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Week 17 AFC East predictions: Browns' Joe Flacco makes Jets regret letting him go
Each AFC East team picked up a win in Week 16, and the Miami Dolphins are only one more victory away from securing their first division title since 2008. However, with a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on the horizon, the AFC East crown could be decided by a photo finish.
Here are our predictions for the AFC East in Week 17.
New York Jets (6-9) at Cleveland Browns (10-5): The Jets nearly suffered another humiliating loss last week, blowing a 20-point third-quarter lead to the dismal Commanders before kicker Greg Zuerlein hit a 54-yard go-ahead field goal with five seconds remaining to secure a 30-28 win. While it was a positive sign to see the offense rack up its second-most total yards of the season (381 ), Trevor Siemian and company won't have similar success against a Browns defense allowing the fewest yards per game ( 260.3).
Despite ranking among the top units in the NFL, the Jets defense has recently experienced a slump, allowing an uncharacteristic 58 points over the last two games, the sixth-most among teams in that span. This should bode well for old friend Joe Flacco, who has been on a roll since signing with the Browns in mid-November, averaging the most passing yards over the past four games ( 326.8). Expect the Browns to clinch their first postseason berth since 2020 while the Jets improve their 2024 draft position thanks to another vintage performance from the Super Bowl XLVII MVP.
PREDICTION: Browns, 21-7
Miami Dolphins (11-4) at Baltimore Ravens (12-3): Both teams earned statement wins last week, with Miami earning its first victory over a winning squad thi s season while Baltimore knocked off San Francisco in a game that might've secured QB Lamar Jackson his second MVP Award. The Dolphins overcame a 35-14 third-quarter deficit to stun the Ravens 42-38 when they met in Week 2 last season, and with both teams clicking, we could be in store for another thriller.
Miami's explosive offense might have difficulty putting up points against a Baltimore defense that allows the fewest points (16.3) and the sixth-fewest yards per game this season (297.3). However, the Dolphins defense could keep the top-ranked Ravens rushing attack in check, as the unit gives up the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game (90.8 ). Even so, considering Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle is dealing with an ankle injury that could prevent him from playing, Baltimore should manage to extend its winning streak to six games.
PREDICTION: Ravens, 24-21
New England Patriots (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (9-6): New England pulled off a surprising victory last week, knocking off the Broncos behind a 56-yard Chad Ryland field goal, which effectively ended the Russell Wilson era in Denver. Meanwhile, the Bills, winners of their last three games, avoided a scare from the Easton Stick-led Chargers for a tight 24-22 road win thanks to QB Josh Allen's 252-yard, three-touchdown outing.
The Patriots have hit their stride under QB Bailey Zappe in recent weeks, providing some optimism for Sunday's matchup, especially since they took care of Buffalo in Week 7 with Mac Jones at quarterback. Still, New England's 21.3 points per game over the last three contests is well below the league average, and the offense could return to its dreadful ways in the hostile environment of Highmark Stadium. Buffalo only allows 15.3 points at home this season, the second-fewest in the NFL.
Nonetheless, Buffalo's latest loss to New England, coupled with last week's narrow escape, should serve as a reminder that it can't take this matchup lightly. Look for an all-round performance from the Bills similar to their convincing 31-10 Week 15 win over the Cowboys to set up a decisive clash with Miami for the division crown in the regular-season finale.
PREDICTION: Bills, 28-10
More must-reads:
- AFC QB Satisfaction Index: Bills, Dolphins pumped, but what teams are wincing?
- NFL 'TNF' Week 17: Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets betting picks, preview
- The 'Most career game-winning drives' quiz
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Browns HC, Shedeur Sanders clear air on controversial benching during two-minute drill
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders appeared to be frustrated with Kevin Stefanski when the head coach took him out for the final offensive drive of Saturday's preseason game. The Browns made a curious decision to put in Tyler Huntley to lead the offense in the final two minutes of their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field. Huntley, who has almost no chance of making the 53-man roster, engineered a six-play, 46-yard drive that ended in a game-winning field goal to give the Browns a 19-17 win. Following the game, Stefanski was asked about why Sanders approached him before Huntley went in. Stefanski claimed the rookie quarterback was just being a competitor, and there was nothing more to it than that, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Sanders told reporters he didn't know the Browns were benching him for the two-minute drill. "I didn't know I was out, Sanders said via video from ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "I was on a bike that was powering up... I was powering up for that two-minute drive. Because that's just a situation every quarterback dreams for... I thought I was in. So then (Stefanski) told me I wasn't in. I was like, 'Ok.'" Sanders left the game after leading the offense to five straight punts. He struggled in his second preseason appearance, going 3-of-6 passing for 14 yards. The fifth-round pick took six sacks for -50 yards. Sanders didn't want to leave on that low note. The Browns shouldn't have let him. Stefanski should have given Sanders the chance to run the two-minute offense and gain valuable experience instead of giving reps to a player who won't be on the roster by Tuesday afternoon.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Made Decision On His Bucks Future
MILWAUKEE, WI — Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain in Milwaukee. Reliable NBA insider AryReport reported that, according to his sources, the two-time MVP has decided not to request a trade. After several meetings with his inner circle, he reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Bucks. The decision settles months of speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future on the Bucks. Rivals have been watching closely, sensing uncertainty in Milwaukee. Yet for now, the franchise cornerstone wants to finish his career where it began. SOURCES: Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Made Decision On His Bucks Future A Mixed Track Record Since winning the 2021 title, Milwaukee has struggled in the postseason. They have won only one playoff series in four years. The lack of deep runs put pressure squarely on GM Jon Horst and the front office. Giannis wants to win. His patience has limits. The Bucks’ leadership responded with a flurry of moves this offseason. They reshaped the roster while making a difficult financial call on Damian Lillard. The Lillard Decision The Bucks stunned the league when they waived Lillard. The move left $112.5 million in dead money over five years. It also freed Milwaukee to move below tax aprons and gain flexibility. Lillard, recovering from a torn Achilles, embraced the decision. He returned to Portland in free agency, prioritizing family and comfort. For the Bucks, the parting opened space to pursue new pieces. Turner Arrives, Others Depart The headline signing was Myles Turner. The big man joined on a four-year, $108.8 million deal after leaving Indiana. His rim protection and three-point shooting fill a glaring need. Still, the cost was real. Brook Lopez, a 2021 champion, departed for the Clippers. Pat Connaughton left in a salary dump. Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., and Taurean Prince re-signed, but the roster feels transformed. Turner’s arrival raises a question: does he lift the Bucks enough? He is younger than Lopez and more versatile. Yet Milwaukee’s slide in the East was not just about talent, but cohesion and consistency. What’s Next for Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks Giannis has chosen stability over speculation. According to league sources, he will remain in Milwaukee, valuing continuity and family comfort above chasing another ring elsewhere. Having seen firsthand how a superstar’s ring chase unraveled, he understands the grass is not always greener. For Giannis, the Bucks still represent home, legacy, and the clearest path to fulfillment.
Two-time Stanley Cup champion leaves NHL for Switzerland
Last season was a tough one for veteran defenseman Jan Rutta. He dealt with some lower-body injuries, and when he was in the lineup for San Jose, he was often on the third pairing. That has certainly contributed to his going unsigned through the first seven weeks of free agency, but that is coming to an end. Earlier this week, Blick’s Gregory Beaud (h/t The Hockey News) reported that the blueliner is signing with Geneve-Servette in Switzerland. Rutta played in 54 games for the Sharks last season, picking up just three goals and six assists in a little over 17 minutes a night. However, he took a regular turn on their penalty kill and played some tough defensive minutes. Speculatively, NHL teams could be eyeing him as a PTO candidate to fill a sixth or seventh role if things went well in training camp but clearly, a full contract offer has yet to materialize and at some point, a guaranteed deal overseas could be viewed as a better option than trying to earn a contract off a tryout. Rutta debuted fairly late in the NHL with his first season coming at the age of 27 with Chicago. Since then, he has suited up in 417 regular-season games between four different clubs, putting up 23 goals and 75 assists along with 479 blocked shots. He also has a pair of Stanley Cup rings from his time with Tampa Bay. Rutta will be the third veteran NHL player to join that team this offseason. Previously, it signed wingers Jesse Puljujarvi and Jimmy Vesey and has one import slot remaining that it appears they want to use to bring in a veteran defender.
Complete Racap of Raiders vs. Cardinals Offers Intriguing Storylines
GLENDALE, AZ. — The Las Vegas Raiders wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a disappointing 20-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. This final game left their preseason record at 0-2-1. Preseason games are primarily about looking for answers and sometimes uncovering new questions in preparation for the upcoming season, and tonight certainly provided both. With Aidan O'Connell being lost tonight due to a fractured wrist, expected to sideline him for 6-8 weeks, the defeat to the Cardinals quickly becomes less significant as the team focuses on the future. Our latest episode of the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast provides a complete recap of the loss against the Arizona Cardinals and explores several intriguing storylines. You Can Watch the Entire Podcast Below Tonight was not the result Pete Carroll wanted, but that doesn’t mean the team didn’t get plenty of good information. Earlier this week, Pete spoke about his team after practice. We have a partial transcript of that below. Head Coach Pete Carroll Q: Has it been your experience when it came time to make your cuts and get your roster finalized, that you found a way to break the news to guys who really worked hard at camp but just simply there wasn't room for them? Coach Carroll: "No, I haven't found in all of the times we've had to face that, I haven't found really the right way to do it other than just tell them exactly what you feel. And it's not always what they want to hear, but I try to come as clear to them as I can. Tell them exactly what took place and why and give them good reason, because I know as soon as they walk out that door, their mind is going a million miles an hour, and they're trying to figure out why, what can I do, what's next and what's going on, and I feel for every one of them.” “And so just tell them straight up, what the situation was, what the opportunities are, because they never over. Guys come back to us all the time. And so there is always to me, there's always a positive look at it. It's not like see you later forever. That's not how we talk. These guys are in this meeting room right here, they deserve to be part of this club.” “They have given everything they've got. I love the way that they've fought through, maybe their old habits, old ways, to join us and be part of the mentality that we're standing for here, and they feel like they're our guys. So when we have to do that, I'm going to try to open the avenue so that they have a sense of how they could wind up coming back to us. And it happens all the time, so we'll see." Q: How do you feel about the level of competition? Coach Carroll: "Yeah, we've been battling. We've been battling. It's every day. They understand that they're trying to make it hard on the guy across from them just about to the point, Lonnie Johnson said in one of our meetings, when we were talking about competing, he's talking about, I'm trying to piss you off. I'm trying to make you pissed off at me.” “He's talking about pushing so hard that it's uncomfortable for the guys across from and then you got to deal with it. And how do you respond? Do you go throw a punch, or do you kick somebody or hit somebody? Or do you take it to heart, and you take it as the challenge. We're trying to push it to the edge and everything we're doing. And so I feel really good about the level of competition." Q: You mentioned the communication between the safeties and the corners and the linebackers. Are you seeing that evolve this week? Have you been practicing on that this week as well? Coach Carroll: "It's a really big deal. We've had some stumbles along the way, but it hasn't been something that's consistently showing up. We missed a call here, we blew a look one time or another here, we had the big touchdown play against Seattle, we totally screwed that up in the huddle and from at the line of scrimmage.” “Just gave him a touchdown. But it is not like pervasive. We don't have any problems with it. We just need to keep doing it. And the conversation that they have back there gives the guy next to them confidence that he right and he doesn't have to be second thinking, am I right? Am I doing the right thing? What am I supposed to be doing here? That's what the communication allows us to get to that confidence level so we can execute really well." We'd appreciate it if you would follow us on X @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr , and let’s talk about the Silver and Black’s training camp and Pete Carroll’s comments. We invite you to interact with us when you check out our Facebook page, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE right this second!
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