Top News:
David Furones / Sun-Sentinel:
Playoffs are out of reach, but here's what is on the line for Dolphins in finale vs. Patriots — When the Miami Dolphins lost their penultimate game of the 2021 season, a demoralizing defeat at the Tennessee Titans, 34-3, it rendered their home finale against the New England Patriots meaningless.
Discussion:
Chowder and Champions, WWLP-TV, Mercury News and Denver Post
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Sun-Sentinel:
It has been 20 years since the Dolphins swept Patriots. Is this the season? — MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins coach Brian Flores isn't in a season wrap-up kind of mood. — He's not interested in celebrating end-of-the-season awards, like Jaylen Waddle being named the 2021 Dolphins' Most Valuable Player.
Discussion:
Twin Cities
Jonas Shaffer / Baltimore Sun:
With Ravens QB Lamar Jackson ruled out, Tyler Huntley will start regular-season finale vs. Steelers — With Pro Bowl quarterback Lamar Jackson again sidelined, backup Tyler Huntley will start the Ravens' must-win regular-season finale Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, coach John Harbaugh announced Friday.
Discussion:
Mercury News and Boston Herald
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Childs Walker / Baltimore Sun:
For 18 seasons, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has been the Ravens' most constant rival: 'He's like the Terminator' — On his first visit, they treated him like the neophyte he was. — They picked him off twice and sacked him two others in a 30-13 thrashing.
Discussion:
Orange County Register
Jonas Shaffer / Baltimore Sun:
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice again; FB Patrick Ricard, TE Nick Boyle placed on reserve/COVID-19 list — A right ankle injury again sidelined Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at practice Thursday, likely leaving the team without its most important player for its most important game of the season.
Discussion:
Boston Herald
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
Matt Nagy navigates one last turn of the quarterback carousel Sunday. None of them have been successful enough as he enters what could be his last game as Chicago Bears coach. — When Matt Nagy coaches the Chicago Bears in their season finale Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium …
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Brad Biggs / Chicago Tribune:
Buzz around the NFL is Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace will stay — possibly with a promotion — while coach Matt Nagy will be fired — It would appear at this point the great Chicago Bears collaboration has its limits. — The Bears pinned their faith in the power structure at Halas Hall …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation
ESPN:
Former MLB pitcher David Cone to serve as Sunday Night Baseball analyst; Alex Rodriguez to lead simulcast version — Five-time World Series champion and Cy Young Award winner David Cone is joining the announcing booth for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, which will also feature a secondary broadcast led …
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Andrew Marchand / New York Post:
Michael Kay will team up with Alex Rodriguez for ESPN ‘Manningcast’ — MORE FROM: — Kay-Rod! — The complete shake-up of “Sunday Night Baseball” will end with the TV voice of the Yankees, Michael Kay, being a part of the Alex Rodriguez “Manningcast” on ESPN, according to sources.
Stefan Bondy / New York Daily News:
Julius Randle waves thumbs down at Garden crowd: ‘Shut the f— up’ — Julius Randle took a page out of the Mets' book and attached an expletive. — The Knicks star, who has been a target for negative reactions from Knicks fans all season, motioned a thumbs down at the MSG crowd …
Discussion:
Denver Post
Albert Breer / Sports Illustrated:
GamePlan: Previewing the 2022 Coach Hiring Cycle — Who's safe, which jobs will open and where might some teams look for candidates. Plus, previewing Week 18's biggest games and story lines, and Antonio's Brown's future. — Last year, it was like there was a scoreboard validating each assistant coach's candidacy.
Discussion:
Pro Football Rumors
Mary Kay Cabot / Plain Dealer:
Browns QB Baker Mayfield must resolve differences with Kevin Stefanski to co-exist next season — CLEVELAND, Ohio — Baker Mayfield must resolve his differences with Kevin Stefanski in case they need to co-exist next season.Even if Mayfield does mend the fences, he might not be back if the Browns decide …
Discussion:
New York Post, ProFootballTalk, Sports Illustrated and Factory of Sadness
USA Today:
Wizards announcer apologizes to Kevin Porter Jr. for mistaken allusion to player's dead father — A Washington Wizards announcer apologized for a questionable reference to Kevin Porter Jr.'s dead father, who was killed in a shooting, after the Houston Rockets guard hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer Wednesday against Washington.
Discussion:
New York Post, The Athletic, Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Bleacher Nation and Sports Illustrated
Jim Bowden / The Athletic:
Top 25 remaining MLB free agents: Jim Bowden on best team fits and signing scenarios for when baseball returns — It could take weeks or possibly even months before there's a new collective bargaining agreement and the MLB lockout ends. But it will eventually end, and when it does …
Discussion:
Cubbies Crib, Sports Illustrated and True Blue LA
