Papa Johns, bishes! I’m getting all booshy up in here, like @Merlin in a leisure suit!

Sunday Night Football: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers​

The Minnesota Vikings are fighting for their playoff lives — and jobs — and they'll need to take down a bitter rival in prime time to keep them afloat.

The good news heading into the Vikings' "Sunday Night Football" game in Green Bay: they've already beaten the Packers this season. The bad news: they'll have to do it again without their starting quarterback.

The Vikings and Packers engaged in a shootout in their Week 11 matchup — Minnesota had the ball last and won on a field goal. It took 34 points, tying their season-high to that point, to win, and it may take a similar effort to win Sunday night.

Despite never sitting above .500 this season, the Vikings are the first team out of the playoffs in the NFC at 7-8. They're just one game back of the 49ers and Eagles, and Minnesota has the tiebreaker over the latter.

If they don't make the playoffs, though, it seems unlikely that all three of head coach Mike Zimmer, general manager Rick Spielman, and quarterback Kirk Cousins will return for the 2022 season. This team has underachieved all season, and changes will be afoot.

Cousins won't have a chance to save the Vikings' season — at least not this week. The signal-caller tested positive for COVID-19 and will be out at least five days, although the fact that he reported symptoms means he may be out even longer.

The Packers (12-3) have a chance to keep their rivals out of the postseason, but more importantly, they need a win to hang onto the NFC's No. 1 seed. The Packers are just a game up on Dallas, who owns the tiebreaker, and the Rams and Buccaneers also loom just a game back at 11-4.

Sunday Night Football: Minnesota (7-8) at Green Bay (12-3)

Kickoff: Sunday, Jan. 2 at 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Packers -13

Three Things to Watch

1. What will the Vikings' passing attack look like without Cousins and Adam Thielen?

With Cousins on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, Sean Mannion (who just came off of the list himself) is expected to get the start for Minnesota on Sunday. The 29-year-old has two career starts (both losses) and has not appeared in a game since 2019. He's a career 60.8 percent passer with just 5.2 yards per attempt, which is lower than all 32 qualified passers this season.

Making matters worse is the fact that Thielen, the Vikings' No. 2 wideout, is out for the season after aggravating an ankle injury that caused him to miss two earlier games. Losing Thielen is a blow, but perhaps the bigger problem is that all of the Vikings' complementary players will have to step up into bigger roles, and they're not very deep.

Justin Jefferson (149) has more than twice as many targets as any other healthy Minnesota player. Tight end Tyler Conklin (74) and wideout K.J. Osborn (73) have been solid as third and fourth options, but no other receiver has even 15 targets this season.

Without Thielen in Weeks 14 and 15, Cousins was a combined 26-for-55 for 303 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. Mannion may be lucky to put up those numbers, and that won't come close to cutting it against the Packers, especially if Minnesota's porous defense means it will probably have to win another shootout.

And just as the Vikings took a major hit, the Packers are expected to return star cornerback Jaire Alexander, who has been out since Week 4 with a shoulder injury. The Packers' secondary is already fifth in net yards allowed per attempt (5.7) and should only be getting better.

2. Will Green Bay's turnover fortune continue?

The Packers are 3-0 since their bye, but they've actually been out-gained 1,109-1,096. Much of their success can be attributed to forcing seven turnovers while not giving a single one away.

The Packers have paced the NFL with a plus-16 turnover differential, so strong play over a few weeks is no surprise, but the Vikings are close behind at sixth in the league (+9). It's going to be hard to continue to play mistake-free ball.

The Vikings have forced a turnover in 10 of their last 11 games, including nine over their last four games. The Vikings have had quite a bit of fumble luck this season — their 62.9 percent recovery rate is second in the league — but it seems unlikely that there will be another turnover-free game, like the one six weeks ago.

Of course, the Packers will likely have more turnover luck facing Mannion than Cousins. Mannion has three interceptions in 74 career passes, giving him a 4.1 percent interception rate that is higher than the worst qualified passer this season (Justin Fields, 3.7 percent).

3. Can the Packers slow down Dalvin Cook again?

When available, Cook has been one of the top running backs in the league. This season, he's third in rushing with 97 yards per game and also is in the top 10 in yards per carry (4.7). However, he's never played a full season and has missed two games this year with an ankle injury, one more with a shoulder injury, and last week after testing positive for COVID-19.

Thanks to updated CDC and NFL guidelines, Cook is eligible to return faster than initially thought. And that could present a major problem for the Packers, who rank 31st in yards allowed per rushing attempt (4.8).

Green Bay was able to mostly bottle Cook up the last time these teams faced off, as he picked up just 86 yards and a score on 22 totes. And facing Mannion will likely allow them to dedicate an extra defender in the box to stop him. But it's worth noting that Cook has also gone over 150 yards in his two previous games at Lambeau Field.

There is a question of how effective Cook will be coming off of his illness. Some players like Ezekiel Elliott were not their usual selves after testing positive for COVID-19 last season. But if the Vikings score first — as they've done in 10 of their 15 games — or go up by a touchdown — as they did in their first 11 games — expect them to try to exploit the Packers' suspect run defense.

Final Analysis

It's often said that it's better to be lucky than good. And this season, the Packers have both been luckier and just better than the Vikings. At home, Green Bay shouldn't have too much trouble in this one, although the mismatch in the running game should be enough for Minnesota to keep it close, provided the Vikings don't fall behind too much early on.

Prediction: Packers 27, Vikings 10

Sunday, Jan. 2

LATE GAMES
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 pm (FOX)
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 pm (CBS)
Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 pm (CBS)
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints, 4:25 pm (FOX)
Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 pm (FOX)

EARLY GAMES
Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills, 1 pm (FOX)
New York Giants at Chicago Bears, 1 pm (CBS)
Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 pm (CBS)
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts, 1 pm (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots, 1 pm (CBS)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets, 1 pm (FOX)
Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans, 1 pm (CBS)
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Football Team, 1 pm (FOX)
Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens, 1 pm (FOX)

SNF
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers, 8:20 pm(NBC)

Monday, Jan. 3

MNF
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 pm (ESPN)

Sunday, Jan. 2

EARLY GAMES
Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills, 1 pm (FOX)
New York Giants at Chicago Bears, 1 pm (CBS)
Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 pm (CBS)
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts, 1 pm (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots, 1 pm (CBS)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets, 1 pm (FOX)
Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans, 1 pm (CBS)
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Football Team, 1 pm (FOX)
Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens, 1 pm (FOX)

LATE GAMES
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 pm (FOX)
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 pm (CBS)
Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 pm (CBS)
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints, 4:25 pm (FOX)
Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 pm (FOX)

SNF
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers, 8:20 pm(NBC)

Monday, Jan. 3

MNF
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 pm (ESPN)

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

.

Before the she witch gutted the team, I loved watching this guy.

Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfHlQx08mnk

So who you guys got in the AFC? I think I'm gonna root for the Bungles, even though I really dislike orange unis. IMO it's gonna be the Bills in the Super Bowl. But never know right? Long as it ain't the Patriots.

Dan Reeves, former NFL coach and player, dies at 77​

Former NFL player and head coach Dan Reeves has died, his family said. Reeves was 77.

Reeves spent 38 years in the league, winning a Super Bowl as a player with the Dallas Cowboys and as a Cowboys assistant under Tom Landry. As a head coach, he led the Denver Broncos to three Super Bowls and the Atlanta Falconsto their first appearance, but fell short in each game.

Between his stints with the Broncos (1981-92) and Falcons (1997-2003), he also coached the New York Giants (1993-96).

He has a 201-174-2 NFL coaching record -- one of only seven coaches in NFL history with 200 wins.

Odell Beckham Jr. happy to be scoring touchdowns since joining Los Angeles Rams​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Touchdown shortage? That's no longer the case for Odell Beckham Jr.

The eighth-year pro has caught four touchdown passes over a five-game span for the Los Angeles Rams.

"It's been great," Beckham said about his recent end zone productivity. "Over the last couple of years, I've felt deprived. I've definitely missed the end zone for sure, and it just hasn't been as easy and seamless as it could and should be. I'm someone who I feel like I should score once or twice every single game. I feel like I can get 100 yards every single game."

The Rams signed Beckham to a one-year, $1.25 million contract in November after he cleared waivers following his release from the Cleveland Browns.

In six games in L.A., Beckham is averaging 41.3 receiving yards per game and has caught the four TD passes, including his first scoring reception since Oct. 4, 2020. He has also caught a touchdown pass in three consecutive games for the first time since 2015.

"I'm just happy that I'm at a place that I'm having fun within myself," Beckham said. "Just having fun playing football again."

In six games with the Browns this season, Beckham averaged 38.8 receiving yards per game and did not catch a single touchdown pass.

Rams coach Sean McVay described Beckham as "a joy to be around" since his arrival.

"He's got a great charisma, great presence, he's an incredibly talented football player and then I can attest to this now, he's a great teammate," McVay said. "He really cares about these guys, he's been incredibly selfless, he's made plays when he's had the opportunity."

Through seven weeks with the Rams, Beckham has not garnered the attention he once received throughout five seasons with the New York Giants or 2½ seasons with the Browns.

He said he knew that would be the case when he signed with a team on which receiver Cooper Kupp was on pace for a historic season. With two games remaining in the regular season, Kupp is nearing 2,000 receiving yards and is tracking to win the "triple crown" -- leading the NFL in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

"Man, I find it funny, all the talks that ever been said about me being a me guy. People are going to say whatever but just have no idea," Beckham said. "And when I chose to come here, I'm knowing that Coops on pace to break a record. I didn't come here thinking, 'Oh, I got to get my targets.' That's just not being me -- yeah, I want the ball, I'm a competitor, but like I said, I came late to the party.

"It's just funny, all the backlash that I get about the type of person that I am and this and that, and I think you just see me in an atmosphere where success is around, and like I said, these people are on pace for history. I want to watch them break -- I told him I want him to get 2K yards so I can come and break your record. That's how it happens -- records are meant to be broken -- and, like I said, I think we're just witnessing [something] very, very special."

Beckham and the Rams (11-4), who have already clinched a playoff berth, have a chance to secure the NFC West title on Sunday with a win over the Baltimore Ravens (8-7) coupled with an Arizona Cardinals (10-5) tie or loss to the Dallas Cowboys (11-4), who have clinched the NFC East.

Beckham, who has made one playoff appearance, in 2016 with the Giants, has never been a member of a division-clinching team.

"I came late to the party," he said. "But still have celebrated like I've been here for the whole time, so it's definitely a special opportunity, not just to win the division but to go for it all. This is the only reason that you put in these hours of work in the offseason, to dedicate and sacrifice our lives for this is for these moments."

It is crazy how many QB’s could be on the move this off-season. I count 17 teams with unsettled QB’s counting Rodgers, Wilson, and others that could be moved.

Wild off-season coming!

STORY LINK

Predicting NFL potential free-agent quarterbacks' next contracts -- and where they might land in 2022​

The NFL is bracing for more seismic quarterback movement this offseason. A little more than half the league is solidified at the position, with either a cornerstone passer or a draft pick still developing into one. But more than a dozen teams at least have questions that must be answered between now and next August.

The tiers are clear-cut:

Teams with elite quarterbacks who either want out (Texans) or might want out because of front-office or coaching acrimony (Packers, Seahawks).

Teams with accomplished but aging quarterbacks (Steelers, Falcons).

Teams with quarterbacks who have shown promise but haven't erased all doubt about the future of the position (Dolphins, Giants, Eagles).

Teams forced to play backups because of injury or lack of a stable alternative (Washington, Saints, Panthers).

Teams stuck in the middle (Browns, Broncos).

Teams with a good quarterback on an untenable cap hit in 2022 (Vikings).

Not every team will make a change. But last year's offseason produced 13 new starters via trade, the draft or free agency, so it's safe to bet most of them will look drastically different on offense. Coupled with the backdrop of a rookie draft class that's considered weak, the supply might not meet the demand. That's where free agency comes into play. Short-term bridge options are plentiful, and a projected 2022 salary cap of nearly $210 million will help QBs get paid. Several quarterbacks with extensive starting experience are playing out one-year deals to varying success.

Since it's too early to forecast what will happen with Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson, we sorted through more immediate business -- where those quarterbacks set to hit the open market and a few others who could be available by trade might land. Which are positioned for success in 2022? With insight from personnel evaluators around the league, here's a hard look at the looming quarterback carousel, with a few mock-up deals for those players.

EXPIRING CONTRACTS

Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints

Offseason prediction: Re-signs with New Orleans for one year, $10 million (with upside to $14 million).

Winston signed with the Saints to revive his career as a former No. 1 pick with high-level traits and a penchant for interceptions. As the thinking went, pairing him with coach Asshole Face would accentuate his strengths and simplify the decision-making, helping the quarterback avoid trouble downfield.

The results were largely positive, with Winston posting 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions through seven games. His 64.2 QBR would rank sixth at this point in the season, behind Justin Herbert (67.3), Tom Brady (66.2), Matthew Stafford (65.9), Kyler Murray (65.6) and Aaron Rodgers (65.2).

But Winston also gets an incomplete grade due to a torn ACL in Week 7, and the Saints -- losers of five straight without him -- could go one of two ways:

We went 5-2 with Winston, so let's re-sign him and keep the party going ...

Weren't we on Russell Wilson's trade list? Yeah, let's check on that. We need an overhaul.

Payton alongside a top-five passer such as Wilson would make New Orleans among the league's most explosive offenses. Wilson, who has a no-trade clause, had listed the Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders as preferred destinations if Seattle tries to move him. However, the Saints are always operating against the salary cap (currently have $3.78 million in room, per ESPN's Roster Management System), and Wilson would count for $37 million against the cap next year, with a $19 million salary and $5 million roster bonus due.

An NFC exec said it wouldn't surprise to see New Orleans re-sign Winston, possibly to another one-year deal, because he acquitted himself well with Payton and the offense. Teammates liked him, he worked hard, and he was turning a corner. And Winston won't cost several first-round picks to acquire, like Wilson might.

"There was excitement there [in New Orleans] because you're dealing with big-time arm talent," the exec said. "Jameis isn't perfect, but there's a lot of ability there, some of it still untapped."

Winston's deal in 2021 paid $5.5 million -- including a $4.5 million signing bonus -- with incentives that could push the total to $12 million. This predicted new deal takes that base and increases it to $10 million for the rising salary cap and his improved play in a short window.

Teddy Bridgewater, Denver Broncos

Offseason prediction: Signs with Houston Texans for two years, $16 million.

Houston is an ideal candidate to take a passer with its top pick and stash him for a year. If the one-win Detroit Lions select one of the top pass-rushers -- Kayvon Thibodeaux or Aidan Hutchinson -- with the first overall pick, Houston would have any 2022 passer available. The 2-10 Texans currently are slated to select second overall. Now, whether any quarterback in this draft class is worth that high of a pick will be hotly debated, but the avenue is there.

Bridgewater, meanwhile, can help elevate the Houston offense while it figures out its long-term vision. This is assuming the Broncos move on from Bridgewater, which is hardly a slam dunk. He is completing 67.3% of his passes for 2,775 yards, 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions for 6-6 Denver. But the leaguewide expectation is that the Broncos will aim higher at QB.

"The problem is Denver is probably the best fit for Teddy Two Gloves," an AFC evaluator said. "They run crossing routes and give him manageable throws. He's played pretty well and might have done enough to get a nice contract somewhere."

Look, the Panthers paid Bridgewater $7 million to go away back in March. He has worn three jerseys in as many years. He's probably not a long-term answer at any stop. But if you're looking for a bridge, Bridgewater is among the best options. And a two-year deal like this, at $8 million average annual value, offers flexibility for 2023.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Offseason prediction: Either re-signs with Pittsburgh for one year, $15 million or retires.

Roethlisberger is set to hit free agency for the first time in his 18-year career. Until now, the Steelers always re-signed him with a year left on his deal. But as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday, Roethlisberger is giving indications that he's ready to walk away after 2021.

The 39-year-old quarterback hitting the open market and negotiating with prospective teams is too hard to imagine. He has made it clear that he wants to retire a Steeler. And that's largely the expectation from people around the league: The Steelers will go younger at the position, depending how the season ends.

I'm still not taking a re-signing completely off the table, as the Mike Tomlin-Roethlisberger pair is too familiar, too successful to write off just yet. And just when fans start to fade on Big Ben, he answers with a signature win over the Ravens -- a clean performance with 236 yards and two touchdowns. But the signs point to a change for both parties.

CUTTING BAIT?

Sam Darnold, Carolina Panthers

Offseason prediction: Signs with Washington Football Team for one year, $4 million via a trade with Carolina, which pays his remaining salary.

Complicating any quarterback move in Washington is the play of Taylor Heinicke, who has a higher QBR (50.1) than Dak Prescott, more passing yards (2,809) than Ryan Tannehill and more touchdown passes (18) than Derek Carr, Matt Ryan and Lamar Jackson. Evaluators see Heinicke as a high-level No. 2 or low-level No. 1, with limitations throwing to the outside, but he's also a catalyst for a four-game winning streak. He makes plays with his feet and has made some clutch throws. That can't be discounted.

But perhaps Washington can ride the Heinicke hot hand in 2022 while developing another option. And league execs maintain Darnold's talent is abundant, even if the decision-making still isn't there. The Panthers are on the hook for Darnold's $18.58 million fifth-year option, and after 11 interceptions in nine games this season -- bringing his career total to a ghastly 50 picks in 47 games -- Carolina won't be so eager to pay that amount next year. Maybe the Panthers give Darnold one more season to figure it out. But their front office is among the most aggressive, and league execs expect them to make another move on Deshaun Watson. The option is there to pay much of the $18.58 million in exchange for a seventh-rounder or something.

So let's pretend that Darnold is a de facto free agent for those reasons. Paying a quarterback to leave for the second straight year isn't an ideal practice, but it might be Carolina's best move. And Washington reportedly showed interest in Darnold around the time the New York Jets traded him in April. However, not many are sold that Darnold will get a third chance to start.

"He's probably a backup at this point," a high-ranking AFC exec said. "I know some teams still like him, and he works hard -- a really good kid and all that. I just don't know if you can trust him in big moments."

HIGH-LEVEL BACKUPS

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Washington Football Team
Andy Dalton, Chicago Bears

Offseason prediction: They sign with the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants for one year, $4.5 million each.

Fitzpatrick and Dalton signed one-year deals worth a combined $13 million in signing bonus money but have minimal production to show for it. Fitzpatrick's hip injury derailed his first season in Washington before it even got started; he completed three of six passes for 13 yards before the Week 1 injury. His future after 17 seasons is murky at best. Retirement wouldn't shock some people around the league. And Dalton is a modest 2-2 as a part-time starter for Justin Fields in Chicago, with the highlight coming on Thanksgiving with a 317-yard performance in a win over Detroit.

"At this stage, these players need a lot around them -- steady running games, a good line that can keep them healthy. Just too many variables for them to be considered solid starting options," an AFC exec said. "The skill sets and durability are declining a bit."

High-level backup money might earn them $4 million to $5 million next year. Miami and New York are ideal destinations since the current starters, Tua Tagovailoa and Daniel Jones, have missed time because of injury. There's a decent chance to play there.

Tyrod Taylor, Houston Texans

Offseason prediction: Signs with Tennessee Titans for one year, $4.5 million.

Taylor still has a winning record as a starter (26-25) with 24 interceptions in 77 career games. Staying healthy is an issue, but he's still a reliable option, and some evaluators like him better than Dalton. Tennessee utilizes a mobile quarterback well, so perhaps Taylor could back up Ryan Tannehill with the Titans.

WILD CARDS

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Offseason prediction: Ryan is released and signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers for two years, $36 million, while Goff stays put for one more year.

Both are former top picks under massive deals, with execs wondering if they'll be on the move -- though finding a logical new home is not so clear-cut. The Falcons are cash-strapped, pressed up against the cap essentially since general manager Terry Fontenot started in January. (Atlanta currently has $1.585 million in space.) And with Ryan's deal slated for a $48.7 cap hit vs. $40.5 million in dead money, there's some cushion for Atlanta to get out of this.

Not that it necessarily wants that. Ryan has led the Falcons to five wins and ranks 20th in ESPN's QBR (48.0) at age 36. Mobility is an issue, but he can still fluster opposing defenses. Ryan is due $16.25 million in salary and $7.5 million in a roster bonus that guarantees on the third day of the league year. Given where the Falcons are -- a 5-7 record is probably an overachievement -- no path would shock, from drafting a replacement to riding with Ryan for one more year. Perhaps he would rework his deal one more time to lessen the cap hit and clear some money off the books. The feeling is Ryan likes Atlanta a great deal and appreciates working with coach Arthur Smith. Maybe that leads to flexibility with his deal.

Pittsburgh is part of the projection because, assuming Roethlisberger retires, the Steelers could look the veteran route. The Steelers aren't big on rebuilds, and it's hard to envision them giving up several first-round picks for a quarterback. They draft well. Ryan getting released would cost them nothing more than a new contract.

"That would be good for them," an NFC exec said. "I would consider [Ryan] a slight upgrade for them, at this stage."

In Detroit, the offense under Goff just doesn't have much punch, though he's quite convincingly throwing to the league's worst receiving corps. And last week's last-second touchdown pass to beat Minnesota can be a springboard. The franchise is in a clear rebuild, yet it owes Goff $26.15 million next year, including a $15.5 million roster bonus. The money doesn't match the quality of the team. And only rookies Justin Fields, Zach Wilson and Davis Mills have a worse QBR than Goff's 30.8.

Ryan might have a stronger trade market than Goff, whose contract is essentially a sunk cost ($31.15 million cap hit vs. $30.5 million in dead cap). Cutting Goff in 2023 is much cleaner, with $10 million in dead money vs. a $30.6 million cap hit. Detroit's threshold for patience will be tested. Perhaps a new offensive game plan -- head coach Dan Campbell took over playcalling duties from offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn at midseason -- would elevate Goff, who is still a talented thrower.

Either way, both of these players being available would not exactly surprise. And Goff would probably demand similar money to Ryan on the open market, if there's a clear starter's job somewhere.

MORE FREE-AGENCY OPTIONS

There are lower-level quarterback options who are all likely to be backups in 2022 or potentially bridge starters somewhere for a team still developing a young signal-caller or stuck in the middle at the QB position. Each could fall in the $3-6 million-per-year range, if available.

Mitchell Trubisky, Buffalo Bills

The Bills believe Trubisky will get a good job elsewhere in 2022. His market was slow in March, but perhaps a year in the shadows will spark something. If Atlanta goes cheaper at QB, offensive coordinator Dave Ragone has intimate knowledge of Trubisky from his days on Chicago's staff. He was Trubisky's quarterbacks coach when he went to the Pro Bowl in 2018.

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Newton remains one of the hardest evaluations because he's not a backup but also isn't viewed as a reliable starter. Signing with Carolina was unique because of the nostalgia and the Sam Darnold injury. Newton played well for two games and then struggled mightily against Miami with a 5-for-21 passing performance. Still just 32 years old, Newton can wait out free agency and see what opportunities develop.

TRADE OPTIONS

These quarterbacks are far from guaranteed to hit the market, but if they become available for various reasons, they could turn the market upside down.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Is Green Bay really gonna do this? Is it really going to dump the game's most talented passer for a few picks? We shall see. Denver still makes the most sense here.

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

His off-field issues cloud his trade outlook with uncertainty, but execs are expecting Carolina and Miami to make another run during the offseason. There are 22 active lawsuits against Watson with allegations of sexual assault or sexually inappropriate behavior during massage sessions.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Wilson hasn't looked right coming off finger surgery, but he has five more games to remind everyone that he's one of the best. He would have plenty of suitors if Seattle moves on. Remember, the Saints, Cowboys, Bears and Raiders were his preferred destinations if he is moved.

Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers appear ready to play Trey Lance, their No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft. With Garoppolo's $24.2 million on the books in the final year of his deal, interested teams could wait San Francisco out and see if the Niners cut him. His dead cap for 2022 is just $1.4 million.

Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Cousins' $45 million cap hit and the tenuous status of coach Mike Zimmer put him on this list, despite the veteran quarterback's production as a top-10 passer this season.

Drew Lock, Denver Broncos

Several execs could see Lock getting a chance to compete for a No. 2 or co-No. 1 job somewhere. He has one year left on his rookie deal with Denver, and if Lock really wants to play, he could force the issue and request a trade.

Happy New Years to the most badass fans in football.

Anyone doing anything tonight? No plans here, just making some home made pizzas and chillin. Maybe blow up some internet spaceships wooooo!

Just found out that she died in the morning. Fuck 2021; even on the last day, it has to do this shit...

The Rams will win against the Ravens and Cards will lose to the Cowboys. The Final week I think Rams will rest players since they will already have won the west UNLESS 49ers or Cowboys lose week 17. What I'm saying is I think they will finish 4th hosting a home game against the Cards. And I truly believe Cowboys or Bucs will get bounced in 1st round. Rams and Packers will play in NFC championship game and Rams WILL win TRUST ME. It reminds me of 2018 when the Rams lost to N.O in Regular season and came back in their home and beat them to go on to Superbowl. I have that feeling RAMS ARE SUPERBOWL BOUND!!!!!

Matthew Slater finalist for award

I know of no one else on the list well enough to pull for them - but how can you not appreciate that Ram great, Jackie Slaters kid is in the running for this moment or recognition.

Hat tip to you, Jackie Slater for being a positive influence, in your kids life.

Sorry if already posted.

Holt is in again, top 15.

https://www.nfl.com/news/finalists-for-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2022-revealed

Lamar returned to practice yesterday to limp around. Today, he was a DNP. Think he plays this Sunday? The Ravens are in a must win situation so I know they want him to go but I think we see Huntley. Either way, our D needs to pin their ears back and go get whoever the the designated victim ends up being.

First thing first...congrats to @Karate61 for nailing the exact score and pocketing 40k last week.

Well done my friend !!!


On to this weeks match-up as the Los Angeles Rams travel to Maryland to take on the Baltimore Ravens.


same prizes as last week because I am feeling generous..20k for closest pick or 40k for an exact score winner.

What a shot in the arm. Thanks for the TD when we needed it!

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Regardless of how this season ends how do you guys feel about next years team? Let me say this season has been a blast aside from the month of November its been great. I personally feel next years team has a better chance to ascend depending on what Rodgers and Brady do in the off-season.. Woods hopefully comes back and hoping Michel stays and pair him with a healthy Akers, I personally think skys is the limit with alot riding on Stafford improving as well. Lets hear it.

He continues to become more and more of a Rams legend, by the game.....

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No Thursday Night Football… Last 2 weeks of regular season!

Here is the lineup for Week-17:

TV MAP:


Sunday, Jan. 2

EARLY GAMES
Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills, 1 pm (FOX)
New York Giants at Chicago Bears, 1 pm (CBS)
Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 pm (CBS)
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts, 1 pm (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots, 1 pm (CBS)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets, 1 pm (FOX)
Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans, 1 pm (CBS)
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Football Team, 1 pm (FOX)
Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens, 1 pm (FOX)

LATE GAMES
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 pm (FOX)
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 pm (CBS)
Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 pm (CBS)
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints, 4:25 pm (FOX)
Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 pm (FOX)

SNF
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers, 8:20 pm(NBC)

Monday, Jan. 3

MNF
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 pm (ESPN)

Do they?

Full offense and defense, plus K and P. And remember you have to take the version of that player b/w those years. So if you take Marc Bulger at QB you get 2006 - 2009 Marc Bulger, not the 2002 - 2005 version.

Some of these will be no-brainers. Some others...yeesh. I have my own but I'll post it later.