Fantasy Football: Last season's most disappointing players — what went wrong?
It happens every fantasy football season: Players we're high on end up disappointing us. 1.2 — 2022 fantasy finish: RB34Let's get the obvious out of the way: After not missing a single game in his entire football life, Taylor's 2022 season was utterly derailed by injuries. 52.4 — 2022 fantasy finish: WR39Sutton 2022 ADP: Pick No. 44.9 — 2022 fantasy finish: WR43"What in the hell?!" Like Russell Wilson, Sutton was a large part of the Denver hype train; he was supposed to be Russ's DK Metcalf in Mile High.
wftv.comFantasy Football: Which of 2022's most underperforming players will turn it around in 2023?
In other words, these players totaled the most Fantasy Points below their Expected Fantasy Value. Expected Fantasy Points (xFP): A usage metric that calculates the average fantasy value of a player's total opportunities based on historical play-by-play data. Fantasy Points Over (or Below) Expected (FPOE = Actual Points - Expected Points): An efficiency metric that is often subject to regression year over year. First of all, he was still the TE5 in Fantasy Usage with a 9.1 Expected Fantasy Value. Therefore, in one of the most pass-heavy offenses in the league (QB7 in Expected Fantasy Points), he should continue to hold top-tier QB1 upside for fantasy managers in 2023.
wftv.comWeek 16 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Injury updates, Dotson on fire & waiver wire etiquette
Subscribe to the Yahoo Fantasy Football ForecastApple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google PodcastsMatt Harmon is joined by Andy Behrens to break down the news coming out of Week 15 in the NFL before diving into what is left on waiver wires, but not before laying out some crucial waiver wire etiquette. First, the guys discuss the disappointing news coming out regarding Jonathan Taylor’s high ankle sprain and what a blow that is for fantasy teams. Then the guys spend time talking about Trevor Lawrence, who is ascending to one of the highest tiers of fantasy QBs right now. After a brief lesson on waiver wire etiquette, Andy explains why you should be adding Tyler Allgeier or Jahan Dotson to your team (especially if you’re still alive in the playoffs). Finally, Matt and Andy tell you who to drop, who to hold on to, and give an update on Matt’s mom’s fantasy league.
wftv.comComeback-king Vikings set NFL rally record in win vs. Colts
The Vikings took this rally all the way to their second possession of OT, after punting on their first one. The last time Minnesota beat Indianapolis was in 1997, the final game the Colts played before they drafted Peyton Manning. Dallis Flowers returned the opening kickoff 49 yards, and the Colts were in scoring position within seconds. Vikings: LT Christian Darrisaw returned from a three-game absence for a concussion but limped off twice in overtime with leg cramps. UP NEXTColts: Host the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 26, their second Monday night game in five weeks.
wftv.comFantasy Football: Which running backs have the best playoff schedules?
The fantasy playoffs aren’t far away, so it’s time to cook up the best and worst running back schedules moving forward. Here is your running back strength of schedule board, considering opponents for Weeks 15 through 17. Running Back Fantasy Strength of Schedule — Weeks 15-17Minnesota (Dalvin Cook): vs. Colts, vs. Giants, @PackersIndianapolis (Jonathan Taylor): @Vikings, vs. Chargers, @GiantsNew Orleans (Alvin Kamara): vs. Falcons, vs. SteelersTampa Bay (Leonard Fournette / Rachaad White): vs. Bengals, @Cardinals, vs. PanthersSan Francisco (Christian McCaffrey): @Seahawks, vs. JetsCincinnati (Joe Mixon): @Buccaneers, @Patriots, vs. BillsCarolina (D'Onta Foreman / Chuba Hubbard): vs. Steelers, vs. Lions, @BuccaneersCleveland (Nick Chubb / Kareem Hunt): vs. Ravens, vs. Saints, @CommandersLas Vegas (Josh Jacobs): vs. Patriots, @Steelers, vs. NinersListen to the Yahoo Fantasy Football Forecast
wftv.comJeff Saturday admits he mismanaged clock during Monday night loss to Steelers: 'We were in disarray'
Indianapolis Colts head coach Jeff Saturday knows he messed up his clock management during a Monday night loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. Saturday reviewed the tape from the loss, and admitted he should have called a timeout before a chaotic third-down play. Upon reviewing tape of the game, Saturday admitted he should have called timeout following the Ryan scramble. Saturday had little to no experience as a head coach or assistant when he was hired as the interim head coach by Colts owner Jim Irsay. Monday's clock-management issues highlight Saturday's inexperience as an NFL head coach.
wftv.comEkeler's Edge: Jonathan Taylor & Thanksgiving games preview
Subscribe to the Yahoo Fantasy Football ForecastApple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google PodcastsMatt Harmon is joined by Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler for another great episode of Ekeler's Edge. This week, the guys recap the Chargers loss to the Chiefs and talk with Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor. They also discuss just how good Patrick Mahomes is. Colts RB Jonathan Taylor then joins the show to talk about the difference in year 3 in the NFL, his relationship with fantasy football, the Colts changing head coaches mid-season and his thoughts about Thanksgiving foodFinally, Matt is joined by Dalton Del Don to do a fantasy preview all three of the games that will be played on Thanksgiving. Check out all the episodes of the Yahoo Fantasy Football Forecast and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
wftv.comFantasy Football Fact or Fluke: How do you know when to start a player coming off injury?
Trust is a major factor in fantasy football and not an issue that is solved in a one-and-done kind of way. If a player leaves a game hurt or sustains an injury during practice, he pops up on the team’s injury report and fantasy players naturally wonder: Can I trust him? The big question is, how do you know when to trust a player coming back from injury? Out of my frustration, I once did a study on player performance in the first game back from injury in the NBA. Football is a very different sport, however, and we know that is not necessarily the case with the NFL.
wftv.comMatt Ryan, interim coach Saturday rally Colts past Raiders
Ryan completed 21 of 28 passes for 222 yards, and Jonathan Taylor rushed for 147 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown. It was Taylor's first 100-yard game since the season opener against the Houston Texans, when he rushed for 161 yards. The duo offset the play of Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, who caught nine passes for 126 yards and a TD. Ryan was benched by previous coach Frank Reich in favor of Sam Ehlinger, who started the past two games. Raiders tight end Foster Moreau and Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin entered the blue injury tent in the second half, but both players returned.
wftv.comMatt Ryan returns, and Jeff Saturday's Colts look competent in win over Raiders
After a week filled with pontification, the Indianapolis Colts took the field for the first time on Sunday under new head coach Jeff Saturday. Saturday's first order of business on his first gameday was to reinstate Matt Ryan, who'd been benched by ousted coach Frank Reich in favor of Sam Ehlinger. The Colts got on the board first on Sunday when Ryan capped a 70-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown sneak. This 39-yard run by Matt Ryan is the longest run in his 15-year NFL career👏Before today, the most rushing yards Ryan had in a game was 37. (2017 vs Patriots)🎥@NFLpic.twitter.com/23Z1SJmhSG — The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 14, 2022The run set up a 35-yard touchdown pass to Parris Campbell, and the Colts took the lead for good.
wftv.comNFL injury tracker Week 9: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor out again with ankle injury
Jonathan Taylor out again for ColtsColts running back Jonathan Taylor won’t play on Sunday against the New England Patriots due to a lingering ankle injury. It will mark the third game Taylor has missed after he sustained the injury in Week 4. Starter Ryan Tannehill missed last week’s win over the Houston Texans with an ankle injury, and he’s been limited in practice all week. Terrell, who missed last week’s game with the injury too, hasn’t practiced all week. Lazard missed last week’s game against Buffalo due to a shoulder injury, and he’s been limited in practice all week.
wftv.comBold fantasy football predictions for Week 9: Injuries present big opportunities
Our analysts reveal their boldest fantasy predictions for Week 9. Widely available RB ready to helpScott Pianowski: I tried to get Deon Jackson anywhere I could this week, and I failed. Just three weeks ago, Jackson rolled up 121 total yards, 10 catches, and a touchdown. Lamar Jackson said it best, "main guys went down and everyone stepped up," in their Week 8 win over the Bucs. Palmer fills void for Chargers, fantasy managersDalton Del Don: Joshua Palmer finishes as a top-10 fantasy wideout this week with Mike Williams out and Keenan Allen potentially sidelined after suffering a setback with his hamstring injury.
wftv.comDaily Fantasy Football Week 9: Lineup building blocks and undervalued options to target
He’s averaging the most fantasy points among all backs in 0.5 PPR leagues this season despite reaching 15 carries in just one game (when he saw 16 rush attempts). Either way, Taylor is in a tough spot Sunday on the road against a New England defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs this year. This week the Packers get a much different Lions defense yielding 5.1 YPC, 13 rushing touchdowns and the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. Moore led the league in air yards last week and leads the NFL in air yardage share over the last month. He remains affordable in DFS this week facing a Bengals secondary dealing with multiple injuries, so Moore is undervalued.
wftv.comColts fire offensive coordinator Marcus Brady, who does not call the plays
Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Marcus Brady was fired Tuesday morning following the team's Week 8 loss to the Washington Commanders, the team announced. "I appreciate Marcus's commitment to the organization, and he made a significant contribution to our offensive success over the last five seasons. For one, Reich is actually the team's offensive play-caller – not Brady – which follows a familiar trend this season. Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett is also his team's offensive play-caller and the Broncos average slightly fewer points than the Colts. Brady, 43, was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2021 after three seasons as the team's quarterbacks coach.
wftv.comFantasy Football Flashback: QB-WR duos top Week 6's list of the most reliable players
Welcome to the Week 6 edition of Fantasy Football Flashback, where we celebrate the accomplishments of the week's most reliable players. The former Tigers superstar has once again overcome mediocre Cincinnati offensive line play to thus far rank fifth among fantasy QB scorers. The end result was Chase’s best fantasy week to date, as the second-year star finished with seven catches for 132 yards and two scores. Many managers were frustrated with a recent lack of production from the 22-year-old, who averaged 53.5 yards per game from Week 2-5. The oversized passer had 32 yards rushing, but his stat line was dominated by 329 passing yards and three touchdowns.
wftv.comColts will be missing top 2 running backs against Jaguars
INDIANAPOLIS — (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts announced Saturday they will be without running backs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines for Sunday's key AFC South battle against Jacksonville. Taylor, last year’s NFL rushing champion, will miss his second straight game with an injured ankle. We think Deon can provide that if needed,” coach Frank Reich said Friday before decisions were made on Taylor and Hines. Indy has lost four of six to the Jaguars (2-3), including a 24-0 defeat in Week 2. The Colts are a half-game behind Tennessee (3-2) in the division race but are 0-2-1 against AFC South foes.
wftv.comColts will be missing top 2 running backs against Jaguars
The Indianapolis Colts announced Saturday they will be without running backs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines for Sunday's key AFC South battle against Jacksonville. Taylor, last year’s NFL rushing champion, will miss his second straight game with an injured ankle. Hines entered the concussion protocol since wobbling off the field early in last Thursday’s victory at Denver.
news.yahoo.comNFL Thursday Night Football Week 5: Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos take on Indianapolis Colts
Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos are off to a so-so start, and they'll look to right the ship on Thursday Night Football against the Indianapolis Colts, who have already ruled out star running back Jonathan Taylor. Follow the action live with Yahoo Sports.
wftv.comJonathan Taylor ruled out of Thursday's Colts-Broncos game
The Indianapolis Colts have ruled running back Jonathan Taylor out of Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos with an ankle injury. He'd hoped to play against the Broncos, but the turnaround for a Thursday night game proved to be too short. The reigning NFL rushing champion, Taylor has tallied 328 yards and a touchdown on four yards per carry through four games. Nyheim Hines is next up on the Colts running back depth chart. Starting safety Justin Blackmon will also miss Thursday's game with an ankle injury.
wftv.comJonathan Taylor, who said he has never missed a practice, misses practice Wednesday
Jonathan Taylor did not participate in practice for the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday. The Colts running back was reportedly held out of practice due to a toe injury, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The top pick in most fantasy drafts this season, Taylor has so far posted 286 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground, plus 43 receiving yards. He did miss a mandatory minicamp this recent offseason due to an unspecified injury, so at best you can only say he's never missed an in-season practice. He has a strong case as the top running back in the NFL, and it's noteworthy that he only missed a practice.
wftv.comNFL on TV Week 3: Schedule, injuries, network coverage, live updates, scores and results
ET, CBS | Live statsBengals at Jets, 1 p.m. ET, CBS | Live statsTexans at Bears, 1 p.m. ET, CBS | Live statsChiefs at Colts, 1 p.m. ET, FOX | Live statsRaiders at Titans, 1 p.m. ET, FOX | Live statsSaints at Panthers, 1 p.m.
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 Fact or Fluke: Renee's reactions to Week 2
There are all kinds of reasons that logical decision-making falls by the wayside in fantasy football (see some of them here). With Kirk, it's more telling that he also had six catches for 117 yards in Week 1 on 12 targets. Josh Allen had his worst fantasy game of the season, with zero touchdowns, two interceptions and four sacks. Week 1 was disappointing, but still ok; Smith-Schuster saw seven targets and compiled six catches for 79 yards. In fact, he went 5-for-5 for 41 yards and the score yesterday which helped exactly no one who plays fantasy football.
wftv.comBills rally to beat Colts 27-24 in Matt Ryan's Indy debut
Colts Bills Football Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes under pressure from Buffalo Bills defensive end Boogie Basham (55) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) (Jeffrey T. Barnes)ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — (AP) — Matt Ryan’s pass attempts were much like his Indianapolis Colts’ preseason debut: relatively short and efficient in a 27-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Ryan's backup, Nick Foles threw an interception and lost a fumble, which was returned 69 yards for a touchdown by Bills rookie linebacker Terrel Bernard. Ryan is projected to become the Colts’ fourth different opening day starter in as many years since Andrew Luck retired. Elam stayed tight to Pierce on a slant route and got his hand on Ryan’s attempt on third-and-3 at the Colts 12. Bills: Rookie sixth-round pick, P Matt Araiza (nicknamed "Punt God" at San Diego State), hit an 82-yard punt, which dribbled into the end zone.
wftv.comTreylon Burks, RB value chart & Colts preview
Subscribe to the Yahoo Fantasy Football ForecastApple Podcasts • Spotify • Stitcher • Google PodcastsMatt Harmon is joined by Scott Pianowski to discuss Treylon Burks’ slow start in Titans camp before taking a look at how Scott is ranking all of the RBs (and why). Later, the guys discuss the 2022 Indianapolis Colts and whether there’s anyone beyond Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman that will be fantasy relevant this year. 01:50 Treylon Burks thought09:20 NEWS / Mekhi Becton injury14:40 Dalvin Cook / Derrick Henry21:30 Aaron Jones24:35 Saquon Barkley29:30 Alvin Kamara32:50 Travis Etienne / Javonte Williams37:50 Elijah Mitchell / Trey Sermon41:15 Brandon Aiyuk43:15 Damien Harris / Rhamondre Stevenson48:00 Tony Pollard / Ezekiel Elliott53:00 COLTS PREVIEW54:05 Matt Ryan58:00 Mo Alie-Cox60:30 Nyheim HinesCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.com/podcasts
wftv.com2022 Fantasy Football Running Back Shuffle Up: Jonathan Taylor reigns supreme
The dollar values you'll see below are unscientific in nature but reflect how I see the clusters of talent at the running back position. ("Add" means that player was added post-draft in the Vegas league; "FA" denotes a player who is currently unrostered in that pool.) I side with Taylor because he's younger, tied to a better team and quarterback, and working behind a stronger offensive line. Elliott's efficiency has dropped two straight seasons and he's now in his seventh year, a danger area for a running back. Mattison is always a popular lottery-ticket play, but it's hard to see him having value without a Cook injury.
wftv.comFantasy Football Rankings 2022: August is here, so it's time to draft!
Now, we're in the days of training camps news and roster rumors, of depth chart deciphering and preseason games — and our fantasy rankings are here to help you sift through it all. Who deserves to be in the first round of fantasy football drafts? The questions will be plenty, but don't worry: Matt Harmon, Dalton Del Don, Scott Pianowski and Andy Behrens will provide quality fantasy draft analysis to help you make the best decisions. The first round of fantasy drafts will look incredibly different this season in comparison to previous years, but our analysts' rankings can help you make the best decision when you're on the clock. Check them out below and be sure to bookmark them as you ramp up your draft prep for the season.
wftv.comFantasy Football Rankings 2022: Running backs
Los Angeles Chargers v Las Vegas Raiders LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of a game at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 2 pick in 2022 fantasy drafts? [2022 Fantasy Draft Rankings: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs]Or, just maybe, Austin Ekeler, the Chargers' do-it-all runner, has taken the fantasy leap into the No. Like Taylor, Ekeler also scored 20 total touchdowns, but unlike Taylor, he scored eight times through the air. Whether you think Ekeler is the best option after JT or someone else at the running back position, our fantasy analysts can help you make the right decision with their rankings below:
wftv.comMo.-based company hired to police drugs in US horse racing
Kentucky Derby First Female Producer Horse Racing FILE - John Velazquez rides Medina Spirit across the finish line to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 1, 2021. The Kentucky Derby television broadcast will be produced by a woman for the first time in the 148-year-old history of the race. Lindsay Schanzer on Thursday, April 21, 2022, will be named senior producer of NBC Sports’ Derby coverage and oversee the network’s horse racing production. — (AP) — A deal for Drug Free Sport International to police medication in horse racing was announced Tuesday, two months before the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority takes effect. The anti-doping and medication rules aren’t expected to begin until Jan. 1, 2023, leaving the 38 states where horse racing occurs in charge for now.
wftv.comJags clown Colts 26-11, keep Indy from making playoffs
The Colts looked more like the ones who should have been decked out in giant bow ties, face paint and colorful wigs and suspenders. With a playoff berth on the line, Indianapolis was a no-show on an 80-degree day in Jacksonville. The Colts end the season on a two-game skid when one victory would have put it in the postseason. Lawrence completed 23 of 32 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns, his first game with multiple TD passes since the season opener. WENTZ STRUGGLESWentz completed 17 of 29 passes for 185 yards, with a garbage-time touchdown and an interception.
wftv.comTaylor helps Colts turn table on Patriots with 27-17 victory
(AP Photo/Aaron Doster) (Aaron Doster)INDIANAPOLIS — (AP) — Jonathan Taylor ran for 170 yards and scored on a 67-yarder with 2:01 left to help the Indianapolis Colts seal a 27-17 victory over the New England Patriots on Saturday night. The Colts (8-6) solidified their playoff hopes by winning for the fifth time in six games — and ending an eight-game losing streak to the rival Patriots (9-5). New England had won seven straight and started the weekend in the top spot of the AFC playoff chase. The Colts added a 25-yard field goal before halftime and another early in the third quarter to make it 20-0. Colts: Center Ryan Kelly missed his second straight game after being a late scratch.
wftv.comThe Latest: Broncos without new sacks leader Malik Reed
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (Michael Conroy)The latest from Week 9 of the NFL (all times EST):___The Denver Broncos are without new sacks leader Malik Reed because of injury in their first game since trading star pass rusher Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams. Welcome to Super Bowl Sunday in November. Week 9's slate of games features five Super Bowl rematches, two more than any other week in league history. That was a rematch of Super Bowl 3 which the Jets won 16-7 after Joe Namath guaranteed an upset. The others are:—The Broncos at Cowboys, a repeat of Super Bowl 12, which Dallas won 27-10.
wftv.comThe Latest: Week 9 features record five Super Bowl rematches
Welcome to Super Bowl Sunday in November. Week 9's slate of games features five Super Bowl rematches, two more than any other week in league history. That was a rematch of Super Bowl 3 which the Jets won 16-7 after Joe Namath guaranteed an upset. The others are:—The Broncos at Cowboys, a repeat of Super Bowl 12, which Dallas won 27-10. That's a repeat of Super Bowl 34, which the Rams, then based in St. Louis, won 23-16.
wftv.comTaylor, ground game help Colts find easy path past Jets
Jets Colts Football Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor (28) runs against New York Jets' Bryce Hall (37) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, in Indianapolis. Indy (4-5) finished with 260 yards rushing, the highest-single game total in the NFL this season in their first prime-time home game since December 2017. “It takes the pressure off the pass game when you run like that," Colts coach Frank Reich said. Colts: Wentz has thrown multiple TD passes in six straight games and is 2-0 all-time against the Jets. ... Wilson (knee) and WR Corey Davis (hamstring) each sat out for a second straight game.
wftv.comThe Latest: Heinicke starts for Washington vs. Brady, Bucs
So Taylor Heinicke is getting his second career NFL start when Washington hosts Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild card playoff Saturday night. Metcalf to cut the Los Angles Rams' lead to 13-10 in the second quarter of their wild card game. They held off Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts 27-24 in the first of six wild card games this weekend. Four of those teams play on what the NFL is calling “Super Wild Card Weekend” with Green Bay earning the NFC’s first-round bye. Washington won the middling NFC East despite a 7-9 record to earn a home wild card game.
Taylor-made day sends Colts past Jags, back into playoffs
Taylor's breakout game, given the circumstances, will never be forgotten by Colts fans. The Jags lost their final 15 games after beating the Colts in the season opener. Colts: Jared Veldheer started in place of injured LT Anthony Castonzo, and the Colts were without two starters in the secondary — S Khari Willis and CB Rock Ya-Sin. Colts: Rivers' TD pass, No. Hilton caught his 50th career TD pass, tying the late Jimmy Orr for fourth on the franchise list.
Steelers rally past Colts to end skid, lock up AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) makes a catch past Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Pittsburgh. And even as the Steelers spent the first half against Indianapolis seemingly in a full-out sprint to get to the offseason as quickly as possible. It revived Pittsburgh's floundering season and delivered the Steelers the AFC North title. The defense kept Philip Rivers, rookie running back Jonathan Taylor and Indianapolis out of the end zone in the second half. “When we had everything to play for, we just didn’t have all the answers in the second half of a game we had to have.
Hilton, Taylor lead Colts' 44-27 rout of fading Raiders
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) jumps over Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)LAS VEGAS – Frank Reich found himself regularly amazed while he watched everything his Indianapolis Colts accomplished in their first trip to Sin City. He also marveled at the breakaway speed of Jonathan Taylor, who outran the Raiders' entire secondary on a 62-yard TD sprint. Moreau eluded two defenders on a 47-yard catch-and-run TD shortly before Agholor's 21-yard TD reception put the Raiders up 14-10 early in the second quarter. BIG CATCHMoore blew both teams' minds with his interception in the second quarter.
Ravens set NFL record for 20-point games with win in Indy
(AP Photo/AJ Mast)INDIANAPOLIS – Lamar Jackson fast-tracked the Baltimore Ravens' latest record-breaking achievement. He opened the second half with an up-tempo game plan that got Indianapolis' defense out of sync. After punting on their first five possessions and watching the defense score the Ravens' only points of the first half, Jackson switched it up. “I’m glad we did," Harbaugh said when asked about going fast in the second half. Linebackers Darius Leonard and Anthony Walker also were injured in the second half.
Mertz, No. 14 Wisconsin rout Illinois 45-7 in Big Ten opener
Mertz threw five touchdown passes to match the Wisconsin record in a commanding first career start and the No. We’re a better football team than that.”After Illinois fumbled the ball away on the game’s second play from scrimmage, Mertz hit fullback Mason Stokke for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Illinois briefly got back into it late in the second quarter when Ferguson fumbled at the end of a 9-yard completion. Mertz responded to Illinois’ touchdown by throwing a 34-yard completion to Ferguson and then hitting the tight end again for a 14-yard score with 1:06 left in the half. After Illinois went three-and-out on its next series, Mertz threw deep and found Danny Davis for a 53-yard touchdown pass with 28 seconds left until halftime.
No. 7 Oregon, No. 11 Wisconsin to clash in 106th Rose Bowl
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor, left, is congratulated by Jack Dunn after running for a touchdown during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
No. 7 Oregon, No. 11 Wisconsin to clash in 106th Rose Bowl
11 Wisconsin in the 106th edition of the Rose Bowl. The Ducks (11-2) and Badgers (10-3) are regular New Year’s Day visitors to Pasadena: Wisconsin is in the Rose Bowl for the fourth time in 10 seasons, albeit the first in seven years, while Oregon has earned its fourth berth in 11 seasons. This game also is a rematch of the 2012 Rose Bowl. Oregon has reached the Rose Bowl four times in the past 11 years under three coaches, winning in two of those first three trips. Wisconsin started 6-0 this season before back-to-back losses to Illinois and Ohio State knocked it out of the national title picture.