Wizards guard Bradley Beal looks on in a game against the Celtics on Jan. 8, 2021.
Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Put on your general manager hat for a moment and ask yourself this question: If my team struggled mightily the past couple seasons, is struggling now and will continue to struggle, would I trade my franchise star?
It's an extremely difficult decision to make, but it's something the Washington Wizards have to be pondering with shooting guard Bradley Beal.
Beal has been on an absolute rampage through 11 games, posting a league-high 34.9 points per game on 49% shooting and 38% from distance. He's also dishing out five assists and grabbing 5.3 rebounds with 1.5 steals. All that in 36 minutes a night, yet the Wizards are 3-8 which is the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
"I'm pissed off," Beal told reporters after his 60-point game on Jan. 6. "I'm mad. I don't count [them]. ... Any of my career-highs, they've been in losses. So I don't give a damn. You can throw it right out the window with the other two or three I've had."
His frustration is evident, and though he hasn't verbalized that he wants out of D.C., it's hard not to think that the idea hasn't crossed his mind at least once with how bad the Wizards have been recently.
From 2018-20, they went a combined 57-97 with John Wall sidelined after he tore his Achilles. Before this season began, the Wizards acquired Russell Westbrook in exchange for Wall and a pick, thinking they were getting an upgrade at point guard. Plot twist, they weren't.
Wall is healthy and playing good basketball in Houston while Westbrook is sitting back-to-backs and is currently nursing a quad injury. More importantly, he doesn't make them much better because of his lack of defense and is thus piling up meaningless triple-doubles that don't translate to team success.
<p>Bringing in Russ was an attempt to not only strengthen the team but more importantly, to keep Beal happy and avoid a scenario in which he wants out.</p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 3 -->
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</div><p>Trading Beal would obviously make the Wizards worse, we all know that. But they're not making the playoffs with this current roster, especially after Thomas Bryant went down for the year with ACL injury. And they are arguably the worst defensive team in the NBA, surrendering 121.3 points a night on 49% shooting, per Team Rankings. They are terrible and they are not magically going to improve overnight. Scott Brooks is on that hot seat, too. But not even a new coach can salvage this season.</p><p>The solution for Washington is to rebuild around its young talent including the aforementioned Bryant, Rui Hachimura, rookie Deni Avdija and Davis Bertans who's only 28.</p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 4 -->
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</div><p><strong>What can the Wizards get for Beal?</strong></p><p>We saw the return Houston got from Brooklyn for James Harden. Four first-rounders, four pick swaps and Victor Oladipo after getting the Pacers involved in the deal. And though Beal isn't quite Harden, he's still an elite player who will command a massive haul for the Wizards. </p><p>The Blazers gave up two firsts for Robert Covington and the Bucks gave up Eric Bledsoe, two firsts and two pick swaps for Jrue Holiday. Beal is better than both of them. So general manager Tommy Sheppard will certainly get a combination of multiple players and picks for his superstar.</p><p><strong>Which teams would want Beal?</strong></p><p>A handful of contenders would presumably be interested in the two-time All-Star including the Nuggets, Heat, Sixers with teams like Hawks and Grizzlies on the outside looking in.</p><p>Denver could use Michael Porter Jr. as the centerpiece of a package and Miami could do the same with Tyler Herro. Philly also has young players like rookie Tyrese Maxey and defensive-minded Matisse Thybulle plus future assets that it could throw to the Wizards.</p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 5 -->
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</div><p>And with the Nets now featuring a trio of Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Heat president Pat Riley would be licking his chops to add Beal alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo to return to the NBA Finals again this season.</p><h3></h3><p>Please, for the love of basketball, free Bradley Beal.</p>
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Each Friday, FindBet will preview the week's DFS slate, highlighting players that are priced well on DFS sites, as well as some contrarian plays that can push your team to the top of the leader board.
Most NFL DFS games have you putting a team together with players from a certain slate of games. It could be just Sunday 1:00 PM games, or it could be every game that is slated for the week. Once the last game that has eligible players is over, the final payouts are made according to how many fantasy points each team scored. Each player is worth a certain dollar amount, and you have a cap of $60,000 to build your team with. You have to have 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX (RB, WR, or TE) and 1 DEF.
The general scoring rules include (6) points for each rushing and receiving touchdown, (4) points for each passing touchdown, (0.1) points for each rushing and receiving yard gained, (0.04) points for each passing yard, and also (0.5) points for each reception. There are other scoring opportunities for defenses. Let's take a look at players we like in the first round of the NFL playoffs this weekend.
<p><span></span>Players to Target:</p><h2></h2><p><strong>Baker Mayfield (QB) - $7400</strong><br/></p><p>The Browns are going to need to have their best offensive game to date. The Chiefs are going to make it a priority to stop Cleveland's run game, which means more opportunities for Baker and the Browns' WRs.</p><p><strong>Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB) - $6100</strong><br/></p><p>We've got a lot of investment this week in the Browns-Chiefs game. Edwards-Helaire is at a solid price this week for his projected workload. Even with Le'Veon Bell cutting into his work, he is a good play at this price.</p><p><!-- Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph -->
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<!-- End Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph --></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="41044ef183dc0947e08012ea66769a39" id="87164"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1349783104584609793"><div style="margin:1em 0">Wondering if Clyde Edwards-Helaire could get more run than we've seen yet vs. the Browns
-15, 12, 21 and 15 touche… https://t.co/hAp3DlievP</div> — Ian Hartitz (@Ian Hartitz)<a href="https://twitter.com/Ihartitz/statuses/1349783104584609793">1610648344.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br/></p><p><strong>Nick Chubb (RB) - $8200</strong><br/></p><p>Chubb and Hunt had a great against the Steelers last week. The Browns will feed both Chubb and Hunt plenty against the Chiefs in an attempt to keep Patrick Mahomes off the field.</p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 3 -->
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</div><p><strong>Mike Evans (WR) - $7100</strong><br/></p><p>Evans gets another shot to perform this week against a New Orleans defense that can be exploited. Tampa has a great shot to upset New Orleans this week.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5e91caf74767327d0300324639e1c3dc" id="39343"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1348122741401124865"><div style="margin:1em 0">Mike Evans' 119 receiving yards is the most ever by a Buccaneer in a playoff game. The previous record was 106 by K… https://t.co/Rr8pI8ClaP</div> — Scott Smith (@Scott Smith)<a href="https://twitter.com/ScottSBucs/statuses/1348122741401124865">1610252483.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br/></p><p><strong>Demarcus Robinson (WR) - $5100</strong><br/></p><p>With Denzel Ward coming back at CB for the Browns, who will be shadowing Tyreek Hill, and with Sammy Watkins still nursing injuries, Demarcus Robinson has a real shot to produce on Sunday afternoon.</p><p><strong>Stefon Diggs (WR) - $8600</strong><br/></p><p>Diggs is becoming matchup proof, and a date with a tough Baltimore secondary isn't enough to scare us away of taking a shot again this week.</p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 4 -->
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</div><p><strong>Mark Andrews (TE) - $6600</strong><br/></p><p>Andrews gets a Bills defense who has been atrocious against guarding TEs this year. You can see what Jack Doyle, Trey Burton and Mo Allie-Cox did against the Bills last week in the wildcard game as proof.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0d8035910d2c4a77ea0f8fbd1884a8f5" id="bc304"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1350085997325910022"><div style="margin:1em 0">Buffalo has to keep an eye on #Ravens TE Mark Andrews a lottttt this weekend
The #Bills allowed 993 receiving yard… https://t.co/D3hymv73XZ</div> — Nick (@Nick)<a href="https://twitter.com/Nick_Wojton/statuses/1350085997325910022">1610720559.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br/></p><p><strong>Cam Akers (RB) - $7000</strong><br/></p><p>Akers has been electric for the Rams late in the year. The Packers are extremely susceptible to the run, which should translate to a good day if the score remains close.</p><p><strong>Los Angeles Rams (DEF) - $3800 </strong><br/></p><p>Going out on a bit of a limb here, but I think the LA Rams can get a turnover or two and possibly even snag a TD to make this play worth it. </p><p><br/></p><h2>FindBet Free Play for the Divisional Round:</h2><p><strong>Here's a team you can put right into any of your contests, just remember to buy us a beer when you win big!</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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Drew Brees and Tom Brady have at least one more matchup against each other coming up in the Divisional Round this weekend
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It's been a long and winding road to get here, but after this weekend's playoff games there will only be four teams left vying for a shot to be this year's Super Bowl champions.
Both 6 seeds earned their spots in the Divisional Round as the LA Rams and Cleveland Browns both managed upsets in their Wild Card matchups and represent the reality that anyone that gets to the dance can go home Prom King. The heaviest of hitters await them though as the Rams will face the top seed in the NFC in the form of the Green Bay Packers. The Browns take on an even greater task as they're set to see the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Let's dive in and take a look at each of the four games scheduled for the Divisional Round and give you our take on who's coming out on top!
<p><strong>Saturday 4:35 PM EST</strong></p><p><strong>Los Angeles Rams (6) @ Green Bay Packers (1) -6.5</strong></p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 2 -->
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</div><p>The Rams enter this game in a slightly better spot than they did a week ago as their quarterback, Jared Goff, has had another week to nurse the broken thumb on his throwing hand that he's been recovering from. Goff <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/01/14/jared-goff-wanted-to-start-last-week-ready-to-start-this-week/" target="_blank">wanted to start last week</a>, but was held out by Sean McVay. This week McVay will have no other option as John Wolford has been ruled out with the neck injury he sustained in the Rams' Wild Card matchup.</p><p>The Rams will need another stellar performance from Cam Akers in their game against Green Bay in order to have a shot to win. Akers racked up 176 yards of total offense and a touchdown against Seattle last week. The Packers were ranked 14th in rushing yards allowed and 16th in rushing touchdowns allowed during the regular season. Akers will be tasked with keeping the chains moving and the Rams defense off the field throughout this game.</p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 3 -->
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<!-- End Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph --></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b057f351b442b1e66eed3d37c6b564b7" id="61f80"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1348432921334484992"><div style="margin:1em 0">Next week, we get Packers vs. Rams
No. 1 offense vs. No. 1 defense
This is gonna be a fun one https://t.co/uMGOkNiKnL</div> — SB Nation (@SB Nation)<a href="https://twitter.com/SBNation/statuses/1348432921334484992">1610326435.0</a></blockquote></div><p>As for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers will have a full complement of weapons at his disposal, and the connection to Davante Adams has been one of the league's most dangerous all year. It's to be seen how much we will see Aaron Jones used as Jamal Williams and rookie AJ Dillon have begun to get more touches. But if Jones manages to get going early, Matt LaFleur may decide to turn to his in both the run game and passing attack as he is one of the better receivers on the entire roster.<br/></p><p><strong>Prediction: Green Bay Packers 41 - Los Angeles Rams 27</strong></p><p><strong>Saturday 8:15 PM EST</strong></p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 4 -->
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</div><p><strong>Baltimore Ravens (5) @ Buffalo Bills (2) -2.5</strong></p><p>The Saturday night primetime game is one that we here at FindBet are particularly excited for. We'll get to see two of the best young quarterbacks dual it out to keep their team's hope of representing the AFC alive this postseason. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have a lot of similarities in the way they play, and they way they entered the league. </p><p>Allen and Jackson both carried a lot of question marks with them as they started their NFL careers, Jackson quickly dispelled many of them after his MVP campaign in 2019, however some have creeped their way back in as he found struggles during this season. Jackson has found his game again down the stretch though, and he appears to be back to the level of play we saw from him during his best moments from last year. </p><p>Allen's biggest detractor coming into the league was his accuracy. After seeing him play, his decision-making began to be called into question. After the Bills acquired Stefon Diggs from the Vikings, giving Allen a legitimate number one threat, Allen posted an MVP caliber season this year. Finishing inside the top five in passing yards, passing touchdowns, completion percentage, and QBR, Allen has developed into an elite NFL quarterback.<br/></p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 5 -->
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</div><p>There are other factors to consider here in determining a winner, mostly who will have success running the ball and controlling pace of play, but when it comes down to it, this is <em>Jackson v Allen 1</em> in what we expect to be a long running feud in the AFC for years to come.</p><p><strong>Prediction: Buffalo Bills 23 - Baltimore Ravens 21</strong></p><p><script async="" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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</script></p><p><strong>Sunday 3:05 PM EST</strong></p><p><strong>Cleveland Browns (6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1) -10</strong></p><p>Even though we as fans are satisfied with the accomplishments of the Browns this year, the Browns themselves are not. Injured Cleveland receiver, Odell Beckham, warned us this week to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30712260/odell-beckham-jr-surprised-cleveland-browns-pull-another-upset" target="_blank">not be surprised if we see another upset from the Browns </a>against the Chiefs this week. </p><div align="center" id="findbet_incontent_DMELS0">
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</div><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b342075cbaf7fa4bed2f1eea0a9d5edc" id="49657"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1348639007522086913"><div style="margin:1em 0">Baker vs Mahomes. Yes, please.
@gmfb @Chiefs @Browns https://t.co/FhfENGK7Kp</div> — Peter Schrager (@Peter Schrager)<a href="https://twitter.com/PSchrags/statuses/1348639007522086913">1610375570.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The Browns will have Head Coach Kevin Stefanski back on the sidelines this week and they'll also get some much needed help returning to the secondary in the form of All-Pro Denzel Ward and cornerback Kevin Johnson. The Browns will also hope to see LG Joel Bitonio and RT Jack Conklin in the lineup who were both on the sidelines as the clock ticked down in their win against Pittsburgh. <br/></p><p>Cleveland will rely on their strong rushing attack led by Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt to keep the offense flowing, but don't sleep on Baker Mayfield who is getting the ball out quickly and letting his receivers do work in the open field. The Browns offense has never looked better, but the buzz saw known as the Chiefs await.</p><p><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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</script></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="156a33475964b520fa4a20be46d0ddca" id="18c91"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1350112266029510663"><div style="margin:1em 0">"I'm feeling special today, as in upset special. The Browns have been heading North and Patrick Mahomes hasn't play… https://t.co/EZmrFXsSN0</div> — UNDISPUTED (@UNDISPUTED)<a href="https://twitter.com/undisputed/statuses/1350112266029510663">1610726822.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The Chiefs haven't lost a step since becoming world champs last year, if anything they're deeper and more dangerous on offense. Patrick Mahomes under center means that Kansas City is NEVER out of a game. The Chiefs enter this one as serious favorites, currently laying 10 points to Cleveland, but there's an X-factor worth keeping in mind. The Chiefs defensive strength is in their pass rush, but if Cleveland is able to extend drives by running the ball, keeping the ball out of Mahomes' hands and Mayfield hitting quick passes, the Chiefs defensive front will have limited opportunity to affect the game. <br/></p><p>Don't mind the spread, we think this will go down to the wire.</p><p><strong>Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 38 - Cleveland Browns 35</strong></p><p><strong>Sunday 6:40 PM EST</strong></p><p><strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5) @ New Orleans Saints (2) -3</strong></p><h3></h3><p>The final game of the weekend pits Tom Brady's Bucs against Drew Brees' Saints. The Bucs had ups and downs throughout the season allowing New Orleans to win the NFC South even through injuries to Brees, Michael Thomas, and Alvin Kamara throughout the season. In the teams' two divisional games in the regular season the Saints swept Tampa, defeating them opening day, and then again in a blowout 38-3 in Week 9.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="24e2adbb4076549cfadb7650f164e458" id="49639"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1348636783412719616"><div style="margin:1em 0">For the first time ever: @TomBrady vs @drewbrees in the Playoffs.
We'll see you this Sunday for @Buccaneers-… https://t.co/9L2iA2avQb</div> — FOX Sports: NFL (@FOX Sports: NFL)<a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/statuses/1348636783412719616">1610375040.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Both teams are in much different places now than when they last met. The Saints finally have Brees, Thomas, and Kamara healthy and while Brees was out with broken ribs, Taysom Hill filled in giving Sean Payton a few new wrinkles to throw in if he needs to dig deep into the playbook.<br/></p><p>The Buccaneers offense is firing at all cylinders now that Antonio Brown has joined the fray. Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones provide the Tampa backfield two solid options, and we saw Fournette rush for nearly 100 yards in their Wild Card game last week. With so much attention needing to be paid to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown expect Cameron Brate and Rob Gronkowski to be x-factors in this game. </p><p><strong>Prediction: New Orleans Saints 28 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27</strong></p>
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Baker Mayfield said the playoffs are the new "standard" for Cleveland and he keeps raising the bar
Nic Antaya/Getty Images
The opening round of the NFL Playoffs brought the drama and a few upsets to satiate the appetites of football fans across the nation.
We were treated to four upsets across the weekend that included the fifth seeded Ravens defeating the fourth seeded Titans, the fifth seeded Buccaneers taking out the fourth seeded Washington Football Team, the sixth seeded Rams stealing one from the third seeded Seahawks, and the Cleveland Browns with the biggest upset of the slate coming away with the victory over the Steelers, despite being undermanned due to multiple players and coaches being on the COVID-19 Reserve list.
The matchups for the Divisional Round are set now, and in the AFC we will see the Ravens go to Buffalo to square off with the Bills on Saturday in primetime and the Browns head to Kansas City for a date with the defending Super Bowl champs. In the NFC we get the Rams at Green Bay on Saturday in the early game, and Brady v. Brees III on Sunday night as the Bucs and Saints play for a chance to reach the NFC Championship Game.
Now that we know who will be there, let's take a look at how they got there.
<p><strong>(2) Buffalo 27 - (7) Indianapolis 24</strong></p><p><strong>Game MVP: Josh Allen</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img alt="Josh Allen Quarterback of the Buffalo Bills" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d0352af3389d537e9b2543bcbb2b3acf" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQzMzk1OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDExMDg4OX0.Z2Ne6zgtIQ7USxwgT2KgKpdY8IIkVtmm8Lv4kipAPXo/img.jpg?width=980" id="d4638" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Josh Allen has ascended to the elite tier of NFL QBs</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">James P. McCoy/Buffalo News</small></p><p>The Colts and Bills kicked off the playoffs in the first game of the weekend, and it didn't disappoint. Buffalo came away with a 27-24 win and Indianapolis had opportunities in the fourth quarter to score to tie or go ahead. The Bills defense made just enough plays to keep their team ahead as neither offense was able to keep momentum for too long throughout this one. A few costly drops by Colts receivers prevented the team from extending some promising drives and ultimately attributed towards their offense falling flat.<br/></p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 3 -->
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</div><h3></h3><p>As for Buffalo, we saw a healthy dose of what got them there in the first place: Josh Allen to Stefon Diggs. Allen and Diggs hooked up for 6 receptions and 128 yards including a decisive fourth quarter touchdown that helped the Bills to the win. Allen ended the day with 324 yards passing to go along with two passing touchdowns and also picked up 54 yards rushing and another touchdown on the ground. Another MVP caliber performance from a dark horse candidate to take home the award this season.</p><p>Buffalo will get Lamar Jackson and the Ravens next round and will see a much different style of offense than the Philip Rivers led Colts. Lamar, or Big Truss as some call him, is starting to play closer to the MVP-level we saw out of him last year, and that could spell disaster for the Bills Mafia on their Cinderella run. Baltimore loves to run with both Jackson and their talented rookie back J.K. Dobbins, and a key for Buffalo should be establishing their rushing attack to prevent Baltimore from being able to control the pace of the game. </p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 4 -->
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</div><p>If Baltimore gets their run attack going, and the Bills have a few three-and-outs early in the game, Buffalo's defense runs the risk of getting gassed out too early, which would allow Lamar to run all over them in the second half. Zack Moss and Devin Singletary only had 10 combined carries in the game against the Colts, which should increase next week against the Ravens.</p><!-- Ezoic - In-Content 5 -->
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<!-- End Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph --></p><p><strong>(6) Los Angeles 30 - (3) Seattle 20</strong></p><p><strong>Game MVP: Darious Williams</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img alt="Darious Williams DB of the Los Angeles Rams" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1c1e968b1f00d11b10aa5887da9f2cbc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQzMzk4Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODM2MDM3NH0.Uu5GEHPm7JkuO2awuz85Ck-vn-LriJwvZi728nOB1x8/img.jpg?width=980" id="07476" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Darious Williams came up with a pick-six in the Rams upset W</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times</small></p><p>The Rams weren't given much of a chance in this game. With John Wolford having to start the game and then exit early with an injury, it forced Jared Goff into the game despite recovering from a broken thumb on his throwing hand. Wolford left with a neck injury and was <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30681139/los-angeles-rams-start-qb-john-wolford-injured-jared-goff-vs-seattle-seahawks" target="_blank">brought to the hospital</a> but thankfully has since been released. Neither of the quarterbacks were particularly effective, but Goff managed to hit Robert Woods late in the game for a 15 yard score to put the game out of reach.<br/></p><p>It was Cam Akers who stepped up for his ailing QBs, as he amassed 131 yards on the ground, 45 yards on two catches, and a touchdown on the day. Russell Wilson again looked very average and was only able to post 174 yards passing in this must-win game. Wilson threw for two touchdowns but also had a pass intercepted and brought back for a touchdown by Darious Williams in the second quarter. Chris Carson did his job for Seattle, averaging 4.8 yards per carry while finishing with 77 yards on the ground. </p><div align="center" id="findbet_incontent_FNEF8U">
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</div><p>Sean McVay's Rams will draw the top seed in the NFC next round in the form of the Green Bay Packers. At least Goff will have another week to nurse his thumb, but unless he's able to throw downfield more effectively against Green Bay, the Rams could struggle to keep pace with one of the league's highest scoring offenses.</p><p><script async="" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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</script></p><p><strong>(5) Tampa Bay 31 - (4) Washington 23</strong></p><p><strong>Game MVP: Tom Brady</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img alt="Tom Brady QB of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="552f97b1f82c1063784f036b8c880dc7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQzNDAwNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzYzNTU5OH0.3pKdq3Vuogwv-PFnqWtJ0B62yvKz1RvYWOwEV0oJs2c/img.jpg?width=980" id="1eaea" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Tom Brady continues his winning ways in the playoffs with Tampa</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports</small></p><p>Tampa Bay came into this game the heavy favorites against Washington. On last week's episode of<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uqSb9KDSfc9r8lpidzrgd?si=_hEur2BbRdSRXPx2jJtmlA" target="_blank"> FindBet's podcast The Catch, </a><em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uqSb9KDSfc9r8lpidzrgd?si=_hEur2BbRdSRXPx2jJtmlA">The Catch,</a></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uqSb9KDSfc9r8lpidzrgd?si=_hEur2BbRdSRXPx2jJtmlA"> </a>we discussed how we thought the Football Team would put up a better fight than one might think. Behind the play of backup QB Taylor Heinicke, Washington was never out of the game until the closing moments. Although Brady and the Bucs will head to New Orleans for a duel with the Saints, an interesting storyline will be if Heinicke has played himself into consideration to enter the 2021 regular season as the Football Team's starting quarterback.<br/></p><p>Washington has a few young core players in Terry McLaurin, Antonio Gibson, and Cam Sims on the offensive side of the ball and are really just needing a consistent presence at quarterback to solidify their attack. Already boasting one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL, the Football Team could take a big jump next year if they're able to build on the foundation they have begun to lay under Ron Rivera.</p><p>As for the Buccaneers, it shouldn't be understated that they went into Washington and took care of their business. It's not as if they overlooked Washington, but let's be real, Brady had Drew Brees and the Saints in his peripheral as he was staring down Chase Young during this game. TB12 is looking very comfortable in Bruce Arians's offense at this point in the season and has been able to successfully utilize any combination of the weapons at his disposal to result in victories throughout the season.</p><p><strong>As they figure out how to best implement and deploy the talents of Antonio Brown, the Bucs have the look and feel of a Lamborghini roaring down an open highway. The only problem with a sports car going at exceeding speeds is that a little speed bump could cause a wreck.</strong> A healthy Michael Thomas and Drew Brees to pair with Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray awaits Tampa, and that's a <em>big</em> speed bump. </p><p><span></span>There has never been anyone better at winning playoff games than Tom Brady, and this is probably the most talented offense he's played with during his 20 year career. The Bucs got a strong performance from Leonard Fournette against Washington, as they saw him rack up 93 yards on the ground with a touchdown and added 39 yards on four catches. </p><p>Tampa will surely need a similar day from their rushing attack against New Orleans as Sean Payton will probably be sending blitzers to disrupt Tom Brady and try to slow down their passing attack. The Bucs would greatly benefit from a healthy performance from Fournette or Ronald Jones to help them come out on top next round. </p>
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