Pftt 2016 10 13

Way We Hear It, Fantasy Tips PLUS: Coaches on the Hot Seat SINCE 1967

Must see NFC THURSDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2016

Dak Prescott

COWBOYS VS PACKERS

Aaron Rodgers

Matt Ryan

FALCONS VS SEAHAWKS

Russell Wilson

AP PHOTOS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

1 MINNESOTA VIKINGS 2 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 3 GREEN BAY PACKERS 4 PITTSBURGH STEELERS 5 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 6 DENVER BRONCOS 7 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 8 ATLANTA FALCONS 9 HOUSTON TEXANS 10 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 11 OAKLAND RAIDERS 12 DALLAS COWBOYS 13 BUFFALO BILLS 14 LOS ANGELES RAMS 15 ARIZONA CARDINALS 16 BALTIMORE RAVENS 17 CINCINNATI BENGALS 18 N.Y. JETS 19 WASHINGTON 20 N.Y. GIANTS 21 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 22 CAROLINA PANTHERS 23 TENNESSEE TITANS 24 DETROIT LIONS 25 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 26 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 27 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 28 CHICAGO BEARS 29 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 30 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 31 MIAMI DOLPHINS 32 CLEVELAND BROWNS

Down 2 OTs now, but haven’t been close to loss yet Maybe No. 1 but that was just the Brownies That ‘D’ could be great by end of season Apparently Eagles game was just a blip

Jets spanking convinced a lot of doubters

Never said they were perfect; has Lynch era begun?

Just one loss but kind of a bad one

Big win in Denver; ‘D’ has more to prove Can Osweiler figure it out vs. Colts?

Check Reid’s record coming off the bye 4-1 is 4-1 but need a quality win

Really impressed over Cincy, but is that a quality win?

Rex on a run; Pats rematch will define them

Power Rankings Welcome to our ProFootballWeekly.com NFL Week Six Power Rankings

Please keep in mind as you read them they have nothing to do with who we think will be in the playoffs and Super Bowl in 12-16 weeks, nor do they necessarily indicate who we think the best teams in the league are. These rankings are based on each team’s performance in the first five weeks of the season, players lost to injury and players expected to return soon.

AP PHOTO

Typical Fisher team; Keenum clearly not the answer Need to turn it on right now

OC takes the fall, now can Flacco turn ‘em around No idea what to make of them after Dallas flop Schedule’s been an absolute killer, as has Fitzpatrick Starting to think Jay Gruden’s a pretty good football coach Still in middle of division race, but must-win Sunday Statement win for Koetter in Carolina

This is about a lot more than Josh Norman Just me or is Mariota not progressing?

Caldwell saves his job ... for now

Bought some time, but it was the Bears

Sunday in Chicago turning point for Bradley, up or down So why exactly is Sean Payton worth $45 million?

Time to challenge what OC Loggains is doing Hard not to feel for McCoy

Can Kaep prove he should have started sooner?

Sam Bradford and the Minnesota Vikings are the only undefeated team remaining in the NFL

Never saw them being this bad

Never doubted they’d be this bad

A

ccording to our NFL Power Rankings, the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears are the five worst teams in the NFL. I can envision some progress in Miami and Chicago, but not enough to move them up appreciably.

So could we be looking at the top five picks in the 2017 NFL Draft?

All but one – the Chargers – see their problems starting every Sunday at quarterback and we know that any decent prospects at that position will always be over-drafted, usually in the top five.

There is half a season to be played, but the top five QBs in college right now who will be eligible to apply for the 2017 draft are Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, Miami (Fla.)’s Brad Kaaya, and Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly.

The Browns, Dolphins, 49ers and Bears should all be drafting quarter-

backs next April in ploring. the first round, but acTheir names are cording to everybody Jimmy Garoppolo and I talk to, if the draft Teddy Bridgewater. were tomorrow, Notre Let’s examine the Dame’s Kizer would latter first. I know it’s be the only one worthy early, but I have never been enamored of of a top-five pick, and Bridgewater, and Sam the way their season Bradford is off to a very is going and the small solid start in what may sample size we have, be the perfect situation even he’s not a sure for him. If he’s going to thing. stick, the Vikings will These clubs could certainly be looking trade down and still HUB ARKUSH to recapture some of hope to get their guys, harkush@ProFootballWeekly.com the draft assets he cost but we know how iffy @Hub_Arkush them. that can be and it is often more damaging for a team in need I personally wouldn’t give up a firstto over-draft a QB high than it is not to round pick for Bridgewater, but it take one. says here that if Bradford stays strong So what other options are available throughout the season, the Vikes for those four clubs and others around would peddle Teddy for a first-rounder, the league desperate for an upgrade at and some team would take the chance if the hardest position to fill? they could get a clean physical on him.

We’ll keep an eye on this as the seaThere are only two options I can see son progresses. and it’s possible neither of them will Garoppolo is certainly the more prove to be real, but they are worth ex-

Pro Football Weekly is produced by Shaw Media, the Daily Herald Media Group and the Chicago Sun-Times in partnership with other Illinois daily newspapers.

interesting of the two because he has shown just enough to suggest he is worth more than Bradford was, which is likely to be a one and a two.

Several top NFL front office folks I’ve talked to believe the Patriots can get two first-round picks for Garoppolo – remember that was the price for Jay Cutler and this kid has shown none of the Bears’ prima donna’s baggage – and New England could have clubs competing with each other to make that deal.

But here’s the rub: I’m also hearing from a number of sources the Patriots may not deal Garoppolo at any price because he could be the next Brady, and they may have that need sooner rather than later.

Is that really what Bill Belichick believes, or is he just chumming the waters to drive up the price of Brady’s young protégé?

It’s too early to tell, but that is guaranteed to be one of the league’s hottest topics come Super Bowl time, whether Belichick, Brady, Garoppolo and company are there or not.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

Looking ahead to QB options, in draft and free agency, for 2017

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

Cowboys vs. Packers highlights Week 6 matchups

By ARTHUR

I

ARKUSH

aarkush@profootballweekly.com

t’s been more than 21 months since Dez Bryant’s catch that wasn’t in the 2014 divisional round at Lambeau Field ended Dallas’ last postseason run and propelled the Packers to their most recent NFC title game appearance.

So much has changed since then – though we still don’t know what a catch is.

The Cowboys once again arrive in Green Bay on top of the NFC East, riding a different NFL rushing leader and still buoyed by the league’s finest offensive line (ironically, the back nipping at Ezekiel Elliott’s heels is none other than

DeMarco Murray).

The Packers, No. 23 in run ‘D’ in 2014 and 21st last season, suddenly boast the NFL’s stoutest group, with a tenacious defensive line still led

by Mike Daniels and Letroy Guion with youth at inside linebacker: Jake Ryan and rookie Blake Martinez.

Then there’s the quarterback situation for each club: still Aaron Rodgers in green and gold, but rarely resembling the 2014 MVP Rodgers, with a 56.1 completion percentage and 87.7 passer rating – both easily career worsts.

And in the visiting corner, not Tony Romo but Dak Prescott, the fourth-round rookie with numbers we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from Rodgers, perhaps even Tom Brady.

Prescott’s interception-less streak of 155 pass attempts to begin his career is closing in on Brady’s record 162.

Both clubs have suffered their lone loss to the rival that wrestled away their division title a season ago, but they have otherwise gone largely untested – until Sunday, when for the second consecutive week, strengths collide.

Dallas, like Atlanta, hopes to prove its rugged run game travels well enough to upset a perennial postseason juggernaut. The Packers hope that their dominance against the NFL’s 32nd-, 30th-, 20th- and 25th-ranked rushing attacks is sustainable against the Cowboys’ rookie revelation tandem.

Sadly, we may not see Bryant and Sam Shields,

7:30 p.m. Thursday, NBC

Coming off first loss, will Denver turn it back over to Trevor Siemian? How will Bolts turn a win into a loss this week?

49ERS AT BILLS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, FOX

Finally, a chance to discuss Colin Kaepernick the player, not protester. LeSean McCoy’s play is expected, but Lorenzo Alexander leading resurgent Bills ‘D.’

JAGUARS AT BEARS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

London win will be forgotten fast if Gus Bradley’s club doesn’t make it two straight; Bears will have tough time forgetting missed chances in Indy.

RAMS AT LIONS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, FOX

Rams came down to earth in mind-numbing loss to Buffalo, while Jim Caldwell bought himself time with upset of Eagles.

STEELERS AT DOLPHINS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Antonio Brown has a new dance partner in Sammie Coates; the ‘Phins have a lot of problems and no clear solutions.

BENGALS AT PATRIOTS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

A must-win in Foxborough is an unpleasant place for Marvin Lewis; what, you expected Tom Brady to be rusty?

PANTHERS AT SAINTS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, FOX

AP PHOTO

Ezekiel Elliott

the central figures in the infamous catch controversy, as both remain sidelined with injuries – a hairline knee fracture for Bryant; another concussion for Shields. But we should learn plenty about both clubs, if not about the still-ambiguous catch rule.

It’s not quite the murderer’s row that slaughtered the Jets’ season, but the AFC power trio of Pittsburgh, Denver and New England on the Bengals’ early dance card would make Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker proud.

It’s certainly left Cincinnati at a crossroads, 2-3 ahead of a trip to Foxborough, where the season might already hang in the balance with New England’s prodigal son, Tom Brady, making his long-awaited home debut. We’re going out on a limb and saying Andy Dalton and the NFL’s 29th-ranked red-zone offense better have fixes – Tyler Eifert, maybe? – if they’re realistically thinking upset.

Speaking of tight ends, Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett give Brady a powerful pairing we haven’t seen anywhere in the NFL since, wait for it, Gronk and Aaron Hernandez from 2010-12.

Not only must Cincinnati cure its red-zone ills, it better be ready to ride Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard in between the 20s to protect a defense that was just waylaid by Dallas.

Denver and Philadelphia, a pair of previously unbeatens that stumbled a week ago, each face potential traps as they look to rebound. The Broncos, sans coach Gary Kubiak, who’s taking the week off after another health scare, travel on a short week to San Diego, where they’ve won five straight but always get a fight from Philip Rivers. Plus, the Bolts might’ve run out of ways to beat themselves. Up next for rookies Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz after their first

Cam Newton and Drew Brees deserve better, but the loser in this one can start making vacation plans for January.

RAVENS AT GIANTS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

John Harbaugh hoping another in-season coordinator change spurs Super Bowl run; tantrum-free OBJ game still spells another loss.

BROWNS AT TITANS 12:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Cleveland could use Carson Wentz right about now; Titans finally get a strong, winning performance from Mariota.

EAGLES AT WASHINGTON 12:00 p.m. Sunday, FOX

Mathews’ fumble, not Wentz’ first pick, halted Eagles’ win streak; Washington benefited from bad NFL rule but also good ‘D’ for third victory.

CHIEFS AT RAIDERS 3:05 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Tom Brady

AP PHOTO

taste of adversity is a road trip to Washington, where Jay Gruden’s team is surging and might be starting to make its own luck. Washington shut out Baltimore in the second half last week but has yet to put it all together. Just when it seemed Jim Schwartz’ defense was hitting its stride, the Eagles crashed in Detroit.

SPEED RUSH: Someone has to win the AFC South, and although most eyes will be on Indianapolis headed to Houston, don’t sleep on the Jaguars, who are well-rested ahead of a trip to Chicago. … Someone doesn’t have to dethrone the Broncos, but the Raiders are 4-1 and haven’t played any defense, while the Chiefs get back to work after getting obliterated in Pittsburgh two weeks ago. … Atlanta headed straight to Seattle after its eye-opening road upset in Denver. A third consecutive skin on the wall for that Falcons offense would be a terrific accomplishment for Dan Quinn’s club, but a loss to Seattle, fresh off its bye, wouldn’t be a letdown, either.

Did Chiefs find a pass rush during the bye week? Raiders’ 4-1 start great, but not sustainable without defense.

COWBOYS AT PACKERS 3:25 p.m. Sunday, CBS

NFL’s best rushing attack meets NFL’s top rushing defense in another collision of strength against strength.

FALCONS AT SEAHAWKS 3:25 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Could these be the NFC’s top two teams outside the NFC North? Seattle’s speed at LB means Atlanta could turn from RBs back to Julio.

COLTS AT TEXANS 7:30 p.m. Sunday, NBC

Something tells us this clash of middling AFC South clubs won’t be the primetime ratings boost NFL covets.

JETS AT CARDINALS 7:30 p.m. Sunday, ESPN

Is it possible Todd Bowles and Bruce Arians need each other? Gang Green’s season appears lost but Cardinals get Palmer back after mini-bye.

TEAMS ON BYE Vikings, Buccaneers

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

BRONCOS AT CHARGERS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

THIS WEEK’S GAMES DEN @ SD SF @ BUF PHI @ WAS CLE @ TEN BAL @ NYG CAR @ NO JAX @ CHI LA @ DET PIT @ MIA CIN @ NE KC @ OAK ATL @ SEA DAL @ GB IND @ HOU NYJ @ AZ

Denver 27, San Diego 24 | No Kubiak, backup QB too?

Denver28, San Diego 20 | Broncos bring enough ‘D’

San Francisco 24, Buffalo 23 | Gut says Kaepernick to the rescue

Buffalo 17 , San Francisco 3 | Bills a team on a roll

Philadelphia 29, Washington 23 | Carson Wentz meets, beats Josh Norman

Philadelphia 19, Washington 17 | Wentz wills Philly win

Tennessee 10, Cleveland 9 | Break out the No Doze

Tennessee 31 , Cleveland 28 | Browns battle but can’t win

N.Y. Giants 24, Baltimore 20 | Can’t blame Trestman for everything

N.Y. Giants 20 , Baltimore 16 | Ravens still can’t score

Carolina 37, New Orleans 20 | Newton bounces back big

Carolina 31, New Orleans 27 | Saints find a way to lose

Chicago 26, Jacksonville 24 | Can’t see 2 in row for Jags

Chicago 31 , Jacksonville 17 | Bears finally find end zone

Detroit 20, Los Angeles 16 | Name is still Case Keenum

Detroit 21 , Los Angeles 10 | Rams stuck in the mud

Pittsburgh 34, Miami 16 | Fish can’t seem to swim

Pittsburgh 17, Miami 15 | Steelers stumble, still win

New England 37, Cincinnati 16 | Pats starting to roll now

New England 35, Cincinnati 10 | Bengals have fallen, can’t get up

Kansas City 29, Oakland 24 | Chiefs need this more

Kansas City 24, Oakland 21 | Raiders still have more to prove

Seattle 21, Atlanta 20 | Not 2 weeks in row for Falcons

Seattle 24, Atlanta 10 | Seattle streaking now

Green Bay 34, Dallas 13 | Cowboys’ 1st winning opponent

Green Bay 31 , Dallas 10 | Packers pack a wallop

Houston 27, Indianapolis 20 | Colts don’t play enough ‘D’

Houston 19 , Indianapolis 12 | Texans sack Luck and Colts

Arizona 31, N.Y. Jets 24 | Jets’ schedule is too much

NY Jets 15, Arizona 12 | Cards can’t get it right

us r o i o ! ic s f l e ck h � D a t Sn al He

100%

SaTIsfacTIon Guaranteed

Start Your Day Right With Our Delicious and Nutritious Powder Bundles - Created By Our Registered Dietician!

Green Protein Powder Bundle

Premium Vitality Powder Bundle

Pink Powder Bundle

Provides a unique set of nutrients, along with a major protein boost.

Combines the power of maca with the protein of hemp, and the antioxidants of cacao powder.

Contains the antioxidant power of VitaCherry powder, as well as heart-healthy nitrates from beet powder.

In addition to our powder bundles, we offer a wide selection of other tasty options! Healthy Snacks For Everyone!

Extra Special Offer For New Customers: FREE

nuts.com/strong

N

*Offer valid for new customers only, with $25 minimum order. See website for full details.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

Time for Kaepernick to stand up

T

he Way We Hear It, San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly is absolutely telling the truth when he says his decision to switch from Blaine Gabbert to Colin Kaepernick is a football decision only and has nothing to do with reports Kaepernick’s contract was recently restructured to limit the team’s exposure to guaranteed money.

But that doesn’t make Kelly the most honest guy in the world, he’s just telling the truth now.

As proof of his honesty, Kelly made the reasonable argument that if he was not playing Kaepernick to avoid the risk of injury and the team owing him money he might not earn on the field, why has Kaepernick been his No. 2 in recent weeks while Christian Ponder has remained inactive, leaving Kaepernick just one hit away from having to take the field anyway and being exposed to the mayhem?

It’s a reasonable explanation.

But Kelly has not been consistently straightforward in the early weeks of the season, according to

AP PHOTO

Colin Kaepernick

our sources, letting it leak to the media that Kaepernick wasn’t getting a shot because he had been slow recovering from three offseason surgeries and that he just wasn’t ready yet.

Kelly can’t have it both ways. If Kaepernick had not been physically ready to give it a go until

now, by Kelly’s own logic, why has he been the No. 2 and one hit to Gabbert away from being forced onto the field?

One other note on why Kaepernick hasn’t been on the field: sources close to both Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke are certain Kaepernick’s time as an observer has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not he stands at attention with his hand over his heart or takes a knee during the National Anthem.

First of all, let’s be honest: with his 58.0 completion percentage, 5.9 yards per attempt, 5 TDs, 6 INTs and 69.6 passer rating, it is probably past the time for Gabbert to grab some pine.

Like so many great college quarterbacks, and Gabbert was that, he is at his best a quality backup at the next level. Kelly’s program cannot progress without more at the most important of all positions.

Christian Ponder isn’t as good as Gabbert, and the fact that the Jaguars wasted the 10th pick overall on Gabbert and the Vikings blew a 12th overall on Ponder is no reason for the 49ers and their fans to continue to suffer.

We should point out that pretty much every source we talk to agrees the 49ers offer a good lead back in Carlos Hyde and are reasonably able at tight end, but their offensive line and wide receiver corps have done Gabbert no favors and are unlikely to be much kinder to anyone else.

But Kaepernick is one of the best athletes ever to play the position in the NFL and he was one of the dominant offensive threats in the game starting at quarterback for the Niners under Jim Harbaugh from 2012-2014.

His career 59.9 completion percentage is accept-

AUTO CLUB OF AMERICA, BE REWARDED RATHER THAN SLAPPED IN THE FACE.

ASK ABOUT OUR

25

$

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN NOW...

Unlike the other popular auto clubs, an Auto Club of America (ACA) membership is simple and has real value: ■

No hidden fees or costs.

■

Unlimited annual roadside assistance.

■

Unlimited towing & ‘’Sign and drive promise!’’

■

■ ■

■

We get you back on the road or we tow you to the nearest service facility. (no mileage or dollar caps, no out-ofpocket expenses, no additional stress.)

No-hassle locksmith service.

Car rentals, hotel reservations, restaurant discounts - you’re in control! ACA doesn’t limit you to just the higher priced options.

*ACA Rewards can be used at more than 70,000 participating restaurants in the U.S. and Canada with more than 150,000 unique discount dining offers. Enjoy discounts off the lowest guaranteed rates at more than 25,000 hotel properties. Discounts on car rentals and cruises. More than 150 brand name gift cards offered at a 10% discount and more than 4,000 SKU’s are in our ACA Rewards catalog, including popular items like jewelry, clothing, movie tickets, magazines and more.

Each month, ACA members get $100 in ACA Rewards at no additional charge.

■

■

GIFT CARD BONUS

Our rewards program is unmatched in the auto club industry.

Unlike other auto clubs, ACA doesn’t lock you into using only certain providers and retailers.

ACA members receive a free Wellcard, for discounts on many healthcare needs - prescriptions, dental, vision and hearing services.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS - DOUBLE REWARDS! SIGN UP TODAY AND RECEIVE $200 IN ACA REWARDS! CALL TODAY: 1-800-912-7458

9

Are Packers flying under the radar?

C

learly, the Minnesota Vikings are the flavor of the month in the National Football League, no one can take their eyes off the Falcons, Cowboys and Raiders, Pete Carroll appears to be doing that voodoo only he does so well again with 15 rookies on his roster, and the lineage, heritage and talent on the Patriots, Steelers and Broncos are impossible to ignore.

But multiple sources are telling us the Green Bay Packers may be the team folks should be keeping an eye on each week, as they just get better and better.

Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are just fine and now coming off solid back-to-back outings.

We have no idea what Eddie Lacy weighs or if he’s even lighter than he was last season at all, but he’s off to an excellent start with 54 carries for 295 yards and a 5.5-yard rushing average.

And the offensive line that struggled so badly last season and was rocked by the surprising release of Pro Bowler Josh Sitton at the end of training camp has played some of its best football in years the past two games, including strong efforts from Lane Taylor, Sitton’s replacement at left guard.

But what is most impressive about the Packers is Dom Capers’ defense that is dominating against the run in a way not seen in the NFL in years. Capers’ unit is also playing

Jake Ryan multiple new faces and its secondary is seriously beat up.

The Packers have been particularly susceptible to the run for years now and have targeted beefing up the middle of the field.

Young linebackers Jake Ryan, Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell, who plays on the outside spelling Julius Peppers, are all playing like real keepers, and Mike Daniels and Letroy Guion have been especially stout, allowing first round pick Kenny Clark time to grow into the position.

So why the second-half letdowns?

Defensive backs Morgan Burnett and Demarious Randall have both been battling groin issues while corner Sam Shields has been out since Week Two with a concussion.

When the back end is fully ready to go, our sources think the Packers could be ready to play with anybody.

FOOTBALL FANS BID ON AUTOGRAPHS, SPORTS CARDS & COLLECTIBLES

d i B d n a m o c . n o i t c u A e n i t s

www.PristineAuction.com

DAILY AUCTIONS All Daily Auctions Start at $1 with No Reserve Prices

Authenticity is everything!

All autographed items in our auction include leading industry authentication.

adno=0321077

i r P . w w w o t Go

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

able, and his 88.5 passer rating is well above average.

Where Kaepernick has been extremely strong is with his career 56-to-26 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and during his two-plus seasons as a starter, Kaepernick averaged 526 yards a season rushing and 6.0 yards per attempt.

His résumé also includes six postseason starts and a 4-2 record in those games.

So why has Kelly been so reluctant to put him on the field?

Rumors of Kaepernick’s “different” personality began to surface shortly after he became the fulltime starter in 2013, and he is not everyone’s cup of tea.

He can be distant and quiet more often than not at a position that almost always yields a team leader, not a loner.

But we are told that also had little to do with Kelly’s reluctance to date.

According to our sources, and as was pretty clearly demonstrated in his time in Philadelphia, Kelly values his system on offense more than he necessarily values the players who run it.

What we’re hearing is Kaepernick has just been slow to adapt to what Kelly wants to do and has shown little willingness to run the offense at the rapid-fire pace that Kelly believes is necessary for success.

Kelly wants his offense lined up and ready to go with 20-to-25 seconds left on the play clock and the ball snapped before it reaches 15.

That takes a commitment Gabbert was willing to make and that Kaepernick will now have to show if he wants to stay on the field for long.

ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY |

High-flying Steelers vs. lowly Dolphins a fantasy dream

By J.C.

TALON

W

Fantasy writer | ProFootballWeekly.com

hat do you do when an irresistible force meets an immovable object?

That is the dilemma facing fantasy owners as Atlanta and their No. 1 offense travels to face the No. 1 defense in Seattle. We’ve been slow to come around on Atlanta, but after dominating the previously undefeated Broncos in Denver, Falcons doubters should be reconsidering their position. Atlanta is averaging a mammoth 457 yards per game – 60 yards more than the second-ranked Cowboys. On the other side of the ball, Seattle’s defense is allowing just 264 yards per game.

Our advice? Obviously, this is a better fantasy matchup for Seattle. Atlanta’s defense is ranked 26th and Russell Wilson is a lot better than Paxton Lynch.

But even though this is a tough matchup for Atlanta’s ‘O’, Julio Jones remains a must start every week, and it would be very difficult to sit Matt Bryant or Devonta Freeman. Tevin Coleman is worth a look, especially in PPR leagues, but avoid Matt Bryant and the Falcons D/ST. Go ahead and play your Seahawks, including their D/ST. On to the rest of Week 6 …

MATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT Pittsburgh Steelers

OPPONENT: AT MIAMI DOLPHINS, SUNDAY, NOON Miami’s 28th-ranked defense is giving up more than 400 yards of offense per game. The Steelers counter with the NFL’s fifth-ranked offense. The Dolphins have given up the most rushing yards in the league and look like a team on the verge of collapse. Since getting pantsed by the Eagles in Week 3, the Steelers have gained 869 yards and scored 74 points in the past two weeks. Sammie Coates is finally emerging as the No. 2 option in Pittsburgh, but he is still dropping too many passes.

MUST START: Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown SOLID PLAY: Coates, Chris Boswell, Steelers D/ST WORTH A LOOK: Jesse James LAST RESORT: Markus Wheaton STAY AWAY: DeAngelo Williams

Carolina Panthers

OPPONENT: AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, SUNDAY, NOON The enduring incompetence of the Saints’ defense is equal parts comical and baffling. Yielding 423 yards of offense per game, New Orleans is ranked 31st in defense for the third consecutive season.

You would think, at some point, improving the defense might become a priority for Saints brass. Until someone in the bayou gets the memo, fantasy owners should take advantage.

It’s been a nightmare of a season for the Panthers, but this would be a good time to right the ship, for one week anyway. Cam Newton (concussion) should be back and he’s the best QB play of the week. Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) should also return, but be sure to check the status of both players. This is also a good matchup for Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense. As of this writing there was no over/under on the game, but it’s likely to be around 50. Carolina’s defense is not what it used to be.

MUST START: Newton*, Greg Olsen

SOLID PLAY: Stewart*, Kelvin Benjamin, Graham Gano WORTH A LOOK: Cameron Artis-Payne (if no Stewart) LAST RESORT: Fozzy Whitaker, Corey Brown, Ted Ginn STAY AWAY: Panthers D/ST

Tennessee Titans

OPPONENT: VS CLEVELAND BROWNS, SUNDAY, NOON Tennessee is no offensive juggernaut, but Cleveland is giving up right around 30 points and 400 yards per game. The Titans rolled up 398 yards last week in Miami and they should enjoy similar success this week. Marcus Mariota has limited fantasy value over the season, but he’s worth considering this week. He threw for only 163 yards in Miami, but notched three TD passes and ran for 60 yards and a score. DeMarco Murray is coming off a 127-yard performance and is one of the best RB plays of the week.

MUST START: Murray, Delanie Walker SOLID PLAY: Mariota, Titans D/ST WORTH A LOOK: Derrick Henry, Ryan Succop LAST RESORT: Tajae Sharpe, Rishard Matthews

Houston Texans

OPPONENT: VS INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, SUNDAY, 7:30 Is it too early to “flex” the Sunday night game?

Though this game is meaningful to the standings in a bad AFC South, the two teams featured have been outscored a combined 252-219. Houston has been terrible on offense, averaging just 16.4 points per game – tied with the Rams for dead last in the NFL. They’ve not been much better with yardage, producing 310 yards (27th) per game. Wait a minute – this is listed as a matchup to exploit, so let’s change gears here.

If Houston were ever going to get things going – and if Brock Osweiler were ever going to begin to live up to the bajillion dollars (might need to fact check his contract) he got last offseason – this would be the week. The Colts and their 30th ranked ‘D’ just allowed Brian Hoyer to throw for 397 yards. Yes, the same Brian Hoyer who was ridden out of Houston on a rail after he was intercepted 47 times in a playoff loss (again, fact check that INT stat). DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller should produce much better than last week when they faced a ferocious Minnesota defense. Because Houston trailed the entire game, Lamar Miller got just nine touches in the loss to the Vikings. Miller should get a heavy workload this week and it would be an excellent time for his first TD as a Texan.

MUST START: Miller, Hopkins SOLID PLAY: Fuller, Nick Novak, Texans D/ST WORTH A LOOK: Osweiler LAST RESORT: Jaelen Strong, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Ryan Griffin

ALSO CONSIDER Denver Broncos

OPPONENT: AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS, THURSDAY, 7:25 San Diego’s defense is giving up 375 yards of total offense and 28.4 points per game. Assuming Trevor Siemian returns from his shoulder injury, the Broncos should be able to reach those numbers.

Philadelphia Eagles

OPPONENT: AT WASHINGTON, SUNDAY, NOON Fantasy owners might be surprised to learn

that the Eagles and their 12th-ranked offense have outgained and outscored Arizona and Indianapolis – teams that were expected to produce a lot of yardage and points. The season is still young and it remains to be seen if Philadelphia can maintain the pace. Facing Washington’s 27th-ranked defense, they have an opportunity to keep it going for one week, at least.

MATCHUPS TO AVOID San Francisco 49ers

OPPONENT: AT BUFFALO BILLS, SUNDAY, NOON There’s not much to like about SF on any given week, but traveling across country to play an early game against a feisty defense … well, matchups don’t get much worse than this one. Buffalo is a middle-of-the-road 15th in yards allowed, but only four teams have allowed fewer points than the Bills’ 17.4 per game.

MUST START: None SOLID PLAY: None WORTH A LOOK: Carlos Hyde LAST RESORT: Jeremy Kerley, Vance McDonald* STAY AWAY: Colin Kaepernick, Torrey Smith, Phil Dawson, 49ers D/ST

Cincinnati Bengals

OPPONENT: AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, SUNDAY, NOON It’s not been a good season thus far for Cincinnati. Since a close victory over the Jets in Week 1, the Bengals have just one victory (against a bad Miami team). Cincy has yet to score more than 23 points in a game. Their offense is ranked fifth in passing, but just 26th in rushing. They are gaining a meager 3.4 yards per attempt. The Pats have the league’s 13thranked defense (9th against the run, 18th against the pass). Jeremy Hill (chest) appeared on last week’s injury report but was removed from the list on Friday. However, he did not start the game and had only four carries in the second half when he aggravated the injury and did not return. If Hill is inactive, Giovani Bernard is worth a look, especially in PPR. MUST START: A.J. Green SOLID PLAY: None WORTH A LOOK: Andy Dalton, Bernard, Brandon LaFell LAST RESORT: Hill*, Mike Nugent STAY AWAY: C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Kroft, Bengals D/ ST

Dallas Cowboys

OPPONENT: AT GREEN BAY PACKERS, SUNDAY, 3:25 Probably the most interesting game of the week, this looks like a well-below-average matchup for the Cowboys and their second-ranked offense. Green Bay is allowing just 2 yards per rush attempt. If Ezekiel Elliot is contained, the Cowboys will be forced out of their comfort zone. On the other hand, Dallas seems to rise to the challenge each week, and Elliot is an elite RB. Bryant is likely to be sidelined until after next week’s bye – but monitor his status.

MUST START: Elliot SOLID PLAY: None WORTH A LOOK: Dak Prescott, Bryant*, Jason Witten LAST RESORT: Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Dan Bailey* STAY AWAY: Cowboys D/ST *Check injury status

By JOHN

SAHLY

T

jsahly@shawmedia.com

his past weekend in daily fantasy, I decided to run a little experiment.

If I put the maximum number of entries into a tournament, could I profit from that? Could I put myself in position to take down an elusive guaranteed prize pool?

I’m a low-stakes DFS player. I have a monthly budget, I withdraw most of my winnings almost immediately. You won’t find me in the $333 or even the $50 tournaments. It’s just not in my nature to risk that much, plus, with a kid on the way, I’m not sinking extra equity in tournaments.

But, I’ve always wanted to try, on a smaller scale, something the biggest players in DFS do in tournaments, and put in the maximum number of entries into a tournament and see what happens.

The tournament that fit my bankroll for this is the Quarter Arcade on DraftKings. At 25 cents an entry and a maximum number of entries capped at 50, it cost just $12.50 from my bankroll. Certainly a doable experiment. I wanted to keep a core of players I liked, and then fill in the roster with other players I liked less than my core.

This past week, I had my eye on two quarterbacks in particular I wanted to play: Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers. Both were at home, favored to win against non-divisional opponents. That checks a lot of boxes for me, and of my 50 lineups, Ben

Ben Roethlisberger and Rodgers were on 35 of them. I then sprinkled in Derek Carr, Tom Brady and Eli Manning on my remaining lineups.

Ben worked out great with 33.2 points, while Rodgers had just 17.86 points. Roethlisberger was on just 15 percent of lineups, while I had him on 34 percent of mine, which means I was ‘overweight’ on him. I wanted to have more shares of Roethlisberger than the field, because if Big Ben goes off like he did, I’m ahead of the rest of the field.

At running back was a series of frustrations.

Jerick McKinnon was under-priced this past week at just $4,000. He had all of the volume in front of him, plus the game script was likely to be in his favor with the red-hot Vikings favored at home against the struggling Texans. McKinnon ended up with 21 touches, which is more than enough from a $4k player... and he finished with 5.6 points. McKinnon was my biggest play this weekend, as he was on 86 percent of my lineups.

My point is, McKinnon was a good process, but sometimes Matt Asiata is going to vulture touchdowns.

The other player who I liked my process on, but didn’t work out, was Zach Ertz. He was on 2/3rds of my teams, playing against a historically bad defense against tight ends. Ertz ran 32 routes, and saw just three targets.

All that said, I had a few plays that I liked that worked out. Cam Meredith (30.6 points) was on 20 percent of my lineups, same with Sammie Coates (34.9 points). In retrospect, I wish I had more shares, but I accomplished my goal of being overweight on them.

I ended up losing $2.50 from my $12.50, earning back just $10, but with a few key lessons learned about allocation.

My biggest takeaway from the experience: When doing multi-entry, if your process leads you to plays you like, try to get more exposure to them than you think the field will have. Those are my lineups that did best.

Get Your FREE Digital Subscription!

Taking You to The Heart of Tailgating...

Covering the nation’s top tailgate destinations, and the tailgaters who make it happen, each issue features entertaining articles, great food & drink recipes, and cool gear & products to make your next tailgate or backyard BBQ party the best ever!

Sign up today for your FREE Digital Subscription at:

www.tailgatermagazine.com

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

DFS: Lessons learned from multi-entry tournaments

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016 Vince Biegel

AP PHOTO

J.T. Barrett

AP PHOTO

Big Ten battle between Ohio State and Wisconsin

I

t looks like the big game for Week 7 of the college football season is in the Big Ten. No. 2 Ohio State travels to Madison to meet No. 11 Wisconsin. Now, some people might feel the Alabama vs. Tennessee game is the better game, but after seeing Tennessee a few times this year, I feel they are overrated and Alabama is just about in a class of its own.

Wisconsin isn’t loaded with draft-eligible players right now, but they are one of the better-coached teams in America. They play sound physical football and they don’t make mistakes. Their best NFL prospects are a pair of outside linebackers, senior Vince Biegel and junior T.J. Watt, the younger brother of J.J. Watt.

Biegel is a good-sized outside line-

Buckeyes are always backer (6-4, 245 pounds) loaded with NFL talent, with growth potential to a good number of whom get to around 260. He has are underclassmen. good edge pass rush talent and plays a physical Earlier in the season, game. Biegel has played I wrote about some of in four of the five Wistheir NFL-caliber playconsin games and has 9.0 ers, like OC/OG Pat total tackles including Elflein, LB Raekwon McMillan, QB J.T Bar1.0 sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss. Biegel won’t rett, defensive linemen play against the BuckGREG GABRIEL Tyquan Lewis and Sam @greggabe eyes because of a foot Hubbard and OG Billy injury.

Price. All of the above Watt is having a great year with 29 mentioned are having outstanding total tackles including 5.5 sacks and seasons to date.

We can add a few names to that 7.5 tackles for loss. Watt doesn’t have original list. Last year, Ohio State the natural size as his older brother, had a number of defensive backs but he has height and length to go drafted. Their replacements are all along with very good growth potential. He is listed at 6-5, 243 pounds. draft-eligible and have the natural As usual, since Urban Meyer has traits to become legitimate NFL been the Ohio State head coach, the prospects.

Redshirt sophomore corner Marshon Lattimore has the size and

length NFL scouts covet (6-1, 195 pounds). He also has very good quickness, change of direction and body control. His ball skills aren’t bad, as he already has three interceptions this season.

At the other corner is redshirt junior Gareon Conley. He is similar in size to Lattimore and he has similar athletic attributes. To date he has 8.0 total tackles, one interception and two pass breakups.

The free safety is another redshirt sophomore, Malik Hooker, who has ideal safety size at 6-2, 208 pounds to go along with speed and range.

In five games he has been quite productive with 23 total tackles, three interceptions and a half sack. Hooker can play either free or strong safety at the next level.

Should be a lot of points scored this week in New Orleans. Tom Brady gets his first home cooking and Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense need to produce in order to hold off the red-hot Falcons.

1. Cam Newton*, Panthers @ Saints 2. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers @ Dolphins 3. Tom Brady, Patriots vs. Bengals 4. Drew Brees, Saints vs. Panthers 5. Russell Wilson, Seahawks vs. Falcons 6. Carson Palmer, Cardinals vs. Jets 7. Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs. Cowboys 8. Derek Carr, Raiders vs. Chiefs 9. Blake Bortles, Jaguars @ Bears 10. Andrew Luck, Colts @ Texans 11. Philip Rivers, Chargers vs. Broncos 12. Andy Dalton, Bengals @ Patriots 13. Marcus Mariota, Titans vs. Browns 14. Eli Manning, Giants vs. Ravens 15. Matt Ryan, Falcons @ Seahawks 16. Matthew Stafford, Lions vs. Rams 17. Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ Packers 18. Trevor Siemian*, Broncos @ Chargers 19. Carson Wentz, Eagles @ Washington 20. Kirk Cousins, Washington vs. Eagles

TIGHT ENDS

Cam Newton

AP PHOTO

DeMarco Murray

AP PHOTO

RUNNING BACKS

E zekiel Elliot moves down a bit based on Packers allowing 2.0 yards per carry. Nice matchups for DeMarco Murray, Le’Veon Bell, David Johnson and LeSean McCoy. 1. DeMarco Murray, Titans vs. Browns 2. Le’Veon Bell, Steelers @ Dolphins 3. David Johnson, Cardinals vs. Jets 4. LeSean McCoy, Bills vs. 49ers 5. Jordan Howard, Bears vs. Jaguars 6. Lamar Miller, Texans vs. Colts 7. Todd Gurley, Rams @ Lions 8. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys @ Packers 9. C.J. Anderson, Broncos @ Chargers 10. Mark Ingram, Saints vs. Panthers 11. Christine Michael, Seahawks vs. Falcons 12. Devonta Freeman, Falcons @ Seahawks 13. Melvin Gordon, Chargers vs. Broncos 14. Ryan Mathews, Eagles @ Washington 15. Matt Forte, Jets @ Cardinals 16. Giovani Bernard, Bengals @ Patriots 17. Eddie Lacy*, Packers vs. Cowboys 18. Carlos Hyde, 49ers @ Bills 19. LeGarrette Blount, Patriots vs. Bengals 20. Jonathan Stewart*, Panthers @ Saints 21. Frank Gore, Colts @ Texans 22. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs @ Raiders 23. Isaiah Crowell, Browns @ Titans 24. Spencer Ware, Chiefs @ Raiders 25. T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars @ Bears 26. Terrance West, Ravens @ Giants 27. Theo Riddick, Lions vs. Rams 28. Matt Jones, Washington vs. Eagles 29. Tevin Coleman, Falcons @ Seahawks 30. Jay Ajayi, Dolphins vs. Steelers 31. Jeremy Hill, Bengals* @ Patriots 32. Derrick Henry, Titans vs. Browns 33. Fozzy Whittaker, Panthers @ Saints

R ob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett teamed up for 11 receptions for 176 yards and three TDs last week. Bennett got all the scores and six of the receptions, but Gronk had 109 yards. Both are “must starts” for now.

1. Greg Olsen, Panthers @ Saints 2. Jordan Reed, Washington vs. Eagles 3. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots vs. Bengals 4. Delanie Walker, Titans vs. Browns 5. Martellus Bennett, Patriots vs. Bengals 6. Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ Raiders 7. Jimmy Graham, Seahawks vs. Falcons 8. Zach Miller, Bears vs. Jags 9. Coby Fleener, Saints vs. Panthers 10. Zach Ertz, Eagles @ Washington 11. Hunter Henry, Chargers vs. Broncos 12. Julius Thomas*, Jaguars @ Bears 13. Dennis Pitta, Ravens @ Giants 14. Gary Barnidge, Browns @ Titans 15. Antonio Gates, Chargers vs. Broncos 16. Jason Witten, Cowboys @ Packers 17. Dwayne Allen, Colts @ Texans 18. Jesse James, Steelers @ Dolphins 19. Tyler Eifert*, Bengals @ Patriots 20. Richard Rodgers, Packers vs. Cowboys

PLACEKICKERS

Allen Robinson

AP PHOTO

34. Chris Ivory, Jaguars @ Bears 35. James Starks, Packers vs. Cowboys 36. Cameron Artis-Payne, Panthers @ Saints

WIDE RECEIVERS

T.Y. Hilton torched the Bears secondary and we expect Allen Robinson will do the same. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller should have success against Indy.

1. Allen Robinson, Jaguars @ Bears 2. Antonio Brown, Steelers @ Dolphins 3. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans vs. Colts 4. Odell Beckham, Giants vs. Ravens 5. Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers @ Saints 6. A.J. Green, Bengals @ Patriots 7. Alshon Jeffery, Bears vs. Jaguars 8. Jordy Nelson, Packers vs. Cowboys 9. DeMaryius Thomas, Broncos @ Chargers 10. Julio Jones, Falcons @ Seahawks 11. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals vs. Jets 12. T.Y. Hilton, Colts @ Texans 13. Brandin Cooks, Saints vs. Panthers 14. Brandon Marshall, Jets @ Cards

Greg Olsen

AP PHOTO

15. Amari Cooper, Raiders vs. Chiefs 16. Marvin Jones, Lions vs. Rams 17. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks vs. Falcons 18. Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs @ Raiders 19. Michael Crabtree, Raiders vs. Chiefs 20. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos @ Chargers 21. Jarvis Landry, Dolphins vs. Steelers 22. Julian Edelman, Patriots vs. Bengals 23. Jordan Matthews, Eagles @ Washington 24. Will Fuller, Texans vs. Colts 25. Sammie Coates, Steelers @ Dolphins 26. Willie Snead, Saints vs. Panthers 27. Sterling Shepard, Giants vs. Ravens 28. John Brown, Cardinals vs. Jets 29. Randall Cobb, Packers vs. Cowboys 30. DeVante Parker, Dolphins vs. Steelers 31. Allen Hurns, Jaguars @ Bears 32. Terrelle Pryor, Browns @ Titans 33. Quincy Enunwa, Jets @ Cardinals 34. Chris Hogan*, Patriots vs. Bengals 35. Travis Benjamin, Chargers vs. Broncos 36. DeSean Jackson, Washington vs. Eagles

1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots vs. Bengals 2. Steven Hauschka, Seahawks vs. Falcons 3. Graham Gano, Panthers @ Saints 4. Brandon McManus, Broncos @ Chargers 5. Caleb Sturgis, Eagles @ Washington 6. Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals vs. Jets 7. Mason Crosby, Packers vs. Cowboys 8. Chris Boswell, Steelers @ Dolphins 9. Will Lutz, Saints vs. Panthers 10. Justin Tucker, Ravens @ Giants 11. Adam Vinatieri, Colts @ Texans 12. Ryan Succop, Titans vs. Browns 13. Nick Novak, Texans vs. Colts 14. Cairo Santos, Chiefs @ Raiders 15. Dan Bailey, Cowboys @ Packers

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

1. Cardinals vs. Jets 2. Bills vs. 49ers 3. Titans vs. Browns 4. Steelers @ Dolphins 5. Seahawks vs. Falcons 6. Broncos @ Chargers 7. Eagles @ Washington 8. Texans vs. Colts 9. Patriots vs. Bengals 10. Giants vs. Ravens 11. Ravens @ Giants 12. Packers vs. Cowboys 13. Rams @ Lions 14. Jets @ Cardinals 15. Lions vs. Rams

*Check injury status

TEAMS ON BYE

Vikings, Buccaneers

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

QUARTERBACKS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

Which NFL coaches are on the hot seat?

NATE ATKINS HUB ARKUSH but it seems to happen most years and there’s no reason to think 2016 will be an exception. I think you pretty much nailed the short list, and with the Chargers’ potential move to L.A. looking more and more inevitable, McCoy is as likely a candidate as any to be the first one let go. I actually think Bradley can still get things turned around in Jacksonville, but Pagano and Caldwell certainly are feeling the heat. What about Jets coach Todd Bowles?

His Year 2 has been a disaster so far. And could 14-year Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis be in trouble if he doesn’t turn things around? He’s taken the Bengals to four straight playoffs but hasn’t won there, and

PATRICK FINLEY DAN McCALEB

at 2-3 and in third place in the AFC North with Tom Brady and the Patriots this weekend, a fifth consecutive playoff run looks to be a difficult road.

Arkush: You know, Dan, my gut’s telling me Pagano survives at least one more year if for no other reason than he got a new four-year contract prior to the start of this season, but I’m hard-pressed to see Caldwell getting another year and I’m not as confident as you are about Bradley’s future. As far as Bowles goes, there’s no question the Jets are underachieving, but the schedule’s been brutal, Ryan Fitzpatrick has been even more brutal and the QB thing is on the general manager, Mike Maccagnan. I think

Bowles will survive. The guy that interests me, and I think is a great call on your part, is Lewis. I absolutely would have fired him after the playoff meltdown led by Vontaze Burfict and Adam Jones in Pittsburgh last January. That Lewis did absolutely nothing about it and is now losing with the same bad actors is even more grounds for firing for me. But Bengals owner Mike Brown marches to his own beat. I’ll give you two other guys who appear to have bought themselves some time but who I don’t think are out of the woods yet, Jeff Fisher and Rex Ryan.

McCaleb: I thought Rex was on his way out after two bad losses to start the season. But after three consecutive wins – two of

them good ones over the Cardinals and at New England – and a winnable game Sunday at home against San Francisco and I’m not so sure anymore. After Fisher’s four straight losing seasons with the Rams, many thought he was done last year, including me. As bad as their offense is, I don’t see the Rams as an above.500 team, despite their current 3-2 record, so I would suspect Fisher is done in Los Angeles at the end of the season. OK, Hub, we’ve ID’d a number of coaches who are on the chopping block.

Why don’t you close us down with who you think will be the hot coaching candidates during the offseason?

Arkush: Ah, a little circle of life, aye, one man’s pain is another man’s joy. Obviously, we hate to see anyone lose their jobs, but when heads start to roll in a couple months, it looks right now like Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards, Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and perhaps most of all Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be the guys to keep an eye on.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

P

ro Football Weekly’s Hub Arkush and Dan McCaleb discuss which coaches on the bubble can survive, which ones should update their resumes and who’s on GM short lists as potential replacements.

Arkush: Dan, it is that time of the year again with the season almost a third over that a number of NFL head coaches find themselves squarely on the bubble. There can be no debate that the Jaguars’ Gus Bradley, Chuck Pagano in Indianapolis, Mike McCoy in San Diego and Jim Caldwell in Detroit are under some serious fire regarding whether or not they will be able to keep their jobs. With all but McCoy actually having won their last games, the Chargers’ boss appears to be in the most trouble. But as you look at this group, do you see McCoy being the first to go? How many of the other three are back next year, and who else are we likely to be adding to this list in the coming weeks?

McCaleb: Hub, I can’t tell you how much I despise midseason head-coaching changes,

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, ODTOBER 13, 2016

.

Y A D N U S Y R E V E .

E M A G E V RY L I E .

E M A G E V V RY L I R Y S U N DA .

D AY TICKET INCLUDE AY 2016 NFL SUNDA TO DIRECTV. WHEN YOU SWITCH

2-Yeluadred

CHOICE™

60

all-inc g pr icin

$

All-Included Package

00 MO.

Plus taxes.

For 24 months W/ 24-mo. TV agmt. & other qual. AT&T service.* Regional Sports fee applies in certain markets.

With DIRECTV you’ll score:

IVS

FREE

Out-of-market games only.

Choose any live game you want to watch on Sunday, all in HD. Only with DIRECTV — you can’t get this with Cable or DISH. (Out-of-market games only.)

DIRECTV FANTASY ZONE CHANNEL†^ Exclusive channel dedicated to fantasy.

Get key stats and player scoring around the league in real time, right on your screen.

RED ZONE CHANNEL® †^ Never miss a play inside the 20, all on one channel, all in HD.

WATCH UP TO 8 GAMES AT ONCE OR PICK ONE † Game Mix Channel lets you watch up to 4 or 8 games live on one screen.

GENIE HD DVR UPGRADE ®

™

WATCH LIVE GAMES WHEREVER YOU GO Stream every live out-of-market game, every Sunday afternoon, from virtually anywhere with a tablet, mobile device or computer.

Only available in HD. ^With NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX.

†

NO equipment to buy.

NO start-up costs.

99%

worry-free signal reliability.

Based on a Nationwide study of representative cities.

CALL NOW and ask about Next Day Installation.

800-538-7139 203-542-7271

Geographic and service restrictions apply to U-Verse services. Call or go to www.att.com/u-verse to see if you qualify. $60 2-YR CHOICE ALL INCLUDED PACKAGE PRICE: Ends 10/22/16. New DIRECTV residential customers who bundle w/ eligible new or existing AT&T wireless svc. Price includes CHOICE All Included TV Pkg and monthly fees for a Genie HD DVR + one (1) add’l receiver. Internet: 12-mo. agmt req’d. Prorated ETF (up to $180) and Equipment Non-Return fees apply. Wireless: Consumers only. Sold separately. Reqs AT&T postpaid svc on elig. plan (excl. Lifeline & Residential Wireless) on a smartphone or phone (excl. Wireless Home Phone). Svcs: Svc addresses must match. To be elig. for 2nd yr price guarantee both services must remain active & in good-standing during 2nd year. Price Guarantee: TV Pkg only. After 24 mos. or loss of eligibility, then-prevailing monthly rate for All Included TV Pkg applies (currently $104/mo for CHOICE All Included), unless customer calls to cancel /change service prior to the end of 24 mos. Price excludes taxes, equipment upgrades/add-ons and other chrgs. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. See att.com/directv.

DIRECTV SVC TERMS: Subject to Equipment Lease and Customer Agreements. Must maintain a min. base TV pkg of $29.99/mo. Add'l Fees & Terms: In certain markets, Regional Sports fee of up to $6.39/mo. assessed with CHOICE and MÁS ULTRA Pkg and above. $19.95 Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Visit directv.com/legal for details.

WIRELESS SVC TERMS: Subj. to Wireless Customer Agmt (att.com/wca). Svcs are not for resale. Credit approval req’d. Deposit may apply. Fees, monthly & other charges, usage & other restrictions apply. Pricing, promotions, & terms subject to change & may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage & svc not avail. everywhere. You get an off-net (roaming) usage allowance for each svc.

If you exceed the allowance, your svc(s) may be restricted or terminated. Other restr’s apply & may result in svc termination. See att.com/wireless or a store for details.

GENIE HD DVR UPGRADE OFFER: Includes instant rebates on one Genie HD DVR and up to three Genie Minis. Req’s SELECT Pkg or above; ÓPTIMO MÁS Pkg or above; or any int’l service bundle w/PREFERRED CHOICE Pkg. $99 fee applies for Wireless Genie Mini upgrade.

2016 NFL SUNDAY TICKET OFFER: Package consists of all live out-of-market NFL games (based on customer’s service address) broadcast on FOX and CBS. Games available via remote viewing based on device location. Other conditions apply. 2016 NFL SUNDAY TICKET regular full-season retail price is $257.94. 2016 NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX regular full-season retail price is $359.94. Customers activating CHOICE Pkg or above or MÁS ULTRA Pkg or above will be eligible to receive the 2016 season of NFL SUNDAY TICKET at no add’l cost and will receive a free upgrade to NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX for the 2016 season. NFL SUNDAY TICKET subscription will automatically continue each season at a special renewal rate unless customer calls to cancel prior to start of season. To renew NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX, customer must call to upgrade after the 2016 season. Subscription cannot be canceled (in part or in whole) after the start of the season and subscription fee cannot be refunded. Only one game may be accessed remotely at any given time. Compatible device/operating system required for online/mobile access. Additional data charges may apply. Visit directv.com/nfl for a list of compatible devices/system requirements. For full Mix Channel and interactive functionality, HD equipment model H/HR 21 or later is required. NFL: AP Photo.

HD: HD television req’d. Number of HD channels based on TV plan.

NFL, the NFL Shield design and the NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its affiliates. NFL team names and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. ©2016 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.