Five of the NFL's six Super Wild Card Weekend games are in the books. The Cincinnati Bengals defe...

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10 takeaways from NFL Super Wild Card Weekend

Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their si...

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10 takeaways from NFL Week 18

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h3>The inside track for the AFC's No. 1 seed belongs to ...</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490021/cropped_GettyImages-1362430754.jpg?ts=1641175862" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490021/w220xh124_GettyImages-1362430754.jpg?ts=1641175862 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490021/w320xh180_GettyImages-1362430754.jpg?ts=1641175862 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490021/w640xh360_GettyImages-1362430754.jpg?ts=1641175862 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490021/w768xh432_GettyImages-1362430754.jpg?ts=1641175862 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490021/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1362430754.jpg?ts=1641175862 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>... the Tennessee Titans! Just as we all expected. The Titans have been without Derrick Henry, Julio Jones, and A.J. Brown for a significant stretch of the season's second half. They've lost to the New York Jets and Houston Texans, and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat them despite gaining 168 yards and converting 2 of 11 third downs. Nothing makes sense anymore.</p><p>Here are the Titans, with one week to go, atop the AFC by virtue of their 27-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs back in Week 7. Securing that No. 1 seed would mean a playoff bye, which would give Henry an extra week to potentially make his return. It goes without saying what a boost that would be, but let's go ahead and say it anyway: Since Henry's Week 8 injury, the Titans' offense ranks 26th in the league in <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">EPA/play</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Whoever earns the AFC's top seed would become <a href="https://twitter.com/FO_ASchatz/status/1477761852209827842">just the fourth team</a> to secure home-field advantage with five losses. Yes, there are 17 games now. But in this <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2250072" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2250072">madcap season</a>, there's something appropriate about the Titans being that team, given everything. Actually, scratch that. The only thing more appropriate would be if the Titans were to cough up the top seed in next week's finale by losing to the Texans again. It <em>shouldn't</em> happen, but in a season as bonkers as this one, it certainly could.</p><h3>Cardinals come up huge</h3><p>The narrative for the Arizona Cardinals had begun to take shape: Kliff Kingsbury can't adjust, Kyler Murray's size and improvisational style are too taxing for a long NFL season, and, well, these are the Cardinals, and losing is what they do. That seemed to be the impact of a three-game losing streak after Arizona's 10-2 start, anyway.</p><p>So much for that. The Cardinals went into Dallas and stuck it to a red-hot Cowboys team that entered Week 17 with a shot at earning home-field advantage. The win keeps Arizona alive in the NFC West race, but it also gave the team a much-needed road victory against another playoff qualifier. That's a sign that it might be too soon to sleep on the Cardinals in what's shaping up to be a tight, top-heavy NFC postseason field in which five teams already have 11 wins.</p><p>Arizona is in the playoffs no matter what, but it can clinch the NFC West with a home win next week against the Seattle Seahawks coupled with a Rams loss at home to the San Francisco 49ers.</p><h3>Bengals silence the doubters</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489964/cropped_GettyImages-1362433962.jpg?ts=1641175601" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489964/w220xh124_GettyImages-1362433962.jpg?ts=1641175601 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489964/w320xh180_GettyImages-1362433962.jpg?ts=1641175601 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489964/w640xh360_GettyImages-1362433962.jpg?ts=1641175601 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489964/w768xh432_GettyImages-1362433962.jpg?ts=1641175601 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489964/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1362433962.jpg?ts=1641175601 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's also been difficult to decipher the Cincinnati Bengals this season. They've lost to the Jets and Chicago Bears and were blown out at home by the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Joe Burrow and rookie wideout Ja'Marr Chase have put up some big numbers, but they've also done most of their damage versus <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/quick-reads/2021/why-joe-burrows-season-may-be-overrated">cream-puff defenses</a>.</p><p>However, Cincinnati didn't just clinch the AFC North with its win over Kansas City. It also let the world know it belongs in the playoffs. The Bengals overcame deficits of 14-0 and 28-14 while holding Patrick Mahomes and Co. to just three points (on only three possessions) in the second half. They also snapped KC's eight-game winning streak and brought some chaos back to the AFC's postseason chase.</p><p>Against a Chiefs defense ranked ninth in weighted DVOA, Burrow threw for 446 yards, four touchdowns, and an <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/box_scores/?_inputs_&amp;type=%22reg%22&amp;away=%22KC%22&amp;home=%22CIN%22&amp;year=%222021%22">EPA/dropback of 0.61</a>. Most impressively, he made a ton of downfield throws outside the numbers, and <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/stats/passing/2021/REG/17#aggressiveness">25.6% of his passes</a> were into tight windows, which isn't easy:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joe Burrow was at his best targeting the perimeter, accumulating 361 of his 446 yards to receivers outside the numbers, most in the NGS era (since 2016). <br><br>No QB this season has thrown for more yards (2,065) or TDs (19) outside the numbers than Burrow.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCvsCIN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCvsCIN</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuleTheJungle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuleTheJungle</a> <a href="https://t.co/S8ccI0tXRA">pic.twitter.com/S8ccI0tXRA</a></p>— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) <a href="https://twitter.com/NextGenStats/status/1477761198749794304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Also, what more can be said about Chase? He's now set the NFL rookie record for receiving yards in a game (266) and a season (1,429). The Bengals once seemed foolish for drafting Chase instead of an offensive lineman who could protect Burrow. They don't seem so foolish now. Later this month, there'll be a playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium.</p><h3>This is why teams keep going for it</h3><p>I know <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2198395" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2198395">I keep</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2250074" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2250074">beating a drum</a> about the merits of fourth-down aggressiveness, but Cincinnati's decision to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the Chiefs' 1-yard line with 50 seconds remaining in a tie game was a perfect example of why teams keep doing this, as reckless as it might've once seemed.</p><p>Interestingly, the math didn't clearly favor aggressiveness. Next Gen Stats might've recommended going for it ...</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Bengals went for it on 4th &amp; 1 from the KC 1 with 50 seconds left (tied 31-31), and convert on an illegal hands to the face penalty.<br><br>The NGS Decision Guide agreed with Zac Taylor's decision. We had it as a GO FOR IT by 3.8%.<br><br>Bengals win 34-31.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCvsCIN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCvsCIN</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuleTheJungle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuleTheJungle</a></p>— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) <a href="https://twitter.com/NextGenStats/status/1477749396372705281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>... but Ben Baldwin's model leaned more toward kicking the field goal:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">---&gt; KC (31) @ CIN (31) &lt;---<br>CIN has 4th &amp; 1 at the KC 1<br><br>Recommendation (MEDIUM): 👟🏈 Field goal attempt (+2.3 WP)<br>Actual play: 🚨 (Shotgun) J.Burrow pass incomplete short left to T.Boyd [J.Reed]. PENALTY on KC-L.Sneed, Illegal Use <a href="https://t.co/MzUw0eJh9F">pic.twitter.com/MzUw0eJh9F</a></p>— 4th down decision bot (@ben_bot_baldwin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ben_bot_baldwin/status/1477748703473590280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>However, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor no doubt understood the importance of scoring a touchdown instead of a field goal to beat Mahomes. Taylor also knew the risk in failing to score a TD meant Mahomes would have the ball on his own 1 with less than a minute to play.</p><p>Besides, there's always the possibility of drawing a defensive penalty. And that's what happened, which allowed the Bengals to run the clock down so Evan McPherson could kick a walk-off field goal from just 20 yards out. Mahomes can't beat you if he can't get on the field. It's true that analytics places a heavy emphasis on process. But anyone still wondering why coaches keep doing this stuff needs to pay more attention to results like this one.</p><h3>Stafford gets it done, but ...</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489966/cropped_GettyImages-1362422205.jpg?ts=1641160521" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489966/w220xh124_GettyImages-1362422205.jpg?ts=1641160521 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489966/w320xh180_GettyImages-1362422205.jpg?ts=1641160521 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489966/w640xh360_GettyImages-1362422205.jpg?ts=1641160521 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489966/w768xh432_GettyImages-1362422205.jpg?ts=1641160521 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/489966/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1362422205.jpg?ts=1641160521 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Matthew Stafford got it together when he absolutely had to. In the fourth quarter of the Los Angeles Rams' come-from-behind win in Baltimore, Stafford was a perfect 8-for-8 for 94 yards. He led a pair of touchdown drives, including the game-winner with 57 seconds remaining. It was the Rams' fifth-straight win, and they can clinch the NFC West by beating the 49ers next week at home.</p><p>But part of the reason L.A. fell behind 10-0 and 16-7 was because of Stafford's carelessness. He tossed a pair of first-half interceptions - one was his fourth pick-6 of the season, the other was heaved into triple coverage. And this was against a depleted Ravens defense that's missing all but one starter in its defensive backfield due to injury.</p><p>Stafford now has 15 interceptions this season. Only rookie Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars (17) has more. Stafford spent years surrounded by crummy talent in Detroit, but he's in much better circumstances now. If he's going to truly elevate the Rams' offense - and justify their trade for him - he needs to avoid backbreaking turnovers like the ones he made Sunday. From here on out, Stafford and the Rams won't be facing any practice squad secondaries.</p><h3>OBJ turns it back on</h3><p>Among the Rams' pass-catchers, Cooper Kupp gets the lion's share of the attention - and justifiably so, since Kupp is having a record-setting season. But L.A. doesn't escape Baltimore with a victory without Odell Beckham Jr.</p><p>Beckham caught five passes on seven targets for just 39 yards, but the last two of those receptions came when Stafford and the Rams needed him most: over the middle on a pass thrown behind him on fourth-and-5 from the Ravens' 12 with a minute to go and Tavon Young draped all over him, followed by a touchdown on the next play.</p><p>Beckham's dealt with a ton of injuries. Toward the end of his time with the Browns, he often looked like a dude who didn't want to get hit. That's not the case in L.A., where he seems to understand his role perfectly at just the right point in the season.</p><h3>Antonio Brown's (final?) vanishing act</h3><p>What to say about Brown's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2265672" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2265672">ghost route into the North Jersey twilight</a>? As always, it's impossible to gauge what was going through his mind or why he did anything he's done. Let's also not forget that Brown has done far worse stuff than ditch his team in the middle of a game.</p><p>Two thoughts: First, Mike Tomlin deserves more credit than any of us can contemplate for getting Brown to buy in and play as well as he did for his nine seasons with the Steelers. Second, if Brown's career is indeed over, it's impossible to come up with a more fitting image to mark its conclusion than this:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">no context Antonio Brown <a href="https://t.co/qEFOtkFvXs">pic.twitter.com/qEFOtkFvXs</a></p>— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1477737742289321984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>At this point, no context is necessary.</p><h3>Tom Brady makes his MVP case</h3><p>The Bucs weren't just without Brown after he disappeared in the middle of the third quarter. They were also missing Chris Godwin and Leonard Fournette, as well as a handful of their top defensive players. Tampa Bay almost lost to the dang Jets! But then Tom Brady did Tom Brady things to hand one more humiliation to a franchise he spent close to 20 years tormenting.</p><p>After the Jets failed on fourth-and-2 from the Bucs' 7 with 2:12 to go, Brady went 7-for-9 to march Tampa Bay 93 yards for the game-winning score. He launched <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1477746371591651330">a perfect back-shoulder throw</a> to Cyril Grayson for a 33-yard touchdown with 21 seconds left. Brady now leads the league with 40 touchdown passes and 4,990 passing yards. Etc., etc.</p><p>It's a bit of a bore to point out how fantastic Brady still is even after all these years, but it's simultaneously impossible to ignore. He's somehow only been the league MVP three times. If he were to win a fourth this season - though Aaron Rodgers might have something to say about that - his latest conquest at the Meadowlands will serve as a kind of shorthand to explain why.</p><h3>Holy cow, the Raiders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490019/cropped_GettyImages-1362397753.jpg?ts=1641175751" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490019/w220xh124_GettyImages-1362397753.jpg?ts=1641175751 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490019/w320xh180_GettyImages-1362397753.jpg?ts=1641175751 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490019/w640xh360_GettyImages-1362397753.jpg?ts=1641175751 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490019/w768xh432_GettyImages-1362397753.jpg?ts=1641175751 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490019/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1362397753.jpg?ts=1641175751 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After Jon Gruden's sudden resignation in late October, the Las Vegas Raiders lost five of six games. The nadir came three weeks ago when the Chiefs thumped them 48-9.</p><p>Don't look now, though, because the Raiders have won three straight to claw their way back to the brink of playoff contention. Their latest triumph came on the road against an Indianapolis Colts team that had won six of seven.</p><p>The most promising development here might be the play of Vegas' defense, which hasn't allowed more than 20 points in any of these last three contests. Just in time, too: Next week's finale at home against the Chargers is a de facto playoff game, with the winner securing one of the AFC's last two playoff spots.</p><h3>Dolphins crash back to earth</h3><p>Credit where it's due: The Miami Dolphins' seven-game win streak after their 1-7 start was extraordinary. But with the 'Fins actually sniffing around the AFC playoff race entering Week 17, it was always important to keep that achievement in context. Sunday's blowout loss at the Titans, which officially eliminated Miami from playoff contention, was a reminder of that.</p><p>The Dolphins' wins during their streak came against the following passers: Tyrod Taylor, Lamar Jackson, Joe Flacco, Cam Newton, Mike Glennon, Zach Wilson, and Ian Book. The combined record of Miami's previous opponents was 37-75. Tua Tagovailoa had been getting by with a steady helping of short, quick throws out of run-pass options. The Dolphins defeated what was in front of them, but the way they did it wasn't sustainable.</p><p>Then, against Tennessee, reality set in. Miami can still spoil the New England Patriots' hopes of winning the AFC East next week at home, but questions about what to do at quarterback long term will be a dominant theme this offseason.</p><p><em>Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.</em></p>

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10 takeaways from NFL Week 17

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h3>How about that Saints defense?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488053/cropped_GettyImages-1359921875.jpg?ts=1639973504" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488053/w220xh124_GettyImages-1359921875.jpg?ts=1639973504 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488053/w320xh180_GettyImages-1359921875.jpg?ts=1639973504 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488053/w640xh360_GettyImages-1359921875.jpg?ts=1639973504 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488053/w768xh432_GettyImages-1359921875.jpg?ts=1639973504 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488053/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1359921875.jpg?ts=1639973504 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The New Orleans Saints rolled into Tampa Bay without head coach Sean Payton to face Tom Brady and the NFL's most efficient offense. They pitched a dang shutout. With defensive coordinator Dennis Allen calling the shots, the Saints used a four-man rush and a lot of zone coverage to knock Brady around and harass him into a lot of short, quick throws and checkdowns. It was just the third time Brady's been shut out in his long career - and first since 2006 - and it was a clinic.</p><p>It was as thorough a defensive effort as any in the NFL this year, and it was a total team effort. Brady was clearly rattled for most of the night. Per Next Gen Stats, defensive end Marcus Davenport had six pressures and a sack, defensive tackle David Onyemata had five pressures and a sack, end Cameron Jordan had four pressures and two sacks, and end Carl Granderson had three pressures. Safety Malcolm Jenkins and linebackers Demario Davis and Kwon Alexander excelled in coverage. Rookie defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes blew up an otherwise well-blocked third-and-short running play. Cornerback Chauncey Gardner-Johnson finished it by picking Brady off. You get the idea.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Let's not use the injuries to the Bucs' Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Leonard Fournette as an excuse here. The Saints have dealt with about as many injuries as any team in the NFL this season. I hereby apologize for referring to them last week as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2249693" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2249693">a junior varsity team</a>. Oops.</p><p>Remarkably, it was also New Orleans' fourth win against Brady and the Bucs in the last two seasons. Sure, the Bucs beat the Saints in last year's playoffs, but the Saints lost the turnover battle 4-0 that night. In this one, New Orleans did not turn the ball over at all.</p><p>The victory pushed the Saints into the seventh and last playoff spot in the NFC. With the Washington Football Team, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings all yet to play in Week 15, that can change. The Bucs had a chance to clinch the NFC South, but that will have to wait. They do still have a three-game lead with three games to play, though, so one more win or one Saints loss will get it done.</p><h3>Someone finally clinches</h3><p>It took until Week 15, but the NFL finally has one team that's officially qualified for the playoffs. The Green Bay Packers outlasted the Baltimore Ravens to wrap up the NFC North title for the third year in a row and eighth time in the last 11 seasons.</p><p>The Packers are now 11-3, and they've got a one-game lead over the Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys in the race for the conference's No. 1 seed, which also comes with an all-important playoff bye.</p><h3>Cardinals lose to ... the Lions?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487917/cropped_GettyImages-1359865231.jpg?ts=1639939438" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487917/w220xh124_GettyImages-1359865231.jpg?ts=1639939438 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487917/w320xh180_GettyImages-1359865231.jpg?ts=1639939438 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487917/w640xh360_GettyImages-1359865231.jpg?ts=1639939438 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487917/w768xh432_GettyImages-1359865231.jpg?ts=1639939438 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487917/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1359865231.jpg?ts=1639939438 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Cardinals came into Week 15 tied with Green Bay and Tampa Bay for the NFL's best record. The Lions came into Week 15 with the league's worst record. Arizona was 7-0 on the road with a plus-112 point differential in those away games. Detroit was 1-6 at home with a minus-71 point differential in home games. Fittingly for a season marked with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2250072" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2250072">genuine parity</a> and helter-skelter outcomes, the Lions won - easily.</p><p>In a span of six days, the Cardinals have now fallen from the top seed in the NFC to the fourth. Arizona still has a better division record than the Los Angeles Rams, so the club will remain in first place in the NFC West even if the Rams defeat the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday night.</p><p>The Cardinals aren't really in danger of falling out of the playoffs altogether, but to win the division and assure themselves at least one home postseason game, they'll have to get it together. It doesn't help that Arizona's schedule includes a home date with the red-hot Indianapolis Colts on Christmas Day and a Week 17 visit to the Cowboys before closing out with the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Needless to say, it's not going to be easy.</p><h3>Top of the draft order changes</h3><p>For those fans who already have an eye on the 2022 draft - and you know who you are - Detroit's victory means the Lions are no longer in line for the No. 1 overall pick. That distinction belongs to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who lost to the Houston Texans in their first game since head coach Urban Meyer's firing. Detroit has, uh, fallen into the second spot.</p><p>Lots can still happen in this anti-playoff race, obviously. The Lions close out with the Atlanta Falcons and Seahawks on the road before hosting Green Bay, while the Jaguars are at the New York Jets and New England Patriots and home to the Colts. Come to think of it, next Sunday's Jags-Jets scrap has enormous top-of-the-draft implications. Get fired up.</p><p>Jacksonville is making quite a push for the top pick, by the way. The Jags have now lost six in a row since somehow beating the Buffalo Bills. Houston also swept the squad, which is quite an achievement. The Texans actually have a winning record (3-2) against the rest of the AFC South - an accomplishment that might mean something if Houston wasn't 0-9 against everyone else. The 3-11 Texans are in position for the third pick at the moment. The franchise holds the tiebreaker over the 3-11 Jets since they lost to New York back in Week 12, in case you were wondering.</p><h3>Dolphins back to .500</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488066/cropped_GettyImages-1359865553.jpg?ts=1639977216" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488066/w220xh124_GettyImages-1359865553.jpg?ts=1639977216 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488066/w320xh180_GettyImages-1359865553.jpg?ts=1639977216 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488066/w640xh360_GettyImages-1359865553.jpg?ts=1639977216 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488066/w768xh432_GettyImages-1359865553.jpg?ts=1639977216 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/488066/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1359865553.jpg?ts=1639977216 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eric Espada / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Miami Dolphins, who were 1-7 back on Halloween, are now 7-7 after they completed a sweep of the Jets. Miami allowed more than 17 points for the first time in seven weeks, but it didn't matter. (A lot of things tend not to matter when New York is the opponent.)</p><p>Duke Johnson, a guy people tend to realize is still in the NFL at least once a year, came off the practice squad earlier this week to rush for a career-high 107 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 22 carries. Johnson also finished with 22 more rushing yards than expected, the league's fourth-best total for Week 15, per <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/stats/rushing/2021/REG/15#ryoe">Next Gen Stats</a>.</p><p>The Dolphins are still only one game off the pace for the AFC's final playoff spot, but they're also tied in the conference for 11th place with the Denver Broncos, which is as good an indicator as anything of all that parity that's out there. Miami visits the Saints and Tennessee Titans before closing out the campaign against the Patriots at home. If you think you know how any of that will shake out at this point, you're simply guessing.</p><h3>Steelers won how?</h3><p>The Pittsburgh Steelers had won once in their last five games, including a stretch in which they gave up at least 36 points three times. Surely they couldn't beat Tennessee - especially on a day when they trailed 13-3 at halftime, managed just 168 yards of total offense, went 2-for-11 on third down, and turned four turnovers into four field goals.</p><p>Ah, but that's the way this nonsensical NFL season keeps playing out. The Steelers are just this week's best example, at least with the Vikings' game at the Chicago Bears on Monday night still pending.</p><p>In fact, those four Pittsburgh turnovers turned out to be the difference: Three came on consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter. The Steelers visit the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday, so look for them to revert to a team that can't play defense and falls behind by four touchdowns until Ben Roethlisberger scratches out plays in the dirt against a prevent defense to put up a bunch of volume stats in a game Pittsburgh winds up losing by a touchdown.</p><h3>Is this it for Julio Jones?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487666/cropped_GettyImages-1343921506.jpg?ts=1639782354" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487666/w220xh124_GettyImages-1343921506.jpg?ts=1639782354 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487666/w320xh180_GettyImages-1343921506.jpg?ts=1639782354 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487666/w640xh360_GettyImages-1343921506.jpg?ts=1639782354 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487666/w768xh432_GettyImages-1343921506.jpg?ts=1639782354 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/487666/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1343921506.jpg?ts=1639782354 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Titans lost, in part, because they were again without Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown. But then they also lost Julio Jones to a hamstring injury after the first half against the Steelers just one week after Jones finally came off injured reserve. Could this be the end of Jones' storied career? It's not irrational to start wondering.</p><p>The 32-year-old played in a combined 16 games the last two campaigns. He only has 25 catches this year - far and away a career low. He was only targeted once against Pittsburgh.</p><p>Jones has two years remaining on his contract, and Tennessee would only see modest cap savings from releasing him after this year. But if his body continues to betray him, would he consider retirement? Jones has had a wonderful career, so while it's a bummer to think about it, it's also not out of the question, given his age and his inability to stay healthy over the last two years.</p><h3>What John Harbaugh got wrong at the end</h3><p>We're going to spend this week debating John Harbaugh's late-game decision again, huh? For the second time in three weeks, the Ravens head coach chose to go for two rather than play for the tie after his team pulled within one point in the final minute of regulation. And for the second time in three weeks, Baltimore failed to convert and lost the game.</p><p>However, this time Harbaugh's mistake was deciding not to go for two after the Ravens had pulled within eight with a little less than five minutes to go.</p><p>There's plenty of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2198395" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2198395">data to support this</a>, but the gist of it is that going for two when down eight and succeeding means it only takes an extra point after scoring again to win the game. If a club goes for two when down eight and fails, it has to go for two the second time to tie the game.</p><p>"Kicking two extra points maximizes the chance to reach overtime," <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28100383/going-2-8-points-why-nfl-teams-keep-doing-why-analytics-backs-up">ESPN's Seth Walder</a> has written. "Attempting a 2-point conversion when down 8 points late maximizes the chance to win the game, which is the ultimate goal."</p><p>Or <em>should</em> be the ultimate goal, at least.</p><h3>A suggestion for the TV networks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398514/cropped_GettyImages-1185558300.jpg?ts=1585011833" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398514/w220xh124_GettyImages-1185558300.jpg?ts=1585011833 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398514/w320xh180_GettyImages-1185558300.jpg?ts=1585011833 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398514/w640xh360_GettyImages-1185558300.jpg?ts=1585011833 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398514/w768xh432_GettyImages-1185558300.jpg?ts=1585011833 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398514/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1185558300.jpg?ts=1585011833 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Dear television execs for CBS, Fox, ESPN, and the NFL Network,</p><p>Can you all please hire in-game and in-studio game-day analysts who are actually familiar with analytics and how data analysis informs decision-making? Dinosaurs who clearly can't bother to understand what it is they're paid to talk about dominate too much of the discourse around fourth-down aggressiveness.</p><p>Last week, CBS' studio panel had <a href="https://twitter.com/FlyByKnite/status/1470142125119447047">this brain-dead discussion</a>. On Sunday, after the New York Giants went for it and failed on fourth-and-1 from their own 29 while trailing Dallas 15-6 with 4:30 to go in the third quarter, Fox's Mark Schlereth declared that "the analytics say go for it, but the analytics have never run the ball or pushed the pile on a play."</p><p>This is plain ignorance! And it shouldn't be this way. There's a mountain of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2198395" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2198395">easy-to-understand research</a> out there on this topic, and there's a reason why more and more coaches have embraced these concepts this year. It would be nice to hear an analyst explain why this is a trend that isn't going away instead of just pooping on it.</p><p>Thank you, television execs, for reading theScore. Please peruse.</p><h3>What the COVID protocol changes mean</h3><p>Faced with three postponements this weekend as the Omicron variant of the virus keeps spreading rapidly, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to significant changes to the league's COVID policy on Saturday that ought to prevent the likelihood of additional disruptions.</p><p>Basically, the NFL is not going to regularly test vaccinated asymptomatic players while continuing to test unvaccinated players daily, spot test vaccinated players and staff, and test those deemed to be a high-risk close contact of someone who catches the virus.</p><p>As <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/nfl-covid-testing-omicron-11639841439">the <em>Wall Street Journal</em>'s Andrew Beaton</a> described it:</p><blockquote>
<p>In a league where almost 95% of players and 100% of staff are vaccinated, the problem isn’t individuals getting sick. It’s players getting removed from action when they test positive despite feeling completely healthy. </p>
<p>(NFL chief medical officer Allen) Sills noted that while the Omicron variant has rapidly spread, the league is also seeing more cases with little-to-no symptoms. Two-thirds of the players who have tested positive this week are asymptomatic, Sills said. The other third, he said, are suffering very mild symptoms.</p>
</blockquote><p>Until now, anyone who tested positive had to quarantine, with vaccinated players needing two negative tests taken 24-hours apart over 48 hours to return to action. This is why Raiders-Browns, Eagles-Washington, and Rams-Seahawks were all postponed for two days.</p><p>The NFL's shift recognizes that vaccines and boosters are effective at reducing the risk of serious illness, even against Omicron. Much is still unknown about the new variant, but while it does appear to be more transmissible, it also seems to be less severe.</p><p>It's easy to chastise the league for prioritizing its business interests above all else, but when hasn't that been true about the NFL? That said, there's a logic to what the league is doing here. Much can still change but don't be surprised if the NFL's protocol change represents a way forward for far more than a football league.</p><p><em>Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.</em></p>

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10 takeaways from NFL Week 15

Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines the sign...

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10 takeaways from NFL Week 3

Sergio Aguero's time as a headline act at Manchester City could be ending after almost a decade i...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/1499" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/players/1499">Sergio Aguero's</a> time as a headline act at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/teams/61" href="https://www.thescore.com/epl/teams/61">Manchester City</a> could be ending after almost a decade in England.</p><p>Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Wednesday that he'd consider the Argentine striker's future during the upcoming international break but suggested that Aguero is unlikely to play significant minutes again this season.</p><p>"Maybe I will think about it when the international break starts, and I have more time," Guardiola responded when asked if Aguero would return after this season, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/mar/09/sergio-aguero-manchester-city-future-unclear-pep-guardiola">The Guardian's Jamie Jackson.</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"As a human and as a person – even as a player, of course (I'd like him to stay). But we have to see what happens at the end of the season.</p><p>"We cannot forget how long he was out. He has started getting better. I know he needs minutes to get to his best condition, but we are not (able) to give him minutes (purely) for minutes because it is an important part of the season.</p><p>"We have to be calm, the club will speak to his agent to know the situation, and we are going to talk at the end of the season. It's the same with Fernandinho."</p><p>The international break begins on March 22.</p><p>Aguero has only made 11 appearances - three as a starter - since picking up a serious knee injury against Burnley in June. The injury forced him to miss the start of the 2020-21 campaign before a hamstring knock sidelined him again.</p><p>The 32-year-old was also forced to miss more than a month after testing positive for COVID-19 in January.</p><p>Despite being cleared to play, Aguero has been relegated to the bench and was an unused substitute in City's derby loss to Manchester United last weekend.</p><p>With City leading the Premier League in search of their seventh title, Guardiola insisted that he wants to avoid distractions at all costs as the season enters a crucial phase.</p><p>"Now I could tell you an answer, but I don't know what is going to happen because I am far away from thinking about what is going to happen next season or the players that will be here," he said.</p><p>"I am concerned about what we are playing for. If I am distracted, the players will feel I am distracted, and I have to be incredibly focused for the next game and Fulham, the Champions League, and the (FA Cup game) at Everton."</p><p>Aguero established himself as a club legend following his transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2011. On his way to becoming the team's all-time leading scorer, Aguero scored the winning goal to help City capture their first league title in over 40 years in 2012.</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City talks with Sergio Aguero of Manchester City before coming on as a substitute during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion at Etihad Stadium on December 15, 2020 in Manchester, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution.

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Aguero's City future uncertain as Guardiola won't guarantee playing time

David Alaba will leave Bayern Munich after 13 years when his contract ends this summer.  "I have ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/4054" href="https://www.thescore.com/bund/players/4054">David Alaba</a> will leave <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/teams/80" href="https://www.thescore.com/chlg/teams/80">Bayern Munich</a> after 13 years when his contract ends this summer.</p><p>"I have made the decision to try something new after this season and to leave the club. It was a difficult decision. I have been here for 13 years. I made so many memories here," Alaba said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4316557/alaba-to-leave-bayern-munich-on-free-transfer">ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld</a>.</p><p>"I have not decided what is next for me. I decided to seek a new challenge. That's why it took time. ... I have five, six, seven years left in my career. That's why I decided to try something new.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's no secret my management is in touch with several clubs. I will focus on my task here and will remain in contact with my management."</p><p>Alaba's departure was widely expected after he failed to reach an agreement with Bayern over a new contract. In recent months, he's been heavily linked with a move to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/teams/44" href="https://www.thescore.com/liga/teams/44">Real Madrid</a>.</p><p>The versatile 28-year-old, who is capable of playing in central defense, left-back, and even in midfield, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2095000" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2095000">reportedly</a> accepted a four-year contract in January to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.</p><p>Alaba is fresh off helping Bayern capture their sixth major trophy in a year after winning the FIFA Club World earlier this month.</p><p>The Austrian international has won nine Bundesliga titles, two Champions League trophies, and dozens of other major awards since joining the Bavarians in 2010.</p>

LISBON, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 23: David Alaba of Bayern Muenchen celebrates with the trophy during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on August 23, 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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Alaba confirms 'difficult' decision to leave Bayern amid links to Real Madrid

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10 takeaways from Week 11

This year marks the fifth anniversary of Budweiser's famous Red Light, which has commemorated tho...

<p>This year marks the fifth anniversary of Budweiser's famous Red Light, which has commemorated thousands of goals since its inception.</p><p>In celebration of that, Budweiser is teaming up with a man whose goal-scoring prowess is second to none, Wayne Gretzky, to make goal celebrations even bigger with limited-edition Wayne Gretzky Gold-Synced Lights, marked with his legendary No. 99 and replica signature, along with a certificate of authenticity.</p><p>"Goals are the most exciting part of any hockey game, and as someone who has played hockey at all levels of the game, including the international stage, there's no better feeling than having the country celebrate those moments with you," Gretzky said. "I'm excited to light these limited-edition lamps to celebrate our country's biggest goals. Let's bring it home!"</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Budweiser will turn the iconic Red Light and Goal-Synced Glass gold in a 30-second TV spot called "Bring it Home" that will air during Super Bowl LII.</p><p>Watch the video below to see Gretzky alongside other hockey greats, with gold-synced lights in hand. <em>Must be legal drinking age.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YwLnw9It9d0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>

Gretzky partners with Budweiser on new golden goal light

Race to the Playoffs: The @MapleLeafs control their own destiny - 2 points over their final two g...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Race to the Playoffs: The <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs">@MapleLeafs</a> control their own destiny - 2 points over their final two games would get them in the playoffs! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/DECHXhtXHR">pic.twitter.com/DECHXhtXHR</a></p>— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNHL/status/850460513087762432">April 7, 2017</a>
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<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/5" href="http://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/5">Toronto Maples Leafs</a> haven't qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in a full 82-game season since 2004, but that drought could be coming to an end.</p><p>The video above looks at the Buds' final regular-season weekend.</p>

Watch: Race to the Playoffs - Leafs control their playoff destiny in final weekend

Race to the Playoffs: Would you want to see a first-round matchup between the @MapleLeafs and @NH...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Race to the Playoffs: Would you want to see a first-round matchup between the <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs">@MapleLeafs</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLBruins">@NHLBruins</a>? 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/ovaMoorGfF">pic.twitter.com/ovaMoorGfF</a></p>— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNHL/status/849675439702503425">April 5, 2017</a>
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<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>A two-year absence from the Stanley Cup Playoffs was long enough for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/1" href="http://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/1">Boston Bruins</a>.</p><p>The video above looks at what was a banner night for this Original Six franchise.</p>

Watch: Race to the Playoffs - Bruins punch ticket to postseason

Race to the Playoffs: The @CanadiensMTL are heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 11th time...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Race to the Playoffs: The <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadiensMTL">@CanadiensMTL</a> are heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 11th time in the past 15 seasons. 💯 <a href="https://t.co/jhKKVO1asn">pic.twitter.com/jhKKVO1asn</a></p>— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNHL/status/847893191521075200">March 31, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>A second Canadian team is through to the postseason following Tuesday night's action.</p><p>The video above highlights the return to playoff action for one of Canada's most storied hockey franchises.</p><p> </p>

Watch: Race to the Playoffs - Habs pulling away from Atlantic contenders

Race to the Playoffs: After 10 seasons, and 4 top picks, the @EdmontonOilers are headed to the St...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Race to the Playoffs: After 10 seasons, and 4 top picks, the <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers">@EdmontonOilers</a> are headed to the Stanley Cup playoffs! 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/6zaNTpk8Rb">pic.twitter.com/6zaNTpk8Rb</a></p>— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNHL/status/847199420391329792">March 29, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/28" href="http://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/28">Edmonton Oilers</a> picked up their 42nd win of the year Tuesday - a milestone they hadn't reached since Wayne Gretzky's final season in Edmonton - punching their ticket to the postseason in the process.</p><p>The video above highlights a banner night for the Oilers.</p>

Watch: Race to the Playoffs - Oilers eyeing Pacific supremacy?

Race to the Playoffs: The @MapleLeafs have claimed 15 of a possible 18 points over their last 9 g...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Race to the Playoffs: The <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs">@MapleLeafs</a> have claimed 15 of a possible 18 points over their last 9 games. The Buds are on 🔥🔥🔥! <a href="https://t.co/7aZUCgkSXu">pic.twitter.com/7aZUCgkSXu</a></p>— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNHL/status/845315245623136256">March 24, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>With just over two weeks remaining in the regular season, the battle for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference is heating up.</p><p>The video above looks at one team that's quickly separated itself from that group, and is inching closer to securing a playoff berth.</p>

Watch: Race to the Playoffs - Maple Leafs a safe bet to get in

Upset Watch: Round of 16 - Don't sleep on Lonzo Ball and the @UCLAMBB. 'BALL' IS LIFE! Presented ...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Upset Watch: Round of 16 - Don't sleep on Lonzo Ball and the <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLAMBB">@UCLAMBB</a>. 'BALL' IS LIFE! Presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/wernerladderco">@WernerLadderCo</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/WrLzD0FWlc">pic.twitter.com/WrLzD0FWlc</a></p>— theScore NCAAB (@theScoreNCAAB) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNCAAB/status/843906325457309697">March 20, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>In a clash of college basketball powerhouses, only one can break through to the Elite Eight.</p><p>The video above puts one of those schools on notice.</p>

Upset Watch: College basketball powerhouses collide

Upset Watch: Round of 16 - If there's a team of destiny in this year's tourney it's @umichbball. ...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Upset Watch: Round of 16 - If there's a team of destiny in this year's tourney it's <a href="https://twitter.com/umichbball">@umichbball</a>. Presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/wernerladderco">@WernerLadderCo</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/I8pQwhL327">pic.twitter.com/I8pQwhL327</a></p>— theScore NCAAB (@theScoreNCAAB) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNCAAB/status/843902538000863233">March 20, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There haven't been as many upsets as expected through two chalk-heavy rounds of the NCAA tournament.</p><p>But the video above looks at a school that's been defying the odds all month long.</p>

Upset Watch: Is Michigan this year's team of destiny?

Race to the Playoffs: With the @NHL playoffs just around the corner, the @Penguins are getting ho...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Race to the Playoffs: With the <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL">@NHL</a> playoffs just around the corner, the <a href="https://twitter.com/penguins">@Penguins</a> are getting hot at just the right time! 🔥🐧 <a href="https://t.co/4fQlYAVZQY">pic.twitter.com/4fQlYAVZQY</a></p>— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNHL/status/844714812290543616">March 23, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>With 10 games to go, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/10" href="http://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/10">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> are flying high, having just punched their ticket back to the Stanley Cup playoffs.</p><p>The video above breaks down a banner week for the Penguins and their captain, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="http://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>.</p>

Watch: Race to the Playoffs - Penguins punch their ticket to the postseason

Upset Watch: Round of 32 - @MT_MBB is the real deal this March. Watch out for the #BlueRaiders! P...

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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Upset Watch: Round of 32 - <a href="https://twitter.com/MT_MBB">@MT_MBB</a> is the real deal this March. Watch out for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueRaiders?src=hash">#BlueRaiders</a>! Presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/wernerladderco">@WernerLadderCo</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/HrMyydB59U">pic.twitter.com/HrMyydB59U</a></p>— theScore NCAAB (@theScoreNCAAB) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNCAAB/status/842829182845509633">March 17, 2017</a>
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<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The opening Thursday of the NCAA tournament was all about the chalk. But a pair of double-digit seeds did advance to the weekend.</p><p>The video above identifies a double-digit seed in position to provide an upset Saturday.</p>

Upset Watch: Does Middle Tennessee have any magic left?

Race to the Playoffs: 1 point separates the @CanadiensMTL & @Senators for top spot in the Atlanti...

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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Race to the Playoffs: 1 point separates the <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadiensMTL">@CanadiensMTL</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/Senators">@Senators</a> for top spot in the Atlantic. Who do you think finishes in 1st place? <a href="https://t.co/K7bd7pKU0s">pic.twitter.com/K7bd7pKU0s</a></p>— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNHL/status/842837054870491136">March 17, 2017</a>
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<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/4" href="http://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/4">Ottawa Senators</a> host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/3" href="http://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/3">Montreal Canadiens</a> on Saturday in the opener of a home-and-home weekend set.</p><p>The video above explores which team could parlay those games into a major edge in its quest for Atlantic Division supremacy.</p>

Watch: Race to the Playoffs - Habs, Sens battle for top spot in Atlantic

Upset Watch: Round of 64 - Don't be surprised if @RhodyMBB dances its way to the 2nd weekend. Pre...

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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Upset Watch: Round of 64 - Don't be surprised if <a href="https://twitter.com/RhodyMBB">@RhodyMBB</a> dances its way to the 2nd weekend. Presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/wernerladderco">@WernerLadderCo</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/PxAHeBPWef">pic.twitter.com/PxAHeBPWef</a></p>— theScore NCAAB (@theScoreNCAAB) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreNCAAB/status/841415598743650304">March 13, 2017</a>
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<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/886" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/886">Rhode Island</a> hasn't been in the tournament since being led there by Lamar Odom in 1999.</p><p>The video above examines why the Rams' return to the tournament could turn into an extended stay.</p>

Upset Watch: Could Rhode Island be on its way to the Sweet 16?

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