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NFL |
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12/8/2019 |
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FOUND
14
GAMES |
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+161
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+3.5 (-110)
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Over 48 (-107)
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-180
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-3.5 (+100)
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Under 48 (-104)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019ATLANTA Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White says he tells players, “You're always being evaluated, whether you're winning or losing. ”The same is true for NFL coaches. Panthers interim coach Perry Fewell begins his audition for the full-time position when Carolina visits Atlanta, where Falcons coach Dan Quinn's status is uncertain, on Sunday. “It gives me an opportunity to prove it, and it gives our players an opportunity to prove it,” said Fewell, who took over for the fired Ron Rivera on Tuesday. “That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to go out and prove that we can win a football game this Sunday, and then we will move to the next objective. " The Falcons (3-9) have been eliminated from playoff contention. Quinn took the Falcons to the Super Bowl in 2016 and another playoff berth the following year. This season will be his second straight with a losing record. White, the Falcons' all-time leader in receptions, will be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor on Sunday. His 11 seasons with Atlanta included Quinn's 2015 debut season. “I think Dan is a good coach," White said Wednesday. “I really have respect for him and the things he's done for our organization. " White is an assistant coach at Johns Creek High School in the Atlanta area. He said he has “zero" interest in becoming an NFL coach. One reason is the instability of what he said is “a win-now league. " The latest example of impatience came when Panthers owner David Tepper fired Rivera, who has the most wins of any coach in Carolina history (76-63-1 in the regular season). Fewell was Carolina's secondary coach before being named interim coach. Four straight losses left the Panthers (5-7) on the brink of elimination from the playoff race and prompted Tepper to move on from Rivera so he could begin searching for the next coach. Fewell was interim coach in Buffalo in 2009. “It helps that I’ve done this before," he said. “I have this experience, so I know where to go, what to do and how to do it. ”Quinn has been unable to fix such nagging problems as a poor running game, leaky protection for quarterback Matt Ryan and an inconsistent pass rush. Ryan was sacked nine times in last week's 26-18 loss to New Orleans. One of Atlanta's few 2019 highlights was a 29-3 win at Carolina on Nov. 17, leaving Quinn 7-2 in the series. The Falcons hope that sweeping the season series with the Panthers could be the start of a strong finish to a disappointing season. It's not known if that would be enough to save Quinn's job. NEW TURNER IN CHARGEBuried in the news of Rivera's firing was that Tepper promoted quarterbacks coach Scott Turner to offensive coordinator and play caller. Turner replaces his father, Norv, who was removed from the role and will serve as assistant to the head coach. There won't likely be wholesale changes to the Panthers' offense, but Scott Turner will hope to be more successful than his dad in the red zone. Carolina's struggles near the goal line were a big factor in four losses this season. HOPE FOR JULIOFalcons wide receiver Julio Jones returned to practice this week after missing last week's game with a shoulder injury. It was the first game Jones missed since 2016. He hasn't had a touchdown catch since Week 3. Jones' expected return would come one week after running back Devonta Freeman made his return after missing two games with a sprained foot. ALLEN REMAINS AT QBFewell announced season-ending foot surgery for Cam Newton this week. There has been no talk of playing third-round draft pick Will Grier, and Fewell said the Panthers will stick with second-year quarterback Kyle Allen against Atlanta. Allen is 5-5 as a starter, but has lost five of his last six starts. He threw four interceptions and was sacked five times in last month's loss to the Falcons. STILL UPBEATRyan said the Falcons haven't given up on the season. “I think the mindset has been good," he said. “We’ve got a good group of guys in this building that are committed to one another and committed to trying to play well for one another. " RUN DEFENSEThe Panthers' poor run defense helped lead to Rivera's exit. Defensive coordinator Eric Washington is expected to take over the play calls against Atlanta with some input from Fewell. Significant improvement may be difficult with defensive tackles Dontari Poe and Kawann Short on injured reserve. The Panthers are allowing 137. 5 yards per game on the ground and have surrendered a league-high 22 touchdowns rushing. That could be good news for Freeman, who is still looking for his first rushing TD of the season. Carolina has also allowed 18 run plays of 20 or more yards. --- Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
 Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019ATLANTA Matt Ryan threw the longest touchdown pass of his career and became the 10th quarterback in NFL history to reach 50,000 yards, leading the Atlanta Falcons to another dominating win over Carolina, 40-20 Sunday. The Panthers (5-8) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with their fifth straight loss, which ruined the debut of interim coach Perry Fewell. He took over at the beginning of the week after longtime coach Ron Rivera was fired. Atlanta (4-9) snapped a two-game losing streak and swept the season series with their I-85 rival. The Falcons won the first meeting 29-3 at Charlotte on Nov. 17. Throwing from his own end zone, Ryan finished off the Panthers with a 93-yard touchdown pass to little-used Olamide Zaccheaus in the third quarter. It was a milestone play for both - the longest TD of Ryan's 12-year career, and the first career reception for Zaccheaus, an undrafted rookie. Fewell and the Panthers endured a thoroughly miserable game. Kyle Allen was picked off twice and lost a fumble. Carolina fumbled another one away on a kickoff return, the ball deflecting into the arms of kicker Younghoe Koo, setting off a wild celebration as Koo bounced toward the sideline. Koo also booted four field goals, including a 35-yard field goal on the final play of the first half put the Falcons ahead to stay at 13-10. The home team thoroughly dominated the final two quarters, outscoring Carolina 27-10 while piling up a season high for points. Devonta' Freeman's 13-yard touchdown run extended Atlanta's lead, before Ryan delivered the pass to Zaccheaus that finished off the Panthers. The 5-foot-8 rookie beat Donte Jackson, hauled in the thrown near the midfield logo and breezed to the end zone, with Jackson sprawled out on the turf behind him and no other Carolina player around. Ryan finished 20 of 34 for 313 yards, also throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley late in the second quarter. Ryan increased his passing total to 50,279 yards. His next target on the career list is John Elway, the NFL's ninth-leading passer with 51,475 yards. Allen connected with Ian Thomas on a 1-yard scoring pass and tacked on a meaningless touchdown in the closing minutes with a 1-yard dive. INJURY REPORTFalcons cornerback Desmond Trufant added another ailment to his injury plagued year. Trufant went out in the first half with a forearm injury and didn't return. He already missed four games this season with a toe injury. Ridley also left the game with abdominal pain, while the Panthers lost backup linebacker Marquis Haynes with a knee injury. UP NEXTCarolina: Return home next Sunday to face the Seattle Seahawks in the penultimate home game of the season. Atlanta: Head west Sunday to meet the San Francisco 49ers, who are coached by former Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. ---Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www. twitter. com/pnewberry1963 His work can be found at https://apnews. com---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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-264
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-6.5 (+100)
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Over 44 (-104)
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+230
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+6.5 (-110)
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Under 44 (-107)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019ORCHARD PARK, N. Y. Appreciating how difficult it is to contain Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens' bull-dozing offensive attack, Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips was put at ease watching TV last weekend. After averaging 405 yards offense and 36 points in winning their previous seven games, the Ravens hit a speed bump in the form of the San Francisco 49ers. Though Baltimore eked out a 20-17 win on a rainy, windy afternoon on Justin Tucker's 49-yard field goal as time expired, Phillips took note how the 49ers limited Baltimore to 283 yards offense, including 125 in the second half. ''When San Fran's defense got going, that's all I needed to see,'' Phillips said. ''That put things in perspective. '' If the NFL's top-ranked defense could put a dent in the run-and-gunning Ravens (10-2), then why not the Bills (9-3) on Sunday, when the two AFC playoff contenders meet at Buffalo. ''We're built for an offense like this,'' Phillips said of a defense that's allowed the third-fewest yards in the NFL this season. ''Now, we just have to go out there and execute. Simple as that. '' Simple might not be the operative word when confronting Jackson's dynamic ability. The second-year starter leads the league with 32 touchdowns (25 passing) and oversees an offense that has scored a league-leading 49 TDs. Baltimore has an opportunity to become the first in NFL history to finish a season averaging both 200 yards rushing and passing. The Bills defense appears to have cleaned up its issues against the run. Since allowing 492 yards over a three-game stretch, Buffalo has given up 211 - including 103 in a 26-15 victory at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day - in winning its past three. Promising as that might sound, defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier knows he's got his hands full in preparing to face a quarterback he compares to Michael Vick. ''Once he got out in the open field, there was really no catching Michael,'' Frazier said. ''And it's similar when you're watching Lamar. '' Frazier is also familiar with Ravens coach John Harbaugh; the two spent time together on Andy Reid's staff in Philadelphia. Frazier sees the Ravens adopting Harbaugh's aggressive mentality. ''It seems like they have a ton of confidence in their ability to run the ball on anybody,'' Frazier said. ''They play with a bravado about them, and I'm sure that has a lot to with their head coach. '' Harbaugh's confidence in Jackson was apparent when asked whether he believes any defense can stop him. ''Well, I don't know what it means exactly,'' Harbaugh said. ''If it means that they're going to solve him as a player or shut him down, no. I don't think that'll ever happen until he retires, because he's that good. '' The challenge, Harbaugh said, is continuing to adapt his offense to stay a step ahead of opposing defenses. A number of things to look out for in a game that also features Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who was selected seventh overall in the 2018 draft, 25 spots ahead of Jackson:CLINCHING SCENARIOSThe Ravens can clinch the AFC North with a win and a Steelers loss or tie. They can also clinch with a tie and Steelers loss. The Bills can clinch their second playoff berth in three years with a win and an Oakland loss or tie, an Indianapolis loss or tie, and a Houston loss. LAMAR LAMENTSJackson recalled playing cornerback in youth football when he was burned by Bills rookie running back Devin Singletary. ''He was like a little stocky, cocky running back and I'm like `I'm not about to hit him by myself,' so I tried to brush him off, and he just ran up the sideline and scored,'' Jackson said. Bills coach Sean McDermott laughed upon hearing the story, and said: ''? think if Lamar's playing corner, we'd be better off. '' SELDOM USEDRavens punter Sam Koch hasn't seen much action. With Jackson guiding a relentless offense and Baltimore going for it on fourth down 19 times, Koch has only 24 punts this year. That doesn't mean he's been taking it easy. One of his two punts last week was downed at the 1 by Chris Moore. Koch also serves as holder for Tucker, who hit two field-goal and two extra-point attempts. KICKING CONCERNSMcDermott confirmed a report by NFL. com of the Bills placing a waiver claim for kicker Chase McLaughlin, only to lose out to Indianapolis, which was higher in the claim order. McDermott denied the team's interest in McLaughlin reflected concerns in kicker Stephen Hauschka, who missed a 50-yard field goal and extra point at Dallas. ''It's just like any position, us continuing to try to add a player to our team that we feel could help us,'' McDermott said. CLOSE CALLAfter winning five straight by a combined 202-62 margin, the Ravens had to squeeze past San Francisco. Baltimore held the ball for the final 6 1/2 minutes before Tucker's field goal. The 3-point margin of victory was the smallest for Baltimore this year. ''These games are needed,'' defensive tackle Michael Pierce said. ''When you're trying to go on a run and get to the playoffs, you never expect a blowout. You need to be in those tight games to see how players respond at some point. '' --- Sports Writer David Ginsburg contributed to this report. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019ORCHARD PARK, N. Y. Lamar Jackson threw three touchdown passes and the Baltimore Ravens became the AFC's first team to clinch a playoff berth following a 24-17 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Baltimore extended its franchise-best winning streak to nine straight and improved to 11-2, its best record through 13 games in team history. With the win, the Ravens can also clinch the AFC North title should the Pittsburgh Steelers lose or tie in their game at Arizona later in the day. What began as a defensive struggle eventually lived up to its billing in a matchup of two of the NFL's up-and-coming quarterbacks. Jackson finished 16 of 25 for 145 yards and appeared to blow open the game by putting the Ravens up 24-9 following a 4-yard touchdown pass to Willie Snead with 9:49 left. Buffalo's Josh Allen responded with a seven-play, 78-yard touchdown drive capped by his 3-yard pass to Cole Beasley, who dived inside the left pylon. The same two then hooked up on a 2-point conversion to make it a one-score game. The outing wasn't decided until there were 63 seconds remaining. Facing fourth-and-8 at the Baltimore 16, Allen's pass over the middle intended for John Brown was broken up by Marcus Peters at the goal line. Jackson upped his record to 17-3 since being selected with the final pick of the first round in the 2018 draft. Allen, drafted with the seventh pick overall, dropped to 14-10. Buffalo (9-4) had a three-game winning streak snapped, and fell short 10 days since garnering national attention following a 26-15 win at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. Jackson bounced back from a first half in which the Ravens led 10-6 after being limited to 95 yards, and overcame the loss of starting tight end Mark Andrews who did not return after hurting his knee in the second quarter. Jackson struck quickly by finding tight end Hayden Hurst for a 61-yard touchdown catch and run three plays into Baltimore's opening drive of the third quarter. Tight end Nick Boyle also scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jackson. The Ravens' defense dominated in limiting the Bills to just 209 yards while sacking Allen six times. Lack of discipline, however, was an issue, particularly on Buffalo's final drive. Buffalo gained 30 yards on personal foul flags called against the Ravens for late hits. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce was flagged first after wrapping up running back Devin Singletary before slamming him to the turf. Two plays later, Linebacker Jaylon Ferguson was flagged to an unnecessary hit on Singletary. The Ravens also provided Buffalo an extra set of downs when Marlon Humphrey slipped in coverage and fell into the back of Beasley and knocking the receiver down on fourth-and-16. The game was played in balmy conditions for the second week of December in Buffalo, with temperatures in the mid-40s with winds gusting above 20 mph off nearby Lake Erie. It was much better conditions for the Ravens than last week, when Baltimore overcame rain and winds to eke out a 20-17 victory over San Francisco on Justin Tucker's 49-yard field goal as time expired. The Bills' defense stymied one of the NFL's most dynamic offenses by limiting the Ravens to 257 yards and forcing a season-high seven punts. Punter Sam Koch entered the day with just 24 punts in Baltimore's first 12 games. KICKING ITBills kicker Stephen Hauschka responded by hitting all three of his field-goal attempts, including a 48-yarder, during a week his job security was placed into question. Coach Sean McDermott said the Bills put in a waiver claim for Chase McLaughlin on Wednesday only to have him land in Indianapolis, which was higher in the claim order. Hauschka was coming off a 26-15 win at Dallas in which he missed a field goal and extra-point attempt. FLUTIE TIMEFormer Bills quarterback Doug Flutie, wearing his familiar No. 7 jersey, led a rousing chant of ''Let's go Buffalo,'' just before kickoff. Flutie was on hand as Buffalo's honorary ''Legend of the Game. '' His appearance also coincided with the re-launch of ''Flutie Flakes,'' a breakfast cereal that debuted in 1998, during the quarterback's first season in Buffalo. Proceeds from each sale will go toward the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. UP NEXTRavens: Host New York Jets on Thursday night. Bills: Play at Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 15 in Buffalo's first Sunday night appearance in 12 years. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+234
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+6.5 (-112)
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Over 43 (-118)
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-269
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-6.5 (+101)
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Under 43 (+106)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019CLEVELAND Their margin for error is completely gone, and with one more loss, the Cleveland Browns can say goodbye to their playoff hopes as well. They may have already. Another demoralizing setback last week in Pittsburgh has left the Browns with no option but to win their final four games - starting with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday - to have any chance of ending a 17-year postseason drought, the NFL's current longest dry spell. December was supposed to be the Browns' runway to the playoffs. Instead, it might be a dead end. ''We have to buckle down and win each game from here on out,'' said quarterback Baker Mayfield, who suffered a bruised right throwing hand last week. ''It is just plain and simple. We can't have any slip-ups and we have to win. '' This season that offered such promise after so many dreadful ones in Cleveland has plummeted, leaving the Browns (5-7) to ponder what might have been. ''For everybody there's been a lot of disappointment,'' said star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. , who hasn't had nearly the impact forecast when he arrived via trade in March. ''There's areas that we expected more of ourselves, not like we didn't know we were going to have to go out and work for it, but we just expected it, and we were willing to go get it. We just didn't get it. '' For the Bengals (1-11), there's a glimmer amid gloom. Seemingly on their way to an 0-16 season, they ended the longest losing in franchise history last week by beating the New York Jets 22-6. Cincinnati's return to the win column coincided with quarterback Andy Dalton's return to the starting lineup. The veteran was benched three games by first-year coach Zac Taylor, but Dalton put his hurt feelings aside and showed he's still got some magic inside his orange-and-black striped helmet. Dalton's hoping to conjure some more over the final four weeks. ''You have to have confidence in yourself,'' he said. ''Confidence is contagious. It's one of those things where, if you practice well, if you go into the week, guys are in the right spots, you're talking about everything, you're giving everyone else confidence that you're going to get a win on Sunday. ''That's the way I'm going to go about practicing for these last four games and these last four weeks and do whatever we can to make sure guys are feeling good for the games on Sundays. '' HANDY MANMayfield's expected to play despite the hand injury, which he sustained when he smashed it on the facemask of a Steelers player last week. The second-year QB didn't throw until Thursday, and said he'd like to play without wearing a glove as he did in the second half on Sunday. Mayfield's had an uneven second season - he led the league in interceptions through seven weeks - but it hasn't changed the Browns feeling that he'll develop into an elite player. ''He is a tremendous football player - competitor, smart, tough, has a rare competitive quality and a rare want to be great,'' said offensive coordinator Todd Monken. ''. . . in my mind, we have the right guy going forward. '' ROSS RETURNSWide receiver John Ross returns this week after missing eight games with a shoulder injury, giving the Bengals a much-needed playmaker. Cincinnati has lacked a deep threat most of the season with A. J. Green sidelined by an ankle surgery and Ross can fill the void. He had touchdown catches of 33, 55 and 66 yards in the first two games, the start of what he'd hoped was a breakout season. Ross got to work with Dalton on the scout team for two weeks while he was getting back into shape. Games will be a different, but welcomed experience. ''It's hard to simulate a game during practice because there's only so many things you can do,'' Ross said. ''It's not full-speed tackling and things like that. So I think that's something I'm going to have to adjust to real quick. '' ROOKIE MATCHUPFor just the second time, the ''Battle of Ohio'' will feature two rookie coaches with Taylor matched up against Browns coach Freddie Kitchens. The only other time it happened was in 1984, when Cleveland's Marty Schottenheimer was opposite Cincinnati's Sam Wyche, who five years later provided one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry's history when he scolded Bengals fans for throwing objects on the field by reminding them, ''You don't live in Cleveland. RISING DEFENSECincinnati's defense is coming off its best three-game stretch of the season, allowing no more than 17 points in any game. The biggest improvement has been on the line, which was shoved around earlier this season. End Carlos Dunlap tied his career high with three sacks of Sam Darnold in last week's breakthrough win. The Bengals are on their fourth defensive coordinator in four years, which contributed to some of the issues earlier this season. ''We're settling into each other I think,'' coordinator Lou Anarumo said. ''I've had no issues and no complaints with the guys all year. They are executing a whole lot better of late. '' BAD KARMAA loss would relegate the Bengals to last place alone in the AFC North for the second year in a row. They haven't finished last in consecutive seasons since 2001-02. They've lost 13 of 14 overall and 18 of 20, including nine straight division games since a 34-23 win over Baltimore on Sept 13, 2018. They were swept by the Browns last season, and a loss would give them three straight against Cleveland for the first time since 2001-02. --- Sports Writer Joe Kay in Cincinnati contributed. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019CLEVELAND Nick Chubb ran for 106 yards - 99 after halftime - and Baker Mayfield and Kareem Hunt had rushing touchdowns as the Cleveland Browns kept their faint playoff hopes alive Sunday with a 27-19 win over Cincinnati. The Bengals have lost 10 straight AFC North games. Denzel Ward returned an interception 61 yards for Cleveland's first score and the Browns (6-7) got a huge late break. Mayfield's third interception was reversed with a rare interference call to bounce back after a discouraging loss at Pittsburgh last week. Cleveland needs to run the table to have any chance of ending its 17-year postseason drought, the NFL's current longest. The Bengals (1-12) couldn't build on their win last week over the Jets and have dropped 19 of 21 over the past two seasons. Cincinnati running back Joe Mixon rushed for a career-high 146 yards and scored a TD. Bengals kicker Randy Bullock had field goals of 34, 44, 28 and 46 yards, the last with 12 seconds to go. Mayfield appeared to throw his third pick with 4:58 left when cornerback William Jackson III tipped a pass intended for Odell Beckham Jr. and it was grabbed by Jessie Bates III and returned inside the 20. But Browns coach Freddie Kitchens challenged that Beckham was interfered and won the review. For some reason, Kitchens decided not to run the ball in the first half despite having the NFL's leading rusher (Chubb) and facing the league's worst run defense. Cincinnati came in allowing 157. 6 yards per game. Cleveland had just 30 yards rushing at halftime with Chubb getting only 7 on three carries. That changed immediately in the third quarter. Cleveland came out with a 75-yard drive - all on the ground - with Hunt's 3-yard run giving the Browns a 21-13 lead. Chubb ripped off a 57-yard run to set up Hunt's score. Cincinnati had numerous chances to get a second win, but came up short. Still within eight points midway through the fourth period, Bengals first-year coach Zac Taylor went on fourth-and-goal at Cleveland's 4. Dalton was stopped on a designed draw play. Dalton, who returned from a three-game benching last week to lead Cincinnati to its first win, went 22 of 38 for 262 yards. Mayfield threw two interceptions in the first half and finished 11 of 24 for 192 yards. But he did enough to help Cleveland keep its season ticking. The Browns overcame a sluggish start to take a 14-13 lead in the second quarter on Mayfield's 7-yard run. Mayfield couldn't find an open receiver in the end zone before taking off and scoring with a dive he finished by extending his right arm to hit the corner pylon. Ward scored Cleveland's first defensive touchdown in 39 games in the first quarter. Dalton's pass went off Auden Tate's hands and to Ward, who streaked down the sideline for Cleveland's first defensive TD since Oct. 15, 2017. OBJ SURGERYBeckham intends to have postseason surgery to repair a sports hernia after the season, a person familiar with his plans told The Associated Press before the game. Beckham hasn't scheduled the procedure and hopes to play in Cleveland's last three games, the person said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Earlier this week, Beckham was vague about his future in Cleveland, fueling speculation he wants to be traded for the second time in less than a year. He had two catches for 39 yards. ODDS & ENDSCleveland rookie kicker Austin Seibert booted a career-long 53-yarder. . . . Mayfield is the third quarterback in Cleveland history to reach 3,000 yards passing in consecutive seasons. He joins Bernie Kosar (1986-1987) and Brian Sipe (1979-1981). . . . Bullock is 14 of 14 inside 40 yards, and just 6 of 10 beyond the 40. INJURIES:Bengals: Tate left with a knee problem in the third quarter after a 16-yard reception, his only catch. Browns: nothing significant. UP NEXTBengals: host New England on Sunday. Browns: visit Arizona on Sunday.
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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|
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+568
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+13 (-106)
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Over 42.5 (-102)
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-752
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-13 (-104)
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Under 42.5 (-110)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019GREEN BAY, Wis. The Washington Redskins this week prepared to face Aaron Rodgers by having backup quarterback Case Keenum try to do his best imitation of the two-time MVP in practice. Even mimicking the voice inflections and cadences Rodgers often uses to draw opposing defenders offside and earn free plays. ''We try to mirror that,'' interim coach Bill Callahan said. The Redskins (3-9) look to extend their winning streak to three games Sunday when they face Rodgers and the Packers (9-3) in their first-ever December trip to Lambeau Field, a place Rodgers has been absolutely dominant over his career. Rodgers has led Green Bay to a 16-3-1 record in his last 20 starts at home, with a passer rating of 100-plus in 11 of those games, including the first perfect passer rating (158. 3) of his career in a Week 7 win over Oakland. Rodgers has been especially good in the cold. He has a career passer rating of 111. 2 in regular-season home games in December and January, ranking No. 1 in NFL history (minimum 200 pass attempts). ''The cold is a factor,'' he said. ''It's not like we're a bunch of Wisconsin folks who were raised here, but I think you just learn to deal with the elements a little bit better. You're spending eight months a year here. When I go back to California, I laugh at all the Californians wearing long sleeves and coats in 60-degree weather. I'm thinking, `Man, this is short weather, short sleeves, you know? Get the Speedo out or something, baby. '' 'The forecast in Green Bay on Sunday says it will be cloudy with a high around 40 degrees, which shouldn't be an issue for Washington rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins, a New Jersey native. ''Having played in the Big Ten, I've played some cold games,'' said Haskins, who will make his fifth career start. ''Try to stay as warm as possible - hand warmers, turtlenecks, soup, chicken broth. All of that. '' PEP IN THEIR STEPAfter an 0-5 start cost coach Jay Gruden his job, Washington has gone 3-4 under interim coach Bill Callahan, including two consecutive victories. Because they play in the terrible NFC East, the Redskins are somehow both technically still alive for a playoff berth - spoiler: that's not happening - and in line for the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. Going from 1-9 to 3-9 had an effect on the mood in the locker room. ''Winning some games definitely brings some energy and it makes everyone have a little more pep in their step,'' Haskins said. ''We want to continue to win and we're working hard to figure it out. '' FAMILIAR FOEPackers outside linebacker Preston Smith was drafted by Washington in 2015 and played his first four seasons there, averaging about six sacks per game. This season, after joining Green Bay in free agency, Smith leads the Packers with 10 1/2 sacks. ''He's had tremendous impact, obviously,'' coach Matt LaFleur said of Smith. ''You're talking about a guy that's got over 10 sacks, and just not only from his play, but from a leadership standpoint as well, I think he's done a great job. He is one of the leaders on this football team, definitely holds himself to a high standard and those around him to it as well. '' RUN, RUN, RUNAdrian Peterson is moving up the NFL's career rushing chart, now just 40 yards from becoming the sixth player in league history to reach 14,000. Derrius Guice is at the opposite end of his career, getting his first 100-yard game and first rushing touchdown - two, actually - last week. They give the Redskins quite a ''two-headed monster'' in the backfield, as Guice put it after he ran for 129 yards on only 10 carries and Peterson gained 99 against Carolina in Week 13. With Haskins still learning his way, Callahan is happy to emphasize the run, and so Washington could seek to do more of the same against Green Bay, which ranks 25th in the 32-team league, allowing opponents to run for an average of 123 yards each game. ''They're both consistent, durable, tough, powerful-type runners,'' Callahan said about Peterson, who is 34, and Guice, 22, ''but elusive enough where they can make people miss and also capable springing off explosive runs. '' MOST VALUABLE PUNTERIt is both a measure of how good punter Tress Way has been and just how bad the Redskins are that he might very well be their MVP this season. Way's 49. 9 yards per punt lead the NFL by nearly two full yards; for comparison's sake, Green Bay's JK Scott is averaging 45. Way also ranks No. 1 in the league this season with a 44. 4 net average. He was chosen for NFC special teams player of the week honors after dropping a pair of punts inside the 20-yard line while also kicking a season-best 79-yarder in Washington's 29-21 victory at Carolina last Sunday. RETURNING TO FORMGreen Bay's Davante Adams scored a season-high two touchdowns last week in his fourth game back from a turf toe injury. The two-time Pro Bowl receiver now has three scores in the last two games after being held out of the end zone in his first six games this season. ''It's been good to find the end zone a couple times the past few weeks,'' Adams said. ''But at the end of the day, I try to get in the end zone to help the team win. If I score one touchdown or two or zero, I'm not really worried about it. I would love to get in the end zone, obviously, but it's about that ultimate team goal to get the W. So if other guys are getting in and we're putting points on the board, that's all that matters. '' Since 2016, Adams ranks in the top five among active players in touchdown receptions at home with 16. ---Follow Keith Jenkins on Twitter: https://twitter. com/MrKeithJenkins---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019GREEN BAY, Wis. Aaron Jones rushed for a season-high 134 yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries, Aaron Rodgers threw for 195 yards and a score and the Green Bay Packers did enough to beat the Washington Redskins 20-15 on Sunday. Jones had his third 100-yard rushing game of the season and hauled in six catches for 58 yards. ''Man, I was born in December. I'm a Sagittarius. I've got a lot juice left,'' said Jones while laughing. ''I've got a lot of juice left, though. '' Adrian Peterson became just the sixth back in NFL history to reach the 14,000-yard mark, running for 76 yards and a score for Washington (3-10), which was eliminated from playoff contention. ''It means a lot, man,'' said Peterson on reaching the career milestone. ''It's history - six guys, I'm one of them. That kind of speaks for itself, so it's an amazing feeling, an amazing accomplishment. Wish I could enjoy it more if it was a W tagged onto it, but it's a spectacular accomplishment. When you look at the group of guys I'm in there with, it's amazing. It's a blessing. '' Peterson has 14,036 yards in a 13-year career. Curtis Martin is fifth all-time with 14,101 yards. Dwayne Haskins completed 16 of 27 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown with an interception. The rookie was sacked four times, including one where he hurt his ankle. ''I thought he played hard and tough and there's no reason he was cleared. We just noticed that he was gimping around, but he was fine,'' Washington interim coach Bill Callahan said of Haskins. ''He battled tough. To his credit, I give him a lot of credit for hanging in there and playing tough when he was banged up. '' Derrius Guice left after only five carries with a knee injury. ''I'll know a little bit more after our doctors examine him,'' Callahan said of Guice. ''Right now, they're in the examination room looking at him. '' Kenny Clark and Kyler Fackrell combined for a sack of Haskins on Washington's opening drive for an 11-yard loss. Haskins and the Redskins started the day with three straight 3-and-outs in the franchise's first-ever December trip to Lambeau Field. Jones scored from 4 yards on the Packers' opening drive. It was Jones' 12th rushing touchdown and 15th TD of the season. Rodgers, who was 18-of-28 passing, found Robert Tonyan for a 12-yard touchdown on Green Bay's other first-quarter score. Haskins led Washington on an 11-play, 95-yard drive that was capped by a 2-yard touchdown run by Peterson with 3:44 to play in the first quarter. Dustin Hopkins missed the extra point. Green Bay (10-3) led 14-6 at halftime. After Mason Crosby's field goal, Hopkins nailed a 52-yarder to cut it to 17-9 before the end of the third. With the Packers still holding an eight-point lead with 8:28 to play, Rodgers found Jones for a 25-yard gain on third-and-14. That first down helped set up a 33-yard attempt by Crosby. The 13-year veteran was good on the kick with 2:34 to go to seal the win. ''That was pretty much the play of the game from an offensive standpoint,'' Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said. ''It was looking pretty grim right there. Another third-and-long situation and just an incredible throw, incredible catch by Aaron Jones. '' Haskins linked up with Terry McLaurin on a 13-yard score late. Haskins was stopped by Blake Martinez on the 2-point conversion. ''I feel way more comfortable, but it's a long road ahead for me,'' said Haskins after his fifth career start. ''REDSKINS'' PROTESTAbout 30 to 40 protesters were outside of Lambeau Field speaking out against the ''Redskins'' name. One sign read, ''I am not a mascot,'' while another read, ''Stop the racism. '' INJURIESRedskins: Guice hurt his knee while being tackled by Darnell Savage after a 23-yard run in the second quarter. He did not return. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan left in the second half with a calf injury. Cornerbacks Fabian Moreau and Quinton Dunbar each left in the first half with hamstring injuries. Moreau returned. Packers: Montravius Adams left the game in the first half with an illness. UP NEXTRedskins: host the Eagles next Sunday. Packers: host the Bears next Sunday. ---Follow Keith Jenkins on Twitter: https://twitter. com/MrKeithJenkins---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+105
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+1 (-101)
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Over 45 (-107)
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-116
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-1 (-109)
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Under 45 (-104)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019PITTSBURGH Stefan Noesen called his first NHL goal in nearly nine months luck. Not really. The veteran forward spent an uncertain offseason following an uneven tenure in New Jersey looking for a job before signing a minor-league contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Yet rather than sulk about being forced to play in the American Hockey League after five seasons in the big time, Noesen went to work. He had 14 goals in 22 games, earning a call-up on Monday to help the injury ravaged Penguins. The boost arrived late in the second period against St. Louis on Wednesday, when Noesen camped in front of Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington and slammed home a rebound off Jared McCann's shot to help propel Pittsburgh to a 3-0 victory. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan called it a “Patric Hornqvist-type" goal, a nod to the injured forward who's carved out a career by being a nuisance in front of the opposing net. It's a compliment Noesen will greedily accept if it keeps him in Pittsburgh for an extended period. “Here it seems like you have a little bit longer of a leash in a sense. ," Noesen said. “Whenever you're able to do that and make plays, you don't have to hold your stick as tight. I get to be me. ”Tristan Jarry stopped 28 shots to post his third career shutout as the Penguins drew a measure of revenge after getting blown out by the defending Stanley Cup champions last weekend by snapping the Blues' 10-game road point streak. “He was terrific," Sullivan said of Jarry, who has won four of his last five starts. “He made some big saves for us throughout the course of the game. He was good on our penalty kill . . . I think he was playing with a lot of confidence. ”Teddy Blueger scored 39 seconds into the game to give the Penguins the early lead and Alex Galchenyuk's second of the season early in the third period gave Jarry all the cushion he would need. Jordan Binnington finished with 30 saves for St. Louis, but the Blues couldn't quite match the franchise record 11-game road point streak set during the 1999-2000 season. “We gave up too many chances," St. Louis coach Craig Berube said. “We had chances, but their goalie was good. In the end we didn't deserve to win the game. We didn't come out with enough urgency in the game and they made us pay for it. That's basically what it boils down to. ”The Penguins are playing with a patchwork lineup missing a handful - actually more than a handful - of key contributors. Forwards Sidney Crosby, Nick Bjugstad, Bryan Rust and Hornqvist and defensemen Brian Dumoulin and Justin Schultz all out of the lineup due to injuries and defenseman Jack Johnson was a late scratch after falling ill before the opening faceoff. Pittsburgh, however, survived thanks in large part to Jarry, who withstood a major second-period push from the Blues to hand St. Louis its first regulation road loss since Oct. 26. Some responsible play in front of him helped as Pittsburgh's defense rarely let the Blues get opportunities from in close. “I think everyone is buying in to the team concept," Sullivan said. "When we do that, we can win on any given night regardless of who is in the lineup. ”Blueger gave the Penguins the early lead when he deflected Marcus Pettersson's point shot over Binnington's left shoulder for his third of the season and first since Oct. 22. Pittsburgh peppered Binnington relentlessly but Binnington hung in there and St. Louis responded with sustained pressure in the second against a group of Penguins defensemen that included Chad Ruhwedel, Juuso Riikola and Zach Trotman - who had played 25 games combined coming in. Jarry put together a series of sharp saves to preserve the lead and Noesen's late tally with just 39 seconds left in the second provided a jolt from which the Blues couldn't recover. “It changes the game, kind of,"Binnington said. “I have to do a better job of sealing the net there and not letting any in. ”Galchenyuk, who had scored just once in his first 18 games with Pittsburgh after being acquired from Arizona in a blockbuster offseason trade in exchange for popular forward Phil Kessel, broke in alone on Binnington and stuffed the puck over Binnington's blocker 4:59 into the third. NOTES: St. Louis scratched D Robert Bortuzzo and F Austin Poganski. . . . Rust skated on Wednesday morning and could be nearing a return after getting hurt during practice on Friday. . . . St. Louis went 0 for 4 on the power play. The Penguins were 0 for 5 with the man advantage. UP NEXTBlues: Hosts Toronto on Saturday. St. Louis won its first meeting with the Maple Leafs 3-2 on Oct. 7. Penguins: Faces Arizona on Friday night for the first time sending Kessel, who played a pivotal role in the Pittsburgh teams that won consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 107, to the Coyotes in June.
Game
Preview from The Associated
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Copyright
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019NEW ORLEANS Jimmy Garoppolo passed for 349 yards and four touchdowns, Robbie Gould kicked a 30-yard field goal as time expired, and the San Francisco 49ers pulled out a 48-46 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Garoppolo's clutch completion to tight end George Kittle for a 39-yard gain - plus a defensive facemask penalty - on fourth-and-2 from the San Francisco 33 helped set up Gould's winning kick. The Saints took their last lead on Drew Brees' fifth touchdown pass of the game - an 18-yarder to Tre'Quan Smith with 53 seconds left. But Brees' pass on an attempted 2-point conversion fell incomplete, leaving New Orleans' lead at one point. The victory kept San Francisco (11-2) in strong position to capture the top seed in the NFC playoffs. The Niners can clinch a playoff berth if Seattle loses to the Rams in a night game. Niners receiver Emmanuel Sanders had a 75-yard touchdown and added his second-career touchdown pass after taking a handoff on a reverse. Two of Garoppolo's touchdown passes went to Kendrick Bourne. Kittle also had a touchdown catch. Sanders finished with seven catches for 157 yards. Brees finished 29 of 40 for 349 yards and also dived across the goal line for a touchdown. Michael Thomas caught 11 passes for 134 yards and a score, but the Saints, 10-3 and already the NFC South champions, were done in by a few critical failures. Kamara's fumble, recovered by DeForest Buckner on the New Orleans 20, set up Garoppolo's 5-yard touchdown pass to Kittle in the third quarter. Another Saints risk backfired at the end of the third quarter when Taysom Hill's long pass on a fake punt fell incomplete. Smith, the intended receiver, was being physically impeded as he tried to make the catch. But officials noted that pass interference could not be called on a pass made out of apparent punt formation. The 49ers took over on their 45 and parlayed the turnover on downs into a 14-play touchdown drive that ate up seven minutes, ending with Bourne's second score on a 6-yard catch. Brees had forecast that the Saints would have a plan to handle the Niners' vaunted defensive line. They backed it up early with TD drives on New Orleans first four possessions. The first two ended with scoring passes of 38 and 26 yards to Cook. But on Cook's second TD, he was knocked out of the game on a hard hit to the head from cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. The Saints elected to take the penalty immediately rather than on the kickoff and move the ball to the 1-yard line for a 2-point try that failed. The 49ers kept pace and ultimately took a narrow lead with touchdowns on four of their first five possessions. During that stretch, Sanders had a 75-yard TD reception in which he and safety Marcus Williams both fell before Sanders got up and withstood safety Vonn Bell's strip attempt on his way into the end zone. Later in the second quarter, Sanders completed his 35-yard scoring pass, locating wide-open running back Raheem Mostert down the right side. It was Sanders' second career TD pass. He had a 28-yarder with Denver last season. San Francisco led 28-27 at halftime after Mostert's 10-yard run. INJURIES:49ers: Defensive end Dee Ford left in the first half with a hamstring injury and center Weston Richburg left in the third quarter with knee and ankle injuries. Saints: In addition to Cook's concussion, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins had an ankle injury and defensive end Marcus Davenport left with a foot injury in the fourth quarter. UP NEXT49ers: Host Atlanta on Sunday. Saints: Host Indianapolis on Monday night. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+189
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+5 (-110)
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Over 47 (-102)
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-213
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-5 (+100)
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Under 47 (-109)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019EAST RUTHERFORD, N. J. Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Miami Dolphins are in a much different spot than they were the last time they faced the New York Jets. Last month, they were one of the league's midseason laughingstocks, still looking for their first victory of the season. Then they went out and embarrassed the Jets 26-18. The Dolphins (3-9) could sweep the season series with a win Sunday at MetLife Stadium, adding another chapter to an AFC East rivalry that has lacked juice in recent seasons as both teams have struggled. “We’re really trying to find ourselves and improve, and we’ve only won three games this year, so there’s a lot of things internally that we’re just trying to focus on and fix and get better at," Fitzpatrick said. “Some of those questions and then historically and in the past, some things that have happened, that is not really our focus right now. We’re kind of hyper-focused on the now and getting ourselves better. ”The Dolphins have plenty of motivation in the season’s final month, even though they’ve been out of the playoff race for weeks, and each win hurts their chances of landing a franchise quarterback in next year’s draft. After an 0-7 start, Miami has won three of five games, including victories over playoff contenders Indianapolis and Philadelphia. “It just shows that we can compete with anybody and we can beat really good teams,?? first-round draft pick Christian Wilkins said. “We will keep building. I know that this might not be the season that we wanted, or the fans wanted, but winning gives us a little extra sense of motivation. " Meanwhile, the Jets (4-8) are in a similar spot as the Dolphins in what has been a season marked by inconsistency, injuries and humiliating losses. New York had its three-game winning streak stopped last week with a 22-6 loss to previously winless Cincinnati. If the loss to Miami on Nov. 3 was tough to swallow, that one was even worse. The Jets became the first team in NFL history to lose to two teams that were 0-7 or worse in the same season. “It’s frustrating, obviously,” running back Le'Veon Bell said, "but we have to find a way to get better. ”The Jets had scored 34 points in each of their previous three games - all wins - but couldn't get anything going against the Bengals. They were called for 10 penalties, including seven on the offensive line, and quarterback Sam Darnold was hurt by several drops. “I think, for us, it was too many penalties,” Darnold said. “For me, I have to hit my guys, I have to be more accurate. I felt like we couldn’t get into a rhythm and it hurt us. . . . We didn’t come out flat, that wasn’t an issue for us. It was really just a matter of executing, which was the issue. ”ABSENT ADAMS? Jets safety Jamal Adams appears likely to miss the first game of his three-year NFL career because of a sprained left ankle. Adams was hurt early in the game at Cincinnati, but pushed through it and wasn't his usual playmaking self. He has been one of New York's bright spots this season and his absence would have a big impact on the defense. Marcus Maye would likely slide into Adams' strong safety spot, with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams trying to use a combination of Blake Countess, Bennett Jackson and Matthias Farley, if he's healthy, in the other spot. IMPROVINGFitzpatrick threw last week for a season-high 365 yards, and in the past five games has passed for 902 yards and five scores. Fitzpatrick said despite the Dolphins’ record, his first season in Miami has been a positive experience. “I feel like I’m better now than I’ve ever been,” said Fitzpatrick, who turned 37 last month. “In terms of what I’m doing and my focus and preparation and going out there with the group I have, my confidence is at an all-time high in terms of all that stuff. ”CASHING INThe Dolphins still rank last in the NFL in yards per play. But lately, when they do get a chance to score, they’re taking advantage. Miami is third in the league with a red zone touchdown conversion rate of 68%. In the first four games, the Dolphins were at 17%. Since Week 6, they’re at 80%, which ranks first in the league during that span. “It’s practice and execution, and players making plays in those situations,” coach Brian Flores said. “Look, in the red zone in this league, the field is condensed so you have to make good throws, you have to make good catches in tight coverage. Players have to go up and make plays. We’ve had that. ”STILL STINGYThe Jets remain the toughest defense to run against, allowing an NFL-low 75. 3 yards rushing per game and just 2. 89 yards per carry. New York is also leading the league with 98 tackles for no gain or negative yardage, excluding kneel-downs, according to Radar360. The next closest is Tampa Bay with 71. Only one player has rushed for 100 yards or more against the Jets this season: Dallas' Ezekiel Elliott, who had 105 in Week 6. --- Sports Writer Steven Wine in Davie, Florida, contributed to this report. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019EAST RUTHERFORD, N. J. The New York Jets were looking at fourth-and-really long - and another brutal loss to the Miami Dolphins. Until a controversial call changed it all. Sam Ficken kicked a 44-yard field goal as time expired to give the Jets a 22-21 comeback victory Sunday after they benefited when an incomplete pass was reviewed in New York and a rare game-altering pass interference ruling on Miami was added. ''I thought it was pass interference,'' Darnold said. ''And, obviously, they overturned it. '' Darnold got the winning drive going with a short pass to Vyncint Smith, who turned it into a 37-yard gain that included a high-step over a would-be tackler. After a sack by Andrew Van Ginkel two plays later put the ball at the Dolphins 46, Darnold threw an incomplete pass to Smith. But, the Jets argued Nik Needham interfered with the receiver by wrapping his right arm around Smith's right shoulder. ''I knew it was pass interference from the beginning,'' Smith said. ''I think I had one earlier in the game that they didn't call, so I was upset they weren't calling that one, either. '' But the play went to a video review at the league office and the interference call was added - giving the Jets a first down and new life. ''Honestly, it's just trash,'' Needham said. A 12-yard catch by Ty Montgomery got the ball to the 26. Two plays later, Ficken won it, helping the Jets (5-8) avoid a season series sweep by the lowly Dolphins (3-10). ''This one feels really good,'' said Ficken, who made three field goals but missed an extra point. ''This is definitely the best moment I've had in my pro career ''Miami coach Brian Flores appeared incensed as the game ended, with TV cameras catching him shouting his displeasure at one of the officials. He refused to discuss the overturned call with reporters. ''We lost the game,'' Flores said. ''I was upset we lost the game. '' Added Needham: ''How else am I supposed to get to the receiver? He's in front of me. I can't run through him. I have to get around him to get the ball out. Yeah, so it's a P. I. in their house. '' Al Riveron, the NFL's senior vice president of officiating, said the call was made by New York by rule with the game having under two minutes left. All reviews are done in the booth and/or in New York. ''It was clear and obvious that the receiver did get significantly hindered prior to the ball getting there,'' Riveron told a pool reporter. The Jets - who lost to the previously winless Cincinnati Bengals last week - overcame a Dolphins franchise-record seven field goals by Jason Sanders, including a 37-yarder that gave Miami the lead with 1:33 left. Sanders kicked a 48-yarder to put the Dolphins up 18-16 with 6:59 remaining, but Ficken's 42-yarder gave New York the lead again with 4:05 left. Darnold, who injured his right hand at the beginning of the fourth quarter, was off on a few of his late passes but finished 20 of 36 for 270 yards and touchdowns to Demaryius Thomas and Robby Anderson. Darnold also was intercepted once. Anderson had seven catches for 116 yards and the score. Bilal Powell, starting in place of the ill Le'Veon Bell, had 74 yards on 19 carries before leaving on the final drive with an ankle injury. Ryan Fitzpatrick was 21 of 37 for 245 yards with an interception for Miami, playing without top receivers DeVante Parker and Albert Wilson who both left with concussions. MORE CALLSThe Jets took a 16-6 lead with 1:55 left in the opening half on Thomas' 14-yard touchdown catch, his first for New York. The initial call of an incomplete pass was overturned by a video review as officials ruled Thomas had possession as he was tackled by Needham while falling into the end zone. New York nearly had another score a few plays later when James Burgess intercepted Fitzpatrick and took it into the end zone, but the Jets linebacker was called for defensive holding - negating the turnover. Miami ended up getting a 28-yard field goal from Sanders with 19 seconds remaining in the half to cut the deficit to 16-9. SIDELINED STARSThe Jets were without two of their best players with both Bell and safety Jamal Adams sitting out. Bell was ruled out Saturday because of what Gase said after the game is the flu. He practiced fully Wednesday, but then sat out Thursday and Friday. Adams was officially ruled inactive 90 minutes before the game after he missed practice all week with a sprained ankle. It was the first game Adams has missed in his three-year NFL career. INJURIESDolphins: Parker went out with a concussion in the second quarter, and Wilson in the third. . . . TE/FB Chandler Cox injured a shoulder in the fourth quarter. Jets: TE Ryan Griffin left with an ankle injury on New York's opening drive and didn't return. . . . DL Quinnen Williams suffered a burner in the third quarter and didn't return. . . . CB Kyron Brown was in crutches in the locker room after hurting his left quadriceps in the fourth quarter. UP NEXTDolphins: play at MetLife Stadium again next Sunday to take on the Giants. Jets: travel to Baltimore to take on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Thursday night. --More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+149
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+3 (+101)
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Over 46.5 (-105)
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-166
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-3 (-111)
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Under 46.5 (-106)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019TAMPA, Fla. The Indianapolis Colts know what it takes to thrive under the pressure of a race for a playoff berth. The young Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to learn. A year after staging a torrid stretch run to make the postseason in their first season under coach Frank Reich, the Colts (6-6) find themselves in a familiar position of needing to win their last four games to give themselves a good shot at earning another berth. The Bucs (5-7) have won three of four following a 2-6 start and vow to keep fighting until they are mathematically eliminated from contention. “They’re a team that’s in the same situation as us,” Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said. “It’s a one-game season. ”The Colts know all about that after overcoming a 1-5 start last season by winning nine of their last 10 - including four straight down the stretch in December - to grab an AFC wild-card berth. Jacoby Brissett is quarterback this year instead of the retired Andrew Luck, but the challenge remains the same as Indianapolis tries to right itself after dropping four of five to fall from first to third place in the AFC South. “Obviously, we would have liked not to be in that position again, but we’re here and we know we have to win games,” Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo said. “Frank (Reich) did a good job speaking about that and what you did to this point doesn’t matter. You can’t rely on any of that information in the future. . . . I know everybody on this team is committed to playing one week at a time,” center Ryan Kelly added. “Obviously, we have a tough four games ahead, but if you take it one game at a time, you’ll be fine. ”Arians, the former Cardinals coach who also led Indianapolis to the playoffs as interim coach for 12 games in 2012, said the Bucs will benefit from a strong finish - even if it doesn’t produce Tampa Bay’s first playoff in 12 years. “We talked about it. . . . If you want to feel like you’re in the playoffs, you’re in it. Right now,” Arians said. “They are one-game seasons. You lose, you’re done. Then you play for fun. ”REICH'S RESPECTReich hasn't spent much time over the years around Bruce Arians. But he's heard plenty of stories about the longtime assistant and has plenty of respect for the man who earned the first of two coach of the year awards filling in for Indy coach Chuck Pagano in 2012. And Reich figures not much has changed as Arians completes his first season as Tampa Bay's head coach. "I guess there are guys like (Bill) Belichick where you're like, 'Don't try to be like him,'" Reich said. "You try and be like Bruce Arians. I could never pull that off, I don't know if anybody could from what I understand. You just know the players that play for him - they will die for him. " SHARING THE WEALTHThe Bucs defense is tied for fifth in the NFL with 21 takeaways. That’s four more than they had all of last season, when Tampa Bay ranked 22nd. Nine players have forced fumbles, eight have recovered an opposing team’s fumble, and eight have interceptions. The unit has also scored four touchdowns, compared to one in 2018. HILTON'S OBSTACLEFour-time Pro Bowl receiver T. Y. Hilton has missed four of the last five Colts games, and there's no guarantee he'll play this week, either. Hilton returned from a calf injury against Houston two weeks ago but sat out last week after aggravating the injury in practice. He did not work out Wednesday and with only four regular-season games left, some wonder if he'll make it back this season. "I'm doing everything I can to get back out there," Hilton said. "Ďf I can, I can and if I can't then I'm going to have to shut it down. But I'm doing everything I can. " Indy finished last week's game with only three healthy receivers after Chester Rogers suffered a season-ending knee injury on the Colts' opening series. Chad Williams was promoted from the practice squad earlier this week and the Colts could get more help if rookie Parris Campbell (hand) can play. IN HIS SIGHTSArians has not committed to making Jameis Winston the long-term answer at quarterback for the Bucs. Pro Bowl linebacker Darius Leonard thinks Winston has everything it takes to thrive in that role, though. The Colts' defensive leader provided his own scouting report, full of the intangibles he witnessed as the two worked out together during the offseason. "He can throw the ball," Leonard said. "I know what kind of guy he is, I know what kind of leader he is and he's throwing the ball to a lot of his receivers. He knows how to make a play down the field. He's definitely one of those great quarterbacks. " ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
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Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019TAMPA, Fla. Jameis Winston threw for 456 yards and four touchdowns, helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rally to beat the reeling Indianapolis Colts 38-35 on Sunday. Winston overcame throwing three more interceptions and having one returned for a TD for the fifth time season to wipe out a 14-point , second-half deficit. He led the Bucs (6-7) to their third straight win and fourth in five games. The Colts (6-7) have dropped five of six following a 5-2 start, falling from first place to third in the AFC South. Winston threw for TDs of 61 yards to Mike Evans, 3 yards to Cameron Brate and 17 yards to Justin Watson before putting the Bucs ahead for good with a 12-yarder to Breshad Perriman with 3:51 remaining. Jacoby Brissett completed 19 of 36 passes for 251 yards, two TDs and no interceptions for Indianapolis. Darius Leonard returned one of his two interceptions 80 yards for a second-quarter TD, and Marcus Johnson had a 46-yard scoring reception and finished with 105 yards on three catches for the Colts. Chase McLaughlin, signed last week to fill in for injured kicker Adam Vinatieri, made field goals of 50 and 19 yards but a 47-yarder that would have given the Colts a 38-31 lead hit the right upright and bounced away midway through the fourth quarter. Winston began the day ranked second in the NFL in passing yardage, but has thrown a league-leading 23 interceptions and turned the ball over 28 times overall. Leonard picked off the Tampa Bay quarterback's first pass of the day, setting up Brissett's long TD pass to Johnson. Dare Ogunbowale fumbled on the next Bucs possession, leading to McLaughlin's 50-yard field for an early 10-0 Colts lead. But if there's one quality Winston has that even the most vocal of his critics appreciate is the quarterback's resiliency. In addition to scoring on a 1-yard run and the 6-foot-5, 231-pound Evans in stride on the receiver's long TD reception to help the Bucs stay in the game despite the turnovers that helped the Colts build a 27-21 halftime lead. Evans injured his right hamstring on the way to the end zone and left the game. Winston threw for 277 yards in the first half alone. His third TD pass of the day, the 17-yarder to Justin Watson trimmed a 14-point deficit to 35-28. Tampa Bay pulled within 35-31 on Matt Gay's 44-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. INJURIESColts: RB Marlon Mack returned to the lineup after missing two games with a broken hand. . . . K Adam Vinatieri was inactive with a left knee injury, replaced by McLaughlin. Buccaneers: PR T. J. Logan broke his hand in practice on Friday. . . . G Alex Cappa was inactive with an elbow injury. . . . Evans left with 1:06 remaining in the first quarter and did not return. . . . Winston sat out the first series of the second half with what the Bucs described as a sore right hand. Backup Ryan Griffin took a snap in a regular season game for the first time in his six-year career. UP NEXTColts: at New Orleans next Monday night. Buccaneers: at Detroit on Sunday. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+325
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+8 (-103)
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Over 42.5 (-105)
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-389
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-8 (-107)
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Under 42.5 (-106)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019HOUSTON It wasn't that long ago that Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was in the position Denver's Drew Lock is in now. Watson was thrust into the starting role after the season was underway as a rookie in 2017, just as Lock was last week for the Broncos. Watson made his debut in the middle of a game and won his first start the following week. Lock became Denver's third starter this season following Joe Flacco and Brandon Allen and led the Broncos to a win over the Chargers. Watson knows how important it is for a quarterback to get that first win on his resume. ''It's huge,'' Watson said. ''It builds a lot of confidence within that locker room, within yourself, and that's where it has to start, that confidence with yourself knowing that you can play at this level, you can win at this level, because it's hard to do, especially on a consistent basis. So, yeah, it just changes everything and everyone is in good spirits. '' Lock, a second-round pick in this year's draft out of Missouri, threw for 134 yards with two touchdowns and an interception on Sunday. Now that he knows he's the starter he feels like he can begin to take a more active role as a leader on the team. ''I can just . . . start being the face of these guys around here, especially in the huddle,'' he said. ''Just being able to show them a little bit more of me as a leader. Even out there on the field in the game, not necessarily practice, but even out on the field they saw a little bit of my confidence last week. I'm hoping that we can come out and play extremely well, and hopefully we can keep building confidence for everyone. '' The Texans are also feeling confident after getting their first win over the Patriots since 2010, a 28-22 victory last week. Watson threw three touchdown passes and had his first career TD reception on a trick play to lead Houston and earn his third AFC offensive player of the week award this season. Though Houston is feeling good after the big win, the Texans know they can't be overconfident as they chase their fourth AFC South title in five seasons. ''We don't want to have a letdown,'' Watson said. ''That's not the type of guys we have in that locker room, the leadership we have, we're not going to allow it. Denver is a great 4-8 team, if you want to look at the record, but we don't look at the record . . . you can't have no letups, because you will get embarrassed. '' MOBILITY AND MOXIEThe Broncos finally feel like they have a modern, mobile QB like Watson or Patrick Mahomes in Lock. Courtland Sutton and Phillip Lindsay suggest Lock not only brings the ability to freelance on broken plays but also a swag to the position that's been missing since Peyton Manning was under center four years ago. Lock is the seventh starting QB since Manning retired after Super Bowl 50. ''Drew can move us with his arm, he can move us with his legs. And that gives all of us confidence because when a play's broken, he can create something,'' Lindsay said. ''Actually, he created a couple (last) game that kept the drive alive. And that's what makes someone like Lamar Jackson or Deshaun Watson so great. They can make broken plays and they can score touchdowns or get first downs. '' DOUBLE-THREAT DUKEThe Texans have one of the league's best pass-catching running backs in Duke Johnson. The fifth-year player has 2,464 yards receiving and 1,671 yards rushing in his career and had a season-high five receptions for 54 yards last week. Watson said Johnson's versatility makes things difficult for the defense. ''You have to pick either you're going dime personnel and have a DB on him or you have to put one of the linebackers on him, and linebackers don't do too much covering,'' he said. ''They like to run fit and play zone coverage, they don't play a lot of man. So, he's a guy that's really a receiver playing running back, and he can do a lot of different things that can help us. '' KICKING & SCREAMINGCoach Vic Fangio says he and kicker Brandon McManus are good after his kicker threw a tantrum last week when he wasn't allowed to try an NFL-record 65-yard field goal just before halftime. McManus was summoned back to the sideline after trotting out for the try, ripped off his helmet and slammed it to the ground. ''At the time, I didn't know it went on until after the game. He wanted to go out there and try it, and I didn't think it was the right thing to do at that time,'' Fangio said. ''Part of the reason - a big part of the reason - was because it's been proven in the past with other kickers and possibly him, too, that if you take a big swing at one of those early in the game, it could affect your swing later in the game. I'm saying that's why he made the 52-and the (winning) 53-yarder because he didn't alter his swing for a 65-yarder. And the air was a little heavier than normal. '' McManus countered after the game: ''Does a Hail Mary change the way a quarterback throws the ball? '' That drew this retort from Fangio: ''There's proof in his career that it happened to him already. '' --- Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton contributed to this report. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
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Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019HOUSTON Denver coach Vic Fangio expected to see some improvement from rookie quarterback Drew Lock on Sunday in his second career start. He didn't dream he'd see this big of a jump. Lock threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns, Kareem Jackson had an interception and returned a fumble 70 yards for a touchdown against his former team as the Broncos built a huge first-half lead and coasted 38-24 over the Houston Texans. Fangio at first joked that the second-round pick out of Missouri was “just OK” before getting serious. “He played, obviously, very well,” Fangio said. “Made a great jump from Week 1 to Week 2, which is what you’re hoping for. I thought he threw the ball much, much better than he did last week. I don’t think he missed many today. To do that on his first road start against a team that’s going to be in the playoffs makes it even better. ”Lock, who made his NFL debut in a win over the Chargers last week, threw for 235 yards with three TDs in the first half. It was the most yards passing in a first half by the Broncos since Peyton Manning had 282 in Week 5 of 2014. “We were ready to rock and roll from the get-go," Lock said. “We were fired up. We were ready to go. It was exciting to be a part of. ”The Broncos (5-8) scored on their first five possessions to build 38-3 lead early in the third quarter. They scored more than 24 points for the first time since Oct. 19, 2018. Houston's hold on the AFC South took a hit as the Texans (8-5) came out flat in a terrible first half a week after downing the Patriots 28-22 for their first win in the series since 2010. The Texans are one-half game ahead of the Titans (7-5), who play in Oakland later Sunday. “I don't think there was anything very good,” Houston coach Bill O'Brien said. “I take full responsibility for that. Just did not have this team ready to play. I thought I did, but I was wrong. ”Deshaun Watson threw for 292 yards with one TD pass and two interceptions after throwing three touchdown passes and grabbing his first career TD reception in a stellar performance against New England. The Broncos took an early lead when Lock threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Noah Fant with about 7 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter. Fant, who finished with 113 yards receiving, had a 48-yard reception earlier in that drive. Keke Coutee, inactive for the past two games despite being healthy, grabbed an 8-yard reception on Houston's next drive but fumbled. Jeremiah Attaochu picked up the ball and handed it off to Jackson, who dashed 70 yards for the score against the team he spent the last nine seasons with. Jackson wanted to treat this like any other game but admitted to getting a little emotional when he arrived at the stadium and began seeing so many familiar faces. “It’s all about me being a piece of the puzzle,” he said. “I didn’t want to make it all about me and my return here. We had to come here and execute as a team. It’s all about executing the day, and I felt like we did that in all three phases. ”Denver pushed the lead to 21-0 in the second quarter when Lock connected with Jeff Heuerman on an 8-yard pass. Lock had completions of 37 and 25 yards on that drive. The Texans went on fourth-and-1 from their 34 with two minutes left in the first half and Watson's pass was tipped at the line and fell incomplete to give the Broncos a short field. They took at advantage when Royce Freeman caught a 3-yard touchdown pass to make it 31-3 at halftime. Houston's Lonnie Johnson had two defensive holding penalties on that drive. Phillip Lindsay pushed Denver's lead to 38-3 with a 1-yard run early in the third quarter. DeAndre Hopkins gave the Texans their first touchdown on a 43-yard reception on their first drive of the second half. Tashaun Gipson intercepted Lock near the goal line on Denver's next drive and returned it 26 yards. The Texans made it 38-17 early in the fourth quarter when Watson leaped into the end zone at the end of a 6-yard scramble. Houston got a stop and Watson converted a fourth-and-19 with a pass to Hopkins on the next drive before his pass on fourth-and-3 was tipped three times and intercepted by Jackson to end any hope of a comeback. Watson added another touchdown run with 32 seconds left. INJURIESBroncos: DE Dre'Mont Jones injured his ankle in the first quarter and didn't return. . . . Fant left in the second half with a foot injury. BUZZ LIGHTYEARLock's teammates joked last week that the big wristband he wore with the plays on it looked like the laser beam that Buzz Lightyear, the animated star of Disney's “Toy Story” movies, wears on his forearm. So this week he decided to have a little fun with their mockery and pretended to shoot laser beams out of his wristband after throwing a touchdown pass against the Texans. “It was definitely a lot of fun with Buzz Lightyear this week, blew up on Twitter to where the offensive line (said) we should shoot the laser after you score a touchdown,” Lock said. “All right you want to do it, we'll do it. We fully embraced it. ”The 23-year-old Lock wasn't born when the first movie came out in 1995, but he's caught up on all four movies since then. “Buzz is older than me, but we’ve got to bring back some legends sometimes,” he said. LINEBACKER COSTUMESHouston's linebackers continued their ritual of wearing themed outfits to games this week by dressing up like characters from the movie “Dodgeball. ” The group has also dressed as members of a swat team, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Super Mario Bros characters, and in jerseys from the movie “Space Jam. ”UP NEXTBroncos: Visit the Chiefs next Sunday. Texans: Visit the Titans next Sunday. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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|
|
+463
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+12 (-117)
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Over 43.5 (-113)
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-587
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-12 (+106)
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Under 43.5 (+102)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019MINNEOLIS The Minnesota Vikings brought back little to show from a trip to one of the toughest places to play in the NFL. Other than additional injuries to important players and perhaps some pride in a fourth-quarter rally in Seattle that fell a bit short, that is. There's a reward waiting for them at home, though, with a depleted Detroit Lions team toting a five-game losing streak. The Vikings will make the playoffs if they win out, and the last quarter of the season presents an unprecedented advantage. All three NFC North foes must play this month at U. S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings are 5-0 this year and 23-7 in the regular season and postseason since it opened in 2016. Never before in team history have the Vikings had more than two intradivision home games stashed in the final four weeks of the schedule. The NFL first went to a divisional alignment in 1967. ''We need this one, and it's going to be really important the last quarter of the season, now that we're three-quarters of the way through, that we finish really strong,'' quarterback Kirk Cousins said. ''We've still got to go out and earn everything in front of us. '' Even with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford likely to miss his fifth straight game to a back and hip injury, with undrafted rookie David Blough now manning the offense, the Vikings (8-4) ought not to relax about this game. The last time they played at home on Nov. 17, they fell behind 20-0 at halftime to a Denver team that's now 4-8, before furiously rallying for a 27-23 victory. In the third game of the 2018 season, as a 16 1/2-point favorite at home against a Buffalo team that finished 6-10, the Vikings never even began a comeback and fell 27-6. These Lions (3-8-1) have led in every game, and each of their losses during the streak have come by eight points or fewer. ''For us, there are positives in all of it and negatives in all of it,'' coach Matt Patricia said. ''You'd certainly rather be in close games than not close games, that's for sure. '' Prior to Minnesota's 42-30 win at Detroit on Oct. 20, the Lions lost by one point to Green Bay and by four points to Kansas City after leading both of those games with less than 30 seconds to go. ''They have highly paid, highly skilled players, and we barely beat them in Detroit. Barely,' ` Cousins said. ''You'd have to be pretty clueless to ever use the word `overlook' in terms of getting ready for this one. '' Blough performed admirably in his debut on Thanksgiving Day, passing for 280 yards and two touchdowns and one late interception against a stout Chicago defense to give the Lions a spark. ''It was fun to see the guys have my back and lifting me up,'' Blough said. Here's a closer look at the matchup on Sunday:RUDOLPH THE RED ZONE TARGETKyle Rudolph, who has nine touchdown receptions in 15 career games against the Lions, has six scores plus a 2-point conversion in the last six games for the Vikings. Cousins has grown increasingly comfortable throwing passes into tight windows to the ninth-year tight end, who has made a habit of one-handed grabs in the back of the end zone. ''I take a lot of pride in trying to make the quarterback right,'' Rudolph said. BRIGHT SPOT BOHampered by a knee injury to starter Kerryon Johnson, the Lions have given carries to seven running backs this season. Johnson has returned to practice, but Bo Scarbrough has been a bright spot for the offense in the meantime. ''You can see him breaking tackles at the first level, breaking tackles at the second level. He can finish the run and kind of have that punishing style,'' Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. ''I think he's just kind of brought a little bit of the mentality that we're looking for, the blue-collar guy, the physical, punishing style that you'd like to play in this division. '' The Vikings just got done playing against that punishing kind of style, and they didn't fare well, allowing a season-most 218 rushing yards to the Seahawks on 43 attempts. ''You've always got to start with stopping the run. That's going to set you up for success,'' strong safety Harrison Smith said. BANGED-UP VIKINGSVikings wide receiver Adam Thielen has played only a handful of snaps in the five games since hurting his hamstring during a touchdown catch in the first quarter at Detroit. Coach Mike Zimmer said Thielen has ''a good opportunity'' to return Sunday, but if there's any question about his condition the Vikings will undoubtedly opt for caution and keep him on the sideline again. Running back Dalvin Cook is also uncertain for the game, having departed in Seattle in the third quarter, but his injury to the collarbone area is more about pain tolerance than risk of reinjury. ''I feel good, actually better than I expected,'' Cook said. ''I'll be out there. '' RARE AIRDetroit wide receiver Kenny Golladay has joined Hall of Famer Randy Moss as the only two players in the last 35 years to have at least 45 receptions, average 20-plus yards per catch and score nine receiving touchdowns or more through the first 12 games of the season. Golladay needs 50 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the second straight year and give the Lions a 1,000-yard receiver for the 10th consecutive season. SECONDARY, A PRIMARY CONCERNThe Vikings have been uncharacteristically vulnerable in pass defense this season, with two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavier Rhodes among the culprits. Golladay is far from the only downfield threat posed by the Lions, with Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola also needing to be accounted for. Jones had four touchdown receptions against the Vikings in the first matchup this year. --- More NFL coverage: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019MINNEOLIS Minnesota's long-dominant defense had been slipping for the past several weeks, a proud and seasoned group that needed to get its edge back. The Vikings gave hardly any ground against the sputtering Detroit Lions. Danielle Hunter had three of Minnesota's five sacks to spearhead a resurgence by the defense, and the Vikings sailed past Detroit 20-7 on Sunday to stick the Lions with their sixth straight loss. ''It's important we get a chip back on our shoulder, and I thought we kind of did that,'' coach Mike Zimmer said, adding: ''We need to keep doing that. That's why I wish we wouldn't have let them score. '' David Blough's touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay with 2:09 left spoiled Minnesota's bid for its first shutout in two years. ''I can't say enough good things about our defense. That really created the tenor for the game for us. We didn't feel that much pressure on offense to have to keep scoring,'' said Kirk Cousins, who passed for 242 yards and a touchdown. Dalvin Cook had 75 yards from scrimmage and a rushing score on 20 touches over three quarters, as the Vikings (9-4) stayed on track for the playoffs and took it easy on their star tailback after an injury to his collarbone area forced him out of the previous game. The defense did not let up on Blough, though. With Matthew Stafford sidelined by hip and back injuries for the fifth straight game, the rookie quarterback's first NFL road start was a rough one. Blough went 24 for 40 for 205 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the second half, and the Vikings allowed their lowest score in 31 regular-season games since a 16-0 win at Green Bay on Dec. 23, 2017. The Lions entered the week averaging 5. 8 yards per play, the fourth-best in the NFL, but the Vikings held them to 3. 2. Six days earlier, they gave up a season-high 37 points in defeat at Seattle. ''Just going back to the fundamentals, the basics, the techniques and all that,'' Hunter said. For the first time this season, the Lions (3-9-1) never held a lead. They entered the game with 92 first-quarter points, the most in the NFC, but they netted only 70 total yards on 32 plays in the first half and trailed 20-0 until Golladay's catch pushed the third-year wide receiver past the 1,000-yard mark for the second straight season. ''We look at our record and say, `That's not what we are, and we've got to do better,'' Lions coach Matt Patricia said. The Lions fell to 9-19-1 under Patricia, including 2-5 against NFC North foes, putting the entire front office and coaching staff under scrutiny. ''They ain't my problem. You have Ms. Ford to deal with that,'' said cornerback Darius Slay, referring to team owner Martha Firestone Ford. The Vikings returned home from a costly defeat to the Seahawks on Monday night to a favorable matchup with the team they've beaten 76 times in 59 seasons as a franchise, 16 more than the next-closest opponent. The previous time the Vikings were beaten at home by the Lions at any point during the second half of the schedule was on Dec. 14, 1997. ''This was a weird one, because it felt like we couldn't take a big step forward. It was either you don't get it done and it's going to be a problem or you win and you kind of shrug your shoulders and move on,'' Cousins said. ''So we just wanted to make sure we didn't lose that edge or that energy. '' HUNTING QUARTERBACKSAfter a sharp debut on Thanksgiving Day in a defeat to Chicago, one of four losses this year by four points or fewer for Detroit, Blough faced a tougher test in one of the NFL's noisiest venues. The first drive could hardly have been harder. Harrison Smith and Shamar Stephen batted down Blough's first two passes at the line of scrimmage, and then Hunter became the youngest player in NFL history at age 25 and 40 days to reach 50 sacks by taking down Blough to force the first of five three-and-out possessions for Detroit. Hunter has 11 sacks in nine games against the Lions. INJURIES Lions: LB Jarrad Davis hurt his ankle in the first quarter and left again after aggravating it in the third quarter. . . . RT Rick Wagner injured his knee in the third quarter and didn't return. . . . RB Bo Scarbrough, who rushed for 65 yards on 19 attempts, hurt his ribs in the fourth quarter. Vikings: CB Xavier Rhodes rolled his right ankle during Smith's interception and didn't return. CB Mike Hughes, who took some of Rhodes' turns in the first half, hurt his oblique muscle in the fourth quarter. . . . With WR Adam Thielen inactive for the fifth time in six games, rookie Olabisi Johnson again got the start. The seventh-round draft pick contributed his third TD of the season, a leaping catch he secured as he fell on his back in the first quarter. UP NEXT Lions: Host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday. Detroit is 5-9 at home in two years with Patricia. Vikings: Play at the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday. Minnesota is 1-6 in road games in the Mountain and Pacific time zones under Zimmer, last winning at Oakland on Nov. 15, 2015. --- More NFL coverage: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
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FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 4:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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-179
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-3.5 (-101)
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Over 42 (-105)
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+160
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+3.5 (-110)
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Under 42 (-106)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Close losses have defined the Los Angeles Chargers' season. The Jacksonville Jaguars would take one of those right now. The Jaguars (4-8) have been blown out in four straight, trailing by as many as 25, 32, 24 and 23 points in lopsided affairs that crushed the team's playoffs hopes and turned the final month of the season into an endless debate about the futures of coach Doug Marrone, personnel chief Tom Coughlin, general manager Dave Caldwell and quarterback Nick Foles. Jacksonville will try to end the skid Sunday at home against the Chargers (4-8), who have dropped three in a row. Each of those losses - just like the previous five - was by seven points or less. ''It's been tough,'' said Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who turns 38 on Sunday. ''Obviously, to be on the losing end of eight one-score games is tough. . . . It has been a tough go, but we have the fourth quarter (of the season) left. We can only control what we have left. '' Rivers has played a huge role in LA's problems. The veteran has 17 turnovers, including the second-most interceptions (15) in the league. But he could find refuge against Jacksonville, a team he's tormented over the years. Rivers has thrown for 2,354 yards and 21 touchdowns in eight career starts against the Jaguars. He has 13 TD passes and an interception in his last four against Jacksonville. ''He's a guy that if you make the small mistakes or if you're half a yard off your assignment, he's going to make you pay for it,'' Jaguars defensive tackle Abry Jones said. ''He's a guy that likes to talk a lot of trash and is always willing to back it up. I don't want to hear him talk all day, so we're going to have to go out there defensively and do our job. '' What kind of smack? ''Very wholesome, Godly talk,'' Jones added. ''Very impressive. I don't think I can go that long without cussing. '' The Jaguars have given fans reason to swear in recent weeks. The offensive line is a mess. The tight end situation is even worse. The defense can't stop the run and could be down four starters from the opener. Teammates had to be separated in the locker room following last week's home loss to Tampa Bay. Maybe rookie sensation Gardner Minshew will fix everything. Marrone benched Foles after three lackluster starts - he had twice as many turnovers (four) as touchdowns and was sacked eight times in 10 quarters - and switched back to Minshew for the remainder of the season. Minshew is considerably more mobile than Foles and is at his best while improvising. He has 14 touchdown passes and five interceptions, but also has lost seven of his 12 fumbles. ''He has done some really good things for a rookie,'' Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said. ''It just seems like that team is inspired by him when he comes in the game. . . . It's not fluff. If you watch the tape, the guy makes plays. He extends plays, he's creative. He throws with some accuracy and he runs; he's mobile. '' Here are some other things to know about the Chargers and Jaguars:BRADLEY RETURNSFormer Jaguars coach Gus Bradley returns to Jacksonville for the second time in three seasons as the Chargers' defensive coordinator. Bradley still has a home and plenty of friends in Jacksonville. Marrone, defensive coordinator Todd Wash, tight ends coach Ron Middleton and assistant special teams coordinator Mike Mallory all worked under Bradley, who lost in overtime his first game back two years ago. ROOKIE STRUGGLESThe Chargers are allowing a league-low 259 yards from scrimmage since Week 6, but they are 0-2 against rookie quarterbacks. Pittsburgh's Devlin Hodges and Denver's Drew Lock won their first NFL starts against Los Angeles. Next rookie up: Minshew. END ZONE WATCHChargers reciever Mike Williams, who has at least one reception of 40 or more yards in five consecutive games, is still looking for his first touchdown of the season. It's an odd drought considering he had 11 touchdowns (10 receiving, one rushing) last year. CROSSING PATHSMarrone pretty much discovered Chargers veteran linebacker Thomas Davis. Marrone was Georgia's offensive line coach in 2000 when he was tasked with scouting a quarterback/free safety at Randolph Clay High in Cuthbert, Georgia. Marrone watched him play, invited him to camps, met his parents and ended up getting a commitment. ''You don't realize what they're going to be, but Thomas is a story that's one I'll always look back on and be really appreciative of, knowing how hard he's worked and what happened and how he's changed everything,'' said Marrone, who ended up leaving for Tennessee before Davis signed with the Bulldogs. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Philip Rivers threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns, including an 84-yarder to Austin Ekeler that was the longest completion of the quarterback's 16-year NFL career, and the Los Angeles Chargers handled the Jaguars 45-10 Sunday to end a three-game skid. It was Jacksonville's fifth consecutive lopsided loss, all by at least 17 points. The 1986 Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the last NFL team to drop five straight by at least 17. Jacksonville's last two have been embarrassments at home - both essentially settled before halftime. The Chargers (5-8) scored on four of five possessions in the first half, picking apart Jacksonville's beleaguered defense and taking a 24-3 into the locker room. It was a welcome cushion for a team whose eight losses each came by seven points or fewer. It was more of the same for the Jaguars (4-9), who trailed by as many as 25, 32, 24 and 23 in their previous four blowouts. It's hard to imagine owner Shad Khan keeping Doug Marrone any longer, not following another lackluster effort against another sub-. 500 team. The Jaguars have now lost 19 of their last 25 games - 11 of those by double digits. The latest one officially ended Jacksonville's ultra-slim playoff hopes. Now it could also be the end of Marrone's tenure with the Jags. Marrone benched veteran quarterback Nick Foles in favor of rookie Gardner Minshew, hoping to spark his team. But Minshew looked mostly ordinary, completing 24 of 37 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. He also missed DJ Chark running wide open down the left side in the second quarter. Leonard Fournette ran for 49 yards. Rivers got the fourth quarter off - a nice way to spend his 38th birthday. He completed 16 of 22 passes, including a 30-yard TD pass to wide-open Hunter Henry, a screen pass to Austin Ekeler that beat an all-out blitz and was the longest of his pro career, and a 44-yarder to Mike Williams. Williams extended his streak to five games with at least one catch gaining more than 40 yards and found the end zone for the first time this season. It was an odd drought considering Williams had 11 touchdowns (10 receiving, one rushing) last year. He celebrated by trying to dunk the ball over the crossbar. He came up short and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Rivers has now thrown for 2,668 yards and 24 touchdowns in nine career starts against the Jaguars. He has 17 TD passes and an interception in his last five against Jacksonville. Ekeler finished with 213 total yards, including 101 rushing and 112 receiving. Melvin Gordon added 55 and a touchdown on the ground. KEY INJURIESJaguars receiver DJ Chark left the field in the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury. . . . Backup Jaguars linebacker Jake Ryan, who spent the first 12 weeks of the season on the non-football injury list, left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. UP NEXTChargers: Host Minnesota next Sunday. LA is 2-1 against the NFC North this season, allowing a combined 40 points against Detroit, Chicago and Green Bay. Jaguars: Play at Oakland next Sunday, the final football game at the Oakland Coliseum. Should be a raucous crowd. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 4:25 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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-130
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-2.5 (-101)
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Over 43.5 (+101)
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+118
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+2.5 (-110)
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Under 43.5 (-113)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019GLENDALE, Ariz. The Arizona Cardinals have a No. 1 overall draft pick under center while the Pittsburgh Steelers have a guy named “Duck” throwing the ball around the field. Yet it's the Steelers who are making a playoff push. Pittsburgh (7-5) has won six of its past seven games heading into Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals. It'll be the third start for Steelers quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a rookie free agent who has been steady for a team that relies heavily on its defense. Hodges threw for 212 yards, one touchdown and one interception in last week's win against Cleveland. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin expects more of the same against the Cardinals. “Football is the ultimate team game,” Tomlin said. “We try to live that out every day. When guys step up and deliver, it is just verification of it. ”The Cardinals (3-8-1) are stuck in a five-game losing streak and trying to bounce back from last weekend's 34-7 loss to the Rams, which was easily their worst effort of the season. Arizona is rebuilding this season, so the team has been mostly upbeat even after losses. But players and coaches have made it known that getting embarrassed at home by the Rams wasn't acceptable. The Cardinals were down 20-0 by halftime and were never particularly competitive. “Losing is losing, but that last game was a different type of losing," rookie quarterback Kyler Murray said. Murray, the top overall pick in April, has been good for most of the season. He's already set a franchise rookie record with 2,866 yards passing despite a tough game against the Rams. Most of the Cardinals problems are on defense, where they rank last in the NFL in total defense and passing defense. Los Angeles quarterback Jared Goff - who had been struggling for a few weeks - dominated the Cardinals for 424 yards passing and two touchdowns. Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury expects another tough challenge, even if Pittsburgh's offense hasn't put up huge numbers. Kingsbury had a short, nomadic career as an NFL quarterback, bouncing between teams over a couple of seasons before becoming a coach. He said Hodges is making the most of his opportunity. “I’ve been very impressed," Kingsbury said. “Having been in a similar situation, kind of that third-team practice-squad-type range, for him to step in and the poise he shows and protecting the football, you can tell those guys really play hard for him, and they believe in him. He moves around, makes some plays, and he’s been really sharp. " THREE'S A CROWDKingsbury was excited to have all three of the team's main running backs - Kenyan Drake, David Johnson and Chase Edmonds - healthy for the first time against the Rams on Sunday. But the Cardinals offense never got on track. Drake ran for 31 yards, Johnson ran for 15 and Edmonds didn't get a carry. Kingsbury said he still envisions a roll for all three against the Steelers. “The (Rams) game got away from us, got a little funky, and we got out of some things we wanted to do and went back to dropping back, which is not what we want to do in those situations,” Kingsbury said. "That’s why you have to stay on schedule and can’t get down 27-0 or whatever it was. ”YOUTH MOVEMENTIf the Cardinals are going to get better defending the pass, they'll have to do it with a bunch of young players. Arizona released veteran cornerback Tramaine Brock Sr. on Monday, which likely gives more playing time to Kevin Peterson and Chris Jones. Peterson is 25 and Jones is 24. The Cardinals also have three rookies in the secondary who get substantial playing time, including cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and safeties Jalen Thompson and Deionte Thompson. MO POUNCEY, NO PROBLEMSSteelers center Maurkice Pouncey returns to the lineup following a two-game suspension for his role in the brawl against Cleveland on Nov. 14. B. J. Finney filled in capably during Pouncey’s absence and Pittsburgh’s running game finally found some traction, topping 100 yards in consecutive contests for the first time this season. Pouncey said the unexpected break has the 10-year veteran feeling fresh heading into the home stretch. “I feel like this is the beginning of the year,” Pouncey said. “I’ve got a lot of energy. ”HEISMAN VS WALTERSunday's game will pit Murray, last year's Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma, against Hodges, who won the Walter Payton Award at Samford. The Walter Payton Award is given to the best offensive college player at the Football Championship Subdivision level. “Now that you mention it, it is pretty unique playing against the Heisman winner and being the Walter Payton winner, the Heisman of the FCS. It is going to be a fun game,” Hodges said. ONE-TWO PUNCHPittsburgh outside linebackers T. J. Watt and Bud Dupree have combined for 20˝ sacks through 12 games, the highest total by a Steelers’ linebacker tandem since LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison did it in 2008. Watt was the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November after getting 5˝ sacks last month. Watt has at least a half-sack in nine straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. Dupree has been no slouch. His 8˝ sacks are a career high and his four forced fumbles are tied for fourth most in the NFL. Though Dupree typically plays on the left side and Watt on the right, Tomlin will occasionally have them flip to give offenses different looks. “They’re interchangeable in an effort to keep people off-balance and to give them something to think about,” Tomlin said. --- Sports Writer Will Graves in Pittsburgh contributed to this story. ---More NFL coverage: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019GLENDALE, Ariz. Diontae Johnson ran for an 85-yard touchdown on a punt return and caught a pass for another score to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Arizona Cardinals 23-17 on Sunday. Pittsburgh's defense had three crucial interceptions in the second half - two by Joe Haden and another by T. J. Watt -- to end Arizona drives, including two that had ventured into Steelers' territory. Pittsburgh (8-5) won for the seventh time in eight games to stay in the AFC playoff race. Rookie free agent quarterback Devlin Hodges made his third career start, completing 16 of 19 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. Hodges didn't need to make many tough throws but came through with a good one in the third quarter, hitting Johnson in the front corner of the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown that gave the Steelers a 20-10 lead. Hodges also finished with 34 yards rushing. Arizona's Kyler Murray completed 20 of 30 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns, but his three interceptions were very costly. The Cardinals (3-9-1) lost their sixth consecutive game. They pulled within 20-17 on Murray's 24-yard touchdown pass to David Johnson with 6:44 left, taking advantage of a short field after Steelers punter Jordan Berry fumbled. The Cardinals had a chance to win on the final drive, but Murray's desperation fourth-down heave was intercepted by Haden. The Steelers never trailed, pulling ahead 10-0 late in the first quarter after Johnson's 85-yard touchdown. He caught Andy Lee's 60-yard punt, used a few blocks and then cut across the field to his right, where he found lots of room to run. From that point, he was escorted down the sideline by a handful of teammates, running into the end zone untouched. The Cardinals spent the second quarter slowly recovering from the slow start. They capitalized after Pittsburgh's Benny Snell Jr. fumbled, ending the ensuing drive with a 30-yard field goal to pull within 10-3. Murray hit Charles Clay for a 5-yard touchdown with 1:51 left in the second quarter to tie the game at 10. Pittsburgh took a 13-10 halftime lead on Chris Boswell's 37-yard field goal as time expired. Boswell made three field goals. JONES MAKING PLAYSCardinals LB Chandler Jones forced his sixth fumble of the season in the second quarter when he smacked Hodges' right arm just as he was trying to throw. Pittsburgh recovered the fumble. The play was also Jones' 14th sack of the season and his 55th in 61 games since joining the Cardinals in 2016. INJURIESSteelers: TE Vance McDonald left with a concussion. UP NEXTThe Steelers host the Bills next Sunday. The Cardinals host the Browns next Sunday. ---More NFL coverage: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 4:25 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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-151
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-3 (+101)
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Over 47 (-106)
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+136
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+3 (-111)
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Under 47 (-105)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019OAKLAND, Calif. The Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders are moving in opposite directions heading into a stretch run. The Titans (7-5) have won five of six games since switching to Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, turning a mediocre season into a promising one headed into Sunday's game against the struggling Oakland Raiders (6-6), who are one game behind Tennessee in the race for the final wild-card spot. ''I think guys kind of know what's at stake, know we need to win as many games as we possibly can to put ourselves in position to win the division and make this playoff run,'' Titans safety Kevin Byard said. ''So I think guys are going to be locked in. '' The Raiders are trying to get back to that form after back-to-back lopsided losses to the Jets and Kansas City, marking the first time since 1961 the team lost consecutive games by at least 30 points. Despite that, Oakland is only one game behind Tennessee and Pittsburgh in the race for the final wild-card spot and still has hope of making the final scheduled season in Oakland a successful one. ''We feel like we've played pretty good football all year,'' coach Jon Gruden said. 'We've had some ups and downs obviously, especially the last couple weeks. You know, we're 6-6. That's nothing to really brag about, but we're excited about progress. '' The Titans still have their sights set higher than the wild-card race. Tennessee trails Houston by one game in the AFC South but plays two of the final three games against the Texans, putting the division title in the Titans control. ''If you look ahead, at the end of the day if we lose this game now what's ahead doesn't really matter,'' four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jurrell Casey said. ''So we want to make sure to we take care of this game right now, keep ourselves in a good position. 'BAMA BACKSBoth teams rely heavily on the running game led by a pair of backs who played college ball at Alabama. Tennessee's Derrick Henry leads the NFL with 1,725 yards rushing over his past 16 games. He has 11 TD runs this season and leads all running backs with 31 runs of at least 10 yards. His counterpart in Oakland and successor at Alabama, Josh Jacobs, has been almost as effective his rookie season, ranking fourth in the NFL with 1,061 yards rushing so far. ''He's been doing that all these years I've been playing with him at 'Bama,'' said Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans, a teammate of Jacobs' at Alabama in 2016-17. ''It's going to be like another reunion and have a guy I been practicing against for three years and being able to now play against him is going to be definitely fun. '' ROUGH STRETCHThe Raiders' once efficient offense has stalled of late. Starting with a victory in Indianapolis in Week 4 and continuing through a home win against the Chargers in Week 10, the Raiders led the NFL in yards per play (6. 34) and ranked sixth in points per drive (2. 35). Over the past three weeks, the Raiders rank 18th in the league in yards per play (5. 14) and last in points per drive (0. 85). ''We've had a rough two weeks,'' quarterback Derek Carr said. ''I've had a rough two weeks. It's time to get back on track. '' STINGY DThe Titans started the season holding their first seven opponents to 20 points or less. Now they've gotten back on track the past two weeks, making nine games this season that Tennessee has held a team to 20 points or below. The Titans rank seventh in the NFL in scoring defense, giving up 19. 5 points a game. FINAL HOMESTANDAfter back-to-back road games in cold weather, the Raiders will be happy to come home for the final scheduled homestand at the Coliseum. The Raiders previously endured a seven-week stretch away from Oakland and will finish the season with road games against the Chargers and Broncos following next week's home finale against Jacksonville. The Raiders are set to move to Las Vegas next season. ''We do like playing at home like everybody else,'' Gruden said. ''We've been on the road more than anybody in the history of the world now. You know 45,000 miles of travel is a joke, and it's taken a toll on our team. I believe that. But it's good to be home, sleep in your own bed, play a home game, especially with the kind of fans that we have. '' Gruden did exaggerate slightly as the Raiders are traveling about 32,000 miles this season, most in the NFL. TANNEHILL'S ARMThe Titans have been leaning more and more on Henry since Tannehill took over as the starting quarterback. Even though the Titans aren't asking Tannehill to throw much, he's been very effective. Tannehill is second in the NFL with a 113. 9 passer rating, second to Drew Brees completing 72. 7 percent of his passes, and he's leading the NFL averaging 9. 1 yards per pass attempt. Since Tannehill moved into the lineup, the Titans are scoring 29. 7 points a game, second in the NFL behind only the Ravens (37) in that span. ''For him to come off the bench, that's a real hard thing to do - and earn the trust and respect of his whole team,'' Gruden said. ''He's been money at crunch time. '' --- Pro Football Writer Teresa Walker in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
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Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019OAKLAND, Calif. Ryan Tannehill threw for 391 yards and three touchdowns, Derrick Henry ran for two scores and the Tennessee Titans won their fourth straight game by beating the Oakland Raiders 42-21 on Sunday. The Titans (8-5) bounced back from a deflected interception on the opening drive to score TDs on five of their next seven possessions to improve to 6-1 with Tannehill as the starting quarterback. The win moved them into a tie for first place in the AFC South with Houston, with the teams set to meet twice in the final three weeks. Tennessee broke open a tight game with a three-touchdown barrage in a span of just over seven minutes of the second half that all but ended the playoff hopes for the Raiders (6-7) in their final season in Oakland. Henry, who rushed for 103 yards, broke a 21-all tie with a 10-yard TD run midway through the third quarter to cap an 89-yard drive. The Raiders then went three-and-out on their next drive and Tannehill easily drove Tennessee 84 yards for a 35-21 lead on a 17-yard pass to Jonnu Smith. The boo birds then came out in the second-to-last game at the Coliseum when Darren Waller fumbled a catch after a hit by Tye Hill and Jayon Brown returned it 46 yards. What had been a promising season for the Raiders with a three-game win streak in November that improved them to 6-4 has gone off the rails the past three weeks. They lost by 31 points in successive road games against the Jets and Chiefs and then fell apart in the second half against Tennessee. This marked just the second time in franchise history that Oakland dropped three in a row by at least 21 points, having also done it in 2012. Tannehill threw two TD passes in the first half to rookie A. J. Brown, including a 91-yarder. Brown finished with five catches for 153 yards. Tennessee finished with 552 yards, their second most since the merger in 1970. They had 563 in a 27-10 win over Kansas City on Dec. 16, 1990. HENRY'S HIGHLIGHTSHenry also had a 12-yard TD run in the first quarter and has eight touchdown runs in his past five games to give him 13 on the season. He joined Earl Campbell as the only players in franchise history with back-to-back seasons of at least 12 TD runs. Campbell did it three straight years from 1978-80. DEEP STRIKESTannehill burned the Raiders in the second quarter with the 91-yard deep strike to A. J. Brown, which was the longest pass play in Tennessee history. Oakland answered with its own deep shot later in the quarter when Carr connected with Rico Gafford from 49 yards out. It was Gafford's first career catch. DOINKThe Titans missed a chance to break a 21-21 tie when Ryan Succop hit the left upright from 42 yards out on the final play of the first half. Tennessee now missed nine field goals this season, one shy of Dallas for the most in the NFL. INJURIESTitans: S Kenny Vaccaro left the game with a concussion. Raiders: Oakland was without star running back Josh Jacobs, who missed the game with a shoulder injury. DeAndre Washington ran for 53 yards and a TD in his place. . . . TE Foster Moreau left the game in the third quarter with a knee injury. UP NEXTTitans: Host Houston on Sunday. Raiders: Host Jacksonville on Sunday in the final scheduled game at the Coliseum. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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|
FINAL |
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12/8/2019 4:25 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+135
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+3 (-107)
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Over 49.5 (+103)
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-150
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-3 (-103)
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Under 49.5 (-115)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019FOXBOROUGH, Mass. Chiefs coach Andy Reid's expectations are simple heading into Kansas City's latest matchup with the Patriots. ''I think they know us, and we know them. You get in and you battle,'' Reid said. That was exactly what the teams did in their two meetings last season. New England got a field goal from Stephen Gostkowski as time expired to escape with a 43-40 victory during the regular season. The Patriots then needed overtime to do it again in the AFC championship game, outlasting Kansas City in another shootout, 37-31 in Arrowhead Stadium. Another close game is expected for their latest matchup on Sunday, with playoff implications for both teams. New England (10-2) can extend its NFL record to 11 consecutive playoff berths with a win. Kansas City (8-4) can clinch the AFC West title with a win and Oakland loss. The two teams that have beaten the Patriots this season - Baltimore and Houston - both have dual-threat quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he sees similarities in how both of them attacked a New England defense that is allowing an NFL-low 12. 1 points per game. ''I think the biggest thing was when they had their opportunities, they hit them,'' Mahomes said. ''They're not going to give us a lot of opportunities, they're a very good defense and very sound with what they do. It's about taking what's there and when you get the big shot or the big play, you hit that and score touchdowns when you do. '' Coming off a week in which New England's defense gave up four passing touchdowns in its loss to the Texans - doubling its total allowed in 2019 - safety Devin McCourty said the challenge against the Chiefs will be keeping track of all their playmakers. ''It's almost like they don't win the same way each week. They just have so much talent. I think you see that all throughout the season,'' McCourty said. ''The threat of Mahomes is always there of running the ball, of rolling one way being able to throw the ball back across his body. . . . We got to see it last year twice of just his ability of being able to make plays. So, I think we know it, but with this team, the hardest thing is going out there and executing and playing to it. '' Keeping Kansas City out of the end zone will be even more imperative because of New England's ongoing issues on offense. The Jets, Dolphins and Broncos rank in bottom five in the NFL in points per game in 2019 but are all averaging more points than New England (18 ppg) since start of November. The Patriots went 2-2 last month. Brady's 88. 2 passer rating is also his worst since 2013. The 42-year-old quarterback has expressed his frustrations with the offense in recent weeks and acknowledged during his weekly appearance on Boston's WEEI radio that injuries have also affected their expectations. But it hasn't altered their resolve to fix their deficiencies. ''It's not like we haven't dealt with losses before,'' Brady said. ''I think a lot of it is about mental toughness and realizing that when you don't play well, you don't win. You're not supposed to win when you put less than your best out there. Sometimes you get away with it, and sometimes you don't. '' NEW CENTER? The Patriots could be dealing with another change on the offensive line. James Ferentz may get the start at center with Ted Karras recovering from a knee injury he suffered in the third quarter of last week's loss to Houston. Karras has started all 12 games this season in place of David Andrews, who is recovering from blood clots. Left tackle Isaiah Wynn also spent nine games on injured reserve with a foot injury. Ferentz said he'll be ready if called upon. ''Your job is to step in and that the train doesn't slow down,'' he said. ''We have a bunch of guys on this team that have embraced that role and I just try to keep up with those guys. '' MILESTONE WATCHBrady enters the week with 535 regular-season touchdown passes, the second most in NFL history. Peyton Manning holds record with 539. Drew Brees is third with 532. With 300 or more yards passing Brady will also have his 93rd 300-yard game, tying Manning for second in NFL history. Brees is first with 118. The Patriots are 76-16 in Brady's 300-yard games. MOVING ON UPChiefs tight end Travis Kelce leads the AFC with 923 receiving yards in 2019. He needs just 77 receiving yards to become the fourth tight end to have four seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards in NFL history. The others are Dallas' Jason Witten, Hall of Famer and former Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez and former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. --- Sports Writer Dave Skretta in Kansas City, Missouri, contributed to this report. ---Follow Kyle Hightower on Twitter at http://www. twitter. com/khightower---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
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Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019FOXBOROUGH, Mass. Kansas City clinched the AFC West when Bashaud Breeland knocked away Tom Brady's fourth-down pass attempt to Julian Edelman in the end zone Sunday. The Chiefs survived a series of mistakes and questionable calls by the officials to hold off the New England Patriots 23-16 on Sunday. Combined with Oakland's loss to Tennessee, the Chiefs (9-4) took their division. And the loss ended the Patriots' 21-game home win streak in the regular season and playoffs, which was tied for the longest in team history. It also was the third-longest string in NFL history. New England (10-3) has lost two in a row. Patrick Mahomes was 26 of 40 for 283 yards, a touchdown and interception. Travis Kelce added a 10-yard TD run. Tom Brady was under pressure all night and finished 19 of 36 for 169 yards, a touchdown and interception. Trailing 23-16, New England got the ball back on their 32 with 5:04 to play. The Patriots immediately gained 35 yards on a pass from halfback James White to Jakobi Meyers to get into Kansas City territory. Officials appeared to miss a clear pass interference call on a deep pass to Phillip Dorsett and the Chiefs forced a fourth-and-6 at the 29. But the 42-year-old Brady got free and scrambled 17 yards for a first down. The Patriots couldn't get into the end zone, however, losing the rematch of January's AFC title game. The Chiefs led 23-7 in the third quarter before they committed a series of mistakes that helped the Patriots close the gap. First, Patriot special-teamer Nate Ebner blocked Dustin Colquitt's punt, which rolled out of bounds at the Chiefs 19. It set up a 10-yard run by Brandon Bolden that made it 23-13, but White was stopped short on his 2-point conversion run attempt. The Chiefs gave the Patriots another opportunity late in the third quarter. Travis Kelce caught a pass and was hit Devin McCourty, forcing a fumble and recovery by Stephon Gilmore, who had a clear path the the end zone. The play was blown dead, though, with Kelce ruled down by contact. It prompted an immediate challenge by Patriots coach Bill Belichick, which resulted in the call being overturned and the ball awarded to New England. The Patriots quickly drove to the Kansas City 15 and Brady found N'Keal Harry with a short pass. Harry weaved through multiple defenders and appeared to stretch the ball over pylon. Yet he was ruled to have stepped out of bounds at the 3. Brady was sacked three plays later and the Patriots kicked a field goal to close within 23-16. On Kansas City's next possession, receiver Sammy Watkins and Gilmore got tangled up, wrestled each other to the ground and then had to be separated. The Chiefs were without two of their leading rushers, Damien Williams (rib injury) and Darrel Williams (placed on injured reserve Thursday with a hamstring injury). It left the rushing duties primarily in the hands of LeSean McCoy, with support from Darwin Thompson and Spencer Ware. They didn't get much traction in the run game other than from McCoy, who finished with 11 rushes for 39 yards. But after a slow start, Kansas City's receivers were able to find space and passing lanes for Mahomes. One notable example came early in the second quarter. Mecole Hardman got behind Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones and Mahomes withstood pressure to deliver a deep pass off his back foot for a 48-yard touchdown to put the Chiefs in front 10-7. Brady was intercepted by Breeland on the first play of the Patriots' ensuing drive and Kansas City went right back to work. Taking over on New England's 39, Mahomes found Kelce in the middle of the field for a 20-yard gain to get the Chiefs inside the 5. Two plays later Kelce took a direct snap and ran it in for a 4-yard TD. New England used Gilmore to cover Kelce in their two previous meetings, including the AFC title game in which Kelce was largely ineffective. This time he was able to get open for most of the game as the Patriots' safeties drew his primary coverage responsibilities. Kansas City drove inside New England's 15 just before the half, but settled for a 31-yard Harrison Butker field goal that made it 20-7. The Patriots received the game's opening kickoff and needed just five plays to drive 83 yards and take 7-0 lead on a 37-yard flea-flicker from Brady to Edelman. The series was aided by a pair of third-down pass interference penalties called on Chiefs cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Breeland. Kansas City's first offensive drive lasted just three plays before Mahomes was picked off by J. C. Jackson. INJURIESChiefs: LG Andrew Wiley left in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. Patriots: Harry left in the fourth quarter with a hip injury. BLOCKEDEbner's punt block in the third quarter was the Patriots fourth of 2019, setting a franchise record for a season. With one more they will tie the 1990 Chiefs for the most blocked punts in a season in NFL historyMISSING EQUIPMENTThe Kansas City Chiefs needed a police escort to get their equipment to Foxborough, Massachusetts, in time for kickoff. Chiefs spokesman Ted Crews confirmed that some of the gear was sent to the wrong place and had to be rushed to the stadium. It arrived about two hours before kickoff. The Massachusetts State Police tweeted that they helped the equipment get to the stadium from Logan Airport. UP NEXTChiefs: host Broncos next Sunday. Patriots: visit Bengals next Sunday. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL---Follow Kyle Hightower on Twitter at http://www. twitter. com/khightower
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 8:20 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+108
|
+1 (+101)
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Over 47.5 (-105)
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-119
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-1 (-111)
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Under 47.5 (-106)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 05, 2019LOS ANGELES Greg Zuerlein has made plenty of tougher field goals than the 44-yarder he pushed barely wide right through the Seattle night air two months ago. The Rams' normally reliable kicker could have sent Los Angeles to a narrow win over the Seahawks. Instead, his miss with 11 seconds left in Seattle's 30-29 win might have changed the trajectories of two seasons that intersect again Sunday night at the Coliseum. The Seahawks (10-2) have won eight of nine during a roll that began one week before that surprising reprieve from Zuerlein, and they've surged into first place in the NFC West with five straight victories. Seattle can already clinch a postseason berth with a win in LA. That loss by the Rams (7-5) extended to the first three-game losing streak of Sean McVay's coaching career. After going 4-5 in their last nine, the defending NFC champions are one game out of the second wild card playoff spot, needing a big December surge to get in. The stakes are huge when the Seahawks and Rams get together again in what's likely the final NFL night game in the history of the 96-year-old Coliseum. McVay knows there's only one likelihood in the latest chapter of this entertaining divisional rivalry. ''There's always been a good competitive balance between these two teams,'' McVay said. ''This will be the sixth time we've played them (with the Rams' current coaching staff), and the first five have been tough challenges every single time. The ones last year came down to one possession. The last three have been closely contested. That's a great football team. '' The Seahawks got a bit lucky in their last meeting with the Rams, but their tenacity has shown throughout the season. Seattle is an incredible 8-1 in games decided by seven points or fewer, and Carroll anticipates another test in his return to the Coliseum. ''As we go against them, we're just going to try to hold it together and play good football and take care of the ball,'' Carroll said. ''See if we can come out on top somehow at the end. '' Here are more things to know about the NFC West showdown:LAST RIDE? In all likelihood, this will be Carroll's last trip to the Coliseum as a head coach with the Rams set to move into their new palace in Inglewood next season. There were a lot of memories for Carroll from his time at USC when the Seahawks made their first visit back to the Coliseum in 2016 - a forgettable 9-3 loss for Seattle. Since then, the nostalgia has worn off. Carroll said it was different anyway being the visiting team in that venue. ''It's really fun to go to the Coliseum. For me, honestly, it is, but it's not the same thing. You're not coaching the Trojans. That's a whole different experience. I can't even relate it to you,'' Carroll said. GURLEY'S TURNMcVay's inexplicable season-long reluctance to use Todd Gurley could be ending, which could be bad news for opponents. The Rams' $60 million running back got 19 carries last week at Arizona, and he had 25 two weeks earlier against Chicago. McVay attributes the uptick in Gurley's workload to ''me not being an idiot. '' The coach continues to insist he wasn't resting Gurley for the stretch run, yet the star running back is rested and ready for a big finish. RUNAWAY TRAINNo surprise, the Seahawks are really good at running the football. The difference the past two weeks is it's not being done by just one player. The duo of Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny has run through two of the better run defenses in the league in the past two weeks. They combined for 155 yards in the win over Philadelphia with Penny rushing for a career-best 129 yards. Last week against Minnesota, the Seahawks rushed for a season-high 218 yards as a team, which included 102 from Carson and 74 from Penny. It was the third time in Carroll's tenure the Seahawks had two running backs rush for at least 74 yards in the same game. Seattle had 167 yards rushing in the first meeting with the Rams. SECONDARY SHUFFLEThe Rams will present Wilson with a thoroughly revamped secondary. Starting cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib played nearly every snap of the early-season game in Seattle, but both veterans are gone and starting safety John Johnson is on injured reserve. Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey gets his first look at Tyler Lockett and Wilson since 2017, when he made an interception in a win for the Jaguars. Wilson might be more focused on the other side of the defense, where Troy Hill likely will try to hang in against rookie D. K. Metcalf. Johnson has been replaced by a familiar face in Seattle: rookie Taylor Rapp, who grew up in Bellingham and starred at the University of Washington. SOLID SECONDARYSeattle's secondary also has gone through a facelift since the last time it played the Rams. Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers are still the starting cornerbacks, but the addition of Quandre Diggs at safety has changed some of the defenses Seattle has played. The addition of Diggs playing in concert with Bradley McDougald has allowed Griffin and Flowers to be more aggressive on the outside. It's part of the reason Seattle has forced 11 turnovers in the past three games, including four interceptions. --- Sports Writer Tim Booth in Seattle contributed to this report. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019LOS ANGELES Jared Goff passed for 293 yards and two touchdowns, Todd Gurley ran for 79 yards and a fourth-quarter TD and the Los Angeles Rams prevented the Seattle Seahawks from clinching a playoff berth with a 28-12 victory Sunday night. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp caught TD passes while the Rams (8-5) kept their playoff hopes burning and ended the Seahawks' five-game winning streak. With an aggressive, inventive game plan on both sides of the ball, Los Angeles recaptured a measure of the excitement from its previous two seasons on offense while also playing superb defense against Russell Wilson, who was sacked five times. The Rams won for the fifth time in seven games, while the Seahawks (10-3) fell out of first place in the NFC West with just their second loss since Sept. 22 and their first road defeat of the season. Wilson passed for 245 yards amid constant pressure from the Rams. Quandre Diggs returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter, but it was the Seahawks' only touchdown. Woods had seven catches for 98 yards and his first touchdown of the season, and tight end Tyler Higbee had seven catches for a career-high 116 yards as the Rams looked like the thrilling offensive unit that dazzled the NFL during coach Sean McVay's first two seasons. McVay called an inventive game full of jet sweeps and tricky plays, and he continued to give more late-season action to Gurley, who responded with a big game. Los Angeles still trails Minnesota (9-4) by a game for the second wild card spot, but its chances improved with this critical division win. Seattle dropped a game behind San Francisco atop the NFC West, tied with New Orleans and Green Bay at 10-3 in the jumbled conference playoff picture. The Seahawks host the Niners in the regular-season finale Dec. 29. These NFC West rivals' first meeting of the season was decided by the Rams' missed field goal with 11 seconds left two months ago in Seattle. Los Angeles didn't let it get nearly that close this time. After the Seahawks' opening drive ended with a field goal, the Rams' offense started off with two touchdown drives, showing the same improved form from its blowout win at Arizona last week. Malcolm Brown punched in the opening TD after Higbee's 33-yard reception put Los Angeles on the goal line. Woods then caught a short TD pass to cap an 85-yard drive, extending his torrid performance since returning from a one-game absence for undisclosed personal reasons. The veteran wideout has 26 catches for 367 yards in the ensuing three games. Goff led another TD drive late in the first half, connecting with Kupp from 10 yards out with 51 seconds left, while Wilson was left frustrated by the Rams' defense and his own receivers' drops. But Goff and Woods miscommunicated at midfield on the opening drive of the second half, and Diggs returned it untouched for his second career touchdown and his second interception in his first four games with Seattle. Diggs grabbed his third interception for the Seahawks on the next series, catching an overthrown pass by Goff. Former USC star Rasheem Green then blocked a field goal attempt by the Rams, but Seattle's offense was unable to capitalize, with Wilson repeatedly getting rocked by blitzing Rams. The Rams seized control with a 95-yard TD drive to open the fourth quarter, capped by Gurley's 7-yard TD run with 11:07 to play. LIGHTS OUTThis was likely the final NFL night game at the venerable Coliseum. The Rams move into their multibillion-dollar palace in Inglewood next year after four post-relocation seasons at the 96-year-old stadium, which staged the first Super Bowl and also housed the Rams and the Raiders at different times. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll also might have made his final coaching appearance at the stadium where he led USC to a decade of excellence. INJURIES:Seahawks: RB Rashaad Penny injured his knee during the opening drive and was ruled out for the rest of the night. The busy backup running back had 203 yards rushing and two touchdowns in Seattle's previous two games. . . . Two defensive starters - DE Ziggy Ansah and LB Mychal Kendricks - didn't play. Rams: Gerald Everett missed another game with a knee injury, and the absence of Goff's top tight end target has led to more chances for Higbee, who surpassed his career high in yards receiving for the second straight game. UP NEXTSeahawks: Visit the Carolina Panthers on Sunday for their final road game of the regular season. Rams: Visit the well-rested Dallas Cowboys, who still lead the NFC East despite losing three straight, on Sunday. ---More NFL: https://apnews. com/NFL and https://twitter. com/-NFL
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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NBA |
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12/8/2019 |
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FOUND
8
GAMES |
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 3:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
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TOTAL |
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-176
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-4.5 (-102)
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Over 212 (-103)
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+157
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+4.5 (-108)
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Under 212 (-107)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 07, 2019Kyrie Irving's last game occurred Nov. 14 in Denver when he labored through the effects of an impinged right shoulder. Since then the Brooklyn Nets are getting good looks at their roster depth while also getting production from Spencer Dinwiddie most nights.Irving will be watching from the bench again Sunday afternoon when the Nets host the Denver Nuggets and hope to incorporate both elements.The Nets are 8-3 since Irving scored 17 points on 8-of-20 shooting in 35 minutes of a 101-93 nationally televised loss to the Nuggets. While Irving is showing incremental progress, he has yet to participate in any contact drills and the Nets have not established a timetable for his return.Dinwiddie is averaging 23.8 points and 7.5 assists since Irving's last game while Joe Harris is averaging 16.7 points on 48.9 percent shooting and 44.3 percent on 3-pointers in that span. Both players helped the Nets record another win Friday when Harris scored 22 on a season-high six 3-pointers and Dinwiddie added 13 and a season-best 12 assists in a 111-104 win at Charlotte.Perhaps equally as impressive for the Nets is nobody played more than 33 minutes, six players scored in double-figures and they handed out a season-high 35 assists. Those results came on a night when the second unit combined for 38 points and keyed a 14-0 run to start the second half Friday."Their chemistry is really good right now," coach Kenny Atkinson said of his team. "They are talking about coverages and encouraging each other. Even in the first half when it didn't go so well they were together. Sometimes coaches will get negative. (But) they are pushing each other and their chemistry is great right now." Denver is returning to the New York area after absorbing a 108-95 loss in Boston Friday night. Friday's game occurred 24 hours after the Nuggets hit 21 3-pointers and coasted to a 129-92 rout of the Knicks that wound up being David Fizdale's last game coaching New York.A night later, Denver could not muster the same offense and lost for the third time in four games since winning six straight from Nov. 14-26."We're not playing well at all," Denver guard Jamal Murray said. "We're playing really bad, and we are second in the West. So, imagine when we start playing well." Murray was 5-for-14 Friday when the Nuggets shot 41.5 percent and missed 25 of 30 3-pointers. Murray enters Sunday as a career 35.9 percent 3-point shooter but is 2-of-15 from 3-point range in his last five games since Nov. 24.While the Nuggets are hoping to execute better offensively, they also are hoping to get another big game from Nikola Jokic. Jokic is coming off his first 30-point game of the season but was shooting 38.3 percent in his previous five games before Friday and is averaging 15.7 points on a career-worst 46.4 percent shooting."That was the only positive I took from the game tonight that he got going," Denver forward Will Barton said of Jokic. "We got our (butt) kicked tonight. I was horrible on defense. We were horrible on defense. Only thing you can take from it is our big fella got back on track, so let's feed off that." --Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019NEW YORK - Spencer Dinwiddie scored 24 points and the Brooklyn Nets held off the Denver Nuggets 105-102 on Sunday for their third straight victory.Denver had a chance to force overtime, but Jamal Murray missed a 3-pointer from the wing as time expired.Jarrett Allen added 19 points and 11 rebounds for Brooklyn. Star guard Kyrie Irving missed his 12th straight game because of a right shoulder impingement.Nikola Jokic had 24 points and 11 rebounds for Denver, and Murray scored 21 points. The Nuggets have lost two straight.Dinwiddie made consecutive driving layups to give Brooklyn a 103-102 lead with 26.3 seconds remaining. Denver's Will Barton missed a 16-foot off-balance floater, and Taurean Prince grabbed the rebound and was fouled. Prince made both free throws to make it 105-102 with 6.8 seconds left.TIP-INSNuggets: Coach Michael Malone praised Paul Millsap. "He's been the quiet unsung hero of our team," Malone said. "We've had a lot of younger guys who have been up and down, inconsistent. If you looked at our first 20 games, Paul has been Mr. consistency for us, and that's what you expect from a 14-year veteran." Millsap had nine points and four rebounds in 21 minutes.Nets: Coach Kenny Atkinson said Irving will increase his individual on-court work and integrate him into practice in the next week or two. .... Dinwiddie has 20 or more points in 10 of his last 12 games.UP NEXTNuggets: At Philadelphia on Tuesday night.Nets: Host Charlotte on Wednesday night.---More NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/-Sports
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 5:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+108
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+2 (-113)
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Over 222.5 (+101)
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-119
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-2 (+102)
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Under 222.5 (-112)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 07, 2019It seems as if the problem areas just tend to be shifting on the Charlotte Hornets.One game it's something like a slow start, and another it's a rough finish. Or maybe it's shoddy defense in one game and turnovers in the next one.The Hornets will try to find the solutions Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Hawks, who have a long list of things to address as well.The game at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N. C., will give the teams a chance to lock up in a matchup that involves clubs in desperate need of some sustained positive results."We have to play a full 48-minute game," Hornets coach James Borrego said.That concept went sour Friday night in a 111-104 loss to the Brooklyn Nets because, after some good stretches, the Hornets faltered down the stretch."The fourth quarter we went dry," Borrego said about the Hornets' 20-point period.The Hornets have lost twice in the past three home games. Atlanta will be the fourth opponent in Charlotte's five-game homestand.The Hawks have won only once in their past 12 games. Only four of those 11 setbacks have been decided by single-digit margins."It's whoever is on the court has to do a little bit better with regards to their responsibility," Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce said.Atlanta's most-recent game also came against Brooklyn, losing 130-118 on Wednesday night at home.In that game, Hawks rookie guard Cam Reddish registered a season-high 25 points."I think that helps with any player to see the ball go in the basket, to feel good about it," Pierce said of Reddish's recent production.Reddish, who averages 8.1 points per game, will be back in the same arena where last March he helped Duke to the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title.The Hornets have received meaningful contributions from a rookie as well. Forward P. J. Washington has provided encouraging moments, often because of what Borrego likes to see with his "ability to roll to the rim." Borrego said he would like to get more chances for the team's post players, particularly as they've become more comfortable. Washington, averaging 10.8 points, has earned that."He has become more versatile," Borrego said. "I have to do a better job of getting him more touches." The Hornets had a sigh of relief when guard Devonte Graham returned after leaving in the first half Friday night with a shoulder injury."It's nothing serious, hopefully," Borrego said.But Graham's absence, even though he hasn't been in the starting lineup all season, proved to be troublesome for the Hornets."It kind of threw off our rhythm," Borrego said, perhaps emphasizing the increasing importance that Graham has developed on the team.How much Graham's down time impacted the flow of the offense can be debated, but by game's end, the Hornets were troubled because of malfunctions that were too much to overcome."The biggest thing is 19 turnovers for 32 points," Borrego said.Turnovers have been a problem for the Hawks as well. They've averaged 18.4 turnovers per road game. Those have diminished some of the impact of guard Trae Young's 28.7 points per game.--Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019CHARLOTTE, N. C. Trae Young had 30 points and nine assists and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Charlotte Hornets 122-107 on Sunday night for their second victory in 13 games.Jabari Parker added 19 points and Vince Carter had 17 off the bench on 7-of-9 shooting to help the Hawks improve to 6-17.Young had 20 points in the second half, including 14 in the decisive fourth quarter in which the Hawks blew open the game.Miles Bridges and P. J. Washington each had 20 points to lead the Hornets. They have lost three of four on a five-game homestand. Washington left the game midway through the fourth quarter after rolling his right ankle on a drive.Atlanta's Alex Len finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds and played a big role in helping turn the tide of the game in the third quarter.The 7-foot center scored 11 points in the frame, scoring on a 3 from the top of the key, a pick-and-roll dunk from Carter and on the offensive glass, to give the Hawks the lead by five entering the fourth.From there, Young took over as the Hawks broke open the game with a 19-8 run to start the fourth quarter. Young was 5 of 7 from the field in the third quarter with two 3-pointers.TIP INSHawks: DeAndre Hunter returned after missing a game because of a dislocated right index finger. He had 10 points and five assists. ... Atlanta's backups outscored Charlotte's 57-36.Hornets: Marvin Williams did not play due to a knee injury. He tried to warm up before the game, but wasn't able to go. ... Shot just 40% from the field. ... Scoring leader Devonte Graham had a rough ynight shooting, finishing with 12 points on 4-of-17 shooting. He had eight assists.UP NEXTHawks: At Miami on Tuesday night.Hornets: At Washington on Monday night.More NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/-Sports
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 6:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+249
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+7 (-111)
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Over 209 (-109)
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-288
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-7 (+100)
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Under 209 (-101)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 07, 2019The Miami Heat will look to continue their torrid start at AmericanAirlines Arena when they host the Chicago Bulls on Sunday."This shouldn't be a place a team can come in on a back-to-back and feel like they are confident it will be an easy game," Erik Spoelstra said after Friday's 112-103 win over Washington, which was playing on consecutive nights.The Bulls won't be on a back-to-back, but the game still figures to be a major challenge for a team that is 4-7 on the road.Miami is off to the best home start (9-0) in franchise history and is 10 games over .500 overall, while the Bulls seek to dig out of the sluggish beginnings to a season that began with Eastern Conference playoff aspirations.The Heat are enjoying contributions from veterans and newcomers alike. Jimmy Butler, a former Bull, notched his second triple-double in four days on Friday, contributing 28 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds against the Wizards.Third-year center Bam Adebayo added a career-high 24 points to go with 14 rebounds, while rookie Tyler Herro scored 22 points, giving him five 20-point games.Spoelstra called Adebayo "the center version of Jimmy Butler in terms of being a two-way complete player." The Heat beat the Bulls 116-108 in Chicago on Nov. 22, withstanding a late charge from the hosts after controlling most of the game.Miami surged to a 15-0 lead and led 34-16 after one quarter as Chicago missed its first eight shots amid some developing disarray.Coach Jim Boylen substituted Ryan Arcidiacono for Zach LaVine early in the game, and although LaVine led the team with 15 points, he felt a strain from Boylen's postgame suggestion that LaVine needed to "think" about "three egregious defensive mistakes" in the early going.Further, Boylen said, "Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen and our starters have got to play better in order for us to become what we can become." LaVine took heed the following night in Charlotte, scoring a career-high 49 points and swishing a franchise-record 13 3s -- the last with 0.8 seconds remaining to help the Bulls to a 116-115 come-from-behind victory.LaVine (22 points) and Markkanen (20) paced Chicago against visiting Golden State on Friday, but the Bulls were unable to score in the final 1:03, seeing a two-game winning streak end with a 100-98 defeat."It needs to be more of the 48 (minutes)," Boylen said after the Warriors game. "That's the development part. So as much as I like some of those moments, there are moments when we've got to do better." Injuries have impacted a few regulars in the Bulls' rotation while allowing others to get additional minutes.Forward Otto Porter Jr. missed his 14th successive game Friday while recovering from a bruised left foot, and the team announced he will wear a walking boot in the hopes of accelerating his recovery. The Bulls have not provided a timetable for Chandler Hutchison, who is dealing with a sprained right shoulder, while fellow forward Thaddeus Young wasn't available against Golden State due to personal reasons. He is set to rejoin the team against the Heat.Miami was without Goran Dragic (right groin strain) and Justise Winslow (back strain) on Friday. Dragic is out for Sunday, while Winslow was considered questionable.--Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019MIAMI Game on the line, perfect home record on the line, and the Miami Heat turned to their teenager.Tyler Herro came through.The rookie guard scored 27 points - including 16 of Miami's final 18 - and the Heat held off the Chicago Bulls 110-105 on Sunday night. They improved to 10-0 at home this season, extending the best home start in franchise history.''I don't shy away from taking the big shot,'' Herro said.That's obvious.The 19-year-old made three 3-pointers in overtime, plus another with 7.1 seconds left in regulation just to help Miami get into the extra session. Of his five field goals in the final 6 minutes, four of them were assisted by Jimmy Butler.''If your max player trusts you at that point in the game - and Jimmy was looking for him - that says all you need to know,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''That trust has been earned within our walls. Jimmy has seen what this kid does in those situations.'' Butler scored 23 points for the Heat, going 17 for 21 from the foul line. Bam Adebayo had 21 points, 13 rebounds and six assists for Miami, which also got 18 from Kendrick Nunn.Lauri Markkanen had 13 of his team-high 22 points in the third quarter for the Bulls, who got 18 from Zach LaVine and 16 from Kris Dunn. Markkanen missed a potentially game-tying corner 3-pointer with about 1.5 seconds left in overtime, Coby White fouled Herro on the rebound, and Miami's first-round draft pick made a pair of free throws to seal the win.''I liked the way we fought,'' Bulls coach Jim Boylen said. ''I liked the way we competed. I thought we played our (butt) off.'' The Bulls fell to 1-4 in games decided by five points or less.It was tied at 97-97 after regulation, after the lead changed hands four times in the final 84 seconds.Herro's 3-pointer with 7.1 seconds left put Miami up 97-95, but Butler fouled LaVine on the ensuing Chicago possession. LaVine - an 81% foul shooter - made both, Butler's 50-footer as the horn sounded merely hit the backboard, and off to overtime they went.From there, Herro took over. He had 11 of Miami's 13 OT points; the other two were from Nunn, another rookie.''Definitely frustrated to lose. But we played well,'' Dunn said. ''A lot of guys played well. I thought we did the right things to put us in position to win the game. We just didn't come up with the victory.'' TIP-INSBulls: Chicago led by as many as 11 and held Miami without a field goal for the first 5:55 of the fourth quarter. ... Thaddeus Young, who missed Friday's loss to Golden State for personal reasons, was back with the Bulls and played off their bench. ... Chandler Hutchison (right shoulder sprain) missed his fifth consecutive game, but is improving. ''Every day his shoulder gets less sore, more loose,'' Boylen said.Heat: Butler played 44 minutes, shooting 3 for 14. ... Miami is 3-0 in overtime this season. ... Goran Dragic (groin), Dion Waiters (illness) and Justise Winslow (back) were unavailable. Waiters has not played this season and Winslow has missed 13 of Miami's 23 games. ... Adebayo - who's been listening to pleas from Butler to shoot more 3's - missed one in the second quarter. He's now 1 for 7 from deep this season.FOR STARTERSMiami has played 23 times this season and has yet to be beaten in consecutive games. That's a first in franchise history.QUICK WORKBulls backup Daniel Gafford committed three fouls in an 83-second span of the first quarter, earning him a quick trip back to the bench. He checked in with 3:53 left, committed his first with 3:35 left, his second with 3:10 left and the third with 2:12 remaining.UP NEXTBulls: Host Toronto on Monday, starting a four-game homestand.Heat: Host Atlanta on Tuesday, the third game in this four-game homestand.---More NBA:https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/-Sports
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 6:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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+129
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+3 (-111)
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Over 214 (-111)
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-143
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-3 (+100)
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Under 214 (+101)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 08, 2019The Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to improve 12-0 at home when they host the defending-champion Toronto Raptors on Sunday.The Sixers captured their 11th straight home victory with a 141-94 rout of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. Philadelphia built a 41-point lead in the first half without injured guard Josh Richardson (hamstring) and All-Star center Joel Embiid (hip). Both players' status for Sunday's game is unclear.Richardson has missed five consecutive games with this nagging hamstring issue."A hamstring is one of those things where you can think that you're fine, and then you take a wrong step and it's a week or two-week setback," Richardson said. "I don't really want to get into that whole cycle. ... It's just one of those things where I just don't really know where I'm at most of the time. It always feels like I'm tiptoeing, trying not to do too much." Ben Simmons scored a career-high 34 points, including his second career 3-pointer and 26 points in the first half on 11-of-12 shooting, on Saturday. The Sixers' 41-point margin was the largest halftime lead in franchise history. Mike Scott and Trey Burke each added 21 for the 76ers, who have won nine of 11 overall."I just stayed locked in," said Simmons, who added seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. "Just being aggressive and keeping that mentality." "He just was really, really aggressive attacking," head coach Brett Brown added of Simmons.The Raptors will enter on a two-game losing streak for the first time this season. They fell 119-109 at home to the Houston Rockets on Thursday despite 24 points from Pascal Siakam, 20 from Fred VanVleet and 19 from Kyle Lowry.Toronto's defense wasn't the issue in the loss. If the Raptors hope for a better result in Philadelphia, their offense must improve."I don't think we played offense well enough," Toronto head coach Nick Nurse said. "I thought we missed open shots. ... A few careless possessions where they scored in transition, so it really had nothing to do with the double teams and offensive rebounding. I think the transition defense is where they did a good job of capitalizing when we turned the ball over." VanVleet scored at least 20 points for the sixth time in his past eight games. In addition, VanVleet has scored at least 20 points on 10 occasions this season after accomplishing the feat seven times in his first three seasons combined.Even with two straight losses, the Raptors are 15-6, despite Lowry and Serge Ibaka being out for multiple games because of injuries. Before the season even began, the Raptors had to deal with significant losses of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. Yet their 15-6 mark is the third-best stretch to open a season in franchise history."You don't overreact when you're 15-4, and you don't overreact when you're now 15-6," Nurse said. "Just get back going to work and taking them as they come, because you're probably gonna win quite a few games if you put the effort forward, and you're gonna slip up every now and then because that's basketball." --Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019PHILADELPHIA This victory over the Toronto Raptors didn’t feel as good as it should have to the Philadelphia 76ers because of their shaky finish.Tobias Harris scored 26 points and rookie Matisse Thybulle had a career-high 20 points, including a pair of free throws with 23 seconds left, to lead Philadelphia 76ers to their 12th straight home victory, 110-104 over the Raptors on Sunday night.Ben Simmons had 16 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists a day after scoring a career-high 34 points while hitting his second career 3-pointer as the Sixers remained unbeaten at home this season.Philadelphia led by 20 points with 6˝ minutes left and seemed on the way to an easy victory before seven turnovers down the stretch, including turnovers by Joel Embiid on three consecutive possessions, had coach Brett Brown feeling lukewarm about the win.“Where do we begin?” Brown responded when asked about the finish. “The way it ended left a little bit of a sour taste.”Thybulle finally iced the game with a pair of free throws with 26.3 seconds left that made it 107-100.Kyle Lowry, playing in his second game after missing 11 in a row due to a broken left thumb, scored 26 points, and OG Anunoby had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Toronto. The defending champion Raptors have lost three in a row.“Our rhythm wasn’t great and we didn’t shoot it great,” Toronto coach Nick Nurse said.Embiid returned from a one-game absence due to a hip injury, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds. Embiid was benched with 2:08 remaining after committing the three turnovers but did return to the floor. He had seven of Philadelphia’s 17 turnovers.“He had some rough decisions, but he’s one of the main reasons we won,” Brown said. “Something we will learn and grow from.”Toronto got close late, but the Raptors had dug too big of a hole in the third quarter.Philadelphia held Toronto to 36% shooting in the first half while taking a 57-42 lead at the break. The 76ers continued to clamp down on the Raptors offense after halftime and got a big lift from the bench during a decisive third-quarter run that saw their lead grow to as many as 20 points, 73-53, on Al Horford’s hook with 4:23 remaining in the period.It was 63-53 Philadelphia when Lowry made the first of two free throws with 5:51 left. Then, Thybulle sandwiched a pair of 3-pointers around a James Ennis III layup before Horford’s shot that capped a 10-0 run over 1:28. Simmons put the exclamation point on the quarter with a driving, one-handed slam over Gasol.STREAKING SIXERSPhiladelphia is nine games shy of tying the club record for home wins to start a season. The franchise has won 21 straight home games to start a campaign three times, twice in Syracuse (1949-50 and 1952-53 seasons) and once after moving to Philadelphia (1966-67).IMPROVED EMBIIDIt wasn’t Embiid’s best performance, but it was much better than the last time the teams met.Embiid had the worst game of his career in a 101-96 loss at Toronto on Nov. 25. He was scoreless in 32 minutes, went 0 for 11 from the field, including 0 for 4 from 3-point range, and missed all three free-throw attempts. In the five games that followed and entering Sunday, Embiid averaged 26.8 points and 15.2 rebounds while going to the free-throw line 64 times, making 56.TIP-INSRaptors: Fred VanVleet (right knee contusion) was injured in the first half and didn’t return. He had two points in 12 minutes and missed his only 3-point attempt, ending his streak of at least one 3 in every game this season. Now, only Houston’s James Harden and Brooklyn’s Taurean Prince have a 3 in every game this season. … Terrence Davis II was issued a Flagrant 1 foul with 34.4 seconds left in the first quarter while contesting Mike Scott’s 3-pointer.76ers: Josh Richardson (right hamstring strain) missed his sixth straight game. … The teams will meet twice more, Jan. 22 at Toronto, and March 18 in Philadelphia. … Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell prior to the game and sat courtside with teammate Scott Laughton.UP NEXTRaptors: At Chicago on Monday.76ers: Host Denver on Tuesday.
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 6:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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|
|
-464
|
-9.5 (-101)
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Over 235 (-111)
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+378
|
+9.5 (-110)
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Under 235 (+101)
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VIEW ALL PICKS |
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 07, 2019The Los Angeles Clippers visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday in the second leg of a six-game road swing, looking to gain some more momentum away from home.The Clippers have been excellent in Los Angeles at Staples Center, winning nine straight -- including a 150-125 rout of the Wizards on Dec. 1. Away from home has been considerably spottier.Los Angeles won back-to-back road games for the first team all season on Nov. 26 and Nov. 27 over Dallas and Memphis, but have since dropped two straight on the road. The most recent was a 119-91 blowout defeat at Milwaukee on Friday, in the first game of the current swing."We just got to compete better. But sometimes teams play better than you. They want a game more than you. I think tonight they showed that. I think we just showed up to play," guard Lou Williams told the Los Angeles Times following the loss.The Clippers are just 3-6 away from home. Washington has been up-and-down both on the road and at home, but comes into Sunday's matchup having recently knocked off an opponent that, like the Clippers, has legitimate NBA Finals aspirations.Washington beat the Philadelphia 76ers at Capital One Arena on Thursday, 119-113. Reflective of the Wizards' season, however, they dropped the follow-up game Friday in Miami, 112-103."One of the toughest back-to-backs in the East, playing Philadelphia and then a long flight down to Miami and playing against a good, physical, talented, aggressive, tough basketball team," Wizards coach Scott Brooks told the Washington Post. "We competed. Nothing to be ashamed of. We ran out of gas a little bit." Washington running into depth issues could be a concern again with its third game in four days, and a bevy of injuries. The most notably absences from the lineup are guard Isaiah Thomas with a calf injury, and center Thomas Bryant with a stress fracture in his foot.Those are in addition to the loss of All-Star guard John Wall, who sustained a torn Achilles' tendon in November of 2018.The Wizards have leaned heavily on Bradley Beal in the meantime. He is averaging better than 28 points per game. Forward Rui Hachimura has also been key for the Wizards, garnering some early Rookie of the Year buzz with his 14.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.Los Angeles has rarely had the same lineup with any consistency on the season, playing the first month without All-Star forward Paul George. Reigning NBA Finals Kawhi Leonard has also missed time to rest a knee injury.At Milwaukee, the Clippers were without JaMychal Green and Landry Shamet. Patrick Patterson was pulled from the loss due to a back injury.Leonard has been the Clippers' pillar with averages of 24.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists, while the bench duo of Williams and Montrezl Harrell provide the depth and spark that Washington's injury-plagued lineup has struggled to find.Between Leonard, Harrell, Williams and George, Los Angeles has four players averaging at least 18 points per game. Washington has only Beal producing above that mark.--Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019WASHINGTON Kawhi Leonard had 34 points and 11 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers bounced back from their worst loss of the season with a 135-119 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night.Paul George scored 27 points and Montrezl Harrell had nine of his 20 in the fourth quarter for the Clippers, who improved to 4-6 away from home two games into their six-game trip.The victory came two days after Los Angeles, which began Sunday in third in the Western Conference, opened the trip with a 119-91 loss at Eastern Conference-leading Milwaukee.Washington's bench kept the game competitive for more than three quarters. Davis Bertans tied his season-high with 25 points, including six 3-pointers. Troy Brown Jr. scored a career-high 20 points.Bradley Beal's 20 points were the most by a Washington starter and came off a difficult 5-for-18 shooting night.Los Angeles closed the game with a 22-10 scoring run, including a stretch when Leonard and Harrell combined to score 17 consecutive points.Leonard turned his 10th defensive rebound into a transition dunk and unconventional four-point play after absorbing a personal foul and Ish Smith's technical to make it 121-109.Later, he added a reverse layup and a pull-up jumper to stretch the lead to 125-112. Harrell followed with a thunderous baseline dunk and three-point play, and then another layup to make it 130-114.TIP-INSClippers: Maurice Harkless picked up a technical foul with 4:39 left in the first quarter, and Beverley picked up another 45 seconds later. . After leaving Friday's loss at Milwaukee early, F Patrick Patterson sat out with back spasms ... F JaMychal Green returned (tailbone) after a one-game absence.Wizards: Beal's first field goal came with 2:26 left in the first half, an acrobatic runner off the glass that tied it at 58-all. He finished the half with 11 points. . Smith's technical foul was one of three. Coach Scott Brooks picked up a technical with 4:39 left in the opening quarter, and Bertans got one while on the bench 39 seconds before halftime.COACH-ISMS''I think our chemistry is really good, but I don't think we're playing well yet as a group - that's two different things. Usually those things go hand-in-hand. They don't this year because we're around each other a lot, we just don't play with each other a lot. It's really the strangest thing I've ever seen.'' -- Clippers coach Doc Rivers on his team's offensive flow at this point in the season.''You can look at, yeah it is back to back to back, but it's really not back to back to back. Right? I'm not trying to have you agree with me, but I am.'' -- Brooks on F Admiral Schofield playing three straight days between the NBA and G League.UP NEXTClippers: At Indiana on Monday.Wizards: At Charlotte on Tuesday.---More NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/-Sports
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 7:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
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|
+318
|
+8.5 (-106)
|
Over 215 (-111)
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-379
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-8.5 (-104)
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Under 215 (+100)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 07, 2019Luka Doncic has put himself in exclusive company, joining Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan as the lone NBA players to record 18 straight games with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.Doncic will look to continue his torrid stretch as the Dallas Mavericks vie for their sixth straight victory in Sunday's home game against the Sacramento Kings.The sophomore sensation matched Jordan's sterling 18-game run in 1988-89 after collecting 26 points, nine assists and six rebounds in three quarters of Saturday afternoon's 130-84 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Robertson holds the all-time record by accomplishing the feat in 29 consecutive contests.The Mavericks scored a season-high 104 points over the first three quarters to allow Doncic -- and the majority of the starters -- to sit out the fourth and rest up for Sunday's contest.Dallas has punctuated a sizzling 10-1 stretch with 48-, 46- and 42-point victories, marking the first time that the team has captured three wins of at least 40 points in a season in franchise history."Look, it's great to be winning games more consistently than the last three years," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "That was the goal. But we've just got to keep our eye on the ball."It's all very tenuous. Patting ourselves on the back right now isn't the way to go." Boban Marjanovic came off the bench to record season highs in points (15) and rebounds (16) on Saturday. An impressive performance to be certain, considering the towering 31-year-old entered the contest averaging 6.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 12.0 minutes of action."Can't stop Bobi. Once he gets the ball in the paint, you really can't do much about it," forward/center Kristaps Porzingis said.While Doncic averaged 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists in three games against Sacramento during his NBA Rookie of the Year season of 2018-19, the Kings walked away with a series sweep.Sacramento is heading in the other direction this season with three straight losses, including the first two contests of a four-game road trip.The Kings squandered a nine-point lead in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and dropped a 105-104 overtime decision in San Antonio on Friday."No, I'm not frustrated," shooting guard Buddy Hield said after his 23-point performance. "I mean again, make or miss it, you tell me Trevor (Ariza) is going to get open threes, two of them, I'll take that. But he got a nice rebound and had a clean look, too. I'll take that as well."That's not frustrating, what's frustrating is the turnovers at the end of the regulation. That's something that we can't do as a group." Fellow guard Cory Joseph knows that all too well after two of his turnovers led to breakaway dunks to fuel the Spurs' comeback late in the fourth quarter."It was a tough one for us because we felt like we had it," the 28-year-old Joseph said. "We made, including myself, a couple of bonehead mistakes at the end." --Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019DALLAS Sacramento’s Nemanja Bjelica matched his career best with 30 points and Dallas’ Luka Doncic missed a game-tying attempt in the final seconds as the Kings withstood a furious rally and beat the Mavericks 110-106 on Sunday night.Richaun Holmes rebounded Doncic’s attempt to tie the game with eight seconds left. Doncic had taken Sacramento’s Cory Joseph down the lane for the turnaround shot that bounded off the front of the rim. After the rebound, the Kings called a timeout. Bogdan Bogdanovic in-bounded to Bjelica for a layup that sealed the win.Doncic missed a futile 3-point attempt from midcourt at the buzzer.Buddy Hield scored 26 points, including five 3-pointers, for Sacramento. Former Maverick Harrison Barnes scored 12, Richaun Holmes added 12 and Bogdan Bogdanovic and Trevor Ariza 10 each.Doncic finished with 27 points, including 17 in the second half after Sacramento had sprinted to a 66-46 lead. The Mavericks’ high scorer was Tim Hardaway Jr. with 29 points. He kept the Mavs in the game by making a career-high nine of 12 3-pointers. For Dallas, Dorian Finney-Smith and Kristaps Porzingis each had 13 points.Sacramento didn’t trail in the game and led by as many as 24 points.Dallas trailed 106-90 with 6:34 remaining. A 10-0 run capped by a 3-pointer by Doncic pulled the Mavericks within six points. The Kings’ lead dwindled to two points on a fadeaway by Porzingis with 34 seconds left.Barnes missed a shot in the lane. Finney-Smith grabbed the rebound with 14 seconds left. After a timeout, Doncic got the ball, and tried and field to drive against Joseph.Bjelica (12 points) and Hield (11) came out hot in the first quarter, each making a pair of 3-pointers. The Kings led by as many as 10 points and finished the quarter with a 36-27 lead on 63% shooting (15 for 24). Hardaway kept Dallas in contention, scoring 14 points that including 4 for 5 from 3-point range.Hield finished the half with 18 points, Bjelica had 16 and Holmes 12, which included eight points and three offensive rebounds in the second quarter.TIP-INSKings: PG Cory Joseph started despite experiencing pain in his lower back after playing 38 minutes on Friday night. ... F Marvin Bagley III remained out because of a fractured right thumb. He has not played since the Oct. 23 season opener. ... Kings not named Hield or Bjelica were 1 for 11 (9%) on 3-pointers in the first half.Mavericks: G Delon Wright was out after leaving Saturday’s game with a strained groin muscle. “I feel like we dodged a bullet in terms of it being a serious thing,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “(The next game) Thursday hasn’t been ruled out. It’s going to be a day-to-day thing.” ... F/G Ryan Broekhoff was activated for the first time in eight games but did not play.UP NEXTKings: Complete a four-game trip at Houston.Mavericks: Play the designated “home” team Detroit Pistons in Mexico City on Thursday. Their only other regular-season games outside the U. S. or Canada were both at Mexico City, most recently in 2016-17 against Phoenix.---More NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/-Sports
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 9:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+154
|
+3.5 (+100)
|
Over 223 (-108)
|
|
|
-171
|
-3.5 (-111)
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Under 223 (-102)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 07, 2019The Oklahoma City Thunder look to follow up an improbable victory with another triumph when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.Oklahoma City was just more than a second from losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night before big man Steven Adams became a quarterback and Dennis Schroder morphed into a wide receiver to combine for a basket that forced overtime. The Thunder then dominated the extra session for a 139-127 victory."We knew once we made the shot, we had a lot more work to do, and we were willing to do whatever it took to win," Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said afterward.The craziness began at the 1.1-second mark when Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns went to the free throw line for two shots with his club leading by two points.It got more wild after Towns missed the first free throw. The Timberwolves subbed in forward Jordan Bell, who entered with his uniform untucked.Thunder point guard Chris Paul noticed the violation and pointed it out to official Scott Foster, who called a delay of game warning. Since it was Minnesota's second such infraction of the game, Oklahoma City was awarded a technical free throw and forward Danilo Gallinari made the shot to pull the Thunder to within one.Towns then was under orders to miss his second free throw with Oklahoma City out of timeouts. Instead, the ball bounced off the rim and the backboard and went through the hoop for a 122-120 Minnesota lead.Adams quickly retrieved the ball, wound up and tossed a superb length-of-the-court heave. Schroder had taken off in a sprint and hauled in the throw, despite the coverage of Timberwolves point guard Jeff Teague, and banked in the tying basket as time expired."We had it in practice a couple of times," Schroder said afterward of the play. "I mean Steve-O, he's a helluva passer. We're just communicating well defensively and offensively." The Thunder outscored Minnesota 17-5 in overtime to wrap up their third win in the past four games.Another unique aspect of the game was that Oklahoma City became the first team to have five players score 20 or more points in an NBA game since 2004. Paul scored 30, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 29, Schroder tallied 25, Adams added 22 and Gallinari had 21."It speaks more to their unselfishness as a group," Thunder coach Billy Donovan said of the feat. "We've got really good guys that try to play the right way, try to play together, and they try to move the ball. It wasn't a huge assist night for us but the moving the ball, the attacking and the playing downhill was good for us." Portland's Friday night wasn't anywhere near as fun as it was routed 136-113 by the visiting Los Angeles Lakers.Making the setback more demoralizing was the loss of swingman Rodney Hood, who is done for the season after tearing his left Achilles tendon.The injury happened after Hood collected a rebound. He landed and then fell to the ground and immediately reached for his lower left leg."It's tough," Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard said afterward. "You hate to see injuries in the league, period, but you hate to see one of your teammates go down with an injury like that, especially a starter and somebody that's a really good person, having a great season, fitting in really well with our team and a big part of what we do."You feel for him personally more than anything. Just sad to see that happen to him." Hood averaged 11 points and 3.4 rebounds in 21 games (all starts) this season. He was in the process of establishing career highs for field-goal percentage (50.6) and 3-point accuracy (49.3).Portland forward Carmelo Anthony termed the injury as "sad" and "unfortunate," but the veteran is well aware the team needs to put the setback aside immediately."We don't have a choice but to move forward," Anthony said. "I think these are times where the troops got to rally now. Everybody come together, everybody rely on one another. It's going to be hard to replace that, what he was able to bring to this team, what he was able to do, but it's going to take multiple people to kind of contribute to what we're trying to do." The Trail Blazers are 2-0 against the Thunder this season. Portland won 102-99 in Oklahoma City on Oct. 30 and prevailed 136-119 at home on Nov. 27.--Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 09, 2019PORTLAND, Ore Dennis Schroder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each scored 21 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder opened a four-game trip with a 108-96 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.The Thunder, who led by as many as 18 points in the first half, have won four of their last five games, the team's best stretch of the season. Chris Paul finished with 20 points.Damian Lillard had 26 for the Blazers, who have lost three of four.After trailing 55-47 at the break, the Blazers closed the gap in the third quarter and the Thunder held just an 82-78 advantage going into the final period. But Danilo Gallinari's 3-pointer put Oklahoma City up 95-87 with 4:14 left and Moda Center fans started streaming to the exits.Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer and a floater that extended Oklahoma City's margin to 100-89 with 3:13 left and essentially put the game out of reach for the Blazers.Portland (9-15) was coming off a costly 136-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Starting forward Rodney Hood tore his Achilles during the first half and will miss the rest of the season.The Blazers had already lost forward Zach Collins to a shoulder injury that required surgery. And center Jusuf Nurkic continues to rehab from a broken leg.Portland made a move to shore up the frontcourt with the Nov. 19 signing of 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony, who hadn't played for more than a year.Anthony has fit in well with the Blazers, averaging 16.7 points and 5.6 rebounds through his first nine games. But he struggled against the Thunder, going 4 of 18 from the field and finishing with just nine points.Kent Bazemore started in Hood's place against Oklahoma City.Oklahoma City (10-12) was without Terrance Ferguson because of right hip soreness for the second straight game. Coach Billy Donovan said before the game that he expects Ferguson will miss Monday night's game at the Jazz as well. Abdel Nader started in his place.The Thunder were coming off a 139-127 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Oklahoma City forced overtime when Steven Adams threw a length-of-the-court pass that Schroder caught and laid in at the buzzer.The game got attention because Thunder guard Chris Paul alerted the officials that Minnesota's Jordan Bell had an untucked shirt, which led to a technical foul that helped the trailing Thunder send the game to overtime.Neither team looked sharp at the start on Sunday. Oklahoma City held a slight 21-20 lead at the end of the first quarter, on 31.8% shooting. Portland shot 27.6% to open the game.Schroder's pull-up jumper stretched the Thunder's lead to 41-29 midway through the second quarter.Portland clawed back into it and closed to within 51-47 on Anthony's 3-pointer, which capped a 10-0 Blazers run. But Portland couldn't get closer and trailed 55-47 at the break. Paul led all players with 16 points.Portland closed within 62-60 on Lillard's 3-pointer in the third quarter. The Blazers eventually pulled in front when Lillard made a trio of free throws, but it was short lived and the Thunder led 82-78 going into the final quarter.The teams split their first two games earlier this season.TIP INSThunder: In the third quarter a fan dropped a phone on the court and Dennis Schroder picked it up and handed it back. ... It was the first of a four-game trip for Oklahoma City. ... Luguentz Dort fouled out with 4:34 left in the game.Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard went 0 for 6 from the field to start the game. His first basket was a floater with less than a minute left in the opening quarter. Then he had 16 points in the third quarter alone. ... Hassan Whiteside finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds.UP NEXTThunder: Oklahoma City plays the second of a back-to-back Monday night at Utah.Trail Blazers: Portland hosts the New York Knicks on Tuesday.---More NBA:https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/-Sports
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
IN PROGRESS |
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12/8/2019 9:35 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+470
|
+10 (-103)
|
Over 226.5 (-107)
|
|
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-598
|
-10 (-107)
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Under 226.5 (-103)
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 07, 2019The Minnesota Timberwolves had played well on the road until they suffered a disastrous finish at Oklahoma City on Friday.Minnesota will face a challenge regrouping when they visit the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.The Wolves dropped a 139-127 overtime decision to the Thunder when a series of mistakes cost them the game."I ain't never been a part of something like that," said Wolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 30 points on 11-of-16 shooting with eight assists.Towns was at the free-throw line with 1.1 seconds remaining with Minnesota clinging to a 121-119 lead. Towns missed the first free throw before Jordan Bell checked in and was called for delay of game for having his jersey untucked. That resulted in a technical foul.Oklahoma City's Danilo Gallinari made a free throw to slice the deficit to one, but Towns converted his second free throw for a two-point Minnesota advantage.However, Thunder center Steven Adams threw a full-court pass to Dennis Schroder, who hit a buzzer-beating layup to force overtime.The Wolves, who fell for the third straight game, were outscored 17-5 in the extra session.Jeff Teague had 32 points and nine assists for the Wolves, who are 7-4 on the road."I've been playing basketball for a long time, and I've never seen that before," said Minnesota guard Josh Okogie, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.The Lakers are on one of their best runs in a long time. They capped a three-game swing with a 136-113 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday for their 11th consecutive road win. It's the third best run in franchise history and the longest streak since the 1972-73 Lakers won 12 in a row. The club record is 16 straight road wins by the 1971-72 Lakers.The Lakers, who were tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for the best record in the NBA at 20-3 entering Saturday's games, are 9-2 at home. The Lakers have won three in a row and 13 of their last 14 contests. A 114-100 defeat at home by the Dallas Mavericks is the lone loss during that stretch.On Friday, Anthony Davis had 39 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, while LeBron James finished with 31 points, eight assists and seven boards for the Lakers. Kyle Kuzma added 15 points off the bench for Los Angeles, which shot 54.1 percent from the floor and converted 17 of 36 3-pointers (47.2 percent) against Portland."Our offense is starting to catch up with our defense a little bit," said James, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Lakers ranked first in the league in field goal percentage at 48.5 percent. Los Angeles also was among the top defensive clubs, leading the NBA in blocks at 7.4 and fourth in points allowed at 103.7 per game through Friday."We knew at some point that the cohesiveness and the rhythm would start to get better and better," James added. "It's been behind our defense for the majority of the season. Tonight it caught up with our defense, and it gave us a good boost closing out the road trip." The contest against the Lakers will be the first of back-to-back games for the Wolves. They visit the Phoenix Suns on Monday.--Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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NCAAB |
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12/8/2019 |
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FOUND
29
GAMES |
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 12:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
-143
|
-2.5 (-105)
|
Over 145.5 (-107)
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|
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+122
|
+2.5 (-111)
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Under 145.5 (-113)
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VIEW ALL PICKS |
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019COLUMBIA, S. C. Not everything's come easily for Quentin Grimes at Houston.In fact, Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson had to remind his young, rising star what color his teammates were wearing. “He kept throwing to the other team,” Sampson said of Grimes' seven turnovers.Grimes more than made up for that with 24 points as Houston opened fast and kept pushing forward for its third straight victory in a 76-56 win over South Carolina on Sunday.Grimes is a 6-foot-5 transfer sophomore from Kansas who is making himself essential to the Cougars (5-2) this season.“It's a big one for us coming in for a road win against the SEC," Grimes said.Nate Hinton added 17 points and 11 rebounds for Houston, which quickly took control of the first meeting between the schools in 29 seasons.The Cougars started with a 7-0 burst and rarely let up.The team's leading scorer at 16.8 points a game coming in, Grimes had 16 of his points in the second half as the Cougars maintained a double-digit lead throughout.“We just stayed in attack mode," Grimes said. “We didn't want to let our foot come up off the gas." Grimes went for 20 or more points in his second straight game and the third time in Houston's past five contests.Hinton helped Houston build its large lead, hitting two of his three 3-pointers in the final two minutes of the opening half as the Cougars went into the break ahead 39-27.The built the margin to 15 points just three minutes into the second half on Grimes' basket from beyond the arc.The Gamecocks (6-4) could not respond in losing for the third time in the past five games.Houston started with a 7-0 burst and increased that edge throughout the opening half.The Gamecocks cut things to 14-12 on Justin Minaya's 3-pointer 10 minutes before the half. That's when the Cougars closed the period with a 25-15 surge to take a 12-point lead at the break.Houston's relentless attack had South Carolina on its heels much of the period. The Gamecocks struggled to find points, going 10 of 33 from the field (30.3%) and just 2 of 6 on foul shots.Nate Hinton had 17 points, all but four coming in the first half, and 11 rebounds for the Cougars.Maik Kotsar had 12 points and A. J. Lawson had 10 for South Carolina, which has lost three of its past five games.“They came at us and we couldn't respond,” said Kotsar, a senior. “We need to be better at responding and that comes down to (player) leadership.”BIG PICTUREHouston: The Cougars improved to 3-4 against Southeastern Conference opponents in coach Kelvin Sampson's six seasons. They face another Power Five opponent in Oklahoma State later this month before a trip to the Diamond Head Classic that features Georgia Tech of the ACC and Washington of the Pac 12.South Carolina: The Gamecocks got off to a rough start of a very crucial stretch. They face rival Clemson next week before playing at defending national champion Virginia. South Carolina's NCAA Tournament chances have been hampered by non-conference struggles the past few seasons and they had looked to this sequence as essential to returning to the game's premiere event this March.LAWSON'S STRUGGLESSouth Carolina's leading returning scorer this season in A. J. Lawson is struggling with his defense and coach Frank Martin says he won't put him on the court if things don't improve. “I didn't play Michael Beasley (at Kansas State) when he didn't defend. I'm not going to play A. J. Lawson when he doesn't defend,” Martin said.UP NEXTHouston returns home to play Texas-Arlington on Wednesday night.South Carolina will play at rival Clemson on Sunday.---For more college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/-Top25
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 1:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
-485
|
-9.5 (-101)
|
Over 142 (-111)
|
|
|
+378
|
+9.5 (-115)
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Under 142 (-109)
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019LEWISTON, N. Y. James Towns scored 26 points, including six in overtime, and Niagara beat Colgate 93-82 on Sunday.The Purple Eagles (2-5) won their second straight game while the Raiders (6-4) had a five-game win streak snapped.Colgate hit a pair of 3-pointers in the final minute of regulation to tie the game at 80-all but Towns and Marcus Hammond, with five of his 11 points, carried Niagara to victory in the extra period.Greg Kuakumensah added 18 points, Raheem Solomon 16 points and four steals while Hammond had eight rebounds and six assists. Niagara shot 54%, including 9 of 22 from the arc, and made 18 of 23 free throws to 4 of 6 for the Raiders.Tucker Richardson had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Colgate. Jordan Burns added 16 points with four 3-pointers, Jack Ferguson had 12 points and Will Rayman and Rapolas Ivanauskas 11 points each. The Raiders made 14 of 37 3-point tries but gave up 22 points of 19 turnovers.---For more college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/-Top25
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 1:30 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+162
|
+4 (-108)
|
Over 133 (-110)
|
|
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-191
|
-4 (-108)
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Under 133 (-110)
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019PHOENIX Gibson Jimerson had 22 points as Saint Louis routed Tulane 86-62 on Sunday.Demarius Jacobs had 18 points for Saint Louis (8-1), which earned its fifth straight victory. Hasahn French added 18 points. Jordan Goodwin had 12 points for Saint Louis.K. J. Lawson had 18 points for the Green Wave (7-2), whose four-game win streak was broken. Nic Thomas added 16 points. Teshaun Hightower had 12 points.Saint Louis plays Auburn on Saturday. Tulane matches up against Alcorn State at home next Monday.---For more college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/-Top25---This was generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from LLC, https://www.stats.com
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
OFF
|
+1.5 (-112)
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Over 130 (-108)
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OFF
|
-1.5 (-104)
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Under 130 (-112)
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+421
|
+10.5 (-113)
|
Over 136 (-115)
|
|
|
-552
|
-10.5 (-103)
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Under 136 (-105)
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VIEW ALL PICKS |
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GAME PREVIEW
Dec 07, 2019Clemson and Florida State both enter their Atlantic Coast Conference matchup on Sunday seeking to bounce back from losses in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge earlier this week.Florida State (7-2, 0-1 ACC) lost 80-64 at Indiana on Tuesday, one night after Clemson (5-3, 0-1) was soundly defeated 78-60 at Minnesota.For the Seminoles, it was their first defeat in over a month. After falling at Pittsburgh 63-61 in their season opener, the Seminoles reeled off seven wins in a row before losing to the Hoosiers. The Tuesday game was close with around 10 minutes to go and Indiana holding a three-point lead, but Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton was whistled for a controversial technical foul for arguing a call, and the Seminoles never recovered."I got a technical because I gave a gesture, I thought it was pretty quick," Hamilton said after the game. "I'd like to earn my technical. I didn't get my money's worth on that one. At least I need to say something or do something, but I didn't get a chance to earn that one. I thank God he only missed one of the free throws, so it didn't cost us a point. But on the serious side ..." Guard Trent Forrest led the Seminoles with 13 points while fellow guards M. J. Walker and Devin Vassell added 10 points apiece.Through nine games, this same trio is leading Florida State in scoring, paced by Forrest at 12.4 points per game, Vassell at 12.2 ppg and Walker at 10.2 ppg. Forward Malik Osborne tops the Seminoles in rebounding at 5.4 boards a game.When Clemson invades Tallahassee on Sunday, the Tigers will be looking to snap a two-game skid. Before the loss to Minnesota, Clemson fell to Colorado 71-67 six days earlier in Las Vegas."We were just on our heels offensively," Clemson coach Brad Brownell said following the defeat to the Golden Gophers. "Maybe it was 'first road-game jitters.' It took us a long time to get a comfortable feeling in the game."They played the ball screen well. Having a shot blocker and length at the rim helped them. We didn't get many kick-out threes. We weren't able to get in transition with the way they were playing. Our bench guys gave us a big lift. Curran Scott, Hunter Tyson and Khavon Moore all played well. They were eager and excited and got off to great starts." Tyson led the Tigers in scoring with 12 points, and Tevin Mack, Aamir Simms and John Newman III have all paced Clemson in scoring so far early in the season. Mack is averaging a team-best 13.8 points a game, followed by Simms at 11.8 ppg and Newman at 10.8 ppg. Simms also leads the team in rebounds, averaging 8.5 boards a game.Florida State is unbeaten at home this season at 4-0. Clemson and Florida State played each other twice last season, with the Seminoles winning both meetings.Following the Sunday game, Florida State players will get an eight-day break for final exams before the team hosts North Florida on Dec. 17. Clemson, meanwhile, will get a six-day break before returning to the hardwood at home Dec. 15 to face in-state rival South Carolina.--Field Level Media
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Stung by an inconsistent performance from 3-point range this season, No. 17 Florida State focused for a week on getting better from beyond the arc.And it showed.Devin Vassell had 14 points and nine rebounds as the Seminoles made 15 3s in routing Clemson 72-53 Sunday.The Seminoles had hit only 11 three-pointers in their last three games combined. They were 1 for 17 in a win over Tennessee on Nov. 29.''Once they get momentum and start making a few 3s it becomes extremely difficult,'' Clemson coach Brad Brownell said.Florida State (8-2, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) did just that in the second half. The Seminoles drained 11 of 18 shots (61.1%) from beyond the arc in the second half and finished 15 of 32 (46.9%) from 3-point range.Anthony Polite had 12 points on four 3s and M. J. Walker scored 11 points, including a trio of 3s.Eight Seminoles made at least one shot from beyond the arc.''We were a lot more aggressive in the paint,'' Polite said. ''And it definitely made it easy for our shooters to catch the ball and shoot. The percentage went up. Offensively we were just a lot smoother.'' Clemson's offense was not, especially in the second half. Florida State led 33-27 at the break, but Clemson was just 7 of 27 (25.9%) from the floor - and 3 of 14 (21.4%) from beyond the arc - in the final 20 minutes.The Seminoles also had nine blocks.''In the second half we just didn't execute very well,'' Brownell said. ''We made a lot of silly plays. Our poor offense took away a lot of our energy. We couldn't score.'' Tevin Mack scored 14 points and Al-Amir Dawes added 13 points for Clemson (5-4, 0-2), which had 18 turnovers.Trent Forrest and Patrick Williams had nine points apiece for Florida State, which finished shooting 25 of 54 (46.3%) overall.''We've been spending a lot of time working on our perimeter shooting,'' Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said. ''We got a lot more assists because we realized that it was kind of hitting your head against a brick wall trying to drive into the lane. So we started driving and kicking, which created some more high-percentage shots from the perimeter.'' WELCOMENew Seminoles football coach Mike Norvell was introduced to the fans in the first half. A day earlier, he coached Memphis to the American Athletic Conference title.POLL IMPLICATIONSFlorida State, which just moved into the Top 25 in last week's rankings, lost at Indiana on Tuesday. But it's likely that voters will see that as a quality road loss and, coupled with the win over Clemson, will keep the Seminoles in the Top 20.THREE PARTYThe Seminoles' season-high 15 3s tied for the third-most shots made from beyond the arc in an ACC game. Florida State made 17 in a 2017 win over Clemson, which is the most the Seminoles have had against an ACC opponent.TAKEAWAYSClemson: The Tigers lost to Florida State for a third straight time. Clemson also fell in Tallahassee for the fifth straight time.Florida State: The Seminoles are 20-1 at home since the start of the 2018-19 season.UP NEXTClemson: Hosts South Carolina on Dec. 15.Florida State: Plays host to North Florida on Dec. 17.
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+614
|
+12.5 (-107)
|
Over 127 (-113)
|
|
|
-883
|
-12.5 (-109)
|
Under 127 (-107)
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NO PICKS AVAILABLE |
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019ATHENS, Ohio Ben Vander Plas and Jason Preston combined for 41 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists as Ohio defeated Tennessee Tech 81-54 on Sunday.Vander Plas had 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three 3-pointers for the Bobcats (7-3), which won its fourth-straight game. Preston had 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, nine rebounds and eight assists. Sylvester Ogbonda added 12 points and nine rebounds.Ohio led 39-25 at halftime, putting together a 21-6 run in the middle of the half. The lead was 12 with eight minutes left in the second half when Vander Plas had a 3, Preston a three-point play and Ogbonda hit a jumper in a 10-0 run that broke the game open.Jr. Clay had 14 points for the Golden Eagles (3-7), who finished 4 of 11 (19 percent) from 3-point range.---For more college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/-Top25---Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from LLC, https://www.stats.com
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+503
|
+11 (-109)
|
Over 150.5 (-119)
|
|
|
-686
|
-11 (-107)
|
Under 150.5 (-101)
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019TOLEDO, Ohio Luke Knapke had a career-high 33 points and added 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season to power Toledo to an 82-72 victory over Marshall on Sunday.Knapke made 12 of 16 shots, including 4 of 6 from behind the arc, and 5 of 6 free throws for the Rockets (7-2). Marreon Jackson totaled 24 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals as Toledo won it fourth straight game. Willie Jackson, who came in averaging 12.3 rebounds per game - third best in the nation - added 11 points and 13 boards for his fifth double-double this season.Jarrod West had 19 points and five assists for the Thundering Herd (2-6). Mikel Beyers added 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Taevion Kinsey had 12 points and six assists, while Jannson Williams scored 12 with eight rebounds and two blocks.Toledo sank 23 of 33 free throws, while Marshall made 6 of 9.---For more college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/-Top25---Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from LLC, https://www.stats.com
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+129
|
+3 (-112)
|
Over 159.5 (-111)
|
|
|
-151
|
-3 (-104)
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Under 159.5 (-109)
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019VALPARAISO, Ind. Javon Freeman-Liberty had 19 points, six rebounds and six assists as Valparaiso romped past Central Michigan 77-55 on Sunday.Eron Gordon had 14 points for Valparaiso (6-4), which earned its fourth consecutive home victory. Nick Robinson added 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Donovan Clay had 10 points for the home team.Central Michigan scored 22 points in the first half, a season low for the team.Kevin McKay had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Chippewas (7-3). Devontae Lane added 11 points. Travon Broadway had six rebounds.Dallas Morgan, who was second on the Chippewas in scoring heading into the matchup with 15 points per game, had only 2 points (0 of 12).Valparaiso plays Charlotte on the road next Monday. Central Michigan plays Texas on the road on Saturday.---For more college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/-Top25---This was generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from LLC, https://www.stats.com
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+149
|
+3.5 (-109)
|
Over 135 (-110)
|
|
|
-175
|
-3.5 (-107)
|
Under 135 (-110)
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019STILLWATER, Okla. Tyson Etienne scored 19 points and had four assists to help lead Wichita State to an 80-61 victory over Oklahoma State on Sunday.Erik Stevenson had 13 points and six rebounds, while Jaime Echenique also scored 13 points for Wichita State (8-1). Jamarius Burton contributed seven points, eight rebounds and 11 assists.The Shockers shot 82.4% from the floor (14 of 17) over the first 12-plus minutes of the second half, extending a 38-31 halftime lead to 29 points, before putting in their reserves down the stretch.Lindy Waters scored 11 points to lead Oklahoma State (7-2), one game after he connected for a career-high 30 points in an 81-74 loss to Georgetown. Cam McGriff added 10 points and seven rebounds.The Cowboys have now lost two in a row without starting point guard Isaac Likekele, who averages 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.9 steals per game, but sat out again due to illness.BIG PICTUREWichita State: Picking up right where they left off in their dominating 95-69 victory over Central Arkansas on Thursday night, the Shockers started off strong. Wichita State surged to an early 17-6 lead, as Etienne capped off a 16-2 run with his second straight 3-pointer, just 5:02 into the contest. After connecting on 7 of 11 shots (63.6%) in those opening five-plus minutes, though, the Shockers shots just 6 of 23 (26.1%) the remainder of the half, including 1 of 11 over the final six minutes. They still managed to keep their advantage at least five points the rest of the opening half, taking a 38-31 lead into halftime.Oklahoma State: The Cowboys entered the day ranking eighth in the nation in 3-point defense (25.4%) and overall field-goal defense (35.8%), but Wichita State significantly exceeded both of those figures in this one. Oklahoma State held the Shockers to 38.2% shooting (13 for 34) in the first half, including 6 for 17 from the arc (35.3%), but in the opening nine minutes of the second half, they allowed Wichita State to connect on 12 of 14 shots (85.7%), including 4-for-4 from 3-point range. That pushed the Shockers' lead over 20 points and prompted OSU coach Mike Boynton to begin playing his backups a lot more over the final 10 minutes.UP NEXTWichita State: The Shockers take on Oklahoma at Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita next Saturday.Oklahoma State: The Cowboys are off for a week before traveling to Houston to face the 5-2 Cougars next Sunday.---For more college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/-Top25
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+247
|
+7 (-108)
|
Over 139 (-122)
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-301
|
-7 (-108)
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Under 139 (+100)
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FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+1197
|
+19.5 (-110)
|
Over 140.5 (-116)
|
|
|
-2486
|
-19.5 (-106)
|
Under 140.5 (-104)
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NO PICKS AVAILABLE |
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019AKRON, Ohio Tyler Cheese came off the bench to score 21 points with six rebounds, four assists and two steals and Akron breezed to a 72-57 victory over Southern on Sunday.Cheese hit two 3-pointers and sank 9 of 11 from the free-throw line for the Zips (7-2). Xeyrius Williams made three 3s and scored 15 as Akron won its sixth straight game at home. Channel Banks buried three from distance and scored 14, while Camron Reece pitched in with 11 points and seven rebounds.Amel Kuljuhovic had 18 points and six rebounds to pace the Jaguars (3-6). Montese Blake added 13 points off the bench.Southern took a one-point lead into halftime before being outscored 38-22 after intermission.---For more college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/-Top25---Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from LLC, https://www.stats.com
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
OFF
|
+23.5 (-102)
|
Over 136.5 (-110)
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OFF
|
-23.5 (-114)
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Under 136.5 (-110)
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FINAL |
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12/8/2019 2:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
-158
|
-2.5 (-112)
|
Over 151.5 (-109)
|
|
|
+135
|
+2.5 (-104)
|
Under 151.5 (-111)
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NO PICKS AVAILABLE |
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019WEST HARTFORD, Conn. E. J. Anosike and Cameron Parker posted double-doubles and Sacred Heart rallied in the second half to beat Hartford 79-62 on Sunday.Anosike finished with 22 points and a career-high 18 rebounds for the Pioneers (6-4). He made 5 of 12 shots from the floor and sank 10 of 11 from the free-throw line. Parker added 16 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. Parker leads the nation with 96 assists this season. Aaron Clarke added 16 points off the bench. Koreem Ozier and Kinnon Larose added 10 points apiece as the Pioneers ran their win streak to four.Sacred Heart trailed 41-34 at halftime before outscoring Hartford 45-21 after intermission.Malik Ellison had 18 points for the Hawks (4-7), whose losing streak stretched to five games. Miroslav Stafl added 12 points. Traci Carter had six assists.---For more college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/-Top25---Elements of this story were generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from LLC, https://www.stats.com
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
FINAL |
|
12/8/2019 3:00 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
OFF
|
+29 (-103)
|
Over 135 (-108)
|
|
|
OFF
|
-29 (-113)
|
Under 135 (-112)
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NO PICKS AVAILABLE |
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GAME RECAP
Dec 08, 2019SAN DIEGO Malachi Flynn hit a 3-pointer with nine-tenths of a second left to give cold-shooting San Diego State a thrilling 59-57 victory over San Jose State on Sunday for the Aztecs' first 10-0 start in nine seasons.SDSU (2-0 Mountain West Conference) is off to its best start since opening 20-0 behind Kawhi Leonard in 2010-11. That team finished 34-3 after reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time.The Aztecs were in trouble after a flurry of 3-pointers by the Spartans in the final five minutes, including one by by Brae Ivey for a 55-54 lead. Seneca Knight added added a nice bank shot for a three-point lead for SJSU (3-7, 0-2).But Matt Mitchell hit two free throws with 41.3 seconds to go, Knight missed two free throws and Mitchell rebounded KJ Feagin's missed 3-pointer with about 10 seconds left. After an SDSU timeout, the Aztecs retained possession following a held ball. Jordan Schakel passed to Flynn, who found nothing but net to send Viejas Arena into a frenzy.Mitchell finished with 13 points, Nathan Mensah 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Schakel 11 points.Knight had 15 for the Spartans while Ivey had 13 and Ralph Agee 12.The Aztecs shot just 32% percent and let the Spartans pull within four points three times midway through the second half.The Spartans got consecutive 3-pointers by Knight and Christian Anigwe to pull to 52-49 and silence thecrowd with 4:18 to go.SDSU led 22-9 after Feagin converted a three-point play with 7:33 to go before halftime. But their shooting cooled off and San Jose State used an 8-1 run to pull to 30-25 at halftime, including a 3-pointer by Agee.BIG PICTURESan Jose St:ate: The Spartans have lost five straight. They trailed No. 25 Utah State by three at halftime on Wednesday night before losing 71-59.San Diego State: The Aztecs should move into The Associated Press Top 25 on Monday. They were 28th last week, 23 points shy of being ranked. They haven't been ranked since they were No. 24 on Feb. 28, 2015. They lost their next game to Boise StateUP NEXTSan Jose State hosts Stanford on Saturday.San Diego State is off for finals until hosting San Diego Christian on Dec. 18.---For more college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/-Top25
Game
Recap from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2019 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
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