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GAME DAY Week 18 - The Early Games

Sunday January 08, 2023

THE EARLY GAMES
Buccaneers at Falcons
Patriots at Bills
Vikings at Bears
Texans at Colts
Jets at Dolphins
Panthers at Saints
Browns at Steelers
Ravens at Bengals

THE LATE GAMES
Chargers at Broncos
Giants at Eagles
Cardinals at 49ers
Rams at Seahawks
Cowboys at Commodes

SNF
Lions at Packers



ALREADY PLAYED

Saturday January 07, 2023

Chiefs at Raiders - 4pm ET
Titans at Jaguars - 8pm ET

GAME DAY Titans at Jaguars - Saturday January 07 - 8:15pm ET

Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: AFC South on the Line on Saturday Night​

The AFC South will be on the line Saturday night when the Tennessee Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Duval County. The Jaguars (8-8) currently have a one-game lead over the Titans (7-9) thanks to their win in Nashville last month, but Tennessee would take the division title with a victory due to a better record in AFC South games. Should the Jags lose on Saturday night, they could still make the playoffs, but it would take losses from New England, Miami, and Pittsburgh to claim the final wild-card berth.

The Titans started the season 7-3 and had as much as a four-game lead in the division halfway through November. Since then, the wheels haven't fallen off as much as the entire car has imploded. The Titans have lost six straight, along with their starting quarterback, their general manager, and their division lead. Head coach Mike Vrabel, for the second straight week, is choosing to skip over his rookie backup quarterback for a journeyman making just his second career start in six seasons — and after being with the team for less than two weeks. Despite the maelstrom that has been the last month and a half for the Titans, they still find themselves just one win away from their third straight AFC South title.

After losing five straight games in the heart of their schedule, the Jaguars were dead and buried. But just like The Undertaker, the Jags never reached the great beyond. They were just lulling their enemies to sleep, waiting for the perfect time to slowly and cryptically rise from their grave. Or something like that. I haven't watched wrestling since 1999. But either way, the Jaguars have won six of their last eight games, including four straight, leading to this, the Duval County Royal Rumble for the AFC South championship belt.

Tennessee (7-9) at Jacksonville (8-8)

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 7 at 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN/ABC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Jaguars -6
Tickets: As low as $180 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. Josh Dobbs

If you haven't heard of Dobbs, that's OK. Lots of people outside of Knoxville haven't. Just know that the former Tennessee Volunteer (and Pittsburgh Steeler) Dobbs is arguably the smartest dude in the league and the Titans' newest starting quarterback, tabbed with leading Tennessee in a must-win road game for a division title. The problem is, Dobbs has only been in Nashville for about two weeks. He doesn't even know how to avoid the tourist traps and pedal taverns that litter Music City's roadways at all hours of the day, let alone the Titans' playbook.

However, last Thursday night in his first career start, and after only being a Titan for about eight days, Dobbs looked pretty good (all things considered) against the Cowboys. In all honesty, he looked as good as any other Tennessee quarterback has in the last year or so. His numbers weren't awesome — 51 percent completion rate, 232 yards, a touchdown, and an interception – but he was fearless and poised in the pocket as the Titans moved the ball better than they had in a month.

With Ryan Tannehill out for the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery, Dobbs made it clear last week that he is the Titans' best hope against the Jags. He's not going to be the most accurate thrower, and he's not going to be a game-breaker, but he won't be too timid to try and make plays either. Unlike rookie Malik Willis, Dobbs isn't afraid to make a read and then uncork it. And considering the Titans' options, that's going to have to suffice.

2. Trevor Lawrence … growing up before our very eyes

Lawrence has been the direct catalyst of the Jaguars' turnaround this season. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft is starting to show what was promised during his time at Clemson and, in doing so, is proving that he has the potential to be one of the NFL's best passers before too long. So far this season, Lawrence has 3,901 yards, a 66 percent completion rate, 24 touchdowns, just eight interceptions, and a top-10 passer rating of 95.4. He's been especially impressive during the Jaguars' last eight games, completing 70 percent of his throws with 14 touchdowns, only two interceptions, and a 106.0 rating.

What's been most impressive about Lawrence is the development of his in-pocket analysis and decision-making. Last year, he led the league with 50 interceptable passes and threw a league-high 17 picks. This season, he's 24th in interceptable throws and has cut his interception rate in half. Of course, it helps that the protection up front has greatly improved and his receivers this season are actually good at getting open. Also, the emergence of running back (and former Clemson teammate) Travis Ettienne Jr. helps, too. But nonetheless, Lawrence is making the most of the opportunity in front of him.

On Saturday, Lawrence faces the same Titans secondary that he torched no more than a month ago for what might be his best career game to date. On Dec. 11, Lawrence completed 71 percent of his throws for 368 yards, three scores, and a 121.9 passer rating as the Jags rolled to a 14-point win in Nashville.

3. Can the Titans protect possessions?

If the Titans are to have any chance this Saturday night, they must do a better job at protecting the football than they have in recent weeks. Possessions are already far too precious for the Titans' low-scoring and limited offense, and they don't have the leeway to give the ball to a Jacksonville offense that has been playing its best ball of the season as of late.

Tennessee has turned the ball over multiple times in each of the last four games, including twice last week against Dallas and four times in the first meeting with the Jaguars four weeks ago. In total, the Titans have 10 turnovers in their last four games, after coughing it up just 11 times in the season's first 13 weeks.

This is where having Derrick Henry in the lineup is so critical. Henry missed last week against the Cowboys, along with a host of other starters, to be ready for this do-or-die matchup with Jacksonville. After a worrisome mid-season lull, Henry has been back to his typical self the last few games, surpassing the 100-yard mark in each of his last three appearances. He absolutely went off against the Jags' defense in Week 14 with a season-high 7.2 yards per carry and 121 total yards on the ground.

But the Titans will need more than just Henry amassing rushing yards to win this one. They need receivers to actually start catching passes, unlike last week when they had at least four drops. And they need to convert on third downs at a higher clip than they have been — just 36 percent, 23rd in the league.

Final Analysis

Let's make this simple. The Jaguars are playing their best football at the perfect time. Compared to Tennessee, the Jacksonville offense has more weapons, is better coached (at least offensively), and has the clear-cut advantage at quarterback. While having Derrick Henry back and well-rested will certainly make a difference, it won't be enough. Give me the Jags for the win and the AFC South championship belt.

Prediction: Jaguars 28, Titans 18

GAME DAY Chiefs at Raiders - Saturday January 07 - 4:30pm ET

Kansas City vs. Las Vegas: Chiefs Look to Wrap Up AFC's No. 1 Seed With Another Win Over the Raiders​

It's the wrap-up of a tough season for the Las Vegas Raiders as they host the playoff-bound Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon. When these teams met in Week 5, the Raiders' fourth-quarter comeback fell short as their two-point conversion attempt failed with 4:27 left in a 30-29 loss. The Patrick Mahomes-to-Travis Kelce combination resulted in four touchdowns. Josh Jacobs rumbled for 154 yards, and Derek Carr had two touchdown passes with no turnovers as Las Vegas outgained the home team (378 to 368) but couldn't protect a 20-10 halftime lead.

Kansas City (13-3) has won four in a row after holding off Denver 27-24 at home last Sunday. It was the Chiefs' 15th in a row over their AFC West rivals as Mahomes joined Tom Brady and Drew Brees as the only quarterbacks with multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons. The Broncos led twice this in the game but were outscored 14-7 in the fourth quarter. Denver averaged nearly five yards per carry, but Kansas City's defense held the visitors to 307 total yards, collected four sacks, and forced two Russell Wilson turnovers. A fourth-quarter interception by L'Jarius Sneed led to the Chiefs' final touchdown, which proved to be the difference in the three-point victory.

Las Vegas (6-10) enters its finale having lost two straight and three of its last four. The Raiders gave the 49ers all they could handle last weekend in Allegiant Stadium, leading by as many as 10 points in the third quarter and then scoring late in the fourth to send the game to overtime before eventually falling 37-34 to the NFC West champions. Jarrett Stidham, who was making his first start following Carr's benching, gashed what was the NFL's No. 1 defense for 365 passing yards and three touchdowns, but he also had a costly interception in overtime and threw another one earlier in the game. Davante Adams put up 153 yards and two scores on seven catches. The offense finished with 500 total yards and 29 first downs, but the defense gave up 454 and 27 while allowing more than six yards per carry.

Kansas City (13-3) at Las Vegas (6-10)

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 7 at 4:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN/ABC
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
Spread: Chiefs -9.5
Tickets: As low as $198 on SITickets.com*

Three Things to Watch

1. What's your motivation?

The Chiefs currently hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which would give them home-field advantage throughout and the coveted first-round bye. A victory on Saturday would clinch that spot regardless of what happens when Buffalo plays New England with the NFL announcing on Thursday that the Bills-Bengals game that was postponed on Monday night following Damar Hamlin's on-field collapse would not be resumed. Even with a Week 6 head-to-head victory over Kansas City, all the Chiefs need to do is win in Sin City and the No. 1 seed is theirs. A loss means they will be scoreboard-watching on Sunday. On the other side, the Raiders are playing for pride and draft positioning. Right now, Las Vegas is lined up to pick seventh, but that could change considering two other teams enter Week 18 with 6-10 records. There also are plenty of questions swirling around how different this team will look next season, starting at quarterback.

2. Is Stidham for real?

The 2019 fourth-round pick out of Auburn will get his second career start and is looking to build off a strong showing last week. After spending his first three seasons in New England (and appearing in eight games), Stidham was traded to Las Vegas this offseason to reunite with his former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and is being given a chance after the team decided to bench Derek Carr. This gives him one final audition to stay with the Raiders or join another team next season. He certainly gave teams something to think about after throwing for 365 yards against what was the NFL's No. 1 defense entering Week 17 (Philadelphia now leads in total defense after the 49ers gave up 500 total yards to the Raiders). Stidham also has some mobility, as he added 34 rushing yards on seven carries.

Kansas City has been susceptible through the air (18th in the league with 223.5 passing ypg allowed), so Stidham should have more opportunities to impress. He also has the benefit of a full arsenal of weapons around him, as tight end Darren Waller has had an impact since returning from an extended stay on injured reserve. Last week, Waller posted 72 yards and a touchdown on just three catches. Waller's presence means defenses can't devote as much attention to slowing down wide receiver Davante Adams, who leads the league with 14 touchdown catches and is third with 1,443 receiving yards. Las Vegas also has the league's leading rusher in Josh Jacobs (1,608 yds., 12 TDs), who has positioned himself nicely as a pending free agent after the team declined to pick up the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in late April.

3. Mahomes domination

Mahomes has absolutely gone wild against the Raiders in his career, as he's 8-1 against the division rival. He's thrown 26 touchdown passes compared to just three interceptions in these games, 11 of those coming in the last three matchups. Las Vegas is 29th in the league against the pass (246.8 ypg) and has surrendered 24 touchdowns through the air while recording six interceptions. The Raiders don't have near as much to play for (if anything really) compared to the Chiefs, and Mahomes also is looking to make one last statement to MVP voters. It'll be interesting to see how long Mahomes plays in this game or if head coach Andy Reid takes him out earlier with bigger goals in mind.

There also is some history to keep an eye on with running back Jerick McKinnon. He had two more touchdown catches last week in the win over Denver to become the first running back in the Super Bowl era (since 1970) with a touchdown reception in five straight games. McKinnon, who has become a bigger part of the offensive game plan as this season has progressed, has eight touchdown catches overall, placing him second to Travis Kelce (12) on the team. Mahomes leads the league with 40 touchdown passes and 5,048 passing yards.

Final Analysis

Plain and simple, this will be a Chiefs victory, but by how much? The good things that Stidham did last week are now on tape for others to see. I think the Raiders score some points, but this one won't be interesting as Mahomes makes his case for another MVP award and Kansas City shifts its focus to another Super Bowl run.

Prediction: Chiefs 34, Raiders 17

Ernest Jones quietly having productive 2022 season, but expects more out of himself in 2023

Ernest Jones quietly having productive 2022 season, but expects more out of himself in 2023​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – For most linebackers, a season like the one the Rams' Ernest Jones has put together in 2022 would feel satisfactory.

He's recorded 108 total tackles – almost double what he had as a rookie last year – and added one forced fumble and one interception while playing in all 16 games, making 10 starts.

Jones, however, has higher standards for himself.

"Obviously, I just wanted to build on year one," Jones said earlier this week. "Do my best to help this team and get back to the playoffs, get back in the Super Bowl. Individual goals, I just wanted to play great, and I don't feel like I did that this year. I don't feel like I lived up to what I know I'm capable of. So for me, it's, I'm ready to get in with Seattle, but I'm also ready to get back to work and go do what I know I'm capable of."

And that is?

"I feel like I'm capable of being one of the best linebackers in this league," Jones said. "I mean, I just know I am."

It helps that Jones' lofty ambitions have an example of that caliber to follow in veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Jones admitted that prior to the Rams signing Wagner earlier this year, he expected to be "the man" at linebacker, but also had the right perspective about what Wagner's arrival could mean for his development. He also trusts the organization and its coaching staff to put the best players out on the field.

"I just looked at it, for me, it's like, 'Man, I get another year and opportunity to learn from somebody I grew up watching, somebody that's like a role model,'" Jones said.

It's difficult for Jones to pinpoint one thing he's taken away from his time working with Wagner in their almost-full season working together. Jones is a visual learner, so he tries to pay attention to what Wagner does every day. Jones' takeaway: "For the most part, what I've learned this year is that everything that I thought I was doing, it wasn't enough. (There is) more to be done."

Whatever he's picked up, it's translating and being noticed by Wagner.

"I think he's played great. I think every game he's gotten better," Wagner said on Dec. 15. "He had an opportunity early on in the season where he could have made a pick in the red zone and I think it ended up in (safety) Nick (Scott)'s hands, and to see him make that play last week was pretty cool. He brings a lot of energy, a person that people feed off of, and it's just been cool to see."

This year, Jones became the seventh player in Rams history and only the third Rams linebacker to hit 100 total tackles in his second season, joining safety John Johnson (118), linebacker James Laurinaitis (114), safety Jordan Fuller (113), linebacker Alec Ogletree (111), safety Adam Archuleta (108) and safety T.J. McDonald (105).

His production and overall performance may not be what he hoped for, but for now, he's given Los Angeles' defense a reliable contributor it can count on. And in the meantime, he'll continue to learn from the best as he aims to be the best.

"I think Ernest has gone out and given us exactly what he is: energy, physicality, brute toughness, the guy you want to put out there because he's above the neck mentally sharp," Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said. "The guy's going to continue to get better throughout his career and I see nothing but greatness when that torch is passed and whenever it is passed for him moving to what Bobby's been able to bring to us and what they've been able to help each other with."

  • Locked
McVay’s future as Rams HC


Hopefully this puts to rest the ridiculous speculation that he’d actually leave the Rams after a season like the one we just had.

Rams will have tough time choosing which 2023 free agents to retain

Rams will have tough time choosing which 2023 free agents to retain​

The 2022 season for the Los Angeles Rams will come to a close when the game clock winds down this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. Sean McVay’s Rams team will finish with double digit losses for the first time in the young coach’s career - within 365 days of the Rams winning Super Bowl LVI and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

The conclusion of the season will not big closure for fans in Los Angeles - instead it’s the start of offseason speculation. The Rams will need to make changes if they want to be back in the contention conversation in 2023, but it’s absolutely possible with a clean bill of health and tweaks in certain spots on the roster.

The first, and perhaps the most significant, challenge the Rams will face this offseason is choosing between their unrestricted free agents with little salary cap to spare.

Matt Gay has proven over the last few seasons that he deserves to be mentioned among the best kickers in the NFL. Can the Rams afford to pay a kicker $5-6M annually when Troy Hill or Nick Scott could realistically be expected to have a similar valuation?

A’Shawn Robinson has established himself as a premier run defender along the interior defensive line, and as a former second round pick he will have plenty of suitors on the open market. Perhaps Greg Gaines can be kept in Los Angeles at a lessor price but similar production - and he offers a bit more juice as a pass rusher.

Rams 2023 unrestricted free agents:
Baker Mayfield, QB
A’Shawn Robinson, DT
Greg Gaines, DT
Troy Hill, CB
Matt Gay, K
David Edwards, OG/OT
Nick Scott, DB
Taylor Rapp, DB
Ty Nsekhe, OT
Oday Aboushi, OG
Brandon Powell, WR/KR
Riley Dixon, P
Matt Skura, OG/OC
Malcolm Brown, RB
David Long, CB
Matt Orzech, LS
Travin Howard, MLB
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Don't Look Now But Brock Purdy is for real

I've been looking at some of Brock Purdy's plays. IMO the Niners have found their QB of the future and Lance will be his backup. Purdy IMO has elite skills and is playing like a vet. When you break his play down you can see why the Niners have to be a favorite to win the Lombardi this year. Purdy isn't playing like a 7th round developmental QB. I was shocked at his ability to read defenses and his throwing accuracy. He reads defenses like a veteran.

Jimmy G and Lance have been replaced and the Rams really have to worry about the Niners. With Purdy they are real. He looks unflappable under pressure. This is why what happens with Mayfield and Stafford is important. The Niners have jumped to the head of the line in terms of competition for the NFCW division title. Week 13 was Purdy's first real start and since then he's thrown for 10 TDs vs 3 INTs in those games. They aren't going easy on him either with anywhere from 40%-49% of the offensive snaps being passes.

His passing ability is exactly what they want to complement their run game.

This is why what the Rams do at QB over the long term is important. The Niners are not playing catchup in the QB department anymore. Purdy is only going to get better with experience. Stafford is still better, BUT his injuries show he's on the downside of his career. With Kyler the Cards will drop into irrelevance and the Hawks will be playing catchup. Geno Smith is good make no mistake, but their OL and defense is questionable. With the Hawks, the QB isn't the problem and I think they will stay with Smith for the foreseeable future.

The 49ers with Purdy as their QB will be the primary opposition for the division title.

IMO Hamlin's injury has probably changed Stafford's future

After Hamlin's injury, I'm even more convinced 2023 will be Stafford's last season. You have to know that the effect that Hamlin has had on Kelly is immense. It brought home to both Kelley and Matt how dangerous the NFL really is. Matt dodged a bullet he has to know that. I would be shocked if Matt decides he wants to continue beyond 2023.

That said, the decision is ultimately with Snead and McVay, not Stafford. Contractually they must play him this year. But from 2004 onwards they can eat the dead cap in the same way they did with Gurley and Goff. They have the likely successor to Stafford on the roster right now in Mayfield. They can't afford to let him leave the building. IMO they won't. If they offer Baker a deal to stay with a promise that he's the starter in 2024 there is no way he leaves.

I think we know if the Rams sign Baker to a 2 or 3 year deal. The first year as a backup and the remaining year or years on a prove it level.

I love Stafford but the reality is that his time here in LA was always limited. Unless he was uninjured and winning Super Bowls I think he would have been replaced after 2025 anyway. That is reflected in his contract structure which he agreed to. This way the Rams will follow their pattern of being proactive as it was with Gurley, Goff and even this year with Akers.

So IMO we as fans need to get used to Baker as the QB of the future. I for one am don't think this could have worked out better. Mayfield didn't cost the Rams anything, he literally fell in their laps. Then add to the equation that McVay seems to love him as his QB is the decisive element. Baker has proved he can win with backup WRs and OL what more can you ask?

The best part of this scenario is that Baker Mayfield will insure that McVay stays with the Rams for several more years.

2023 NFL playoffs: Week 18 clinching scenarios for AFC and NFC contenders

2023 NFL playoffs: Week 18 clinching scenarios for AFC and NFC contenders​

AFC scenarios

No. 1 seed (bye + home-field advantage)​

Chiefs clinch with any of the following:
  • Win + 1 Bills loss
  • 2 Bills losses + Bengals loss
Bills clinch with any of the following:
  • 2 wins
  • Win at Bengals + Chiefs loss
  • Win vs. Patriots + Chiefs and Bengals lose in Week 18
Bengals clinch with any of the following:
  • 2 wins + Chiefs loss

AFC South title​

  • Jaguars (8-8) clinch with: win/tie vs. Titans
  • Titans (7-9) clinch with: win at Jaguars

AFC North title​

  • Bengals (11-4) clinch with: win/tie vs. Bills OR win vs. Ravens

No. 7 seed wild card​

  • Patriots (8-8) clinch with: win at Bills OR Dolphins loss vs. Jets AND Steelers loss vs. Browns AND Jaguars win vs. Titans
  • Dolphins (8-8) clinch with: win vs. Jets AND Patriots loss at Bills
  • Steelers (8-8) clinch with: win vs. Browns AND Dolphins loss vs. Jets AND Patriots loss at Bills
  • Jaguars (8-8) clinch with: loss vs. Titans AND losses by Dolphins, Patriots and Steelers

NFC scenarios

No. 1 seed (bye + home-field advantage)​

Eagles clinch with any of the following:
  • Win/tie vs. Giants
  • Cowboys loss/tie at Commodes
  • 49ers loss/tie vs. Cardinals
49ers clinch with any of the following:
  • Win vs. Cardinals + Eagles loss vs. Giants
Cowboys clinch with any of the following:
  • Win at Commodes + Eagles loss vs. Giants + 49ers loss/tie vs. Cardinals

NFC East title​

  • Eagles (13-3) clinch with: win vs. Giants OR Cowboys loss at Commodes
  • Cowboys (12-4) clinch with: win at Commodes AND Eagles loss vs. Giants

No. 7 seed wild card​

  • Packers (8-8) clinch with: win vs. Lions
  • Lions (8-8) clinch with: win at Packers AND Seahawks loss/tie vs. Rams, OR tie vs. Packers AND Seahawks loss vs. Rams, OR tie vs. Packers AND Rams-Seahawks tie AND Commodes win vs. Cowboys
  • Seahawks (8-8) clinch with: win vs. Rams AND Packers loss/tie vs. Lions, OR tie vs. Rams AND Lions-Packers tie AND Commodes loss/tie vs. Cowboys
For a complete look at playoff standings, scenarios and projected first-round matchups across the entire NFL, check out our updated postseason forecast right here.
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A Huge Shout out to.......

The Cincinnati Bengals and their fans!!
While watching the horror of last night unfold with Damar Hamlin, I was struck by how courteous and respectful the Bengal fans were. Seems like just about everybody was praying and holding hands in quiet hope that Damar would be fine.
Even after the game was suspended the crowd filed out of the stadium in an orderly fashion with no booing or cat calls or any disturbances that I saw.
They all seemed to be focused on the situation with a reverential respect for a fallen young man and his family. One Bengal fan was holding up a sign asking all to pray for Damar and later I saw reports of fans from both the Bills and Bengals assembling at the hospital to hold a vigil for him.
I also saw Buffalo fans and Cincy fans coming together to pray and support one another in this very trying time.

In the meantime I would like to encourage all my Rams brothers to continue to pray for Damar Hamlin and his family and believe that soon he will recover and walk out of that hospital on his own.
In closing I would like to thank the Bengal fans for their sportsmanship last night. Thanks for keeping it classy, Cincinnati!!!

It was a shining light in an otherwise very dark night...

~ArkyRamsFan~

Aaron Donald sighting


snipet:
Frazier, 21, said the call with Donald was "emotional" and really helped him through his journey.

"Oh my God, he was so nervous," Frazier's mom, Kenya James, told ESPN. "He said, 'Ma, I didn't even know what to say. I was so nervous talking to him.' ... It just kind of drove him. Just more motivation for him to continue to grow and learn and do in the sport and in class."

And so, two years later, the Rams and Make-A-Wish partnered to bring Frazier to spend a weekend with the team, first getting a workout in at the team facility and then signing a one-day contract with general manager Les Snead. Frazier, who is a sophomore offensive lineman at Savannah State, stayed at the team hotel on Saturday night and took the bus to SoFi Stadium on Sunday to watch the Rams play the Los Angeles Chargers. And while the whole weekend has been great, Frazier said, he was "ecstatic" to get to work out with Donald.

20 Random Thoughts - Hopes, Fears and Expectations

1. Not much to say about last Sunday's game. At this point, they're little more than early preseason games for the 2023 season.

2. Instead, this week, I'm going to give some random hopes, fears and expectations for 2023.

3. I hope Matthew Stafford will be heathier than when the 2023 season starts than he was all of this season.

4. I fear that any injury involving the neck can be career threatening.

5. I expect that Stafford will avoid major issues and have a great year.

6. I hope what we're seeing from Cam Akers is indicative of his future as a RB1.

7. I fear we're just being teased, and he won't be able to maintain this level of play.

8. I expect the Rams will hedge their bets and draft a running back.

9. I hope Tutu Atwell is becoming a contributor.

10. I fear he's still too much of a one-trick-(Shetland) pony.

11. I expect he'll have a role, albeit minor, next season.

12. I hope Baker Mayfield returns as our No. 2.

13. I fear he'll get paid more elsewhere, with a better chance of starting.

14. I expect he'll at least consider staying, as his options will remain limited.

15. I hope we'll add some talent to the OL.

16. I fear our limited money and draft capital will make it difficult to do so.

17. I expect our OL will improve significantly in 2023.

18. I hope we'll become contenders again in 2023.

19. I fear that the 2021 season was our "Endgame," followed by an uncertain future.

20. I expect the 2023 season will still be a lot better than Thor: Love and Thunder, Ms. Marvel and She Hulk.

Happy New Year ROD!!!

RIP Ken Block

I didn't see a thread for him yet. This guy was an incredible athlete, driver, businessman, etc. Those Gymkhana videos are some of the coolest things I have ever seen. Simply amazing stuff. Gone FAR too young. RIP.

Around the NFL - Looking ahead to week 18

Saturday January 07, 2023

Chiefs at Raiders - 4pm ET
Titans at Jaguars - 8pm ET

Sunday January 08, 2023

THE EARLY GAMES
Buccaneers at Falcons
Patriots at Bills
Vikings at Bears
Texans at Colts
Jets at Dolphins
Panthers at Saints
Browns at Steelers
Ravens at Bengals

THE LATE GAMES
Chargers at Broncos
Giants at Eagles
Cardinals at 49ers
Rams at Seahawks
Cowboys at Commodes

SNF
Lions at Packers