The Cleveland Browns have restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson’s contract again to create salary-cap space and provide more flexibility for the future, a source familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Friday.
Watson has played just 19 games in three seasons due to an NFL suspension and injuries. The Browns signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022.
The restructuring allows the team to spread out the salary-cap hit after the 2026 season, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team does not disclose contract details.
The 29-year-old Watson has two years left on his contract, with an average of $46 million per year, and a salary-cap hit of $72.9 million in those years. The new change adds a voidable year for 2028, giving the Browns more cap flexibility after 2026, which is the final year of Watson’s deal.
The restructuring will not stop the Browns from adding a quarterback in 2025, the source said. Watson played in only seven games this season before suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. He has a 9-10 record as the starter with the Browns.
Cleveland Browns players celebrates after his touchdown in the 1st half
The Browns (3-12) have had a disappointing season after making it to the playoffs last year with Joe Flacco, who was signed as a free agent after Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
Watson had surgery in October and is expected to make a full recovery. While the team has not announced its plans for quarterback, it is assumed Watson will be in the mix to start next season.
It’s also possible the Browns will draft a quarterback in the first round. The team has not had a first-round pick in the past three years after trading three to the Houston Texans to acquire Watson, who was once considered one of the league’s top QBs.
Watson’s time in Cleveland has been disappointing, as he has not thrown for 300 yards in any game. This has been a major concern for fans who hoped the team had finally solved its quarterback issues when they signed the three-time Pro Bowler three years ago.
However, things have not worked out as expected. The large investment in Watson and the salary-cap impact of his contract—the biggest fully guaranteed deal in NFL history—have made it difficult for the Browns to improve their roster.
While Watson has shown some ability to be a starting quarterback, there have been many moments when he has looked unsure in the pocket or unable to connect with his receivers.
Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of his first season with the Browns after an independent arbiter ruled he violated the conduct policy, following accusations from more than two dozen women of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.
Since undergoing surgery, Watson has been rehabbing his Achilles injury and has not spoken to reporters for months. On Thursday, he posted a picture on Instagram of himself standing without a walking boot, with the caption: “Back on My Feet! MOREGLORY!”
Myles Garrett in the 1st half
Last week, Browns defensive star Myles Garrett caused some attention by saying he did not want to be part of a rebuild in Cleveland. Garrett also made it clear he wanted to know the team’s plans for the offseason, including what the Browns intended to do at quarterback.
On Friday, Garrett said he had “a few” talks with the team’s front office following his surprising comments. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year did not reveal details of the discussions.
“They just wanted to see where my head was at and what I was thinking and just trying to keep things in house, in house,” said Garrett, who will turn 29 on Sunday.
Garrett was asked if he received a positive response from his teammates.
“They want to know what’s coming next as well,” he said. “So I haven’t really heard too many people speak up on whether they liked my comments or not. Everyone’s kind of feeling the same way. But I’m not going to assume and I’ll have my answer at the end of the year.”
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein will be activated from injured reserve and is set to play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced on Friday that Zuerlein is returning after missing seven games due to a knee injury in his left, non-kicking leg. Before the injury, Zuerlein had struggled, and since then, the Jets have had issues at the kicker position, with Riley Patterson, Spencer Shrader, and Anders Carlson filling in.
“He came back, looked healthy, kicked the ball well this week,” Ulbrich said about Zuerlein. “So, he’ll be our guy going forward here.”
Zuerlein is officially listed as questionable but fully participated in the last two practices.
Wide receiver Davante Adams is also listed as questionable but is likely to play after taking part in limited practice on Friday due to a hip injury that kept him out on Thursday.
Adams, who joined the Jets from Las Vegas in October, has caught 56 passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns on 94 targets in nine games with the Jets. He is 72 yards away from his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season and his sixth in total.
“I think at this point, it would be a crying shame to not be able to get that,” he said.
Davante Adams and Olu Fashanu celebrate after a touchdown in the 2nd half
Adams and Aaron Rodgers are tied with Miami’s Dan Marino and Mark Clayton for the third-most touchdown connections (82), including playoffs, by a quarterback-wide receiver duo.
Rodgers needs one more touchdown pass to become the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500 in the regular season, and Adams said he would “love” to catch that milestone pass.
“I got 200, I got 400,” he said, referring to Rodgers’ previous touchdown passes while they were teammates in Green Bay. “So it would be dope to get 500 as well. I think his 200th was my first, so we got some special connections in the past, so it’d be great.”
Adams mentioned he was injured early in the game against the Rams but still caught seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. He remains hopeful about playing against Buffalo.
“We’re still working on it,” Adams said. “We’re treating it, trying to get it right so we can hopefully be there and ready by game time.”
Cornerback Sauce Gardner is also questionable with a hamstring injury that kept him out in the second half of New York’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Zuerlein, who re-signed with the Jets last offseason on a two-year deal, made just nine of 15 field goals and missed one extra point in the first eight games this year. He had been one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers in the previous two seasons with the Jets.
Aaron Rodgers reacts after throwing a touchdown pass in the 1st quarter
Patterson kicked in one game after Zuerlein was placed on IR. Shrader also kicked in one game before he was signed off the practice squad by Kansas City. Carlson had been the kicker for the last five games but missed a field goal and an extra point against the Rams. The Jets also signed Greg Joseph to the practice squad to create competition.
Ulbrich said earlier in the week that Zuerlein would be considered after his long absence.
“I think sometimes that can be powerful, an opportunity just to take a deep breath, get his body healthy again and get a restart,” Ulbrich said. “So I’m excited for him to do his thing these last two games and really demonstrate to everybody who he is as a kicker.”
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams could return after missing last week due to a hamstring injury. He was listed as questionable and was limited in practice all week.
Also questionable but expected to play are right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), safety Tony Adams (ankle), cornerback Michael Carter II (back), defensive end Haason Reddick (neck), and defensive lineman Braiden McGregor (ankle).
Defensive tackle Leki Fotu was ruled out with a knee injury.
In 2024, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes received another prestigious honor, being named to Time magazine’s “Most Influential People” list. This recognition highlights Mahomes’ impact both on and off the field. Along with his inclusion, Mahomes is featured on one of the covers promoting the list, further solidifying his status as a key figure in sports and culture.
Mahomes’ accomplishments on the field are equally impressive. During the 2023 NFL season, he led the Chiefs to their second consecutive Super Bowl title and their third in five years, defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. His stellar performance earned him his third Super Bowl MVP award, further cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant quarterbacks of his generation.
Patrick Mahomes (NFL)
Despite his incredible success, Mahomes remains humble when discussing his place in the conversation about the greatest quarterbacks of all time (GOAT). In an interview with Time, he expressed that he doesn’t yet consider himself worthy of such a title, acknowledging the long careers and high-level performances of legends like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers. Mahomes emphasized the importance of consistency in building a GOAT legacy, recognizing that one great season is not enough to be considered among the greatest.
Looking ahead, Mahomes is focused on continuing to perform at a high level throughout his career. While he respects the achievements of past quarterbacks, he believes that only through sustained excellence can he earn a place in the GOAT discussion. For now, Mahomes is content with his achievements, knowing that his journey is far from over and that the true assessment of his legacy will come when his playing days are done.
Running back J.K. Dobbins could make his return for the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend after being activated off injured reserve on Friday.
Dobbins missed four games after injuring his knee late in the first half of the Chargers’ 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on November 25. Los Angeles (9-6) can secure its second AFC playoff spot in three years with a win against New England on Saturday.
At the time of his injury, Dobbins was ranked fourth in the AFC for rushing, with 766 yards. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry, which was the seventh-highest among NFL running backs with at least 150 carries. Dobbins has also been a candidate for AP Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon in last season’s opener.
Los Angeles Chargers players celebrate a touchdown in the 1st half
After injuries affected his four years with the Ravens, Dobbins, a 2020 second-round pick, decided to take a chance on himself by signing a one-year deal with the Chargers.
Dobbins’ return is expected to strengthen a running game that has struggled without him. In the past four games, the Chargers have averaged only 74.8 rushing yards, down from the 118.1 yards they were gaining before Dobbins’ injury.
The Chargers also promoted safeties Eddie Jackson and Kendall Williamson from the practice squad for Saturday’s game.
Netflix Wins US Broadcasting Rights for 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Historic Deal
The bidding for the US broadcasting rights to the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup created a stir, especially when rumors began circulating about an unexpected leader in the race. Traditionally, networks like FOX and ESPN were considered the frontrunners, but in a surprising twist, Netflix emerged as the winner of the deal.
This marks a historic moment for both FIFA and Netflix, as they signed an exclusive agreement that grants Netflix the rights to broadcast the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cup in the United States. The deal, which also covers Puerto Rico, is groundbreaking because it represents Netflix’s first full acquisition of a sports competition. Fans in the US will now be able to watch every match live, with additional coverage such as studio shows. The broadcasts will cater to both English- and Spanish-speaking viewers, ensuring broader accessibility for a diverse audience.
Netflix Wins US Broadcasting Rights for 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Historic Deal
Beyond just live coverage, Netflix plans to produce exclusive documentary series ahead of each tournament. This series will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s top players, their journeys, and the growth of women’s football globally. It’s a move that adds a new layer of storytelling to the Women’s World Cup, giving fans more insight into the athletes and the sport’s development.
The deal is significant from a financial perspective as well, possibly representing the most lucrative agreement in the history of the Women’s World Cup. While the exact figures have not been disclosed, the fact that Netflix is investing heavily in women’s sports shows a shift toward a more competitive and high-profile platform. However, it also signals a change in how the World Cup will be consumed, moving away from traditional free-to-air networks to a subscription-based streaming service.
While the deal brings a sense of excitement and progress, it also raises some concerns. Since Netflix is a paid streaming service, the games will likely be behind a paywall, which could limit access for many fans. This contrasts with previous World Cups that were available on free networks, potentially reducing the tournament’s viewership. How Netflix handles this transition and whether it can attract a wide audience will be key factors in determining whether this experiment will succeed.
Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers Following Tank Dell's Season-Ending Injury
The Houston Texans made a move to bolster their receiving corps by claiming wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday, following the news that Tank Dell had suffered a season-ending knee injury. Dell sustained a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap during the Texans’ 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The injury left the Texans thin at wide receiver, prompting the team to act quickly to add depth.
Earlier in the day, the Texans announced Dell’s injury, which marked a significant blow to their offense. With the loss of Dell, who had been a key contributor, the Texans turned to the waiver wire for help. The Los Angeles Chargers were the only other team to place a waiver claim on Johnson, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, indicating there was limited competition for his services at the time.
Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers Following Tank Dell’s Season-Ending Injury
Johnson had been waived by the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, bringing an end to his tumultuous seven-week stint with the team. His time in Baltimore was marked by controversy, including a suspension for refusing to play in a Dec. 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by his excusal from team activities the following week. Johnson was acquired by the Ravens in a trade with the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 29 but had limited playing time, managing just 39 snaps and one catch for 6 yards in his brief tenure.
Before his time in Baltimore, Johnson had been with the Carolina Panthers, who had traded for him prior to the season. In Carolina, he recorded 30 catches for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson’s early career was spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over four seasons with the Steelers, he accumulated 391 receptions for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 after his career-high 1,000-yard season.
The Ravens, in turn, claimed wide receiver and kick returner Steven Sims off waivers from the Texans on Monday. Sims had shown his value on special teams this season, averaging 27.9 yards on kickoff returns and 6.2 yards on punt returns. With the Texans set to host the Ravens on Christmas Day, both teams made roster adjustments as they looked to improve their depth ahead of their upcoming matchup. Johnson, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, hopes to revive his career with the Texans.
Caitlin Clark has been named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2024, celebrating her extraordinary achievements in basketball. Over the past year, she has become one of the most influential athletes, setting numerous records and reaching significant milestones that have changed the perception of women’s basketball. Her rise has sparked widespread excitement, positioning her as one of the most talked-about sports figures of 2024.
Clark made an immediate impact in the WNBA during her rookie season, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. She set several records, including the most assists in a single season and the most three-pointers by a rookie. These accomplishments showcased her incredible skill and quickly established her as a leading force in professional basketball.
Caitlin Clark (WNBA)
Before joining the WNBA, Clark had already made history at the college level. In February, she broke the NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball scoring record, surpassing the previous mark held by Hall of Famer Pete Maravich. Her performance during the NCAA championship game between Iowa and South Carolina attracted 18.9 million viewers, making it the second most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. television history.
Clark’s influence extended beyond basketball with a groundbreaking $28 million endorsement deal with Nike, the largest ever for a female basketball player. She also helped drive the WNBA’s highest-ever television viewership, contributing to a 54 million strong audience during the regular season. Her rookie-year success earned her the title of Rookie of the Year, further cementing her role as a trailblazer in women’s sports.
Reflecting on her achievements, Clark described her year as “historic.” She noted how she was able to draw in new fans to women’s basketball, converting people who had never watched the sport into enthusiastic supporters. Through her remarkable accomplishments and cultural impact, Caitlin Clark has earned her place as Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2024.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network
The Chargers have the best scoring defense in the NFL, allowing only 18.3 points per game. They haven’t allowed more than 20 points in a road game this season, a feat achieved by only five teams in NFL history, including the 2010 Chicago Bears and the 2001 Philadelphia Eagles.
The Patriots have struggled with turnovers. They’ve lost five straight games while starting rookie quarterback Drake Maye (14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Maye has thrown at least one touchdown pass in seven consecutive games, tying Jim Plunkett’s (1971) record for the longest streak by a rookie in franchise history.
Maye has also completed 67.6% of his passes, just shy of the rookie record of 67.8% set by Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys, 2016). However, Maye has thrown an interception in seven straight games. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions this season, although two of those interceptions came in the last two games.
New England has a strong record at home in this matchup, with a 12-2 all-time record when hosting the Chargers.
Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network
The Broncos are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive as the end of the season approaches. Denver lost the chance to secure a wild-card spot to the Chargers last week, but they still have a shot at reaching the playoffs and winning 10 games for the first time since 2015, when Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory.
Denver leads the NFL with 51 sacks, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix has thrown two or more touchdowns in six games without any interceptions this season. That’s an impressive achievement, but Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been even better.
Burrow leads the league with 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdown passes. He is one of only four players to throw for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in three of their first five seasons, joining Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Dan Marino.
Denver Broncos players celebrate after an interception in the 2nd half
Burrow has been incredibly consistent, setting the record for the most games with 250 or more passing yards and three or more touchdown passes in a row, a streak he can extend to eight games on Saturday.
Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase leads the NFL with 108 receptions, 1,510 yards, and 16 touchdowns this season, and has 45 career touchdowns so far. Only Randy Moss (53) and Jerry Rice (49) had more in their first four NFL seasons.
Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6), 8 p.m. ET, NFL Network
If the Rams beat the Cardinals, they’ll secure their sixth season with double-digit wins under head coach Sean McVay. However, Los Angeles will need to wait until Week 18 to see if they can make the playoffs, as they will face the Seahawks in that final game.
The Rams’ defense has been performing well, thanks to the strong play of their young players on the defensive line and linebackers. Wide receiver Puka Nacua has been a standout for the Rams, leading the NFL with 57 receptions since Week 10. He has caught at least five passes and gained more than 50 yards in every game during that stretch.
The Cardinals’ playoff chances are now gone after a loss to Carolina in overtime last week, which was their third consecutive loss on the road. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 26-9 in Los Angeles last season. Since their bye week, the Rams have won 8 out of 10 games after starting the season 1-4.
Running back Kyren Williams has been a key contributor in the Rams’ success, especially during their 4-0 run in December. Williams, a Pro Bowl selection last season, has a career-high 1,243 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 303 carries, including a 122-yard game against the Jets last week.
–Sunday New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Bills are trying to get wide receiver Amari Cooper more involved. Cooper was traded from the Cleveland Browns to Buffalo in October and has made 17 catches for 241 yards and one touchdown in seven games with the Bills. However, he had just one catch for 10 yards last week against the Patriots.
Buffalo needs a win to finish the season 8-0 at home, a record they have achieved only twice before (1988, 1990). Bills quarterback Josh Allen has 75 career regular-season wins, which ties him with Russell Wilson for the most wins by a quarterback in his first seven seasons in NFL history.
Russell Wilson celebrates his touchdown in the 2nd half
The Jets, on the other hand, are not playing for the playoffs but for individual milestones. Aaron Rodgers has thrown 499 regular-season touchdown passes and is one away from joining the 500 Club, which includes Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539), and Brett Favre (508).
Rodgers is playing in his 247th career game on Sunday. The Jets are 1-5 in their last six games and lost the first game between these two teams 23-20 in Week 6.
Carolina Panthers (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Carolina scored 36 points and defeated the Cardinals last week. The Panthers are playing with a lot of energy and would love to spoil the Buccaneers’ chances of winning the NFC South title.
Tampa Bay’s quarterback Baker Mayfield, who started for Carolina in 2022, has been playing well under the coaching of Dave Canales, who was the Panthers’ offensive coordinator last season. Mayfield has had five games this season where he threw for over 300 yards and multiple touchdown passes.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young hopes to reach that level but is happy to rely on running back Chuba Hubbard when needed. Hubbard has set career highs in yards from scrimmage (1,366), rushing yards (1,195), and rushing touchdowns (10) in 2024. The Buccaneers are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Down by two points late in the fourth quarter, Buccaneers running back Rachaad White fumbled, ending their potential game-winning drive. Mayfield is focused on helping wide receiver Mike Evans reach 1,000 yards for the 11th straight season. Evans needs 182 more yards, and he has had a lot of success against Carolina, averaging 140.5 yards in his last four home games against them.
Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
The Eagles may rely heavily on running back Saquon Barkley this week due to some injury concerns at quarterback. Jalen Hurts (concussion) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) were both hurt in last week’s 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders.
There’s a lot that has changed since the Cowboys were beaten badly 34-6 by the Eagles on Nov. 10. Dallas is trying to get back to .500, but they lost another key player: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb, who is second in the NFL with 101 receptions, is out for the rest of the season along with quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dak Prescott (NFL)
The Eagles are expected to lean on Barkley, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,114) and rushing yards (1,838). Without Lamb, Dallas faces bigger challenges, and quarterback Cooper Rush will have to step up to lead the offense. Rush has led the Cowboys to victories in four of their last five games, throwing nine touchdown passes and only one interception.
The Eagles’ defense had five takeaways against Washington last week but has a negative turnover margin for the season (28 turnovers, 18 takeaways). In comparison, the Cowboys are tied for fifth in the NFL with a plus-10 turnover margin (26 takeaways, 16 turnovers).
Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
The Colts are still in the playoff race, but they are two games behind the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos, with just two games left. The Chargers and Broncos both play on Saturday.
If both teams win, the Colts will be eliminated from playoff contention and miss the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson may not play if there’s no chance for Indy to make the playoffs, as he’s dealing with foot and back injuries.
Running back Jonathan Taylor, however, is ready for a bigger role after rushing for 218 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries in last week’s 38-30 win over the Tennessee Titans. The Giants are at risk of losing their 11th straight game. They have struggled offensively, averaging only 14.3 points per game this season.
Drew Lock is starting at quarterback for the fourth time in the last five games. He had an MRI on his shoulder after the 34-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but no serious injury was found. Lock is 0-3 as a starter this season and has completed only 52.7% of his passes, with one touchdown and four interceptions in 129 attempts.
Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
For the second time in 21 days, the Titans and Jaguars are facing off, with both teams fighting for a spot at the bottom of the AFC South and a better position in the NFL draft. The loser of this game may actually benefit in the long run, as it would improve their chances of getting the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mason Rudolph will start for the Titans this week after throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns, but also three interceptions, in last week’s 38-30 loss at Indianapolis. The Titans have the highest turnover total in the NFL with 32 turnovers, and their offensive line has allowed 47 sacks this season, including 40 while Will Levis was the quarterback.
Tennessee Titans players celebrate in the 2nd half
Levis has thrown 12 interceptions and lost two fumbles, while Rudolph has thrown eight interceptions and lost a fumble. In their previous meeting on Dec. 8, Jacksonville won 10-6, holding Tennessee to just 272 total yards and limiting Levis to 168 passing yards. This was Jacksonville’s only road win of the season.
The Jaguars are coming off a 19-14 loss to another three-win team, the Las Vegas Raiders, which moved them up to the projected No. 3 pick in the draft, just ahead of Tennessee. Jacksonville may be missing up to six regular starters on offense this week.
Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
The Las Vegas Raiders hired Antonio Pierce as their head coach after he stepped in as interim head coach last season and helped the team achieve a 5-4 record. However, the disappointing 2024 season has left Pierce’s future uncertain.
The New Orleans Saints are 3-3 under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who took over after Dennis Allen was fired following a seven-game losing streak. The Raiders are expected to start second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who has shared the starting role with Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder.
Rizzi had a strong start, winning his first two games and three of his first four, but the team suffered its worst loss under his leadership with a 34-0 defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who is now in his second season with New Orleans, is trying to recover from an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand.
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who is 0-4 as a starter and struggled in the loss to the Packers, is more likely to start on Sunday. Last week, the Raiders ended a 10-game losing streak with a 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12), 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
Saturday’s NFL games could decide if the Dolphins have a chance to make the playoffs. Miami is hoping for a shot at the postseason, while Cleveland is just looking for a rare win after a disappointing season.
The Browns, who were expected to compete for the playoffs, now have a slim chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With quarterbacks Deshaun Watson (Achilles injury) and Jameis Winston (shoulder injury) both unavailable, second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start.
Jameis Winston scrambles in the 2nd half
Last week, Thompson-Robinson struggled in a 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, completing 20 of 34 passes for 157 yards, two interceptions, and being sacked five times. He is dealing with a quad issue and is looking to avoid those mistakes this week.
Miami’s defense, which has 31 sacks (ranked 26th) and eight interceptions (tied for 22nd), will try to pressure him further. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stated he will not rest any players, even if Saturday’s results cause Miami to miss the playoffs.
Green Bay Packers (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2), 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
Both the Vikings and Packers are still fighting for playoff positioning, with both teams trailing the Detroit Lions in the NFC North.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has had an impressive first season with the team, becoming the first quarterback to win 13 or more games in his first year with a team since Dak Prescott in 2016 and the first non-rookie since Peyton Manning in 2012.
He has been supported by former Packers running back Aaron Jones and All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who has 92 receptions for 1,387 yards and 10 touchdowns. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has led the team to 13 wins in two of his first three seasons, a feat matched only by Packers coach Matt LaFleur and former 49ers coach George Seifert.
Green Bay has also secured a playoff spot for the fifth time in six years under LaFleur. The Packers, led by running back Josh Jacobs (with a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns) and quarterback Jordan Love, nearly made a comeback in the first meeting with the Vikings.
Love threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns in that game but was intercepted three times. Last season, Love also had four total touchdowns in a win against Minnesota on New Year’s Eve.
Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
The “Sunday Night Football” game in Week 17 features two teams with top-10 draft picks. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was selected No. 8 in the 2024 NFL Draft, will try to help Atlanta’s playoff hopes in his second career start.
The Commanders, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels (the No. 2 pick), are fighting for their first playoff spot since 2020. Washington can secure a playoff spot if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers earlier in the day.
Jayden Daniels in the 2nd half
If Tampa Bay wins, Washington will need to beat Atlanta to clinch. The Falcons are looking for their third straight win, while Washington has won three in a row and could reach 11 wins for the first time since 1991. Penix won his debut last week with a 34-7 victory against the Giants, completing 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards and an interception.
Daniels, meanwhile, had an incredible performance last week, throwing for 258 yards and running for 81 yards, including a game-winning touchdown with six seconds left, in a win over the Eagles. Daniels has rushed for a team-high 737 yards and six touchdowns this season. Washington’s offense ranks third in the league in rushing (152.7 yards per game) and 16th in passing (220.9 yards per game).
The Kirk Cousins era with the Falcons is one many fans would prefer to forget quickly. He signed a $180 million contract with $90 million guaranteed but only played 14 games before being benched for Michael Penix Jr.
In his last five games as a Falcon, Cousins went 1-4, throwing just one touchdown and nine interceptions, allowing the Buccaneers to overcome a three-game deficit and take the lead in the NFC South.
On the field, there is little reason for Falcons fans to remember Cousins fondly, but his professionalism during a tough period makes him hard to dislike.
Despite the struggles and the difficult situation, Cousins has shown everyone that he is a true professional. He has taken Michael Penix Jr. under his wing, doing everything he can to help him succeed. This might seem like the least a veteran should do, but many quarterbacks before him would not have done the same.
Kirk Cousins stretches before the game
The guidance Penix has received from Cousins is invaluable. Cousins has forgotten more about football than Penix has learned so far. There’s a strong chance Penix wouldn’t have led the Falcons to the playoffs without Cousins’ support, and he’s now much better prepared for success after spending a full season with a veteran who has seen it all.
On the field, the $90 million for Cousins’ underwhelming performance over 14 games seems like a failure. But his role in mentoring Penix might end up being worth more than that, showing the kind of person and professional he truly is.
The Houston Rockets are coming off a successful 3-0 road trip, which they capped with a 128-111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. This victory extended their winning streak to four games since their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals. During this streak, the Rockets’ offense has found its rhythm.
Houston will now begin a five-game homestand, facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The Rockets are shooting 48.1 percent during their win streak, including an impressive 57.4 percent on shots inside the 3-point arc. While the team has already been one of the top defensive squads, their offensive struggles earlier in the season had held them back.
“We had the same looks against OKC in Las Vegas and missed those same looks,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “It would have been nice to have them that night against a team that loads up the paint and tries to make you prove it.
Guys are shooting with confidence, putting in the work. We’ve had some days to get some legs up under us and, yeah, have had some big shooting nights lately. And, obviously, when you play defense at the level we are and make shots, you have good results.”
The Rockets won their final two road games without key forwards Dillon Brooks (ankle) and Tari Eason (leg), with both players’ status for the Timberwolves game unknown.
Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
Despite these absences, the Rockets’ depth has stepped up, especially from the starting backcourt of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, who combined for 55 points against the Pelicans. Reserve Cam Whitmore also had a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 27 points.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, had been on a strong stretch with six wins in seven games before a 26-point loss to the New York Knicks on Dec. 19. This loss sparked a three-game losing streak, which they broke with a 105-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas. The Timberwolves are now back above .500.
Minnesota made significant moves in the offseason, trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks while adding Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. However, the new roster has taken some time to gel.
Anthony Edwards continues to be the team’s star, and his clutch performance helped Minnesota hold off a late comeback from the Mavericks. Despite Edwards’ heroics, the Timberwolves remain one of the bottom-10 offenses in the league, and the team is still figuring things out.
“We’ve got a good group of guys,” Edwards said. “It’s all about having patience. It’s a different team so we’ve got to have patience to be able to get it together. Sometimes it looks good, sometimes it looks bad and we’re still trying to figure it out. I think patience is what’s going to take us over the top. Being able to wait and figure it out, and once we figure it out, we’ll be all right.”
The Boston Celtics will try to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season when they face the Indiana Pacers at home on Friday night.
The Celtics are coming off two losses, falling to the Orlando Magic 108-104 and the Philadelphia 76ers 118-114. The loss to the 76ers also dropped Boston’s home record to 11-5, which is already more home losses than they had all of last season when they finished with a 37-4 record at TD Garden.
“We’re playing inconsistent basketball, so we’ve got to be better at both ends of the floor,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. “Got to be more consistent at both ends of the floor.”
The loss on Christmas Day to the 76ers was Boston’s second straight defeat, the first time they’ve lost back-to-back games this season. They have a 3-4 record over their last seven games.
“I think that’s a fair criticism from (Mazzulla),” said Al Horford regarding the coach’s comments on inconsistency. “We have to really dive into our work a little more and understand that we can’t relax during periods of the game, no matter the circumstance.
We have to make sure that we’re a little better in that regard, and with this group, I know that we’re capable of getting it together. Now, we have to look at this opportunity to play Indiana and come out with better effort and intensity.”
Injuries are still a concern for the Celtics. They were without Jrue Holiday (shoulder) in the loss to the 76ers, and Kristaps Porzingis suffered an ankle injury in the first half. Both players are listed as questionable for Friday’s game.
Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons
“We’ve got to be better,” said Jayson Tatum. “It’s still a long season. Nobody’s panicking. We’ve got to handle the emotional roller coaster of the NBA season. It feels a lot worse than it actually is. We’re not panicking or anything. We’ve just got to man up and look in the mirror and figure out some things that we’ve got to do better.”
Indiana will look to beat Boston for the second time this season. On October 30, the Pacers won 135-132 in overtime after Pascal Siakam hit a three-pointer with 6.1 seconds left to break a tie.
Unlike Boston, Indiana has been playing strong basketball recently, but their five-game winning streak ended with a 120-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
The Pacers may be without Obi Toppin for Friday’s game. He sprained his left ankle in the first quarter against the Thunder and was helped off the court. He returned briefly but didn’t play in the second half.
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said, “It didn’t seem like it was that bad initially, then he felt it when he went back out. I certainly assume he’ll miss (the game against Boston) and we’ll see. He’s been a guy who’s bounced back quickly.”
The Celtics and Pacers will meet again on Sunday in Boston.
The Memphis Grizzlies are on fire offensively, which sets up a strong matchup for them on Friday when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans, who are struggling defensively.
In their last five wins, the Grizzlies have averaged 140.4 points per game. This includes an NBA season-high and franchise-record 155 points in their dominant win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
“We’re just moving the ball,” said rookie forward Jaylen Wells, who scored 17 points. “A lot of guys had a lot of assists. We’re playing fast, and we’re hitting a lot of threes.”
Nine players from Memphis recorded at least one assist, and the team shot 58 out of 109 from the field. Wells led the team with five 3-pointers on 10 attempts, and the Grizzlies finished 18 for 45 (40 percent) from beyond the arc.
Just a week earlier, Memphis set another franchise record by hitting 27 three-pointers in a 144-93 blowout of the Golden State Warriors, the largest victory margin of the season.
Though Memphis didn’t play its best defense against Toronto, they still managed to win by 21 points. Coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged that allowing 70 points in one half wasn’t ideal but praised his team for responding in the second half.
Memphis’ offense leads the NBA with an average of 123.7 points per game, and they’ll likely look to build on that against a New Orleans team that has struggled defensively. The Pelicans have allowed an average of 120.9 points during their current eight-game losing streak.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray dribbles against the Houston Rockets during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game
In their most recent loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday, New Orleans never led and trailed by 17 points at the end of the first quarter in a 128-111 defeat. It was their 17th loss in the last 18 games.
Pelicans coach Willie Green, who often praises his team’s toughness despite injuries, was frustrated with their performance on Thursday.
“(It was) just a lack of competitiveness from our guys from start to finish,” Green said. “We were just soft tonight — period. There are times when you’re going to go against good teams and you may go down. But, like I told our team, we can’t step on our home court and have that lack of physicality.”
In two games against the Rockets in a week, New Orleans allowed a combined 261 points, including a 133-113 loss in Houston on December 19.
Forward Herbert Jones expressed concern over the team’s effort and sense of urgency.
“We’ve all got to be better in that aspect,” Jones said. “I don’t really care how much we lose by. I’m more concerned about how we lose, and we can’t lose like that. We’ve got to be better defensively. We’ve got to be more physical.”
