The have undergone a lot of changes over the last several offseasons since general manager Dave Gettleman replaced Jerry Reese in 2018. These changes include two news head coaches, turning over one of the older rosters in the NFL and converting it to one of the youngest, replacing the team's starting quarterback since 2004 and trading away the team's highest-profile player. Speaking of said highest-profile player, Jr. will be matching up against the Giants franchise that dealt him away for the first time since the trade -- and at MetLife Stadium to boot. How will he be received by the crowd in attendance? Will there be a crowd in attendance? Those questions remain to be answered.What we can answer for you is exactly how the Giants schedule will play out -- week by week. Below, we'll break down the 2020 schedule by week and pinpoint all of the prime-time games to keep an eye on. We'll also dive into the Giants' strength of schedule, what we project as their toughest stretch of games, and more. Without further ado, let's dive right into it.2020 scheduleWeek 1, Sept. 14: vs. Steelers (Monday Night Football), 8:15 p.m., ESPNWeek 2, Sept. 20: at Bears, 1 p.m., CBSWeek 3, Sept. 20: vs. 49ers, 1 p.m. Derrick Favors Jersey , FoxWeek 4, Oct. 4: at Rams, 4:05 p.m., FoxWeek 5, Oct. 11: at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m., CBSWeek 6, Oct. 18: vs. Redskins, 1 p.m., FoxWeek 7, Oct. 22: at Eagles (Thursday Night Football), 8:20 p.m., Fox/NFL Network/AmazonWeek 8, Nov. 2: vs. Buccaneers (Monday Night Football), 8:15 p.m., ESPNWeek 9, Nov. 8: at Redskins, 1p.m., FoxWeek 10, Nov. 15: vs. Eagles, 1 p.m., FoxWeek 11, BYEWeek 12, Nov. 29: at Bengals, 1 p.m., FoxWeek 13, Dec. 6: at Seahawks, 4:05 p.m., FoxWeek 14, Dec. 13: vs. Cardinals, 1 p.m., FoxWeek 15, Dec. 20: vs. Browns, 1 p.m., CBSWeek 16, Dec. 27: at Ravens, 1 p.m., FoxWeek 17, Jan. 3: vs. Cowboys, 1 p.m., FoxHome openerI'm sure fans were thinking the Giants would open with the Dallas Cowboys again, but surprise, they have a new matchup for 2020! This one is a bit of a surprise, too. The Giants will open the regular season at home in Week 1 against the Steelers on Monday Night Football.The Pick Six Podcast gang fired up a new episode breaking down every eye-catching aspect of the NFL's schedule release. Give it a listen below, and be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:Toughest stretchIt's not an easy schedule for the Giants no matter how you slice it, but their toughest stretch of games certainly comes right away with the first five games. If opening against a rejuvenated Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers wasn't bad enough, they follow it by traveling to Chicago to face an always-feisty-at-home Bears team. Then, they host the NFC champion 49ers before traveling to face the 2018 NFC champions (the Rams). By the time Week 5 rolls around, it's another road matchup against a bitter rival -- the Cowboys.In addition to facing Beckham for the first time since the trade, the Giants have a wild 2020 schedule. Sportsline broke it down with game-by-game betting trends and more.Prime-time gamesAs noted above in the schedule breakdown, the Giants will be playing three prime-time games in 2020. They will have one on the road and two at home. In 2019, the Giants played in three prime-time games. The Giants played the on the road on Thursday Night Football, they hosted the Cowboys on Monday Night Football, and they traveled to Philadelphia to play the on Monday Night Football. In 2020, the Giants have an interesting prime-time slate that includes three games. They will host Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, host Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, and they also get the Eagles on a short week (Thursday Night Football) in Philadelphia.Strength of scheduleEarlier this offseason, John Breech broke down the 2020 strength of schedule for all 32 NFL teams based on combined opponent winning percentage in 2019. After finishing third place in the NFC East, the Giants will face the seventh-easiest strength of schedule in 2020. For a complete look at every team's strength of schedule, .However, when basing strength of schedule on the over/under win totals for each team's opponents during the 2020 season at William Hill, the Giants go from facing the seventh-easiest schedule in the league to facing the second-toughest. For a complete look at every team's strength of schedule using this methodology, . Brandon Ingram Jersey
The Los Angeles Chargers have embraced a new era of football ahead of the 2024 NFL season.Jim Harbaugh now leads the Bolts, and hopefully the world-famous coach gets a full season with a healthy Justin Herbert under center. The Pro Bowl QB hit the IR last season after a stre s fracture in a finger of his throwing hand required surgery. L.A. went 5-12 in 2023, its most lo ses since 2015.Harbaugh isn't the only change in L.A. The Chargers will also enter 2024 without longtime skill-position players Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. Three rookies will try to fill Allen and Williams' shoes, while former Ravens J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards will take over the backfield. T. J. Leaf Jersey Say what you will about the current state of the Chargers' roster this should be a fascinating season to watch this team. If you'reinterested in catching a Bolts game this year, here's everything to know about tickets for every game.BUY NOW: Chargers tickets 2024 in 2024, home and away, are available on StubHub. You can also score with the cheapest prices on the secondary market starting around $800 as of May 8.Games at SoFi Stadium this year are pretty cost-friendly. If you want to see the the Broncos at Chargers, you can .However, if you want to travel to Arrowhead Stadium to see the , you'll need to shovel out at least $287 per ticket.BUY NOW: Chargers schedule 2024The Chargers' full schedule, including dates, times, and locations, was unveiled on Wednesday, May 15. Here's the complete rundown including opponents, dates, times, and TV channels for the 2024 season.Their opponents for the 2024 NFL season will be as follows:Home:Broncos,Chiefs,Raiders,Ravens,Bengals,Saints,Buccaneers,TitansAway:Broncos,Chiefs,Raiders,Falcons,Panthers,Browns,Steelers,Patriots,CardinalsWeekDateOpponentTime (ET)TVTickets1Sept. 8vs. Raiders4:05 p.m.CBS2Sept. 15at Chargers1 p.m.Fox3Sept. 22at Steelers1 p.m.CBS4Sept. 29vs. Chiefs4:25 p.m.CBS5Bye week------------------------------------6Oct. 13at Broncos4:05 p.m.CBS7Oct. 21 (Mon.)at Cardinals9 p.m.ESPN+8Oct. 27vs. Saints4:05 p.m.Fox9Nov. 3at Browns1 p.m.CBS10Nov. 10vs. Titans4;05 p.m.Fox11Nov. 17vs. Bengals4:25 p.m.CBS12Nov. 25 (Mon.)vs. Ravens8:15 p.m.ESPN13Dec. 1at Falcons1 p.m.CBS14Dec. 8at Chiefs8:20 p.m.NBC15Dec. 15vs. Buccaneers4:25 p.m.Fox16Dec. 22vs. Broncos4:05 p.m.Fox17TBDat PatriotsTBDTBD18TBDat RaidersTBDTBD Doug McDermott Jersey
No North American sport captures the attention of sports bettors like the .With multiple games going on at the same time on Sundays, even the most attentive bettor can't keep track of all that is going on in the NFL.That's why we are here! Every week in this space, we will recap how the weekend went from a betting perspective.Which bettors had the best Super Wild Card Weekend?ADVERTISEMENT Weather was a big storyline, with cold temperatures for the - and - games.But home teams straight up (SU) were hot, as they went 5-1 (83.3%).Home teams and underdogs against the spread (ATS) went 4-2 (66.7%).At the other Bol Bol Jersey end of the spectrum, road favorites went 0-2 ATS.RELATED: Cowboys lo s huge for sportsbooksSo here's a wrap-up of the week in NFL betting, including straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) for the Super Wildcard Weekend games.Favorites ATS: 2-4Covered: , Did not cover: , , , Underdogs ATS: 4-2Covered: ,, , Did not cover: , Home teams ATS: 4-2Covered: Texans,Chiefs, Bills, BuccaneersDid not cover: Cowboys, LionsRoad teams ATS: 2-4Covered: Packers,RamsDid not cover: Browns, Dolphins, Steelers, EaglesPlayoff Rankings: Jared Goff help Lions rise, Cowboys, Eagles fall and Bills top 3? Home teams SU: 5-1Covered: Texans,Chiefs, Lions, Bills, BuccaneersDid not cover: CowboysRoad teams SU: 1-5Covered: PackersDid not cover: Browns, Dolphins, Rams, Steelers, EaglesHome favorites ATS: 2-2Covered: Chiefs,BillsDid not cover: Cowboys, LionsHome underdogs ATS: 2-0Covered: Texans, BuccaneersDid not cover: NoneHome favorites SU: 3-1Covered: Chiefs,Lions, BillsDid not cover: CowboysHome underdogs SU: 2-0Covered: Texans, BuccaneersDid not cover: NoneRoad favorites ATS: 0-2Covered: NoneDid not cover: Browns, EaglesRoad underdogs ATS: 2-2Covered: Packers,RamsDid not cover: Dolphins, SteelersBiggest underdog to cover: Packers (+7) at CowboysBiggest underdog to win outright: Packers (+7) at CowboysHome Over/Under: 3-3Over: Texans, Cowboys, BillsUnder: Chiefs, Lions, BuccaneersRoad Over/Under: 3-3Over: Browns, Packers, SteelersUnder: Dolphins, Rams, EaglesAre you going to play a betting trend for the divisional round of the playoffs? Stay with FOX Sports for the latest on the NFL and other sports. Torrey Craig Jersey
There will be plenty of high-scoring stars on the field when the Dolphins and Bengals meet on Thursday Night Football in Week 4. However, if you're putting together a DraftKings Showdown lineup, you can't pick Ja'Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Tee Higgins without majorly sacrificing elsewhere. We're taking a bit more balanced approach with our squad in the hopes of bringing home some NFL DFS cash.We're focusing on the Bengals with our build, thinking the home team will come through on a short week. We're also fading both of Miami's big-play receivers, partly for differentiation and partly because of Tua Tagovailoa's back injury. Hill and Waddle can both put up big numbers with any QB, but sometimes you have to take these chances in single-game contests.Before we get into our picks, here are the key scoring settings for DraftKings Showdown contests: They'refull-point PPR and there arethree-point bonuses for 300 pa sing yards, 100 rushing yards, and 100 receiving yards. The Captain pick Shaquille O'Neal Jersey costs 1.5 times a player's original price, but he also gets his point total multiplied by 1.5.MORE DK SHOWDOWN: Captain (1.5x points, 1.5x salary): WR Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals ($16,500)Chase has "disappointed" so far this year, but he's still seen at least nine targets in each game and 35 overall. He'll get his chances against Miami's 31st-ranked pa s defense, and he should deliver in a big way to pay off his high salary.MORE DOLPHINS-BENGALS: | | | FLEX QB Joe Burrow, Bengals ($9,600) Burrow is another solid "Captain" pick, but the beating he takes in a given game always lends itself to turnovers and a po sible early exit. Either way, he's a must-have after making Chase our "Captain." For all of Burrow's faults, he's still delivered multiple TDs and 25-plus rushing yards in two of three games.WEEK 4 DFS: | FLEX RB Joe Mixon, Bengals ($9,000) Mixon is dealing with a sore ankle, so we're hoping that scares some people away. He's the undisputed workhorse in the Bengals' offense, posting 71 touches in three games. That includes 13 catches on 20 targets. He works in a stack with Burrow, and he also guards against the off chance that Cincinnati is running out the clock in the second half with a big lead.WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS: | | | | | FLEX TE Hayden Hurst, Bengals ($5,400)Hurst posted his first real dud of the season last week, but in Weeks 1 and 2, he had five catches and at least seven targets in each game. The Dolphins allow the third-most DK points to TEs this year, so Hurst should get his chances in a potential shootout.WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS: | | | | | FLEX RB Raheem Mostert, Dolphins ($4,400) Chase Edmonds scored twice last week, so it only makes sense to pivot away from him and go with Mostert, who actually had more targets (two to one) and carries (eight to six). These two backs are one in the same, so the fact Mostert, who has more big-play upside, is $1,800 cheaper makes him an easy call. We can't afford much else after stacking Burrow, Mixon, and Chase, so we have to hope Mostert can break a long run or score a short TD.WEEK 4 DFS LINEUPS: | FLEX K Jason Sanders, Dolphins ($3,800)The Dolphins have demonstrated they can move the ball, but given Tua Tagovailoa's back injury and the fact they're playing on the road on short rest, we could see them settling for more field goals. For what it's worth, Cincinnati is giving up the most DK points per game to kickers, so Sanders should provide a decent floor to help stabilize a build that's fading Miami's other big-play options. Gail Goodrich Jersey
After pouring scorn on the reporter who Bill Bradley Jersey questioned Theo Walcotts chances of making Englands World Cup squad on Monday, it would take a brave man to pose the same question of Kieran Gibbs fitne s to Arsene Wenger this morning.The Lambeth-born left-back wasthe subject ofa cynical challenge by Elliaquim Mangala, the Liege midfielder,which resulted in the explosive defender sustaining a fractured metatarsalduring the closing stages of the 2-0 victory over Standard.Gibbs injury left Wenger seething as he joins Nicklas Bendtner, Abou Diaby, Robin van Persie and Gael Clichy, the first choice left back, who are all set for length spells on the sidelines.Gibbs has a big hole in his leg, fumed the Frenchman. It was a very bad challenge by the number 22 and it was not his first try, unfortunately. It doesnt look good for Gibbs.Youd be wisely advised to whisper this to the Arsenal manager, but it could have been far worse. Andrei Arshavin, the Arsenal forward, and William Gallas, scorer of the goal for France which extinguished Irelands World Cup hopes, both suffered knocks in a nasty clash of heads. The incident left Arshavin bloodied and requiring staples ina head wound,and Gallas visibly shaken with a swollen eye. The central defender was replaced by Mikael Silvestre at the interval.Although Wenger will almost certainly be counting the cost this morning, the Gunners have secured progre sion to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a game to spare.Liege, who started so emphaticallyagainst the North Londoners in the reverse fixture on match day one, were on the back foot from the first whistle as Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri orchestrated Arsenals trademark pa s-and-move idiosyncrasy. And the tone could have been set as early as the fifth minute as the latter picked out Fabregas who saw his attempt saved by Sinan Bolat in the Standard goal.Then followed the mother and father of all goalmouth scrambles asGallas saw his effort blocked by Bolat andCarlos Vela struck a post with thefollow up, before Bolat again saved but this time from Thomas Vermaelen, the Arsenal centre back.Cavalier finishing has often been a penchant that has proved fatal for the Gunners, and history almost repeated itself once again as Dieudonne Mbakani beat Manuel Almunia but rattled the cro sbar with his swerving shot against the run of play.With the woodwork still shaking, it servedas a wake up call to a side whos manager demanded an immediate improvement following an apathetic showing during the weekend defeat to Sunderland.And Arsenal duly went ahead as Landry Melumo stumbled on the edge of the area on the 35th minute, allowing Nasri to glide through the Liege defence onto Gibbs perfectly executed through ball. The Algerian-born Frenchman clipped his shot past Bolat toprovide cla sy glo s to a fortuitous move.It took just 10 more minutes for Arsenal to double their advantage and seal their place as victors of Group H, as Bolat, who had so often been the saviour of his side during a half in which they were totally outcla sed, was made to look absolutely absurd. Denilson, making his first start since September, picked up the ball from 35-yards out following neat interplay on the edge of the penalty area, and sighted goal before releasing a swerving shot of mediocre power that the Liege goalkeeper completely misjudged, allowing the ball to pa s his trailing right hand into the back of the net.The two-goal advantage ended the game as a contest and it showed. The second-half was a nonentity with litte goalmouthaction of notable interest. Perhaps Wenger was preoccupied by his selection dilemma for Sundays battle at the summit of the Premiership, as its a characteristic of Le Profe seur to urge his team to victory of a greater margin than two goals in games such as these.What the contest lacked in goals in the second half however, was made up for by the pocket of referee Konrad Plautz, the Austrian referee,who dismi sed Liege midfielder Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez for a needle s clash with Cesc Fabregas as time neared expiry.Withthe Gunnersnow confirmed as the winners of Group H, Liege playAZ Alkmaaron match day sixknowing thatvictory over theDutch side twinned with an Arsenal defeat of Olympiacos will result in them joining their conqueurers in the knockout phase.Anything le s, and they will be left to slum it out in the comparative basement of the Europa League.RESULT: ARSENAL 2 (Nasri 35, Denilson 45+2) STANDARD LIEGE 0ARSENAL: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas (Silvestre 46), Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Denilson (Rosicky 67), Nasri (Walcott 60), Fabregas, Vela, ArshavinUnused Subs: Mannone, Traore, Eduardo, SagnaBooked: FabregasSTANDARD LIEGE: Bolat, Camozzato, Sarr, Felipe, Mulemo, Witsel, Goreux, Mangala, Carcela-Gonzalez, Dalmat (Traore 64), Mbokani (Bi Cyriac 68)Unused Subs: van Hout, Victor Ramos, Rocha, Gershon, NicaiseBooked: Mangala, Mulemo Sent Off: Carcela GonzalezReferee: Konrad Plautz (Austria) Walt Frazier Jersey
WATCH THE NFL LIVE. START YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY. fuboHistory is on the line for both the 49ers and the Lions on Sunday. This is the third consecutive year the 49ers have made the NFC championship game after San Francisco lost to the Rams and Eagles in back-to-back title game appearances in 2021 and 2022. The last time the 49ers won the conference championship was in 2019 before San Francisco lost in the Super Bowl to the Chiefs. The Lions, meanwhile, are looking to make it to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. Detroit made the conference title game in 1991, but were beaten badly by Joe Gibbs and Washington, who would go on to win the Super Bowl. The Lions won four NFL championships from 1935-1957, but that was during the pre-Super Bowl era. STREAM:Watch the 49ers face the Lions on Fubo (free trial) Now, the 49ers and Lions face off in a game featuring two very similarly constructed teams that drafted well and added one offensive star to complete their respective rosters. The 49ers have mostly all home-grown talent from Mr. Irrelevant himself Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle to inside linebacker Fred Warner and wideouts Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The Lions did the same, just over a shorter period of time with rookies like running back Jahmyr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch as well as third-year wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and second-year defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Both teams traded for their offensive leaders, too, as the 49ers acquired superstar running back Christian McCaffrey in 2022 while the Lions took castoff quarterback Jared Goff from the Rams in the blockbuster Matthew Stafford trade in 2021. San Francisco has been good for awhile under head coach Kyle Shanahan and finished with the No. 3 scoring offense and defense this season on its way to the No. Landry Shamet Jersey 1 seed in the NFC. Detroit came on strong at the end of the 2022 season in head coach Dan Campbell's second year at the helm and continued that momentum in 2023 with the fifth-best scoring offense. The defense leaves a bit to be desired, but has done enough recently to get the Lions into conference title contention. The two biggest questions heading into this game are: How healthy is Samuel for San Francisco and how will Detroit use recently signed tight end Zach Ertz? Samuel injured his shoulder against the Packers on Saturday and didn't return to the game. He has a "50-50" to play Sunday, according to . The Lions signed three-time Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad on Monday, per , to join an already-loaded offensive group. It'll be interesting to see how the 49ers operate offensively if Samuel is out and then how the Lions deploy Ertz in their offense. Here is everything you need to know about 49ers vs. Lions, including TV and streaming options for the game. When is 49ers vs. Lions playoff game? Date:Sunday, Jan. 28 Time:6:30 p.m. ET| 3:30 p.m. PT 49ers vs. Lions will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 28. The game will be played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California What channel is 49ers vs. Lions on? TV channel (national):Fox TV channel (San Francisco):KTVU (channel 2) TV channel (Detroit):WJBK (channel 2) Live stream: (United States)|(Canada) 49ers vs. Lions will air on Fox. Those in San Francisco City can watch locally onKTVU (channel 2) while those in Detroit can watch onWJBK (channel 2). Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play) and Greg Olsen (color analyst) will be on the call in the broadcast booth for Fox, while Erin Andrews will report from the sidelines. Viewers can also stream the game on . Start your free trial today. WATCH LIVE WITH fubo WATCH THE NFL AND NFL REDZONE LIVENO COMMITMENT. CANCEL ANYTIME.START YOUR FREE TRIALFans in Canada can watch49ers vs. Lions on, which carries NFL Game Pa s. 49ers vs. Lions injury report This section will be updated when injury reports are released. DNP Did not participate in practiceLP Limited participation in practiceFP Full participation 49ers injury report Player Position Injury Wed. Thu. Fri. Deebo Samuel WR Shoulder DNP LP Arik Armstead DE Foot/knee FP FP Dre Greenlaw LB Achilles FP FP George Odum DB Biceps FP FP Ambry Thomas CB Hand FP FP Kalia Davis DT Ankle FP Nick Bosa DE Rest DNP Trent Williams T Rest DNP Lions injury report Player Position Injury Wed. Thu. Fri. Jonah Jackson G Knee DNP DNP Frank Ragnow C Ankle/toe/knee/back DNP DNP Kalif Raymond WR Knee DNP DNP Chase Lucas CB Illne s DNP Sam LaPorta TE Knee DNP LP Alex Anzalone MLB Shoulder/ribs LP LP Josh Reynolds WR Ribs LP LP James Houston DE Ankle FP FP 49ers vs. Lions weather forecast , the weather in Santa Clara looks fantastic. The forecast high on Jan. 28 is 72, with a low of 52. There will be a very limited chance of precipitation as well just 7% over the course of the day. Wind speeds will also be pretty light. 49ers vs. Lions playoff history This will be just the third playoff game between the 49ers vs. Lions and the first since 1983. The 49ers beat the Lions in the 1983 NFC divisional round thanks to a late touchdown from Joe Montana to Freddie Solomon. San Francisco won, 24-23, but lost to Washington in the NFC championship. The only other time both teams faced off was in the pre-Super Bowl era during the 1957 divisional round. Detroit won that one, 31-27, behind two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Lions won the NFL championship that year over the Browns, the franchise's most recent title. Season Round Location Result 2023 Conference Championship Levi's Stadium TBD 1983 Divisional Round Candlestick Park 49ers 24, Lions 23 1957 Divisional Round Kezar Stadium Lions 31, 49ers 27 NFL playoff schedule 2024 Conference championships Sunday, Jan. 28 Game Kickoff time (ET) TV channel Chiefs at Ravens 3 p.m. CBS, Lions at 49ers 6:30 p.m. Fox, If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Sporting News has editorial oversight for this content. Reggie Perry Jersey
They say time heals all wounds, and Brett Favre and the provided the ultimate test.That was the big takeaway as I watched the premiere of . I remembered that Favre and the had a contentious divorce, that went from ugly to bitter when Favre signed with the in 2009. What I didn't recall was just how hell-bent Favre was on revenge against Green Bay in the closing chapter of his career."I wanted to play for anyone who would play the ," Favre said of his decision to join the rival after his one-year pitstop with the in 2008. "Minnesota played 'em twice."Equally fascinating was Favre's take on how he came to retire for the first time after the 2007 season. Favre paints of picture of being pushed into the decision."I was thinking, 'What the heck happened here? How am I here?' Two days ago, I was like, 'I don't know (if I want to keep playing).'" Here I am now thanking everyone and how tough it is. What's going on?""I was leaving (the news conference) thinking, 'What just happened?' and 'I know I'm not OK with this.' How could you not be conflicted?If Favre felt double-cro sed, fans at the time felt positively betrayed. Timeline does a nice job capturing that moment in time. Picture this: Fans organized a mock funeral proce sion for Favre that included three hearses -- one for Favre's "body", one for his ego, and one for Favre again if he changed his mind about being dead.Yeah, it got personal. And things only got worse when Favre had perhaps the best season of his career at age 40 in Minnesota, playing MVP-level football and throwing seven touchdowns and no interceptions in two wins over the and new starting quarterback ."It was by far the worst I've ever felt, seen, heard," Favre recalled Skylar Mays Jersey of the reception when he returned to Lambeau Field as a Viking on Nov. 1, 2009. "It just made the way I played even sweeter."The hour-long special concludes with a happy ending, as Favre returns to Lambeau Field in the summer of 2015, and then again on night to have his iconic No. 4 retired.Watching grown men and women weep at the sight of Favre tells a powerful story, as does the image of Favre struggling to get through his addre s to the sold-out crowd. The breakup was ugly, but it helped make the reunion that much sweeter."I'm a Packer. Always will be a Packer," Favre said. "By no means did we ever think we would be in the situation that we eventually were going to be in. Now, I can laugh about it."Extra points: This is the first of five episodes we will recap on . Timeline will continue next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET with Jersey Guys, a one-hour show chronicling the ' move out of New York to New Jersey. Look at Timeline as NFL Films' answer to ESPN's acclaimed 30 for 30 series. That's not a bad thing. Favre looks tremendous at age 46. He could probably pa s for 35 with a fresh dye job, though you shouldn't hold your breath on that. The Ol' Gunslinger spends his time in Hattiesburg, Mi si sippi, where he bikes 20 miles and swims half a mile each day with his wife, Deanna. He seems happy and at peace. "Who was the idiot who thought up the triathlon?" an exhausted Favre asks during a swim. Oh yeah, Brett Favre is still funny. Again, this was a really acrimonious split. Favre admits his "blood was boiling" when the told him they wouldn't allow him to play for another NFC North team prior to his trade to the . "I was not good enough to play there, but I was too good to play against them?" agreed to be a part of the special, and spoke candidly about his sometimes uncomfortable relationship with Favre. "I don't think there was a situation where he was real excited about a young rookie coming in," Rodgers recalled of his first season in 2005. "It was a tad disappointing to not be able to be buddy-buddy with him right away, but that's the nature of this league at times. You get older and you realize that they're always trying to replace you." Translation: Brett Favre was kind of a jerk to me at first, but I understood why. I loved this quote from Favre on retired life, a sentiment I imagine thousands of former pro athletes can relate to: "The crowd's turned off. There's no one saying, 'Mr. Favre, park right over here.' There's no one catering to you. There's no one saying, 'Hey Brett, you want your ankles taped?' No one cares. It's over. There's always a new star."Timeline: Favre Returns airs again on NFL Network on Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. ET. Pete Maravich Jersey
Picking NFL games in Week 1 is always a challenge.Picking them this season is even tougher. Without preseason games and limited acce s in terms of practices and media availability, it's tough to get a gauge on where teams are as we head into the first week of games.Having that as an excuse, I offer my Week 1 picks, complete with an upset or two, one a big surprise even if the line isn't a big one.Maybe it's a good thing we haven't seen as much action or been able to get as much information as usual. Week 1 has been brutal at times in the past, so maybe things will change.Let's hope so.I feel a 10-6 week against the spread. Who the heck needs the preseason? I am ready to roll.All odds are via William Hill Sportsbook. at (-9)This is a rematch of the AFC Divisional Round game that was won by the Chiefs in a blowout after rallying from 24 down. This will be a lot easier. The Texans have defensive i sues that will show up here. and the Chiefs roll.Pick: Chiefs 36, Texans 20 at (+2)This is a long trip to open for Seattle, but they have done well in this role on the East Coast. This should be a fun, high-scoring game between two good quarterbacks. The Seahawks aren't the same team on defense, which is why I think the Falcons will win a shootout.Pick: Falcons 31, Seahawks 28 at (-6.5)The Bills are coming off a playoff season, while the Jets are trying to build something. Buffalo is the much better team. They will limit the Jets offense here and should have a big game against the Jets defense. Bills big.Pick: Bills 27, Jets 10Which picks can you make with confidence in Week 1? And which Super Bowl contender goes down hard?Visit SportsLine to see which NFL teams are winning more than 50 percent of simulations, all from the model that is up over $7,000 on its top-rated picks. (-3) at This should be a fun game to watch if you like offense. Carolina's young defense will get tested in this one, while the Oakland defense might need a few weeks to jell. Look for a lot of points. and both light it up with the Raiders getting a road victory.Pick: Raiders 34, Panthers 30 at (-3)It will be Mitch Trubisky at quarterback for the Bears, with Matt Stafford back healthy for the Lions after mi sing much of last season with a back injury. That's a big edge to the Lions. At home, Stafford should have a big day against the Chicago secondary. Lions take it.Pick: Lions 30, Bears 20 at (+8)The Colts are the better team in this one, but this is a tough way to open on the road in a hot stadium against a division foe. has played well in his career against the Jaguars and this young Jaguars defense has i sues. Colts win it. But it's closer than expected.Pick: Colts 24, Jaguars 21 (+2.5) at The Packers have had trouble at Minnesota, but they won there last year. This Vikings team isn't as good, which is why I Julius Randle Jersey think will go in there and beat them again. The Packers will win a big, early-division game.Pick: Packers 28, Vikings 17 (+6.5) at This will be at quarterback for the Pats with gone. Newton has impre sed in camp, and I think he will be fine. The problem is the talent in other spots. Even so, the Pats will find a way to win this game against a young Miami team. But it won't be easy.Pick: Pats 21, Dolphins 20 (+8) at The Ravens are the favorite in the AFC North, while the Browns are trying to get going under first-year coach Kevin Stefanski. The Ravens will again be explosive on offense, but the Browns should be good on that side as well. So which defense plays better? I will go with the Ravens, but the Browns blew them out in Baltimore last year. So be careful.Pick: Ravens 24, Browns 20 (-5.5) at Washington Football TeamIt can be tough to open on the road in the division. It's a lot easier when the home team's quarterback has little experience, and there isn't a lot around him. That's why I think the Eagles will go into Washington and win by a touchdown over Dwayne Haskins and Washington. will have a nice day against the Washington secondary.Pick: Eagles 27, Washington 17 at (+3)This will be first game, which can be overwhelming for a rookie pa ser. And he's facing a talented Chargers defense. Even so, I don't think Burrow will be bothered by it. He will play well. The Chargers will start and likely try and play ball control. I smell an upset for the Bengals.Pick: Bengals 23, Chargers 21 (+3.5) at This is the game of the week, Tom Brady's first with the Bucs. But it's a tough way to open the season. The Saints are the better team and it's on the road. Brady has a ton of weapons, but the Saints can score too. I think Drew Brees gets the better of Brady in this one. Saints take it.Pick: Saints 28, Bucs 27 (+7) at This is a be-careful game for the defending NFC champions. The 49ers have some injury i sues on offense, which could limit them. The Cardinals should be much improved on defense this season, and I think the offense will be explosive. Even so, it's a tough opener. They hang around, but the 49ers win it.Pick: 49ers 26, Cardinals 23 at (+3)The Cowboys seem to be loaded this season in Mike McCarthy's first as the team's coach. But this is a tough opener. The Rams were down last year, but Sean McVay will have them playing better this time around. It starts here. The Rams take it in a close one.Pick: Rams 21, Cowboys 17 (-6) at The Steelers have back and he's facing a defense that has i sues on the corner. Look for Roethlisberger to get off to a good start after mi sing much of last season. The Giants have talent on offense, but this Pittsburgh defense is special. Steelers will win a Monday night road game.Pick: Steelers 24, Giants 17 at (+2.5)There will be no fans at this game, but the Broncos have an edge because of the altitude. I also think they will be able to slow down , which is the key to the Titans offense. will get off to a good start in his first real season as the starter for Denver. Broncos take it.Pick: Broncos 27, Titans 23 Steven Adams Jersey