The grim carnage of Monday’s game puts a fine point on the NFL’s most inconvenient truth: that violence is an essential feature of the leagueThe body count included a pair of young men carted off on stretchers and still more knocked out with serious injuries. Some were a result of routine plays that embody football’s existential risks, others were the offspring of more sinister intentions. Who can say, as the medics rush the field before a hushed stadium or from the antiseptic fluorescent buzz of a hospital room, which brand of violence is more concerning? Does it even matter?One thing’s for certain: the grim tableau of carnage that was Monday night’s divisional grudge match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati...
The Lions are riding a five-game winning run, but Matthew Stafford’s finger injury could spell trouble. Plus, go for the Vikings, Steelers and CardinalsThe finish line is in sight. Only three weeks remain in the NFL’s regular season, and that means you only have three more shots at a clean sweep in our Pick Six contest. Nobody managed it in week 14, although castigers did make a big move up to the top of our overall leaderboard with a solid five out of six. Related: How the Seattle Seahawks became the NFL's most outspoken team Continue reading...
The Broncos look to continue their flawless title defense, while the Falcons look to soar in the Superdome. Plus, take part in our tipping contestWhat a week it has been in the NFL. First we learned that the Vikings might not have been crazy to trade for Sam Bradford, then that Matt Forte does an alarmingly good Arnold Schwarzenegger impression. I would ask who could ever have predicted such a thing, but in fact I already know the answer - grafhamboy - the one and only person to call every game correctly in week two. Related: Patriots make light of Brady and Garoppolo absences to beat Texans Continue reading...