The San Francisco 49ers can't catch a break.  Running back Christian McCaffrey left Sunday's 35-1...

<p>The San Francisco 49ers can't catch a break.</p><p>Running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85079" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85079">Christian McCaffrey</a> left Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter with a knee injury. He was officially ruled out after halftime.</p><p>49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said postgame that McCaffrey is dealing with a PCL injury that could end his season, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1863439443606065299">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McCaffrey missed this season's first eight games after dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both of his legs. He went down against the Bills on a non-contact play. The star tailback spent time in the medical tent before walking to the locker room.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Christian McCaffrey -<br><br>Went down on his own, favoring his right leg. Clearly something wrong, and it’s safe to assume it’s something involving his right calf and/or Achilles.<br><br>I suppose it was only a matter of time… <br> <a href="https://t.co/lM1RMPz1r7">pic.twitter.com/lM1RMPz1r7</a></p>— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmthrivept/status/1863402734755414389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McCaffrey fell on his right knee on the previous play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The previous <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CMC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CMC</a> play is likely where knee injury happens. Worry for right knee PCL sprain on shoestring tackle. The next run, he doesn't feel right and goes down. <a href="https://t.co/aeQfmoS53x">pic.twitter.com/aeQfmoS53x</a></p>— David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProFootballDoc/status/1863407151227551944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McCaffrey left the 49ers' locker room Sunday with crutches and a brace on his right knee, notes <a href="https://twitter.com/LombardiHimself/status/1863439972994290117">David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard</a>.</p><p>The reigning Offensive Player of the Year previously missed time at training camp with a calf injury. He was then placed on injured reserve in September with an Achilles injury designation.</p><p>The 28-year-old didn't make his 2024 season debut until Nov. 10. He had 56 touches and 281 scrimmage yards in three games this year prior to the matchup against the Bills. McCaffrey had a hot start versus Buffalo, carrying the ball seven times for 53 yards and catching two passes for 14 yards before exiting the contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And so it appears a frustrating season for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> star Christian McCaffrey ends like this:<br><br>4 games. 348 yards from scrimmage. 0 touchdowns. 2 significant injuries. <br><br>He’s due $16.2 million in 2025, when he’ll be 29 years old. <a href="https://t.co/MFYlon6P6g">pic.twitter.com/MFYlon6P6g</a></p>— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1863441022019105159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Injuries have been a big issue for McCaffrey throughout his standout NFL career. The 2017 No. 8 pick played 10 games combined in 2020 and 2021 as a member of the Carolina Panthers.</p><p>The 49ers will again turn to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174345" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174345">Jordan Mason</a> with McCaffrey sidelined. Mason entered Sunday night with 711 yards (5.1 per carry) and three touchdowns on the ground in 2024 after being San Francisco's No. 1 running back during McCaffrey's IR stint.</p><p>Injuries have forced several other 49ers starters to miss at least one game this season, including quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a>, left tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14297" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14297">Trent Williams</a>, wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/125339" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/125339">Brandon Aiyuk</a>, tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72637" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72637">George Kittle</a>, and defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111907">Nick Bosa</a>, among others. Aiyuk is out for the remainder of the 2024 campaign due to a torn ACL.</p>

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Taylor Rapp #9 of the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter of a game at Highmark Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.

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McCaffrey dealing with potential season-ending knee injury after SNF

NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Su...

<p><em>NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Super Bowl LIX.</em></p><h3>AFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Chiefs (x)</td>
<td>West</td>
<td> 11-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Bills (y)</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>10-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Steelers</td>
<td>North</td>
<td>9-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Texans</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>8-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td> West</td>
<td>8-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Ravens</td>
<td> North</td>
<td>8-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Broncos</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 7-5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>x = clinched playoff berth<br>y = clinched division title<br>z = clinched first-round bye</p><p>The Kansas City Chiefs became the first team to clinch a playoff spot by defeating the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday. It was another one-score victory for the Chiefs, who tied the <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1862637558171066385">record</a> for the earliest a team has clinched a postseason berth in the Super Bowl era with five weeks left in the regular season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Buffalo Bills remain in the race for the No. 1 seed. Buffalo destroyed the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football to clinch the AFC East title for the fifth straight year. They're only the <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1863177506523591015">fourth</a> team to win a division with five or more games to play since division realignment in 2002. The previous clubs to accomplish the feat were the 2004 Philadelphia Eagles, 2007 New England Patriots, and 2009 Indianapolis Colts, who all reached the Super Bowl in those seasons.</p><p>It was also another great week for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who beat the Cincinnati Bengals and saw the Baltimore Ravens lose at home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Can the Steelers fight for a first-round bye in the AFC with the Bills and Chiefs? Pittsburgh is only two games behind and still plays Kansas City. A top-three seed seems like a lock for Mike Tomlin's outfit, as the Houston Texans aren't playing their best football. They claimed an ugly win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.</p><h3>In the hunt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Colts</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>6-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Dolphins</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>5-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Bengals</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 4-8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Miami Dolphins and Bengals both lost this week. That's good news for the Indianapolis Colts, who beat the New England Patriots in the final seconds Sunday to stay alive in the playoff picture. Indy currently has only a 29% chance of reaching the postseason, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5698572/2024/11/28/nfl-playoffs-projections-odds/">The Athletic</a>, but that scenario could change depending on what happens in the Monday Night Football matchup between the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns.</p><h3>NFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Lions</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 11-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
<td> East</td>
<td> 10-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Seahawks</td>
<td>West</td>
<td>7-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Falcons</td>
<td> South</td>
<td> 6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 10-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Packers</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 9-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Commanders</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>8-5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day but haven't clinched a playoff spot yet. It's just a matter of time, though, and Detroit can officially book its postseason tickets as early as Thursday against the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay lost to Detroit earlier this season but needs to avoid a series sweep against its rivals to have a real chance of catching the Lions for the North's No. 1 place. Of course, let's not forget about the Minnesota Vikings, who stormed back versus the Arizona Cardinals to reach 10 wins in 2024 and keep the NFC's No. 5 seed.</p><p>The North isn't the only NFC division that remains open. The Atlanta Falcons suffered their third consecutive loss this week and now have the same record as the Buccaneers after Tampa Bay defeated the Carolina Panthers in overtime. Atlanta is still in first place in the South because of its 2-0 record against Tampa Bay this campaign.</p><p>Finally, the Philadelphia Eagles kept their momentum by taking down the Ravens in a battle of heavyweights. Winners of eight in a row, Philadelphia has the NFC East title all but secured, and Nick Sirianni's outfit is still in the mix to have a bye in the first round of the postseason.</p><h3>In the hunt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Rams</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 6-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>49ers</td>
<td>West</td>
<td> 5-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Cowboys</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>5-7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Commanders currently have a 72% chance of reaching the playoffs, so it could be hard for the Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams to make a run for the NFC's No. 7 seed. However, Arizona and L.A. remain only one game behind the Seattle Seahawks, who found a way to beat the New York Jets after a slow first quarter. The Athletic gives Seattle a 38% chance of making the postseason and Arizona a 35% chance. Los Angeles and San Francisco come next in the division with 27% and 10%, respectively.</p><h3>Projected NFL draft order</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Jaguars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Raiders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Patriots</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Titans</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Browns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Saints</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Bengals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Three teams are 2-10 after Week 13 - the worst record in the league - but the Jaguars remain No. 1 in the projected 2025 draft order thanks to the strength of schedule tiebreaker. (The team that played the schedule with the lowest winning percentage receives the higher draft choice.) Head-to-head matchups could decide this race moving forward - Jacksonville plays the 3-9 Tennessee Titans (twice), 2-10 Raiders, and 3-9 Jets in its next four weeks.</p>

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass in the first quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.

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NFL Playoff Picture - Week 13: Postseason seeds, projected draft order

Lane Kiffin believes there are three bubble teams fighting for the last spot in the College Footb...

<p>Lane Kiffin believes there are three bubble teams fighting for the last spot in the College Football Playoff 12-team field, and the Ole Miss head coach thinks the Rebels should be in.</p><p>Ole Miss beat Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl to finish its regular season 9-3, the same record held by Alabama and South Carolina. The Crimson Tide claimed an Iron Bowl victory over Auburn on Saturday and the Gamecocks upset Clemson, earning a rivalry triumph over the nation's 12th-ranked team that could impress the playoff committee. Ole Miss entered the weekend as the No. 14 team in the nation, while Alabama and South Carolina ranked at No. 13 and 15, respectively.</p><p>Despite South Carolina's win, Kiffin believes the Gamecocks should no longer be in the playoff race.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"South Carolina lost to (Ole Miss and Alabama), and their best win is against Clemson," Kiffin <a href="https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/1863354055503790590/photo/1">wrote</a>. "Ole Miss and Alabama's best win is against Georgia. Georgia beat Clemson 34-3. Safe to say that South Carolina is out."</p><p>"I have great respect for South Carolina," Kiffin told <a href="https://247sports.com/college/ole-miss/article/lane-kiffin-adamantly-believes-ole-miss-should-be-ranked-ahead-of-south-carolina-240986397/">247Sports' Tyler Komis</a>. "They're a really good team. Well coached, really good players. But when you just said South Carolina jumping us - why do we even play games? If South Carolina were to jump us, and we play in the same conference with a very similar schedule, but the same record. Normally you would say, 'What would happen if they played each other?' Well, we did."</p><p>Kiffin also made a case to rank his team over the Crimson Tide, but he's afraid his SEC rivals would only get in because of their "brand."</p><p>"Clearly, Ole Miss should be in the playoff over Alabama, but Bama is the bigger brand and more than likely will get in over Ole Miss," Kiffin said.</p><p>Kiffin supported his idea by comparing how the Rebels and Crimson Tide performed against similar competition this season. He also highlighted his team's better point differential.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CFBPlayoff</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/U39OUZrOmM">pic.twitter.com/U39OUZrOmM</a></p>— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/1863354055503790590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ole Miss has only a 3% chance of making the playoff, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/cfbplayoffpredictor2024/2024-college-football-allstate-playoff-bracket-predictor">ESPN's Playoff Predictor</a>. Alabama and South Carolina currently have a 30% and 21% chance, respectively.</p><p>Kiffin's viral tweet caught Bret Bielema's attention, and the Illinois head coach compared what the Rebels and Fighting Illini did this season. Bielema believes he coached one of the best teams in the country. His outfit was ranked 23rd in the CFP rankings last week and also finished the regular season 9-3 after beating Northwestern.</p><p>"How about we just take the best 12 teams and see where it goes," he wrote.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I couldn’t agree more <a href="https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lane_Kiffin</a> here is a thought for the <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CFBPlayoff</a> <br><br>Ole miss #31 strength of schedule and has 3 losses to unranked Kentucky, Florida and 8-4 LSU team 🤷‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illinois?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Illinois</a> HAS #30 strength of schedule and has 3 losses to #1 Oregon and #4 Penn State and a one… <a href="https://t.co/Bw8haGFf8s">https://t.co/Bw8haGFf8s</a></p>— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) <a href="https://twitter.com/BretBielema/status/1863380152152911884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The CFP is debuting a 12-team playoff format this season. The committee will select a field featuring the five conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams. The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and receive a first-round bye.</p><p>A new edition of the CFP rankings will be announced Tuesday before Selection Day on Dec. 8.</p>

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Lane Kiffin of the Mississippi Rebels looks on during their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina.

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Kiffin makes CFP case for Ole Miss over Alabama, South Carolina

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expects more from George Pickens after the wide receiv...

<p>Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expects more from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174055" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174055">George Pickens</a> after the wide receiver was flagged twice in Sunday's 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.</p><p>"He's just got to grow up, man. This emotional game, man, these divisional games are big," Tomlin said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/bepryor/status/1863351679480992182">ESPN's Brooke Pryor</a>. "He got a target on his back because he's George, he understands that, but he's got to grow up. He's got to grow up in a hurry."</p><p>Pickens was flagged for taunting in the first half. He was later penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct in the third quarter after seemingly pointing a finger gun at the crowd following a 36-yard play to pick up a first down. Pickens addressed his second penalty postgame, saying the refs didn't understand his celebration.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">George Pickens called for another unsportsmanlike conduct for this celebration. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/steelers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#steelers</a> <a href="https://t.co/G8yBc6yYZe">pic.twitter.com/G8yBc6yYZe</a></p>— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rate_the_Refs/status/1863311478415294766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I was doing first down," the Steelers' leading wideout said, according to <a href="https://steelersdepot.com/2024/12/george-pickens-says-officials-got-the-gesture-wrong-on-penalty/">Steelers Depot's Josh Carney</a>.</p><p>Pickens added: "They said they got the gesture wrong, you know what I mean? Thought it was something else. You can't hurt the team. I never intend to hurt the team, but he thought the gesture was different."</p><p>Pickens finished the matchup with three receptions for 74 yards and one touchdown. He leads Pittsburgh with 55 catches and 850 catches in 2024. The 23-year-old has also caught three TDs.</p><p>Bengals defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/66027" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/66027">Mike Hilton</a> admitted that getting under Pickens' skin was part of Cincinnati's plan for the rivalry contest.</p><p>"Everybody sees it on film," Hilton said, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByKimberleyA/status/1863355355658428604">ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin</a>. "If he's not getting the ball or DBs are being physical with him, he gets in his own head."</p><p>The Steelers improved to 9-3 with their latest victory. They'll play another division rival, the Cleveland Browns, next week. Cleveland upset Pittsburgh 24-19 on Nov. 21.</p>

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 01: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a penalty during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Steelers' Tomlin: Pickens has to 'grow up' after penalties vs. Bengals

The Neal Brown era at West Virginia is over.  The Mountaineers fired the head coach after going 6...

<p>The Neal Brown era at West Virginia is over.</p><p>The Mountaineers fired the head coach after going 6-6 this season, the school announced Sunday.</p><p>Brown posted a 37-35 record (25-28 in Big 12 play) across six seasons with the school. His buyout is approximately $9.8 million, per <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobScottDavis/status/1863325336600969275">Jacob Davis of Sports Illustrated</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brown entered the 2023 season on the hot seat but gained extra life after going 9-4 that campaign. The Mountaineers regressed in 2024, including a 52-15 loss to Texas Tech on Saturday.</p><p>West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker released a statement Sunday thanking Brown and saying the Mountaineers have already begun looking for a new sideline boss.</p><p>"Our national search for WVU's 36th head football coach is already underway," Baker said. "I am confident that with the strong alignment among the university leadership, our passionate supporters, our proud history, and our willingness to invest, we will have an outstanding pool of candidates."</p><p>West Virginia becomes the fourth Power 4 school to have a head coaching opening, along with North Carolina, UCF, and Purdue.</p>

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Neal Brown of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on during the first half of a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Orlando, Florida.

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West Virginia fires coach Brown after 6 seasons

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence left Sunday's game against the Houston Texans af...

<p>Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161653" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161653">Trevor Lawrence</a> left Sunday's game against the Houston Texans after taking a brutal hit to the head while trying to slide at the end of a play in the second quarter.</p><p>Lawrence stayed down after the hit from Texans linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/93981" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/93981">Azeez Al-Shaair</a>, who was ejected from the game. Several flags were thrown on the play, and a fight started after several Jaguars players came to the QB's defense.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch Trevor Lawrence immediately after this horrific hit. His right arm suddenly flexes as his left arm simultaneously extends. This is known as the “fencing posture”—an involuntary reflex that occurs after impact in blunt head trauma. It signifies a traumatic brain injury with… <a href="https://t.co/Saa8j8cffJ">pic.twitter.com/Saa8j8cffJ</a></p>— Sam Ghali, M.D. (@EM_RESUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/EM_RESUS/status/1863321210655838547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson criticized Al-Shaair's hit postgame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's a play that has no business in our league," Pederson said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysCarlyon/status/1863339485187989512">Hays Carlyon 1010 XL</a>.</p><p>Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans also addressed the situation, saying he expected more from his defender.</p><p>"It's unfortunate. That's not what we're coaching," Ryans said, per team reporter<a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBerman_/status/1863343124472336539"> Mark Berman</a>. "Have to be smarter when the QB is going down. Not representative of who Azeez is."</p><p>Jaguars fans threw objects at Al-Shaair on his way off the field.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jaguar fans throwing objects on Azeez Al-Shaair as he left the field <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/OKOjlznW3J">pic.twitter.com/OKOjlznW3J</a></p>— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/ComplexSports/status/1863301208024264751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lawrence was carted to the locker room and officially ruled out minutes later with a head injury. He provided a positive update on social media Sunday evening.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you to everyone who has reached out / been praying for me. I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all🙌🏼</p>— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trevorlawrencee/status/1863411646506393843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Lawrence completed 4 of 10 pass attempts for 41 yards with no touchdowns and one interception before leaving the matchup. The 2021 No. 1 pick missed Jacksonville's previous two games due to a shoulder injury.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161650" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161650">Mac Jones</a> finished the game at QB for the Jaguars, who lost 23-20 to the Texans to fall to 2-10 this year.</p>

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is taken off the field in a medical cart during the second quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.

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Jaguars' Lawrence carted off vs. Texans after dirty hit to head

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said officials blew a whistle on the team's sideline ...

<p>Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said officials blew a whistle on the team's sideline before the controversial ending in Friday's 19-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.</p><p>"We heard a whistle on our sideline," Pierce said Saturday when asked about the contest's last play, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/PGutierrezESPN/status/1862921080412787135">ESPN's Paul Gutierrez</a>.</p><p>With 14 seconds remaining, the Raiders had the ball at the Chiefs' 32-yard line and were in position to kick a potential game-winning field goal. But Las Vegas botched the snap, and Kansas City recovered the ball to seal the win.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Raiders were called for an illegal shift penalty on the play that Kansas City declined. However, an official lined along the Raiders' sideline threw a flag to seemingly signal a false start before the snap, which would've blown the play dead with Las Vegas maintaining possession. The refs discussed the situation on the field and ultimately ruled it an illegal shift.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m extremely confused. The ref on the top of the screen clearly called the play dead. The Chiefs declined the flag and awarded the fumble recovery. Raiders were robbed <a href="https://t.co/OwfoTKnYBR">pic.twitter.com/OwfoTKnYBR</a></p>— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) <a href="https://twitter.com/OhhMar24/status/1862638945302876349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No one committed a false start. Raiders were lined up incorrectly. Even the Raiders tight end is motioning to the receiver because he isn’t lined up right. Ball is already snapped.<br><br>So it’s illegal formation. Refs got it right. <a href="https://t.co/JtMtFfgXjf">https://t.co/JtMtFfgXjf</a> <a href="https://t.co/W7krfkwfKG">pic.twitter.com/W7krfkwfKG</a></p>— Farzin Vousoughian (@Farzin21) <a href="https://twitter.com/Farzin21/status/1862917144234582124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Pierce said the Raiders will send their complaints to the league office, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/VinnyBonsignore/status/1862921555090575501">Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal</a>.</p><p>"We do that every game," the coach added about his decision to voice the team's opinion to the NFL, per <a href="https://twitter.com/PGutierrezESPN/status/1862924113750180167">Gutierrez</a>. "Typically, anywhere from three to five questions, and then we'll get a letter within 24-to-36 hours, and we'll read it and learn from it."</p><p>Michael Signora - the NFL senior vice president of football and international communications - addressed the questionable play Friday.</p><p>"Had the clock been running at the snap, then by rule an illegal shift would convert to a false start. Since the clock was stopped, an illegal shift is a live ball foul," Signora said, according to <a href="https://x.com/tashanreed/status/1862667181705634228">The Athletic's Tashan Reed</a>.</p><p>The Raiders dropped to 2-10 with the loss. Meanwhile, the Chiefs improved 11-1 this season, including 9-0 in one-score games.</p>

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter in the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Raiders' Pierce 'heard a whistle' on sideline before botched snap vs. Chiefs

The Arizona Cardinals signed running back James Conner to a two-year contract extension Saturday,...

<p>The Arizona Cardinals signed running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74593" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74593">James Conner</a> to a two-year contract extension Saturday, the team announced.</p><p>The deal is worth $19 million, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1862888342917947693">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. His new reported average annual salary will rank sixth in the NFL among running backs, according to <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/rankings/player/_/year/2024/position/rb/sort/contract_average">Spotrac</a>.</p><p>Conner has been with Arizona since 2021 but was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2024 season. He leads the team with 705 yards (4.2 per carry) and five touchdowns on the ground through 11 games this year, along with 29 receptions for 288 yards.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 29-year-old has battled injuries and didn't play a full season in any of his first three campaigns with the Cardinals. However, Conner topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in 2023 while scoring a team-high nine total TDs.</p><p>Conner's 40 scrimmage TDs rank fifth in the NFL since 2021. He's also rushed for 3,279 yards and 34 touchdowns in 52 appearances for Arizona.</p><p>A 2017 third-round pick, Conner played his first four NFL seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers.</p>

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 15: James Conner #6 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.

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Cardinals sign Conner to 2-year extension worth reported $19M

Former Stanford star Andrew Luck is returning to become football general manager of the Cardinal'...

<p>Former Stanford star Andrew Luck is returning to become football general manager of the Cardinal's program, he told <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42693219/stanford-brings-ex-star-qb-andrew-luck-home-new-gm">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.</p><p>"I'm excited," Luck said. "Stanford is taking an assertive and innovative step. We're undoubtedly the best athletic department in college sports. We have to reprove it in football, and we're excited to be part of that challenge."</p><p>Stanford recently created a GM role in which Luck will be responsible for the program's football-related decisions, including managing the coaching and personnel staff, recruiting, and roster management. The retired quarterback will also be involved in business decisions, such as fundraising, sponsorships, and in-stadium experience. The move could be the precursor to structural changes in college football front offices, notes Thamel.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Stanford is at its best when there's alignment from the top of university about football," Luck added. "President (Jonathan) Levin is committed to doing that. We wouldn't do this without that kind of commitment from the president - he's committed to being innovative and creative to find ways for us to compete."</p><p>Luck played at Stanford from 2009-11 before being selected first overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He's the Cardinal's all-time touchdown leader (82) and ranks second in school history with 9,430 passing yards behind only Steve Stenstrom (10,531).</p><p>The 35-year-old also stood out in the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl berths and leading the league in touchdown passes once from 2012-18. However, Luck suddenly retired in August 2019 after battling several injuries. He coached high school football after ending his career as a player.</p><p>"I'm very thankful for what football has given me," Luck said. "In many, many ways on many, many levels. Stanford is one of those deeper levels. There's something about it, especially the people there. This is going to be a daunting challenge. It's a steep climb. But I'm fired up."</p><p>Stanford posted a 3-9 season in 2024, the school's fourth straight losing campaign. The Cardinal - who've had Troy Taylor as head coach over the last two years - went 31-7 with Luck as their starting QB.</p>

PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Former Stanford and NFL quarterback Andrew Luck is inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame at halftime of a Pac-12 NCAA college football game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Oregon Ducks on September 30, 2023 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California.

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Andrew Luck rejoining Stanford as football GM

Deion Sanders believes the race for the 2024 Heisman Trophy is over.  The Colorado head coach sai...

<p>Deion Sanders believes the race for the 2024 Heisman Trophy is over.</p><p>The Colorado head coach said Friday that two-way star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/179519" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/179519">Travis Hunter</a> secured college football's most prestigious individual award with his historic showing during the Buffaloes' 52-0 win over Oklahoma State.</p><p>"Travis clinched the Heisman with his performance," Sanders said postgame, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1862633199974674924">Fox Sports</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hunter played 144 total snaps against the Cowboys and made a big impact on both sides of the ball once again. He finished the day with 10 receptions for 116 yards and three touchdowns, while recording two pass breakups and one interception on defense.</p><p>He is the first FBS player over the last 25 seasons with three scrimmage TDs and a defensive INT in a game, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Jordan_Reid/status/1862590377523343754">ESPN's Jordan Reid</a>. Hunter's signature performance came just days after he didn't make the cut as one of the three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation's best defensive back.</p><p>"He made a lot of people aware of how ignorant they was with the Thorpe," Sanders added of Hunter. "His performance today, what did he have? Three touchdowns, 100 yards, and an interception? And two passes broken up. He should have had another pick, hit him right in the darn chest. I'm not happy with that, but I'm happy with him."</p><p>This year's finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award are Georgia safety <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171331" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171331">Malaki Starks</a>, Texas defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/152739" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/152739">Jahdae Barron</a>, and Ohio State star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/184156" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/184156">Caleb Downs</a>.</p><p>Hunter entered Friday's contest versus Oklahoma State as the favorite for the Heisman after catching 82 passes for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first 11 appearances this season. He also had a rushing TD to go along with 31 tackles (one for loss), nine pass breakups, three interceptions, and one forced fumble.</p><p>Hunter's biggest rival for the Heisman Trophy this year - Boise State running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172507">Ashton Jeanty</a> - also put on a show Friday, carrying the ball 37 times for 226 yards and one touchdown in a 34-18 victory over Oregon State.</p><p>Jeanty now has 29 total touchdowns and 2,288 rushing yards in 2024, the fifth most in a single season in FBS history. Barry Sanders holds the record after posting 2,628 yards on the ground in 1988.</p>

BOULDER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 29: Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts after catching a pass during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field on November 29, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado.

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Deion: Hunter 'clinched the Heisman' with historic performance

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to return Sunday against the Buffalo Bill...

<p>San Francisco 49ers quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a> is expected to return Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/nwagoner/status/1862618616220238334">Nick Wagoner of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Purdy missed last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers because of a shoulder injury. The 24-year-old was a full participant at practice Friday after being a limited participant earlier this week. Purdy is officially listed as questionable for the Sunday Night Football matchup versus the Bills.</p><p>Shanahan noted that "lots of things can happen between now and then" but added that Purdy is on track to face Buffalo.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Unlike last Friday, Brock Purdy is throwing today. What’s more, Brandon Allen is in a scout-teamer-of-week jersey, suggesting he’s not the starter. <a href="https://t.co/KQVwFjjIDA">pic.twitter.com/KQVwFjjIDA</a></p>— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattbarrows/status/1862600193218330664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 5-6 49ers couldn't do much offensively and scored only 10 points against the Packers with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53651" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53651">Brandon Allen</a> at QB. San Francisco is looking to snap a two-game skid with Purdy now expected to return.</p><p>Purdy - who owns a 22-9 record as an NFL starter - has completed 66% of his passes for 2,613 yards and 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 10 games in 2024.</p><p>The Niners are far from being fully healthy against the Bills, though. Shanahan announced Friday that left tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14297" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14297">Trent Williams</a> (ankle) and defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111907">Nick Bosa</a> (hip/oblique) remain sidelined after also missing last week.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers throws during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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49ers expect Purdy to return vs. Bills after 1-game absence

New York Giants defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence is expected to be out "long term" after disloca...

<p>New York Giants defensive lineman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105300" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105300">Dexter Lawrence</a> is expected to be out "long term" after dislocating his elbow during a 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, head coach Brian Daboll said Friday, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/Dan_Salomone/status/1862543421451251970">Dan Salomone</a>.</p><p>Lawrence is expected to miss the remainder of the season, <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1862544856289067271">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a> adds. </p><p>Lawrence, who left the game prematurely due to the injury, was seen postgame with his elbow in a sling. The two-time Pro Bowler said he'll undergo further tests in the next few days to determine how much time he'll miss.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In addition to Lawrence's injury, tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/200019" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/200019">Theo Johnson</a> is also potentially lost for the rest of the year with a foot injury, Daboll told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/Dan_Salomone/status/1862544845673222474">Salomone</a>.</p><p>Lawrence recorded three tackles before exiting Thursday's game in the third quarter. He sustained the injury while trying to make a tackle.</p><p>Arguably the NFL's best defensive tackle, Lawrence has put on a show this season, registering 16 QB hits, eight tackles for loss, and nine sacks - the best single-season mark of his career.</p><p>The 27-year-old has appeared in 92 games since the Giants drafted him in the first round in 2019.</p>

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Dexter Lawrence II #97 of the New York Giants yells out in a huddle prior to the start of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Giants' Lawrence out long term after dislocating elbow

Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is embracing his team's momentum after Dallas won its second con...

<p>Cowboys linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161667">Micah Parsons</a> is embracing his team's momentum after Dallas won its second consecutive game and improved to 5-7 this season by beating the New York Giants 27-20 on Thursday.</p><p>"Why not us? Everybody counted us out," Parsons told <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1862307620943548548">Fox Sports' Erin Andrews</a> postgame. "We know what we got, we know what we can do here, and I believe in every one of these guys. I believe we're going to turn around and make a run."</p><p>The Cowboys started the 2024 campaign 3-2 but their season looked lost after they suffered five straight defeats and quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/50470" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/50470">Dak Prescott</a> went down with a season-ending hamstring injury Nov. 3.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dallas lost its first two games with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65598" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65598">Cooper Rush</a> under center this year, but the backup QB has helped the team win two in a row, including its first home game of the season over New York.</p><p>Parsons was dominant Thursday, amassing three tackles (one for loss), four QB hits, and 1.5 sacks. The Giants started backup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98893" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98893">Drew Lock</a> against the Cowboys, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188915" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188915">Tommy DeVito</a> - who recently became QB1 after N.Y. benched and released <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97984">Daniel Jones</a> - wasn't available this week due to a forearm injury.</p><p>Dallas' defense finished the Thanksgiving matchup with six sacks and scored a pick-6 in the second quarter.</p><p>"There's been a lot of trash talk out there talking about what difference can we make, and we still have some guys coming back from the chamber. ... So I'm telling y'all right now: We're coming," Parsons added.</p><p>The Washington Commanders currently own the NFC's No. 7 seed with a 7-5 record.</p><p>Injuries have been a big issue for the Cowboys - Parsons missed four games earlier this season due to an ankle issue, and Dallas is still missing cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/110128" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/110128">Trevon Diggs</a> and defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/60919" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/60919">DeMarcus Lawrence</a>.</p><p>Diggs was a limited participant at practice Wednesday and was inactive against New York with groin and knee injuries. Meanwhile, Lawrence landed on injured reserve Oct. 1 with a foot issue.</p><p>Next for the Cowboys is a Monday Night Football matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 9.</p>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 28: DeMarvion Overshown #13 and Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after a defense play during the second quarter against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on November 28, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Parsons sees Cowboys making a run: 'We're coming'

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams wasn't a fan of Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell's...

<p>Chicago Bears quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a> wasn't a fan of Detroit Lions linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188191" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188191">Jack Campbell</a>'s low hit to his knee near the sideline during Thursday's game between the NFC North rivals.</p><p>"Knee's fine," Williams said after Chicago's 23-20 loss, according to <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/caleb-williams-on-jack-campbells-hit-to-his-left-knee-i-didnt-really-appreciate-the-play">Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio</a>. "That play was funky. Just put it that way. I didn't really appreciate the play. He just kind of dove straight at my knee. So I didn't really get that. Definitely kind of frustrated about that one, just because you know, whatever. Yeah, knee's good. Nothing wrong with it. Think I just got a bruise. But the play was funky."</p><p>Williams was slow to get up after the play, which took place near the sideline in the third quarter, but didn't miss any snaps. The No. 1 overall pick actually threw a 31-yard touchdown to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/44826" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/44826">Keenan Allen</a> on the next play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> QB Caleb Williams commenting on the hit he took from Lions LB Jack Campbell <a href="https://t.co/6JVpeTe2fk">pic.twitter.com/6JVpeTe2fk</a></p>— Barroom Network | Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarroomNetwork/status/1862262623326064943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Williams finished the night with 20 completions on 39 attempts for 256 yards and three touchdowns. He also led Chicago with 39 yards on the ground. However, the Bears lost after the Williams-led offense <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3143306" href="https://thescore.com/news/3143306">let the clock run out</a> instead of using the team's last timeout on third down with the game on the line.</p><p>Chicago has lost six in a row after starting the season 4-2.</p><p>Campbell recorded three tackles and one QB hit against the Bears to help the Lions win their 10th straight contest and improve to 11-1, the best record in the NFC.</p>

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is tackled during the Detroit Lions versus the Chicago Bears game on Thursday November 28, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

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Bears' Williams 'frustrated' after low hit from Lions' Campbell

Robert Saleh and Dennis Allen have already been fired this year, and more NFL head coaches are in...

<p>Robert Saleh and Dennis Allen have already been fired this year, and more NFL head coaches are in danger of losing their jobs as teams head into the season's final stretch.</p><p>Here are other coaches with questions regarding their future:</p><h3>Doug Pederson, Jaguars</h3><p>Pederson's seat is almost too hot to include in this list. The Jaguars reportedly began considering big changes to their coaching staff two weeks ago, but Pederson somehow survived a 52-7 loss to the Detroit Lions. Jacksonville then had a bye, which gave Pederson at least a few more days.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It still feels like it's a matter of when, not if, Jacksonville will dismiss its head coach. The Jaguars are 2-9 and underachieving on both sides of the ball. The offense was supposed to be its biggest strength with Pederson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence in charge, but it continues to regress while posting its worst season since 2021 with Urban Meyer. Helping Lawrence was the X-factor for Pederson and coordinator Press Taylor when they got the job in 2022, and the Jaguars' offense is in the bottom 10 in EPA/play this year. A change on the sideline is the best option for the franchise. <strong>Thermometer: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (out of five)</strong></p><h3>Mike McCarthy, Cowboys</h3><p>Jerry Jones has been patient with his most recent coaches, but it's clear McCarthy isn't the answer for the 4-7 Cowboys, who were on a five-game losing streak before pulling a dramatic upset over Washington. Granted, the team had terrible injury luck, but McCarthy's outfit didn't look great even before it ruled out quarterback Dak Prescott for the remainder of the season. Recent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125471" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125471">comments</a> from some players, including Micah Parsons, also suggest McCarthy doesn't have full support in the locker room.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756185/cropped_GettyImages-2162827124.jpg?ts=1732025611" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756185/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162827124.jpg?ts=1732025611 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756185/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162827124.jpg?ts=1732025611 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756185/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162827124.jpg?ts=1732025611 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756185/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162827124.jpg?ts=1732025611 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756185/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162827124.jpg?ts=1732025611 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>McCarthy, who's in his contract year, has posted a 46-32 overall record with Dallas, but he's only 1-3 in the playoffs. The fact that Jones didn't extend the 61-year-old in the offseason basically made 2024 a make-or-break campaign for McCarthy. He hasn't passed the test. <strong>Thermometer: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥</strong></p><h3>Antonio Pierce, Raiders</h3><p>Two main factors determined why the Raiders picked Pierce for the Raiders' permanent head coaching job: he had the support of key Las Vegas players, and he helped the defense improve significantly in nine games as the interim sideline boss in 2023. However, that's changed. Multiple Raiders players <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3123107" href="https://thescore.com/news/3123107">reportedly</a> voiced their concerns with coaches in a recent team meeting, and the club's defense is 29th in points allowed.</p><p>The 2-9 Raiders, limited by an unimpressive QB room, have shown no improvements offensively. Pierce's game management and in-game decisions have been brutal to watch. He's responsible for the most <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3070691" href="https://thescore.com/news/3070691">questionable</a> fourth-down decision of the season. Pierce has already changed his offensive coordinator in 2024, and no one should be surprised if the Raiders - who now have Tom Brady and Richard Seymour helping with football decisions - change their head coach next. <strong>Thermometer: 🔥🔥🔥🔥</strong></p><h3>Matt Eberflus, Bears</h3><p>Eberflus went 10-24 in his first two seasons but received another chance this year after the Bears drafted Caleb Williams first overall. However, Eberflus' staff is failing the rookie QB. The head coach, looking for a desperate answer and to potentially save his job, even fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after nine games this campaign. The club is three games below .500 with six weeks left.</p><p>Williams' development is key for the Bears moving forward, and Eberflus hasn't proved he's the right guy to help the promising passer become a star. Williams looked good Sunday but hadn't accounted for a single touchdown in his previous four games. Receivers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze have also underachieved. Chicago's defense - Eberflus' area of expertise - improved in 2024, but probably not enough to save his job. <strong>Thermometer: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥</strong></p><h3>Brian Daboll, Giants</h3><p>Yes, Giants owner John Mara said he expects Daboll to return in 2025, but this situation might be unfixable after Sunday. New York looked awful in a 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that dropped the team to 2-9 this season and 8-20 since making the playoffs in 2022, Daboll's first year in town.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740127/cropped_GettyImages-2156363101.jpg?ts=1723047931" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740127/w220xh124_GettyImages-2156363101.jpg?ts=1723047931 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740127/w320xh180_GettyImages-2156363101.jpg?ts=1723047931 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740127/w640xh360_GettyImages-2156363101.jpg?ts=1723047931 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740127/w768xh432_GettyImages-2156363101.jpg?ts=1723047931 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740127/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2156363101.jpg?ts=1723047931 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Luke Hales / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The recent defeat was also N.Y.'s first game since releasing Daniel Jones, which shows that the Giants' issues under Daboll go beyond the oft-criticized quarterback's struggles. Just <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3138767" href="https://thescore.com/news/3138767">ask</a> rookie receiver Malik Nabers. New York ranks dead last in points scored, and Daboll doesn't seem ready to put his team back on the right track anytime soon. It looks like the Giants will be in a position to draft a top QB prospect in 2025, so bringing in a new sideline boss may not be a bad idea. <strong>Thermometer: 🔥🔥🔥​​​​​​🔥</strong></p><h3>Dave Canales, Panthers</h3><p>Carolina's 3-8 record doesn't look great on Canales. But let's be honest, no one expected this team to have a winning mark at this point. The Panthers actually won two games in a row before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs by only three points, with Bryce Young posting his highest passer rating of the season (92.9) in the loss.</p><p>Young's development is the biggest challenge for Canales. The 2023 No. 1 pick had a slow start to the season and was benched early on. Young is now the starter again and has shown improvement. Young's and Canales' progressions remain a work in progress, but giving Canales another year to prove he's the right guy for the rebuilding Panthers with a better supporting cast makes sense. <strong>Thermometer: 🔥</strong></p><h3>Kevin Stefanski, Browns</h3><p>Stefanski's job security becoming a topic may come as a surprise given he just won the 2023 Coach of the Year award. But that's the NFL. Cleveland won just two of its first 10 games before claiming a thrilling win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. His seat was certainly getting warmer, but beating an archrival in prime time should give Stefanski extra life. There's also the Deshaun Watson factor.</p><p>Watson's poor play is the biggest reason behind the Browns' 3-8 record. His replacement, Jameis Winston, is 2-2 since Watson suffered a season-ending injury. Granted, the team has other issues that Stefanski and his staff haven't been able to fix, such as the O-line's struggles and an inconsistent running game. But it was Watson who held Cleveland back, not Stefanski. The 42-year-old coach is 40-38 with two playoff appearances in almost five seasons with the Browns. Barring a disastrous December, expect Stefanski to stay for another year. <strong>Thermometer: 🔥🔥</strong></p><h3>Zac Taylor, Bengals</h3><p>A team with Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase having career years shouldn't be in danger of missing the playoffs, and that's where the 4-7 Bengals are. Taylor's outfit hasn't been able to finish games, with six of its seven losses being one-score defeats. The main issue? Taylor and his staff should have an answer, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3132140" href="https://thescore.com/news/3132140">Chase</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497980/cropped_GettyImages-1367213844.jpg?ts=1645022933" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497980/w220xh124_GettyImages-1367213844.jpg?ts=1645022933 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497980/w320xh180_GettyImages-1367213844.jpg?ts=1645022933 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497980/w640xh360_GettyImages-1367213844.jpg?ts=1645022933 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497980/w768xh432_GettyImages-1367213844.jpg?ts=1645022933 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/497980/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1367213844.jpg?ts=1645022933 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Bengals are piling up frustrating moments, going from their kicker missing two fourth-quarter field goals to producing an inefficient running game to struggling in the trenches. Even Cincinnati's four wins came against teams closer to getting the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft than making the playoffs.</p><p>Taylor joined the Bengals in 2019, and his seat was scalding hot after he went 6-25-1 in his first two seasons. He then helped Cincinnati make a Super Bowl and an AFC title game appearance before posting a 9-8 record last year despite having Burrow in only 10 games. The current Bengals core has shown it's talented enough to make a playoff run. It'll be interesting to see how this team responds after its bye week. Things aren't working in the club's favor, and Taylor is the fall guy here. Is this it for him in Cincy? <strong>Thermometer: 🔥🔥🔥</strong></p><h3>Jerod Mayo, Patriots</h3><p>It'd be surprising if New England moved on from Mayo, but he'll leave his first year as an NFL head coach with more questions than answers. No one expected the rebuilding Patriots and their flawed roster to contend right away after parting with Bill Belichick. However, the team's inability to maximize its talents and develop young players is concerning. So is the lack of discipline on the field. Mayo's outfit is 3-9 with a minus-85 point differential while committing the sixth-most penalties in the league.</p><p>Mayo's situation in New England can change quickly as long as the Pats don't fail Drake Maye. The 2024 No. 3 overall pick didn't begin his rookie year as the starter but has flashed his potential since becoming QB1 in October. Maye's progress should be Mayo's top priority in what will likely be a make-or-break 2025 campaign for the sideline boss. <strong>Thermometer: 🔥🔥</strong></p>

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NFL coaching hot seat: Who's under pressure down the stretch?

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins left Monday's 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens w...

<p>Los Angeles Chargers running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115040" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115040">J.K. Dobbins</a> left Monday's 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a knee injury.</p><p>Dobbins seemingly got hurt in the final minutes of the second quarter while being tackled by multiple Ravens defenders. Originally listed as questionable, he went to the locker room before halftime and was seen with a brace on his knee. The standout tailback wasn't able to return to the matchup and Los Angeles officially ruled him out in the fourth quarter.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JK Dobbins <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chargers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chargers</a><br><br>Injured his knee on this play. A valgus moment at the knee as the defender below him essentially creates a fulcrum at Dobbins knee, which would put stress on the MCL. Sounds like it’s not too bad, and there’s not a ton of excessive motion. <a href="https://t.co/gxb84ODeVI">pic.twitter.com/gxb84ODeVI</a></p>— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) <a href="https://twitter.com/FantasyInjuryT/status/1861236812234039752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said postgame he doesn't know if Dobbins' injury is serious.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I have no update. I know it's a knee," Harbaugh said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/alexinsdorf99/status/1861268385968853279">Alex Insdorf of the "Guilty As Charged</a>" podcast.</p><p>Dobbins carried the ball six times for 40 yards before his exit.</p><p>The 25-year-old has stood out in his first season with the Chargers: He entered this week's prime-time contest with 726 rushing yards (4.8 per carry) and eight touchdowns on the ground.</p><p>Injuries have been an issue for Dobbins since he joined the league as a second-round pick of the Ravens in 2020. He missed essentially the entire 2021 and 2023 campaigns.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">• Broken Fibula.<br>• Torn ACL.<br>• Torn LCL.<br>• Torn Meniscus.<br>• Torn Hamstring.<br>• Torn Achilles.<br><br>JK Dobbins never gave up.<br>He should be the NFL Comeback POY.</p>— Sam Block (@theblockspot) <a href="https://twitter.com/theblockspot/status/1858373024686145661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Los Angeles couldn't do much on the ground against Baltimore with Dobbins sidelined. Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> finished the night as the Chargers' second-leading rusher, carrying the ball four times for 29 yards and one touchdown. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/73959" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/73959">Gus Edwards</a> is L.A.'s backup running back this year.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

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Chargers' Dobbins sustains knee injury in MNF loss

Losing to Alabama in this weekend's Iron Bowl is not an option for Auburn freshman linebacker Dem...

<p>Losing to Alabama in this weekend's Iron Bowl is not an option for Auburn freshman linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/195854" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/195854">Demarcus Riddick</a>.</p><p>"Bama is a big rival team," he said Monday, according to <a href="https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2024/11/25/auburn-football-alabama-demarcus-riddick-jalen-milroe-ryan-williams/76499046007/">Adam Cole of the Montgomery Advertiser</a>. "Every rival team, I've never lost to, and I will not lose to Bama while I'm here."</p><p>Riddick added that he sees the Crimson Tide as a "really beatable" team while taking shots at Crimson Tide wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13256" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/13256">Ryan Williams</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Ryan Williams is Ryan Williams," Riddick said. "Yeah, he's electric and this and that. But in my eyes, he ain't really nobody to me. Ryan Williams is himself. He ain't no big-time player to me."</p><p>Williams, one of the nation's most explosive pass-catchers, has been Alabama's top weapon this season, hauling in 42 passes for 804 yards and eight touchdowns, the most in the SEC.</p><p>Riddick also expressed confidence in his ability to contain Alabama quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/162849" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/162849">Jalen Milroe</a>.</p><p>"He's fast. But he's not faster than me," said Riddick, who's recorded 25 tackles this season (five for loss), three sacks, and one pass breakup.</p><p>"He will not get out of that box this week. That's something that I'm going to have to work on all week at practice, and something that some of the guys are going to have to help me with."</p><p>Riddick committed to Auburn as the nation's No. 2 outside linebacker in 2024. The Clanton, Alabama native - who also received an offer from the Crimson Tide - originally joined the Georgia Bulldogs before flipping to the Tigers.</p><p>Auburn has won its last two games - including an upset victory over Texas A&amp;M on Saturday - and the Tigers currently have a 5-6 record (2-5 in the SEC).</p><p>The Crimson Tide lost to Oklahoma 24-3 on Saturday to drop to 8-3 in 2024, including a 4-3 mark in SEC play. But Alabama has won the last four editions of the Iron Bowl and leads the series with a 50-37-1 all-time record.</p>

AUBURN, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 16: Linebacker Demarcus Riddick #16 of the Auburn Tigers prior to their game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama.

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Auburn's Riddick calls out Alabama stars: 'I will not lose' Iron Bowl

<p><em>NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Super Bowl LIX.</em></p><h3>AFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>West</td>
<td> 10-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>9-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Steelers</td>
<td>North</td>
<td>8-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Texans</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>7-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td> West</td>
<td>7-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Ravens</td>
<td> North</td>
<td>7-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Broncos</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 7-5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season last week but returned to the win column Sunday by defeating the Carolina Panthers on the strength of Patrick Mahomes' three touchdowns. The Buffalo Bills were on a bye this week and kept the conference's No. 2 seed. The Pittsburgh Steelers still have the third-best seed in the AFC despite losing to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football, while the Houston Texans remain in control in the South despite a heartbreaking loss to the Tennessee Titans.</p><p>In addition to the division leaders, the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens are also in a great spot to make the playoffs, and the final stretch of the regular season will determine the seeding among those teams. The Chargers host the Ravens on Monday in a highly anticipated clash between the Harbaugh brothers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Denver Broncos beat the Las Vegas Raiders this week to keep the No. 7 seed, but that final AFC playoff spot isn't a lock for Sean Payton's outfit yet.</p><h3>In the hunt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Dolphins</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>5-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Colts</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>5-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Bengals</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 4-7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Don't look now, but the Miami Dolphins are coming. Miami blew out the New England Patriots on Sunday to win its third straight game and increase its postseason chances. The Dolphins currently have a 31% chance of making the playoffs, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5698572/2024/11/21/nfl-playoffs-projections-odds/">The Athletic</a>. They're followed by the Indianapolis Colts (20%) and Cincinnati Bengals (18%).</p><p>Indianapolis and Cincinnati still play Denver and have a chance to weaken the Broncos' postseason chances, which sit at 60% right now.</p><h3>NFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Lions</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 10-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Eagles</td>
<td> East</td>
<td> 9-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Seahawks</td>
<td>West</td>
<td>6-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Falcons</td>
<td> South</td>
<td> 6-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 9-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Packers</td>
<td> North</td>
<td> 8-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Commanders</td>
<td>East</td>
<td>7-5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Detroit Lions, who entered this week with the NFL's top-ranked offense, scored <em>only</em> 24 points but beat the Indianapolis Colts to secure their second straight season with double-digit wins. The North remains the NFC's strongest division, featuring three teams with three or fewer losses after the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers also won Sunday. Those teams still have head-to-head clashes on tap that will likely have major playoff implications.</p><p>Despite Detroit's dominance, the No. 1 seed in the NFC is far from a lock for the Lions - the Philadelphia Eagles, led by Saquon Barkley, have won seven in a row. The star tailback most recently rushed for 255 yards in an all-time performance to take down the Los Angeles Rams. Detroit and Philly are clearly the conference's best teams right now.</p><p>The Seattle Seahawks also made a big jump this week, defeating the Arizona Cardinals to take the NFC West lead. However, The Athletic still gives the Cardinals a higher chance to win the division than the Seahawks. The two rivals will face each other again in Arizona on Dec. 8.</p><h3>In the hunt</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Seed</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Division</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 6-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
<td>South</td>
<td>5-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Rams</td>
<td> West</td>
<td> 5-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>49ers</td>
<td>West</td>
<td> 5-6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Things don't look great for the San Francisco 49ers. The reigning NFC champions haven't played their best football largely because of injuries that most recently kept quarterback Brock Purdy, left tackle Trent Williams, and defensive end Nick Bosa sidelined in a blowout loss to the Packers. San Francisco's postseason chances are only at 11% right now.</p><p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the New York Giants to snap a four-game skid and keep their playoff chances alive. The Bucs are still in the hunt for the NFC's No. 7 seed after the Washington Commanders' loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Winning the South is also a possibility for Tampa Bay, but the team's chances of clinching the division title are only at 19%, as the Buccaneers have already lost two games to the Atlanta Falcons this year.</p><p>The Cowboys, as well as the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints, each have four wins in 2024, so they're still mathematically alive in the playoff picture. However, their postseason chances are under 5% after 12 weeks, according to The Athletic.</p><h3>Projected NFL draft order</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td> Jaguars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td> Giants</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Raiders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Patriots</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Titans</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Browns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Saints</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Bengals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Jacksonville Jaguars had a bye this week and kept their top spot in the projected order for the 2025 NFL Draft. Jacksonville has posted a 2-9 record - same as the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders - but the Jaguars win the tiebreaker here because of their strength of schedule. The team that played the schedule with the lowest winning percentage is awarded the higher draft choice.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Saquon Barkley #26 and Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles are interviewed after a 37-20 victory against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

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Saquon Barkley officially put himself in the MVP conversation with a historic performance Sunday....

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> officially put himself in the MVP conversation with a historic performance Sunday.</p><p>The Eagles running back - who had already recorded plenty of remarkable moments in 2024 - rushed for 255 rushing yards to set a team record and help Philadelphia beat the Los Angeles Rams 37-20 at SoFi Stadium.</p><p>Barkley averaged 9.8 yards per rushing attempt and scored two touchdowns on the ground while also catching four passes for 47 yards against the Rams. He reached the 255-yard rushing mark with an electric 72-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to extend Philly's late lead.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saquon Barkley has set an Eagles single-game rushing record AND career-high with 255 yards‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/saquon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@saquon</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyEaglesFly?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyEaglesFly</a> <a href="https://t.co/8spJ32UbFz">pic.twitter.com/8spJ32UbFz</a></p>— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/1860903931322507354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Barkley became the first player in NFL history with at least 250 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in the same game, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffKerrCBS/status/1860915433458573758">Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports</a>.</p><p>However, the running back says the choice is clear if it comes down to winning an individual accolade or team trophy this season. </p><p>"I love being in that (MVP) conversation," Barkley said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42595249/saquon-barkley-runs-255-yards-philadelphia-eagles-win">ESPN's Tim McManus</a>. "It's cool and all. But it's a team sport. And if you told me I can have the year I'm having and win MVP but not win the Super Bowl, or I can have the year I'm having and not win MVP or Offensive Player of the Year and win the Super Bowl, I'm going to take the (second) one."</p><p>With the remarkable performance, the superstar tailback now has 1,392 yards on the ground in 2024 and is on pace for 2,151 yards, which would break the NFL single-season rushing record. The all-time mark belongs to Eric Dickerson, who rushed for 2,105 yards in 1984.</p><p>Only eight running backs have topped 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, with Baltimore Ravens star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72385" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72385">Derrick Henry</a> putting up 2,027 in 2020 as a member of the Tennessee Titans being the most recent. Henry praised Barkley on social media Sunday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/saquon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@saquon</a> GO CRAZY GANGSTA !! 😤😤💪🏾💪🏾</p>— Derrick Henry  (@KingHenry_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingHenry_2/status/1860903257138409745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Barkley signed with the Eagles this past offseason after six standout seasons with the New York Giants. He previously topped 2,000 scrimmage yards by leading the NFL with 2,028 as a rookie in 2018. Injuries then prevented the former No. 2 pick from replicating that success in the following years.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saquon Barkley tore his ACL and MCL in Week 2 of 2020, then struggled early the year after and missed four games with an ankle sprain. <br>But he has only missed four games since Week 11 of 2021. Now, at age 27 in his 7th NFL season, he is arguably running as well as he ever has.</p>— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stephania_ESPN/status/1860908004075319355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Barkley has elevated his game as a member of the Eagles. He posted one of the most spectacular plays in recent memory for the franchise with a <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1853191441843163479">reverse hurdle</a> against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Penn State product will now also be remembered for an all-time great Eagles performance.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

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Saquon rushes for 255 yards, sets Eagles record in win over Rams

The shorthanded San Francisco 49ers couldn't do much at Lambeau Field on Sunday as the Green Bay ...

<p>The shorthanded San Francisco 49ers couldn't do much at Lambeau Field on Sunday as the Green Bay Packers claimed a 38-10 victory.</p><p>Injuries have been the biggest storyline for the 49ers this offseason, and the reigning NFC champions faced the Packers without quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a>, receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/125339" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/125339">Brandon Aiyuk</a>, left tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14297" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14297">Trent Williams</a>, and defensive end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111907" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111907">Nick Bosa</a>, among other starters. Green Bay defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/121837" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/121837">Keisean Nixon</a> doesn't care about that, though.</p><p>"It's the NFL. It's not an excuse," Nixon said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/mattschneidman/status/1860859359581859974">Matt Schneidman of The Athletic</a>. "We didn't have our quarterback (earlier this season). We won three games, so we don't wanna hear that. We came to play. They should've came to play."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Packers dominated and outgained the 49ers in total yards (325-241) and first downs (22-11) while winning the turnover battle (0-3). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53651" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53651">Brandon Allen</a> played QB for San Francisco on Sunday in his first start since 2021.</p><p>Green Bay battled a significant quarterback injury earlier this season, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104659">Jordan Love</a> missed two games in September due to an ankle issue. Love also dealt with a groin injury Oct. 27 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and wasn't able to finish that game. His replacement, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174046" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174046">Malik Willis</a>, helped the team secure wins on all three occasions.</p><p>Even key 49ers starters who faced the Packers couldn't deliver. Superstar running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/85079" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/85079">Christian McCaffrey</a> carried the ball 11 times for 31 yards. He also had three receptions for 37 yards but suffered a fumble forced by Nixon.</p><p>"I ain't made a play since like Week 4. I been itching. Finally. Damn," Nixon <a href="https://x.com/mattschneidman/status/1860864465178075491">said</a> of his forced turnover.</p><p>The Packers improved to 8-3 with the victory and will host the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Meanwhile, the 49ers fell to 5-6 ahead of a big matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 17: Keisean Nixon #25 of the Green Bay Packers walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Packers' Nixon dismisses 49ers' injury excuse: 'They should've came to play'

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Caio Miari

News Editor

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