Bengals at Titans...
The Titans (7-3) have won seven of their past eight games and haven't lost in regulation since Week 2 also They're also 10th in the league with 30 sacks Bengals led by seven from Denico (out knee injury) Simmons (5) was limited all week in practice with an ankle injury.
Bengals This could be the week star receiver Ja'Marr Chase returns from a hip injury but at the same time running back Joe Mixon has entered concussion protocol and won't play Sunday.
Bengals 2 point favorite on road in Tennessee but........ is just a 4hour drive down the road! Sunday forecast....
86% chance of rain 56 degrees
The Titans (7-3) have won seven of their past eight games and haven't lost in regulation since Week 2 also They're also 10th in the league with 30 sacks Bengals led by seven from Denico (out knee injury) Simmons (5) was limited all week in practice with an ankle injury.
Bengals This could be the week star receiver Ja'Marr Chase returns from a hip injury but at the same time running back Joe Mixon has entered concussion protocol and won't play Sunday.
Bengals 2 point favorite on road in Tennessee but........ is just a 4hour drive down the road! Sunday forecast....
86% chance of rain 56 degrees
MAKE THAT 3 BIGGIES!
MIAMI-14 …………………..3300
SAN FRAN-8.5 …………….3300
KC-15 …………………………3300
~~~~ShotDoc~~~~
~~~~ShotDoc~~~~
Ravens vs Jaguars.
The Baltimore Ravens aim to build on their four-game winning streak Sunday when they visit the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars.
Baltimore (7-3) is coming off a dominant defensive performance this past Sunday, beating the visiting Carolina Panthers 13-3. The Ravens held the Panthers to 3-of-13 on third- and fourth-down conversions, forced the Panthers into three turnovers and sacked Carolina quarterback Baker Mayfield four times.
The Ravens are second in the league in turnovers forced (19), third in fewest rushing yards allowed (864) and ninth in sacks (31). Their defense also leads the league in fewest third downs converted against, with just 38. Opposing teams convert on third downs just 32.8 percent of the time against the Ravens, a mark that is third-best in the league.
"It was a workman-like win," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "It wasn't pretty, but our defense stepped up in a big way, controlling the run and getting the turnovers."
Baltimore is, of course, also led by one of the best mobile quarterbacks in the game in Lamar Jackson. Against the Panthers, he completed 24-for-33 passes for 209 yards and an interception while also rushing 11 times for 31 yards and a touchdown.
Jackson leads the NFL in rushing yards per attempt with a 6.9 average. He has three rushing touchdowns this season and 16 passing scores.
The Ravens' rushing attack could be bolstered this week by the return of running back Gus Edwards, who practiced on Wednesday. He's been out since injuring his hamstring on Oct. 27 against Tampa Bay.
Harbaugh also said this week that tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) are "trending in the right direction." Harbaugh says veteran wideout DeSean Jackson will "hopefully" be back this week and he practiced Wednesday.
Jackson, Stanley, Hamilton and tight end Mark Andrews did not practice Wednesday. Neither did guard Kevin Zeitler, defensive tackle Calais Campbell, or corners Marcus Peters and Jalyn Armour-Davis (hip). Harbaugh said Jackson is dealing with an "issue" but will play Sunday.
"Just wanted to hold him back and let him rest today," Harbaugh said.
Campbell spoke to reporters Wednesday and is also expected to play. He played in Jacksonville (3-7) before joining the Ravens in 2020. The 36-year-old is two sacks away from having 100 in his career.
"It's a little sentimental I guess, but really, it's just another football game," Campbell said. "I've had some success on that football field, but my mindset is to stay in the moment ... For me, it's just another opportunity to get a big win."
The Jaguars are coming off a bye week. In their Nov. 13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw a pair of touchdown passes, but was also sacked five times.
It's been rare this season for Lawrence to be sacked that many times. Among quarterbacks who have started at least 10 games this season, only Jared Goff and Tom Brady have been sacked fewer times than Lawrence.
On the season, the Clemson product is completing 65.2 percent of his passes and has 13 touchdowns against only six interceptions -- one season after tying for the NFL lead with 17 picks as a rookie. He also has three rushing touchdowns.
Lawrence's improvement has led the Jaguars offense to ranking ninth in total yards this season at 362.2 per game.
"I think for us the key is playing complementary football," Jacksonville wideout Christian Kirk said. "That's one thing we have to do -- offensively, defensively and special teams. For us, it's putting it all together."
Jacksonville placed linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson on the IR/Designated for Return List.
The Baltimore Ravens aim to build on their four-game winning streak Sunday when they visit the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars.
Baltimore (7-3) is coming off a dominant defensive performance this past Sunday, beating the visiting Carolina Panthers 13-3. The Ravens held the Panthers to 3-of-13 on third- and fourth-down conversions, forced the Panthers into three turnovers and sacked Carolina quarterback Baker Mayfield four times.
The Ravens are second in the league in turnovers forced (19), third in fewest rushing yards allowed (864) and ninth in sacks (31). Their defense also leads the league in fewest third downs converted against, with just 38. Opposing teams convert on third downs just 32.8 percent of the time against the Ravens, a mark that is third-best in the league.
"It was a workman-like win," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "It wasn't pretty, but our defense stepped up in a big way, controlling the run and getting the turnovers."
Baltimore is, of course, also led by one of the best mobile quarterbacks in the game in Lamar Jackson. Against the Panthers, he completed 24-for-33 passes for 209 yards and an interception while also rushing 11 times for 31 yards and a touchdown.
Jackson leads the NFL in rushing yards per attempt with a 6.9 average. He has three rushing touchdowns this season and 16 passing scores.
The Ravens' rushing attack could be bolstered this week by the return of running back Gus Edwards, who practiced on Wednesday. He's been out since injuring his hamstring on Oct. 27 against Tampa Bay.
Harbaugh also said this week that tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) and safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) are "trending in the right direction." Harbaugh says veteran wideout DeSean Jackson will "hopefully" be back this week and he practiced Wednesday.
Jackson, Stanley, Hamilton and tight end Mark Andrews did not practice Wednesday. Neither did guard Kevin Zeitler, defensive tackle Calais Campbell, or corners Marcus Peters and Jalyn Armour-Davis (hip). Harbaugh said Jackson is dealing with an "issue" but will play Sunday.
"Just wanted to hold him back and let him rest today," Harbaugh said.
Campbell spoke to reporters Wednesday and is also expected to play. He played in Jacksonville (3-7) before joining the Ravens in 2020. The 36-year-old is two sacks away from having 100 in his career.
"It's a little sentimental I guess, but really, it's just another football game," Campbell said. "I've had some success on that football field, but my mindset is to stay in the moment ... For me, it's just another opportunity to get a big win."
The Jaguars are coming off a bye week. In their Nov. 13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw a pair of touchdown passes, but was also sacked five times.
It's been rare this season for Lawrence to be sacked that many times. Among quarterbacks who have started at least 10 games this season, only Jared Goff and Tom Brady have been sacked fewer times than Lawrence.
On the season, the Clemson product is completing 65.2 percent of his passes and has 13 touchdowns against only six interceptions -- one season after tying for the NFL lead with 17 picks as a rookie. He also has three rushing touchdowns.
Lawrence's improvement has led the Jaguars offense to ranking ninth in total yards this season at 362.2 per game.
"I think for us the key is playing complementary football," Jacksonville wideout Christian Kirk said. "That's one thing we have to do -- offensively, defensively and special teams. For us, it's putting it all together."
Jacksonville placed linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson on the IR/Designated for Return List.
Bucs vs Browns
Coming off their bye week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return to action -- and the United States -- when they visit the struggling Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers (5-5) sit atop the NFC South after defeating Seattle 21-16 in Munich on Nov. 13.
Quarterback Tom Brady said Tampa Bay faces "a big, big stretch ahead" as the prepares to face Cleveland.
"This time of year, some teams get worse and stop believing, lose hope," Brady said Wednesday. "And other teams do the opposite."
The Browns (3-7), who lost to Buffalo last week in a game moved to Detroit due to severe snow in upstate New York, are trying to avoid losing hope after dropping two straight and six of seven. They trail first-place Baltimore by four games in the AFC North.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is expected to make his final start for Cleveland before Deshaun Watson becomes eligible for the Dec. 4 game at Houston.
Watson returned to practice last week for the first time during his 11-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. He faced sexual misconduct allegations stemming from massage therapy sessions but has since reach confidential settlements with a number of the women who filed civil lawsuits against him.
Brissett said he remained focused on this week's game against Tampa Bay and former New England Patriots teammate Brady.
"I haven't really thought about the future yet, and honestly don't want to right now because of how much this week means to me," Brissett said.
With rain in the forecast for Sunday's game, Cleveland's ability to run could be key. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have helped the Browns average 150.9 rushing yards, fifth best in the league.
Tampa Bay's run defense -- which has yielded 116.6 rushing yards per game -- includes nose tackle Vita Vea, who did not practice Wednesday due to a foot injury.
"He's a great player," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. "He's so physically just big from a measurement standpoint, not just the way he moves his feet. It's very, very rare to have a guy that size that moves laterally and then is so powerful."
Brady, understandably, also concerns Stefanski since Tampa Bay's offense features the fifth-best passing attack (269.8 yards per game).
"He doesn't take sacks, he doesn't throw interceptions, throws it at a high level," Stefanski said of Brady. "He's on time, accurate."
Unlike Cleveland, Tampa Bay has struggled to run the ball. The Bucs are last in the league with an average of 70.7 rushing yards, though they ran for 161 in beating the Seahawks.
"We got the win (against Seattle), but we've got to do it every week," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. "We have seven games left. We just got to produce and execute every week."
Tampa bay running back Leonard Fournette (hip) and guard Luke Goedeke (foot) had limited participation in Wednesday's practice for Tampa Bay. Receiver Russell Gage Jr. (hamstring) did not practice.
An extensive Browns injury report listed nine players who did not practice, including safety D'Anthony Bell (concussion), guard Joel Bitonio (illness/rest), defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney (rest) and Myles Garrett (rest) and tight end David Njoku (ankle/knee). Receiver Amari Cooper was also held out due to rest.
Coming off their bye week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return to action -- and the United States -- when they visit the struggling Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers (5-5) sit atop the NFC South after defeating Seattle 21-16 in Munich on Nov. 13.
Quarterback Tom Brady said Tampa Bay faces "a big, big stretch ahead" as the prepares to face Cleveland.
"This time of year, some teams get worse and stop believing, lose hope," Brady said Wednesday. "And other teams do the opposite."
The Browns (3-7), who lost to Buffalo last week in a game moved to Detroit due to severe snow in upstate New York, are trying to avoid losing hope after dropping two straight and six of seven. They trail first-place Baltimore by four games in the AFC North.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is expected to make his final start for Cleveland before Deshaun Watson becomes eligible for the Dec. 4 game at Houston.
Watson returned to practice last week for the first time during his 11-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. He faced sexual misconduct allegations stemming from massage therapy sessions but has since reach confidential settlements with a number of the women who filed civil lawsuits against him.
Brissett said he remained focused on this week's game against Tampa Bay and former New England Patriots teammate Brady.
"I haven't really thought about the future yet, and honestly don't want to right now because of how much this week means to me," Brissett said.
With rain in the forecast for Sunday's game, Cleveland's ability to run could be key. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have helped the Browns average 150.9 rushing yards, fifth best in the league.
Tampa Bay's run defense -- which has yielded 116.6 rushing yards per game -- includes nose tackle Vita Vea, who did not practice Wednesday due to a foot injury.
"He's a great player," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. "He's so physically just big from a measurement standpoint, not just the way he moves his feet. It's very, very rare to have a guy that size that moves laterally and then is so powerful."
Brady, understandably, also concerns Stefanski since Tampa Bay's offense features the fifth-best passing attack (269.8 yards per game).
"He doesn't take sacks, he doesn't throw interceptions, throws it at a high level," Stefanski said of Brady. "He's on time, accurate."
Unlike Cleveland, Tampa Bay has struggled to run the ball. The Bucs are last in the league with an average of 70.7 rushing yards, though they ran for 161 in beating the Seahawks.
"We got the win (against Seattle), but we've got to do it every week," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. "We have seven games left. We just got to produce and execute every week."
Tampa bay running back Leonard Fournette (hip) and guard Luke Goedeke (foot) had limited participation in Wednesday's practice for Tampa Bay. Receiver Russell Gage Jr. (hamstring) did not practice.
An extensive Browns injury report listed nine players who did not practice, including safety D'Anthony Bell (concussion), guard Joel Bitonio (illness/rest), defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney (rest) and Myles Garrett (rest) and tight end David Njoku (ankle/knee). Receiver Amari Cooper was also held out due to rest.
Broncos vs Panthers
Scrutiny has fallen on Denver quarterback Russell Wilson, with his first season with the Broncos not going as planned.
The Carolina Panthers are also struggling with quarterback issues but they don't have just one QB to place all the blame on.
Both teams are looking for improvement under center as Denver visits Carolina for Sunday afternoon's game in Charlotte, N.C.
The Panthers are turning to Sam Darnold, who was the 2021 opening-day starter, to begin this game at quarterback. It will be his first start of the season.
Darnold, who made 11 starts last year, will be the third starter at quarterback in as many weeks for Carolina. Baker Mayfield's return to that role didn't go well vs. the Ravens.
The Panthers (3-8) didn't score a touchdown last week at Baltimore.
"We've flushed it," Carolina interim coach Steve Wilks said. "Our mindset is on Denver."
But if the Panthers think they have problems on offense, just look at Denver.
The Broncos (3-7) have lost two games in a row.
"We're trying to do everything we can to get that rhythm back," Denver coach Nathaniel Hackett said. "Russell is so positive, it seems like he's in a good place."
The Broncos are last in the NFL in scoring at 14.7 points per game.
"Trying to find consistency and rhythm on offense," Denver receiver Courtland Sutton said. "We've just got to finish at the end of the day. Losing is not OK. We have to win out to have any chance (of reaching the playoffs)."
Wilson has thrown just seven touchdowns passes to go with five interceptions. Most glaring might be that he has been sacked 32 times.
It's unclear if receiver Jerry Jeudy will be back after missing a game with an ankle injury. Already gone from the Broncos is running back Melvin Gordon, who was waived after coughing up five fumbles despite a team-best 318 yards on the ground.
That moves Latavius Murray into the role as top running back for Denver. Running back Chase Edmonds was placed on injured reserve.
"That means more opportunities for me, so I have to take advantage," Murray said.
Wilson will be back in the state where he played for North Carolina State before transferring to Wisconsin. The Broncos will also have receiver Kendall Hinton, a former college quarterback at Wake Forest, playing in his home state and his role has increased the past few weeks.
While acknowledging the fluid situation at quarterback -- and with PJ Walker's status unclear as he deals with an ankle injury -- Wilks said attention should be spread to other spots.
"When you say inconsistent, I think you can really pinpoint it across the board at each position," Wilks said. "We're trying to find the right mix."
The offensive line and secondary have been trouble spots at times for the Panthers. Now they're addressing indecisiveness from running backs, something that was put on the list of areas to address after the Baltimore game.
"We're all looking at options across the board," Wilks said. "At every position right now, we're trying to figure out who's going to give us the best opportunity to win."
The Panthers have won only once in seven meetings with Denver, that coming in 2008 at home. The most devastating loss for Carolina in the series came in the Super Bowl to end the 2015 season.
Scrutiny has fallen on Denver quarterback Russell Wilson, with his first season with the Broncos not going as planned.
The Carolina Panthers are also struggling with quarterback issues but they don't have just one QB to place all the blame on.
Both teams are looking for improvement under center as Denver visits Carolina for Sunday afternoon's game in Charlotte, N.C.
The Panthers are turning to Sam Darnold, who was the 2021 opening-day starter, to begin this game at quarterback. It will be his first start of the season.
Darnold, who made 11 starts last year, will be the third starter at quarterback in as many weeks for Carolina. Baker Mayfield's return to that role didn't go well vs. the Ravens.
The Panthers (3-8) didn't score a touchdown last week at Baltimore.
"We've flushed it," Carolina interim coach Steve Wilks said. "Our mindset is on Denver."
But if the Panthers think they have problems on offense, just look at Denver.
The Broncos (3-7) have lost two games in a row.
"We're trying to do everything we can to get that rhythm back," Denver coach Nathaniel Hackett said. "Russell is so positive, it seems like he's in a good place."
The Broncos are last in the NFL in scoring at 14.7 points per game.
"Trying to find consistency and rhythm on offense," Denver receiver Courtland Sutton said. "We've just got to finish at the end of the day. Losing is not OK. We have to win out to have any chance (of reaching the playoffs)."
Wilson has thrown just seven touchdowns passes to go with five interceptions. Most glaring might be that he has been sacked 32 times.
It's unclear if receiver Jerry Jeudy will be back after missing a game with an ankle injury. Already gone from the Broncos is running back Melvin Gordon, who was waived after coughing up five fumbles despite a team-best 318 yards on the ground.
That moves Latavius Murray into the role as top running back for Denver. Running back Chase Edmonds was placed on injured reserve.
"That means more opportunities for me, so I have to take advantage," Murray said.
Wilson will be back in the state where he played for North Carolina State before transferring to Wisconsin. The Broncos will also have receiver Kendall Hinton, a former college quarterback at Wake Forest, playing in his home state and his role has increased the past few weeks.
While acknowledging the fluid situation at quarterback -- and with PJ Walker's status unclear as he deals with an ankle injury -- Wilks said attention should be spread to other spots.
"When you say inconsistent, I think you can really pinpoint it across the board at each position," Wilks said. "We're trying to find the right mix."
The offensive line and secondary have been trouble spots at times for the Panthers. Now they're addressing indecisiveness from running backs, something that was put on the list of areas to address after the Baltimore game.
"We're all looking at options across the board," Wilks said. "At every position right now, we're trying to figure out who's going to give us the best opportunity to win."
The Panthers have won only once in seven meetings with Denver, that coming in 2008 at home. The most devastating loss for Carolina in the series came in the Super Bowl to end the 2015 season.
Texans vs Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins return from their bye week on a four-game winning streak and are set to face the spiraling Houston Texans on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The Dolphins (7-3) look to be as healthy as they have been in quite some time with several players returning to the practice field this week.
The key to Miami's offense continues to be the improved play of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is having an MVP-caliber season. Tagovailoa entered the week leading the NFL with a 118.4 passer rating and ranked fourth in the AFC in touchdown passes (18) behind only Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.
The Dolphins are 7-0 when Tagovailoa starts and finishes a game this season.
While the Dolphins have found stability under center, the Texans (1-8-1) are reportedly ready to make a change at quarterback.
NFL Network reported on Wednesday that Houston is benching second-year starter Davis Mills and is likely to start Kyle Allen, who has 24 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and an 84.9 passer rating in 21 career NFL games (17 starts) combined during stints with Carolina and Washington.
Texans coach Lovie Smith didn't confirm the move when asked on Wednesday, but didn't deny it either.
Mills completed 19 of 33 passes for 169 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and a 46.1 passer rating in a 23-10 loss to Washington last week.
Allen has yet to take a snap this season, but completed 11 of 15 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown during two preseason appearances.
"Kyle can make all the throws. He has a history of good play in the NFL," Smith said Tuesday. "He's a veteran that's been in situations, gets rid of the ball quickly. There's a lot of things to like about what Kyle has done.
"We're not pleased with where we are. Do we need to do some things differently? Yes, and we will."
Miami doesn't want to see much change except in the kicking game, where typically-reliable Jason Sanders is struggling.
Sanders ranks 29th among kickers who have kicked in at least four games this season with a 76.5 percent field goal percentage. Sanders missed two extra points in the Dolphins' most recent win against Cleveland and has missed three overall while going 13-for-17 on field goals. He is 36 of 48 on field goals following the 2020 season, when he made 36 of 39.
"Jason has been a very good kicker in this league," Dolphins special teams coordinator Danny Crossman told reporters this week. "I have no doubt he'll get back to that. Jason will get it right. I believe in Jason."
The Texans will need Allen to ignite an offense that sputtered completely last week.
Even rookie running back Dameon Pierce, who came into the game with 772 rushing yards, was held in check, tallying just 8 yards on 10 carries.
One prominent member of Miami's backfield -- Raheem Mostert (knee) -- did not practice on Wednesday, nor did punter Thomas Morstead (illness). Tackle Terron Armstead (toe), linebacker Jerome Baker (hip), quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (knee), tight end Tanner Conner (knee/back), cornerback Keion Crossen (shoulder) and defensive tackle Raekwon Davis (knee) were all limited.
For the Texans, defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. (hamstring) and long snapper Jon Weeks (personal) did not practice.
The Miami Dolphins return from their bye week on a four-game winning streak and are set to face the spiraling Houston Texans on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The Dolphins (7-3) look to be as healthy as they have been in quite some time with several players returning to the practice field this week.
The key to Miami's offense continues to be the improved play of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is having an MVP-caliber season. Tagovailoa entered the week leading the NFL with a 118.4 passer rating and ranked fourth in the AFC in touchdown passes (18) behind only Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.
The Dolphins are 7-0 when Tagovailoa starts and finishes a game this season.
While the Dolphins have found stability under center, the Texans (1-8-1) are reportedly ready to make a change at quarterback.
NFL Network reported on Wednesday that Houston is benching second-year starter Davis Mills and is likely to start Kyle Allen, who has 24 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and an 84.9 passer rating in 21 career NFL games (17 starts) combined during stints with Carolina and Washington.
Texans coach Lovie Smith didn't confirm the move when asked on Wednesday, but didn't deny it either.
Mills completed 19 of 33 passes for 169 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and a 46.1 passer rating in a 23-10 loss to Washington last week.
Allen has yet to take a snap this season, but completed 11 of 15 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown during two preseason appearances.
"Kyle can make all the throws. He has a history of good play in the NFL," Smith said Tuesday. "He's a veteran that's been in situations, gets rid of the ball quickly. There's a lot of things to like about what Kyle has done.
"We're not pleased with where we are. Do we need to do some things differently? Yes, and we will."
Miami doesn't want to see much change except in the kicking game, where typically-reliable Jason Sanders is struggling.
Sanders ranks 29th among kickers who have kicked in at least four games this season with a 76.5 percent field goal percentage. Sanders missed two extra points in the Dolphins' most recent win against Cleveland and has missed three overall while going 13-for-17 on field goals. He is 36 of 48 on field goals following the 2020 season, when he made 36 of 39.
"Jason has been a very good kicker in this league," Dolphins special teams coordinator Danny Crossman told reporters this week. "I have no doubt he'll get back to that. Jason will get it right. I believe in Jason."
The Texans will need Allen to ignite an offense that sputtered completely last week.
Even rookie running back Dameon Pierce, who came into the game with 772 rushing yards, was held in check, tallying just 8 yards on 10 carries.
One prominent member of Miami's backfield -- Raheem Mostert (knee) -- did not practice on Wednesday, nor did punter Thomas Morstead (illness). Tackle Terron Armstead (toe), linebacker Jerome Baker (hip), quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (knee), tight end Tanner Conner (knee/back), cornerback Keion Crossen (shoulder) and defensive tackle Raekwon Davis (knee) were all limited.
For the Texans, defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. (hamstring) and long snapper Jon Weeks (personal) did not practice.
Bengals vs Titans
After meeting in the playoffs in January, the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals will try to prove themselves as legitimate AFC contenders again when they square off Sunday in Nashville, Tenn.
The Bengals took down the top-seeded Titans 19-16 in last year's AFC divisional round on their way to reaching the Super Bowl. Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill insisted Sunday's rematch is not about revenge.
"That was last year. Half this team wasn't even here," Tannehill said this week. "This is a new team facing another new team. Obviously a game we want to win, but it has nothing to do with last year."
The Titans (7-3) have won seven of their past eight games and haven't lost in regulation since Week 2. They've been powered by a defense that ranks No. 1 in the NFL since Week 3 in scoring (15.4 ppg allowed), rushing yards (60.4) and third-down conversions (30.1 percent).
They're also 10th in the league with 30 sacks, led by seven from Denico Autry, 6.5 from Jeffery Simmons and 5.5 from Rashad Weaver. Autry is on pace to surpass his career high of nine sacks, set in 2018 and 2021, but he won't play Sunday after he suffered a knee injury in last week's 27-17 win over the Green Bay Packers.
"He don't get a lot of respect that he deserves and we're gonna miss him for the time he's out," Simmons said. "But like I said, the thing about Tennessee and the thing since I've been here, it's always been a next-man-up mentality. So I'm excited for all those other guys to get more opportunities."
Simmons himself was limited all week in practice with an ankle injury. The defensive tackle, officially listed as questionable, racked up three of the Titans' nine sacks of Joe Burrow in January's playoff loss.
"He impacts everything," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. "The point of attack in the run game. He affects the passer in the pass game. He's got all the traits that you want to see in a great defensive tackle."
The Bengals (6-4) are still struggling to get their offense fully healthy. This could be the week star receiver Ja'Marr Chase returns from a hip injury, but at the same time running back Joe Mixon has entered concussion protocol and won't play Sunday.
Chase was a limited participant in practice all week and was listed as questionable. Burrow said the team expects he'll be ready to go against Tennessee after he missed the last three games.
Cincinnati, like Tennessee, has rebounded from an 0-2 start to the year to get back in the thick of the playoff hunt. They outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 37-30 shootout last week, with Burrow throwing for 355 yards and four touchdowns.
Their schedule is only going to get tougher after Tennessee, with dates against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens still to come.
"We know what it's gonna take down the stretch to get to where we want to get to," Burrow said. "We have the experience to go and do it. We just got to execute."
The only other Bengals players with injury designations are safety Dax Hill (shoulder), linebacker Joe Bachie (knee) and defensive tackle Josh Tupou (calf), all of whom are questionable. Tupou hasn't played since Week 6.
For the Titans, linebacker Bud Dupree (hip) returned to practice as a full participant all week and is slated to play. Kicker Randy Bullock (right calf), cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring), center Ben Jones (concussion) and running back Hassan Haskins (hip) are questionable.
Derrick Henry took a non-injury-related rest day Wednesday and will play Sunday. His NFL-high 1,010 rushing yards and team-best 10 touchdowns have powered Tennessee's offense.
After meeting in the playoffs in January, the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals will try to prove themselves as legitimate AFC contenders again when they square off Sunday in Nashville, Tenn.
The Bengals took down the top-seeded Titans 19-16 in last year's AFC divisional round on their way to reaching the Super Bowl. Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill insisted Sunday's rematch is not about revenge.
"That was last year. Half this team wasn't even here," Tannehill said this week. "This is a new team facing another new team. Obviously a game we want to win, but it has nothing to do with last year."
The Titans (7-3) have won seven of their past eight games and haven't lost in regulation since Week 2. They've been powered by a defense that ranks No. 1 in the NFL since Week 3 in scoring (15.4 ppg allowed), rushing yards (60.4) and third-down conversions (30.1 percent).
They're also 10th in the league with 30 sacks, led by seven from Denico Autry, 6.5 from Jeffery Simmons and 5.5 from Rashad Weaver. Autry is on pace to surpass his career high of nine sacks, set in 2018 and 2021, but he won't play Sunday after he suffered a knee injury in last week's 27-17 win over the Green Bay Packers.
"He don't get a lot of respect that he deserves and we're gonna miss him for the time he's out," Simmons said. "But like I said, the thing about Tennessee and the thing since I've been here, it's always been a next-man-up mentality. So I'm excited for all those other guys to get more opportunities."
Simmons himself was limited all week in practice with an ankle injury. The defensive tackle, officially listed as questionable, racked up three of the Titans' nine sacks of Joe Burrow in January's playoff loss.
"He impacts everything," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. "The point of attack in the run game. He affects the passer in the pass game. He's got all the traits that you want to see in a great defensive tackle."
The Bengals (6-4) are still struggling to get their offense fully healthy. This could be the week star receiver Ja'Marr Chase returns from a hip injury, but at the same time running back Joe Mixon has entered concussion protocol and won't play Sunday.
Chase was a limited participant in practice all week and was listed as questionable. Burrow said the team expects he'll be ready to go against Tennessee after he missed the last three games.
Cincinnati, like Tennessee, has rebounded from an 0-2 start to the year to get back in the thick of the playoff hunt. They outlasted the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 37-30 shootout last week, with Burrow throwing for 355 yards and four touchdowns.
Their schedule is only going to get tougher after Tennessee, with dates against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens still to come.
"We know what it's gonna take down the stretch to get to where we want to get to," Burrow said. "We have the experience to go and do it. We just got to execute."
The only other Bengals players with injury designations are safety Dax Hill (shoulder), linebacker Joe Bachie (knee) and defensive tackle Josh Tupou (calf), all of whom are questionable. Tupou hasn't played since Week 6.
For the Titans, linebacker Bud Dupree (hip) returned to practice as a full participant all week and is slated to play. Kicker Randy Bullock (right calf), cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring), center Ben Jones (concussion) and running back Hassan Haskins (hip) are questionable.
Derrick Henry took a non-injury-related rest day Wednesday and will play Sunday. His NFL-high 1,010 rushing yards and team-best 10 touchdowns have powered Tennessee's offense.
Bears vs Jets.
Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus and New York Jets coach Robert Saleh had vastly different reasons for needing more time to decide who will quarterback their teams when they meet on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
Eberflus will continue to monitor Justin Fields, who separated and partially tore ligaments in his (non-throwing) left shoulder against the Falcons on Sunday, to determine if he can start against the Jets.
Fields was listed as questionable on Friday and termed a game-time decision by Eberflus.
"When you're looking at injury for any player, what are the long-term effects of that and then where is it? Where exactly is it?" Eberflus said. "Is it something that we can play through or is it something that we can have rest? With any player, we take into the equation those two things."
Saleh, however, made his decision on Wednesday. He told his players that Mike White will start over Zach Wilson after Wilson's abysmal performance in a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
"Zach's career here is not over," Saleh said, adding Wilson will be inactive against the Bears. "I know that's going to be the narrative and I know that's what everybody wants to shout out, but that's not even close to the case. The full intent is to make sure Zach gets back on the football field this season. When that is, I'll make that decision. I'll take it day-to-day."
Wilson went 9-for-22 passing for a season-low 77 yards, in addition to running for 26 yards on three carries, against New England.
The Jets (6-4) mustered two yards of offense in the second half against the Patriots and 103 for the game.
White, who hasn't thrown a pass all season, completed 66.7 percent of his attempts for 953 yards with five touchdowns and eight interceptions in four games in 2021 while Wilson was out with a knee injury.
Joe Flacco, who started the first three games while Wilson recovered from a preseason knee injury, will be White's backup.
Wilson went 5-2 as a starter, but he's thrown just four touchdown passes, one fewer than Flacco, who has thrown for 901 yards and three interceptions.
Meanwhile, Fields, who like Wilson is in his second year, is playing very well for the Bears (3-8), who have dropped four straight games and seven of their past eight.
Fields went 14-for-21 passing for 153 yards with a touchdown and an interception against Atlanta, and rushed for 85 yards and a score on 18 carries.
Fields has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 1,642 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. But he's rushed for 834 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 carries, powering the league's top rushing attack that averages 197.9 yards per game.
"I just feel like if I can play and that I'm not furthering the risk of injury and I can do what I need to do to be able to protect myself, I think that'll be good enough for me to play," Fields said.
If Fields can't go, he'll likely be replaced by Trevor Siemian, who has thrown one pass all season, a 5-yard completion in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, cornerback Kyler Gordon and linebacker Sterling Weatherford are in concussion protocol and will miss the contest.
For the Jets, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (elbow) will miss his second straight game. Tight end Kenny Yeboah (calf) is doubtful and offensive tackle Duane Brown (shoulder) is questionable
Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus and New York Jets coach Robert Saleh had vastly different reasons for needing more time to decide who will quarterback their teams when they meet on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
Eberflus will continue to monitor Justin Fields, who separated and partially tore ligaments in his (non-throwing) left shoulder against the Falcons on Sunday, to determine if he can start against the Jets.
Fields was listed as questionable on Friday and termed a game-time decision by Eberflus.
"When you're looking at injury for any player, what are the long-term effects of that and then where is it? Where exactly is it?" Eberflus said. "Is it something that we can play through or is it something that we can have rest? With any player, we take into the equation those two things."
Saleh, however, made his decision on Wednesday. He told his players that Mike White will start over Zach Wilson after Wilson's abysmal performance in a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday.
"Zach's career here is not over," Saleh said, adding Wilson will be inactive against the Bears. "I know that's going to be the narrative and I know that's what everybody wants to shout out, but that's not even close to the case. The full intent is to make sure Zach gets back on the football field this season. When that is, I'll make that decision. I'll take it day-to-day."
Wilson went 9-for-22 passing for a season-low 77 yards, in addition to running for 26 yards on three carries, against New England.
The Jets (6-4) mustered two yards of offense in the second half against the Patriots and 103 for the game.
White, who hasn't thrown a pass all season, completed 66.7 percent of his attempts for 953 yards with five touchdowns and eight interceptions in four games in 2021 while Wilson was out with a knee injury.
Joe Flacco, who started the first three games while Wilson recovered from a preseason knee injury, will be White's backup.
Wilson went 5-2 as a starter, but he's thrown just four touchdown passes, one fewer than Flacco, who has thrown for 901 yards and three interceptions.
Meanwhile, Fields, who like Wilson is in his second year, is playing very well for the Bears (3-8), who have dropped four straight games and seven of their past eight.
Fields went 14-for-21 passing for 153 yards with a touchdown and an interception against Atlanta, and rushed for 85 yards and a score on 18 carries.
Fields has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 1,642 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. But he's rushed for 834 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 carries, powering the league's top rushing attack that averages 197.9 yards per game.
"I just feel like if I can play and that I'm not furthering the risk of injury and I can do what I need to do to be able to protect myself, I think that'll be good enough for me to play," Fields said.
If Fields can't go, he'll likely be replaced by Trevor Siemian, who has thrown one pass all season, a 5-yard completion in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, cornerback Kyler Gordon and linebacker Sterling Weatherford are in concussion protocol and will miss the contest.
For the Jets, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (elbow) will miss his second straight game. Tight end Kenny Yeboah (calf) is doubtful and offensive tackle Duane Brown (shoulder) is questionable
Falcons vs Skins.
While the Washington Commanders compete in the winningest division in the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons play in the weakest division.
When the teams meet Sunday in Landover, Md., however, they enter in similar circumstances. While Washington (6-5) is a half game out of a wildcard slot in the NFC, Atlanta (5-6) is a half-game behind first-place Tampa Bay in the NFC South.
Both teams are anxious for success. Atlanta is coming off four straight losing seasons. Washington is on a run of five consecutive losing years.
"It's a big game for both teams," Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. "When you get into the holiday season you want to be in games that matter."
The Commanders are on a high having won five of their last six. Four of the wins have been with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback, though the real catalyst for the success has been Washington's defense.
Linemen Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat -- all first-round picks -- are each producing at a Pro Bowl level, combining for 19 sacks.
And this week, the Commanders activated defensive end Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft, from the physically unable to perform list.
Young, who missed 19 games after sustaining a torn ACL just over a year ago, isn't certain to play on Sunday. Coach Ron Rivera said Young will be evaluated this week at practice to determine his availability.
"We have to slowly integrate him into it, get him more acclimated to it and when he's ready to roll, give him an opportunity to gradually increase that number of plays," Rivera said.
In a 23-10 win last Sunday, Washington dominated host Houston in the first half, getting an early pick-6 from Kendall Fuller and holding the Texans to 5 yards.
On Wednesday, the Commanders designated quarterback Carson Wentz for a return to practice, though he will not be activated this week. Wentz suffered a broken finger in a Week 6 win over Chicago and underwent surgery on Oct. 17.
The Falcons are coming off a 27-24 win at home over the Bears. Atlanta was down 17-7 in the second quarter before Cordarrelle Patterson sparked the rally with a 103-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Marcus Mariota ran for a touchdown and threw for another score as the Falcons won by a margin of four or fewer points for the fourth time this year.
The metrics don't favor Atlanta. While its defense ranks 30th in the NFL, giving up 389.4 yards per game, the offense ranks No. 26, gaining an average of 313.8 yards.
The Falcons do well in the running game, as they rank No. 3, averaging 159.4 yards per game on the ground using a committee approach with Tyler Allgeier (498 yards, 4.5 per carry), Patterson (454 yards, 5.3 per carry) and Caleb Huntley (335 yards, 4.8 per carry).
The injury news was not good for Atlanta on Wednesday. Tight end Kyle Pitts and defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham, both with knee injuries, will need surgery and will miss at least four games each.
For Washington, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday and linebacker Cole Holcomb (foot), who has been out for a month, remained sidelined.
Wahington rallied at Atlanta in Week 4 last year as Heinicke threw two touchdown passes in the final four minutes of a 34-30 victory.
While the Washington Commanders compete in the winningest division in the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons play in the weakest division.
When the teams meet Sunday in Landover, Md., however, they enter in similar circumstances. While Washington (6-5) is a half game out of a wildcard slot in the NFC, Atlanta (5-6) is a half-game behind first-place Tampa Bay in the NFC South.
Both teams are anxious for success. Atlanta is coming off four straight losing seasons. Washington is on a run of five consecutive losing years.
"It's a big game for both teams," Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. "When you get into the holiday season you want to be in games that matter."
The Commanders are on a high having won five of their last six. Four of the wins have been with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback, though the real catalyst for the success has been Washington's defense.
Linemen Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat -- all first-round picks -- are each producing at a Pro Bowl level, combining for 19 sacks.
And this week, the Commanders activated defensive end Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft, from the physically unable to perform list.
Young, who missed 19 games after sustaining a torn ACL just over a year ago, isn't certain to play on Sunday. Coach Ron Rivera said Young will be evaluated this week at practice to determine his availability.
"We have to slowly integrate him into it, get him more acclimated to it and when he's ready to roll, give him an opportunity to gradually increase that number of plays," Rivera said.
In a 23-10 win last Sunday, Washington dominated host Houston in the first half, getting an early pick-6 from Kendall Fuller and holding the Texans to 5 yards.
On Wednesday, the Commanders designated quarterback Carson Wentz for a return to practice, though he will not be activated this week. Wentz suffered a broken finger in a Week 6 win over Chicago and underwent surgery on Oct. 17.
The Falcons are coming off a 27-24 win at home over the Bears. Atlanta was down 17-7 in the second quarter before Cordarrelle Patterson sparked the rally with a 103-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Marcus Mariota ran for a touchdown and threw for another score as the Falcons won by a margin of four or fewer points for the fourth time this year.
The metrics don't favor Atlanta. While its defense ranks 30th in the NFL, giving up 389.4 yards per game, the offense ranks No. 26, gaining an average of 313.8 yards.
The Falcons do well in the running game, as they rank No. 3, averaging 159.4 yards per game on the ground using a committee approach with Tyler Allgeier (498 yards, 4.5 per carry), Patterson (454 yards, 5.3 per carry) and Caleb Huntley (335 yards, 4.8 per carry).
The injury news was not good for Atlanta on Wednesday. Tight end Kyle Pitts and defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham, both with knee injuries, will need surgery and will miss at least four games each.
For Washington, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday and linebacker Cole Holcomb (foot), who has been out for a month, remained sidelined.
Wahington rallied at Atlanta in Week 4 last year as Heinicke threw two touchdown passes in the final four minutes of a 34-30 victory.
Raiders vs Seahawks
Derek Carr's options were limited.
With tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow on injured reserve, Carr had one place to go in overtime last week at Denver.
Carr hit Davante Adams with a 35-yard scoring strike, giving Las Vegas a 22-16 overtime victory that snapped a three-game skid.
The Raiders (3-7) will look to continue on a positive path when they travel to the Pacific Northwest to play the Seattle Seahawks (6-4), the NFC West co-leaders, on Sunday afternoon.
"I've played with a lot of receivers in my nine-year career, a lot of smart guys," Carr said. "But Davante, he can see it like a quarterback."
Perhaps that's why Adams was open by 11.9 yards on the winning score, according to Next Gen Stats, the largest amount of separation for an overtime touchdown since the NFL began tracking that in 2016.
Adams said the route was the same he ran in the second quarter to the other side of the field, beating Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
"The call was to read what was going on with his leverage and the coverage, but it was based on something we had seen earlier in the game," Adams said. "Just kind of marrying the concepts together."
The Raiders also got a big game from Josh Jacobs, who rushed for 109 yards and caught three passes for 51 yards.
"To me, one of the most impressive things about him is he never asks to come out of a game," Raiders coach Josh McDaniels said of Jacobs, who had all 24 of Vegas' rushing attempts against the Broncos. "I've coached for a while, and that's a tough position to play and to never come out because you get hit a lot and you get banged about and guys are falling on you and all the rest of it."
Jacobs could be the key Sunday, as all four of Seattle's losses have come when it allows more than 150 yards rushing.
The Seahawks had a bye last week after having a four-game winning streak snapped in a 21-16 loss to Tampa Bay on Nov. 13 in the NFL's first regular-season game played in Germany.
"We're in the middle of the season, and we're doing the things we need to do," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. "Really, really pleased with our guys and think they've done a great job."
Tops on that list is quarterback Geno Smith, who took over after Russell Wilson was traded to Denver in the offseason.
Smith entered the bye leading the league in completion percentage (72.8) and was second in passer rating (108.0) and fifth in yards passing (2,474).
Not bad for someone who had started just five games over the previous seven seasons.
"I think it's a mixture of talent and mental stability. I think those things are coming into a good combination right now," Smith said. "I've always had those two things, so it's more so just me being in the light versus doing it in the shadows."
Both the Raiders and Seahawks are relatively healthy. Las Vegas offensive tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder/abdomen), who missed the Denver game, was a limited participant in practice this week, as was linebacker Luke Masterson (ribs). Seattle wide receiver Dee Eskridge (hand) and defensive end L.J. Collier (illness) missed practice.
Derek Carr's options were limited.
With tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow on injured reserve, Carr had one place to go in overtime last week at Denver.
Carr hit Davante Adams with a 35-yard scoring strike, giving Las Vegas a 22-16 overtime victory that snapped a three-game skid.
The Raiders (3-7) will look to continue on a positive path when they travel to the Pacific Northwest to play the Seattle Seahawks (6-4), the NFC West co-leaders, on Sunday afternoon.
"I've played with a lot of receivers in my nine-year career, a lot of smart guys," Carr said. "But Davante, he can see it like a quarterback."
Perhaps that's why Adams was open by 11.9 yards on the winning score, according to Next Gen Stats, the largest amount of separation for an overtime touchdown since the NFL began tracking that in 2016.
Adams said the route was the same he ran in the second quarter to the other side of the field, beating Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
"The call was to read what was going on with his leverage and the coverage, but it was based on something we had seen earlier in the game," Adams said. "Just kind of marrying the concepts together."
The Raiders also got a big game from Josh Jacobs, who rushed for 109 yards and caught three passes for 51 yards.
"To me, one of the most impressive things about him is he never asks to come out of a game," Raiders coach Josh McDaniels said of Jacobs, who had all 24 of Vegas' rushing attempts against the Broncos. "I've coached for a while, and that's a tough position to play and to never come out because you get hit a lot and you get banged about and guys are falling on you and all the rest of it."
Jacobs could be the key Sunday, as all four of Seattle's losses have come when it allows more than 150 yards rushing.
The Seahawks had a bye last week after having a four-game winning streak snapped in a 21-16 loss to Tampa Bay on Nov. 13 in the NFL's first regular-season game played in Germany.
"We're in the middle of the season, and we're doing the things we need to do," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. "Really, really pleased with our guys and think they've done a great job."
Tops on that list is quarterback Geno Smith, who took over after Russell Wilson was traded to Denver in the offseason.
Smith entered the bye leading the league in completion percentage (72.8) and was second in passer rating (108.0) and fifth in yards passing (2,474).
Not bad for someone who had started just five games over the previous seven seasons.
"I think it's a mixture of talent and mental stability. I think those things are coming into a good combination right now," Smith said. "I've always had those two things, so it's more so just me being in the light versus doing it in the shadows."
Both the Raiders and Seahawks are relatively healthy. Las Vegas offensive tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder/abdomen), who missed the Denver game, was a limited participant in practice this week, as was linebacker Luke Masterson (ribs). Seattle wide receiver Dee Eskridge (hand) and defensive end L.J. Collier (illness) missed practice.
Chargers vs Cardinals
Not quite the team they thought they would be by the time late November rolled around, the Los Angeles Chargers finally can see a favorable schedule ahead, and it might not be too late.
A promising run of games are in the offing for the Chargers beginning Sunday on the road against the Arizona Cardinals, although the Cardinals have their own reasons for their renewed optimism, with quarterback Kyler Murray back on the field.
The Chargers no longer have health concerns regarding their quarterback after Justin Herbert worked his way through fractured rib cartilage earlier in the season. Also promising for LA was the return last week of wide receiver Keenan Allen, who has missed seven games this season due to a hamstring ailment.
Impacted by a number of early injuries to key players, the Chargers continue to wait on the return of defensive end Joey Bosa from a groin injury.
Upcoming games against the Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders could give the Chargers the opportunity to get healthy in the standings. After those road contests, the Chargers play host to a pair of first-place teams, the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans.
The Chargers close out the season against the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos. The Dolphins and Titans are the only teams remaining on the Chargers' schedule with more than four wins.
With Allen's return, Herbert guided the Chargers to a late lead last Sunday only to see the Kansas City Chiefs score the winning touchdown with 31 seconds remaining and take a 30-27 decision. That came one week after Los Angeles fell 22-16 to the host San Francisco 49ers.
"Our focus is going to be on Arizona," Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. "We played two really tough games in a row in primetime against two really quality teams, and they've been great games. I feel like our level (of play) has been high. I think we know exactly where we stand right now, in terms of the context of the NFL landscape."
Herbert threw for 280 yards with two TDs and an interception against the Chiefs. Allen had five catches for 94 yards while Joshua Palmer made eight receptions for 106 yards and two scores. Austin Ekeler had 83 yards rushing to provide a boost for an anemic ground game that ranks third from the bottom in the NFL at 87.9 yards per contest.
"He's doing everything that he can to be out there," Herbert said about Allen. "He's a competitor."
Now comes a date with the Cardinals, whose defense rates among the bottom third of NFL teams at 245.4 yards passing allowed per game. On offense, Arizona is middle of the pack with 223 yards in the air per game.
The Cardinals had 247 yards passing in a 38-10 loss to the 49ers on Monday night at Mexico City, but Colt McCoy and Trace McSorley combined to throw two interceptions while taking three sacks.
Murray, who led the Cardinals to a 3-6 mark before his injury, is itching to get back on the field, according to coach Kliff Kingsbury.
"He looked good (Wednesday), so I'm feeling good about the chances," Kingsbury said. "I think if we didn't let him, we'd have a fistfight in my office at this point, so I feel like he's definitely trending in the right direction."
While Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (knee) is expected to miss the remainder of the season, Arizona anticipates getting help at wide receiver.
Kingsbury said he expects receiver Marquise Brown (foot) to return against the Chargers. Brown against the Seahawks on Oct. 16.
Brown's return would be especially welcome with Rondale Moore (groin) out and Greg Dortch (thumb) questionable.
Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (ankle) was reinjured during last weekend's loss to the Chiefs. He previously missed two games due to the injury before returning against Kansas City.
Not quite the team they thought they would be by the time late November rolled around, the Los Angeles Chargers finally can see a favorable schedule ahead, and it might not be too late.
A promising run of games are in the offing for the Chargers beginning Sunday on the road against the Arizona Cardinals, although the Cardinals have their own reasons for their renewed optimism, with quarterback Kyler Murray back on the field.
The Chargers no longer have health concerns regarding their quarterback after Justin Herbert worked his way through fractured rib cartilage earlier in the season. Also promising for LA was the return last week of wide receiver Keenan Allen, who has missed seven games this season due to a hamstring ailment.
Impacted by a number of early injuries to key players, the Chargers continue to wait on the return of defensive end Joey Bosa from a groin injury.
Upcoming games against the Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders could give the Chargers the opportunity to get healthy in the standings. After those road contests, the Chargers play host to a pair of first-place teams, the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans.
The Chargers close out the season against the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos. The Dolphins and Titans are the only teams remaining on the Chargers' schedule with more than four wins.
With Allen's return, Herbert guided the Chargers to a late lead last Sunday only to see the Kansas City Chiefs score the winning touchdown with 31 seconds remaining and take a 30-27 decision. That came one week after Los Angeles fell 22-16 to the host San Francisco 49ers.
"Our focus is going to be on Arizona," Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. "We played two really tough games in a row in primetime against two really quality teams, and they've been great games. I feel like our level (of play) has been high. I think we know exactly where we stand right now, in terms of the context of the NFL landscape."
Herbert threw for 280 yards with two TDs and an interception against the Chiefs. Allen had five catches for 94 yards while Joshua Palmer made eight receptions for 106 yards and two scores. Austin Ekeler had 83 yards rushing to provide a boost for an anemic ground game that ranks third from the bottom in the NFL at 87.9 yards per contest.
"He's doing everything that he can to be out there," Herbert said about Allen. "He's a competitor."
Now comes a date with the Cardinals, whose defense rates among the bottom third of NFL teams at 245.4 yards passing allowed per game. On offense, Arizona is middle of the pack with 223 yards in the air per game.
The Cardinals had 247 yards passing in a 38-10 loss to the 49ers on Monday night at Mexico City, but Colt McCoy and Trace McSorley combined to throw two interceptions while taking three sacks.
Murray, who led the Cardinals to a 3-6 mark before his injury, is itching to get back on the field, according to coach Kliff Kingsbury.
"He looked good (Wednesday), so I'm feeling good about the chances," Kingsbury said. "I think if we didn't let him, we'd have a fistfight in my office at this point, so I feel like he's definitely trending in the right direction."
While Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (knee) is expected to miss the remainder of the season, Arizona anticipates getting help at wide receiver.
Kingsbury said he expects receiver Marquise Brown (foot) to return against the Chargers. Brown against the Seahawks on Oct. 16.
Brown's return would be especially welcome with Rondale Moore (groin) out and Greg Dortch (thumb) questionable.
Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (ankle) was reinjured during last weekend's loss to the Chiefs. He previously missed two games due to the injury before returning against Kansas City.
Rams vs Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs' Week 12 home game against the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams likely made fans' mouths water when the NFL released its schedule months ago.
Now, those same mouths may be offering a collective yawn when pondering Sunday afternoon's game in Kansas City.
While Patrick Mahomes has the Chiefs (8-2) atop the AFC standings, the Rams (3-7) have been an unmitigated disaster. Oddsmakers weren't shy about showing the difference between the teams considering Kansas City is a whopping 14.5-point favorite at Caesars Sportsbook.
"They've had changes to the team and injuries, those things happen -- but it's not something they planned on happening," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of the Rams.
"At the same time, 99 (Aaron Donald), 54 (Leonard Floyd) and 5 (Jalen Ramsey) -- these guys haven't changed. ... You have to get yourself ready."
Kansas City has been ready from the get-go this season. The team leads the NFL in average points per game (30.0) and total offense (429.3 yards), while Mahomes is atop the league in passing yards (3,265) and passing touchdowns (28).
And who could forget the teams' electric matchup nearly four years ago? Mahomes passed for a career-high 478 yards and six touchdowns in the Chiefs' 54-51 loss to the Rams.
Last Sunday, Mahomes connected on three touchdown passes to tight end Travis Kelce to lead Kansas City to a 30-27 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce had six receptions for 115 yards en route to be named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Rookie Isiah Pacheco, who rolled up a season-best 107 yards last Sunday, could see even more playing time with fellow running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. Ronald Jones could be in line to make his season debut with the Chiefs and join Jerick McKinnon in backing up Pacheco.
Kansas City will welcome back wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has exited concussion protocol and practiced in full all week. He was given no game designation on Friday's injury report, meaning the team expects him to play.
"To have that energy on the sideline -- he's a great player and a great teammate, and you always want to have those guys back in the huddle," Mahomes said of Smith-Schuster, who leads the team's wide receivers in both catches (46) and receiving yards (615).
While the Chiefs have won four in a row, the reeling Rams have lost four straight games to plummet to the bottom of the NFC West. To boot, Los Angeles ranks fourth-worst in NFL in average points per game (16.8) and third-worst in total offense (288.0 yards).
The Rams are mired in a bevy of bad news, ranging from Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp expected to miss six to eight weeks with a high ankle sprain to defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson sustaining a season-ending meniscus injury.
"We're all professionals here," Los Angeles coach Sean McVay said. "This is our job. These are some challenging times, but you can't jump off the roller coaster. You gotta be able to stay on track."
Quarterback Bryce Perkins relieved Matthew Stafford (neck) in the Rams' 27-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. Stafford, who also is in concussion protocol, has been ruled out against the Chiefs.
"Bryce is gonna get the majority of the work (in practice on Wednesday), and we'll see how John (Wolford, neck) progresses throughout the week," McVay said.
The Rams rushed for a season-high 148 yards versus the Saints, with Cam Akers grinding out 61 of those. He is in line for more playing time after the Rams waived leading rusher Darrell Henderson Jr. on Tuesday.
In addition to Stafford and Robinson, the Rams will be without center Brian Allen (thumb) and linebacker Travin Howard (hip). Wide receiver Allen Robinson (ankle), tight end Tyler Higbee (knee), center Matt Skura (knee) and tackle Ty Nsekhe (ankle) are questionable.
As for Kansas City, wide receiver Kadarius Toney (hamstring) was ruled out. Guard Joe Thuney (ankle), safety Juan Thornhill (calf) and cornerback Chris Lammons (concussion) were listed as questionable.
The Kansas City Chiefs' Week 12 home game against the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams likely made fans' mouths water when the NFL released its schedule months ago.
Now, those same mouths may be offering a collective yawn when pondering Sunday afternoon's game in Kansas City.
While Patrick Mahomes has the Chiefs (8-2) atop the AFC standings, the Rams (3-7) have been an unmitigated disaster. Oddsmakers weren't shy about showing the difference between the teams considering Kansas City is a whopping 14.5-point favorite at Caesars Sportsbook.
"They've had changes to the team and injuries, those things happen -- but it's not something they planned on happening," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of the Rams.
"At the same time, 99 (Aaron Donald), 54 (Leonard Floyd) and 5 (Jalen Ramsey) -- these guys haven't changed. ... You have to get yourself ready."
Kansas City has been ready from the get-go this season. The team leads the NFL in average points per game (30.0) and total offense (429.3 yards), while Mahomes is atop the league in passing yards (3,265) and passing touchdowns (28).
And who could forget the teams' electric matchup nearly four years ago? Mahomes passed for a career-high 478 yards and six touchdowns in the Chiefs' 54-51 loss to the Rams.
Last Sunday, Mahomes connected on three touchdown passes to tight end Travis Kelce to lead Kansas City to a 30-27 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce had six receptions for 115 yards en route to be named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Rookie Isiah Pacheco, who rolled up a season-best 107 yards last Sunday, could see even more playing time with fellow running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. Ronald Jones could be in line to make his season debut with the Chiefs and join Jerick McKinnon in backing up Pacheco.
Kansas City will welcome back wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who has exited concussion protocol and practiced in full all week. He was given no game designation on Friday's injury report, meaning the team expects him to play.
"To have that energy on the sideline -- he's a great player and a great teammate, and you always want to have those guys back in the huddle," Mahomes said of Smith-Schuster, who leads the team's wide receivers in both catches (46) and receiving yards (615).
While the Chiefs have won four in a row, the reeling Rams have lost four straight games to plummet to the bottom of the NFC West. To boot, Los Angeles ranks fourth-worst in NFL in average points per game (16.8) and third-worst in total offense (288.0 yards).
The Rams are mired in a bevy of bad news, ranging from Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp expected to miss six to eight weeks with a high ankle sprain to defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson sustaining a season-ending meniscus injury.
"We're all professionals here," Los Angeles coach Sean McVay said. "This is our job. These are some challenging times, but you can't jump off the roller coaster. You gotta be able to stay on track."
Quarterback Bryce Perkins relieved Matthew Stafford (neck) in the Rams' 27-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. Stafford, who also is in concussion protocol, has been ruled out against the Chiefs.
"Bryce is gonna get the majority of the work (in practice on Wednesday), and we'll see how John (Wolford, neck) progresses throughout the week," McVay said.
The Rams rushed for a season-high 148 yards versus the Saints, with Cam Akers grinding out 61 of those. He is in line for more playing time after the Rams waived leading rusher Darrell Henderson Jr. on Tuesday.
In addition to Stafford and Robinson, the Rams will be without center Brian Allen (thumb) and linebacker Travin Howard (hip). Wide receiver Allen Robinson (ankle), tight end Tyler Higbee (knee), center Matt Skura (knee) and tackle Ty Nsekhe (ankle) are questionable.
As for Kansas City, wide receiver Kadarius Toney (hamstring) was ruled out. Guard Joe Thuney (ankle), safety Juan Thornhill (calf) and cornerback Chris Lammons (concussion) were listed as questionable.
