Gruden said Monday. ''But I'm not trying to make excuses for anybody. It wasn't good enough by anybody - not Kirk, not myself, not the offensive line, not the coaching staff. There's nobody in this locker room who played good enough to win a football game Sunday afternoon. I'm not making excuses for anybody. I'm not trying to baby anybody.''

NOTES:

Gruden said all of Washington's players who were injured Sunday are considered day to day: S Trenton Robinson (sprained ankle), RB Chris Thompson (bruised lower back), CB Bashaud Breeland (bruised knee), OT Ty Nsekehe (foot). ... WR DeSean Jackson's status for the Bucs game is still up in the air because last week he tweaked the left hamstring that has sidelined him since the season opener. ''You have to get that thing back to 100 percent before you go,'' Gruden said, ''otherwise, it will get worse.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jaguars look to dial up defensive pressure after latest loss

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) After getting picked apart by Houston quarterback Brian Hoyer, the Jacksonville Jaguars are making a defensive change.

How drastic a modification remains to be seen.

But coach Gus Bradley said Monday he plans to use more five- and six-man pressures beginning with this week's game against Buffalo (3-3) in London. It might not seem like a huge difference, but a lack of defensive pressure has been Jacksonville's biggest problem this season.

''Pressures can do a couple of things,'' Bradley said. ''One, I think it can stimulate a defense. You can see it bring energy. At the beginning of the game, if you don't feel like your defense is playing with a lot of energy, bringing pressure can stimulate them, so there's a purpose for it. ... The whole intent is to try to affect the quarterback and force him to make bad decisions, so I think that's what you're looking at.''

The Jaguars (1-5) have 12 sacks, including one in a 31-20 loss to the Texans on Sunday, and haven't been overly effective at pressuring quarterbacks.

Bradley's defense is designed to generate pressure from the ''Leo'' position - the defensive end lined up on the weak side of the formation - on first and second downs, and get sacks on third down using blitzes and a ''green package'' that features the team's top rushers.

The system managed 45 sacks last season, which ranked sixth in the NFL, and many of those came with four-man fronts. But the numbers have dropped sharply since, prompting Bradley to get more creative and gamble a little more.

''Maybe we throw in some extra ones,'' linebacker Dan Skuta said. ''Let's see what they come with. It'll be exciting to see what they come up with in the next couple of days.''

Injuries are a big part of the problem. Jacksonville drafted Florida standout Dante Fowler Jr. with the third overall pick, but he injured his left knee in the first hour of a rookie minicamp and is out for the season.

Former second-round draft pick Andre Branch was expected to slide into the starting role following Fowler's injury, but Branch sprained a ligament in his left knee in the preseason and missed the first three games of the regular season. He played better in his third game back Sunday, but he's still not where the Jaguars need him to be.

So Jacksonville has been trying to get by with 12-year veteran Chris Clemons.

Clemons has six tackles and a sack.

''That's how we're built,'' Bradley said. ''So we need it from the Leo. If we're not getting everything that we need, then we've got to look at bringing pressure and taking a guy out of coverage.''

The Jaguars believe things should improve as Branch and disruptive defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks get healthier. Marks, who had a career-high 8 1/2 sacks last season, made his season debut against the Texans. He had one tackle in 21 snaps.

Hoyer completed 24 of 36 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns against Jacksonville, which also has been dismantled by Cam Newton and Tom Brady this season. It's one thing to watch Newton and Brady do that, but seeing Hoyer do it almost forced the Jags to make the change. A fourth consecutive loss surely factors into the decision, too.

''Pressure doesn't necessarily mean more sacks,'' Bradley said. ''Pressure could lead to poor decisions, but it can also lead to big plays. I think you've got to look at the team you're facing, how much it can affect them.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dolphins' challenge is to avoid a letdown, new coach says

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Miami Dolphins interim coach Dan Campbell says the team he took over was a sleeping giant, and now that his players have been roused, he offers them two words of warning.

''No naps,'' he said.

Campbell's energy and optimism dramatically transformed the Dolphins in his debut as a head coach. With the Houston Texans next, followed by three consecutive road games, the question is whether the Dolphins (2-3) can sustain the turnaround.

Inconsistency was a problem under Campbell's predecessor, Joe Philbin.

''The challenge now is for these guys to not start patting themselves on the back,'' Campbell said Monday. ''We've been notorious for that around here. We get a big win, and then a lull the next week.''

Campbell knows all about Miami's 8-8 record each of the past two seasons - he was Philbin's tight ends coach. The new head coach received a game ball from team owner Stephen Ross after the Dolphins won Sunday at Tennessee 38-10 to break the three-game losing streak that led to Philbin's firing.

''Coach, this is the first of many - 11 more this year,'' Ross said. ''The sleeping giants have awoken.''

There's that phrase again. For Campbell, it's a combination of hyperbole and his belief that the Dolphins have that much talent.

''I'm that high on what we have here,'' he said. ''We have the right balance of impact players and lunch-pail workers. ...

''The energy and the speed at which we played Sunday is what I was hoping we could get. I knew if we did that, we would be all right. We played faster. It came from a belief. Those guys were able to hope again. After that win, now you can start to believe.''

Campbell's players do.

''I don't think there is going to be a lull this time,'' left tackle Branden Albert said. ''Guys are going to prepare to keep winning.''

That won't be easy, however, with the Dolphins coming to the end of the easy part of their schedule. They've never beaten the Texans, and next week they play at undefeated New England. They're at home only twice until Dec. 6.

In addition, the history for interim coaches isn't favorable. There have been 25 other midseason coaching changes in the NFL since 2000, and only four times did the interim coach win his first two games, according to STATS.

Even with the blowout win at Nashville, the Dolphins remain last in the AFC East and last in the conference in points. But they were widely seen as underachievers in the first month of the season, and their first game under Campbell reinforced that notion.

The former NFL tight end switched to more physical practices that seemed to have the spillover effect he sought, with Miami punishing the Titans up front.

''I wasn't surprised,'' defensive tackle Earl Mitchell said. ''There was so much intensity during the week that coach Campbell has implemented. A lot of guys were energized and really excited.''

Four-time Pro Bowl end Cameron Wake had four sacks in the first half after totaling none in the first four games. The offensive line dominated as it rarely did under Philbin, and Lamar Miller rushed for 113 yards to nearly double his season total.

The coach's creative twists worked. Jarvis Landry ran for a touchdown on an end-around, and the 310-pound Mitchell blocked well taking six snaps at fullback.

Lineup changes paid off, too, especially a switch to second-year pro Billy Turner at right guard. The new coach was even correct on his first replay challenge.

After the game, Campbell said, he was spent.

''When I got back to the bus,'' he said, ''I was blown out completely.''

The new coach had earned a nap.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WR Diggs emerges as threat for Vikings

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) On the biggest play of the game, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater dropped back to pass in the fourth quarter, the Kansas City Chiefs pass rush breathing down his neck on a third-and-15.

Bridgewater moved in the pocket to buy some time, keeping his head downfield in hopes that someone could get open. As he let the throw go, it sailed not toward Mike Wallace, the big-money veteran receiver acquired from Miami in the offseason.

It didn't go toward Cordarrelle Patterson, the first-round pick of three years ago who hasn't been able to break into the regular receiving rotation.

And it didn't go to Kyle Rudolph, the talented tight end who signed a lucrative contract extension last year.

It went straight toward Stephon Diggs, a rookie drafted in the fifth round who struggled with injuries at Maryland and has played in two games in his NFL career. Diggs was the one who found the hole in the defense, came back toward Bridgewater and made the catch for a 30-yard gain.

The play of the day set up a field goal and helped stave off some of the momentum the Chiefs were building, allowing the Vikings (3-2) to hold on for a much-needed 16-10 victory.

Wallace has been telling anyone who will listen that Diggs reminds him of Antonio Brown, Wallace's former teammate with the Steelers and a sixth-round pick who has blossomed into one of the best receivers in the league. After Diggs' seven-catch, 129-yard day against the Chiefs, maybe some of those skeptics will start to take him seriously.

''He's a game changer, to me,'' Vikings running back Adrian Peterson said. ''He's a talented young guy. He plays extremely hard, and you're going to get his best effort.''

Diggs got his chance before the bye when Charles Johnson missed the Denver game with a rib injury. His first career game included six catches for 87 yards and quickly earned him Bridgewater's trust.

''I mean we all knew he could ball the whole time,'' Wallace said. ''It was never a question of that, it was just a matter of opportunity. Every time I do an interview I say I think we have guys that can play on any roster in the NFL. So I think he's a great player. Humble kid, and he's going to keep working, I know it.''

While Patterson is a bigger, stronger prospect, he played only one season at Tennessee before entering the draft and has had difficulty mastering the nuances of route-running and the coverage reading demanded of receivers. That has left him relegated to kick returns and the spot duty on a run play here or there.

Diggs was tutored by former NFL standout Keenan McCardell at Maryland, and he has shown a precision rare for rookie receivers. Nineteen of them were drafted ahead of Diggs in May, but despite playing in just two games this season, he is third among all rookies in yards receiving and first in yards per reception (16.6).

''He's one of the (most) polished receivers I've ever seen come in as a rookie,'' Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said.

All of Diggs' teammates point to his work ethic in practice as the main reason for his quick ascension.

''I love the fire that he has,'' Peterson said. ''Walk-through? It's not a walk-through for him. He's out there sweating, and it goes to show when he gets out here and he plays.''

''It's a walk-through and he's going out there like it's a real practice,'' Munnerlyn said. ''We're like, `Man slow it down a little bit.' He's a young guy eager to be great. That's the thing with him. He wants it so bad. That's what makes him special.''

While most of his teammates take it easy in those Saturday morning jogging sessions, Diggs works up a sweat because he is ''not really good at going through walk-throughs. I have to go at a good pace because how you practice that's how you play.''

''I work really hard. Walk-throughs, I take everything seriously,'' Diggs said. ''I take my craft seriously.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

TECH TRENDS

SUNDAY, OCT. 25

BUFFALO vs. JACKSONVILLE from London (YAHOO, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Jags are 0-2 SU and vs. line in their London games the past two years. Gus Bradley 13-22-1 vs. spread since 2013. Rexy "under" 9-4 last 13 since late 2014 (Jets and Bills).

Tech Edge: Slight to Bills and "under," based on team and "totals" trends.


CLEVELAND at ST. LOUIS (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Brownies now 7-2-1 as road dog for Pettine since last season. They're also "over" a stunning 5-0 to begin 2015!

Tech Edge: "Over" and Browns, based on "totals" and team trends.


PITTSBURGH at KANSAS CITY (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Chiefs have lost and failed to cover five straight since opener vs. Houston. Andy Reid also 4-2 "over" this season, though Chiefs were "under" 15-7 last 22 at Arrowhead entering this season. Steel now 4-0-1 vs. line last five away.

Tech Edge: Steelers and slight to "over," based on team and "totals" trends.


HOUSTON at MIAMI (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Dolphins 9-17 last 26 as chalk, 2-8 last 10 as Sun Life Stadium chalk. Texans "over" 5-1-1 last seven.

Tech Edge: slight to Texans and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.


N.Y. JETS at NEW ENGLAND (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Jets have covered last four and five of last six vs. Belichick. Pats "over" 57-28 last 85 reg.-season games. "Overs" 9-2 last 11 in series.

Tech Edge: Jets and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.


MINNESOTA at DETROIT (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Lions now 2-7 vs. spread last eight reg.-season games dating to late 2014. Lions also "under" 17-8 last 25 reg.-season games since late 2013. Last three "under" vs. Vikes. Zimmer "under" 13-7-1 since 2014 for Vikes. Minny also 5-2 vs. line last seven away.

Tech Edge: "Under" and Vikings, based on "totals" and team trends.


ATLANTA at TENNESSEE (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Titans were 1-12-1 vs. spread at home entering 2015, now improved slightly to 3-13-1 last 17 as host. Falcs no covers last two after covers in first four TY. Atlanta "under" 3-7 last 10 since late LY.

Tech Edge: slight to Falcons, based on recent trends.


TAMPA BAY at WASHINGTON (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Skins "under" 10-6 last 16 for Jay Gruden. Skins have also won and covered last two at FedEx Field after 3-10 spread mark previous 13 at home. Skins 3-6 last nine as chalk. Lovie "under" 11-4 last 15 (though "over" 3-2 TY).

Tech Edge: "Under" and slight to Skins, based on "totals" and team trends.


NEW ORLEANS at INDIANAPOLIS (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Saints have now covered three of last four TY after very slow start. Also "over" 15-8 last 23 reg.-season games. Saints 2-5-1 last 8 as road dog. Colts were a solid spread performer 29-17-2 vs. line in reg season previous three years. Note Saints ran up 62-7 score on Peyton Manning-less Colts in last meeting in 2011.

Tech Edge: Colts, based on team trends.


OAKLAND at SAN DIEGO (CBS, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Bolts on 4-13 spread skid since early 2014. SD 1-7 vs. spread last 8 at Qualcomm. Raiders have covered 4 of last 5 meetings. Raiders also "over" 6-2 last 8 since late 2014.

Tech Edge: Raiders, based on series and team trends.


DALLAS at N.Y. GIANTS (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Cowboys no wins or covers last three TY and now 1-4 vs. line in 2015. Giants look to avenge opening-night loss in Arlington. Last six "over" in series.

Tech Edge: "Over" and Giants, based on "totals" and team trends.


PHILADELPHIA at CAROLINA (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Panthers "under" 7-3-1 last 11 at home, Birds "under" first three away TY and "under' 5-1 to start 2015.

Tech Edge: "Under," based on "totals" trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Steelers QB Jones likely to start Sunday

PITTSBURGH (AP) Landry Jones had his first regular-season NFL action last week.

Now, it looks as if he will make his first start this week.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that his team will prepare for Sunday's game against the Chiefs at Kansas City as if Jones will be the starting quarterback.

Starter Ben Roethlisberger has been out since spraining the medical collateral ligament in his left knee Sept. 27 in a win over the Rams at St. Louis.

Backup Mike Vick suffered a strained right hamstring in last Sunday's 25-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

''I think it's prudent and appropriate right now to operate under the assumption that Landry is our quarterback this week,'' Tomlin said. ''He is the guy that's healthy.''

Jones had been the third-string quarterback since being drafted in the fourth round in 2013. He played well against the Cardinals, completing 8 of 12 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

''We were not shocked by his performance, but we were pleased by it,'' Tomlin said.

The Steelers (4-2) have gone 2-1 without Roethlisberger. However, Vick has struggled, completing 40 of 66 passes for 371 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Offensive coordinator Todd Haley called more low-risk plays for Vick, who signed as a free agent at the end of the preseason when backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was placed on injured reserve with a hand injury.

The Steelers, though, will likely open up the offense more if Jones starts. He had extensive action in the preseason as played five games rather than the normal four because of the Steelers appearance in the Hall of Fame game.

''He took advantage of those reps, like we all talked about during the course of the preseason, but regular season is different from the preseason,'' Tomlin said.

''It's not what you know, it's about what you're capable of executing. Knowledge as a third quarterback with a clipboard, or in a classroom setting is one thing, and playing in a hostile situation is another. I give him credit for rising up.''

While injuries have left Jones as the only healthy quarterback on the roster, Tomlin said the Steelers have not worked out any free agents. They could promote rookie wide receiver Tyler Murphy from the practice squad as he played quarterback at Boston College.

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown voiced his displeasure last week about not getting as many targets since Vick replaced Roethlisberger. Though Brown caught just three passes for 24 yards against the Cardinals, he was pleased with how Jones handled the offense.

''He was a leader in the huddle,'' Brown said. ''He was really positive all day. He was a commander, calling out blitzes, becoming aware of some things. He showed amazing growth, amazing poise and it was fun to be a part of.''

NOTES:

C Maurkice Pouncey has not had a second surgery on his broken left fibula, Tomlin said. Pouncey was placed on the injured reserve/designated to return list after being injured in a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. There were multiple reports last week that Pouncey had developed a complication from the initial surgery and would require another operation. ... LB Ryan Shazier (shoulder) is expected to return against the Chiefs after sitting out the past four games. ... Tomlin is hopeful DE Stephon Tuitt can play after leaving Sunday's game with a sprained right knee.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL's unbeaten face big upcoming tests

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The knock on both the Packers and Broncos, 6-0 teams with byes this weekend before their showdown in Denver on Nov. 1, is that they've fattened up on the league's bottom-feeders.

That argument could be made about any of the NFL's five unbeaten teams, really - and that's about to change over the next two weeks.

The league's two 5-0 teams, Carolina and New England, have big tests this weekend. The Panthers host the Eagles (3-3), who are tied atop the NFC East after their big win over the Giants, and the Patriots host the New York Jets (4-1).

The league's trio of 6-0 teams all have this weekend off and will take unbeaten records into November. The Bengals visit Pittsburgh (4-2) on Nov. 1 before the Packers and Broncos meet on Sunday Night Football.

''It's a huge game,'' Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. ''People keep thinking that our team is just a fluke and we haven't played anybody. It's a good game to kind of see where we're at.''

And show everyone else, added Denver linebacker Von Miller.

''I still don't think that we're getting all the love that we should get,'' Miller said, even though Denver's No. 1-ranked defense has collected 26 sacks and 18 takeaways. ''We play Green Bay, Sunday Night Football, we'll be able to prove our point.''

The Fab Five all have skeptics to win over, apparently.

The combined records of all five unbeaten teams' opponents are below .500 and only the Patriots and Broncos have beaten a team with a winning record.

The Patriots beat the Steelers in the season opener and two other opponents, the Bills and Colts, are right at .500. Overall, New England's opponents are a respectable 13-16.

That's by far the best mark by opponents for any of the five teams who have yet to lose.

The Broncos beat Minnesota (3-2) but also count three of the league's 1-5 teams among their victims, and their opponents are 10-24 overall.

The Packers' opponents are 11-24 and none of them have won more than twice. Neither have Carolina's, whose opponents are a combined 9-20, although you can put their last-minute win at Seattle (2-4) last week in the impressive category no matter the Seahawks' record.

Cincinnati's opponents are 11-24, with Buffalo (3-3) the only team not currently under .500.

So, yes, they've all fattened up a little on the also-rans. But that's the nature of the NFL.

Before losing Dez Bryant and Tony Romo to injury, Dallas sure didn't have the look of a sub-.500 team heading into Week 7. Neither did the Ravens before losing Terrell Suggs or the Seahawks before misplacing their mojo.

And Denver's first three games were against the Ravens, Chiefs and Lions, a trio that averaged 10 wins last year and didn't look like they'd be a combined 3-15 at this point.

Still, the Broncos are getting the most scrutiny of the unbeaten clubs even though they're the first team since Indianapolis in 2009 to win four road games in the first six weeks of a season, they own the league's best defense and the game's best kicker in Brandon McManus.

It's their offense that has so many so skeptical.

Peyton Manning leads the league with 10 interceptions and presided over an injury-riddled unit that went 25 drives without sniffing the end zone before he hit Emmanuel Sanders in stride for a 75-yard touchdown at Cleveland on Sunday.

''Whatever stats people are looking for, we've got a great stat and that's 6-0,'' Denver left tackle Ryan Harris said before thinking of another number: ''And No. 1 in the division.''

The Broncos' lead in the AFC West is an astonishing 3 1-2 games, but they understand the skepticism and even the anger from fans and fantasy owners who are kicking themselves for drafting so many Broncos who are underachieving.

''That's just the world we live in,'' Miller said. ''If we were scoring 45 points on offense and had the No. 1 defense and B-Mac was missing every field goal, they'd be like, `OK, we got to get the kicker straight or we're not going to win.' It's always going to be something. So, I'm glad it's something and we're 6-0.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL TRENDS

Sunday, October 25

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BUFFALO (3 - 3) vs. JACKSONVILLE (1 - 5) - 10/25/2015, 9:30 AM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 1-0 against the spread versus JACKSONVILLE over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 1-0 straight up against JACKSONVILLE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (2 - 4) at ST LOUIS (2 - 3) - 10/25/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 145-183 ATS (-56.3 Units) in all games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 145-183 ATS (-56.3 Units) in all lined games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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PITTSBURGH (4 - 2) at KANSAS CITY (1 - 5) - 10/25/2015, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 against the spread versus KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 straight up against KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (2 - 4) at MIAMI (2 - 3) - 10/25/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 45-66 ATS (-27.6 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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NY JETS (4 - 1) at NEW ENGLAND (5 - 0) - 10/25/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 169-129 ATS (+27.1 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 107-76 ATS (+23.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NY JETS are 49-29 ATS (+17.1 Units) in road games versus division opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY JETS is 4-0 against the spread versus NEW ENGLAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 3-1 straight up against NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (3 - 2) at DETROIT (1 - 5) - 10/25/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 42-24 ATS (+15.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss against opponent since 1992.
MINNESOTA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in October games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in weeks 5 through 9 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (5 - 1) at TENNESSEE (1 - 4) - 10/25/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 43-24 ATS (+16.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.
TENNESSEE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in October games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) after 2 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in weeks 5 through 9 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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TAMPA BAY (2 - 3) at WASHINGTON (2 - 4) - 10/25/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 54-85 ATS (-39.5 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 76-105 ATS (-39.5 Units) in home games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 76-105 ATS (-39.5 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 76-105 ATS (-39.5 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 52-75 ATS (-30.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (2 - 4) at INDIANAPOLIS (3 - 3) - 10/25/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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OAKLAND (2 - 3) at SAN DIEGO (2 - 4) - 10/25/2015, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 121-155 ATS (-49.5 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
OAKLAND is 33-72 ATS (-46.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
SAN DIEGO is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO is 3-1 straight up against OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (2 - 3) at NY GIANTS (3 - 3) - 10/25/2015, 4:25 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2 against the spread versus NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-0 straight up against NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (3 - 3) at CAROLINA (5 - 0) - 10/25/2015, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Monday, October 26

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BALTIMORE (1 - 5) at ARIZONA (4 - 2) - 10/26/2015, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL TRENDS

Sunday - Oct, 25

Buffalo at Jacksonville, 9:30 AM ET
Buffalo: 8-1 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive losses
Jacksonville: 1-9 ATS off 1 or more straight overs

Cleveland at St Louis, 1:00 ET
Cleveland: 9-1 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses
St Louis: 39-62 ATS after scoring 14 points or less last game

Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 1:00 ET
Pittsburgh: 6-1 ATS off a upset win as an underdog
Kansas City: 20-28 ATS after allowing 99 or less rush yards in 2 straight games

Houston at Miami, 1:00 ET
Houston: 17-9 ATS off 3 or more consecutive overs
Miami: 4-14 ATS off a upset win by 14 points or more as an underdog

NY Jets at New England, 1:00 ET
New York: 5-18 ATS after gaining 6.5 or more yards/play in previous game
New England: 6-0 ATS after allowing 400 or more total yards in previous game

Minnesota at Detroit, 1:00 ET
Minnesota: 11-2 ATS off 1 or more consecutive unders
Detroit: 8-20 ATS after gaining 7 or more yards/play in previous game

Atlanta at Tennessee, 1:00 ET
Atlanta: 31-11 OVER off a road loss against a division rival
Tennessee: 0-8 ATS off a home loss

Tampa Bay at Washington, 1:00 ET
Tampa Bay: 30-13 ATS after scoring 30 points or more last game
Washington: 25-44 ATS at home where the total is between 42.5 and 49

New Orleans at Indianapolis, 1:00 ET
New Orleans: 62-36 OVER off a home win
Indianapolis: 11-3 ATS at home where the total is greater than or equal to 45.5

Oakland at San Diego, 4:05 ET
Oakland: 121-155 ATS in games played on a grass field
San Diego: 18-7 ATS off a cover where the team lost as an underdog

Dallas at NY Giants, 4:25 ET
Dallas: 11-2 ATS in road games after a loss by 21 or more points
New York: 0-6 ATS off a road blowout loss by 14 points or more

Philadelphia at Carolina, 8:30 ET
Philadelphia: 16-6 UNDER after gaining 150 or more rush yards in 2 games
Carolina: 14-3 ATS after playing their last game on the road
nfl football betting online Bovada


Monday - Oct, 26

Baltimore at Arizona, 8:30 ET
Baltimore: 22-10 UNDER after gaining 300 or more passing yards in last game
Arizona: 8-0 ATS off a non-conference game

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL TRENDS

Sunday, October 25

9:30 AM
BUFFALO vs. JACKSONVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games when playing Jacksonville
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Buffalo's last 22 games
Jacksonville is 8-15-2 ATS in its last 25 games
Jacksonville is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

1:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. INDIANAPOLIS
New Orleans is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Indianapolis
New Orleans is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Indianapolis is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing New Orleans
Indianapolis is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New Orleans

1:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. ST. LOUIS
Cleveland is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games
St. Louis is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. WASHINGTON
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games on the road
Washington is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games
Washington is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games

1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. KANSAS CITY
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

1:00 PM
NY JETS vs. NEW ENGLAND
NY Jets are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Jets are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
New England is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New England's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Jets

1:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. MIAMI
Houston is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Houston
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston

1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. TENNESSEE
Atlanta is 1-3-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tennessee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing Tennessee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tennessee's last 9 games when playing Atlanta
Tennessee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta

1:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Minnesota is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games at home
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

4:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. SAN DIEGO
Oakland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Diego's last 9 games at home

4:25 PM
DALLAS vs. NY GIANTS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Giants
Dallas is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Giants
NY Giants are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Giants last 6 games at home

8:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CAROLINA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games at home


Monday, October 26

8:30 PM
BALTIMORE vs. ARIZONA
Baltimore is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL ATS

NFL > (463) ATLANTA@ (464) TENNESSEE | 2015-10-25 13:00:00 - 2015-10-25 13:00:00
Play AGAINST TENNESSEE against the spread when playing with 6 or less days rest
The record is 2 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.2 units)

NFL > (469) OAKLAND@ (470) SAN DIEGO | 2015-10-25 16:05:00 - 2015-10-25 16:05:00
Play AGAINST OAKLAND against the spread when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 33 Wins and 72 Losses for the since 1992 (-46.2 units)