Bills rally to beat Chiefs 24-20 in playoff rematch
Josh Allen threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead toss to Dawson Knox with 1:04 left in the game, and the Buffalo Bills beat the Kansas City Chiefs 24-20 on Sunday to exact a small measure of revenge for their epic overtime loss in last year’s playoffs.
AP source: Brady fined $11K for attempted kick of Jarrett
Tom Brady was fined by the NFL on Friday for trying to kick Atlanta’s Grady Jarrett following the play in which the Falcons defensive tackle was flagged for a disputed roughing-the-passer penalty, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.
AP Source: Brady could be fined for apparent kick of Jarrett
The NFL has looked at Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett’s disputed roughing-the-passer penalty on Tom Brady to determine whether Brady attempted to kick Jarrett and if that warrants a fine, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.
AP source: NFL to discuss roughing calls, no change imminent
A person with directly knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press that the NFL did not give officials a directive to emphasize roughing-the-passer penalties following Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion, but the topic will be discussed next week when NFL owners meet in New York.
Chiefs hold on for wild 30-29 victory over rival Raiders
Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdown passes to Travis Kelce, the Chiefs overcame an early 17-point deficit along with a dubious roughing-the-passer penalty, and Kansas City extended its mastery of the Las Vegas Raiders, holding on for a 30-29 victory.
Chiefs take playoff experience into Sunday night vs Steelers
The last time the Kansas City Chiefs played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, Tyreek Hill was a wide-eyed rookie wide receiver, Chris Jones was learning the ropes at defensive tackle and Travis Kelce was just becoming one of the NFL's best tight ends.
Chiefs head into offseason with core intact, plenty of holes
Now, the Chiefs will have to take a much different tact if they want to make their third consecutive Super Bowl. While their core group is signed for the next several years, the Chiefs have a raft of important contributors that are due to hit free agency. Ad“Like all teams, we'll get busy here going down the road,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday. “Every year is different because of your cap situation and what you have and what you need,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. WELCOME BACKThe Chiefs should get some help from guys that were injured or opted out of this past season.
There’s a way for the Buccaneers to beat the favored Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Here’s how.
Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after sacking Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter during the NFC Championship game. Late in Kansas City’s AFC Championship game victory vs. Buffalo, Chiefs starting offensive left tackle Eric Fisher left the game with an injury. Veteran Mike Remmers will likely step into Fisher’s role as the starting left tackle, but no doubt Tampa Bay will view it as a major opportunity. AdSo yes, Tampa Bay has the big-game greatness of Brady and home-field advantage, but that won’t be its biggest chance to win. If the Buccaneers take advantage of it like they did against Green Bay, then the defending champs could end up walking the plank at the end.
From players to pedigree, Chiefs edge on Bucs in all aspects
Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) look on during NFL football practice Wednesday February 2, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55. (Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)KANSAS CITY, Mo. Based on offense alone, the Kansas City Chiefs are head and shoulders better than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If we stay in that mindset, we give ourselves a chance to win any big game.”None is bigger than the Super Bowl.
Storylines galore as Brady, Mahomes command Super Bowl stage
(NFL via AP)Someone will make history Sunday in a Super Bowl so filled with storylines it would fill a season of TV programming. Yes, Tampa, Florida, where the Super Bowl is being played this year. Ad“There’s a lot that comes along with the Super Bowl,” says Rob Gronkowski, the three-time champion tight end who came out of retirement to reunite with Brady. Of course, with the week off between the conference title matches and the Super Bowl, each side should be well rested. “You don’t get these opportunities every year in the NFL to be in the Super Bowl and to be in these games,” Mahomes says, thought it sure seems as if Brady has a Super Bowl habit, and Mahomes is developing one.
Championship pedigree: Chiefs rarely falter in tense moments
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones celebrates during the second half of an NFL divisional round football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Kansas City. The Chiefs won 22-17. – The Kansas City Chiefs would be the first to tell you that the final score is all that matters. The Chiefs won seven straight games by one possession, two clear of the previous NFL record, including one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — their Super Bowl opponent Sunday. “We won a lot of games this year off different guys making plays, offense, defense or special teams,” Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens said.
Super rematch: Hill burned Bucs repeatedly in 1st meeting
Tampa Bay gets another shot at Hill and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021. It was the second and most impressive of three scores for Hill, who was the star of Kansas City’s 27-24 victory at Tampa Bay in Week 12. Tampa Bay gets another shot at Hill and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl next Sunday, the first rematch in the NFL finale in nearly a decade. Davis was burned repeatedly, including on consecutive TD passes from Patrick Mahomes to Hill (75 and 44 yards) in the first quarter. Down three with 4:10 to play, Tampa turned to its defense to get a stop and get Brady the ball back.
Big offenses, overlooked defenses in AFC title game
The Kansas City Chiefs won their first NFL title since 1970 when they beat San Francisco in last year's Super Bowl. What we get Sunday is a matchup of dynamic offenses and overlooked defenses, the top two teams in the conference. Kansas City (15-2) has the confidence of a reigning champion and a charisma few NFL teams can match. That could provide an edge over Bills rookie Tyler Bass — except that Bass has been very reliable all season. Buffalo punter Corey Bojorquez and Kansas City rookie Johnny Townsend were two of the most dependable in the AFC.
Chiefs lead AP Pro32 poll; Packers at No. 2, Bills at No. 3
The Chiefs took a 30-10 lead against Miami and held on for a 33-27 victory. The Chiefs clinched their fifth straight AFC West title with the victory and are the unanimous No. “Is there anybody in the NFC that can beat them?”And the surging Buffalo Bills also moved up two places to No. The Packers, who have clinched the NFC North, will host the Carolina Panthers and the Bills will head to Denver to take on the Broncos. The Saints will try to avoid a two-game skid as they host the Chiefs on Sunday.
Mahomes, Chiefs clinch AFC West with 33-27 win over Dolphins
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs overcame a 30-yard sack, four turnovers and a 10-point deficit Sunday to clinch their fifth consecutive AFC West title by beating Miami 33-27 on Sunday. Xavien Howard made an interception for the fifth game in a row, and Mahomes’ interception total for the season rose to five. It was the Chiefs’ second consecutive comeback at Hard Rock Stadium, where they won the Super Bowl in February. He threw an interception, bobbled a snap and took the big sack to set up the Dolphins’ first touchdown. Dolphins: They play host Sunday to the New England Patriots, who won when the teams met in the season opener.
Brady throws for 2 TDs, Buccaneers wear down Vikings 26-14
The Bucs (8-5) bolstered their chances of their first postseason berth in 13 years with Sunday's 26-14 victory over Minnesota. Bailey nearly cost the Vikings the previous week, too, missing two extra points and a potential winning kick before nailing a field goal in overtime to beat Jacksonville. This time, Brady shrugged off a scoreless opening quarter with help from Bailey and a trio of costly of penalties on the Vikings' defense. Brady launched two of Tampa Bay’s three first-half scoring drives after missed field goal attempts. A pass interference call on linebacker Todd Davis gave Tampa a chance to tack on the field goal that made it 17-6 at the break.
Cowboys will have 4th starting QB of season against Steelers
Dallas will have its fourth different starting quarterback of the season against the undefeated Steelers (7-0) on Sunday with Andy Dalton unavailable because of COVID-19 protocols. The Cowboys signed him off Cleveland's practice squad after Prescott's injury in Week 5. After Dalton was injured, the Cowboys added Rush to the practice squad. The Giants claimed Rush off waivers in May, but released him from their practice squad in December. Hunter Niswander was signed to the practice squad last week and will take Jones' spot.
Cowboys try many tricks with rookie QB, fall to Eagles 23-9
The Dallas Cowboys tried to fake their way through rookie quarterback Ben DiNucci’s first — and they’re thinking only — start. The Cowboys (2-6) started a third quarterback in the same year for the first time since 2015. This was a much more unconventional look than when Dallas was trying to save a season wrecked by Tony Romo's collarbone injury. A reverse to rookie receiver CeeDee Lamb picked up 19 yards on the game's first possession, which ended with the first of Greg Zuerlein's three field goals and a 3-0 lead. 1 offense at the time, the Cowboys have one touchdown — in garbage time of a 38-10 loss to Arizona.
Broncos clear RB Lindsay in return from concussion
(AP Photo/John Froschauer)Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay has cleared concussion protocol and will play against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bears: WR Ted Ginn Jr., DB Duke Shelley, RB Artavis Pierce, OL Cody Whitehair, WR Riley Ridley, LB Trevis Gipson. Seahawks: RB Chris Carson, RB Carlos Hyde, DE Benson Mayowa, CB Ugo Amadi, SS Jamal Adams, CB Shaquill Griffin. ___LOS ANGELES RAMS AT MIAMIRams: RB Raymond Calais, OL Brian Allen, WR Trishton Jackson, TE Brycen Hopkins, DL A’Shawn Robinson. Dolphins: RB/WR Lynn Bowden Jr., RB Salvon Ahmed, FB Chandler Cox, CB Jamal Perry, RB Jordan Howard, DE Jason Strowbridge.
Le'Veon Bell ready to roll with Chiefs for first time
File-This Oct. 6, 2019, file photo shows New York Jets' Le'Veon Bell, right, rushing past Philadelphia Eagles' Rodney McLeod during the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia. The New York Jets have surprisingly released Bell, ending a disappointing tenure after less than two full seasons. – Le'Veon Bell once carried the ball a league-leading 321 times in a single season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell has been the focal point of defenses for the majority of his career, whether that was in Pittsburgh or during his short stint with the New York Jets. Bell knew that no matter how involved he would be in the Chiefs offense, he would have a chance to win a championship.
Smith returns as Goff-led Rams beat Washington to get to 4-1
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Landover, Md. Smith played his first NFL game 693 days since breaking his right tibia and fibula, entering when new Washington starting quarterback Kyle Allen injured his left arm. “You watch guys like Aaron all the time and as effective as he is, you guys have no idea how impressive it is with all the attention he gets week after week,” Rams linebacker Troy Reeder said. Rivera said if Allen can play next week, Smith would back up and Haskins would again be inactive. UP NEXTThe Rams visit the 49ers next Sunday, while Washington is at the NFC East rival New York Giants.
Falcons WR Julio Jones out again with hamstring injury
Jones had been listed as questionable after missing practice throughout the week with a hamstring injury. Even so, the winless Falcons’ secondary gets a boost with safeties Keanu Neal (hamstring) and Ricardo Allen (elbow) returning from injuries. ___PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGHEagles: TE Hakeem Butler; RB Jason Huntley, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Avonte Maddox, QB Nate Sudfeld, DE Casey Toohill. Falcons: S Jaylinn Hawkins, WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Ravens: RB Justice Hill, WR Chris Moore, QB Trace McSorley, DT Broderick Washington, DT Justin Ellis, OL Tyre Phillips.
Chiefs lean on D to beat Pats 26-10 in COVID-19-delayed game
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55) celebrates after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Kansas City. – It's hard enough to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs under the best of circumstances. It wasn't until Tyrann Mathieu took an interception back for a touchdown in the fourth that Kansas City clinched its 26-10 victory at Arrowhead Stadium. Later on Saturday, it came out that Chiefs practice squad QB Jordan Ta'amu also had tested positive, forcing the NFL to postpone the game. Chiefs: Defensive tackle Chris Jones was out with a groin injury that sidelined him in practice last week.
Gambler? McCarthy sees ‘aggressive’ 1st impression in Dallas
The first of two fake punts from Dallas territory helped dig a 20-point hole in the first quarter in last week's 40-39 win over Atlanta. Case in point: a fake field goal on fourth-and-26 against Chicago in 2012. “Everything that happened in that game happened for a reason for us to win,” Fassel said. The fake punts often are dictated by how the receiving team lines up. “It’s important for the players to feel the confidence from the head coach,” McCarthy said.
Cowboys' rally stuns Falcons 40-39 in McCarthy's home debut
Dallas Cowboys' Chris Jones (6) and others celebrate with kicker Greg Zuerlein (2) after Zuerlein kicked a field goal to help the Cowboys to a 40-39 win against the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Cowboys' rally stuns Falcons 40-39 in McCarthy’s home debut
Dallas Cowboys' Chris Jones (6) and others celebrate with kicker Greg Zuerlein (2) after Zuerlein kicked a field goal to help the Cowboys to a 40-39 win against the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)ARLINGTON, Texas – One gamble after another failed for coach Mike McCarthy in his home debut with the Dallas Cowboys. Greg Zuerlein kicked a 46-yard field goal as time expired, and the Cowboys overcame four fumbles and a 20-point deficit in the first quarter to beat the Atlanta Falcons 40-39 on Sunday. The Falcons pushed the lead to 39-24 on Younghoe Koo's fourth field goal with just under eight minutes left. Calvin Ridley was the leader for the Falcons this week with 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Texans-Chiefs set to kick off NFL season unlike any other
Fans watch the Kansas City Chiefs during NFL football training camp Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Chiefs coach Andy Reid no longer carries around the heavy and ignominious tag of best coach never to win a championship. This is the best opportunity you can have to start the season.That contract extension is the second largest in NFL history. Very, very dynamic players, Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. They also will miss cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who are suspended for the start of the season.
Chiefs' Reid downplays contract extension through '25
KANSAS CITY, Mo. There's nothing done with the contract right this minute, Reid said, "but I mean, if it happens that way, I'd love it. We're all willing to work, Reid continued before heading out to practice. He's been in Kansas City ever since, leading the Chiefs to four consecutive AFC West titles and back-to-back conference championship games. Reid and Veach aren't the only ones settling into the prospect of long-term stays in Kansas City.
Chiefs keep gambling by doling out another big-money deal
FILE - Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce smiles before the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal has not been announced. The competition that (Fitzgerald) provided me coming into the league, me coming to Kansas City Travis gives me that same kind of competition day-in and day-out, Mathieu said. Travis still comes to work wanting to get better, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, so you love that part. The rookie broke one of his orbital bones before arriving in Kansas City, Reid said.
Prescott set for franchise tag without long-term Dallas deal
Dak Prescott will play whatever becomes of the 2020 season under the one-year franchise tag after the Dallas Cowboys and their star quarterback couldn't agree on a long-term contract. Clubs had until Wednesday afternoon to reach multiyear deals with players given the franchise tag. Green and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue of Jacksonville haven't signed the one-year contract that goes with the tag. If so, his fate will be different than the other two QBs who have played under the franchise tag. Anthony Harris of Minnesota and Denver's Justin Simmons are set to play under the $11.4 million tag for a safety.