For some reason, I'm not allowed to post on the original Hamlin thread.
I'm sure it's not because I quickly disagreed with someone suggesting I was operating in the same manner as someone who would ask, "When did you stop beating your wife" or another who suggested I was creating a straw man.

I have a healthy skepticism when it comes to the NFL and it's decision making. This comes from being a fan for decades and paying attention to the league. From concussions to collusion, this NFL has not earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to big decisions like the one to stop the game between the Bengals and Bills.

Is this story the final word? No, I'm not saying that. But anyone buying what Vincent is saying without questioning it is carrying water for the NFL and I have no idea why they would.


Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/DVNJr/status/1612639750984187904?s=20&t=2tcpNyGMFXHq94OoSNhPng

anyone catch that blizzard out of Boston that just swept thru California?

Boston Bruins 5
L.A.Kings 2

Bruins 4
San Jose Sharks 2

Bruins 7
Anaheim 1

Anybody here watching?

per this morning

His numbers from last season would've won the triple crown AGAIN.
His pace this season would've put him 3rd for yardage, 2nd for TDs and first in receptions.

They guy is incredible and will be kicking ass again, next season.

So what are we thinking...SOL?

I hope its Sol instead of Black.....

And bring back more of the bone, believe we were 2-0 in em this year....

…a long, stressful, offseason.

I get it.

You’re afraid that McVay, Donald or even Stafford could leave.

The notion of them bailing makes you angry.

That anger could cause you to alter your affinity for these individuals, and thereby taint one of the greatest periods in Rams’ history.

Once you start down the dark path, forever it will dominate your destiny. Patience, you must have. Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.

And never draft an offensive tackle from a Big 12 spread offense.

I know how you guys felt all year. I admit that stung like hell.

The schedule is set.

It is going to be hard rooting Seahawks that first game, but that is what I’ll be doing.

Saturday, Jan. 14

NFC
Seahawks (7) at 49ers (2), 4:30 p.m. ET/ 1:30 p.m. PT

AFC
Chargers (5) at Jaguars (4), 8:15 p.m. ET/ 5:15 p.m. PT

Sunday, Jan. 15

AFC
Dolphins (7) at Bills (2), 1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT

NFC
Giants (6) at Vikings (3), 4:30 p.m. ET/ 1:30 p.m. PT

AFC
Ravens (6) at Bengals (3), 8:15 p.m. ET/ 5:15 p.m. PT

Monday, Jan. 16

NFC
Cowboys (5) at Buccaneers (4), 8:15 p.m. ET/ 5:15 p.m. PT

Byes: Chiefs (AFC), Eagles (NFC)

Looks like another woodchipper of a schedule

HOME
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers
Arizona Cardinals
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commodes
New Orleans Saints
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers

AWAY
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers
Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Green Bay Packers
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Indianapolis Colts

1. I've always liked the use of the term "commencement" to describe graduation. Or, as Semisonic put it, in semi-wordy fashion, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

2. I won't lie. Adjusting from a battle cry of "run it back," to realizing it would be a struggle, to accepting that this is not our year was a tough road. But I'm over it now and ready to look ahead.

3. So many questions... the first that seems to be on the minds of many is Sean McVay's future.

4. Here's what I know... diddly squat.

5. You know who also knows diddly squat? Adam Schefter, Ian Rappoport, Peter Schrager, Mike "Collie Molester" Florio, and every person with a twitter account or username on a forum.

6. Heck... Sean McVay probably doesn't know the answer. And that's where my hope comes from. My theory is, if he was going to leave, he'd know now (or in the next week). If he's just tired and needs a break, let him have it. After a week on some beach, he'll be drawing up plays in the sand and calling the scouting department about prospects for Day 2 of the draft.

7. I'm also going to resist the temptation to worry about Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, or any of the other missing pieces. Unless and until I hear otherwise, I'm expecting to have the band back together in September.

8. I'm not going to spend too much time on our final outing. It was, though, good to see a team with little to play for fight to the end.

9. Cam Akers' turnaround continues to be noteworthy. He exceeded 600 yards in the final 8 games. While that may not be enough for me to stop scouting mid-round RBs for the draft, I do think there is hope to be gleaned there.

10. Another player who, somewhat quietly, turned things around after a slow start is Leonard Floyd. Six sacks in the final eight games (and nine in the last eleven) is significant.

11. Baker Mayfield and the Rams were a good match, but I expect it will be a temporary one. I wish him the best.

12. The Rams will have a lot of decisions to make in the coming weeks. The mid-season release of dead-weight guys like Bobby Evans and Terrell Lewis tells me that the Rams will not be sentimental when making those decisions.

13. Biggest priority for the rest of the year: pull for every team that goes up against the 49ers until those smug asshats are eliminated.

14. I don't have a particular team to adopt for the playoffs, but I guess I wouldn't mind seeing Buffalo finally get a title.

15. With today's results, the Rams opponents for 2023 are now set. Home game against the Saints, road game against the Colts, and... oh, I can't friggin' believe it... ANOTHER game at Lambeau?

16. I might go to SoFi next year. My wife wants to take me there as a (belated, or early, depending on perspective) birthday present. So what game should I target...?

17. I guess I should make a prediction here for the offseason. Okay, here goes.... the Rams will sign OBJ and trade Allen Robinson.

18. So this will be the last weekly installment of 20RT for the season.

19. As usual, I'll have "special editions" for free agency, the draft, and whenever the mood hits me.

20. Till then... if you must be random, at least be thoughtful.

This should be my final 2023 season mock until the Combine is complete.

I'm sticking with previous posted thoughts about avoiding Free Agents this next year due to CAP limitations and to preserve future Compensation picks we are likely to to receive from free agency losses following our 2022 season. The only outside free agents I'm even looking at are Edge Arden Key and our own OBj, and that's only if they come cheap enough to not have an adverse affect for comp picks the following year. I give them both incentive laden contracts, and OBj would be on a one year prove-it deal.

My one and only big trade offer for an outsider remains with the Rams taking another shot at Edge Brian Burns, and for him to negotiate a new long term contract so we don't compound the mistake we made with Von Miller. I only move Floyd if we land Burns or another top young Edge, and for this I'm willing to use our 2024/2025 top draft picks to secure the deal.


I'll be going ahead with trading 3 of our current players for additional draft capital which will be above and beyond what we may be already slated to receive, as well as an assumption that our D.C. Raheem Morris will be lost to another team when he's named a Head Coach.
So it now looks like our draft, with expected comp additions, will consist of up to 10 players chosen, ... but thru trades, I'm getting us 4 new draft picks to bring our total up to 14. Moving Raheem Morris will bring us a 2023 3'rd round comp pick, moving down from the Rams 6'th overall pick in the 2'nd round will garner us a lower 2'nd and an additional 3'rd rounder, trading Floyd will bring us a 3'rd, trading Higbee will get us a 4'th, and trading Van Jefferson gets us a 5'th.

#1) 0
#2) 1
#3) 1
#4) 0
#5) 2
#6) 4
#7) 2

After trades our draft will appear as so ...

#1) 0
#2) 1
#3) 4
#4) 1
#5) 3
#6) 4
#7) 2


My 2023 Draft :


1 - N/A
2 - CB Christian Gonzalez, Or.
3a - C/OG Ricky Stromberg, Ark.
3b - TE Luke Musgrave, Or. St. (trade down from higher 2’nd)
3c - OT Darnell Wright, Tn. (Floyd trade)
3d - S Rashad Torrence ll, Fl. (Comp pick for Raheem Morris)
4 - DT Kobie Turner, W.F. (Higbee trade)
5a - RB Chris Rodriguez, Ky. (Van Jefferson trade)
5b - CB Avery Young, Rut. (Comp)
5c - TE Noah Gindorff, N.D. St. (Comp)
6a - WR Tyler Harrell, Ala.
6b - RB Rashon Johnson, Tx.
6c - S DeMarco Hellams, Ala.
6d - OLB Brenton Cox Jr., Fl. (Comp)

Our two 7'th round picks can be used to move up another pick or used in any manner you choose.

You may notice a few changes from my earlier mock a couple of months ago as 3 past players have chosen to remain in college next year.


Re-Sign :

QB Baker Mayfield (if the price is right)
DT Greg Gaines
CB Grant Haley
WR/R Brandon Powell
K Matt Gay
P Riley Dixon
LS Matt Orzech


All RFA’s & ERFA’s return :

Marquise Copeland - ERFA
Christian Rozeboom - ERFA
Travin Howard - ERFA
Michael Hoecht - ERFA
Bryce Perkins - ERFA
Shaun Jolly - ERFA
John Wolford - RFA


Returning contracted Practice Squad players :


WR Jacob Harris
WR Austin Trammell
RB Ronnie Rivers
TE/FB Roger Carter
OLB Kier Thomas
OLB Brayden Thomas
DE TJ Carter
DE Earnest Brown IV
TE Jared Pinkney
OL Chandler Brewer
OL Ty Nsekhe
OL Matt Skura
OG Okay Oboushi
OT Max Pircher


Rams Players lost to Free Agency :

DT - A’Shawn Robinson
CB Troy Hill
OT/OG - David Edwards
S - Nick Scott
S - Taylor Rapp
RB - Darrell Henderson
CB - David Long
RB - Malcolm Brown
S/LB - Jake Gervase
OG/OT - Bobby Evans


Free Agent Acquisitions :

Edge - Arden Key (3 years)
WR - OBj, on a prove it one year contract



Rams 2023 depth chart for the 53 Roster :


Offense (25) :

QB (2)

Matt Stafford
Baker Mayfield

Offensive Line (9) :

LT) Jackson, Nsehke, Darnell Wright*, (Noteboom upon return)
LG) Stromberg*, Shelton, Anchrum
C) Allen, Shelton, Stromberg*
RG) Bruss, Anchrum
RT) Havenstein, Darnell Wright*

RB's (4) :

Cam Akers
Kyren Williams
Chris Rodriguez*
Rashon Johnson*


WR's (6) :

Cooper Kupp
Allen Robinson
OBj**
Ben Skowronek
Tutu Atwell
Brandon Powell

TE's (4) :

Brycen Hopkins
Luke Musgrave*
Noah Gindorff*
Roger Carter


Defense (25) :

Defensive Line (5) :

Aaron Donald
Greg Gaines
Bobby Brown
Kobie Turner*
Marquise Copeland

OLB (5) :

Brian Burns**
Arden Key**
Mike Hoecht
Daniel Hardy
Brenton Cox*

ILB (4) :

Bobby Wagner
Ernest Jones
Jake Hummel
Travin Howard


CB (6) :

Jalen Ramsey
Christian Gonzalez*
Robert Rochelle
Cobie Durant
Grant Haley
Avery Young*, or Derion Kendrick


Safety (5) :

Jordan Fuller
Rashad Torrence, Fl.*
Quintin Lake
Russ Yeast
DeMarco Hellams*

Special Teams (3)

Matt Gay
Riley Dixon
Mathew Orzech

* signifies rookie
** signifies veteran trade or free agent


See you at the 2023 Super Bowl

Well fellas - it was a rough season for all of us: from running it back through to trying to run the ball behind a patchwork O-line…

Not the season we all thought it was gonna be - certainly a time for some soul searching and reflection.

Thanks for the discussion and insights throughout the year - it’s some of the best parts of being a fan.

Onwards to next season!!

The NFL has the worst officials in all of the professional sports leagues. It’s not even close. It has made the league seem fake and unwatchable. Which really sucks for me because I have been watching this league since the mid 80’s. Also, player antics are becoming unbearable as well. Maybe I am just getting to the age where all of these guys seem so to act like children to me. Honestly, if the Rams franchise were to go away, I wouldn’t watch the NFL anymore.

Well, I guess that’s a perfect end to this season.

Please for the love of God I hope our D coord Lovie Smith gets a HC job somewhere else.

The Lamar Jackson Contract Quandary - Say that 3x fast.

What do you do, if you are the Ravens? He is an UFA this offseason and reportedly turned down a 5yr $250M deal this past offseason looking for a fully guaranteed contract.

Week 18 he will miss his 5th straight game, missing 5 games in 2021 as well.

But… who could forget his magical 2019 season. 3,100yds passing, 1,200yds rushing, 36 TD’s against 6 INTS. Simply wow!

Do you sign him and make him among the top paid QB in the league?

Do you tag and trade him?

What do you do?

Will the Ravens Re-Sign Lamar Jackson? Why Jackson’s Contract Must be a No-Brainer for Baltimore​

The 2023 NFL offseason is set to bring massive changes across the league. The last two offseasons saw an unprecedented number of trades take place that involved star players and quarterbacks. This year’s slate of free agents has only two clear starters at quarterback: Lamar Jackson and Geno Smith.

Jackson’s at the end of his rookie contract at only 26 years old. Let’s break down why the Baltimore Ravens should want to re-sign Jackson, where else he could end up if they trade him, and what his contract could look like.

Why Re-Signing Lamar Jackson Makes Sense for the Ravens

We’re close to entering unchartered waters with Jackson inching toward unrestricted free agency. Even if we forget he turns only 26 in January, franchise quarterbacks simply don’t hit the open market. The last time we saw a star quarterback hit the unrestricted market in his prime was Kirk Cousins in 2018.

Jackson is more accomplished than Cousins was, with five winning seasons, an All-Pro nomination, and an MVP Award in his cupboard. He’s a transformative player for any franchise he’s on because he’s one of the very few quarterbacks who can be the sole identity of the offense. What he’s accomplished with one of the bottom receiver corps since entering the league is truly remarkable.

The Ravens wouldn’t be able to replace Jackson even if they had the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Few prospects over the last decade would’ve been worth replacing Jackson with. Even if the Ravens could land a Trevor Lawrence-type, they’d still opt to franchise tag and trade him in order to gain draft picks in return.

Considering Baltimore will be a playoff team this season, they have no avenue to reasonably replace Jackson. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is clearly a massive downgrade in talent, and Smith will likely be back in Seattle. The Ravens have no choice but to tag or extend Jackson long-term.

Extending Jackson long-term might be concerning for the franchise considering his injury history and the value of modern quarterback contracts. Jackson has missed at least one start every season over the last three years, including five in 2021 and at least four this season. Baltimore’s unwillingness to change the offense to protect Jackson has played a part in his injury woes.

Still, Jackson is the cornerstone piece for the franchise. They could look to tag-and-trade Jackson, but they can’t let him walk for free. And plans of franchising him for consecutive years would likely end in a Cousins-like departure down the road, whereas Baltimore would be better off just getting a deal done sooner than later to protect themselves.

Teams That Could Be Interested in Lamar Jackson

There will always be interest in a franchise quarterback who is just about to hit their prime, but the reality of current contracts and cap constraints can somewhat limit interested parties. For example, of course, Denver would love to land Jackson and dump Russell Wilson, but it’s simply not possible due to the structure of Wilson’s own mega-deal. If the Ravens were to tag Jackson and make him available via trade, they’d have plenty of willing suitors.

The most obvious candidates have a blend of cap space and lack of a star quarterback in place. The Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants, Washington Commodes, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers would surely love the chance to land Jackson. Even Houston could justify hastening their rebuilding process if they could get the dual-threat star.

It’s important to note that a franchise tag, which would be worth about $31.5 million, would allow Jackson to negotiate with potential suitors who are willing to match his contract expectations. It’s possible, but less likely a team could trade for Jackson without an extension in place and assume the risk of later consequences and expenses. All Jackson can do to keep Baltimore from accepting a better offer from a team unwilling to give his desired contract is to threaten to hold out.

Miami and New Orleans don’t have first-round picks this season. Houston, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Carolina, and Las Vegas are equipped with top-10 picks. Could Detroit or Seattle jump into the mix with two top-20 picks this year?

Anything is really possible with the right quarterback available. Watson garnered a massive trade haul with three first-round picks, and he got a fully guaranteed deal despite the horrible optics with more than 20 sexual assault claims against him. A Jackson deal would be even more prolific.

What Is Lamar Jackson’s Market Value?

Jackson, who represents himself, reportedly turned down a five-year, $250 million deal prior to the season because he wants a fully guaranteed contract. It’s no wonder why Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti scoffed at Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed deal. But it really was a matter of time until quarterbacks started pushing harder for these deals, and Cousins was the first one to get this type of locked-in contract anyway.

Knowing the guarantee is a major part of this deal, the Ravens may need to lock in the full $250 million for Jackson to accept. It’s hard to imagine he’d take much of a discount per year as a trade-off since he played this season without a long-term deal. The days of getting a slightly more team-friendly option are likely gone.

Jackson can point toward how poorly the contracts for Watson, Kyler Murray, Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers are looking just one year later and say he’ll prove to be a value like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are.

It’s still baffling why Baltimore didn’t extend Jackson earlier like both the Chiefs and Bills did, and it’ll cost the team upwards of $7 million a year for their decision. It’s reminiscent of Dallas waiting to extend Dak Prescott but actually worse since Jackson is a much better player and proved it earlier in his career.

Other Ravens Options at Quarterback

Replacing a true quarterback is nearly impossible in the short term. There are maybe 10 at any given point who can actually help a franchise have Super Bowl aspirations. Jackson is one of them and is greater enough to be his team’s offensive catalyst, making him even rarer.

The Ravens’ only choice is to take a step down from Jackson’s talent level and adopt a more traditional offense. They could receive a quarterback in a trade, such as Tua Tagovailoa, Jared Goff, or Derek Carr, but two of those are stopgaps. There’s not an obvious young player who could interest the Ravens since Zach Wilson is looking like an all-time bust, and the Bears have found their own star in Justin Fields.

Could Baltimore take their bevy of picks, trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft, and retool around a project like Anthony Richardson or a traditional pocket passer like CJ Stroud? It’d be hard to fathom.

The Ravens have to make a decision on their identity moving forward, and that starts with how they handle Jackson’s contract situation this offseason.

Sunday January 08, 2023

Game Day Thread

The GDT is a live thread tradition here at ROD.

While we all get fired up watching the game, please remember our core principles;we always show respect for our team and each other.

Despite the emotional highs and lows watching a game, we will moderate this thread with that in mind, however please refrain from name calling. This applies to players, the Rams organization, and others.

This is the core rule of the GDT. Moderators are tasked to issue thread bans, at a minimum, to maintain this standard.

This is our team. Win or lose. Good days and bad. We are here for FUN, not to be dragged down.

A more loosely moderated atmosphere can be found in the chat room.

Go Rams!

———

ROD Chat Room;

Game Day Room

.

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers: Final Playoff Spot on the Line for SNF​

The Detroit Lions haven't been in playoff position since 2016. The Green Bay Packers were sitting at 4-8 a month ago, seemingly down for the count just a year after tying for the NFL's best record.

Both teams could end Sunday night with the seventh and final postseason ticket in the NFC, pulling off a pair of remarkable comebacks. For the Packers, it's a win-and-in scenario after a surprising surge, four victories that include two against teams in playoff position: Minnesota and Miami. It's quite a recovery from one of the toughest NFL schedules as the Packers' run game and development of rookie wide receiver Christian Watson has taken the pressure off their surprisingly wobbly MVP quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

The Lions aren't quite in the same position as the Packers. They need to win and hope the Seattle Seahawks don't beat the Los Angeles Rams earlier Sunday afternoon to make it in. But just to be in this position is borderline remarkable considering the Lions' 1-6 start that left head coach Dan Campbell on the hot seat.

Detroit does head into Green Bay with confidence, defeating its rivals 15-9 back in November. It's the only time this season the Lions' worst-ranked NFL defense has allowed fewer than 10 points, frustrating Rodgers that day into a season-high three interceptions. Detroit continues to feel slighted by one of the NFL's best, claiming a season sweep is necessary to get Rodgers and the Packers to show them a little more respect.

"He's a Hall of Famer, but I just don't respect the way he's been talking about my guys all year," Lions safety DeShon Elliott said. "And the way that team views us. So we're going to go out there and prove something."

Can the Lions make their miracle playoff run a reality in the final game of the NFL's regular season? Or will Rodgers and the Packers become one of the strongest wild-card teams in recent history?

Sunday Night Football: Detroit (8-8) at Green Bay (8-8)

Kickoff: Sunday, Dec. 8 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Packers -4.5
Tickets: As low as $139 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Can the Lions' defense step up?

Detroit's D looked fantastic against the lowly Chicago Bears last weekend, holding them to 10 points and a season-best 230 net yards. They had as many quarterback sacks (seven) as the Bears had pass completions, forcing a fumble en route to a second-half shutout.

But the Packers come in with a lot more momentum. Their 41-17 dismantling of the Minnesota Vikings last week included 163 rushing yards, 111 from Aaron Jones, along with scores on four of their first six offensive possessions. Green Bay has averaged 29.8 points during their four-game win streak, better than the current NFL full-season leaders (Kansas City, 29.1).

That could cause trouble for a defense that ranks in the bottom four in most major categories: total yards allowed (32nd), rushing yards allowed (29th), passing yards allowed (30th), and third-down conversions allowed (30th). The key will be takeaways: 13 in the Lions' last seven victories have helped tip the scales along with a resurgent offense. The Packers, who have 20 giveaways all season, are going to need to take care of the football at home.

2. Jared Goff vs. Aaron Rodgers

What would you have said if I told you before the start of the season Goff would have a better passer rating than Rodgers? The former No. 1 overall pick has revitalized his career these past few months, throwing 17 touchdowns to just a single interception in the Lions' recent 7-2 stretch.

Goff has found a favorite target in Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose four receptions against the Bears gave him 100 for the season. He should also get credit for developing other options, from DJ Chark to tight end replacement Brock Wright, thrust into a larger role after T.J. Hockenson was traded away.

If there's been a weakness for Goff, though, it's been on the road: his passer rating is just 87.6 with only six touchdowns and four interceptions. Will that give Rodgers the leeway to reassert himself? Even against Minnesota, he was little more than a bit player, utilizing the run game while throwing for only 159 yards and a touchdown.

Both men are former Cal quarterbacks, but Rodgers is the one who's far more outspoken.

"When it was 4-8, not many people believed," Rodgers said. "Next thing you know we're 8-8, controlling our own destiny with a game right here to get into the dance. How 'bout that?"

You would think he needs some special throws to Christian Watson in order to make it happen. The rookie wide receiver has piled up seven touchdowns but cooled off in recent weeks, pulling down just seven receptions for 106 yards during the recent three-game win streak. Jones is the face of the Packers, their best overall player who can both catch and run. But they'll need Watson and maybe Allen Lazard to remain a force, stretching the field and putting pressure on the Lions' secondary.

3. The Packers' return game

There's a reason the Packers' Keisean Nixon was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. His 105-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Vikings was the longest of his career and the third longest in team history. He now has back-to-back weeks with 90-plus-yard kickoff returns, just the third time in the last 45 seasons it's happened in the NFL.

That's a potential seven-point swing the Lions just can't compensate for. They're seventh in the NFL with 795 kickoff return yards but have two fumbles, no touchdowns, and a long of just 52 yards. Compare that to the Packers, whose 1,126 total yards and five returns of 40-plus yards lead the league.

What will the Packers do if the Lions try to kick away from Nixon?

"We'll just throw it back to him," head coach Matt LaFleur joked this week.

Final Analysis

Expect a close game, even if the Lions are eliminated — they're highly motivated to knock the Packers out of the playoffs. Head coach Dan Campbell and company should be commended for how far they've come in just the last two months.

But Rodgers and the Packers have the experience, the home-field advantage, and the momentum to get the job done. The return game could swing it as they march into the playoffs as a No. 7 seed that nobody's going to want to play.

Prediction: Packers 31, Lions 28

Sunday January 08, 2023

THE LATE GAMES
Chargers at Broncos
Giants at Eagles
Cardinals at 49ers
Rams at Seahawks
Cowboys at Commodes

THE EARLY GAMES
Buccaneers at Falcons
Patriots at Bills
Vikings at Bears
Texans at Colts
Jets at Dolphins
Panthers at Saints
Browns at Steelers
Ravens at Bengals

SNF
Lions at Packers

---

ALREADY PLAYED

Saturday January 07, 2023

Chiefs at Raiders - 4pm ET
Titans at Jaguars - 8pm ET

Sunday January 08, 2023

THE EARLY GAMES
Buccaneers at Falcons
Patriots at Bills
Vikings at Bears
Texans at Colts
Jets at Dolphins
Panthers at Saints
Browns at Steelers
Ravens at Bengals

THE LATE GAMES
Chargers at Broncos
Giants at Eagles
Cardinals at 49ers
Rams at Seahawks
Cowboys at Commodes

SNF
Lions at Packers

---

ALREADY PLAYED

Saturday January 07, 2023

Chiefs at Raiders - 4pm ET
Titans at Jaguars - 8pm ET

Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: AFC South on the Line on Saturday Night​

The AFC South will be on the line Saturday night when the Tennessee Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Duval County. The Jaguars (8-8) currently have a one-game lead over the Titans (7-9) thanks to their win in Nashville last month, but Tennessee would take the division title with a victory due to a better record in AFC South games. Should the Jags lose on Saturday night, they could still make the playoffs, but it would take losses from New England, Miami, and Pittsburgh to claim the final wild-card berth.

The Titans started the season 7-3 and had as much as a four-game lead in the division halfway through November. Since then, the wheels haven't fallen off as much as the entire car has imploded. The Titans have lost six straight, along with their starting quarterback, their general manager, and their division lead. Head coach Mike Vrabel, for the second straight week, is choosing to skip over his rookie backup quarterback for a journeyman making just his second career start in six seasons — and after being with the team for less than two weeks. Despite the maelstrom that has been the last month and a half for the Titans, they still find themselves just one win away from their third straight AFC South title.

After losing five straight games in the heart of their schedule, the Jaguars were dead and buried. But just like The Undertaker, the Jags never reached the great beyond. They were just lulling their enemies to sleep, waiting for the perfect time to slowly and cryptically rise from their grave. Or something like that. I haven't watched wrestling since 1999. But either way, the Jaguars have won six of their last eight games, including four straight, leading to this, the Duval County Royal Rumble for the AFC South championship belt.

Tennessee (7-9) at Jacksonville (8-8)

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 7 at 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN/ABC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Jaguars -6
Tickets: As low as $180 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Josh Dobbs

If you haven't heard of Dobbs, that's OK. Lots of people outside of Knoxville haven't. Just know that the former Tennessee Volunteer (and Pittsburgh Steeler) Dobbs is arguably the smartest dude in the league and the Titans' newest starting quarterback, tabbed with leading Tennessee in a must-win road game for a division title. The problem is, Dobbs has only been in Nashville for about two weeks. He doesn't even know how to avoid the tourist traps and pedal taverns that litter Music City's roadways at all hours of the day, let alone the Titans' playbook.

However, last Thursday night in his first career start, and after only being a Titan for about eight days, Dobbs looked pretty good (all things considered) against the Cowboys. In all honesty, he looked as good as any other Tennessee quarterback has in the last year or so. His numbers weren't awesome — 51 percent completion rate, 232 yards, a touchdown, and an interception – but he was fearless and poised in the pocket as the Titans moved the ball better than they had in a month.

With Ryan Tannehill out for the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery, Dobbs made it clear last week that he is the Titans' best hope against the Jags. He's not going to be the most accurate thrower, and he's not going to be a game-breaker, but he won't be too timid to try and make plays either. Unlike rookie Malik Willis, Dobbs isn't afraid to make a read and then uncork it. And considering the Titans' options, that's going to have to suffice.

2. Trevor Lawrence … growing up before our very eyes

Lawrence has been the direct catalyst of the Jaguars' turnaround this season. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft is starting to show what was promised during his time at Clemson and, in doing so, is proving that he has the potential to be one of the NFL's best passers before too long. So far this season, Lawrence has 3,901 yards, a 66 percent completion rate, 24 touchdowns, just eight interceptions, and a top-10 passer rating of 95.4. He's been especially impressive during the Jaguars' last eight games, completing 70 percent of his throws with 14 touchdowns, only two interceptions, and a 106.0 rating.

What's been most impressive about Lawrence is the development of his in-pocket analysis and decision-making. Last year, he led the league with 50 interceptable passes and threw a league-high 17 picks. This season, he's 24th in interceptable throws and has cut his interception rate in half. Of course, it helps that the protection up front has greatly improved and his receivers this season are actually good at getting open. Also, the emergence of running back (and former Clemson teammate) Travis Ettienne Jr. helps, too. But nonetheless, Lawrence is making the most of the opportunity in front of him.

On Saturday, Lawrence faces the same Titans secondary that he torched no more than a month ago for what might be his best career game to date. On Dec. 11, Lawrence completed 71 percent of his throws for 368 yards, three scores, and a 121.9 passer rating as the Jags rolled to a 14-point win in Nashville.

3. Can the Titans protect possessions?

If the Titans are to have any chance this Saturday night, they must do a better job at protecting the football than they have in recent weeks. Possessions are already far too precious for the Titans' low-scoring and limited offense, and they don't have the leeway to give the ball to a Jacksonville offense that has been playing its best ball of the season as of late.

Tennessee has turned the ball over multiple times in each of the last four games, including twice last week against Dallas and four times in the first meeting with the Jaguars four weeks ago. In total, the Titans have 10 turnovers in their last four games, after coughing it up just 11 times in the season's first 13 weeks.

This is where having Derrick Henry in the lineup is so critical. Henry missed last week against the Cowboys, along with a host of other starters, to be ready for this do-or-die matchup with Jacksonville. After a worrisome mid-season lull, Henry has been back to his typical self the last few games, surpassing the 100-yard mark in each of his last three appearances. He absolutely went off against the Jags' defense in Week 14 with a season-high 7.2 yards per carry and 121 total yards on the ground.

But the Titans will need more than just Henry amassing rushing yards to win this one. They need receivers to actually start catching passes, unlike last week when they had at least four drops. And they need to convert on third downs at a higher clip than they have been — just 36 percent, 23rd in the league.

Final Analysis

Let's make this simple. The Jaguars are playing their best football at the perfect time. Compared to Tennessee, the Jacksonville offense has more weapons, is better coached (at least offensively), and has the clear-cut advantage at quarterback. While having Derrick Henry back and well-rested will certainly make a difference, it won't be enough. Give me the Jags for the win and the AFC South championship belt.

Prediction: Jaguars 28, Titans 18

Kansas City vs. Las Vegas: Chiefs Look to Wrap Up AFC's No. 1 Seed With Another Win Over the Raiders​

It's the wrap-up of a tough season for the Las Vegas Raiders as they host the playoff-bound Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon. When these teams met in Week 5, the Raiders' fourth-quarter comeback fell short as their two-point conversion attempt failed with 4:27 left in a 30-29 loss. The Patrick Mahomes-to-Travis Kelce combination resulted in four touchdowns. Josh Jacobs rumbled for 154 yards, and Derek Carr had two touchdown passes with no turnovers as Las Vegas outgained the home team (378 to 368) but couldn't protect a 20-10 halftime lead.

Kansas City (13-3) has won four in a row after holding off Denver 27-24 at home last Sunday. It was the Chiefs' 15th in a row over their AFC West rivals as Mahomes joined Tom Brady and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks with multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons. The Broncos led twice this in the game but were outscored 14-7 in the fourth quarter. Denver averaged nearly five yards per carry, but Kansas City's defense held the visitors to 307 total yards, collected four sacks, and forced two Russell Wilson turnovers. A fourth-quarter interception by L'Jarius Sneed led to the Chiefs' final touchdown, which proved to be the difference in the three-point victory.

Las Vegas (6-10) enters its finale having lost two straight and three of its last four. The Raiders gave the 49ers all they could handle last weekend in Allegiant Stadium, leading by as many as 10 points in the third quarter and then scoring late in the fourth to send the game to overtime before eventually falling 37-34 to the NFC West champions. Jarrett Stidham, who was making his first start following Carr's benching, gashed what was the NFL's No. 1 defense for 365 passing yards and three touchdowns, but he also had a costly interception in overtime and threw another one earlier in the game. Davante Adams put up 153 yards and two scores on seven catches. The offense finished with 500 total yards and 29 first downs, but the defense gave up 454 and 27 while allowing more than six yards per carry.

Kansas City (13-3) at Las Vegas (6-10)

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 7 at 4:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN/ABC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Chiefs -9.5
Tickets: As low as $198 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. What's your motivation?

The Chiefs currently hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which would give them home-field advantage throughout and the coveted first-round bye. A victory on Saturday would clinch that spot regardless of what happens when Buffalo plays New England with the NFL announcing on Thursday that the Bills-Bengals game that was postponed on Monday night following Damar Hamlin's on-field collapse would not be resumed. Even with a Week 6 head-to-head victory over Kansas City, all the Chiefs need to do is win in Sin City and the No. 1 seed is theirs. A loss means they will be scoreboard-watching on Sunday. On the other side, the Raiders are playing for pride and draft positioning. Right now, Las Vegas is lined up to pick seventh, but that could change considering two other teams enter Week 18 with 6-10 records. There also are plenty of questions swirling around how different this team will look next season, starting at quarterback.

2. Is Stidham for real?

The 2019 fourth-round pick out of Auburn will get his second career start and is looking to build off a strong showing last week. After spending his first three seasons in New England (and appearing in eight games), Stidham was traded to Las Vegas this offseason to reunite with his former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and is being given a chance after the team decided to bench Derek Carr. This gives him one final audition to stay with the Raiders or join another team next season. He certainly gave teams something to think about after throwing for 365 yards against what was the NFL's No. 1 defense entering Week 17 (Philadelphia now leads in total defense after the 49ers gave up 500 total yards to the Raiders). Stidham also has some mobility, as he added 34 rushing yards on seven carries.

Kansas City has been susceptible through the air (18th in the league with 223.5 passing ypg allowed), so Stidham should have more opportunities to impress. He also has the benefit of a full arsenal of weapons around him, as tight end Darren Waller has had an impact since returning from an extended stay on injured reserve. Last week, Waller posted 72 yards and a touchdown on just three catches. Waller's presence means defenses can't devote as much attention to slowing down wide receiver Davante Adams, who leads the league with 14 touchdown catches and is third with 1,443 receiving yards. Las Vegas also has the league's leading rusher in Josh Jacobs (1,608 yds., 12 TDs), who has positioned himself nicely as a pending free agent after the team declined to pick up the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in late April.

3. Mahomes domination

Mahomes has absolutely gone wild against the Raiders in his career, as he's 8-1 against the division rival. He's thrown 26 touchdown passes compared to just three interceptions in these games, 11 of those coming in the last three matchups. Las Vegas is 29th in the league against the pass (246.8 ypg) and has surrendered 24 touchdowns through the air while recording six interceptions. The Raiders don't have near as much to play for (if anything really) compared to the Chiefs, and Mahomes also is looking to make one last statement to MVP voters. It'll be interesting to see how long Mahomes plays in this game or if head coach Andy Reid takes him out earlier with bigger goals in mind.

There also is some history to keep an eye on with running back Jerick McKinnon. He had two more touchdown catches last week in the win over Denver to become the first running back in the Super Bowl era (since 1970) with a touchdown reception in five straight games. McKinnon, who has become a bigger part of the offensive game plan as this season has progressed, has eight touchdown catches overall, placing him second to Travis Kelce (12) on the team. Mahomes leads the league with 40 touchdown passes and 5,048 passing yards.

Final Analysis

Plain and simple, this will be a Chiefs victory, but by how much? The good things that Stidham did last week are now on tape for others to see. I think the Raiders score some points, but this one won't be interesting as Mahomes makes his case for another MVP award and Kansas City shifts its focus to another Super Bowl run.

Prediction: Chiefs 34, Raiders 17