Rams coach Jeff Fisher has signed a contract extension with the team, as first reported Sunday by the NFL Network.
Patriots host the Rams at 1 p.m. ET. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 30s, sunny and clear at Gillette Stadium. QB Tom Brady arrived for the game at 8:10 a.m. ET.
Sunday's forecast in Chicago calls for a high of 34 degrees with 1-3 inches of snow. It will be interesting to see how many Bears (2-9) fans show up for the 49ers (1-10) game. Last week, in much nicer conditions, there were more than 13,000 empty seats at Soldier Field.
Want to pick the Chiefs this weekend in Atlanta, but can't get past what Trevor Siemian was able to do to K.C. in the second half of last Sunday night's game. The Falcons did a nice job in protecting Matt Ryan against both Khalil Mack and Von Miller earlier this season. The rejuvenated Justin Houston (three sacks last week) will present a new challenge. If he, Tamba Hali and Dee Ford are all healthy, Matty Ice might get defrosted. Ryan has been mostly hot this year, posting a 114.3 passer rating. Would you be shocked to hear that he's never finished a season with a passer rating over 100 before? Don't be. The guy has been a bit overrated for most of his career. Just slightly. Sorry, not sorry. Ryan's been a stud this year, though, and deserves much praise. He's not giving the ball away, especially in the red zone (like last year). Kansas City does lead the league in takeaways, though.
Atlanta Falcons 29, Kansas City Chiefs 28
Atlanta Falcons 29, Kansas City Chiefs 28
This should be an exciting affair down in New Orleans, holding huge implications for both teams. With the second-place Vikings hosting the 10-1 Cowboys on Thursday night, the Lions could have an excellent chance to widen their lead in the NFC North. Meanwhile, the Saints might have an opportunity to close the gap on the division-leading Falcons, who are playing no gimme in the Chiefs. Will Matt Stafford receive any help from a mostly-absent ground game? Doubtful. Ever since Sheldon Rankins entered the lineup, this New Orleans run D has tightened considerably. I've gone back and forth on who should win this game, but am having trouble getting past a Lions secondary that's allowed opposing quarterbacks a 106.4 passer rating this season (that's really, REALLY bad -- muy mal) facing Drew Brees.
New Orleans Saints 30, Detroit Lions 28
New Orleans Saints 30, Detroit Lions 28
Matt Ryan's cleats for today's game in honor of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
The Patriots' offense was far from lights-out in MetLife Stadium against the Jets, but that doesn't necessarily mean New England will fall flat at home vs. Los Angeles. OK, this contest will probably go one of two ways: Either the Rams will be so ticked off by their performance in NOLA that they will play with their hair on fire at Gillette OR Tom Brady will be so motivated from last week's slow start that he will torch the Rams' secondary. Jeff Fisher's group has drawn two of the best offenses in the league, on the road, in back-to-back weeks. As far as Jared Goff is concerned ... well ... he should be. Since 2001, the Patriots are 7-0 against rookie quarterbacks. Those freshmen QBs sported a shiny 4:14 TD-to-INT ratio in those games. In the last two meetings between these two coaches, Belichick's Patriots have outscored Fisher's team 104-7. The Greatest Slow on Turf.
New England Patriots 34, Los Angeles Rams 17
New England Patriots 34, Los Angeles Rams 17
If you feel the score below represents a lack of confidence in the Texans, you would be correct. Brock Osweiler will see a secondary that many quarterbacks have taken advantage of thus far this season. In a related -- and highly pertinent -- note: Many quarterbacks are playing better than Brock Osweiler this season. Osweiler's 72.2 passer rating is the lowest among 32 qualifying quarterbacks. If he is to not be characterized as a complete free-agent bust, Osweiler must take advantage of a Packers' secondary that is allowing opposing quarterbacks over a 100 passer rating. Green Bay's never finished a season with that happening. Never in franchise history. Oh, by the way: Green Bay boasts a very looong franchise history. Also worth mentioning is how dominant the Packers have been at Lambeau in December during the Mike McCarthy era. 19-3.
Green Bay Packers 34, Houston Texans 22
Green Bay Packers 34, Houston Texans 22
Interesting discussion on Sunday's Fantasy Focus about Saints RBs: Ingram should play and he's had 2 great games in past month but ... Hightower in standard double digits four of five games. Use both.
Light snow already falling at Lambeau Field. Forecast calls for 2-3 inches. Nothing the Packers aren't used to, but what about the Texans?
The Eagles' defense has been far less intimidating on the road than at home, so this might be a rebound game for a struggling Andy Dalton. Cincy needs the Red Rifle to take this one over, with no A.J. Green and a running game that's been more of a power-walking game of late. Picking Philadelphia to win here would take some guts, though, as Doug Pederson's group is 1-5 on the road and has lost six of the last eight.
Cincinnati Bengals 30, Philadelphia Eagles 24 (OT)
Cincinnati Bengals 30, Philadelphia Eagles 24 (OT)
Guessing the winning streak stops here for the Dolphins, although this will be anybody's contest. Joe Flacco must be effective (no turnovers) for the Ravens to prevail. Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill won't really have Jay Ajayi to lean on, with a banged-up offensive line facing the league's top-ranked run defense. Both of these ballclubs are gearing up for an important stretch run -- especially the Dolphins, given that they are behind the Patriots and already lost the first head-to-head matchup. An AFC wild-card slot is going to require at least 10 wins, considering the strength of the West. FYI: Miami hosts the Patriots in Week 17.
Baltimore Ravens 20, Miami Dolphins 17
Baltimore Ravens 20, Miami Dolphins 17
If someone told you two months ago that this game would feature Colin Kaepernick vs. Matt Barkley, you might have expected, oh, uh, 300 yards passing and two touchdowns combined. Football will surprise you sumptimes, Sean. [Said in my best Jon Gruden voice.] Kaep just tossed three touchdown passes in Miami, while Barkley's 54 pass attempts vs. Tennessee fell one short of the record for throws by a quarterback making his first career start. Speaking of great quarterback play, Blaine Gabbert delivered a win for the 49ers last year in Chicago. Think the Bears' defense, a solid unit which unfortunately has been linked to the poor record, will have much to say about that. And there is no way the guys on offense can drop as many balls as they did last week. There is no way the guys on offense can drop half as many balls as they did last week. Let's be real here: Both of these teams have been mostly awful since the start of the 2015 season (49ers: 6-21, Bears: 8-19) and are playing for draft positioning.
Chicago Bears 24, San Francisco 49ers 16
Chicago Bears 24, San Francisco 49ers 16
The Giants' win streak stops here. Big Blue has been getting away with a much-hyped offense that's really not putting up points in bunches. Rather, it's been an in-game struggle almost every week, where Ben McAdoo's attack either explodes for short bursts or sleepwalks through 2.5 quarters. The fact remains that it's the defense that keeps New York winning. The front seven, in particular, consistently thwarts opposing running games. Lev Bell presents a completely different kind of monster than Isaiah Crowell, Jeremy Hill or any of the running backs New York has faced this season (save for maybe Ezekiel Elliott, though that was the rookie's first NFL game). One other interesting note on the G-Men: They've been escaping by the hair of their chinny chin chin, earning all but one of their wins by seven points or less. Do you give them credit for doing what it takes? Or are they a middling team canvased by an 8-3 record?
Pittsburgh Steelers 26, New York Giants 24
Pittsburgh Steelers 26, New York Giants 24
People are hot on the Bucs right now. The defense, which is allowing 24 points per game, is improving. Yet, this is one long road trip across the country for a team coming off of its most emotional win in years. While I don't see Jameis Winston losing focus, it wouldn't surprise me if Tampa came out flat in the first quarter. The key matchup will be Philip Rivers' pass protection versus a suddenly legit (we think) Tampa pass rush. Was last week's pummeling of Russell Wilson a product of the Bucs' front seven, or a talent-optional Seahawks offensive line? Considering Rivers has been sacked 26 times this year, the Bucs' pass rush might not need to be legit. Melvin Gordon, meanwhile, is a different beast entirely from the RB-by-committee Tampa saw last Sunday. Gordon will be the difference.
San Diego Chargers 29, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
San Diego Chargers 29, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
Preview: Kansas City at Atlanta.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
The Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons are in position to make the playoffs, and both hope to solidify their standing in the teams’ first meeting since 2012 on Sunday in Atlanta. The Falcons hold a one-game lead over Tampa Bay in the NFC South, while Kansas City is fighting for position in the AFC wild-card race while also trying to keep pace in the AFC West.
The Chiefs took over second place in the wild AFC West with a thrilling 30-27 overtime win at Denver on Sunday night. Kansas City has won 18 of its last 21 regular-season contests but is one game behind Oakland in the division and just one ahead of the Broncos, who are on the wrong side of the wild-card bubble. "It's that time of the season you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and if you're in position to strike, I don't think you can afford to take games off," Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters. "At this time, that can't even be an issue. Every game is so important right now." The Falcons are in the same boat as they prepare for their toughest remaining test of the regular season, with their final four opponents all having records below .500.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Falcons -4.5. O/U: 49
ABOUT THE CHIEFS (8-3): Kansas City has survived despite a mediocre offense that has topped 300 total yards just once in the last four games. The Chiefs have missed star receiver Jeremy Maclin, who has been sidelined for three straight games with a groin injury, but his absence has helped open up more playing time for rookie speedster Tyreek Hill, who last week became the first player since Gale Sayers in 1965 to record rushing, receiving and return touchdowns in the same game. Kansas City’s saving grace has been a defense that leads the league in takeaways (24) and features dynamic pass rushers Justin Houston and Dee Ford.
ABOUT THE FALCONS (7-4): Atlanta’s offense is one of the best in the league and features a prolific duo in quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones, who leads the league in receiving yards (1,140) and recorded 108 and two touchdowns in Atlanta’s 40-24 win at Kansas City in 2012. The backfield combination of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman gives the Falcons decent balance and will need to be effective to keep the Chiefs’ defense honest. The Falcons’ most glaring weakness is their pass defense, which ranks last in the league but has held three of its last four opponents under 300 passing yards.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Kansas City has forced a turnover in seven straight games, recording 14 takeaways – and just three giveaways – over that span.
2. Ryan has passed for 2,307 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in his last seven home games.
3. The Chiefs have not topped 100 yards rushing in their last five games after doing so three times in their first six contests.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
The Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons are in position to make the playoffs, and both hope to solidify their standing in the teams’ first meeting since 2012 on Sunday in Atlanta. The Falcons hold a one-game lead over Tampa Bay in the NFC South, while Kansas City is fighting for position in the AFC wild-card race while also trying to keep pace in the AFC West.
The Chiefs took over second place in the wild AFC West with a thrilling 30-27 overtime win at Denver on Sunday night. Kansas City has won 18 of its last 21 regular-season contests but is one game behind Oakland in the division and just one ahead of the Broncos, who are on the wrong side of the wild-card bubble. "It's that time of the season you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and if you're in position to strike, I don't think you can afford to take games off," Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters. "At this time, that can't even be an issue. Every game is so important right now." The Falcons are in the same boat as they prepare for their toughest remaining test of the regular season, with their final four opponents all having records below .500.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Falcons -4.5. O/U: 49
ABOUT THE CHIEFS (8-3): Kansas City has survived despite a mediocre offense that has topped 300 total yards just once in the last four games. The Chiefs have missed star receiver Jeremy Maclin, who has been sidelined for three straight games with a groin injury, but his absence has helped open up more playing time for rookie speedster Tyreek Hill, who last week became the first player since Gale Sayers in 1965 to record rushing, receiving and return touchdowns in the same game. Kansas City’s saving grace has been a defense that leads the league in takeaways (24) and features dynamic pass rushers Justin Houston and Dee Ford.
ABOUT THE FALCONS (7-4): Atlanta’s offense is one of the best in the league and features a prolific duo in quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones, who leads the league in receiving yards (1,140) and recorded 108 and two touchdowns in Atlanta’s 40-24 win at Kansas City in 2012. The backfield combination of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman gives the Falcons decent balance and will need to be effective to keep the Chiefs’ defense honest. The Falcons’ most glaring weakness is their pass defense, which ranks last in the league but has held three of its last four opponents under 300 passing yards.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Kansas City has forced a turnover in seven straight games, recording 14 takeaways – and just three giveaways – over that span.
2. Ryan has passed for 2,307 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in his last seven home games.
3. The Chiefs have not topped 100 yards rushing in their last five games after doing so three times in their first six contests.
Preview: Miami at Baltimore.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
The Miami Dolphins' six-game winning streak has been built on a threat of a potent ground attack, but Jay Ajayi could find yards hard to come by against the host Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Ajayi has rushed for 730 yards and five touchdowns during the win streak heading into his tilt with the AFC North co-leading Ravens, who boast the league's top-ranked rush defense (74.9 yards per game).
While Ajayi was held in check last week, Ryan Tannehill threw for three touchdowns in Miami's 31-24 victory over San Francisco and has nine TDs against one interception for a 104.7 passer rating during the winning streak. Tannehill was limited to just 9-of-19 passing for 86 yards in the teams' 2015 meeting, although 36 came on a touchdown to DeVante Parker in a 15-13 victory. Joe Flacco missed that contest with a season-ending knee injury, but owns a 4-0 career mark against the Dolphins with a 105.6 passer rating. Flacco has found success with former Miami wide receiver Mike Wallace, who leads the Ravens with 792 yards receiving, four touchdown receptions and a 15.5-yard average.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -3.5. O/U: 40.5
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (7-4): Tannehill likely will be without one of his weapons on Sunday in Parker, who missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a back injury. "Right now, this moment, we got to make sure we have a plan in place if he doesn't make it," offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said of 23-year-old Parker, who has 16 receptions for 246 yards in his last three games. "If he does make it, it's going to be at the last hour. That would be awesome. We're hoping so, but right now we're preparing for the worst." Jarvis Landry leads Miami in receptions (64) and receiving yards (733) while fellow wideout Kenny Stills has three of his team-best five touchdowns in his last five games.
ABOUT THE RAVENS (6-5): Baltimore's second-ranked defense (297.8 yards per game) is led by linebacker Terrell Suggs, who recorded two sacks and two forced fumbles last week and three of each in the last three contests. Suggs hasn't been shy against the Dolphins, collecting at least one sack in each of his seven career encounters. Top cornerback Jimmy Smith is in line to return after a two-game absence due to a back injury and will likely shadow Landry.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Rookie G Laremy Tunsil (shoulder) expects to play after missing last week's game for Miami, which is 4-0 this season when all five starting offensive linemen are healthy.
2. Baltimore K Justin Tucker earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after booting three field goals from beyond 50 yards in a 19-14 triumph over Cincinnati.
3. Dolphins DE Cameron Wake has 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his last six games.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
The Miami Dolphins' six-game winning streak has been built on a threat of a potent ground attack, but Jay Ajayi could find yards hard to come by against the host Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Ajayi has rushed for 730 yards and five touchdowns during the win streak heading into his tilt with the AFC North co-leading Ravens, who boast the league's top-ranked rush defense (74.9 yards per game).
While Ajayi was held in check last week, Ryan Tannehill threw for three touchdowns in Miami's 31-24 victory over San Francisco and has nine TDs against one interception for a 104.7 passer rating during the winning streak. Tannehill was limited to just 9-of-19 passing for 86 yards in the teams' 2015 meeting, although 36 came on a touchdown to DeVante Parker in a 15-13 victory. Joe Flacco missed that contest with a season-ending knee injury, but owns a 4-0 career mark against the Dolphins with a 105.6 passer rating. Flacco has found success with former Miami wide receiver Mike Wallace, who leads the Ravens with 792 yards receiving, four touchdown receptions and a 15.5-yard average.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -3.5. O/U: 40.5
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (7-4): Tannehill likely will be without one of his weapons on Sunday in Parker, who missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a back injury. "Right now, this moment, we got to make sure we have a plan in place if he doesn't make it," offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said of 23-year-old Parker, who has 16 receptions for 246 yards in his last three games. "If he does make it, it's going to be at the last hour. That would be awesome. We're hoping so, but right now we're preparing for the worst." Jarvis Landry leads Miami in receptions (64) and receiving yards (733) while fellow wideout Kenny Stills has three of his team-best five touchdowns in his last five games.
ABOUT THE RAVENS (6-5): Baltimore's second-ranked defense (297.8 yards per game) is led by linebacker Terrell Suggs, who recorded two sacks and two forced fumbles last week and three of each in the last three contests. Suggs hasn't been shy against the Dolphins, collecting at least one sack in each of his seven career encounters. Top cornerback Jimmy Smith is in line to return after a two-game absence due to a back injury and will likely shadow Landry.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Rookie G Laremy Tunsil (shoulder) expects to play after missing last week's game for Miami, which is 4-0 this season when all five starting offensive linemen are healthy.
2. Baltimore K Justin Tucker earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after booting three field goals from beyond 50 yards in a 19-14 triumph over Cincinnati.
3. Dolphins DE Cameron Wake has 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his last six games.
Preview: San Francisco at Chicago.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Colin Kaepernick showed signs of returning to his perch as one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the league last week, throwing for 296 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 113 yards, but San Francisco ran out of time in falling at Miami for its 10th straight loss. The 49ers look to snap their skid when they visit the Chicago Bears, who have lost three straight, on Sunday in a matchup of two of the NFL's worst teams
With Jay Cutler scheduled for season-ending shoulder surgery on Saturday, Matt Barkley will get the start for the Bears once again. Barkley had his best day as a pro in last week's 27-21 loss against Tennessee, throwing for 316 yards with three touchdowns despite a slew of crucial drops by his decimated receiving corps. He'll get a chance to better those numbers this week against the Niners, who rank dead last in both points allowed (344; 31.3 per game) and yards allowed (424.5). San Francisco's last win on the road was at Chicago a year ago as it got a 71-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert to Torrey Smith for the 26-20 win in overtime.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. Line: Bears -1. O/U: 43.5
ABOUT THE 49ERS (1-10): Kaepernick tried to take the game into his own hands last week and nearly succeeded but the quarterback, who has surged into the national limelight for anything but football recently, was stopped just shy of the goal line on the game's final play in the 31-24 loss. Still, it was his best day as a quarterback since 2014 when he was entrenched as a dual threat viewed as one off the game's top playmakers. The Niners' lone win of the season was a 28-0 whitewashing of the Rams on opening day and they rank 29th in the NFL in scoring (20.7 points) and 30th in passing (198 yards a game)
ABOUT THE BEARS (2-9): Sunday will be a chance for Barkley to see if he can build on his solid second half of last week despite the Bears' vast shortcomings in the receiving game. Chicago, which is still without top receiver Alshon Jeffery (suspension) for two more weeks and placed tight end Zach Miller (foot) on injured reserve a week ago, could also be missing Eddie Royal due to a toe injury. Regardless, look for Jordan Howard to carry the ball a lot as the Niners have allowed an NFL-worst 171.8 rushing yards per game and Howard ranks second to Ezekiel Elliott in rushing for rookies with 766 yards and two touchdowns.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Carlos Hyde leads the 49ers with 596 yards rushing but hasn't scored a touchdown in the past four games.
2. The Bears could get back cornerback Kyle Fuller, who took part in individual and team drills during the week. Fuller has not played this season after knee surgery.
3. Opposing quarterbacks have a 99.9 QB rating against the 49ers and have thrown 26 TDs to just seven picks.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Colin Kaepernick showed signs of returning to his perch as one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the league last week, throwing for 296 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 113 yards, but San Francisco ran out of time in falling at Miami for its 10th straight loss. The 49ers look to snap their skid when they visit the Chicago Bears, who have lost three straight, on Sunday in a matchup of two of the NFL's worst teams
With Jay Cutler scheduled for season-ending shoulder surgery on Saturday, Matt Barkley will get the start for the Bears once again. Barkley had his best day as a pro in last week's 27-21 loss against Tennessee, throwing for 316 yards with three touchdowns despite a slew of crucial drops by his decimated receiving corps. He'll get a chance to better those numbers this week against the Niners, who rank dead last in both points allowed (344; 31.3 per game) and yards allowed (424.5). San Francisco's last win on the road was at Chicago a year ago as it got a 71-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert to Torrey Smith for the 26-20 win in overtime.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. Line: Bears -1. O/U: 43.5
ABOUT THE 49ERS (1-10): Kaepernick tried to take the game into his own hands last week and nearly succeeded but the quarterback, who has surged into the national limelight for anything but football recently, was stopped just shy of the goal line on the game's final play in the 31-24 loss. Still, it was his best day as a quarterback since 2014 when he was entrenched as a dual threat viewed as one off the game's top playmakers. The Niners' lone win of the season was a 28-0 whitewashing of the Rams on opening day and they rank 29th in the NFL in scoring (20.7 points) and 30th in passing (198 yards a game)
ABOUT THE BEARS (2-9): Sunday will be a chance for Barkley to see if he can build on his solid second half of last week despite the Bears' vast shortcomings in the receiving game. Chicago, which is still without top receiver Alshon Jeffery (suspension) for two more weeks and placed tight end Zach Miller (foot) on injured reserve a week ago, could also be missing Eddie Royal due to a toe injury. Regardless, look for Jordan Howard to carry the ball a lot as the Niners have allowed an NFL-worst 171.8 rushing yards per game and Howard ranks second to Ezekiel Elliott in rushing for rookies with 766 yards and two touchdowns.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Carlos Hyde leads the 49ers with 596 yards rushing but hasn't scored a touchdown in the past four games.
2. The Bears could get back cornerback Kyle Fuller, who took part in individual and team drills during the week. Fuller has not played this season after knee surgery.
3. Opposing quarterbacks have a 99.9 QB rating against the 49ers and have thrown 26 TDs to just seven picks.
Preview: Philadelphia at Cincinnati.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Philadelphia Eagles have followed a promising start to the season by losing five of their last six overall while limping to a 1-5 mark away from home. The Eagles look to get untracked against another struggling team on Sunday when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals.
Offense has been an issue for both teams of late, as the Eagles have totaled 28 points in losses to Seattle and Green Bay while the Bengals have averaged 15.3 during their three-game losing skid. Philadelphia rookie Carson Wentz has endured significant growing pains since capturing the heart of the eastern side of the Keystone State, throwing his seventh interception in six games on Monday in a 27-13 setback to Green Bay. The second overall pick of the 2016 draft has failed to throw a touchdown pass in three of his last four games and faces a Cincinnati defense that is yielding just 246.0 yards through the air (13th-best). The Bengals' problem of late has been on the other side of the ball, as quarterback Andy Dalton has been sacked 32 times and stud wideout A.J. Green likely will miss his second straight game with a strained hamstring.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Bengals -1.5. O/U: 42
ABOUT THE EAGLES (5-6): Wide receiver Jordan Matthews was limited in Thursday's practice as he attempts to work his way back from a right ankle injury that hampered him against the Packers. Matthews' availability is key for Wentz, as the former leads the team in receptions (57), targets (90), receiving yards (686) and receiving touchdowns (three). Tight end Zach Ertz has stepped up in the passing game, reeling in 23 receptions in the last four weeks. Running back Ryan Mathews (team-leading 427 yards, seven TDs) did not practice on Thursday due to a knee injury and is in jeopardy of missing his second straight game.
ABOUT THE BENGALS (3-7-1): Cincinnati has won only one of its last seven games to put its streak of five consecutive playoff appearances on life support, and losing the electric Gio Bernard and Green hasn't helped matters. Running back Jeremy Hill has been limited to just 83 yards in the last two contests, but added an unexpected boost in the passing game on Sunday with six catches for 61 yards in a 19-14 loss to Baltimore. Veteran wideout Brandon LaFell has struggled to pick up the slack in the absence of Green, who was spotted working on the team's rehab field during Thursday's practice.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Cincinnati LB Vontaze Burfict has recorded double-digit tackles in four consecutive contests.
2. Philadelphia DE Brandon Graham (team-leading 5.0 sacks), had a career-high 2.5 in the last meeting.
3. The Bengals own an 8-3-1 edge versus the Eagles in the all-time series.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 4, 2016
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Philadelphia Eagles have followed a promising start to the season by losing five of their last six overall while limping to a 1-5 mark away from home. The Eagles look to get untracked against another struggling team on Sunday when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals.
Offense has been an issue for both teams of late, as the Eagles have totaled 28 points in losses to Seattle and Green Bay while the Bengals have averaged 15.3 during their three-game losing skid. Philadelphia rookie Carson Wentz has endured significant growing pains since capturing the heart of the eastern side of the Keystone State, throwing his seventh interception in six games on Monday in a 27-13 setback to Green Bay. The second overall pick of the 2016 draft has failed to throw a touchdown pass in three of his last four games and faces a Cincinnati defense that is yielding just 246.0 yards through the air (13th-best). The Bengals' problem of late has been on the other side of the ball, as quarterback Andy Dalton has been sacked 32 times and stud wideout A.J. Green likely will miss his second straight game with a strained hamstring.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Bengals -1.5. O/U: 42
ABOUT THE EAGLES (5-6): Wide receiver Jordan Matthews was limited in Thursday's practice as he attempts to work his way back from a right ankle injury that hampered him against the Packers. Matthews' availability is key for Wentz, as the former leads the team in receptions (57), targets (90), receiving yards (686) and receiving touchdowns (three). Tight end Zach Ertz has stepped up in the passing game, reeling in 23 receptions in the last four weeks. Running back Ryan Mathews (team-leading 427 yards, seven TDs) did not practice on Thursday due to a knee injury and is in jeopardy of missing his second straight game.
ABOUT THE BENGALS (3-7-1): Cincinnati has won only one of its last seven games to put its streak of five consecutive playoff appearances on life support, and losing the electric Gio Bernard and Green hasn't helped matters. Running back Jeremy Hill has been limited to just 83 yards in the last two contests, but added an unexpected boost in the passing game on Sunday with six catches for 61 yards in a 19-14 loss to Baltimore. Veteran wideout Brandon LaFell has struggled to pick up the slack in the absence of Green, who was spotted working on the team's rehab field during Thursday's practice.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Cincinnati LB Vontaze Burfict has recorded double-digit tackles in four consecutive contests.
2. Philadelphia DE Brandon Graham (team-leading 5.0 sacks), had a career-high 2.5 in the last meeting.
3. The Bengals own an 8-3-1 edge versus the Eagles in the all-time series.
