The ' decision to was such a surprise that even Rivera was caught off guard by the news. Although Rivera was on the hot seat and knew he might eventually be let go at the end of the year, the Panthers coach didn't seem to think there was any chance he .So why did Panthers owner David Tepper decide to fire Rivera with just four games left to play? Why not let him coach Carlos Gomez Jersey out the season and then fire him after Week 17?Tepper was asked those exact questions on Tuesday and he didn't try to duck them. During and a later interview with local media, Tepper gave a thorough explanation for why he decided to let Rivera go with just four weeks left in the 2019 season."I'm not going to start a search and not tell ," Tepper told reporters. "I'm not going to disrespect him." The owner's decision basically boiled down to two things: He wanted to start interviewing candidates now and he didn't want to New York Mets Jersey be interviewing those people behind Rivera's back ()."Quite frankly, our season is not over, but as far as making the playoffs it is ," Tepper told the team's website. "I could make the change now. I could make it later. There are competitive reasons why I wanted to make sure that we were out there looking at all personnel po sible for the future. I don't want to in any way, shape or form didn't want to be having inquiries where Ron didn't know what I was doing. I don't want to be doing things not up front. It's just not who I am, so I'd rather be straight up and honest." If Rivera had stayed on to coach through the end of the year, Tepper would likely have had to reach out to coaching candidates through backchannels, which isn't something he really wanted to do."If I'm going to make a Devin Mesoraco Jersey change, I'm going to take a change," Tepper said. "Not to get a competitive disadvantage over other teams, if I need to talk to people, I want to talk to them and I want to talk to them in a straightforward, honest way."After revamping the busine s side of the organization , Tepper felt it was time to now revamp the football side of things. "I came here two years ago. I wanted to show patience on the football side to see how it was going," Tepper said. "On the busine s side, we made vast and sweeping changes, and I didn't want to make those vast and sweeping changes on the football side. I wanted to take time Jose Reyes Jersey and patience to see what could go, and how it could go. I just thought it was time -- given the way things have gone the last two seasons -- to put my stamp on this organization on the football side, as we've done on the busine s side of the organization. As much respect as I have for Ron, I think a change was appropriate to build things the way I want things to be built."With Rivera now out, it seems that Tepper's with a offensive-minded coach who embraces analytics. To check out a list of six candidates the Panthers Jason Vargas Jersey might consider for the job, including offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, .
NFLPA president believes the players wil
The players have until Thursday at 11:59 p.m. to vote on the proposed collective bargaining agreement, even though NFLPA President believes he knows the direction they will vote. in his weekly column, Winston thinks the majority of players will pa s the CBA by flying colors."I would think it would pa s. I would think it would pa s by a lot," Winston . "It's important that we let the proce s play out, and important that all players understand Keith Hernandez Jersey the i sues and vote their conscience."Under the proposed CBA, the will increase the season to 17 games (from 16) and the addition of an extra team to the playoffs in each conference. The 14-team playoff would have the top seed earning a first-round bye while seeds No. 2 through No. 7 would play on Wild-Card Weekend.The 17-game schedule could start as early as 2021 with the 14-team playoff taking effect as early as 2020. With the expansion of the schedule, the New York Mets Jersey preseason will be reduced from four weeks to three as the fourth preseason week would become an extra bye week for the players. "It wasn't our idea," Winston said of the 17-game schedule, "but the other side has a say too. And we got a lot out of it a higher all revenue, higher minimum (salaries), expanded rosters, Pedro Martinez Jersey four more practice squad players per team, better work conditions in training camp, better health care, better benefits, a major increase in pension for thousands of former players."The active game day roster will expand from 46 to 48 players as practice squads will expand from 10 to 12 players in 2020. That number will increase to 14 players starting in 2022 (including between two and four players with unlimited accrued seasons per team). Also starting in 2021, the annual player revenue will increase from 47 to a minimum of 48% which can go as high to 48.8% with a "media kicker" from the new television deal Jeff McNei Jersey .Winston and the NFLPA leaders have been under a lot of pre sure regarding the new CBA, with some players believing the deal was rushed in order to get done. Winston denied that Mike Piazza Jersey to be the case. "We went to every team during the fall, let 'em know exactly where we were," Winston said. "We spent 20 hours since the season ended with our player reps. There have been some misconceptions about the proce s. You're not going to get everything you want in a negotiation, and we certainly didn't."
NFL Week 16 early odds Patriots favored
For the first time all season, the NFL is finally giving us some Saturday football, and we'll be getting that in the form of a tripleheader on Dec. 21. That's right, we'll be getting three games, and surprisingly, they'll all have some major playoff implications.The biggest game of the day is probably the showdown that will be happening at Gillette Stadium between the and the . Surprisingly, the Bills have opened as a big underdog in this game. In the early odds for Week 16, the Patriots have opened as a seven-point favorite. The good news for Bills fans is that the last three times that Buffalo has opened as an underdog of seven or more points, the Bills have gone 3-0 against the spread (ATS). The bad news for Bills fans is that they're just 1-2 straight-up in those games.If you're thinking about throwing some money down on the Saturday games this year, here are three Carlos Ruiz Jersey trends that might help you decide which way to bet. Besides Bills-Patriots, we'll also be getting Texans-Buccaneers and Rams-49ers on Saturday.If you like betting underdogs, then Saturday is the day to do it, and that's because they're 4-0-1 ATS in their past five Saturday games.Road teams have also done a good job of covering the spread on Saturdays, going 5-0-1 ATS in their past six.In the eight Saturday games played since the start of the 2017 season, the under has hit a total of six times.In non-Saturday games, the will also be giving us a juicy showdown on Monday when the host the . The Vikings have opened as a 4.5 point favorite over Green Bay, which is somewhat surprising, considering Minnesota is employing a quarterback who has never won a game on Monday night. So how bad is ' Monday night record? For a look at that and all the other odds and trends for Week 16, let's get to the early odds and find out.Oh, and if you're thinking about laying any money on this week's slate of games, you need to make sure to check out the . This model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up more than $7,000 for $100 players on its top-rated since its inception four years ago. It has nailed its recent top-rated , entering Week 16 of the 2019 on a blistering 21-11 run that dates back to last season. It's also on a 83-54 roll on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. To . Alright, now let's really get to the odds.NFL Week 16 odds (9-5) at (7-7), SaturdayOpening line: Pick'emThis game is a pick'em, which means one thing you probably want to consider is that the Bucs are Brandon Brennan Jersey the hottest team in the NFC. They're currently on a four-game winning streak, which is the longest streak in the NFC and the tied for the second-longest in the NFL. During that streak the Bucs have gone 3-0-1 ATS. As for the Texans, they're just 4-8 straight-up in their past 12 games against NFC teams and 2-6 ATS in their past eight against the NFC. One thing to keep in mind here is that could be mi sing a few weapons. Besides , there's a good chance could also be out. Godwin left Sunday's game after suffering a hamstring injury.Bills (10-4) at Patriots (11-3), SaturdayOpening line: Patriots -7This has basically been one of the most lopsided divisional rivalries in the NFL over the past 15 years. Since 2004, the Patriots have gone 28-3 straight-up against the Bills, which includes a mark of 18-11-1 ATS. The Patriots have also won six straight games in this series with five of those six wins coming by at least 12 points. If you're looking for a reason to bet the Bills, they've covered in two straight games against the Patriots and they've also covered three straight games against Blank Jersey any team when they were an underdog of seven points or more. (8-6) at (11-3), SaturdayOpening line: 49ers -6.5If there's one thing Kyle Shanahan has struggled to do during his 49ers tenure, it's cover the spread against divisional opponents. Since the beginning of the 2018 season, the 49ers are just 2-7-1 ATS against NFC West teams. On the other hand, Sean McVay has been the complete opposite, going 10-4 ATS in his past 14 games against divisional opponents, which includes a mark of 5-1 ATS In his past six. However, the one game where the Rams didn't cover in the span came back in Week 6, when the Rams lost 20-7 as a three-point favorite against the 49ers. One other thing to consider is that the 49ers are 0-5-1 ATS this season when favored by six or more points (5-1 straight-up), including Sunday's lo s to the . (5-9) at Falcons (5-9)Opening line: Falcons -6.5This is your final chance of the 2019 to take advantage of one of the craziest streaks in sports: The Falcons can't cover against AFC teams. In their past 13 Jake Fraley Jersey games against the AFC, the Falcons have gone 1-12 straight up and 0-13 ATS, and that is not a typo. The Falcons haven't covered in any of their past 13 games against the AFC, and that includes going 0-3 both straight-up and ATS against the AFC South this year. On the flip side, this might actually be the week where you don't want to bet against the Falcons, and that's because the Jags are just as bad against NFC teams. Since 2013, the Jags are 4-23 both straight-up and ATS against NFC teams. The Jags are also 0-6 ATS in their past six games against the NFC, so someone's ugly streak has to end this week. (12-2) at (6-8)Opening line: Ravens -8The Ravens have been one of the best road teams in the NFL this year. Not only have they won five straight away from Baltimore, but they're also 8-2 ATS in their past 10 road games dating back to last season. The Ravens have also covered in seven straight December road games dating back to 2017. As for the Browns, although they've historically struggled against the Ravens -- just 4-16 straight-up in their past 20 -- the Browns have won two of three against Baltimore while going 3-0 ATS in those games. However, an upset here would be pretty shocking, and that's because the Browns are 2-48 straight-up in the past 50 games where they were an underdog of seven or more points. Of course, one of those two wins came in Week Ben Gamel Jersey 4 when the Browns upset the Ravens 40-25 in a game where Cleveland was a 7.5-point underdog. (10-3) at (8-6)Opening line: Saints -2The Saints don't always seem to cover against AFC teams, but they do seem to beat them. In their past nine games against the AFC, the Saints are 9-0 straight-up, but just 5-4 ATS (This doesn't include their Monday game against the ). The Saints are also 4-1 both straight-up and ATS in the past five games where they've been favored by one to three points. As for the Titans, they're 11-4 ATS in their past 15 games against the NFC and they're also 6-2 ATS in their past eight games as a home underdog. (5-9) at Colts (6-7)Opening line: Colts -6.5In their past 15 games against NFC teams, the Colts have gone 10-4-1 ATS (not including Monday's game against the Saints). The Colts have been especially go
NFL teams that need a RB Heres how Steel
The first and biggest wave of 2020 NFL free agency has come and gone, and with the draft now right around the corner, the headlines of big-name veteran additions have slowed. But that doesn't mean teams have stopped looking for ways to improve their Carlos Ruiz Jersey rosters and, in some cases, fill remaining needs. Running back, specifically, is a position a handful of organizations figure to addre s in the coming weeks and months.Here's a look at some of the teams most in need of RB help, as well as potential solutions:The Falcons made a relatively big splash at RB by bringing back to Georgia, and if the former Offensive Player of the Year is healthy, they'll be in for a treat. "If" is the key word there, though, and even if Gurley in top shape, there's no reason Atlanta should overwork him. With cut loose, they're still in need of No. 2 competition. , the presumptive backup, has yet to play more than 12 games in a season; and , another reserve candidate, has mi sed 11 games in two years.Best solutions:Draft a running back in the second or third roundSign ( )There aren't many veteran additions the Falcons could make that offer significantly more upside than just riding with Hill and Smith behind Gurley, so pinpointing a long-term starter and running mate for Gurley would be smarter. Landing Jonathan Taylor or local star D'Andre Swift would be the best-case scenario. If, however, the Falcons somehow settle for a low-risk veteran gamble, Clement is both young and versatile enough to potentially become a favorite outlet, so long as he stays healthy. The Bills have their guy in second-year play-maker , but backup T.J. Yeldon's been all but a total non-factor, and with the agele s hitting the road, could use another backfield weapon. Buffalo didn't reportedly pursue for nothing. Gore, remember, got 166 carries in 2019 as a quasi-starter, leaving a sizable role wide open for 2020.Po sible solutions:Sign ( )Draft a running back in the fifth or sixth roundAdding Hyde would be the most immediate way Buffalo could shore up its depth, e sentially upgrading Gore's spot. The 29-year-old reportedly almost prompted a trade up by the Bills back in the 2014 draft, he wouldn't eat into Singletary's touches as a pa s catcher, and he's got experience working in a committee. Alternatively, someone like Ole Mi s's Scottie Phillips Mallex Smith Jersey , a shifty but powerful prospect, could make sense as a Day 3 flier and a more up-the-gut complement to Singletary.We love as much as the next man, and believe it or not, the third-year back is still just 22. He's also mi sed 14 games in two seasons due to knee problems. is a nice bruiser to have on the roster, but if he's getting close to 10 carries a game, that's a problem. Put simply, Detroit needs bodies here, and not just that, but a back who can step up on a full-time basis in the likely event Johnson can't make it through a full season. Po sible solutions:Sign Devonta Freeman (Falcons)Draft a running back in the fourth or fifth roundFreeman isn't exactly a bastion of good health, and his playing style often ensures that'll stay true. It's not like he's , though (just turned 28), and he'd be the perfect physical complement to Johnson. There's a reason the Omar Narvaez Jersey Lions reportedly discu sed a trade for him in 2019. As a low-cost, one-year rental, you could do a lot worse. Otherwise, Detroit has plenty of other bigger i sues to worry about in the draft, but if someone like A.J. Dillon or La'mical Perine falls, they'd be intriguing long-term investments.As much as Andy Reid (rightfully) dials up ' arm and leans on the pa s, and as good as was in the , this team is still in search of a guy it can consistently trust. The Chiefs have long favored a rotation, yes, but that's in part because no RB has commanded a No. 1 job. There's a reason they tried the experiment in 2019. In an ideal world, Williams and maybe and/or would be the change-of-pace crew.Best solutions:Draft a running back in the second, third, fourth or fifth roundSign ( )Thompson is the only current Chiefs back under contract beyond 2020, so a long-term piece would be ideal. Any of the top prospects would suffice, but Maryland speedster Anthony McFarland Jr. feels like their kind of guy as a potential mid-rounder. Just as enticing would be a move for Breida, who's a restricted free agent but is apparently no lock to even make San Francisco's 2020 roster. A suming the 25-year-old becomes available, he'd be a perfect big-play addition to K.C.'s committee. The Rams can talk all they want about entering 2020 with confidence that and will seamle sly replace Todd Gurley, but last we checked, those guys combined for 402 yards on the ground in 2019. That's not to say they can't be better with more touches, but Sean McVay can't afford to gamble on leaving without sturdier ground support.Best solutions:Sign (Texans) Matt Magill Jersey or Frank Gore (Bills)The Rams don't have the luxury of owning a ton of picks because of the way they've built their roster, so drafting someone to compete with Brown and Henderson seems unlikely, if not a waste of resources. The irony is they need serious RB help now that Gurley is gone and Goff/McVay are increasingly under pre sure to make the offense right. That's why Miller and Gore make sense, even though the former is coming off a torn ACL and the latter is darn near real-life retirement age. Both vets could sign in July and open Week 1 as the tentative bell cow.The Dolphins addre sed their glaring RB hole by landing ex-Bears and Eagles starter this offseason, but his best role is as Marco Gonzales Jersey the thunder to someone else's lightning. , while physically impre sive, proved in 2019, when he couldn't out-rush , that he's not the answer. Miami is still squarely in need of a change-of-pace, if not long-term, ball-carrier. Best solutions:Draft a running back in the second, third or fourth roundTrade for ( ) or ( )One way or another, Miami should be looking to get younger while pairing Howard with help. The best and most realistic route is trying to nab one of the top RBs of the 2020 cla s, whether it be Jonathan Taylor, D'Andre Swift, Florida State product Cam Akers or someone of similar caliber. A bolder alternative: Packaging one of their many 2020 picks for Jones or Penny, who either have been or could be replaced as No. 1s in their current homes, but would be young enough to grow with the new-look Dolphins.How times have changed. In two years, the Steelers have gone from owning one of the top one-two punches in the game to washing their hands of and now likely looking to add succe sor. The latter is good when healthy, but that's almost never these days. Backup is a worthwhile gadget player, but if it's just he and carrying the load behind Conner, Pittsburgh had better hope surgically repaired elbow is stronger than ever.Best solutions:Draft a running back in the third or fourth roundSign (Washington)It's kind