LAMAR JACKSON IS ON 🔥

 

LAMAR JACKSON, JAXSON DART, TORREY SMITH, JAKE PAUL, AND OTHERS REACT TO CHARLIE KIRK'S DEATH

Charlie Kirk's death at 31 has elicited an emotional response from the sports community and beyond, with tributes from Lamar Jackson, Jaxson Dart and Jake Paul.

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, sparking an outpouring of grief across sports.

Charlie Kirk's sudden death at 31 during a Utah event has triggered a wave of grief in sports and politics.(AFP)

Donald Trump confirmed the news on Truth Social, posting, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.”

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

NFL stars mourse Charlie Kirk's assassination

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, though he never shared a stage with Kirk, the two exchanged supportive messages over the years, posted on X, “Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father… Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart also mourned publicly. He wrote, “Praying for him and his family. Charlie did great things for our country!! Political violence NEEDS TO STOP!! Pray for our country man. This is disgusting and Sad.”

Fellow Giants rookie Cam Skattebo and Jaguars linebacker Josh Hines-Atllen also offered prayers and condolences.

From the NFL’s veteran ranks, former wide receiver Torrey Smith condemned the vitriol he saw online following Kirk’s death: “Celebrating the death of someone you don't share the same beliefs as is wild. Seeing it play out in real time is disgusting.”

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson echoed Smith’s post, reposting the same words with his own signal of support.

Others weighed in, including YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who wrote on X, “Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it. What a mentally sick time we are living through. We need god more than ever. Praying for Charlie’s family and praying for these evil people to heal.”

NFL Network’s Jane Slater added her voice, calling Kirk’s death “absolutely horrible” and offering her thoughts to his family.

Kirk’s widow, Erika, posted her own message of faith, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

- Tuhin Das Mahapatra

LARGEST QUARTERBACK CONTRACTS IN TERMS OF AAV

 

MARK ANDRWS DIDN'T SPEAK WITH MEDIA FOLLOWING BRUTAL PERFORMANCE IN RAVEN'S LOSS

The FWAA's postgame media access policy calls for all players to be available following a cooldown period of 10-15 minutes.

Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Those wondering what Mark Andrews would have to say following his role in the Baltimore Ravens’ loss to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL Divisional Round are going to have to wait.

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, the three-time Pro Bowl selection wasn’t available to speak with the media following the Ravens’ season-ending defeat.

Andrews’ absence from Baltimore’s postgame availability is notable, as perhaps no other player on the Ravens’ roster — including quarterback Lamar Jackson — would have in higher demand. But unfortunately for the 29-year-old tight end, ducking reporters won’t prevent his performance in the 27-25 from being remembered for all the wrong reasons.

With 8:50 remaining the game and the Bills clinging to 24-19 lead, Andrews caught a 16-yard pass from Jackson to move the ball into Buffalo territory for a potential go-ahead score. Only rather than running toward the end zone, the Oklahoma product attempted to sidestep Terrel Bernard, only for the Bills linebacker to strip the ball before recovering the ensuing fumble.

Despite the mishap, the Ravens managed to limit Buffalo to a field game, keeping the game within a single score. And after Jackson led Baltimore on an eight-play, 88-yard touchdown drive, Andrews found himself in a position to redeem himself following his previous fumble — only to drop what would have been a game-tying two-point conversion, effectively sealing the Bills’ win.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Jackson took responsibility for his role in the loss, which included committing two costly turnovers (one interception and one fumble) in the first half. The same, however, can’t be said of Andrews, who wasn’t available to speak with reporters at either the postgame podium or in the locker room following the game.

While the circumstances regarding Andrews’ media availability — or lack thereof — aren’t totally clear, the Pro Football Writers of America’s policy on postgame access calls for “immediate access to all players for the sole purpose of conducting interviews” in both teams’ locker rooms following a cooldown period of 10-15 minutes. Absent of any other explanation, it’s reasonable to assume the 2021 first-team All-Pro simply wasn’t in the mood to talk to the media following the defeat.

If Andrews was, in fact, ducking the media due to the disappointing nature of his performance, he wouldn’t be the first NFL player to do so and he certainly won’t be the last. Still, the reality is that speaking to reporters — win or lose — is a part of the job Andrews is getting paid $7 million a year, plus incentives, to perform. And it’s an especially tough a look for the tight end when compared to Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker’s willingness to address his midseason struggles head on.

- Ben Axelrod

LAMAR JACKSON LEADS RAVENS ROUT WITH PERFECT PASSER RATING

BALTIMORE -- Practice makes perfect -- except if you're Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Despite practicing just once this past week, Jackson was sharp as he has ever been, recording a perfect 158.3 passer rating in Sunday's 41-10 rout of the Denver Broncos. This marked Jackson's fourth career game with a perfect passer rating, which is tied with Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history, according to ESPN Research.

"I feel like it doesn't matter if it's one day or half a day [of practice], he's going to be ready," Ravens running back Derrick Henry said.

BALTIMORE -- Practice makes perfect -- except if you're Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Despite practicing just once this past week, Jackson was sharp as he has ever been, recording a perfect 158.3 passer rating in Sunday's 41-10 rout of the Denver Broncos. This marked Jackson's fourth career game with a perfect passer rating, which is tied with Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history, according to ESPN Research.

"I feel like it doesn't matter if it's one day or half a day [of practice], he's going to be ready," Ravens running back Derrick Henry said.

Lamar Jackson celebrates with teammates after throwing for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos. Getty Images

"It's like your ideal point guard in a basketball situation -- somebody that sees people, sees their strengths, sees ways to get them won," Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor said. "He's a special player, and I think we all know that. He approaches the game a certain way to be the best version of him every time he steps on the field."

This was the first time Jackson had missed any practice time in the regular season this year. When asked after the game if Jackson would get as many rest days as he wanted going forward, Ravens coach John Harbaugh smiled.

Harbaugh said he could tell how sharp Jackson was early in the game. Jackson completed his first four passes and finished the first half by connecting on 11 of his first 12 throws, including two touchdown passes to Zay Flowers of 7 and 53 yards.

"I believe I mentioned it to one of the guys on the [headset] after the second or third series, 'Lamar is one fire. He's on fire throwing the ball,'" Harbaugh said.

Jackson didn't seem at full strength when scrambling, running for 4 yards on three carries. It was his fewest rushing attempts since December 2022, when he left a game against the Broncos in the first quarter with what became a season-ending knee injury.

Jackson's big plays all came with his arm. He was 5-of-5 for 157 yards and a touchdown on throws that traveled at least 20 yards in the air, which are the most such completions in his career.

"He's dangerous with his arm, and I think he showed that," Henry said. "If you want to take away him running the ball, [he'll] go over your head and throw it. If he has to run it, he'll do that as well. Hats off to him. He's an engine that makes this thing go -- 'MV3.'"

With a strong supporting cast, Jackson led the Ravens to seven straight scoring drives as Baltimore put up 40 or more points for the third time in five weeks. On the ground, Henry ran for 106 yards and scored two touchdowns, becoming the 10th player in NFL history to reach 100 career rushing touchdowns. In the passing attack, Flowers became the first Ravens player to total 100 yards receiving and two touchdown catches in the same game since Marquise Brown in 2019.

Now, midway through the season, Jackson is back to being the favorite for NFL MVP. According to ESPN BET, Jackson's odds improved to +225, which moves him past Josh Allen (+360).

Flowers summed up Jackson's performance with a one-word response: "Lamarvelous."

- Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer

RAVENS NEWS: QB LAMAR JACKSONAKES NFL HISTORY IN GAME VS. CHIEFS

© Scott Taetsch/Getty ImagesLamar Jackson, quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson has really improved in recent years, and now the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens has made history in the Week 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Lamar Jackson’s surprising admission on the last time Ravens faced Mahomes’ Chiefs

Ravens MVP Lamar Jackson reveals Tom Brady as his motivation for the new NFL season.

The 2024 season has kicked off for the Baltimore Ravens, who faced the Kansas City Chiefs on the road, with Lamar Jackson making NFL history during the game.

Lamar Jackson has shown significant improvement in recent years. Initially known more for his running ability than his passing, Jackson has refined his throwing skills and become a more well-rounded quarterback.

According to oddsmakers, the Ravens are strong contenders for the upcoming Super Bowl. However, their first challenge of the season was formidable, as they had to take on the reigning champions away from home.

Lamar Jackson passes Russell Wilson in astonishing NFL stat

Everyone is aware of Lamar Jackson’s remarkable skills. When he started his career, numerous analysts were convinced that he would do a better job as a wide receiver or a running back rather than a quarterback.

Nevertheless, he worked really hard to prove his critics wrong and improved his passing abilities. Now, Jackson is a very complete quarterback, being both a menace through the air and on the ground.

The 2024 season started with a tough game for Baltimore, as they had to face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. While the Ravens struggled offensively in the first half, Lamar Jackson was able to make history in the first two quarters.

The quarterback used his rushing abilities to run for 63 yards on eight carries during the first half. With these yards, Lamar Jackson passed Russell Wilson as the third quarterback with the most rushing yards in NFL history.

Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

While Wilson still has a chance to add more rushing yards, Lamar Jackson will likely play for more years to increase his numbers. Russell Wilson entered the season with 5,307 rushing yards, while Jackson had 5,258 prior to the game against Kansas City.

Who is the quarterback with the most rushing yards in NFL history?

The quarterback with the most rushing yards in NFL history is Michael Vick. Over his career, Vick amassed 6,109 rushing yards, setting the record with his dynamic playmaking and mobility as a quarterback.

Lamar Jackson is just a few yards away from breaking the record, and it appears he might achieve it this year. If he remains healthy, he could set a milestone that may remain unmatched for several years.

- Fernando Franco Puga

HIGHEST-PAID NFL PLAYERS: MOST GUARANTEED MONEY AT EVERY POSITION

 Who are the NFL's highest-paid players at every position? Plenty of record-setting deals have been made in the past year -- the quarterback position has been reset with a new highest-paid player four times. First Jalen Hurts, then Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert and finally Joe Burrow became the highest-paid player in NFL history as the 2023 season kicked off.

In August, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson reset the tight end market and San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa became the highest-paid defensive player. In June, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson shattered the record for most guaranteed money given to a non-quarterback on offense, getting $110 million guaranteed.

We tracked the best-paid players at 16 different positions -- including long-snapper -- and will keep the numbers updated as more records get broken. To get the full picture on the top earners in this league, we sorted positions by two categories, which in a few cases have the same player at No. 1:

Three-year average (APY)

Total guaranteed money

Salary information courtesy of Roster Management System.

Let's start with Burrow and the highest-paid quarterbacks:

Quarterback

Highest three-year APY:

1. Joe Burrow, $62.9 million

Signed: September 2023 (contract ends in 2030)

2. Jared Goff (DET), $57.3 million

3. Trevor Lawrence (JAX), $55 million

4. Justin Herbert (LAC), $53.3 million

5. Lamar Jackson (BAL), $52 million

6. Jalen Hurts (PHI), $51 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Deshaun Watson, $230 million

Signed: March 2022 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Joe Burrow (CIN), $219.01 million

3. Patrick Mahomes (KC), $208.1 million

4. Trevor Lawrence (JAX), $200 million

5. Justin Herbert (LAC), $193.7 million

6. Kyler Murray (ARI), $189.5 million

Running back

Highest three-year APY:

1. Christian McCaffrey, $17.2 million

Signed: April 2020 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Jonathan Taylor (IND), $14 million

3. Alvin Kamara (NO), $12.7 million

4. Saquon Barkley (PHI), $12.6 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Christian McCaffrey, $36.3 million

Signed: April 2020 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Alvin Kamara (NO), $34.3 million

3. Jonathan Taylor (IND), $26.5 million

4. Saquon Barkley (PHI), $26 million

Wide receiver

Highest three-year APY:

1. Justin Jefferson, $35 million

Signed: June 2024 (contract ends in 2028)

2. A.J. Brown (PHI), $32 million

3. Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), $30 million

4. Jaylen Waddle (MIA), $28.3 million

5. Cooper Kupp (LAR), $26.7 million

6. Stefon Diggs (HOU), $26.2 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Justin Jefferson, $110 million

Signed: June 2024 (contract ends in 2028)

2. A.J. Brown (PHI), $84 million

3. Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), $77 million

4. Jaylen Waddle (MIA), $76 million

5. Cooper Kupp (LAR), $75 million

6. Tyreek Hill (MIA), $72.2 million

Tight end

Highest three-year APY:

1. Travis Kelce, $17.1 million

Signed: April 2024 (contract ends in 2025)

2. Darren Waller (NYG), $17 million

3. T.J. Hockenson (MIN), $16 million

4. George Kittle (SF), $15.3 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. T.J. Hockenson, $42.5 million

Signed: August 2023 (contract ends in 2027)

2. George Kittle (SF), $40 million

3. Mark Andrews (BAL), $37.6 million

Offensive tackle

Highest three-year APY:

1. Penei Sewell, $28 million

Signed: April 2024 (contract ends in 2029)

2. Laremy Tunsil (HOU), $25 million

3. Andrew Thomas (NYG), $24.2 million

4. Ronnie Stanley (BAL), $21.2 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Penei Sewell, $85 million

Signed: April 2024 (contract ends in 2029)

2. Ronnie Stanley (BAL), $64.1 million

3. Andrew Thomas (NYG), $61.9 million

4. Ryan Ramczyk (NO), $60.2 million

Guard

Highest three-year APY:

1. Chris Lindstrom, $21.8 million

Signed: March 2023 (contract ends in 2028)

2. Robert Hunt (CAR), $21 million

3. Quenton Nelson (IND), $20.9 million

4. Mike Onwenu (NE), $19 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Robert Hunt, $63 million

Signed: March 2024 (contract ends in 2028)

2. Chris Lindstrom (ATL), $62.7 million

3. Quenton Nelson (IND), $60 million

Center

Highest three-year APY:

1. Frank Ragnow, $14 million

Signed: May 2021 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Lloyd Cushenberry (TEN), $12.6 million

3. Erik McCoy (NO), $12.5 million

4. Ryan Kelly (IND), $12.4 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Frank Ragnow, $42 million

Signed: May 2021 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Ryan Kelly (IND), $34 million

3. Erik McCoy (NO), $33 million

4. Lloyd Cushenberry (TEN), $30 million

Cornerback

Highest three-year APY:

1. Jaire Alexander, $21.8 million

Signed: May 2022 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Jalen Ramsey (MIA), $20.6 million

3. Marshon Lattimore (NO), $20.3 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Denzel Ward, $71.25 million

Signed: April 2022 (contract ends in 2028)

2. Jalen Ramsey (MIA), $71.2 million

3. Marshon Lattimore (NO), $68.3 million

Safety

Highest three-year APY:

1. Antoine Winfield Jr., $21.03 million

Signed: May 2024 (contract ends in 2028)

2. Derwin James Jr. (LAC), $19.6 million

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT), $18.6 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Antoine Winfield Jr., $45 million

Signed: May 2024 (contract ends in 2028)

2.Derwin James Jr. (LAC), $42 million

T3. Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT), $36 million

T3. Jessie Bates III (ATL), $36 million

Edge rusher

Highest three-year APY:

1. Nick Bosa, $34.7 million

Signed: September 2023 (contract ends in 2029)

2. T.J. Watt (PIT), $30.5 million

T3. Josh Allen (JAX), $30 million

T3. Brian Burns (NYG), $30 million

4. Myles Garrett (CLE), $26.7 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Nick Bosa, $119.9 million

Signed: September 2023 (contract ends in 2029)

2. Myles Garrett (CLE), $100 million

3. Josh Allen (JAX), $88 million

4. Brian Burns (NYG), $87.5 million

Defensive tackle

Highest three-year APY:

1. Chris Jones, $31.7 millon

Signed: March 2024 (contract ends in 2028)

2. Aaron Donald (LAR), $31.6 million

3. Christian Wilkins (LV), $28 million

4. Derrick Brown (CAR), $24 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Chris Jones, $101 million

Signed: March 2024 (contract ends in 2028)

2. Christian Wilkins (LV), $82.7 million

3. Quinnen Williams (NYJ), $66 million

4. Aaron Donald (LAR), $65 million

Off-ball linebacker

Highest three-year APY:

1. Roquan Smith, $20 million

Signed: January 2023 (contract ends 2027)

2. Fred Warner (SF), $19.5 million

3. Tremaine Edmunds (CHI), $19 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Roquan Smith, $60 million

Signed: January 2023 (contract ends 2027)

2. C.J. Mosley (NYJ), $51 million

3. Tremaine Edmunds (CHI), $45 million

Kicker

Highest three-year APY:

1. Justin Tucker, $6.2 million

Signed: August 2022 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Matt Gay (IND), $5.9 million

3. Chris Boswell (PIT), $5.6 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Justin Tucker, $17.5 million

Signed: August 2022 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Graham Gano (NYG), $13.2 million

2. Matt Gay (IND), $13 million

Long-snapper

Highest three-year APY:

1. Luke Rhodes, $1.67 million

Signed: September 2023 (contract ends 2027)

2. Joe Cardona (NE), $1.63 million

3. Zach Wood (NO), $1.62 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Tyler Ott, $2.8 million

Signed: March 2024 (contract ends 2026)

2. Thomas Hennessy, $2.62 million

3.Joe Cardona (NE), $2.6 million

Punter

Highest three-year APY:

1. Michael Dickson, $3.9 million

Signed: June 2021 (contract ends in 2025)

2. Jack Fox (DET), $3.6 million

3. Tress Way (WSH), $3.3 million

Total guaranteed money:

1. Michael Dickson, $8.5 million

Signed: June 2021 (contract ends in 2025)

2. Jack Fox (DET), $7.5 million

2. Tress Way (WSH), $6.4 million

- ESPN staff

NFL ROUNDUP: RAVENS THRASH DOLPHINS, GRAB NO. 1 SEED IN AFC

Lamar Jackson. USA TODAY Sports 

Lamar Jackson passed for 321 yards and matched his career high of five touchdown passes and the Baltimore Ravens clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 56-19 dismantling of the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Isaiah Likely had two touchdown receptions and Zay Flowers (106 receiving yards), Justice Hill, Patrick Ricard and Charlie Kolar each had one for the Ravens (13-3). Gus Edwards and Melvin Gordon III each rushed for a score for Baltimore, which has won six straight games and 10 of its past 11.

Roquan Smith and Geno Stone had interceptions for the Ravens, who have won eight games by 14 or more points this season. Miami star linebacker Bradley Chubb was carted off with a potentially serious knee injury with 3:05 remaining.

Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 38 passes for 237 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Miami (11-5) but sustained an injury to his left (throwing) shoulder. He was injured while sliding during a scramble with 7:55 left and missed the rest of the contest. De'Von Achane rushed 107 yards and caught a touchdown pass for the Dolphins.

49ers 27, Commanders 10

Brock Purdy threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns as San Francisco clinched the top seed in the NFC by beating Washington in Landover, Md.

Elijah Mitchell carried 17 times for 80 yards and a touchdown as the 49ers (12-4) locked down the top record in the conference after losses by Detroit on Saturday and Philadelphia on Sunday. Mitchell took over for Christian McCaffrey, who was sidelined with an ankle injury early in the third quarter after rushing 14 times for 64 yards.

Brock Purdy. USA TODAY Sports 

Sam Howell completed 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for Washington (4-12), which dropped its seventh straight, its longest single-season losing streak since 1998.

Chiefs 25, Bengals 17

Harrison Butker booted six field goals while Isiah Pacheco and Rashee Rice each gained over 100 yards from scrimmage as Kansas City clinched the AFC West with a victory over visiting Cincinnati.

Harrison Butker. USA TODAY Sports 

Patrick Mahomes finished 21-of-29 passing for 245 yards and a touchdown for the Chiefs (10-6), who clinched their eighth straight division title. Pacheco totaled 130 yards on 18 carries and had seven receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown, and Rice finished with five catches for 127 yards.

Justin Watson. USA TODAY Sports 

Jake Browning completed 19 of 33 passes for 197 yards. He threw for a TD and rushed for another for the Bengals (8-8), who were eliminated from playoff contention with the loss. Cincinnati led 17-7 in the second quarter before Kansas City scored the final 18 points.

Bills 27, Patriots 21

Quarterback Josh Allen rushed for a pair of 1-yard touchdowns and Buffalo held off a late rally by New England to earn a victory in Orchard Park, N.Y.

The Bills (10-6) will go into the final week of the regular season holding the AFC's second wild-card berth but not yet assured of a postseason spot. Allen put Buffalo up 27-14 with 10:42 remaining in the third quarter when he snuck into the end zone with the help of a push from running back Latavius Murray.

Josh Allen. USA TODAY Sports 

Ezekiel Elliott rushed for a 6-yard score early in the fourth to pull New England (4-12) within six, and the Patriots ended up getting the ball back with 6:41 left in the game. However, New England failed to get past its 11-yard line, and the Bills then ran out the clock.

Bears 37, Falcons 17

Justin Fields passed for 268 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 45 yards and a score to lift host Chicago over Atlanta.

The Bears (7-9) relied on a balanced attack that outgained Atlanta 432-307 to win for the fourth time in the past five games. Khalil Herbert led the ground game, rushing 18 times for 124 yards and a touchdown.

The Falcons (7-9) lost for the third time in four games as their dim NFC playoff hopes took a hit. Taylor Heinicke finished 10-for-29 passing for 163 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions before Desmond Ridder entered in relief late in the fourth quarter.

Texans 26, Titans 3

C.J. Stroud passed for 213 yards and a touchdown in his return from a two-game concussion absence and host Houston kept its postseason hopes alive by thumping Tennessee.

Stroud completed 24 of 32 pass attempts and tossed a 12-yard touchdown to Brevin Jordan in the second quarter to extend the Houston lead to 10-0. Eight seconds later, the Texans (9-7) produced their first defensive touchdown of the season when Sheldon Rankins returned a fumble by Titans quarterback Will Levis 13 yards for a score.

Levis suffered a right foot injury while being sacked by Jerry Hughes on the play. Levis labored walking to the sideline and was carted to the locker room. Ryan Tannehill replaced Levis and passed for 168 yards. The Texans recorded five sacks of Tannehill while limiting the Titans (5-11) to 187 yards of total offense.

Colts 23, Raiders 20

Gardner Minshew threw for 224 yards and a touchdown while Jonathan Taylor ran for 96 yards and another score as host Indianapolis kept its hopes for an AFC South title alive by beating Las Vegas.

Matt Gay added second-half field goals of 38, 33 and 45 yards as the Colts (9-7) remained in a three-way tie with Jacksonville and Houston in the division. They will have to beat the visiting Texans next week in their regular-season finale and hope the Jaguars lose at Tennessee to claim a division crown.

Aidan O'Connell hit on 30 of 47 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns for Las Vegas (7-9), which was eliminated from playoff consideration. Davante Adams caught 13 passes for 126 yards and two scores.

Jaguars 26, Panthers 0

Brandon McManus kicked four field goals and Jacksonville's defense dominated as the hosts shut out Carolina.

The Jaguars (9-7) snapped a four-game losing streak and moved closer to repeating as AFC South champions. Sunday's win came with backup quarterback C.J. Beathard at the controls for the Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence, who sustained a shoulder injury a week earlier, missed a game for the first time since he arrived in the NFL in 2021, ending a string of 49 straight games played.

Bryce Young had 112 yards and an interception on 19-of-32 passing for the Panthers (2-14).

Rams 26, Giants 25

Matthew Stafford passed for 317 yards and a touchdown and Kyren Williams rushed for three scores to help Los Angeles defeat New York in East Rutherford, N.J.

Stafford completed 24 of 34 passes with two interceptions, Williams rushed for 87 yards on 20 carries and Puka Nacua caught five passes for 118 yards for the Rams (9-7), who have won six of their past seven.

Tyrod Taylor passed for 319 yards and a touchdown and Darius Slayton caught four passes for 106 yards and a long touchdown for the Giants (5-11), who have lost three in a row. New York failed to convert a two-point conversion try to take the lead with 3:27 left, and Mason Crosby missed a 54-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining.

Cardinals 35, Eagles 31

James Conner rushed for a 2-yard touchdown with 32 seconds to play and Arizona stunned host Philadelphia to leave the NFC playoff picture in disarray.

Needing a stop to halt their December slide, the Eagles saw their defense fall flat, allowing touchdowns on all four second-half possessions to permit 29 points as Philadelphia (11-5) dropped out of first place in the NFC East.

Kyler Murray was rarely pressured after a first-half interception and completed 25 of 31 passes for 232 yards and three TDs for Arizona (4-12). Conner had 26 carries for 128 yards. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles had only 275 total yards to Arizona's 449.

Saints 23, Buccaneers 13

Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes, New Orleans forced four turnovers and the visiting Saints stayed in contention for a postseason berth with a win over Tampa Bay.

Baker Mayfield was 22-of-33 passing for 309 yards and two touchdowns but had two interceptions. Tampa Bay (8-8), which had won four in a row, missed an opportunity to clinch its third consecutive NFC South title, but can still do so with a victory at Carolina next weekend.

The Saints (8-8), who avenged a 26-9 home loss to the Buccaneers in Week 4, can win the South with a win over Atlanta and a Bucs loss to the Panthers in Week 18.

Steelers 30, Seahawks 23

Najee Harris rushed 27 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns as Pittsburgh continued its playoff push with a victory against host Seattle.

Mason Rudolph, starting for the injured Kenny Pickett, completed 18 of 24 passes for 274 yards for the Steelers (9-7). Geno Smith was 23-of-33 passing for 290 yards and one touchdown for the Seahawks (8-8), who had a two-game winning streak snapped and saw their postseason chances diminish.

The Seahawks reached the red zone before stalling, settling for Jason Myers' 24-yard field goal with 2:01 remaining to make it a one-possession game. The Steelers recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.

Broncos 16, Chargers 9

Jarrett Stidham threw for 224 yards and a touchdown in his first start in nearly a year, but Denver was eliminated from the playoff hunt despite beating visiting Los Angeles.

Stidham took over starting duties from Russell Wilson this week after the Broncos (8-8) lost three of their previous four games, and he completed 20 of 32 passes without a turnover. Denver was eliminated when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.

Easton Stick completed 24 of 38 passes for 220 yards in his third straight start for the Chargers (5-11) since Justin Herbert went down with a broken right index finger against the Broncos on Dec. 10. Alex Erickson caught seven passes for 98 yards for Los Angeles, which has lost four in a row and seven of eight.

Packers 33, Vikings 10

Jordan Love passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more and Green Bay cruised to a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Love completed 24 of 33 passes for 256 yards for Green Bay (8-8), which boosted its playoff hopes while reducing the Vikings' chances to near zero. The Packers can clinch a playoff berth with a win against the Chicago Bears in Week 18. Jayden Reed had six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns for Green Bay.

Nick Mullens completed 13 of 22 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown for Minnesota (7-9), which lost its third game in a row. Mullens entered the game in the second half as a replacement for starter Jaren Hall, who completed 5 of 10 passes for 67 yards and an interception.

--Field Level Media

LAMAR JACKSON LEADS THE RAVENS PAST THE 49ERS 33-19 IN A SHOWDOWN OF THE TOP 2 TEAMS

AP Photo 

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — If the rare late-season matchup between the top teams in the NFL was a statement game, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens delivered a loud one to the rest of the league.

¾tJackson threw two touchdown passes in a span of 18 seconds in the third quarter and the Ravens intercepted Brock Purdy four times in a 33-19 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

“Our guys work hard. They compete hard. Everybody wants to be respected," coach John Harbaugh said. "There’s one way to be respected, and that’s to go out there and earn that.”

Jackson and the Ravens (12-3) turned a highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the NFL into a lopsided win with strong performances on both sides of the ball.

Kyle Hamilton and the defense set the tone early by intercepting Purdy on three of the first four drives of the game for the 49ers (11-4) before Jackson started to take over.

He scrambled 30 yards to set up a field goal on the final play of the first half to give the Ravens a 16-12 lead and then helped put the game away early in the third quarter.

CHIEF'S PATRICK MAHOMES GETS HISTORIC PAYDAY WITH RESTRUCTURING

AP

The Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes have restructured his agreement, giving him $210.6 million between 2023 and 2026, the most money in NFL history over a four-season span. His compensation for those years is now guaranteed, the quarterback's agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.

The Chiefs and Mahomes plan to revisit the agreement again after the 2026 season, Equity Sports CEO Chris Cabott, who negotiated the deal on behalf of Mahomes, told Schefter.

Mahomes became the NFL's highest-paid player in the summer of 2020 when he signed a 10-year extension worth $450 million. No player has since topped that contract in terms of total value, but several quarterbacks have passed Mahomes in average annual pay, including four this year -- Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow.

CHARLES BARKLEY ON LAMAR JACKSON'S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS | VIA ESPN CLEVELAND

 

ADAM SHEIN ON LAMAR JACKSON CINTRACT PRETENSIONS | VIA NEL ON CBS

 

LAMAR JACKSON RECORD BREAKING HIGHLIGHTS VS. BENGALS | RAVENS VS. BENGALS | WEEK 17 HIGHLIGHTS