Week 16 GameScout: Buccaneers at Saints

SERIES HISTORY: 50th regular-season meeting. Saints lead series, 30-19. After the Saints won seven consecutive games in the series from 2011 to 2014, sweeping the season series in 2012-14, the Bucs have won two of the last three matchups.

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Did the odds just increase that we might see Tony Romo get some playing time on Sunday? Do you think we should? Matt Mosley: I don’t think he’ll see any mop-up time, if that’s what you’re asking. And I don’t think he’ll get the start or even play in a meaningless Week 17 game.

Will Barkley be part of Bears’ future?

Before he contemplates what his future might be with the Bears, quarterback Matt Barkley remains focused on the present — Saturday’s game vs. Washington. ” kind of where my head is at — taking this one game at a time and not getting caught up in the emotions of this sport and finishing strong,” Barkley said.

nfl playoff scenarios

DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Raiders mailbag: Mario Edwards Jr. expectations, Derek Carr under center and yes, more Aldon Smith

I’d expect Mario Edwards Jr. to debut in at least a somewhat limited role, maybe in the 15-20 snap range to get his feet wet. It’s impossible to know what Edwards is going to be like after not playing in a regular season game in more than an entire calendar year, but without a doubt, he would be an improvement if he’s near the level he was at last season.

Texans look to Savage on Saturday against Bengals

In this Nov. 20, 2016 file photo, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis works the sidelines in the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, in Cincinnati. The Bengals will play the Houston Texans on Saturday, Dec. 24. less FILE – In this Nov. 20, 2016 file photo, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis works the sidelines in the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, in Cincinnati.

Pats can avoid pitfall of 2015 with win over struggling Jets

In this Dec. 5, 2016, file photo, New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty looks to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Petty will make his fourth NFL start after his status was uncertain earlier in the week after suffering a bruised chest against Miami last Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016. less FILE – In this Dec. 5, 2016, file photo, New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty looks to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. Petty will … more FILE – In this Dec. 12, 2016, file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Foxborough, Mass.

MetLife Stadium’s biggest challenge met last weekend

This Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 photo provided by MetLife Stadium shows the field at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The biggest challenges at the New Jersey Meadowlands last weekend probably didn’t belong to the Giants and Jets. Instead, it was the folks charged with getting MetLife Stadium ready for a Saturday night Dolphins-Jets game and an early afternoon Lions-Giants contest the next day.

Bills still stung by memories of last loss to Dolphins

In this Aug. 1, 2016 file photo, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry runs with the football during practice at NFL football training camp, in Davie, Fla. . The Dolphins will play the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Dec. 24. less FILE – In this Aug. 1, 2016 file photo, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry runs with the football during practice at NFL football training camp, in Davie, Fla.

Philly Triumphs: Eagles soar over Giants in 24-19 victory

Malcolm Jenkins had the second two-interception game of his eight-year career, returning one for a touchdown, and the Philadelphia Eagles snapped a five-game slide by beating the Giants 24-19 on Thursday night. The loss handed Dallas the NFC East title – and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

Chiefs offense clams up, shuts down in second half of games

It seems that everybody has a theory as to why the Kansas City Chiefs offense shuts down in the second half of games, even the star tight end who wishes he could do something to stop it. “Other than play-calling, I couldn’t really tell you,” Travis Kelce said after the latest slowdown, one that cost the Chiefs dearly in a 19-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans last Sunday.

From DUI arrest to Super Bowl Champion?

NFL Widereceiver Michael Floyd was cut from the Arizona Cardinals after being arrested for driving under the influence. He was picked up by the New England Patriots who have a 30% chance of winning Super Bowl 51 according to fivethirtyeight.com.

Jay Ajayia s production declining as teams try to stop him

Just a month ago, Jay Ajayi was on pace to produce one of the NFL’s three highest per-carry rushing averages this decade. Ajayi’s production has declined appreciably in the past month – he hasn’t topped 61 yards rushing in any of the past four games – but coach Adam Gase and offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen dispute any suggestion that Ajayi is remotely to blame for this.

Will Steelers’ O-line hold up against Ravens’ D?

NFL Network analyst and former Pro Bowl center Shaun O’Hara selects offensive line units to watch heading into the week, breaking down what’s on the line for each group, potential matchups and other significant factors. Following each week’s games, O’Hara will select a Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Week.

Photos: DE Randy Gregory rejoins Cowboys teammates on practice field

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory talks to defensive tackle Maliek Collins during their practice on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott , left, laughs as wide receiver Dez Bryant reaches to try to catch a pass during their practice on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

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Kate Hairopoulos: Already thinking ahead to the off-season, huh? The Super Bowl is still some 40 days away:) I can tick off a couple storylines that come to mind: bunch of players in the secondary whose contracts are up after this season….Will LB Jaylon Smith’s nerve in his knee regenerate after a full year? ….Will the Cowboys decide to invest in a defensive pass rusher? ….Will Dak be able to repeat and sustain his rookie success? …Will Cowboys be able to sign OG Zack Martin to a long-term deal? ….Whatever Jerry happens to stir up. ….I could go on.