| NEW YORK — Oct. 23, 2024 — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 7 (October 17, 20-21).
OFFENSE: QB LAMAR JACKSON, BALTIMORE RAVENS
DEFENSE: LB CODY BARTON, DENVER BRONCOS
SPECIAL TEAMS: WR CHARLIE JONES, CINCINNATI BENGALS
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Lamar Jackson, Cody Barton & Charlie Jones Named Week 7 AFC Players of the Week
Machine Gun Kelly to Perform at the NFL’s Game in Munich
| MUNICH, GERMANY — Oct. 24, 2024 — The NFL has announced GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum recording artist Machine Gun Kelly (mgk) will headline the halftime performance at the league’s final international game of the 2024 regular season in Munich — where the New York Giants will take on the Carolina Panthers.
mgk, who is an atomic force in music, entertainment, film and fashion, will bring his unique sound to Germany on Nov. 10. With the recent song release, Lonely Road — a nod to John Denver’s country classic — mgk will pay homage to the famous song German NFL fans rejoice around each season: Take Me Home Country Roads. “I’m really looking forward to performing in Germany for the upcoming NFL game in Munich,” said mgk. “The energy that the German fans bring is unmatched!” mgk’s halftime show will feature some of the artist’s biggest hits and will be shown live on RTL in Germany (free-to-air) as well as across the NFL’s World Feed. Fans in the U.S. can also see highlights of the halftime show on NFL Network, with the full performance available across NFL social channels following the game. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Machine Gun Kelly to the stage as the halftime performer for the 2024 NFL Game in Munich – capping off an incredible season of international games with a performance from one of the most dynamic talents in music today,” said Director, Event and Game Presentation at the NFL Tim Tubito. “We’re always striving to deliver world-class entertainment that resonates with our international fans, while also embracing local culture. And what better way to celebrate the passionate fans in Germany than with a modern take on one of their favorite gameday anthems?” To build the excitement pregame, German American football coach and commentator Patrick Esume and former Indianapolis Colts’ player Björn Werner will host Football Bromance — the largest NFL podcast outside of North America — live from the field at Allianz Arena — Home of FC Bayern Munich. Fans can watch and listen-in for a chance to win giveaways and hear from special guests. The episode will also be streamed on Twitch at twitch.tv/footballbromance. The Giants will play the Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 3:30 PM local time (9:30 AM EST) at Allianz Arena – Home of FC Bayern Munich. Fans in Germany can watch the Giants-Panthers game across RTL, on DAZN or on NFL Game Pass on DAZN. Fans in the U.S. can watch the game exclusively on NFL Network. About mgk mgk is a GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum recording artist who is an atomic force in music, entertainment, film and fashion. In 2020, the Cleveland, Ohio native eclipsed genre expectations releasing a Rock/Pop Punk album, the widely acclaimed Tickets to My Downfall. The platinum album topped the Billboard 200 and became his first No. 1 effort. Tickets to My Downfall landed 18 tracks on the Hot Rock Songs chart and spawned two No. 1 songs on the alternative side with “bloody valentine” and “my ex’s best friend,” which both went platinum. In 2022 he followed with mainstream sellout, his second album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 cementing his status as a chart-topping artist. The album was nominated for a 2023 Grammy Award for “Best Rock Album” and was supported with a sold-out stadium and arena North American and Europe tour. The US leg ended in mgk’s hometown of Cleveland at the FirstEnergy Stadium playing to 50,000 fans, making him the first and only Ohio native to sell out the stadium. |
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Week 8 NFL Preview & Capsules
NEW YORK — Oct. 22, 2024 — There have been 58 games decided by seven-or-fewer points this season, the most through Week 7 of a season in NFL history. Seven teams have had five-or-more games decided by seven-or-fewer points: Indianapolis (seven), Baltimore (five), Cincinnati (five), Cleveland (five), Green Bay (five), Houston (five) and the Los Angeles Rams (five). The Colts are one of four teams to have each of their first seven games of a season decided by seven-or-fewer points since 2000, along with the 2019 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Detroit Lions and 2008 Jacksonville Jaguars.
For the Week 8 capsules, click here.
Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 8:
- Champs on a roll: The Kansas City Chiefs (6-0) are the last remaining undefeated team and with a win at Las Vegas (2-5) on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), can become the seventh reigning Super Bowl champions to win each of their first seven games, joining the 2015 and 2019 New England Patriots, 2011 Green Bay Packers, 2007 Indianapolis Colts, 1998 Denver Broncos and 1990 San Francisco 49ers.
- Since making his first career start in the regular-season finale of the 2017 season, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a .792 winning percentage [95-25 (80-22 in regular season, 15-3 in postseason)] as a starting quarterback in his first eight NFL seasons.
- With his next win, Mahomes will surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (80 wins) and Ben Roethlisberger (80) for the third-most wins by a starting quarterback in his first eight seasons in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (86 wins) and Russell Wilson (86) have more.
- With his next win, Mahomes will surpass Russell Wilson (95 wins) for the second-most wins, including the postseason, by a starting quarterback in his first eight seasons in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (100 wins) has more.
- With a win on Sunday, Mahomes can become the third quarterback ever to record three career winning streaks of 12-or-more games, including the postseason, joining Tom Brady (five such streaks) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (three).
- In six career starts at Las Vegas/Oakland, Mahomes is 6-0 with 1,992 passing yards (332 per game) and 18 touchdown passes against one interception for a 119.4 rating, registering a passer rating of 100-or-higher in each contest.
- Kansas City enters Week 8 with a 12-game winning streak, including the postseason, with its last loss coming in Week 16 against Las Vegas last season. In that contest, Raiders running back Zamir White rushed for 145 yards and Las Vegas registered two first-half defensive touchdowns to defeat the Chiefs, 20-14, in Kansas City.
- Las Vegas rookie tight end Brock Bowers leads all tight ends with 47 receptions and 477 receiving yards this season and is coming off a 10-reception, 93-yard performance in Week 7. Bowers can become the first rookie tight end in NFL history with five games of eight-or-more receptions and the third rookie tight end ever with four games of 90-or-more receiving yards, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka (six games in 1961) and Charle Young (four in 1973).
- Since making his first career start in the regular-season finale of the 2017 season, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a .792 winning percentage [95-25 (80-22 in regular season, 15-3 in postseason)] as a starting quarterback in his first eight NFL seasons.
- Lions on the prowl: The Detroit Lions (5-1) enter Week 8 atop the NFC North and with a win against Tennessee (1-5) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), can win six of their first seven games of a season for the first time since 1956.
- Lions quarterback Jared Goff ranks second in the NFL with a 111.5 passer rating this season and in his past three contests (Weeks 4, 6 and 7), became the fourth quarterback in NFL history with a passer rating of 140-or-higher in three consecutive games, joining Aaron Rodgers (Weeks 7-10, 2011), as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers Roger Staubach (Weeks 11-13, 1971) and Kurt Warner (Weeks 3-5, 1999).
- Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown recorded eight receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown last week and has a touchdown catch in four consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
- St. Brown has 354 receptions for 3,989 yards and 25 touchdowns since entering the NFL in 2021 and with 11 receiving yards, can become the fourth player in NFL history with at least 350 receptions, 4,000 receiving yards and 25 touchdown receptions in his first four seasons, joining Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Thomas.
- Lions defensive back Brian Branch has 11 passes defensed in five games this season, becoming the first player since 2011 (Brandon Browner) to record multiple passes defensed in five consecutive games.
- In his first 20 career games, Branch has 24 passes defensed and seven interceptions. The only players with more passes defensed and interceptions than Branch in their first 20 games since 2000 are Marcus Peters (34 passes defensed, 12 interceptions) and Trevon Diggs (26 passes defensed, 10 interceptions).
- Ravens flying high: The Baltimore Ravens (5-2) visit the Cleveland Browns (1-6) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, CBS) and enter Week 8 with the league’s top offense, averaging 31.1 points and 461.4 yards per game. The Ravens, who had 41 points at Cincinnati in Week 5 and 41 points at Tampa Bay in Week 7, can become the first team in the Super Bowl era and the second team in NFL history to score 40-or-more points in three consecutive road games, joining the 1961 Houston Oilers.
- Baltimore leads the NFL with 1,476 rushing yards, tied with the 2006 Atlanta Falcons for the fourth-most rushing yards by a team in its first seven games of a season since 1970. The 1975 Buffalo Bills have the most rushing yards by a team in its first eight games of a season since 1970, with 1,716.
- Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson passed for 281 yards and five touchdowns with a 158.1 rating and added 52 rushing yards in Week 7. There have been five games in NFL history in which a player has recorded at least five touchdown passes and 50 rushing yards – Jackson has three of them. With his Week 7 performance, Jackson became the fourth quarterback in NFL history with five games of five-or-more touchdown passes in his first seven seasons, joining Patrick Mahomes (six) and Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning (six) and Dan Marino (five).
- Jackson who has 455 rushing yards this season, can become the first quarterback in NFL history with at least 500 rushing yards in seven consecutive seasons and the second quarterback ever with at least 500 rushing yards in seven career seasons, joining Cam Newton (seven).
- Ravens running back Derrick Henry rushed for 169 yards and added a 13-yard touchdown reception in Week 7. It marked Henry’s 16th career game with 150 rushing yards and a scrimmage touchdown, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famers Barry Sanders (16 games) and LaDainian Tomlinson (16) for the third-most such games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown (21 games) and Walter Payton (17) have more.
- Henry leads the league with 873 rushing yards, the most rushing yards by a player in his team’s first seven games of a season since DeMarco Murray (913 rushing yards in 2014) and the second-most rushing yards by a running back over the age of 30 in his team’s first seven games of a season in NFL history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton (875 rushing yards in 1984).
- Henry, who leads the NFL with 935 scrimmage yards and 10 scrimmage touchdowns, can join Priest Holmes (1,079 scrimmage yards and 15 scrimmage touchdowns in 2004) as the only players over the age of 30 with at least 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10 scrimmage touchdowns in his team’s first eight games of a season in NFL history.
- Rookie quarterbacks: Between Washington’s Jayden Daniels (five wins), Denver’s Bo Nix (four) and Chicago’s Caleb Williams (four), rookie quarterbacks have combined for 13 wins this season, tied with 1987 (13 combined wins) for the second-most by rookie quarterbacks in the first seven weeks of a season in NFL history, trailing only 2012 (14).
- In NFL history, there have only been two previous seasons in which three rookie quarterbacks each had five-or-more wins: 2012 (Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden and Russell Wilson) and 2018 (Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield).
- The Chicago Bears (4-2) visit the Washington Commanders (5-2) on Sunday afternoon (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS) and should Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Daniels, the No. 2 selection, both start, it would mark the sixth time in NFL history that the top two selections in the NFL Draft will meet as starting quarterbacks in their rookie season.
- The previous games to feature rookie starting quarterbacks that were selected No. 1 and No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft: Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud (Week 8, 2023), Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson (Week 16, 2021), Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota (Week 1, 2015), Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf (Week 5, 1998) as well as Drew Bledsoe and Rick Mirer (Week 3, 1993).
- Interconference meeting between division leaders: The AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills (5-2) visit the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks (4-3) on Sunday (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX).
- Bills quarterback Josh Allen has a 21-6 record and 75 touchdowns (53 passing, 22 rushing) in 27 career games against the NFC. In his last game against Seattle, he recorded 415 passing yards and four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing).
- Seattle quarterback Geno Smith leads the NFL with 1,985 passing yards while running back Kenneth Walker has seven touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving) in five games this season. Walker can become the third running back in the past 15 seasons (2010-24) with nine-or-more scrimmage touchdowns in each of his first three career seasons, joining Ezekiel Elliott and Jeremy Hill.
- Divisional matchups of over-.500 teams: Of the five divisional matchups on the Week 8 schedule, two feature games between clubs entering the week above .500 – the Indianapolis Colts (4-3) at the Houston Texans (5-2) and the Atlanta Falcons (4-3) at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3). Both divisional games conclude the regular-season matchups between the two clubs – Houston defeated Indianapolis, 29-27, on Kickoff Weekend, while Atlanta defeated Tampa Bay, 36-30, in overtime in Week 5.
- Indianapolis has won four of their past five games after beginning the season 0-2. In the past 10 seasons (2014-23), nine teams have qualified for the postseason after starting 0-2, including Houston last year. They are one of five teams to hold opponents to 17-or-fewer points in at least four games this season, along with the Los Angeles Chargers (five), Pittsburgh (five), Denver (four) and Minnesota (four).
- Houston has won five consecutive AFC divisional games since Week 15 of the 2023 season and is looking to win six consecutive games against AFC South opponents for the second time in franchise history (10 consecutive wins from 2015-16).
- Texans running back Joe Mixon has at least 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in three of his four games this season and with another such performance on Sunday, can become the first player in NFL history with 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in four of his first five games with a team.
- Atlanta is looking to win its first three road games of a season for the first time since 2016. Running back Bijan Robinson has 2,147 scrimmage yards (1,459 rushing, 688 receiving) in 24 career games Only four players in the past 10 years (2015-24) had at least 1,500 rushing yards and 700 receiving yards in their first 25 career games: Saquon Barkley, Dalvin Cook, Breece Hall and Kareem Hunt.
- Tampa Bay safety Antoine Winfield Jr. recorded his first sack of the season last week and has 16 career sacks, surpassing Bill Bates (15.5 sacks) for the second-most sacks by a defensive back in his first five seasons since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. Only Jamal Adams (21.5 sacks) has more. With his next sack this season, he can become the third defensive back with at least two sacks in each of his first five seasons since 1982, joining Adam Archuleta and Keith Bostic.
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Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com
Ducks Dominate Purdue with 35-0 Shutout: Move to #1
Coming off their most significant game of the season against Ohio State, the No. 2 Oregon Ducks faced little resistance in their matchup against the Purdue Boilermakers on Friday night. The disparity in skill was evident throughout the game, most prominently highlighted by the performances of the two starting quarterbacks. This matchup served as a microcosm of the broader narrative surrounding both programs, illustrating the gap between a seasoned contender and a team in the midst of rebuilding.
Photo Cred: Autzen
Redshirt freshman Ryan Browne, making only his second career start for the Boilermakers, found himself in a challenging position against a well-established Oregon squad. In contrast, Dillon Gabriel took the field for his 56th start, bringing with him a wealth of experience and confidence. Gabriel delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 290 yards on an efficient 21-of-25 passing with two touchdowns. The bulk of his yardage came in the first half, as head coach Dan Lanning opted to conserve his star quarterback’s arm in the second half. This decision allowed for a more controlled offensive strategy, giving the Ducks a chance to manage the game and protect their lead.
Browne, on the other hand, struggled significantly under pressure. He completed just 9 of 19 passes for a mere 93 yards, demonstrating the growing pains of a young quarterback still finding his footing at the collegiate level. While it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges faced by a player in his first career start and the fact that Purdue is clearly in a rebuilding phase, the reality remained stark: the Oregon Ducks were playing a fundamentally different game.
Each time the Boilermakers seemed poised to capitalize on a scoring opportunity, they faltered at critical moments. A chip-shot field goal attempt sailed wide, leaving points on the board when they were most needed. An ill-timed interception in the end zone further solidified the shutout for the Ducks, as Purdue’s inability to execute under pressure became increasingly apparent. Ultimately, this matchup showcased the stark realities of college football, where a dominant team faced off against one still grappling with the growing pains of transition.
Photo Cred: SI
The game served not only as a testament to Oregon’s prowess but also as a reflection of Purdue’s current struggles. Fans and analysts alike could see the potential for growth within the Boilermakers, but it is clear they have a long way to go before they can compete at the level of elite programs like Oregon. Looking ahead, the Oregon Ducks will return home to Autzen Stadium in Eugene to take on No. 22 Illinois on October 26th.
This upcoming game will provide another opportunity for the Ducks to solidify their place among the nation’s top teams. Meanwhile, the Purdue Boilermakers will remain in West Lafayette, preparing to face the Northwestern Wildcats next week. As they navigate the remainder of their season, the contrasting trajectories of these two programs could not be more apparent. Oregon is poised for a potential playoff run, while Purdue will need to focus on rebuilding and finding consistency as they move forward in the challenging landscape of college football.
UAB’s Disastrous Season Drags On in Loss
In their seventh contest of the season, the UAB Blazers faced a challenging matchup against the South Florida Bulls, ultimately suffering a 35-25 defeat in Tampa, Florida. For fans in Birmingham, this loss adds to a growing sense of frustration and disappointment, as the Blazers have not tasted victory since their season opener. Under the leadership of head coach Trent Dilfer, the team has struggled to find its footing, and this has become a harsh reality for supporters hoping for a turnaround.
Photo Cred: USF
Despite the overall setback, second-string quarterback Jalen Kitna delivered one of his strongest performances of the season. Although he faced challenges, resulting in 23 incompletions, Kitna showcased resilience by throwing for an impressive 384 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns found their target in sophomore wide receiver Amare Thomas, who emerged as a standout player. By the end of the game, Thomas led the Blazers with eight receptions for 97 yards, proving himself to be a vital asset in the offense.
Running back Lee Beebe Jr. also continued to demonstrate his significance to the UAB offense. He finished the game with 18 carries for 68 yards rushing and added three receptions for 17 yards. No matter the scoreboard, Beebe Jr. consistently exhibits his ability to break through defenses and contribute both on the ground and in the passing game. His versatility has become a cornerstone of the Blazers’ offensive strategy, allowing him to adapt and find ways to make impactful plays.
Unfortunately, the defense struggled once again, conceding a total of five touchdowns to the Bulls. UAB’s defensive line struggled to contain South Florida’s running back Kelley Joiner, who torched the Blazers for 128 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. The defensive backs also allowed a critical 67-yard touchdown in the second quarter, marking South Florida’s first points of the game. On a positive note, the Blazers did manage to record an interception— their first since facing Arkansas—offering a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing challenges.
Photo Cred: USF
At this point, UAB appears to be experiencing one of its most difficult stretches since the program’s revival in 2017. Each week presents a new form of defeat, leaving fans to speculate about what might be happening behind the scenes. There is a growing urgency to re-evaluate the team’s preparation techniques, practice schedules, and film sessions, as they are on track for a disappointing season. Given the talent present across the offense, defense, and special teams, the potential for success is evident. However, the Blazers must find a way to translate that potential into tangible results on the field.
Seven From Sunday – Week 7
NEW YORK – Oct. 20, 2024 – A look at seven statistical highlights from games played during the 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET windows on Sunday, October 20, the seventh week of the 2024 season.
There have been 57 games this season decided by seven points or fewer, tied with 2022 (57 games) and 2012 (57) for the most such games through Week 7 in NFL history. This is the first week this season in which four-or-more teams came back to win after trailing by at least 10 points. The Kansas City Chiefs (6-0) defeated San Francisco, 28-18, in a rematch of Super Bowl LVIII, the 10th regular-season rematch of the previous season’s Super Bowl. Kansas City is the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL and the seventh reigning Super Bowl champion to begin the following season 6-0 since 2000, joining the 2019, 2015 and 2004 New England Patriots, 2011 Green Bay Packers, 2007 Indianapolis Colts and 2000 St. Louis Rams.
Lawrence has 1,401 passing yards in six career London games, surpassing Blake Bortles (1,209 passing yards) for the most career passing yards ever in London games. The victory also marked Lawrence’s fourth-career win in London, surpassing Bortles (three wins) for the most wins by a starting quarterback ever in London games. Washington’s 96-yard punt-return touchdown marks the first punt-return touchdown ever in an NFL international game and the longest touchdown ever in an NFL international game.
Goff, who had a 153.8 passer rating in Week 6 and a 155.8 passer rating in Week 4 prior to Detroit’s Week 5 bye, is the fourth quarterback in NFL history with a passer rating of 140-or-higher in three consecutive games, joining Aaron Rodgers (Weeks 7-10, 2011), as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers Roger Staubach (Weeks 11-13, 1971) and Kurt Warner (Weeks 3-5, 1999).
Love, who is 25 years and 353 days old, has recorded at least two touchdown passes in nine consecutive games and is the fourth quarterback aged 25-or-younger with at least two touchdown passes in nine-or-more consecutive games, joining Patrick Mahomes (14 consecutive games from Week 6, 2018 – Week 3, 2019), as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers Brett Favre (12 games from Week 10, 1994 – Week 4, 1995) and Dan Marino (10 games from Weeks 1-10, 1984 and nine games from Week 9, 1986 – Week 1, 1987).
Hurts has 45 career regular-season rushing touchdowns, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young (43 rushing touchdowns) for the third-most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history. Only Cam Newton (75) and Josh Allen (56) have more. Including the postseason, Hurts has 50 career rushing touchdowns, becoming the fourth quarterback ever with 50 rushing touchdowns, including the postseason, joining Cam Newton (77 rushing touchdowns), Josh Allen (61) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young (51). Hurts has 13 career games with multiple rushing touchdowns, the most by a quarterback in NFL history. Barkley has 761 scrimmage yards this season, the most by a player in his first six games with a team since Barkley’s first six games with the Giants as a rookie in 2018 (811 scrimmage yards). Barkley has totaled at least 115 scrimmage yards in five of his first six games with Philadelphia, becoming the fifth player ever with at least 115 scrimmage yards in five of his first six games with a team, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Curtis Martin (with the New York Jets in 1998), Adrian Peterson (with Minnesota in 2007), Billy Sims (with Detroit in 1980) and Curt Warner (with Seattle in 1983).
Allen, making his 100th career start, has 38 career games with at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100-or-higher, tied with Philip Rivers (38 games) for the fifth-most such games by a player in his first 100 career starts in NFL history. Only Aaron Rodgers (54 games), Patrick Mahomes (49), Tony Romo (46) and Dak Prescott (40) have more.
Williams has recorded a rushing touchdown in nine consecutive games, tied with Shaun Alexander (nine consecutive games in 2005) and Ezekiel Elliott (nine in 2022) for the fourth-longest streak of games with a rushing touchdown since 2000. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson (18 games from 2004-05), Priest Holmes (11 games in 2002) and Jonathan Taylor (11 games in 2021) have longer streaks since 2000. Williams, who is 24 years and 55 days old, is the third player younger than 25 years old with a rushing touchdown in nine-or-more consecutive games in NFL history, joining Jonathan Taylor (11 games in 2021) and Natrone Means (nine games from 1993-94). Additional notes from Sunday include:
Bowers has 47 receptions this season, surpassing Eddie Royal (46 receptions) for the third-most by a player in his first seven career games in NFL history. Only Puka Nacua (58 receptions) and Saquon Barkley (49) have more. Bowers has 477 receiving yards, surpassing Jordan Reed (425 receiving yards) for the third-most receiving yards by a tight end in his first seven career games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka (505 receiving yards in 1961) and Kyle Pitts (484 in 2021) have more Bowers has nine games with at least nine receptions, the most ever by a rookie tight end and tied with Saquon Barkley (three games), Puka Nacua (three) and Eddie Royal (three) for the most-ever by a player in his first seven career games.
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Jefferson has 6,430 career receiving yards, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (6,364 receiving yards) for the third-most by a player in his first five seasons in NFL history. Only Torry Holt (6,784 receiving yards) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (6,743) have more. |
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FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL
FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL (Week 8 – Oct. 20)
Ayokunle Spencer (Panel)
WEEKLY SUPER 16
POLL
1 Oregon
2 Georgia
3 Penn State
4 Texas
5 Miami (FL)
6 Ohio State
7 LSU
8 BYU
9 Notre Dame
1 0 Texas A&M
1 1 Tennessee
1 2 Iowa State
1 3 Indiana
1 4 Pittsburgh
1 5 Clemson
1 6 SMU
Derrick Henry, Will Anderson & Rigoberto Sanchez Named Week 6 AFC Players of the Week
| NEW YORK — Oct. 16, 2024 — Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson and Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for Week 6 (October 10, 13-14).
OFFENSE: RB DERRICK HENRY, BALTIMORE RAVENS
DEFENSE: DE WILL ANDERSON, HOUSTON TEXANS
SPECIAL TEAMS: P RIGOBERTO SANCHEZ, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
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National Football League Announces Seventh Annual Big Data Bowl Powered by AWS
| NEW YORK – Oct. 16, 2024 – The National Football League announced today the seventh annual Big Data Bowl competition powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The NFL crowd-sourcing competition for the sports analytics community is aimed at challenging applicants to use Next Gen Stats (NGS) to generate insights to enhance the game. This year’s competition turns to a new set of data collected from what happens before the snap to produce insights and actionable predictions into what the offense or defense does after the snap. Applicants can sign up beginning today to start competing for $100,000 in prize money and the chance to present to NFL teams at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
“Year after year, Big Data Bowl participants push the envelope of what is possible when Next Gen Stats data is combined with football expertise,” said Mike Lopez, senior director of football data & analytics at the NFL. “This year’s competition will take us further inside the minds of players and coaches on the field, to better understand what they’re thinking in the crucial moments leading up to the snap.” Previous competitions have analyzed running backs, defensive backs, special teams, pass rush plays and tackling, and have generated metrics that have been used by NFL teams and incorporated into live games. This year’s competition examines the impact of pre-snap data provided by NGS. During a game, both teams divulge patterns before the snap and participants are challenged to determine those patterns from player tracking data corresponding to pre-snap team and player tendencies. Participants can select one of three tracks in which to submit:
The Big Data Bowl has been a pipeline for members of the football analytics community, as well as other professional sports leagues since the inaugural Big Data Bowl in 2018. In total, over 75 participants have been hired in data and analytics roles in sports, with more than 50 joining NFL clubs and vendors. As part of the Big Data Bowl, the NFL incorporates a mentorship program aimed at increasing diversity in sports analytics by connecting experienced NFL analytics experts with interested novices. This program will include both individual meetings as well as monthly group training sessions and conclude with a virtual forum where all mentees will have the opportunity to present to analysts from all 32 NFL teams. Interested applicants can register for the Big Data Bowl on Kaggle.com, which has hosted the Big Data Bowl for the past six years. Participants are allowed to work on their own or form teams with other colleagues. Following the submission deadline, all Big Data Bowl entries will be judged by data analysts from NFL teams. Finalists will be announced in early 2025 and will share a prize of $100,000 provided by AWS. For additional information on the Big Data Bowl, visit https://operations.nfl. Media Contact: Liana Bailey, liana.bailey@nfl.com About Kaggle With over 20M members, Kaggle is one of the world’s largest AI and machine learning communities. Every year, Kaggle hosts dozens of cutting-edge competitions that bring together the best AI resources, expertise, and attention to solve significant and interesting data problems. |
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“The Duke: The Giant Life of Wellington Mara” Premieres Friday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network
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