Archives for January 3, 2021

‘Kroft was on the Covid list last month as a close contact of cornerback Josh Norman, who had tested positive, and did not play against Arizona in Week 10.’

‘Prediction: Bills 24, Dolphins 20.’

‘Miami tight ends vs. Bills safeties. The Dolphins’ tight ends have produced 82 catches for 969 yards and 11 touchdowns, which amounts to the best collective production from the position in Miami team history. Mike Gesicki, a second-round pick from 2018, is tied for 13th among NFL tight ends with 48 catches for 656 yards. Durham Smythe, a fourth-round pick from 2018, has 23 for 185 yards. Gesicki had eight catches for 130 yards and a TD in the Week 2 game vs. Buffalo. Starting receiver Jakeem Grant is expected to miss the game. Top wideout DeVante Parker is dealing with a sore hamstring. Miami will need Gesicki to produce.’

‘Rodgers, the Green Bay quarterback, is the heavy favorite, receiving 2/9 odds from BetOnline.ag, followed by Mahomes (13/4), the Kansas City quarterback, then Allen (9/1). Tennessee running back Derrick Henry, a distant fourth at 22/1 a week ago, is off the board.’

‘Heading into Week 17, just 19.91% of the team’s snaps have been played by rookies or second-year players, a total that ranks 27th in the NFL. Compare that to two years ago, when the Bills headed into the final week of the 2018 season with 37.6% of their snaps taken by players falling into that category, third most in the NFL.’

‘In that case, I’d say insurance more than anything. Of course, John Brown’s status factors into that, as well. If those two are healthy, they join Stefon Diggs as the obvious top three receivers for quarterback Josh Allen. Rookie Gabriel Davis is the clear No. 4, too, and I don’t see Stills unseating him at this point. Things look a lot different if Beasley and/or Brown aren’t able to play, though. In that case, Davis could move into the slot. That could open a spot outside for Stills, who had averaged 14.5 yards per reception over his previous three seasons coming into 2020. Even the threat of a deep ball could open things up for the other receivers.’

‘This team is full of confidence, calmness and cockiness; a lethal combination.’