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It’s time for Patrick Mahomes to save Kansas City’s season.

Alex Smith was an MVP candidate after leading the Chiefs to a 5-0 start with impressive wins at New England (9-2) and over Philadelphia (10-1) in the first two weeks. Smith had 18 touchdown passes and zero interceptions at one point. Since then Nick Boyle Jersey , he’s thrown four picks and only TD.

Mahomes was drafted to be the quarterback of the future. Teammates rave about his practice performance. The season is slipping away from Kansas City (6-5).

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Coach Andy Reid has to bench Smith and start Mahomes if the Chiefs want to make the playoffs, right?

Wrong!

Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy need to let Smith do the things he did early in the season when the offense was unstoppable. Smith took shots deep Terrance West Jersey , the game plan featured creativity and defenses couldn’t figure them out.

Now, the Chiefs are boring and predictable.

The problem isn’t Smith . It’s the playcalling.

Here are more overreactions following Week 12:

OVERREACTION: AJ McCarron will be the next quarterback for the Browns (0-11). Hue Jackson’s pre-game hug sealed it.

REALISTIC REACTION: Jackson is 1-26. Will he be around to make that decision?

OVERREACTION: The Falcons (7-4) are going to win the NFC South thanks to the return of an explosive offense .

REALISTIC REACTION: Check back after they play Minnesota’s stingy defense this week.

OVERREACTION: Tom Brady threw an interception because Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills says he got in his head.

REALISTIC REACTION: Stills should focus on catching the ball instead of trash-talking Brady.

OVERREACTION: Jay Ajayi is not happy with his role in Philadelphia.

REALISTIC REACTION: Ajayi will not become a distraction.

OVERREACTION: Blake Bortles proved against the Cardinals why the Jaguars (7-4) can’t win with him at quarterback.

REALISTIC REACTION: They’ve managed to win seven games with a strong defense Mike Wallace Jersey , a solid run game and Bortles under center.

OVERREACTION: Dak Prescott is an ordinary quarterback without Ezekiel Elliott.

REALISTIC REACTION: Spread the blame around.

OVERREACTION: The Broncos have a better chance with Tim Tebow than Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch or Brock Osweiler.

REALISTIC REACTION: Beating the Steelers in the playoffs wasn’t enough for John Elway to keep Tebow around six years ago.

OVERREACTION: Michael Crabtree and Aqib Talib will headline Wrestlemania 34.

REALISTIC REACTION: Ric Flair Eric Weddle Jersey , at 68 years old, is more entertaining.

Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP-RobMaaddi

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MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO Nick Boyle Jersey , Italy (AP) Without a falling drone to stop him, Marcel Hirscher finally reclaimed his superiority on Italy’s most challenging slalom hill.

After setting the fastest opening run, the six-time defending overall champion from Austria recovered from a major error toward the end of his second trip down the steep Canalone Miramonti course and claimed his 49th World Cup win on Friday.

Hirscher finished 0.04 seconds ahead of combined world champion Luca Aerni of Switzerland, who recorded the first podium result of his career.

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Henrik Kristoffersen Terrance West Jersey , the Norwegian who won this race the past two years, finished third, 0.05 behind.

Two years ago, Hirscher narrowly escaped getting hit by a camera drone that fell from the sky within inches of his head as he was competing in this race.

Hirscher finished second in Campiglio the last two years Mike Wallace Jersey , with his only previous win in the Trentino resort coming in 2012.

”Today I’m the lucky one – finally,” Hirscher said.

Hirscher had built a lead of nearly seven-tenths when he misjudged a gate and skied far off line, prompting him to jam on the brakes in order to clear the next gate – which he did just barely.

”I was shocked after this mistake,” Hirscher said. ”I thought after this moment Eric Weddle Jersey , `Full gas.”’

The performance was reminiscent of when Italian great Alberto Tomba nearly came to a stop during a slalom in Lech, Austria, in 1994 but also recovered and won.

Tomba was in attendance to see Hirscher’s victory and awarded the Austrian during the podium ceremony.

Alexander Khoroshilov, the Russian who stood second after the opening run Matt Judon Jersey , straddled a gate shortly into his second trip down.

Hirscher reclaimed the overall lead from Kristoffersen, moving 29 points ahead.

In the slalom standings, Kristoffersen holds a six-point lead over Hirscher even though he has yet to win a race this season.

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GREEN BAY Frostee Rucker Jersey , Wis. (AP) Minus a consistent running game, the Detroit Lions are having trouble scoring touchdowns in the red zone.

Without quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers are working on getting their passing attack back on track.

The NFC North rivals meet at Lambeau Field in a game Monday night that could be decided by which team first figures out how to fix its offense.

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The loser faces an uphill climb trying to keep pace with division-leading Minnesota.

”I think it is just execution and (being) detail-oriented,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said about improving in the red zone . ”I don’t think there’s any massive scheme overhaul … We’ve just got to find a way to get it in.”

A 20-15 loss last week to the Steelers included three lackluster second-half possessions inside the 10 for the Lions (3-4). They failed to score on two of the drives and had to settle for a field goal on the third. Detroit fell to 28th in the NFL in red-zone offense, converting on just 45 percent of opportunities.

Another 400-yard passing game for Stafford won’t mean much if the Lions’ struggles inside the 20 continue. Detroit has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark as a team just once this year, a 24-10 win over the New York Giants in Week 2.

”I’m more interested in winning, more so than anything else. And how we go about it Jared Veldheer Jersey , it could vary,” coach Jim Caldwell said.

In Green Bay (4-3), the passing game is the more pressing problem with Rodgers out with a collarbone injury. Third-year quarterback Brett Hundley is slated to make his second NFL start.

The first start, two weeks ago against New Orleans, started impressively enough thanks to the quarterback’s scrambling ability and a career-high 131 yards rushing for rooking running back Aaron Jones.

But a once-potent passing game struggled down the stretch. Coach Mike McCarthy has said that he needs to get Hundley more comfortable dropping back in the pocket . The Packers must also do a better job of getting the ball into the hands of their playmaking receivers.

Wideouts Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams, along with tight end Martellus Bennett Tyvon Branch Jersey , combined for just seven catches, 57 yards and no touchdowns against the Saints.

”Now, why? There are things that Brett can improve on, and we’re working on it,” McCarthy said. ”But we’re going to go out there and we’re going to be a balanced offense … and Brett’s going to lead the charge on offense.”

Other things to watch in the matchup between the Lions and Packers:

ON THE LINE: A bye week gave McCarthy’s banged-up squad some needed rest. Especially important for Hundley will be the potential reunion of the starting offensive line after left guard Lane Taylor missed the Saints game with an ankle injury. Standout tackles David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga have also missed some time this year because of injuries.

”We’re getting close to being fully healthy as a team,” McCarthy said at midweek.

REVERSING COURSE: The Lions are slumping after starting the season with two wins. They’ve lost three straight and four of five dating to a 30-26 loss to Atlanta in Week 3 that ended with a 10-second runoff rule.

Stafford isn’t panicking.

”You kind of win one in the division, it counts for two J. J. Nelson Jersey , right? … So, you kind of control your destiny in that regard,” the quarterback said.

SLAYING IT: Lions cornerback Darius Slay, who is second in the NFC with nine pass deflections, has played well of late. He helped contain Steelers star Antonio Brown to five catches and 70 yards. Watch the matchup against Green Bay’s deep receiving corps with Nelson, Adams and Cobb all capable of big games.

DEFENSIVE QB: Green Bay’s secondary could get a boost with the potential return of Morgan Burnett after the safety missed two games with a hamstring injury. The eight-year veteran usually calls the defensive signals and takes on an inside linebacker-type role in certain schemes, allowing the Packers to keep a solid run defender on the field against spread looks.

HEY ROOKIE: Jones has gone from a Week 1 inactive to the Packers’ best option in the run game. A slasher who has shown ability to break out for big gains A.Q. Shipley Jersey , Jones is second in the NFL behind Baltimore’s Alex Collins in averaging 5.58 yards per carry.

”His natural run instincts obviously stand out but he’s still working on the other aspects of our offense,” McCarthy said. ”I think he’s done a heck of a job.”

AP Sports Writer Larry Lage in Detroit contributed to this story.

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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DENVER BRONCOS (5-11)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: ILBs Todd Davis and Corey Nelson; DEs Jared Crick and Billy Wynn; QB Brock Osweiler; WR Cody Latimer; TE Virgil Green; RB Jamaal Charles; OL Allen Barbre; OT Donald Stephenson; G Billy Turner.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Shaquil Barrett; WR Bennie Fowler; C Matt Paradis.

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NEEDS: After last year’s deflating draft class produced so little Matt Bryant Jersey , Broncos need upgrades throughout roster but especially on offense. GM John Elway said high-priced WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, both of whom underperformed last season Matt Bosher Jersey , will be back. That would make for attractive draw for veteran QB. They need to bolster running backs corps and do usual O-line fix, which has become annual rite of spring in Denver. Even with Jake Butt back from ACL surgery Ricardo Allen Jersey , they could use some more tight end prowess. On defense, they’re no longer elite unit that carried them to Super Bowl 50 title Ryan Schraeder Jersey , but still very good behind Von Miller, MVP of Pro Bowl. They could use some jolts at linebacker and even in secondary Andy Levitre Jersey , which for years was among league’s best.

AVAILABLE SALARY CAP SPACE: $24 million.

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STANFORD Graham Gano Jersey , Calif. (AP) Free agent safety Eric Reid said Thursday he is not planning to protest during the national anthem this upcoming season.

Reid has been among the NFL’s most visible protesters since former San Francisco teammate Colin Kaepernick decided not to stand for the national anthem in 2016.

Reid continued the protest of racial injustice and police brutality against minorities by kneeling during the anthem last season as Kaepernick was unable to find a job. But Reid said he will take a different approach in 2018.

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”We understand you have to change with the times,” he said after watching his brother, Justin, take part in his Pro Day at Stanford.

”I’m not saying I’m going to stop being active because I won’t. I’m just going to consider different ways to be active, different ways to bring awareness to the issues of this country and improve on the issues happening in this country. I don’t think it will be in the form of protesting during the anthem. I say during because it’s crazy that the narrative changed to we were protesting the anthem and that wasn’t the case. I think we’re going to take a different approach to how we’re going to be active.”

Reid has gotten no contract offers more than a week into free agency despite a record of strong play on the field and versatility that many teams usually covet.

San Francisco general manager John Lynch said the team is monitoring the market for Reid but the Niners are mostly set at safety with Jaquiski Tartt Charles Johnson Jersey , Jimmie Ward and Adrian Colbert under contract.

Reid said his agent has heard from a ”couple” of teams but money hasn’t been discussed and he is still awaiting an opportunity. Reid has said that he understands his activism could affect his employment, especially after watching Kaepernick go unsigned for more than a year.

”I said before, I stand by what I’ve done,” he said. ”I know why I’ve done it. My faith in God is the reason. I can go to sleep at night confident that I did what I was taught to do. I’m just going to stay positive, keep training Andrew Norwell Jersey , keep staying in shape and we’ll see what happens.”

Reid was a first-round pick by the 49ers in 2013 and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He has been a strong player throughout his career, playing strong safety, free safety and even some linebacker last season when San Francisco was short-handed at the position.

He has 10 interceptions and 36 passes defensed in 70 career games.

”Eric played and played well for us last year,” Lynch said. ”I think he’s kind of stuck in a safety market that’s been quiet. I would anticipate things starting to shake for him. We’ll see.”

While Eric Reid looks for a team, he spent Thursday helping his brother prepare for his Pro Day. Justin Reid is considered one of the top safeties eligible for the draft and will likely get picked on the first two days of next month’s draft.

Justin Reid said he has visits planned with Minnesota Daryl Williams Jersey , Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Seattle and Carolina. He also met with 29 teams at the combine but said no one has asked him about his brother or if he would protest during the anthem.

Justin Reid said he’s prepared for those questions if they come and that he won’t protest.

”We each have our own beliefs,” he said. ”He felt like that’s what he needed to do. I have my own ways that I feel like I’m going to go about it. I’m not as much of a vocal person in that situation. I don’t really like drama. I don’t want to deal with that.”

More AP NFL: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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JACKSONVILLE Graham Gano Jersey , Fla. (AP) Jacksonville’s success last season gave owner Shad Khan hope for the future and increased faith in the team’s leadership.

Khan gave two-year extensions to coach Doug Marrone, executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin and general manager Dave Caldwell on Friday. All three had two years remaining on their deals, which now will run through the 2021 season.

”The decision to extend the contracts of Tom, Dave and Doug isn’t so much a reward for last season Charles Johnson Jersey , which no doubt was impressive, as it is to recognize their importance to our football team this coming season and for years to follow,” Khan said in a statement. ”We’re past celebrating the accomplishments of our division title and playoff run, and now it’s time to take the next step.

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”We need the right leadership firmly in place to make that happen Andrew Norwell Jersey , and it’s good to know we’ll have that with Tom, Dave and Doug secure in their roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars.”

The Jaguars won the AFC South for the first time in franchise history, made the playoffs for the first time in a decade and advanced to the AFC title game for the first time since 2000.

Khan hired Coughlin and Marrone in January 2017. Coughlin returned to the franchise he helped build from a trailer in the early 1990s and gave him full control over all football matters. That meant fewer decisions for Caldwell.

But Khan credits Caldwell for drafting and assembling much of the roster that turn a laughingstock into a contender, earning the team’s first home playoff game since 2000.

Jacksonville won thanks mostly to one of the league’s best defenses. Caldwell drafted many of those defenders Daryl Williams Jersey , including All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue and linebackers Telvin Smith and Myles Jack. Coughlin, Caldwell and Marrone also landed the best free-agent class in franchise history by signing defensive end Calais Campbell, cornerback A.J. Bouye and safety Barry Church.

The defense nearly led the Jaguars to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. They held a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter at New England before Tom Brady and the Patriots scored twice late and won 24-20.

”The success we had last season was due to the efforts of many people Mario Addison Jersey , but Doug and Dave certainly played key leadership roles in guiding our team,” Coughlin said in a statement. ”They set the tone and managed the process on a daily basis, and we look forward to building on that process throughout this offseason and the coming season.”

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FLOWERY BRANCH Nick Boyle Jersey , Ga. (AP) Falcons players are guarded against letting four losses in their last five games rattle their confidence.

The Falcons (4-4) have fallen to .500, two games behind NFC South leader New Orleans.

Atlanta’s offense shows little resemblance to the unit which led the league in scoring last season. The Falcons have scored no more than 17 points in any of their losses, even though quarterback Matt Ryan has most of the same weapons from last year’s Super Bowl season.

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At the midpoint of the season, Atlanta is trying to recapture last season’s winning formula. Center Alex Mack said that’s no reason to look for changes.

”I think the key is just to try to do what you do, trust in the process you have Terrance West Jersey ,” Mack said Wednesday. ”What we’ve been doing has been good. We just need to make a couple more plays. I don’t think anything drastic needs to change.”

The Falcons need a quick turnaround in the second half of the season if they hope to return to the playoffs. That sense of urgency could lead players to press.

It’s a concern for coach Dan Quinn, who wants his players to avoid ”white-knuckling” as they prepare for Sunday’s visit from the Dallas Cowboys.

”Sometimes with more pressing, more white-knuckling, you lose the focus and that’s what you really want to avoid getting into,” Quinn said.

Atlanta’s offense has done a better job moving the ball than scoring. Ryan is seventh with 2 Mike Wallace Jersey ,157 yards passing but only tied for 16th with 11 scoring passes .

Quinn said the struggles, which continued in last week’s 20-17 loss at Carolina , forced him to ask ”is our process right in terms of getting all the preparations and details right.”

Added Quinn: ”If it is we’ve got to stick to that course and don’t waver off of it. If it’s not, then what part of your game can you improve on moving forward.”

Quinn said he told players they ”have got to have the conviction to stay on course and do better.”

Safety Ricardo Allen says players aren’t losing confidence.

”The tone was we know what we can do,” Allen said of the message in Monday’s team meeting. ”We know as a team what we’re capable of. Just go out there and do our job. Just give a little more Eric Weddle Jersey , take it to another level.

”We have another whole half of the season. Get it rolling. Get the small things right.”

Allen said he’s seen no frustration or panic from Quinn.

”No, he never does,” Allen said. ”For him to stay so level-headed, that’s what makes you want to keep fighting for him. You know that he really believes in us and he knows that we can get it done, and we will.”

NOTES: PK Matt Bryant (right calf) did not practice Wednesday. With Bryant’s status for Sunday’s game still uncertain Matt Judon Jersey , the Falcons re-signed PK Mike Meyer to the practice squad. Meyer made three of four field goal attempts in the preseason. Meyer was released before the season and then was signed to the practice squad on Oct. 11 for one week when Bryant was slowed with a back injury but did not miss a game. … QB Garrett Grayson was released from the practice squad. … LB Duke Riley (knee) did not practice but is ”getting closer” after missing two games, according to Quinn. … WR Julio Jones (lower leg) also was held out.

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Eagles are hitting the road for a long trip to the West Coast.

No suntan lotion required; it’s all business.

First up is a tough game at Seattle (7-4) on Sunday. The Eagles will then spend next week practicing in California before they play at the Los Angeles Rams (8-3).

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”I’m focused on Seattle Eric Wood Jersey ,” coach Doug Pederson said Friday, sounding a lot like Bill Belichick. ”We’re just going to get on a plane and go to LA and we’re going to practice like normal out there. It’s like going to Lehigh (University) for training camp. We do it 100,000 times. I don’t want to talk about it, obviously, and I’m focused on this game Colton Schmidt Jersey , and I want to make sure our team is focused on this game.”

The Eagles (10-1) need a victory to clinch the NFC East title because Dallas (6-6) kept its division hopes mathematically alive by defeating Washington on Thursday night.

Winning the division crown is only the first step. Securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is No. 2 on the list. Capturing the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the first team in franchise history is the ultimate goal.

”Obviously it’s one of our goals to win the NFC East, but the bigger message is you’re still playing and fighting for home field,” Pederson said. ”The Eagles have also won a bunch of NFC East titles here, too. We’re proud of it. It’s a tribute obviously to the players, but there’s something bigger out there that we strive for.”

After dominating opponents the last four games – a 23-point margin was the smallest – the Eagles will face difficult tests against the Seahawks and Rams before they return home to prepare for a third straight road game at the Giants on Dec. 17.

Russell Wilson presents unique challenges for the league’s top-ranked run defense because he’s a scrambling quarterback who can make big plays with his arm and legs.

”Russell has a little bit of magic up his sleeves and that’s a team that’s real gritty and tough Cordy Glenn Jersey , and they always find a way,” defensive end Chris Long said. ”We’ve got to know the environment we’re walking into, a good football team with a tradition of winning and obviously a real dynamic quarterback.”

The defense fared well against a similar quarterback, Cam Newton, in a 28-23 win at Carolina in October. Newton threw for 239 yards and ran for 71 Jerry Hughes Jersey , but had three interceptions.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz compared Wilson to Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton.

”He can run the designed quarterback runs, the zone reads, the keepers and things like that, and then he can also just create something off schedule,” Schwartz said. ”But he can threaten inside the pocket. He can threaten outside the pocket. But probably the thing he’s most dangerous in is threatening by running. He threatens the whole field.”

NOTES: LB Joe Walker is questionable with a neck injury. If he can’t play Preston Brown Jersey , veteran Dannell Ellerbe could see his first action since joining the Eagles. ”Ellerbe is still kind of getting the pieces of the defense together,” Pederson said.

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP-RobMaaddi

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DAVIE Graham Gano Jersey , Fla. (AP) The Miami Dolphins are a middling team at the midpoint.

Sound familiar? It should.

For the fourth time in the past six seasons, including last year, the Dolphins are 4-4. They went on to the playoffs in 2016 but aren’t trending toward a repeat, with losses in the past two games and a tough second-half schedule that includes seven opponents who are above .500.

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”We’re probably not exactly where we want to be,” coach Adam Gase said Monday. ”We’ve had too many ups and downs.”

Gase found cause for encouragement in the latest loss Charles Johnson Jersey , however. Squandered scoring chances and 11 penalties hurt in a 27-24 defeat against Oakland on Sunday night, but Miami’s offense showed signs of life , and quarterback Jay Cutler had one of his best games of the season.

Miami remains last in the NFL in yards per play and points per game. But Gase believes players responded well to his complaints about blown assignments and poor study habits, and he’s optimistic the Dolphins are well-positioned for a second-half surge, beginning against Carolina next Monday night.

”The guys last week prepared the right way. That’s what has me somewhat excited moving forward Andrew Norwell Jersey ,” Gase said. ”Everything is up for grabs. It’s who wants to do it right. Our guys have a great opportunity. You’ve got a shot. You’ve got eight games left. See what you’re made of.”

Cutler agreed.

”A lot of football left to play,” he said. ”A lot of opportunities for us to put it together.”

Gase was satisfied with the new look of the offense following last week’s trade of Jay Ajayi. While the Pro Bowl running back rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown to help Philadelphia beat Denver 51-23, his replacements in Miami combined for 83 yards rushing and 82 receiving.

Kenyan Drake had a 42-yard run, Miami’s longest this year, and he and Damien Williams each caught six passes from Cutler.

”I like where that’s headed Daryl Williams Jersey ,” Gase said. ”Those guys out of the backfield in the passing game made a big difference. … We’re trying to find our way on offense. This last game felt a little more normal in what it should feel like.”

Another reason for optimism is the looming addition of two starters, left guard Ted Larsen and safety T.J. McDonald. Larsen returned to practice last week after recovering from a torn biceps, and McDonald is poised to make his season debut after serving an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Is McDonald ready to play?

”Run across the middle. You’ll find out,” Gase said. ”I think he’s pretty ready.”

Issues of concern include a defense that has backslid in recent weeks, with Miami allowing 95 points in the past three games. The Raiders threw for 300 yards and converted eight third downs.

”We gave up way too many points Mario Addison Jersey ,” defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said. ”It’s not going to be winning football if they’re scoring 27 points.”

Gase figures the burden on the defense will be eased if the offense can become more potent. And he liked the swarming defense that forced two Raiders fumbles on a single play .

”That was us,” he said. ”That’s how we should play. It was 11 guys with their hair on fire.”

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

Follow Steven Wine on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Steve-Wine. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/steven-wine

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INDIANAPOLIS (3-9) at BUFFALO (6-8)

Sunday Matt Bryant Jersey , 1 p.m. ET, CBS

OPENING LINE – OFF

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RECORD VS. SPREAD – Indianapolis 6-6, Buffalo 6-5-1

SERIES RECORD – Bills lead 36-31-1

LAST MEETING – Bills beat Colts 27-14, Sept. 13, 2015 .

LAST WEEK – Colts lost to Jaguars 30-10; Bills lost to Patriots, 23-3

AP PRO32 RANKING – Colts No. 28 Matt Bosher Jersey , Bills No. 19

COLTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (24), PASS (28)

COLTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (29), RUSH (13), PASS (32)

BILLS OFFENSE – OVERALL (26), RUSH (8) Ricardo Allen Jersey , PASS (30)

BILLS DEFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (25), PASS (24)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES: Former AFC East rivals meet for sixth time since Colts moved to AFC South in 2002. Colts are 3-2 against Bills since realignment – both losses at Buffalo – and 7-2 in past nine. … Game features matchup between two of NFL’s top three leaders in yards rushing. Colts’ Frank Gore leads active list and last weekend moved into fifth overall with 13,697 yards. Bills’ LeSean McCoy is third on active list and 31st overall with 9,805 yards. … Gore hasn’t topped 100 yards rushing in 14 straight since 101-yard outing in 34-6 win at Minnesota on Dec. 12 Ryan Schraeder Jersey , 2016. His 41 career 100- yard games rushing are one short of tying O.J. Simpson for 16th on NFL list. … Colts have lost six of seven and will finish with losing record for first time in six years under coach Chuck Pagano. … QB Jacoby Brissett is 0-1 versus Bills in Patriots’ 16-0 loss last season when he started in place of Tom Brady, who was serving ”Deflategate” suspension. … Colts have allowed NFL-most 330 points and been outscored 120-28 in fourth quarter. … Bills have lost four of five and in jeopardy of missing playoffs for 18th straight season – longest active streak in North America’s four major professional sports. … QB Tyrod Taylor (bruised left knee) status uncertain, opening possibility of rookie Nathan Peterman making second career start. … In 54-24 loss at Chargers on Nov. 19, Peterman became first player to throw five interceptions in first half since AFL-NFL merger in 1970. … TE Charles Clay and WR Deonte Thompson are only two Bills to top 100 yards receiving this season. … Bills have topped 20 first downs just three times, matching fewest in one season since 2009. … In six wins, Bills allowed 476 yards rushing Andy Levitre Jersey , while forcing 15 takeaways (five forced fumbles, 10 interceptions). In six losses, Bills allowed 971 yards rushing and forced five takeaways (two fumbles, three interceptions). … Fantasy Tip: Avoid this game if possible, though Gore will have chance to find holes against defense allowing average 177 yards rushing in past five.

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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INDIANAPOLIS (3-9) at BUFFALO (6-8)

Sunday Matt Bryant Jersey , 1 p.m. ET, CBS

OPENING LINE – OFF

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RECORD VS. SPREAD – Indianapolis 6-6, Buffalo 6-5-1

SERIES RECORD – Bills lead 36-31-1

LAST MEETING – Bills beat Colts 27-14, Sept. 13, 2015 .

LAST WEEK – Colts lost to Jaguars 30-10; Bills lost to Patriots, 23-3

AP PRO32 RANKING – Colts No. 28 Matt Bosher Jersey , Bills No. 19

COLTS OFFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (24), PASS (28)

COLTS DEFENSE – OVERALL (29), RUSH (13), PASS (32)

BILLS OFFENSE – OVERALL (26), RUSH (8) Ricardo Allen Jersey , PASS (30)

BILLS DEFENSE – OVERALL (27), RUSH (25), PASS (24)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES: Former AFC East rivals meet for sixth time since Colts moved to AFC South in 2002. Colts are 3-2 against Bills since realignment – both losses at Buffalo – and 7-2 in past nine. … Game features matchup between two of NFL’s top three leaders in yards rushing. Colts’ Frank Gore leads active list and last weekend moved into fifth overall with 13,697 yards. Bills’ LeSean McCoy is third on active list and 31st overall with 9,805 yards. … Gore hasn’t topped 100 yards rushing in 14 straight since 101-yard outing in 34-6 win at Minnesota on Dec. 12 Ryan Schraeder Jersey , 2016. His 41 career 100- yard games rushing are one short of tying O.J. Simpson for 16th on NFL list. … Colts have lost six of seven and will finish with losing record for first time in six years under coach Chuck Pagano. … QB Jacoby Brissett is 0-1 versus Bills in Patriots’ 16-0 loss last season when he started in place of Tom Brady, who was serving ”Deflategate” suspension. … Colts have allowed NFL-most 330 points and been outscored 120-28 in fourth quarter. … Bills have lost four of five and in jeopardy of missing playoffs for 18th straight season – longest active streak in North America’s four major professional sports. … QB Tyrod Taylor (bruised left knee) status uncertain, opening possibility of rookie Nathan Peterman making second career start. … In 54-24 loss at Chargers on Nov. 19, Peterman became first player to throw five interceptions in first half since AFL-NFL merger in 1970. … TE Charles Clay and WR Deonte Thompson are only two Bills to top 100 yards receiving this season. … Bills have topped 20 first downs just three times, matching fewest in one season since 2009. … In six wins, Bills allowed 476 yards rushing Andy Levitre Jersey , while forcing 15 takeaways (five forced fumbles, 10 interceptions). In six losses, Bills allowed 971 yards rushing and forced five takeaways (two fumbles, three interceptions). … Fantasy Tip: Avoid this game if possible, though Gore will have chance to find holes against defense allowing average 177 yards rushing in past five.

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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