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Bryant emerged as a possible backup plan for Cleveland after Gordon stepped away from the team to receive treatment to address his health associated with a recovery from drug addiction. The Browns don't know when Gordon will be back Youth Marquis Haynes Jersey , and in the interim they have discussed signing the temperamental Bryant, who spent eight sometimes combustible seasons with the Cowboys.

Following Friday's practice, Browns coach Hue Jackson would not comment on whether Cleveland's interest in Bryant has progressed to contract talks. On Wednesday, general manager John Dorsey said Bryant was under consideration.

"We are always looking for good players," Jackson said. "We can't get enough of those kind of guys, guys that can make plays with the ball. John is going to keep churning this thing as much as he can, keep finding talent and then see if it fits for us."

The 29-year-old Bryant, a three-time Pro Bowler, could help the Browns offset a prolonged loss of Gordon. But until they know more about Gordon's situation, the team may not want to make any substantial commitment to Bryant.

And while the Browns discuss adding him, Bryant gave Cleveland and any other suitors more to think about with a Twitter rant aimed at the Cowboys on Friday. The team declined a $5.5 million option on Bryant in April, dropping him for salary-cap considerations.

Earlier this week, Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said in a radio interview that quarterback Dak Prescott had it tough last year "with @DezBryant in his ear."

Bryant fired back with several profane tweets.

Bryant's history of being difficult with coaches and teammates could be enough to drive the Browns away. However, the team may be willing to take a chance without knowing Gordon's status and after wide receiver Ricardo Louis was ruled out for the season following neck surgery.

In their search to upgrade their roster further, the Browns hosted former Washington cornerback Bashaud Breeland and former Cincinnati cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones on Friday. Neither player signed, but they are both under consideration.

Jackson has a strong relationship with Jones as the pair worked together with the Bengals.

Jones does have a long list of off-the-field transgressions Trenton Cannon Color Rush Jersey , but Jackson said he would not have any problem with the team signing him.

"I do know Adam," he said. "I know what kind of player he is and what kind of person he is. If that happens, if he is on our team, I would love to have him on our team, but he is not right now so we will keep off of that."

Browns running back Duke Johnson believes Jones could bring the team a needed toughness.

"The thing I think I like most about Pacman is the chip he plays with," Johnson said. "We need more guys on this football team that plays with a chip and goes out there and fights tooth and nail for the team."

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Sam Darnold’s first snap for the New York Jets on Monday night will be one for the record books.

The rookie will become the youngest quarterback to start a season opener in the Super Bowl era — since the 1966 season — at 21 years and 97 days old at kickoff against the Lions in Detroit.

Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick, beat out incumbent Josh McCown and the since-traded Teddy Bridgewater for the Jets’ starting job with a solid summer and preseason.

“We are trying to help the team win and we feel like he gives us a good chance to win,” coach Todd Bowles said. “We’re not starting him because he’s a rookie and he’s not ready. We’re starting him because he gives us a chance to win the game.”

Darnold will also be the first rookie quarterback to start a season opener on “Monday Night Football.” The former USC star is used to the spotlight and playing in big games, but even the coolest of California kids might feel a little case of the nerves before this prime-time debut.

“I’m just going about the week like how I normally would, so just going about it that way,” Darnold said. “I think toward the game I might get a little nervous. I guess we’ll see.”

The Jets have had just two rookie quarterbacks open a season under center: Mark Sanchez (2009) and Geno Smith (2013). Nope, not even Joe Namath did what Darnold is about to accomplish. Broadway Joe was Mike Taliaferro’s backup for New York’s season opener in 1965 before starting the next three games.

Oh, and both Sanchez and Smith won in their debuts, so Darnold could make it 3-0 for Jets rookie starting QBs.

But he also has a bit of history against him.

Here’s a look at how the previous youngest quarterbacks to start a season opener in the Super Bowl era fared in their first NFL games:

DREW BLEDSOE Womens Joey Bosa Jersey , New England Patriots, Sept. 5, 1993 (21 years, 203 days)

Loss: Buffalo 38, New England 14

After being the No. 1 overall pick, Bledsoe started right away for the Patriots — and had a rough debut at Buffalo. He went 14 of 30 for 148 yards and two touchdowns with an interception and was sacked three times while losing to Jim Kelly and the Bills.

Bledsoe started 12 games as a rookie for Bill Parcells’ Patriots, going 5-7 and finishing with 15 TDs and 15 INTs. He soon carved out a terrific career for himself and was selected to four Pro Bowls. A serious chest injury in the second game of the 2001 season against the Jets gave Tom Brady a chance to play — and the rest is, well, NFL history.

MATTHEW STAFFORD, Detroit Lions, Sept. 13, 2009 (21 years, 219 days)

Loss: New Orleans 45, Detroit 27

Stafford beat out veteran Daunte Culpepper for the starting job in training camp and was under center for the season opener at New Orleans.

Stafford went 16 of 37 for 205 yards and was intercepted three times, including twice by Darren Sharper, in the blowout loss. He ran for a touchdown Matthew Stafford Jersey White , though.

The No. 1 overall pick that year had much better days to come.

Stafford is the fastest player to reach 3,000 completions and last year joined Brett Favre, Dan Marino and Peyton Manning as the only QBs to reach 200 career TD passes before the age of 30.

JAMEIS WINSTON, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sept. 13, 2015 (21 years, 250 days)

Loss: Tennessee 42, Tampa Bay 14

Winston was the top pick in the draft that year and had a solid summer to win the starting job. He got off to a bad start in front of the home crowd, though, as his first pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Coty Sensabaugh. It marked the first time a rookie’s first throw was returned for a TD since Brett Favre — then with Atlanta — in 1991.

Winston was 16 of 33 for 210 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions, along with four sacks. He was outplayed by fellow rookie Marcus Mariota, the second overall selection that year, who threw four TD passes.

DeSHONE KIZER, Cleveland Browns, Sept. 10, 2017 (21 years http://www.steelersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-james-washington-jersey , 250 days)

Loss: Pittsburgh 21, Cleveland 18

Kizer was a second-round pick out of Notre Dame and beat out the likes of Brock Osweiler, Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan to start the game at home.

He also nearly helped pull off an opening day upset , going 20 of 30 for 222 yards with a TD and an interception while also running for a 1-yard score that capped an impressive 12-play drive.

But Kizer was benched a few times during the Browns’ 0-16 season and traded to Green Bay in the offseason.

GREG LANDRY, Detroit, Sept. 15, 1968 (21 years, 272 days)

Loss: Dallas 59, Detroit 13

Landry was a first-round pick of the Lions out of UMass and started the season opener — and it wasn’t good. He threw four interceptions, including one returned 35 yards for a TD by Chuck Howley, in the rout.

He finished 15 of 31 for 231 yards and had two touchdown tosses, but was benched in favor of Bill Munson in Week 2. Landry started one more game as a rookie — a 12-0 loss to Philadelphia — before becoming mostly a solid backup and spot starter for Detroit through 1978. He also played for Baltimore and Chicago, as well as two years in the USFL.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because it is an internal matter, and owners Terry and Kim Pegula did not provide a reason for accepting Brandon's resignation in a statement they released Tuesday.

The relationship in question first became apparent to a number of team employees during the Sabres' visit to New York for a game against the Rangers on Jan. 18, the people said. The trip included the team hosting a fan event at a bar the day before the game.

Kim Pegula will take over Brandon's roles overseeing the Bills, Sabres and Pegula Sports Entertainment, the company which controls the owners' numerous holdings.

In a text to The AP, Brandon said he has contemplated stepping down from the job for some time, and felt the timing was right after the conclusion of the NFL draft.

"My goal when the Pegulas purchased the franchise was to reach 20 years with the Bills, in which I achieved this past November Authentic Dontae Johnson Jersey ," Brandon wrote.

"As grateful as I am for the amazing experience and the incredible people I've had the privilege to work with the past two decades, I am just as anxious for the professional opportunities that lie ahead," he added.

Brandon did not respond to follow-up questions regarding his relationship.

Brandon's departure comes after the Bills made a big splash in the first round of the draft by trading up to select both Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen with the seventh pick, and Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds with the 16th pick. The new additions join a Bills team that went 9-7 and ended a 17-year playoff drought last season.

On Saturday, the last-place Sabres earned a boost by winning the NHL draft lottery and the right to the No. 1 pick for the third time in franchise history.

"We have a tremendous amount of confidence in the strong leadership team we have built within each of these entities over the last several years," the statement from the Pegulas read.

"We are excited about the direction of our teams, especially after this past weekend's NFL draft and NHL lottery results. Our focus remains on building championship teams on and off the field for our fans and community."

Brandon most recently served as the Bills' managing partner, was the Sabres alternate on the NHL's board of governors and a member of the NFL's business ventures committee.

The timing of Brandon's exit comes at a time he was supposed to oversee the Bills' next big venture in determining their future home. Brandon was expected to lead the team's stadium search committee in deciding whether the Bills should continue playing at their current home or develop a new facility in downtown Buffalo.

He served in various roles with the Bills Authentic Will Butcher Jersey , involving both marketing and football decisions during a two-year stint as general manager from 2008-09.

He also took the lead in negotiating the Bills' most recent lease five years ago, which played a critical role in securing the franchise's long-term future in Buffalo especially following Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson's death in March 2014.

The lease included a strict non-relocation clause that included a $400 million penalty the team would be forced to pay if it considered moving before 2020.

Brandon also oversaw the Bills' eventual sale to the Pegulas, who completed their $1.4 billion purchase of the franchise in October 2014.

The Pegulas retained Brandon and elevated him to the role of managing partner. The Pegulas thought so highly of Brandon, the Sabres were added to his responsibilities after the team reached a mutual agreement to part ways with Ted Black in July 2015.

Brandon's resignation continues a large turnover of Bills executives who served under Wilson. Bruce Popko is the senior holdover and now becomes the top executive as chief operating officer of Buffalo-based Pegula Sports and Entertainment, which oversees the Pegulas' numerous holdings.

Brandon grew up in nearby Syracuse, New York, and began making his mark in Buffalo shortly after being hired by the Bills in 1997 to serve as the team's business development and marketing director.

He began by spearheading a campaign to transform them into a regional team by expanding the franchise's fan base to offset Buffalo's dropping population base.

That process began in 2000, when the team shifted training camp to Brandon's alma mater Jalen Ramsey Jersey , St. John Fisher College in suburban Rochester, to capitalize on the community's corporate and larger population base.

Later, the Bills boosted their presence across southern Ontario by negotiating a deal to begin playing annual regular-season games in Toronto starting in 2008. The "Bills In Toronto" series lasted through 2013 before the deal was placed on hold the following year and then terminated by the Pegulas.

Toronto-based media giant, Rogers Communications, paid the Bills $78 million to essentially lease eight games (five regular season and three preseason) during the initial five-year agreement. The price was almost double what the Bills were projected to generate if those games were played at their home facility.

The series also spurred a large bump in season-ticket purchases from across the border. By 2015, the Bills estimated southern Ontario fans accounted for about 18 percent of their season-ticket sales, surpassing their support from Rochester.

Not everything succeeded under Brandon, who drew criticism for a number of decisions Adidas Jamie Benn Jersey , including failing to build a winner during his two-year stint as the Bills GM when Wilson elected to promote from within the organization after Marv Levy stepped down following a two- A county medical examiner says Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano died of heart disease.

The Hennepin County medical examiner’s office said Monday that the 56-year-old Sparano died of arteriosclerotic heart disease, or hardening of the arteries. The manner of death is listed as natural.

Sparano died Sunday in Eden Prairie, a Minneapolis suburb. He had been the Vikings’ offensive line coach since 2016.

Sparano began his NFL coaching career in 1999 and had stints as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.

He was the Dolphins’ head coach from 2008-11 and went 29-32. He went 11-5 and won the AFC East in his first season with Miami.

Sparano also spent time with the Browns, Redskins, Jaguars, Cowboys and 49ers.

—

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PFT has obtained and fully analyzed the Odell Beckham Jr. contract. To see how the six-year Authentic Isac Lundestrom Jersey , $98.459 million contract is constructed, keep reading.

For starters, there is no extension. It’s a new contract that covers the next six years. The full details for the six-year deal appear below.

1. Signing bonus: $20 million ($10 million will be paid by September 19, $5 million will be paid by November 21, and $5 million will be paid by February 20).

2. 2018 base salary, fully guaranteed: $1.459 million.

3. 2019 base salary, fully guaranteed: $16.75 million.

4. 2020 base salary: $14 million. Of that amount, $2.75 million is fully guaranteed at signing, the rest is guaranteed for injury only. As of the third day of the 2020 league year, the $14 million becomes fully guaranteed.

5. 2021 base salary: $14.5 million. Of that amount Womens Joe Flacco Jersey , $12.791 million in guaranteed for injury at signing. The amount becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2021 league year.

6. 2022 base salary: $13.75 million.

7. 2023 base salary: $13.75 million.

8. Workout bonuses from 2019 through 2023: $250,000 per year ($1.25 million total).

9. Training camp roster bonuses for 2021 through 2023: $1 million per year, if he shows up on the first day of training camp.

That last term is smart, and it suggests that the Giants don’t plan to rip up the final three years of the deal if/when Beckham feels like he’s underpaid. If he holds out in any of those three years, he loses $1 million. Period.

Here’s the cash flow: $21.459 million through 2018; $38.459 million through 2019; $52.709 million through 2020; $68.459 million through 2021; $83.459 million through 2022; $98.459 million through 2023. (Note that the cash flow through the first three years is more than $7 million less than the reported $60 million. That’s a fairly significant difference.)

He has $40.959 million fully guaranteed at signing, and $65 million guaranteed for injury at signing. Given the structure of the vesting, with the guarantees kicking in the same year the money is paid, the Giants could (in theory) part ways with Beckham after two years and $41.2 million over after three years and $52.709 million.

Finally, the incentives. (Actually, escalators.) Beckham can boost his 2022 salary by up to $2.5 million. He triggers the escalators in $500 http://www.texansauthorizedshops.com/authentic-jordan-akins-jersey ,000 chunks, getting another half million for each of the following accomplishments: (1) 96 or more receptions; (2) 96 or more receptions and a playoff berth; (3) 1,374 receiving yards; (4) 1,374 receiving yards and a playoff berth; and (5) 12 touchdown receptions. The same potential dollars apply to 2023, with the same formula based on what he does in 2022.

So to get the extra $5 million, he needs 96 catches, 1,374 yards, 12 touchdowns, and playoffs in 2021 and in 2022. At a time when someone other than Eli Manning likely will be the quarterback.

Again Giovani Bernard Jersey , the deal is very good, but it’s hardly the earth-shattering package that many thought Beckham deserved. And I’d still take the Sammy Watkins contract, especially since he’ll make only $4 million less over the first three years and end up back on the market.

The 28-year-old Zeitler did not practice Thursday, one day after being hurt and walking off the field with a trainer.

"Kevin is going to be OK, but he will be down for a little while," coach Hue Jackson said. "It is unfortunate, but we will get him back. Hopefully, he'll be ready to go in the next couple weeks or so. Those things do happen in training camp."

Zeitler has started all 48 games over the past three seasons, including 16 in his first year with the Browns. The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder played with Cincinnati from 2012-2016.

Cleveland's offensive line is in flux following the retirement of 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas.

Left guard Joel Bitonio Jeff Carter Jersey , a second alternate for the Pro Bowl last season, has been moved to left tackle, where he is trying to block defensive end Myles Garrett in practice. Garrett was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2017.

"Myles is bringing it, and that's the best look he can get every day," Jackson said. "It's really fun to see because Joel is not giving up anything. It's a battle and he's doing well."

Third-year pro Spencer Drango has filled in for Zeitler on the first team and will remain there.

"Spencer has played left guard, he's played left tackle and he's been on the right side before, so he has been all around," Jackson said. "That is a comfort that we have."

The Browns hold their annual "Orange and Brown" scrimmage Friday.

It’s not often that a report emerges of an NFL player under contract with one team talking to an owner of another team about playing for that other team. On those rare occasions Casey Cizikas Jersey , alarm bells should ring at 345 Park Avenue.

The tampering policy has specific rules that apply in a case like this. Last cited when then-Vikings running back Adrian Peterson reportedly told Cowboys owner Jerry Jones that Peterson would like to play for the Cowboys at some point, the tampering policy requires the owner of the other team to immediately end the conversation and to report the comment to the owner that has the player under contract.

Although the NFL rarely makes an issue out of potential tampering violations, the report that Seahawks safety Earl Thomas communicated directly with Raiders owner Mark Davis about playing in Oakland prompted a walk-back report Adidas Taylor Hall Jersey , from Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

“Person familiar with conversation had different account,” Gehlken wrote Tuesday night on Twitter. “Earl Thomas, Mark Davis recently exchanged pleasantries in Las Vegas. Someone asked Thomas if holding out. Thomas responded in jest: ‘Why? You guys coming to get me?’ Regardless Adidas Blake Wheeler Jersey , Raiders an unlikely fit for his services.”

Whether the Raiders are a fit is irrelevant to whether Thomas said enough to trigger an obligation by Davis to call Seahawks owner Paul Allen and inform him that one of his players has communicated with Davis about playing for the Raiders. Ergo (that’s a word that doesn’t get used nearly enough) the follow-up report that slams the brakes on the idea that Thomas made a Shark Tank-style pitch to Davis, regardless of whether Davis was receptive.

Moving forward, this one probably will die. Unless Vernon Butler Jersey , for some reason, the NFL decides to break from its habit of looking the other way when evidence of potential tampering is hiding in plain view.

SEATTLE (AP) — Whether it was his first two stops in the NFL Adidas Connor McDavid Jersey , his time in college at Southern California or his first eight seasons in charge in Seattle, Pete Carroll has never started a season with three consecutive losses.

That’s 12 seasons in the pros and nine in college during which Carroll has been able to avoid a disastrous start to a new campaign. And it’s what the Seahawks will be trying to avoid Sunday when they host the Dallas Cowboys.

“There’s only a couple of undefeated teams in the NFC right now and let’s hang with that. Let’s hang with them,” Carroll said. “I don’t want to get behind that number right now, so we’ve got to get a win.”

What’s been called a roster reset multiple times by Carroll and other Seahawks has struggled to get started. Seattle’s offense has looked inept at times, its quarterback confused and its defense vulnerable. The Seahawks understand the rarity of dropping to 0-3 and still being able to turn around the trajectory of the season.

“I’m not going to give you a cliche. You don’t want to be 0-3,” Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner said.

Dallas is still trying to solve all of its issues, but at least has a victory after knocking off the New York Giants at home last week. The Cowboys’ defense was exceptional against the Giants Jalyn Holmes Color Rush Jersey , holding rookie Saquon Barkley and New York’s run game to 35 yards on the ground, and sacked quarterback Eli Manning six times. The Cowboys are second in the NFL with nine sacks through two weeks, and now face the offense that’s surrendered a league-high 12 sacks so far, six in each game.

“We’ve continued to try to build the talent level on our front seven and try to create competitive situations where guys are fighting for roster spots and fighting for playing time and hopefully when they get out there that competition brings out the best in them,” Dallas coach Jason Garrett said. “Obviously, those can be very impactful plays.”

The Cowboys are 5-2 in September road games since 2014, one of those losses coming in the opener against Carolina. Seattle hasn’t lost a home game in September under Carroll Brian O'Neill Color Rush Jersey , going 13-0 since 2010.

RUN AROUND: For two weeks, the Seahawks have failed to follow through on one of their major offseason priorities of returning to being a run-first offense. The Seahawks had just 16 carries for 64 yards in the opener. After committing to running more in Week 2, they ended up managing only 74 yards on 22 carries against the Bears. There was also Carroll’s confusion about the conditioning of starter Chris Carson, who didn’t have a carry in the second half against the Bears.

SILENT ON SEATTLE: New Dallas secondary coach and passing game coordinator Kris Richard turned down interview requests before his reunion with the Seahawks. Richard spent the first eight years of his pro coaching career in Seattle, the past two as defensive coordinator. He was fired in a retooling of Carroll’s defensive staff.

The Cowboys have blitzed more the first two weeks than in the past under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. From the start, Richard has said the Cowboys embraced the idea of him bringing new concepts.

“I do think the DNA of both guys in terms of what they believe in coaching is real similar,” Garrett said. “I think that reflects on how they teach technique and the schemes that we use.”

WIN SOME http://www.panthersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-donte-jackson-jersey , LOSE SOME: Seattle is expected to get Wagner (groin), rookie starting cornerback Tre Flowers (hamstring) and guard D.J. Fluker (hamstring) back after missing time with injuries. Wagner and Flowers missed the loss to Chicago, while Fluker has been out since the third week of the preseason with the hamstring problem.

While those players appear set to return, the Seahawks could be without starting center Justin Britt (shoulder), while linebacker K.J. Wright (knee surgery) and wide receiver Doug Baldwin (knee) are still at least a week away from getting back on the field.

WEAKNESS IN NUMBERS? The Cowboys are using 11 roster spots — roughly 20 percent of the 53 total — on receivers and tight ends. They added a receiver without releasing one this week by bringing back Brice Butler. He spent the past three seasons with Dallas before signing with Arizona in free agency. The Cardinals cut him at the end of the preseason.

The Cowboys are 30th in the NFL in passing in their first season without tight end Jason Witten and 2014 All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant. Dak Prescott has thrown for at least 200 yards just twice in the past 10 games going back to last season.

LOCKER ROOM VISIT: Garrett said it was a little strange when Seattle safety Earl Thomas approached him in the Dallas locker room following the Seahawks’ victory last December . During his offseason holdout, Thomas made it clear he wouldn’t mind the opportunity to play elsewhere, with Dallas possibly at the top of his wish list.

“I’ve never had that happen before Youth Chris Kunitz Jersey , an opposing player comes into your locker room. But we have great respect for him,” Garrett said.

Johnson was a borderline player to make Seattle's roster in competition for one of the final wide receiver spots. He had three catches for 44 yards in the preseason. Last year as a rookie with Philadelphia, Johnson appeared in 10 games and had five receptions. He was acquired in the offseason as part of the trade that sent Michael Bennett to Philadelphia.

It will be a return home for Daniels, who played at Washington. Daniels was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent before the 2017 season and appeared in 12 games. Daniels also played occasionally at fullback with the Colts and that versatility could be important for Seattle.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Blues have activated forward Robby Fabbri off injured reserve before their first training camp practices.

Fabbri missed all of last season after re-tearing the ACL in his left knee. He originally tore the ligament Feb. 4 Dolphins Authentic Jerseys , 2017, causing him to miss a sizeable part of the 2016-17 season.

The 22-year-old put up 29 goals and 37 assists for 66 points in 123 games with St. Louis before knee injuries put him on the shelf. If healthy, Fabbri’s return gives the Blues another offensive piece up front after signing Tyler Bozak and Patrick Maroon and trading for Ryan O’Reilly.

The Blues on Thursday also announced forward Nikita Soshnikov will miss the start of camp with a concussion he suffered while training.

Ramsey announced Wednesday on his Twitter page that he would remain in Tennessee with his girlfriend Brandon Manning Jersey , Bre, and newborn daughter, Breelyn Scott Hartnell Jersey , while the team opens camp Thursday.

Over a picture from Disney's "The Lion King," Ramsey wrote "for me, family is among the most important things in my life Ronnie Lott Jersey , along with my faith and football. Today starts a new chapter in my life, as Bre and I are blessed to welcome our baby into this world."

He adds "as soon as I'm comfortable knowing my family is healthy and happy, I'll return to Jacksonville to rejoin my teammates on our quest to handle some unfinished business."

Coach Doug Marrone says Ramsey let coaches know about the potential conflict months ago.

CHICAGO — The Winnipeg Jets will go for their seventh win in a row when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night at the United Center.

Winnipeg (47-19-10) has piled up 104 points in 76 games Authentic Da'Ron Payne Jersey , which already marks the most successful season since the franchise moved north from Atlanta before the start of the 2011-12 campaign. The Jets have clinched a playoff spot and secured home-ice advantage in the first round as they pursue the first Stanley Cup title in the city’s history.

“We’re trying to get ready for the playoffs, trying to get our game so we’re playing our best hockey at the end of the year,” Jets right winger Blake Wheeler said to the team’s official website.

The team’s six-game winning streak has included plenty of drama. Winnipeg has won each of its past four games either in overtime or in the shootout round. The latest was a 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins.

Meanwhile, Chicago (31-36-10) has known for more than a week that it will not reach the playoffs. The Blackhawks shifted much of their focus toward younger players with an eye toward potential contributors next season.

The latest arrivals include forward Dylan Sikura, who is expected to make his NHL debut Thursday. The 22-year-old recently wrapped up a stellar career at Northeastern University and signed a contract through the end of next season.

“There’s no bad players at this level,” Sikura said to the Chicago Sun-Times. “It’ll be a little adjustment with the time and space with the puck out there, but I’m excited to get going.”

Defenseman Blake Hillman, also 22 Austin Seferian-Jenkins Jersey , is expected to make his NHL debut either Thursday against the Jets or Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. Hillman signed with the Blackhawks after playing at the University of Denver.

Goaltender Colin Delea also is awaiting his debut, which likely will arrive Friday against the Avalanche.

As Delea watches behind the bench, Blackhawks goaltender Anton Forsberg will make his third straight start. Forsberg is 10-16-4 with a 2.97 goals-against average and .908 save percentage this season. He allowed three goals on six shots in his only career appearance against the Jets.

Winnipeg will counter with either Connor Hellebuyck or Eric Comrie in net.

Hellebuyck boasts a remarkable record of 40-11-9 to go with a 2.38 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He is 5-4-0 with a 2.14 GAA and .932 save percentage in nine career games against Chicago.

If Hellebuyck rests, look for Comrie to make his third start of the season and fourth of his career. The 22-year-old is 1-1-0 with a 3.00 GAA and .885 save percentage this season. He never has faced the Blackhawks.

Both teams have five skaters with at least 20 goals.

Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat lead Chicago with 26 goals apiece. Meanwhile, Nick Schmaltz (49 points) and DeBrincat (48 points) are looking to reach the 50-point milestone for the first time in their careers.

For the Jets, Patrik Laine leads the way with 43 goals. He is second only to Washington’s Alex Ovechkin for most in the NHL.

Wheeler ranks in the NHL’s top 10 with 86 points (20 goals, 66 assists) in 76 games. He has at least one point in each of his past seven games and eight of his past nine.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota is being evaluated after hurting his throwing arm, and two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan is in the concussion protocol.

And that's just the latest injuries for the Titans.

Now Tennessee has to see who's healthy enough for the home opener Sunday against AFC South rival Houston (0-1) and adapt accordingly.

"What we're going to do every week is try to figure out what gives us the best chance to win Falcons Game Jerseys , personnel wise, who we have available, maybe who we're playing obviously," rookie coach Mike Vrabel said Monday.

"We'll be flexible enough to use any personnel that we think will help us win. I don't think we can commit to anything right now."

The Titans already are down starting right tackle Jack Conklin, who was inactive against Miami as he recovers from a torn left ACL repaired in January.

On defense, starting linebacker Derrick Morgan played only 14 snaps in the Titans' 27-20 loss in Miami as the Titans work the veteran back in after a preseason injury.

Tennessee's top two draft picks also are linebackers, and Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry both missed the opener with injuries.

Add to that the Titans are recovering from the league's longest game since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970 because of two lightning delays that made the matchup in Miami last 7 hours, 8 minutes from the opening kickoff to the final second ticked off.

Morgan said it wasn't easy warming up Authentic Orlando Brown Jr. Jersey , cooling down again and again, but thinks the Titans learned some mental toughness from the day that wouldn't end.

"Hopefully it never happens again and we never have to play football for eight hours straight," Morgan said.

Mariota is being evaluated after he lost sensation in his right hand after the game from his injured right elbow. He was intercepted twice 鈥?both after taking a hit from Dolphins defensive lineman William Hayes following a handoff. Vrabel said they're hopeful of getting a good report back on Mariota's arm needing everybody that's healthy and available.

Blaine Gabbert, signed this offseason, replaced Mariota and threw for 117 yards with an interception. The Titans do have rookie Logan Woodside on the practice squad, but will wait for a report on Mariota before deciding whether to add another quarterback.

Vrabel did say he told defensive coordinator Dean Pees to take note of how officials are handling quarterbacks carrying out a fake on a run-pass option.

"If that's legal, then we have to do it the same exact way," Vrabel said.

Lewan was resting Monday. Asked about Dolphins lineman Andre Branch's hit Youth Dallas Cowboys Jerseys , Vrabel said it probably wasn't dirty even if the coach thinks his left tackle "absolutely" was targeted.

The Titans put tight end Delanie Walker on injured reserve Monday and the tight end will have surgery on his right ankle in the next few days. Walker came into the season with the most catches in the NFL by a tight end between 2013 and 2017. He also has been Mariota's favorite target, leading the team in receptions in two of the past three years.

Vrabel said the Titans will evaluate Walker's potential to return this season after surgery. Jonnu Smith, a third-round pick out of Florida International in 2017, has 19 receptions and will be the first expected to fill in for Walker. Smith had talked to Walker and said the veteran was in good spirits.

"It is some big shoes to fill," Smith said.

On Friday afternoon the Nationals tweeted: ”tfw Bryce announces he’ll do the (at)MLB HR Derby if he makes the NL All-Star team…” accompanied by a GIF of Harper celebrating in the dugout.

The All-Star Game will be held July 17 at Nationals Park.

The 25-year-old Harper is second in the voting among National League outfielders behind Nick Markakis of the Braves. The top three in the voting will be starters.

Despite being in a slump that has dropped his average to .213 Authentic Dak Prescott Jersey , Harper entered play Friday leading the National League in home runs (19) and walks (55), and stood 10th in RBIs (45).

Harper last participated in the derby in 2013 at Citi Field in New York.

Green Bay hosts Chicago in the first Sunday night matchup on Sept. 9, while the Monday nighters on opening weekend feature the New York Jets at Detroit, followed by the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland.

The Eagles also will play at England's home of soccer when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8 at Wembley Stadium.

That's one of four international games. The other match at Wembley will be the previous week with the Los Angeles Chargers hosting the Tennessee Titans. Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium, also in London, will be the site for a Raiders home game on Oct. 14 against Seattle.

For the third straight year Richard Panik Jersey , the NFL will stage a game in Mexico City: the Rams will host Kansas City in a Week 11 Monday night game.

Thanksgiving will provide a feast of divisional games. The traditional doubleheader in Detroit and Dallas has the Lions playing the Bears, followed by the Redskins at the Cowboys. At night, it will be Atlanta visiting New Orleans.

Other intriguing matchups include Cleveland, which lost all 16 games last season, hosting archrival Pittsburgh on opening day; New England at Jacksonville in a rematch of the AFC title game in Week 2; the Eagles and Vikings in an NFC championship game redux in Philly on Oct. 7; and the Steelers vs. Patriots in Pittsburgh in Week 15.

"We like to open at home in front of our great fans and this will be the second season in a row we do it against the Steelers," Browns coach Hue Jackson said. "We start with the best in our division."

Fox, which will do 11 Thursday night games Womens Jared McCann Jersey , begins its package in Week 4 with the Vikings at the Rams. Those contests also will be televised by NFL Network and in Spanish on Fox Deportes. NFL Network has seven exclusive broadcasts.

Flexible scheduling in which a Sunday afternoon game can be switched to the evening because it is a better matchup than the previously planned game will be in use for Weeks 11-17. But two Sundays in Weeks 5-10 also can have a game flexed to night.

In a new twist, flex scheduling will be used for Saturday games in Weeks 15 and 16. In Week 15, two games will be played on Saturday, Dec. 15: Houston at the New York Jets and Cleveland at Denver, with game times of 4:30 p.m. EST and 8:20 p.m. EST to be determined. In Week 16, two of four possible matchups will be scheduled for Saturday: Baltimore at the Chargers, Jacksonville at Miami Kyle Connor Jersey , the New York Giants at Indianapolis, or Washington at Tennessee. Start times for Saturday games for Week 15 and 16 will be announced no later than following Week 8, with the contests not chosen for Saturday to be played on Sunday on the 16th weekend.

No Sunday night game has been scheduled for the last day of the season, Dec. 30. That will be chosen after Week 16 games conclude.

The 2018 schedule has three three-game road trips, down from seven last year. The Saints, Rams and Ravens will have those three-game journeys, but the Ravens and Rams also have three-game homestands. In all Nazem Kadri Jersey , 12 franchises are home for three straight weeks, and Baltimore and Indianapolis have a bye in there, meaning neither club will leave home for a month.

Also, no team plays a road game following a road Monday night match. That occurred last year five times.

Teams make mistakes all the time Authentic Oscar Fantenberg Jersey , unfortunately 15 teams made poor decisions this offseason. There is so much pressure teams when it comes to free agency, considering players can come off the boards at any moment. Unfortunately, with that rush to get a player before another team, some teams may not fully think decisions through. And of course, there are teams who may believe a player is a right fit Devan Dubnyk Jersey , although there鈥檚 a better fit out there.

Pressure from fans, players, coaches, and other people around the league. It鈥檚 uncontrollable, it鈥檚 the Super Bowl for those in the front office. While the season goes on and these guys can sit back and relax a little bit Bobby Orr Jersey , players go out and play their hearts out. Everything the front office works on to bring guys to the team, and drafting guys all lead up to the season. And then, there鈥檚 those players who may be a decent fit, but the price tag may not necessarily fit what the players actually deserve.

So, instead of just looking at the bad decisions that these teams made Authentic Connor Brickley Jersey , we鈥檙e also going to look at the better player that these teams should have signed. During the offseason, there鈥檚 always other options, and sometimes it may be the lesser talented player. Because you never know if the lesser talented player fits better in your system, even if they don鈥檛 have as great of an impact as you need. There鈥檚 so many logistics that go into these decisions, so let鈥檚 just look at some players that teams shouldn鈥檛 have signed Derrick Henry Jersey Big , and who they should鈥檝e signed instead.

Two people familiar with the situation said Tuesday the Bears have decided to decline their option on Sitton for next season and release Freeman. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the moves.

A four-time Pro Bowl lineman, the 31-year-old Sitton spent the past two seasons in Chicago after an eight-year run with Green Bay. He signed with the Bears after the Packers released him just before the 2016 season. Sitton dealt with rib and ankle injuries last season and missed three games.

The 31-year-old Freeman suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in the opener last year and was suspended for violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs in each of his two seasons with the Bears. The second violation resulted in a 10-game suspension in late October.

Freeman said on Twitter at the time that he also suffered a potentially career-ending concussion in the opener, providing context to the drug violation. He said he downplayed the severity of his head injury to family and friends.

Freeman led Chicago with 110 tackles in 2016 despite serving a four-game suspension for his first violation. He played for Indianapolis from 2012-15.

The Bears went 5-11 last season and finished last in the NFC North for the fourth straight year. Chicago fired coach John Fox and replaced him with Matt Nagy.

NFL Network first reported the Bears are declining Sitton's option, while Pro Football Talk was first with the news on Freeman.

DETROIT LIONS (9-7)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DTs Haloti Ngata and Jordan Hill; LBs Tahir Whitehead Kevin Hayes Jersey , Nick Bellore, Dwight Freeney and LB Paul Worrilow; CBs D.J. Hayden and Nevin Lawson; C Travis Swanson; Ss Don Carey and S Tavon Wilson; TE Darren Fells; OTs Greg Robinson and Don Barclay; RB Mike James.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR TJ Jones; LB Brandon Copeland; OL Zac Kerin; RB Zach Zenner.

NEEDS: Lions’ weakness is defensive line and improving it will be priority under first-year coach Matt Patricia. Former New England Patriots defensive coordinator also might want to bolster offensive line to protect QB Matthew Stafford and help boost poorly performing running game.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE (approximately): $28 million.

—

Ben Simmons topped LeBron James in a triple-double battle to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to their 13th straight win in their biggest game in six years, 132-130 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

With a buzz in the city over the Sixers that hasn’t been felt since the pre-Process days, they romped toward a 30-point lead over the Cavs in the first half and scored 78 points at the break.

Simmons had 27 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists. James had 44 points (17-of-29 shooting), 11 assists and 11 rebounds, bringing the Cavaliers to the brink of an epic comeback.

The Sixers (49-30) moved into third place in the Eastern Conference over the Cavaliers (49-31).

RAPTORS 92, PACERS 73

TORONTO (AP) – Serge Ibaka scored a season-high 25 points, DeMar DeRozan had 12 and Toronto beat Indiana, clinching first place in the Eastern Conference for the first time in team history.

Jakbo Poeltl scored 10 points as the Raptors set franchise records for wins in a season (57) and home wins (33).

Kyle Lowry had nine points and nine assists Authentic Josh Manson Jersey , and Jonas Valanciunas added 12 rebounds for Toronto, which never trailed in its ninth consecutive home victory over the Pacers. Indiana last won north of the border on March 1, 2013.

Glenn Robinson III scored 12 points and Trevor Booker had 11 for the Pacers. Indiana shot 26 for 87 (29.9 percent) and set season-lows in points, made field goals, and field goal percentage.

CELTICS 111, BULLS 104

BOSTON (AP) – Greg Monroe came off the bench and had 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and Boston defeated Chicago.

It is Monroe’s second career triple-double. Jaylen Brown finished with a career-high 32 points and four rebounds.

With Al Horford and Jayson Tatum given the night off to rest, Boston went deep into its bench against a Chicago team that’s one of the worst in the NBA.

Chicago led by as many as 11 in the first half before Boston trimmed it to 58-55 at the half. But the Celtics outscored the Bulls 56-46 over the final two quarters.

Sean Kilpatrick led the Bulls with 24 points. Lauri Markkanen added 20 points and five rebounds.

TIMBERWOLVES 113, LAKERS 96

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Jimmy Butler scored 18 points in his return from right knee surgery Womens Antonio Brown Jersey , Jeff Teague had 25 points and eight assists, and Minnesota beat Los Angeles.

Butler played 22 minutes and was 7 for 10 from the field in his first game since getting hurt against Houston on Feb. 23. He had surgery two days later for a cartilage injury and missed 17 games.

Minnesota moved into sole possession of eighth place in the Western Conference.

Taj Gibson also scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who were on the second night of a back-to-back. They lost to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.

Julius Randle scored 20 points and added 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who have lost nine of their last 13. Brook Lopez had 18 points and six rebounds, while Josh Hart tallied 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

HAWKS 103 WIZARDS 97

WASHINGTON (AP) – Taurean Prince scored 23 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and Atlanta beat Washington.

Washington dropped its fourth straight game and fell into eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 32 points.

Wizards point guard John Wall sat out what was the second of back-to-back games for Washington, and forward Markieff Morris left with 4:11 remaining in the first quarter when he picked up two quick technical fouls.

Six Hawks scored in double figures. Reserve Tyler Dorsey had 22 points, including 13 in the second half for the Hawks T.J. Oshie Jersey , who had lost two straight.

Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 13 points for the Wizards and Otto Porter Jr. had 10.

PELICANS 122, SUNS 103

PHOENIX (AP) – Nikola Mirotic scored a season-high 31 points and tied a season best with 16 rebounds, Anthony Davis had 33 points and 11 boards, and New Orleans beat Phoenix.

Jrue Holiday added 22 points and 10 assists to help the Pelicans move into a tie for the Western Conference’s fifth seed with idle San Antonio and Oklahoma City. New Orleans (45-34) won its second straight after losing four in a row.

The Pelicans led by double digits throughout the entire fourth quarter.

Marquese Chriss led Phoenix with 23 points and Josh Jackson added 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Suns have lost 16 of 17 and are closer to clinching the NBA’s worst record.

PISTONS 113, MAVERICKS 106, OT

DETROIT (AP) – Reggie Jackson scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and overtime and Detroit beat Dallas.

Andre Drummond added 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Pistons, who had six scorers in double figures.

Johnathan Motley led the Mavericks with career highs of 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Detroit led 101-98 with a minute left in regulation, but Dallas coach Rick Carlisle kept starters Harrison Barnes, Dwight Powell and Dennis Smith Jr. on the bench.

Luke Kennard missed a clinching 3-pointer, and after Dallas turned the ball over Chris Tierney Jersey , Jackson missed a shot that would have made it a five-point game with 30 seconds left.

Motley tied the score with a 3 with 10.1 seconds left, and Jackson’s buzzer-beater bounced off the front rim.

Detroit moved ahead 110-105 with 1:29 in overtime, and after a Dallas offensive foul, Jackson’s floater sealed the victory.

KINGS 94, GRIZZLIES 93

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Bogdan Bogdanovic connected on a 16-footer with a second left to help Sacramento escape with a victory over Memphis.

Bogdanovic’s jumper capped a close game between two  Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys