Rodgers, Packers lose 20-16 to Lions, miss playoffs
GREEN BAY, Wis. — (AP) — Aaron Rodgers was intercepted by Kerby Joseph on the final pass of what might be his last game, and the Green Bay Packers lost 20-16 to the Detroit Lions on Sunday night to miss the playoffs. During the game, Rodgers became the eighth NFL player to have at least 5,000 career completions. Green Bay led 9-6 after a first half that featured five field goals and numerous wasted chances. Rodgers connected with Christian Watson for a 45-yard completion that set up his 13-yard touchdown pass to Allen Lazard. On the Packers' final series, Rodgers threw two incompletions before Joseph intercepted him for the third time this season.
wftv.comWeek 18 Fantasy Football: FLEX rankings
And if you're still in the hunt for a fantasy football championship in Week 18, you're hoping there's more of this to come. [Week 17 and 18 fantasy football status updates]Williams, as usual, did most of his damage on the ground, piling up 144 yards on 22 carries and another touchdown to add to his league-leading total and finish as the week's RB4. Sunday was an absolute feast for the Detroit Lions, who racked up 504 total yards in a 41-10 drubbing of their NFC North rival. Now comes another division rival for the Lions, and for managers considering Swift in their lineup, a long wait to the Week 18 finale. Here's the FLEX position — check out where Swift and the rest of the FLEX options landed in our analysts' rankings for Week 18:powered by FantasyProsECR ™ -
wftv.comFantasy Football Booms and Busts, Week 13: Lions continue to prove their worth
Lamar Jackson hit a rough patch after a fast start, and was injured in Week 13. So are the Detroit Lions. The Lions also have the Bears waiting in Week 17, another home game against a poor defense. Chark is at least worth a look in Week 14; he's coming off a 5-98-0 line on six targets. Editor's note: More Week 13 fantasy reaction come after the rest of the Sunday slate.
wftv.comPick-six dooms otherwise electric day from Justin Fields as Lions rally past Bears
But a costly mistake proved too much to overcome as the Detroit Lions mounted a fourth-quarter rally in a 31-30 win over the Chicago Bears. The Lions answered with a D'Andre Swift score before Fields gifted the Lions the game-tying touchdown. Facing second-and-18 at Chicago's 17-yard line early in the fourth quarter, Fields faced pressure from a pair of Lions defenders and attempted the throw the ball away. Facing third-and-2 from the Chicago 23-yard line, the Bears called a designed run for Fields, who had torched the Lions defense on the ground all day. But Bears kicker Cairos Santos missed the extra point, a second Bears mistake that would prove too much to overcome.
wftv.comRodgers throws 3 INTs, Lions hold on to beat Packers 15-9
Aaron Rodgers matched a career high with three interceptions and threw an incomplete pass on fourth down from the Detroit 17 in the final minute, letting the Detroit Lions hold on for a 15-9 win over the Packers in a matchup of slumping teams on Sunday.
Cowboys lean on defense in Prescott's return, top Lions 24-6
ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Ezekiel Elliott ran for two 1-yard touchdowns and Dak Prescott threw for a score in his return from injury while the Dallas Cowboys leaned on their defense again in a 24-6 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Cowboys (5-2) recovered Jamaal Williams' fumble inside their 1 with a four-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Jared Goff was responsible for four other Detroit turnovers — he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. Campbell's frustration showed when he threw his headset after Williams lost the ball in a pile and Anthony Barr recovered for Dallas with the Cowboys up 10-6. ... RB De'Andre Swift missed his third consecutive game with ankle and shoulder injuries after the Lions were hopeful he could return.
wftv.comFantasy Football Sleepers: Week 7 overlooked options worth getting in lineups
Four of our five fantasy sleeper recommendations last week met or exceeded their projections, and the one who missed (Joshua Kelley) was due to injury. Perhaps you’ll add a player to your fantasy bench as depth, but won't deploy him this week. TE Greg Dulcich vs. [Play in Yahoo's Week 7 $250K Sunday Baller DFS contest]RB Jamaal Williams at CowboysObviously Williams isn’t someone you can go out and add this week — he’s rostered in 84 percent of Yahoo leagues. RB Brian Robinson Jr. vs PackersRobinson is another loosely-fitting sleeper pick this week; in many leagues, he’s well-respected and well-utilized.
wftv.comFantasy Football Six Pack: Here's why Ezekiel Elliott isn't actually terrible
It may not be the six-pack you want, but it's the six-pack you need in your fantasy life. He is definitely not killing anyone's fantasy team, nor is he holding back the Cowboys offense in any obvious way. There's enough anti-Elliott sentiment in the fantasy streets right now to make him something of a buy-low, even though his production has been entirely acceptable. TOUCHDOWN!” pic.twitter.com/qvf129ay4d — UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) October 18, 2022A hamstring issue had sidelined Dulcich for several weeks, but, now that he's healthy, he deserves your attention. You'll recall that Williams was seeing goal-line work in the opening weeks of the season, back when D'Andre Swift was entirely healthy.
wftv.comFantasy Football Week 5: FLEX rankings
Jamaal Williams was already a productive option in fantasy football even when D'Andre Swift was healthy and leading the Detroit Lions' backfield, so naturally, expectations were high for Williams in Week 4 as he was thrust into the spotlight with Swift sidelined by injury. Detroit also has dates coming up with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7 and the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, two top-10 defenses when it comes to points and yards allowed. And don't forget the Lions have a Week 6 bye, which isn't going to help if you're leaning on Williams right now. 22 FLEX option for the week — the RB11 overall — and his rank stretches from No. Here's the FLEX position — check out where Williams and the rest of the FLEX options landed in our analysts' rankings for Week 5:powered by FantasyProsECR ™ -
wftv.comFantasy Football Week 4: Lions, Seahawks put on show in 12-touchdown, 93-point game
There’s a lot of stress in the ordinary week of a fantasy football manager. And no one wants to make you fantasy happy in 2022 like the Detroit Lions. The Lions offense smashed even without its missing stars. On a day where Buffalo at Baltimore was billed as the fantasy buffet, Goff and Smith stole the show. Detroit gets New England in Week 5, Dallas in Week 7, Miami in Week 8, and Green Bay in Week 9, along with a Week 6 bye.
wftv.comFantasy Football: Sit/Start tips for Week 4 of the NFL season
This matchup has the highest over/under this week (51.5 points), and passing should be featured on both sides. Meanwhile, Las Vegas has ceded the second-fewest fantasy points to outside receivers (where Courtland Sutton has run 85% of his routes). 1 rush offense in DVOA, while Green Bay comes in with the last-ranked run defense. He's had a lower snap% than Jerick McKinnon every week, and Sunday the Chiefs face a stout Bucs run defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. The Rams have an elite run defense, and Jimmy Garoppolo must figure out his struggles without star left tackle Trent Williams.
wftv.comDaily Fantasy Football Week 4: Early lineup picks to consider ahead of this week's NFL action
This matchup has the highest over/under this week (51.5 points), and passing should be featured on both sides. Mark Andrews ($28) vs. Buffalo BillsGiven the huge positional advantage, Andrews has an argument as a top-three overall fantasy player. Now Arizona travels for an early game outdoors against a Carolina defense that’s yielded just 5.9 YPA while allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Williams should be treated as a top-five fantasy RB this week, and his DFS salary is outside the top 10. Bargain BinJacoby Brissett ($20) @ Atlanta FalconsIf you’re looking to punt the position this week, Brissett is your quarterback.
wftv.comFantasy Football Booms and Busts: Big-name bricks sully Week 3
Monty managers feel the pain, and Herbert managers likely didn't benefit this week, though good things could be coming down the line. But his 107 total yards and two touchdowns were surely tilting to D'Andre Swift managers. The Jets held him to 38 total yards and no touchdowns on 15 touches. Ja'Marr Chase posted a touchdown at the Jets, but he had just 27 total yards and lost a fumble. Kirk Cousins threw touchdown passes to Adam Thielen (a one-yarder, of course) and to a charitably-uncovered K.J.
wftv.comLions RB Jamaal Williams flagged for excessive hip thrusting during TD celebration
The Detroit running back scored a second-half touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings on a 13-yard scamper to take a 24-14 lead. DON'T DO EM LIKE THAT JAMAAL LOL pic.twitter.com/iLkKjHlKd1 — Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) September 25, 2022Left tackle Dan Skipper (No. 70), who pulled to the right as Williams' lead blocker on the score — clearly approved of the dance. It's not clear if officials were counting Williams' hip thrusts a la Hingle McCringleberry. Williams' run mark the the 13th straight quarter to start the season that the Lions have scored a touchdown.
wftv.comFantasy Football: How would a two-round draft look today after two weeks of NFL action?
Things change fast, day to day, week to week, even minute to minute on game day. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, BengalsThe Bengals invested in their leaky offensive line, but offensive lines need time to jell. Javonte Williams, RB, BroncosMelvin Gordon isn't going to disappear, but Williams is obviously the better receiver, and he should be a special runner, too. Jaylen Waddle, WR, DolphinsIt was frustrating to see Waddle pigeonholed into a short and horizontal role last year, not a comment on him but on his quarterback and coaching staff. Hill and Waddle deservedly get this draft real estate because the team’s target distribution is so heavily weighted towards them.
wftv.comFantasy Football: Sit/Start tips for Week 2 of the NFL season
Fantasy managers should remain patient … Devin Duvernay scored two touchdowns last week but saw just four targets on 18 routes; he shouldn't be anywhere near fantasy starting lineups. Flaws remain, but Wentz is playing indoors this week against a Lions defense that allowed an NFL-high 7.6 YPA and 31 passing scores last season. Only one run defense was graded worse in DVOA than Washington's in Week 1, and D'Andre Swift has missed multiple practices with a sprained ankle. He was first in route run involvement rate, which resulted in a career-high five catches. If he continues to see this type of route involvement with Russell Wilson now his QB, a nice fantasy season will follow.
wftv.comNFL training camp 2022: Lions RB Jamaal Williams vows to 'run over you while crying' after impassioned practice speech
Detroit Lions Training Camp ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN - JULY 29: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions laughs during the Detroit Lions Training Camp at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility on July 29, 2022 in Allen Park, Michigan. The second-year Detroit Lions head coach made enthusiasm his calling card when he took over in 2021. During a recent training camp huddle, running back Jamaal Williams gave a speech that should make his coach proud. When you tired, think of last year and think of that f***ing record. Williams' energy amplified.
wftv.comSome NFL veterans prosper as business season begins
(AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart, File)As the NFL opened its business year Wednesday, veterans Trent Williams, A.J. Williams also will get the biggest signing bonus ever for an offensive lineman at $30.1 million, as well as $55.1 million guaranteed. — Kansas City agreed to a $5 million contract for next season with three-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long, who will come out of retirement. — New England brought back center Ted Karras on a one-year, $4 million contract. Karras previously spent four seasons in New England, winning two Super Bowl rings as a utility offensive lineman and backup center to David Andrews.
Aaron Jones staying with Packers on 4-year, $48 million deal
The Pro Bowl running back, Jones has agreed to a new deal with the Green Bay Packers and wont be exploring free agency. Drew Rosenhaus, Jones agent, confirmed that his client had agreed on a four-year deal worth $48 million that includes a $13 million signing bonus. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke, File)Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones has agreed to a new deal with the Green Bay Packers and won’t be exploring free agency. Drew Rosenhaus, Jones’ agent, confirmed that his client had agreed on a four-year deal worth $48 million that includes a $13 million signing bonus. “We anticipated bigger offers in free agency, but Aaron wanted to stay with the Packers,” Rosenhaus said via email.
Aaron Rodgers' 'uncertain' future hangs over Green Bay
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) walks off the field after the NFC championship NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)GREEN BAY, Wis. – Aaron Rodgers said he's not sure what his future holds in Green Bay. Green Bay allowed a total of 16 sacks in its other 16 games. The NFC championship game reflected the occasional inconsistency of Green Bay’s defense under Pettine. Green Bay’s most notable flaw during its seven-game streak was its occasional tendency to have a breakdown on special teams.
Ted Thompson, 68, GM when Packers won last Super Bowl, dies
Thompson was Packers general manager from 2005-17 and drafted many notable players on the current roster, including two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)GREEN BAY, Wis. – Ted Thompson, whose 13-year run as Green Bay Packers general manager included their 2010 Super Bowl championship season, has died. Mike Sherman had been working as Packers coach and general manager up to that point. “Certainly he’s a guy who’s held in the highest regard in this building and, I think, just around the league,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. Gutekunst, who had been working with Thompson as player personnel director, was promoted to general manager and remains in that position.
Adams shines in snow as Packers trounce Titans 40-14
The Green Bay Packers teammates would love the opportunity to produce plenty of similar scenes next month by staying home throughout the NFC playoffs. Rodgers threw four touchdown passes as the Packers trounced the Tennessee Titans 40-14 for their fifth consecutive victory Sunday night. I think we proved that tonight.”Playing in the cold at Green Bay is tough for road teams, anyway. With snow falling throughout the first half and continuing to cover much of the field the rest of the game, Green Bay moved the ball at will all night. Green Bay pulled ahead 19-0 when Rodgers threw touchdown passes on each of their first three possessions.
Packers outlast Panthers 24-16 for 4th straight victory
Green Bay (11-3) won its fourth straight despite getting outscored 13-3 and outgained 214-49 in the second half. Rodgers called the second half “definitely a stinker for the offense.”“We just know that type of football in the second half is not going to get it done in the playoffs, where we're going,” Rodgers said. Green Bay took a half-game lead over New Orleans (10-3) in the race for the NFC’s best record. We played better after that.”Carolina scored the first 10 points of the second half on Bridgewater’s 13-yard scramble and Slye’s 22-yard field goal. Green Bay hosts Tennessee in another night game on Dec. 27.
AP source: NFL probe 49ers for possible COVID violations
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The NFL and the union are investigating the San Francisco 49ers and receiver Kendrick Bourne for possible violations of the league’s coronavirus protocols. A person familiar with the investigation says the probe is looking into whether Bourne was wearing a face covering as required by the COVID-19 rules. Bourne was placed on the COVID-19 list on Wednesday after testing positive for the coronavirus. The Packers also have their own coronavirus issues after running back AJ Dillon tested positive and was placed on the COVID-19 list Monday. Running back Jamaal Williams and linebacker Kamal Martin were also placed on the list because of high-risk close contacts.
49ers close facility after Bourne's positive COVID-19 test
The team said the positive test came back Wednesday morning and Bourne immediately went into self-quarantine after getting the diagnosis. Bourne is the 49ers’ third-leading receiver with 25 receptions for 352 yards and a touchdown. This is the first positive coronavirus test for the 49ers since the start of the regular season. The Packers are dealing with their own issues with the coronavirus after running back AJ Dillon tested positive on Monday. Running back Jamaal Williams and linebacker Kamal Martin were placed on the COVID-19 list on Tuesday as “high-risk” contacts to Dillon.
Cook's 4 TDs help Vikings knock off Packers 28-22
Green Bay had the ball at Minnesota's 41-yard line with 12 seconds and no timeouts left, but D.J. Each of the Vikings’ first four possessions ended with Cook touchdowns. Green Bay went a 2-point conversion got within 28-22 when replays determined the ball crossed the goal line on Jamaal Williams’ inside run. Green Bay got the ball back and reached Minnesota’s 41-yard line with 12 seconds and no timeouts left, but D.J. Four times in the second half, Green Bay reached Vikings territory without scoring.
Pandemic limiting what NFL players can do on their off weeks
The Packers (4-0) and Detroit Lions (1-3) don’t play this week and therefore are the first NFL teams to get a taste of how different off weeks will be amid a pandemic. “We have new protocols in place that are meant to keep everybody safe and healthy,” Lions coach Matt Patricia said. The NFL sent out a reminder Friday that the league’s agreement with the NFL Players Association in August means players who miss tests can be punished with a $50,000 fine. “You’ve got to look no further than Tennessee.”The protocols are impacting some players more than others. While the protocols have changed those plans, it has created opportunities for those players who already have their family members with them.
Rodgers, Tonyan lead Packers to 30-16 victory over Falcons
Tonyan caught three of Aaron Rodgers’ four touchdown passes, Za'Darius Smith recorded three sacks and the Packers remained unbeaten with a 30-16 victory over the winless Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. “I just had to continue to do what I've been doing, just keep playing well and stick to the game plan,” Tonyan said. Green Bay star receiver Davante Adams sat out a second straight game with a hamstring injury and Allen Lazard is on injured reserve with a core problem. Tonyan has scored in three straight games and now has five touchdown catches to match Tampa Bay's Mike Evans for the NFL lead. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark (groin) missed a third straight game.