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:
Pats Pulpit, Mercury News, The Phinsider, Phin Phanatic and Boston Herald
RELATED:
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 and Phin Phanatic
David Furones / Sun-Sentinel:
Tua Tagovailoa not worried about Dolphins' offseason trade possibilities, looks to rebound in finale
Discussion:
Denver Post and Daily Herald
David Furones / Sun-Sentinel:
Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle on verge of rookie record; Malcolm Brown's season over on IR
Discussion:
Mercury News
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:
Twin Cities, Mercury News, Ebony Bird, UPI, The Athletic, Denver Post, Baltimore Beatdown, Orange County Register and Greensburg Tribune-Review
RELATED:
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:
Mercury News
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:
Bears Wire, Mercury News, Chicago Sun-Times, Bleacher Nation and Bear Goggles On
RELATED:
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.
RELATED:
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 …
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated and Talking Chop
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, Bleacher Nation, NESN.com, Patriots Wire, Bears Wire, 98.5 The Sports Hub and Bear Goggles On
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
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.
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 …
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:
Sports Illustrated, Cubbies Crib, Dodgers Nation and NESN.com
