Here’s the final weekly instalment this season of our around-the-horn column, Thirty Thirties on Thursday.
Only this week, it’s Thirty-Two Thirties. That is, 30 words — fast, fun, feisty, informative — to update you on each of the league’s 32 teams.
In previous weeks, with two teams playing Thursday night, these updates were limited to the other 30 teams playing on the weekend. But in this final week of the season, there is no Thursday game; all are scheduled for Saturday or Sunday.
Week 18’s then:
AFC
BENGALS: Joe Burrow said team favoured doing whatever the Bills preferred, as far as possibly making up their suspended game. If it isn’t played, Cincinnati already is AFC North champion.
BILLS: If Cincinnati game is scrapped, K.C. stood to get top AFC seed by winning (finishing 14-3) even before Bills could beat Patriots (finishing 13-3). Hopefully NFL finds fairer solution.
BRONCOS: Jerry Rosburg on Damar Hamlin: “(We strive) to be better in areas of our lives you were so good at and you will, with all due course and prayers, return to.”
BROWNS: Neither OT Jack Conklin (ankle) nor CB Denzel Ward (shoulder) practised Wednesday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t ruling out either for Sunday. Both were hurt Sunday at Washington.
CHARGERS: Let’s hope coach Brandon Staley is correct, re the Hamlin tragedy and the heroism of team and league-appointed medical personnel: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment that requires a once-in-a-lifetime response.”
CHIEFS: Andy Reid said “with whatever scenario” is decided regarding Bills-Bengals, “we’ve got to go play to try to win” at Las Vegas, “so that’s what we’re going to do.”
COLTS: QB Sam Ehlinger will start, backed up by Matt Ryan … After placing CB Kenny Moore II on IR (ankle), they signed DE Rashod Berry off Jacksonville’s practice squad.
DOLPHINS: Head coach Mike McDaniel on Wednesday said Teddy Bridgewater can’t throw a football yet because of his injured finger. Sure looks like Skylar Thompson will QB vs. the Jets.
JAGUARS: Trevor Lawrence is still dealing with the toe injury he suffered at Detroit a month ago, despite not missing any games. He missed Tuesday’s practice and was limited Wednesday.
JETS: Themselves eliminated, they could sweep Miami for the first time since 2015, and knock Miami from playoff contention. “It’s another championship game,” Robert Saleh said of his team’s mindset.
PATRIOTS: WR DeVante Parker practised (limited) Wednesday for the first time since Dec. 12 concussion. Among cornerbacks, Marcus Jones (concussion) sat out; Jonathan Jones (chest), Jalen Mills (groin) were limited.
RAIDERS: After taking Niners to overtime on Sunday, Raiders are a 9½-point underdog at home to the Chiefs. That seems mighty big, especially when Chiefs starters possibly could be removed.
RAVENS: If Bills-Bengals scrapped, Ravens still could get fifth AFC seed. “We need to control the process, which is play the best football we can (at Cincinnati),” John Harbaugh said.
STEELERS: Kenny Pickett said his winning TD pass to Najee Harris vs. Ravens was indeed improvised, and that he actually bolted the pocket too early. It sure worked out, though.
TEXANS: “Eventually,” coach Lovie Smith said, players will “have to put on the pads and everything that comes with it. (But) all their life (they know) there’s some danger involved.”
TITANS: QB Josh Dobbs said it’s a “tremendous opportunity” to start in Saturday’s win-and-in showdown at Jacksonville. He was 20-of-39 for 232 yards, one TD and two turnovers vs. Dallas.
NFC
BEARS: Virginia Halas McCaskey, principal club owner since 1983, turned 100 years old Thursday … With Justin Fields ruled out this week (hip), QB Nathan Peterman starts vs. Minnesota.
BUCCANEERS: CB Jamel Dean (toe) and OLB Carl Nassib (pectoral) aren’t “full speed” in practice, Todd Bowles said … QB Kyle Trask “has a good chance of dressing” at Atlanta.
CARDINALS: Some QB updates. Kyler Murray had successful ACL surgery. Colt McCoy (concussion) is shut down. David Blough will start at San Francisco … WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) won’t play.
COMMANDERS: QB Sam Howell starts vs. Dallas. Born three weeks into Tom Brady’s pro career, the rookie makes his pro debut. Taylor Heinicke is backup, meaning Carson Wentz won’t dress.
COWBOYS: By starting Howell, Washington is all but giving a win to Dallas, even if the Cowboys bring their B game, which they too often do as a substantial favourite.
EAGLES: With Dallas and San Fran likely victorious, Philly must beat the Giants. Enormous difference between being No. 1 NFC seed, and playing next week at Bucs as wild card.
FALCONS: Rookie Desmond Ridder is the first franchise QB to complete as many as 54 passes over his first three starts. More impressively, he hasn’t yet turned the ball over.
49ers: They’re No. 1 NFC seed with win and Philly loss … WR Deebo Samuel (ankle, knee) practised fully Wednesday … 21-day practice window opened for RB Elijah Mitchell (knee).
GIANTS: As they’re locked in as NFC’s sixth seed, will key starters rest? Or be yanked early? QB Daniel Jones said he’s on board with whatever coach Brian Daboll decides.
LIONS: They’ll know Seahawks-Rams outcome before kickoff at Packers. If Seahawks won, Lions are out. If they lost, Lions are in as a wild card with a win OR tie.
PACKERS: Win, they’re the NFC’s seventh seed, to play at one of Philadelphia, San Francisco, Minnesota or Dallas … Six offensive starters sat out or were limited by injury Wednesday.
PANTHERS: Can sweep the Saints for the first time since 2015 … In five starts, Sam Darnold has three wins, a 7-to-1 TDs-to-INTs ratio and has taken only eight sacks.
RAMS: Bobby Wagner, on visiting Seattle after 10 seasons there: “It’s a lot of emotions … To be in a position to spoil their playoff hopes (is) worth playing for.”
SAINTS: “Everybody wants to be tough,” said QB Andy Dalton, “but I think the most important thing is to be vulnerable. If you’re feeling something, let people know. Get help.”
SEAHAWKS: NFL offensive rookie-of-the-year favourite Kenneth Walker needs 64 yards to become second Seahawks rookie to run for 1,000 yards … Pete Carroll is 2-4 vs. Sean McVay in Seattle.
VIKINGS: They’re only a 7½-point favourite at a Chicago team sitting out its only dangerous offensive performer, Justin Fields, and starting NATHAN PETERMAN at QB. That’s one mighty low spread.
John Kryk writes a weekly newsletter on NFL matters. That’s where you can first see his straight-up picks each week. You can have the newsletter automatically dropped into your email inbox on Wednesdays simply by signing up — for free — at https://torontosun.com/newsletters/
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