I began this season with a simple rule I planned to carry over from 2019: I would never take the defending Super Bowl champions out of the No. 1 spot in the Power Rankings until they lost their first game.Then came last week, when I examined the Ravens' dominant start coupled with in Week 2 and opted to reverse course. Kansas City and Baltimore would switch places, with . What a gutsy move by yours truly!Well ... yeah. I'm an idiot.Nice one, Chiefs. On to the rankings:Rank11Kansas City ChiefsPrevious rank: Statement Game? Statement Game. The Chiefs went to Baltimore on Monday night and ....…I began this season with a simple rule I planned to carry over from 2019: I would never take the defending Super Bowl champions out of the No. 1 spot in the Power Rankings until they lost their first game.Then came last week, when I examined the Ravens' dominant start coupled with in Week 2 and opted to reverse course. Kansas City and Baltimore would switch places, with . What a gutsy move by yours truly!Well ... yeah. I'm an idiot.Nice one, Chiefs. On to the rankings:Rank11Kansas City ChiefsPrevious rank: Statement Game? Statement Game. The Chiefs went to Baltimore on Monday night and ....WW…

There comes a point in the journey of all championship contenders when they have to be brutally honest with themselves.Such teams can't merely marvel at the talent in their locker room, the statistics they compile or all the opponents they batter when the games don't mean as much. They actually have to deliver when the spotlight burns brightest, and the consequences are most dire. This is where the Baltimore Ravens (2-1) keep falling short, and they officially should consider it a problem.Baltimore's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) on Monday night was yet another example of how far...…There comes a point in the journey of all championship contenders when they have to be brutally honest with themselves.Such teams can't merely marvel at the talent in their locker room, the statistics they compile or all the opponents they batter when the games don't mean as much. They actually have to deliver when the spotlight burns brightest, and the consequences are most dire. This is where the Baltimore Ravens (2-1) keep falling short, and they officially should consider it a problem.Baltimore's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) on Monday night was yet another example of how far...WW…

When Mike McCarthy took a year off from coaching in 2019, he dove into, among other things, analytics. An old-school coach turned new-school, with a fresh understanding of the numbers and a professed open mind at how to use them.In the abstract, it was slightly intriguing. To see it play out on the field has been far more interesting.Last Sunday in the eventual win over the Atlanta Falcons, McCarthy's Dallas Cowboys scored to cut the lead to 39-30 with 4:57 left, then chose to go for two -- rather than cut the lead to eight for a one-score game. Heads exploded across America.But in the...…When Mike McCarthy took a year off from coaching in 2019, he dove into, among other things, analytics. An old-school coach turned new-school, with a fresh understanding of the numbers and a professed open mind at how to use them.In the abstract, it was slightly intriguing. To see it play out on the field has been far more interesting.Last Sunday in the eventual win over the Atlanta Falcons, McCarthy's Dallas Cowboys scored to cut the lead to 39-30 with 4:57 left, then chose to go for two -- rather than cut the lead to eight for a one-score game. Heads exploded across America.But in the...WW…

After starting his Titans tenure off on the wrong foot, is ready to move forward and get back on the field.A lingering knee ailment led to back-to-back inactive designations for the formidable pass rusher to begin the year. But, after being cleared to play following a full week of practice, Beasley told reporters Friday that he's excited to make his debut."Physically, I am at the point where I feel like I can play," Beasley . "So going forward, that decision is up to the training staff and whether they feel like I am able to go out there and perform. You can't just go out there and play,...…After starting his Titans tenure off on the wrong foot, is ready to move forward and get back on the field.A lingering knee ailment led to back-to-back inactive designations for the formidable pass rusher to begin the year. But, after being cleared to play following a full week of practice, Beasley told reporters Friday that he's excited to make his debut."Physically, I am at the point where I feel like I can play," Beasley . "So going forward, that decision is up to the training staff and whether they feel like I am able to go out there and perform. You can't just go out there and play,...WW…

Raiders safety  suffered a Grade 2 AC joint sprain and a small piece of his collarbone chipped off, causing some internal bleeding after he crashed into a TV cart during over New Orleans -- a nationally televised incident that raised questions about player safety with equipment so close to the field.Abram lay on his back for some time after the crash because it knocked his wind out, and an X-ray ruled out a significant fracture, according to sources. But additional tests Tuesday showed the extent of the damage. Abram nonetheless returned to finish the game, practiced in full this past...…Raiders safety  suffered a Grade 2 AC joint sprain and a small piece of his collarbone chipped off, causing some internal bleeding after he crashed into a TV cart during over New Orleans -- a nationally televised incident that raised questions about player safety with equipment so close to the field.Abram lay on his back for some time after the crash because it knocked his wind out, and an X-ray ruled out a significant fracture, according to sources. But additional tests Tuesday showed the extent of the damage. Abram nonetheless returned to finish the game, practiced in full this past...WW…

When the Arizona Cardinals defense takes the field today against the Detroit Lions, All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety  will be out with his teammates. But he will do so playing through a thumb injury that figures to take him off the field in the next week.The NFL's highest-paid safety, Baker is playing through a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb, sources say, an ailment that requires surgery. Essentially, it's the Drew Brees injury from last year.Baker's plan, sources say, is to play today at home, then have surgery this week. While Brees was out six weeks, Baker hopes to miss just...…When the Arizona Cardinals defense takes the field today against the Detroit Lions, All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety  will be out with his teammates. But he will do so playing through a thumb injury that figures to take him off the field in the next week.The NFL's highest-paid safety, Baker is playing through a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb, sources say, an ailment that requires surgery. Essentially, it's the Drew Brees injury from last year.Baker's plan, sources say, is to play today at home, then have surgery this week. While Brees was out six weeks, Baker hopes to miss just...WW…

Protecting the integrity of the greatest game.Learn about the people, the jobs and the technology that deliver the best game possible to NFL fans across the U.S. and around the world. Learn how NFL players have changed over time, how they’re developed and drafted and how the league works with them after their playing days are over.  Discover the evolution of professional officiating, the weekly evaluation process and how the NFL identifies and develops the next generation of officials.NFL Football Operations protects the integrity of the game by ensuring that the rules and the officiating...…Protecting the integrity of the greatest game.Learn about the people, the jobs and the technology that deliver the best game possible to NFL fans across the U.S. and around the world. Learn how NFL players have changed over time, how they’re developed and drafted and how the league works with them after their playing days are over.  Discover the evolution of professional officiating, the weekly evaluation process and how the NFL identifies and develops the next generation of officials.NFL Football Operations protects the integrity of the game by ensuring that the rules and the officiating...WW…

Throughout the 2020 campaign, Chris Wesseling will provide his rankings of the league's starting signal-callers, 1-32. Below is the pecking order entering Week 3.NOTE: The rankings and statistics below reflect all of the action THROUGH WEEK 2. Thursday night's game between the Dolphins and Jaguars did not factor in, thus keeping all 32 quarterbacks on common ground for evaluation.Rank12Russell Wilson2020 stats:We last week of Pete Carroll's adjusted philosophy, finally relinquishing offensive control to his quarterback on early downs in the game's initial possessions before score and game...…Throughout the 2020 campaign, Chris Wesseling will provide his rankings of the league's starting signal-callers, 1-32. Below is the pecking order entering Week 3.NOTE: The rankings and statistics below reflect all of the action THROUGH WEEK 2. Thursday night's game between the Dolphins and Jaguars did not factor in, thus keeping all 32 quarterbacks on common ground for evaluation.Rank12Russell Wilson2020 stats:We last week of Pete Carroll's adjusted philosophy, finally relinquishing offensive control to his quarterback on early downs in the game's initial possessions before score and game...WW…

The "Good Morning Football" crew discusses whether the Miami Dolphins should play Tua Tagovailoa tonight.videovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideoPlease enable JavaScript to view theBig left arrow iconBig right arrow iconClose iconCopy UrlThree dots iconDown arrow iconEmail iconEmail iconExit Fullscreen iconExternal link iconFacebook logoFootball iconFacebook logoInstagram logoSnapchat logoYouTube logoTikTok logoSpotify logoLinkedIn logoGrid iconKey iconLeft arrow iconLink iconLocation iconMail iconMenu...…The "Good Morning Football" crew discusses whether the Miami Dolphins should play Tua Tagovailoa tonight.videovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideoPlease enable JavaScript to view theBig left arrow iconBig right arrow iconClose iconCopy UrlThree dots iconDown arrow iconEmail iconEmail iconExit Fullscreen iconExternal link iconFacebook logoFootball iconFacebook logoInstagram logoSnapchat logoYouTube logoTikTok logoSpotify logoLinkedIn logoGrid iconKey iconLeft arrow iconLink iconLocation iconMail iconMenu...WW…

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Florida prosecutors dropped a misdemeanor charge against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Thursday after courts blocked their use of video that allegedly shows him paying for massage parlor sex.Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg will explain the decision during an online press conference later Thursday.Palm Beach County court records show that the owner and manager of the Orchids of Asia Day Spa are still facing numerous felony charges related to running a house of prostitution.The Florida 4th District Court of Appeal found last month that Jupiter...…FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Florida prosecutors dropped a misdemeanor charge against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Thursday after courts blocked their use of video that allegedly shows him paying for massage parlor sex.Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg will explain the decision during an online press conference later Thursday.Palm Beach County court records show that the owner and manager of the Orchids of Asia Day Spa are still facing numerous felony charges related to running a house of prostitution.The Florida 4th District Court of Appeal found last month that Jupiter...WW…

Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back , one of the most electrifying players in NFL history, died Wednesday. He was 77.Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker announced Sayers' death. No cause was provided."All those who love the game of football mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever play this game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers," Baker said in a statement. "He was the very essence of a team player -- quiet, unassuming and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block. Gale was an extraordinary man who overcame a great deal of adversity...…Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back , one of the most electrifying players in NFL history, died Wednesday. He was 77.Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker announced Sayers' death. No cause was provided."All those who love the game of football mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever play this game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers," Baker said in a statement. "He was the very essence of a team player -- quiet, unassuming and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block. Gale was an extraordinary man who overcame a great deal of adversity...WW…

The New York Jets meet the Cleveland Browns in the first-ever Monday Night Football game on September 21, 1970.videovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideoPlease enable JavaScript to view theBig left arrow iconBig right arrow iconClose iconCopy UrlThree dots iconDown arrow iconEmail iconEmail iconExit Fullscreen iconExternal link iconFacebook logoFootball iconFacebook logoInstagram logoSnapchat logoYouTube logoTikTok logoSpotify logoLinkedIn logoGrid iconKey iconLeft arrow iconLink iconLocation iconMail...…The New York Jets meet the Cleveland Browns in the first-ever Monday Night Football game on September 21, 1970.videovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideovideoPlease enable JavaScript to view theBig left arrow iconBig right arrow iconClose iconCopy UrlThree dots iconDown arrow iconEmail iconEmail iconExit Fullscreen iconExternal link iconFacebook logoFootball iconFacebook logoInstagram logoSnapchat logoYouTube logoTikTok logoSpotify logoLinkedIn logoGrid iconKey iconLeft arrow iconLink iconLocation iconMail...WW…

NFL Media researcher Brandon Mendoza identifies several of the biggest overreactions from each week's set of games. The storylines below are bound to play out because, after all, numbers never lie. Right?' 2020 season: 302 passing yards per game, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and a 119.4 passer rating. Seems pretty normal for the two-time All-Pro.But what's rare is the double 40-burger the Packers put on to start the season. For just the third time in the Rodgers era (since 2008), the Packers have scored 40-plus points in back-to-back games. And in each of the previous two seasons in which...…NFL Media researcher Brandon Mendoza identifies several of the biggest overreactions from each week's set of games. The storylines below are bound to play out because, after all, numbers never lie. Right?' 2020 season: 302 passing yards per game, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions and a 119.4 passer rating. Seems pretty normal for the two-time All-Pro.But what's rare is the double 40-burger the Packers put on to start the season. For just the third time in the Rodgers era (since 2008), the Packers have scored 40-plus points in back-to-back games. And in each of the previous two seasons in which...WW…

Prime Time has hit Mississippi.Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was introduced as the new Jackson State football coach Monday, with a ceremony that fittingly involved . It is the 53-year-old Sanders' first coaching foray at the college level."I am truly blessed to be the 21st Head football coach of Jackson State University," . "It's my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general."After a decorated playing career that landed him in Canton...…Prime Time has hit Mississippi.Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was introduced as the new Jackson State football coach Monday, with a ceremony that fittingly involved . It is the 53-year-old Sanders' first coaching foray at the college level."I am truly blessed to be the 21st Head football coach of Jackson State University," . "It's my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general."After a decorated playing career that landed him in Canton...WW…

Earlier this week, there was a flurry of activity on Allen Robinson's social media. He took down all references to the Chicago Bears, a show of frustration with the lack of action regarding his desired contract extension. .And teams noticed.Sources say that Chicago began receiving calls with potential trade interest for Robinson, which generally happens any time there are rumors of discontent. And the Bears not only brushed off those calls, but told teams they were not trading their star receiver, sources say.Instead, the drama on Tuesday led to a renewed effort to get an extension done for...…Earlier this week, there was a flurry of activity on Allen Robinson's social media. He took down all references to the Chicago Bears, a show of frustration with the lack of action regarding his desired contract extension. .And teams noticed.Sources say that Chicago began receiving calls with potential trade interest for Robinson, which generally happens any time there are rumors of discontent. And the Bears not only brushed off those calls, but told teams they were not trading their star receiver, sources say.Instead, the drama on Tuesday led to a renewed effort to get an extension done for...WW…

When NFL teams took the field for Week 1, it wasn't just the first time in months that players and coaches took part in competitive action. It was the same way for the referees. No preseason, no training camp visits, no in-person training.As the NFL's senior VP of officiating training and development Walt Anderson explained this week, the goal was simple."When we were preparing, certainly going in, we had a theme of 'clear and obvious' and we wanted that to continue throughout the year," Anderson, the 24-year veteran official who joined the league office this year, told NFL.com. "We had to...…When NFL teams took the field for Week 1, it wasn't just the first time in months that players and coaches took part in competitive action. It was the same way for the referees. No preseason, no training camp visits, no in-person training.As the NFL's senior VP of officiating training and development Walt Anderson explained this week, the goal was simple."When we were preparing, certainly going in, we had a theme of 'clear and obvious' and we wanted that to continue throughout the year," Anderson, the 24-year veteran official who joined the league office this year, told NFL.com. "We had to...WW…

James Conner is still trying to bounce back after a rough 2019 season. But now he may be fighting for his starting job after a bad start to the season.The Pittsburgh Steelers running back went down in their win against the Giants after suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. Second-year back Benny Snell replaced him and rushed for 113 yards. Despite not starting the game, Snell finished Week 1 as the NFL's third leading rusher.NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Conner is expected to split carries with Snell against the Denver Broncos.Conner missed practice...…James Conner is still trying to bounce back after a rough 2019 season. But now he may be fighting for his starting job after a bad start to the season.The Pittsburgh Steelers running back went down in their win against the Giants after suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. Second-year back Benny Snell replaced him and rushed for 113 yards. Despite not starting the game, Snell finished Week 1 as the NFL's third leading rusher.NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Conner is expected to split carries with Snell against the Denver Broncos.Conner missed practice...WW…

The Minnesota Vikings offense got lost at sea for most of the second quarter of the season opener against Green Bay, and by the time Kirk Cousins steered the ship back on course, the game was all but over."It got ugly there for a few possessions," offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said Thursday, .That's an understatement.After driving 75 yards for an opening drive TD, the Vikings offense crashed. The next three possessions netted a total of negative-6 yards. The disaster included a sack safety, a three-and-out (including another sack), and an interception. By the time the string ended,...…The Minnesota Vikings offense got lost at sea for most of the second quarter of the season opener against Green Bay, and by the time Kirk Cousins steered the ship back on course, the game was all but over."It got ugly there for a few possessions," offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said Thursday, .That's an understatement.After driving 75 yards for an opening drive TD, the Vikings offense crashed. The next three possessions netted a total of negative-6 yards. The disaster included a sack safety, a three-and-out (including another sack), and an interception. By the time the string ended,...WW…

NFL scouts have resumed traveling to college football games, although their access to Southeastern Conference games has been limited and assigned through a lottery system, according to an NFL spokesperson. As such, the COVID-19 pandemic and varying school health and safety policies will still make for a very different season for the league's talent hunters.This week, some scouts received a grid from the SEC detailing where each club can go, and when, to scout in college football's most talent-rich conference, which will begin its season on Sept. 26. No NFL club will deploy more than two...…NFL scouts have resumed traveling to college football games, although their access to Southeastern Conference games has been limited and assigned through a lottery system, according to an NFL spokesperson. As such, the COVID-19 pandemic and varying school health and safety policies will still make for a very different season for the league's talent hunters.This week, some scouts received a grid from the SEC detailing where each club can go, and when, to scout in college football's most talent-rich conference, which will begin its season on Sept. 26. No NFL club will deploy more than two...WW…

Throughout the 2020 campaign, Chris Wesseling will provide his rankings of the league's starting signal-callers, 1-32. With a fresh regular season upon us, here's Wesseling's pecking order entering Week 2. NOTE: Stats for QBs playing Thursday do not reflect that game, as the ranking was completed before then.Rank12Lamar Jackson2020 stats:Every time a disappointing playoff exit casts aspersions on his passing ability, Jackson opens the next season with a jaw-dropping aerial display. Jackson played faster than ever in the opener, as if the battles in the trenches were operating in slow...…Throughout the 2020 campaign, Chris Wesseling will provide his rankings of the league's starting signal-callers, 1-32. With a fresh regular season upon us, here's Wesseling's pecking order entering Week 2. NOTE: Stats for QBs playing Thursday do not reflect that game, as the ranking was completed before then.Rank12Lamar Jackson2020 stats:Every time a disappointing playoff exit casts aspersions on his passing ability, Jackson opens the next season with a jaw-dropping aerial display. Jackson played faster than ever in the opener, as if the battles in the trenches were operating in slow...WW…

Week 1 has a funny way of making us all look like idiots.We spend an entire summer thinking we know exactly what's going to happen, and then the actual business of playing the games resets everything. exists to humble us.The unknowable nature of a brand-new season makes the Power Rankings an especially volatile place this time of year. Huge leaps and precipitous drops will be commonplace. In time, we'll see some sense of order ... but that time is not now.Embrace the chaos.Rank1Kansas City ChiefsPrevious rank: It's not fair. On a night when Patrick Mahomes averaged a pedestrian 6.6 yards...…Week 1 has a funny way of making us all look like idiots.We spend an entire summer thinking we know exactly what's going to happen, and then the actual business of playing the games resets everything. exists to humble us.The unknowable nature of a brand-new season makes the Power Rankings an especially volatile place this time of year. Huge leaps and precipitous drops will be commonplace. In time, we'll see some sense of order ... but that time is not now.Embrace the chaos.Rank1Kansas City ChiefsPrevious rank: It's not fair. On a night when Patrick Mahomes averaged a pedestrian 6.6 yards...WW…

With all three timeouts still in his pocket, Broncos coach Vic Fangio stood and watched from the sideline as his opponent converted a game-winning field goal Monday night.The responsible kicker, Stephen Gostkowski, had missed all three of his field goal attempts in the game prior to this one, a 25-yard try to take a two-point lead with 0:17 to play. The veteran didn't miss, giving the Titans the lead and leaving the Broncos with time for three plays at the most to cover the majority of the field.They didn't, and lost . Fangio took a timeout with him to the locker room after calling two in a...…With all three timeouts still in his pocket, Broncos coach Vic Fangio stood and watched from the sideline as his opponent converted a game-winning field goal Monday night.The responsible kicker, Stephen Gostkowski, had missed all three of his field goal attempts in the game prior to this one, a 25-yard try to take a two-point lead with 0:17 to play. The veteran didn't miss, giving the Titans the lead and leaving the Broncos with time for three plays at the most to cover the majority of the field.They didn't, and lost . Fangio took a timeout with him to the locker room after calling two in a...WW…

In Ken Burns' epic 2001 documentary Jazz, critic Gary Giddins noted that Louis Armstrong arrived on the scene 30 years after the birth of the music, yet still emerged as American culture's answer to Shakespeare or Dante.Armstrong's ascendance represents "the moment when it becomes an art form," Giddins explained. "He's the figure who codifies, who assimilates everything that's happened before, and he shows where the future is going to be."Just as Armstrong was shaping a uniquely American form of musical expression in the 1930s, Chicago Bears legend George Halas was teaming with Clark...…In Ken Burns' epic 2001 documentary Jazz, critic Gary Giddins noted that Louis Armstrong arrived on the scene 30 years after the birth of the music, yet still emerged as American culture's answer to Shakespeare or Dante.Armstrong's ascendance represents "the moment when it becomes an art form," Giddins explained. "He's the figure who codifies, who assimilates everything that's happened before, and he shows where the future is going to be."Just as Armstrong was shaping a uniquely American form of musical expression in the 1930s, Chicago Bears legend George Halas was teaming with Clark...WW…

In all of 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals produced two victories. It added up to them getting the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.In 2019, Joe Burrow did it all for the LSU Tigers. Burrow won the Heisman and led the Tigers to 15 wins and an NCAA title. It added up to him getting selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.Now, Burrow heads into Sunday, leading the Bengals against the Chargers and riding a personal 16-game winning streak in the hopes of avoiding his first loss since all the way back in November of 2018.However, likely of bigger historic note, Burrow is looking to become...…In all of 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals produced two victories. It added up to them getting the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.In 2019, Joe Burrow did it all for the LSU Tigers. Burrow won the Heisman and led the Tigers to 15 wins and an NCAA title. It added up to him getting selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.Now, Burrow heads into Sunday, leading the Bengals against the Chargers and riding a personal 16-game winning streak in the hopes of avoiding his first loss since all the way back in November of 2018.However, likely of bigger historic note, Burrow is looking to become...WW…