upi--2020-12-13--Quick-hitting snow to precede potential blockbuster storm across mid-Atlantic, Northeast

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- Mother Nature is going to be flipping the switch into full-blown winter mode in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic over the coming week as a pair of storm systems are expected to bring rounds of snowfall to the area .
The first of which could make for a tricky commute as early as Monday morning .
The storm in question for the mid-Atlantic and Northeast is already underway across the south-central United States , bringing snowfall to places like Oklahoma City .
Courtesy of very fast jet stream winds well above the Earth 's surface @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southern states late Sunday and Sunday night , reaching the eastern Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic states prior to sunrise on Monday .
As the storm treks into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast , travel conditions on portions of interstates 64 , 68 , 77 and 81 , especially across the high terrain and ridge tops of the Appalachians , may feature slick to snow-covered roadways for morning commuters on Monday .
Depending on the speed of the storm system , portions of the Pennsylvania Turnpike could even feature a few slick spots prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to expand northeastward through the day on Monday , tracking across eastern Pennsylvania , upstate New York and even into southern New England .
During the daytime hours , temperatures are expected to be just marginally low enough to support snow rather than a chilly rain , so the higher snowfall accumulations may likely be found on non-paved and elevated surfaces .
If temperatures end up being just a few degrees lower than expected , poor road conditions could end up being more widespread along the expected path of the snowfall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may end up slightly exceeding the current forecast .
Closer to the coast , places like Philadelphia , New York City and nearly all of New Jersey may have some snowflakes mix in , but temperatures are expected to be just high enough for the primary precipitation type to fall as rain .
Again , if temperatures are slightly lower , a quick coating of snow is not completely out of the question .
As temperatures drop through the evening hours on Monday , any remaining untreated roads from West Virginia to eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to feature localized slick spots , so we urge any travelers to take it slow in ice and snow .
Black ice can also develop in these conditions , so it is best to err on the side of caution if traveling Monday evening .
While this storm will likely not end up being of blockbuster proportions early week , this will serve as a good reminder that it is time to make sure snow blowers are running properly and that it may be time to stock up on de-icing agents like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm does n't require residents to bust out the shovels and snow blowers , another storm that will be brewing by midweek surely will .
The primary impactful weather from this system will come from the snowy side of the storm , but there will also be a round of chilly rain that will traverse the mid-Atlantic and Southeast as well .
The steadiest rain is expected to stretch from the Deep South and Tennessee Valley on Sunday night into the southern Appalachians and Piedmont of the Carolinas and Virginia , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
A fairly widespread swath of 1 to 2 inches of rain is likely , which may lead to localized ponding on roadways and minor flooding in typical flood-prone areas .
The storm system will largely track off the East coast by Monday evening , bringing an end to wet and wintry weather .
A brief lull in wet weather is expected on Tuesday before the next winter storm develops by midweek .

Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Mother Nature is going to be flipping the switch into full-blown winter mode in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic over the coming week as a pair of storm systems are expected to bring rounds of snowfall to the area. The first of which could make for a tricky commute as early as Monday morning. The storm in question for the mid-Atlantic and Northeast is already underway across the south-central United States, bringing snowfall to places like Oklahoma City. Courtesy of very fast jet stream winds well above the Earth's surface, the storm will quickly race through the Southern states late Sunday and Sunday night, reaching the eastern Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic states prior to sunrise on Monday. Advertisement
As the storm treks into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, travel conditions on portions of interstates 64, 68, 77 and 81, especially across the high terrain and ridge tops of the Appalachians, may feature slick to snow-covered roadways for morning commuters on Monday. Depending on the speed of the storm system, portions of the Pennsylvania Turnpike could even feature a few slick spots prior to noon as well.
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Snow will continue to expand northeastward through the day on Monday, tracking across eastern Pennsylvania, upstate New York and even into southern New England. During the daytime hours, temperatures are expected to be just marginally low enough to support snow rather than a chilly rain, so the higher snowfall accumulations may likely be found on non-paved and elevated surfaces.
If temperatures end up being just a few degrees lower than expected, poor road conditions could end up being more widespread along the expected path of the snowfall. On top of that, snowfall totals may end up slightly exceeding the current forecast.
Closer to the coast, places like Philadelphia, New York City and nearly all of New Jersey may have some snowflakes mix in, but temperatures are expected to be just high enough for the primary precipitation type to fall as rain. Again, if temperatures are slightly lower, a quick coating of snow is not completely out of the question.
As temperatures drop through the evening hours on Monday, any remaining untreated roads from West Virginia to eastern Pennsylvania and into southern New England will continue to feature localized slick spots, so we urge any travelers to take it slow in ice and snow. Black ice can also develop in these conditions, so it is best to err on the side of caution if traveling Monday evening.
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While this storm will likely not end up being of blockbuster proportions early week, this will serve as a good reminder that it is time to make sure snow blowers are running properly and that it may be time to stock up on de-icing agents like rock salt or sand. If this storm doesn't require residents to bust out the shovels and snow blowers, another storm that will be brewing by midweek surely will.
The primary impactful weather from this system will come from the snowy side of the storm, but there will also be a round of chilly rain that will traverse the mid-Atlantic and Southeast as well.
The steadiest rain is expected to stretch from the Deep South and Tennessee Valley on Sunday night into the southern Appalachians and Piedmont of the Carolinas and Virginia, as well as the Delmarva Peninsula into the day on Monday.
A fairly widespread swath of 1 to 2 inches of rain is likely, which may lead to localized ponding on roadways and minor flooding in typical flood-prone areas.
The storm system will largely track off the East coast by Monday evening, bringing an end to wet and wintry weather. A brief lull in wet weather is expected on Tuesday before the next winter storm develops by midweek.


upi--2020-12-13--Bipartisan lawmakers to introduce $908B coronavirus relief bill Monday

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- Sen. Joe Manchin on Sunday said a bipartisan group of lawmakers plan to introduce their $ 908 billion COVID-19 relief bill on Monday .
Manchin , D-W.Va. , told Fox News Sunday the bipartisan negotiators will introduce the bill he said would serve as an emergency measure to help the nation survive the first fiscal quarter of 2021 after a call on Saturday and another on Sunday to `` finish things up . ''
`` The bottom line is there 's a lot of parts to this ... You ca n't let the perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Manchin .
`` We 're trying to get through the toughest first quarter of our country that we 've ever faced .
We 've got people without nutrition , without shelter .
We 've got people without paychecks that are unemployed .
We have health care workers .
We have schools that need to be attended to .
This covers all of that .
This is strictly an emergency measure . ''
Sen. Bill Cassidy , R-La.
, hailed the bipartisan nature of the talks while appearing on CNN 's State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're the only one where people have come together from both parties and said , 'Listen , I 'm not with you on that , but if you give me this , I 'll give you that because we 've got ta do something for the American people , ' '' said Cassidy .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , backed the bill which calls for $ 288 billion in small-business support and $ 180 billion for extended unemployment insurance , among other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell , however , opposed the measure , calling for a package that included neither funding for state and local governments nor liability protections for businesses as the White House proposed a $ 916 billion bill offering both .
House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer , D-Md.
, said the party may be willing to concede state and local funding to pass a relief bill .
`` In the legislative process , nobody ever gets everything they want , '' Hoyer said .
`` And , in fact , when you have a divided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critically important that we deal with these very , very important objectives even if we do n't get , on either side , everything we want . ''

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is set to release a $908 billion COVID-19 relief bill on Monday as Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said the nation faces its "toughest first quarter" ever. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Sen. Joe Manchin on Sunday said a bipartisan group of lawmakers plan to introduce their $908 billion COVID-19 relief bill on Monday. Manchin, D-W.Va., told Fox News Sunday the bipartisan negotiators will introduce the bill he said would serve as an emergency measure to help the nation survive the first fiscal quarter of 2021 after a call on Saturday and another on Sunday to "finish things up." Advertisement
"The bottom line is there's a lot of parts to this ... You can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good," said Manchin. "We're trying to get through the toughest first quarter of our country that we've ever faced. We've got people without nutrition, without shelter. We've got people without paychecks that are unemployed. We have health care workers. We have schools that need to be attended to. This covers all of that. This is strictly an emergency measure."
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., hailed the bipartisan nature of the talks while appearing on CNN's State of the Union Sunday.
"We're the only one where people have come together from both parties and said, 'Listen, I'm not with you on that, but if you give me this, I'll give you that because we've gotta do something for the American people,'" said Cassidy.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., backed the bill which calls for $288 billion in small-business support and $180 billion for extended unemployment insurance, among other fiscal appropriations.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, however, opposed the measure, calling for a package that included neither funding for state and local governments nor liability protections for businesses as the White House proposed a $916 billion bill offering both.
House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the party may be willing to concede state and local funding to pass a relief bill.
"In the legislative process, nobody ever gets everything they want," Hoyer said. "And, in fact, when you have a divided government and divided Congress, it's critically important that we deal with these very, very important objectives even if we don't get, on either side, everything we want."


upi--2020-12-13--Auburn fires football coach Gus Malzahn

Auburn fires football coach Gus Malzahn

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- Auburn University has fired football coach Gus Malzahn after eight seasons , the school said Sunday .
Malzahn had a 68-35 record with the Tigers .
Auburn ( 6-4 ) beat Mississippi State in its final game of the season on Saturday in Starkville , Miss .
`` After evaluating the state of the Auburn football program , we 've decided that it was time to make a change in leadership , '' Auburn athletic director Allen Greene said in a news release .
`` We appreciate everything that Gus did for the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will begin a search immediately for a coach that can help the Auburn program consistently compete at the highest level . ''
Malzahn led the Tigers to a Southeastern Conference title and a national championship appearance in his first season ( 2017 ) .
Malzahn 's Tigers went 9-4 in 2019 .
`` Coach Malzahn led the Auburn football program with honor and integrity , '' Auburn president Jay Gogue said .
`` We appreciate his service to Auburn athletics , Auburn University and , in particular , our student-athletes .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kristi all the best . ''
Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will assume the interim coach role after Malzahn 's departure .

Auburn fired head coach Gus Malzahn on Sunday, less than 24 hours after he led the Tigers to a win over Mississippi State. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Auburn University has fired football coach Gus Malzahn after eight seasons, the school said Sunday. Malzahn had a 68-35 record with the Tigers. Auburn (6-4) beat Mississippi State in its final game of the season on Saturday in Starkville, Miss. Advertisement
"After evaluating the state of the Auburn football program, we've decided that it was time to make a change in leadership," Auburn athletic director Allen Greene said in a news release. "We appreciate everything that Gus did for the program over the last eight seasons.
"We will begin a search immediately for a coach that can help the Auburn program consistently compete at the highest level."
Malzahn led the Tigers to a Southeastern Conference title and a national championship appearance in his first season (2017). Malzahn's Tigers went 9-4 in 2019.
"Coach Malzahn led the Auburn football program with honor and integrity," Auburn president Jay Gogue said. "We appreciate his service to Auburn athletics, Auburn University and, in particular, our student-athletes. We wish him and [his wife] Kristi all the best."
Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will assume the interim coach role after Malzahn's departure.
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upi--2020-12-13--Missed FG, shoe throw cost Florida in upset loss to LSU

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- A missed field goal and a thrown shoe played crucial roles in Florida 's upset loss to LSU .
`` I do n't know , '' Florida coach Dan Mullen reporters after the 37-34 loss on Saturday in Gainesville , Fla. '' I guess that 's a penalty .
I have no idea what happened .
I did n't see it . ''
Tigers kicker Cade York made a 57-yard field goal with 23 seconds remaining to give LSU the final advantage .
The kick came after Gators cornerback Marco Wilson threw the shoe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which allowed LSU to extend its last drive and attempt the kick .
Gators kicker Evan McPherson later attempted a 51-yard field goal , but the kick sailed wide left as time expired .
`` They seemed to make the plays they needed to make to win , '' Mullen said .
`` We made every play you need to make to lose . ''
The Gators ( 8-2 ) entered the game at No .
6 in the College Football Playoff rankings , while the Tigers ( 4-5 ) are unranked and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
1 Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Saturday in Atlanta .
Gators quarterback Kyle Trask completed 29 of 47 passes for 474 yards , two scores and two interceptions in Saturday 's loss .
He also had two rushing touchdowns .
Tigers quarterback Max Johnson completed 21 of 36 passes for 239 yards and three scores in the win .
The Gators and Tigers combined for more than 1,000 total yards .
Trask gave the Gators a 7-0 lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ five-yard touchdown toss to Jaray Jenkins .
Eli Ricks then intercepted Trask at the start of the second quarter .
He returned the interception for a 68-yard touchdown .
McPherson made a field goal before Trask threw a touchdown pass to Jacob Copeland to give the Gators a 17-14 lead 2:25 before halftime .
Johnson then answered with a touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte .
York added a field goal at the end of the quarter to give the Tigers a 24-17 lead at the break .
York made another field goal on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half .
Trask then scored a rushing touchdown and threw a touchdown pass on the Gators ' first two drives of the third quarter to give Florida a 31-27 lead .
Johnson then got the lead back for the Tigers with a four-yard touchdown pass to Tre Bradford with 13:14 remaining in the game .
McPherson tied the score on a field goal with 2:51 remaining before LSU took control of the ball for its final drive .
The Tigers started the drive on their own 25-yard line .
The Gators stopped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3rd and 10 before Wilson committed the unsportsmanlike penalty to extend the drive .
Johnson then marched the Tigers to the Gators 39-yard line to set up York 's go-ahead field goal .
Trask responded and completed three-consecutive passes to get the Gators to the Tigers 33-yard line before McPherson missed his game-tying attempt .
`` We felt that we could win , '' Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said .
`` We had n't played very well and I 'm just so proud of the grit and the toughness .
A lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players giving it everything they got for the Tigers . ''
The Tigers host Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday in Baton Rouge , La .

Dec. 13 (UPI) -- A missed field goal and a thrown shoe played crucial roles in Florida's upset loss to LSU.
"I don't know," Florida coach Dan Mullen reporters after the 37-34 loss on Saturday in Gainesville, Fla.
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"I guess that's a penalty. I have no idea what happened. I didn't see it."
Tigers kicker Cade York made a 57-yard field goal with 23 seconds remaining to give LSU the final advantage. The kick came after Gators cornerback Marco Wilson threw the shoe of Tigers tight end Kole Taylor, which allowed LSU to extend its last drive and attempt the kick.
Gators kicker Evan McPherson later attempted a 51-yard field goal, but the kick sailed wide left as time expired.
"They seemed to make the plays they needed to make to win," Mullen said. "We made every play you need to make to lose."
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The Gators (8-2) entered the game at No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings, while the Tigers (4-5) are unranked and the defending national champion. Florida faces No. 1 Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Saturday in Atlanta.
Gators quarterback Kyle Trask completed 29 of 47 passes for 474 yards, two scores and two interceptions in Saturday's loss. He also had two rushing touchdowns. Tigers quarterback Max Johnson completed 21 of 36 passes for 239 yards and three scores in the win.
The Gators and Tigers combined for more than 1,000 total yards.
Trask gave the Gators a 7-0 lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. LSU then answered when Johnson completed a five-yard touchdown toss to Jaray Jenkins.
Eli Ricks then intercepted Trask at the start of the second quarter. He returned the interception for a 68-yard touchdown. McPherson made a field goal before Trask threw a touchdown pass to Jacob Copeland to give the Gators a 17-14 lead 2:25 before halftime.
Johnson then answered with a touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte. York added a field goal at the end of the quarter to give the Tigers a 24-17 lead at the break.
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York made another field goal on the Tigers first drive of the second half. Trask then scored a rushing touchdown and threw a touchdown pass on the Gators' first two drives of the third quarter to give Florida a 31-27 lead.
Johnson then got the lead back for the Tigers with a four-yard touchdown pass to Tre Bradford with 13:14 remaining in the game.
McPherson tied the score on a field goal with 2:51 remaining before LSU took control of the ball for its final drive. The Tigers started the drive on their own 25-yard line. The Gators stopped the Tigers short of a first down on 3rd and 10 before Wilson committed the unsportsmanlike penalty to extend the drive.
Johnson then marched the Tigers to the Gators 39-yard line to set up York's go-ahead field goal. Trask responded and completed three-consecutive passes to get the Gators to the Tigers 33-yard line before McPherson missed his game-tying attempt.
"We felt that we could win," Tigers coach Ed Orgeron said. "We hadn't played very well and I'm just so proud of the grit and the toughness. A lot of young players and a lot of old players giving it everything they got for the Tigers."
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The Tigers host Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday in Baton Rouge, La.


upi--2020-12-13--Lucas Zelarayan leads Columbus Crew to MLS Cup title

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- Argentine midfielder Lucas Zelarayan scored twice to lead the Columbus Crew to a 3-0 win over the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final in Columbus , Ohio .
Zelarayan scored in the 25th and 82nd minutes of the victory on Saturday at Mapfre Stadium .
Derrick Etienne also scored for the Crew .
`` I think by the second match [ this season ] , I knew we were going to do great things this year , '' Zelarayn told reporters .
`` We had a lot of trust , we had great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of goalkeepers , defenders , midfielders and I knew we were going to achieve great things this year . ''
The win gave Columbus its second championship in franchise history .
The Sounders were attempting to win a second consecutive MLS Cup title .
`` It has been an incredible journey for the club , the city and the people of Columbus , '' Crew captain Jonathan Mensah said .
`` We are so grateful for their sacrifices off the field .
We are thankful for our amazing fanbase behind us .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right back Harrison Afful set up the first score .
Afful dribbled up the right flank before he launched a pass toward the far post .
Zelarayan then darted through the box before he used his left foot for a volley past Sounders keeper Stefan Frei .
Etienne doubled the lead about five minutes later off a Zelarayan assist .
Zelarayan collected a loose ball in the box during that sequence .
He then squared up for a shot before he faked the attempt and sent a pass to his left .
Etienne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far-post netting .
The Crew carried the narrow lead through halftime before Zelarayan scored his second goal .
Luis Diaz Espinoza dribbled into the box from the right side during that play .
He then found a wide-open Zelarayan at the top of the box .
Zelarayan took one touch before he blasted a shot into the upper-left corner of the net to beat Frei for a third time .
Frei and Crew keeper Eloy Room had two saves apiece on Saturday .
The Crew picked up the victory despite having just 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard and fought until the end , but came up short , '' Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said of his team .
`` In the long run , I think there is a lot of success that follows this franchise .
We hope to continue that . ''

Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Argentine midfielder Lucas Zelarayan scored twice to lead the Columbus Crew to a 3-0 win over the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final in Columbus, Ohio.
Zelarayan scored in the 25th and 82nd minutes of the victory on Saturday at Mapfre Stadium. Derrick Etienne also scored for the Crew.
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"I think by the second match [this season], I knew we were going to do great things this year," Zelarayn told reporters.
"We had a lot of trust, we had great players, we had a great pair of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and I knew we were going to achieve great things this year."
The win gave Columbus its second championship in franchise history. The Sounders were attempting to win a second consecutive MLS Cup title.
"It has been an incredible journey for the club, the city and the people of Columbus," Crew captain Jonathan Mensah said.
"We are so grateful for their sacrifices off the field. We are thankful for our amazing fanbase behind us. We did this for them."
Crew right back Harrison Afful set up the first score. Afful dribbled up the right flank before he launched a pass toward the far post. Zelarayan then darted through the box before he used his left foot for a volley past Sounders keeper Stefan Frei.
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Etienne doubled the lead about five minutes later off a Zelarayan assist. Zelarayan collected a loose ball in the box during that sequence. He then squared up for a shot before he faked the attempt and sent a pass to his left.
Etienne then grounded a one-touch shot into the far-post netting.
The Crew carried the narrow lead through halftime before Zelarayan scored his second goal. Luis Diaz Espinoza dribbled into the box from the right side during that play. He then found a wide-open Zelarayan at the top of the box.
Zelarayan took one touch before he blasted a shot into the upper-left corner of the net to beat Frei for a third time.
Frei and Crew keeper Eloy Room had two saves apiece on Saturday. The Crew picked up the victory despite having just 35% ball possession.
WE'RE GONNA WIN TODAY AND WE'RE GONNA CAUSE A SCENE... pic.twitter.com/agI0BcvKDK— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) December 13, 2020
"They worked hard and fought until the end, but came up short," Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said of his team. "In the long run, I think there is a lot of success that follows this franchise. We hope to continue that."


upi--2020-12-13--First shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sent out to states

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield on Sunday approved Pfizer and BioNTech 's COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to patients as the first vials departed from shipping facilities .
Redfield accepted the recommendation of the CDC 's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that the vaccine may be administered to people 16 and older .
Trucks carrying approximately 184,275 vials of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech departed Pfizer 's facility in Kalamazoo , Mich. , on Sunday with a combined 189 boxes of the vaccine expected to be distributed among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn on Sunday said he hopes COVID-19 vaccines are administered to patients as early as Monday .
`` We 've seen the vaccines go out , we 've seen the press reports of hospitals waiting to vaccinate healthcare workers and those most vulnerable according to the recommendations of the ACIP and the CDC .
So , it would be my greatest hope and desire that [ they ] occur tomorrow , '' Hahn told CNN on Sunday of prospects for administering the vaccines .
Overall Pfizer is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doses of the vaccine this week via UPS and Fed Ex , said Gen. Gustave Perna , chief operating officer of the White House 's vaccine distribution plan Operation Warp Speed .
In addition to the vials that were shipped out on Sunday morning , another 3,900 are set to ship to U.S. territories later in the day followed by another 39,000 to ship on Monday for arrival Tuesday .
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said the drugmaker was leveraging manufacturing plants in Michigan , Missouri and Massachusetts to produce and distribute the vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prouder of my fellow Pfizer colleagues and partners at BioNTech , '' Bourla said .
`` Their historic science-driven effort has delivered a vaccine with the potential to help bring an end to the most devastating pandemic in a century . ''
The initial rollout of the vaccine is set to prioritize delivering inoculations to high-risk populations such as hospital workers and nursing home staff and residents with widespread availability expected in late spring or early summer of 2021 .
Hahn on Sunday also said that studies are `` being planned or in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on children , but did not clarify when it might be available for children younger than 16 .
`` As soon as possible , obviously with great speed , '' he said .
`` Sometimes there are gaps in information and we have to fill those gaps in information after something like an emergency use authorization to get the answers to the questions that you 're asking . ''

Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield on Sunday approved Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to patients as the first vials departed from shipping facilities.
Redfield accepted the recommendation of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that the vaccine may be administered to people 16 and older.
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Trucks carrying approximately 184,275 vials of the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech departed Pfizer's facility in Kalamazoo, Mich., on Sunday with a combined 189 boxes of the vaccine expected to be distributed among all 50 states on Monday.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn on Sunday said he hopes COVID-19 vaccines are administered to patients as early as Monday.
"We've seen the vaccines go out, we've seen the press reports of hospitals waiting to vaccinate healthcare workers and those most vulnerable according to the recommendations of the ACIP and the CDC. So, it would be my greatest hope and desire that [they] occur tomorrow," Hahn told CNN on Sunday of prospects for administering the vaccines.
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Overall Pfizer is set to deliver an estimated 2.9 million doses of the vaccine this week via UPS and Fed Ex, said Gen. Gustave Perna, chief operating officer of the White House's vaccine distribution plan Operation Warp Speed.
In addition to the vials that were shipped out on Sunday morning, another 3,900 are set to ship to U.S. territories later in the day followed by another 39,000 to ship on Monday for arrival Tuesday.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said the drugmaker was leveraging manufacturing plants in Michigan, Missouri and Massachusetts to produce and distribute the vaccines quickly.
"I couldn't be prouder of my fellow Pfizer colleagues and partners at BioNTech," Bourla said. "Their historic science-driven effort has delivered a vaccine with the potential to help bring an end to the most devastating pandemic in a century."
The initial rollout of the vaccine is set to prioritize delivering inoculations to high-risk populations such as hospital workers and nursing home staff and residents with widespread availability expected in late spring or early summer of 2021.
Hahn on Sunday also said that studies are "being planned or in progress now" for testing the vaccine on children, but did not clarify when it might be available for children younger than 16.
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"As soon as possible, obviously with great speed," he said. "Sometimes there are gaps in information and we have to fill those gaps in information after something like an emergency use authorization to get the answers to the questions that you're asking."


upi--2020-12-13--SpaceX launches satellite for SiriusXM from Florida

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- SpaceX launched a radio communications satellite for SiriusXM from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday afternoon amid blue skids and puffy clouds , two days after scrubbing the flight with 30 seconds until liftoff .
SpaceX had originally targeted the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket for 11:22 a.m. Sunday but pushed it back until 12:30 p.m. , which was `` optimized for launch and recovery , '' the company posted on Twitter .
There was a window of one hour and 59 minutes .
And the weather had improved to 80 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company did n't say what caused the halt Friday , which occurred before the rocket was to lift off at 12:55 p.m. EST from Complex 40 .
The launch was the 25th SpaceX launch this year and the seventh for the reusable first-stage booster .
It previously launched an uncrewed Crew Dragon test flight for NASA in 2019 .
The first stage separated from the Falcon 9 and landed about 9 minutes after liftoff on a drone ship , Just Read the Instructions , in the Atlantic Ocean .
The satellite , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SiriusXM 's entertainment and data services to more than 100 million subscribers in North America , according to the company .
SiriusXM and its streaming app , Pandora , reach 150 million people per month , the company said .
`` Following ... the launch , the [ satellite ] will join five other satellites in SiriusXM 's active satellite fleet , '' Kate Tice , a SpaceX senior engineer , said during a live broadcast .
`` After joining the fleet , there 's an expectation that it will replace the XM-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March 2005 .
Maxar has built all seven of SiriusXM 's satellites , including the first spacecraft that were launched in 2000 .
XM Satellite Radio 's first broadcast was in 2001 , nearly four months before Sirius .
The two companies merged in 2008 .
The satellite includes a large antenna and solar arrays that span 100 feet when unfurled , weighing in total more than 15,400 pounds .
Built by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto , Calif. , it is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched a Delta IV Heavy spy satellite for the U.S. government from a nearby pad .

1/7
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the SXM 7 satellite at 12:30 p.m. for SiriusXM from Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida on Sunday. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 13 (UPI) -- SpaceX launched a radio communications satellite for SiriusXM from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday afternoon amid blue skids and puffy clouds, two days after scrubbing the flight with 30 seconds until liftoff. SpaceX had originally targeted the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket for 11:22 a.m. Sunday but pushed it back until 12:30 p.m., which was "optimized for launch and recovery," the company posted on Twitter. Advertisement
There was a window of one hour and 59 minutes. And the weather had improved to 80 percent "favorable," SpaceX tweeted.
The company didn't say what caused the halt Friday, which occurred before the rocket was to lift off at 12:55 p.m. EST from Complex 40.
The launch was the 25th SpaceX launch this year and the seventh for the reusable first-stage booster. It previously launched an uncrewed Crew Dragon test flight for NASA in 2019.
The first stage separated from the Falcon 9 and landed about 9 minutes after liftoff on a drone ship, Just Read the Instructions, in the Atlantic Ocean.
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The satellite, SXM-7, is to aid delivery of SiriusXM's entertainment and data services to more than 100 million subscribers in North America, according to the company. SiriusXM and its streaming app, Pandora, reach 150 million people per month, the company said.
"Following ... the launch, the [satellite] will join five other satellites in SiriusXM's active satellite fleet," Kate Tice, a SpaceX senior engineer, said during a live broadcast. "After joining the fleet, there's an expectation that it will replace the XM-3 satellite."
The XM-3 was launched in March 2005. Maxar has built all seven of SiriusXM's satellites, including the first spacecraft that were launched in 2000.
XM Satellite Radio's first broadcast was in 2001, nearly four months before Sirius. The two companies merged in 2008.
The satellite includes a large antenna and solar arrays that span 100 feet when unfurled, weighing in total more than 15,400 pounds. Built by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, Calif., it is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.
On Thursday night, United Launch Alliance launched a Delta IV Heavy spy satellite for the U.S. government from a nearby pad.
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Paul Brinkmann contributed to this report.


upi--2020-12-13--Ashanti tests positive for coronavirus; Verzuz show postponed

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- Singer-songwriter Ashanti said on social media she has tested positive for the coronavirus and had to cancel a performance this weekend .
`` We all go through lessons in life ... and hopefully this serves as a lesson that this pandemic is very real ... thank you guys so much for all of your love and prayers ...
Thank you to everyone supporting the verzuz ... much love to @ keyshiacole and we 'll see y'all on January 9th !
!
!
2021 Women Empowerment @ verzuztv @ applemusic @ femmeitforward , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
The canceled Verzuz show was to have streamed online and featured Ashanti and Keyshia Cole performing in person .
It has been rescheduled for Jan. 9 .
The Twitter account for the event said Saturday : `` Unfortunately , we have to postpone tonight 's # VERZUZ .
Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 , and we can not put anyone at risk in the process .
First time this has struck us so close to show time .
We apologize to our incredible audience ! ''
The news broke the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died due to complications of COVID-19 .
He was 86 .

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Ashanti has tested positive for the coronavirus. File Photo by Serena Xu-Ning/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Singer-songwriter Ashanti said on social media she has tested positive for the coronavirus and had to cancel a performance this weekend. "We all go through lessons in life... and hopefully this serves as a lesson that this pandemic is very real... thank you guys so much for all of your love and prayers...Thank you to everyone supporting the verzuz... much love to @keyshiacole and we'll see y'all on January 9th!!! 2021 Women Empowerment @verzuztv @applemusic @femmeitforward," the 40-year-old entertainer said in an Instagram post on Saturday. Advertisement
The canceled Verzuz show was to have streamed online and featured Ashanti and Keyshia Cole performing in person. It has been rescheduled for Jan. 9.
The Twitter account for the event said Saturday: "Unfortunately, we have to postpone tonight's #VERZUZ. Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. First time this has struck us so close to show time. We apologize to our incredible audience!"
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The news broke the same day country music legend Charley Pride died due to complications of COVID-19. He was 86.


upi--2020-12-13--Fantasy football: Kelce, Ebron lead Week 14 tight end rankings

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Travis Kelce , Eric Ebron , Darren Waller , Rob Gronkowski and Hunter Henry lead my Week 14 fantasy football tight end rankings for 2020 .
Robert Tonyan , Mike Gesicki , Noah Fant , Dallas Goedert and Evan Engram round out my Top 10 options at the position .
Tyler Eifert is one of my favorite sleepers this week .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability .
Bye weeks have ended , so you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finding a good defensive matchup for your tight end .
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's Top 20 rankings : Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is my top option this week and for the remainder of the fantasy football playoffs .
Kelce has had at least 100 receiving yards in four of his last five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of his last three games and remains one of the most-targeted players in the NFL .
He has a tough matchup this week against the Miami Dolphins , but I think he 'll still have enough success in the red zone to end up as the top tight end for Week 14 .
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron had a season-high 68 receiving yards in Week 13 .
He has also had at least four catches in three consecutive games .
This week , the Steelers face the Buffalo Bills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ points per game to the position .
I expect Ebron to haul in at least seven catches for 60 yards and a score .
He is my No .
2 tight end .
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry lands at No .
5 in my rankings .
Henry only had one catch for five yards in Week 13 , but had been hot in his three previous games .
I expect another stellar fantasy football performance from Henry this week , when the Chargers face the Atlanta Falcons .
The Falcons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game to the position .
Henry is a must-start in leagues that have a tight end slot .
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant is another TE1 candidate in Week 14 .
Fant has n't been in the end zone much this season , but is drawing enough targets for starter consideration in tight end leagues that have at least 12 teams .
The Broncos face the Carolina Panthers in Week 14 .
The Panthers have allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to tight ends .
Fant is my No .
8 option .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Philadelphia Eagles offense , even after the return of fellow tight end Zach Ertz .
Goedert has had at least 65 receiving yards in each of his last three games as he heads into a Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints .
The Saints have a very strong defense this year , but I expect new Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to target Goedert enough for a productive fantasy football performance .
Goedert is a near-lock for at least eight targets .
He is my No .
9 option .
Jacksonville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dart-throw option for the position in Week 14 .
I have Eifert at No .
16 in my rankings .
The Jaguars host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday .
The Titans have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends .
Eifert had a season-high six catches in Week 13 .
I expect him to continue to see looks in the Jaguars offense down the stretch .
He is a stream-worthy tight end option for Week 14 , but only if you are desperate at the position .

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is my No. 1 fantasy football option for his position for Week 14. File Photo by Kyle Rivas/UPIfa | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Travis Kelce, Eric Ebron, Darren Waller, Rob Gronkowski and Hunter Henry lead my Week 14 fantasy football tight end rankings for 2020. Robert Tonyan, Mike Gesicki, Noah Fant, Dallas Goedert and Evan Engram round out my Top 10 options at the position. Tyler Eifert is one of my favorite sleepers this week. Advertisement
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability. Bye weeks have ended, so you should have more options when it comes to finding a good defensive matchup for your tight end.
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason.
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Here are some of my favorite players in this week's Top 20 rankings:
TOP SHELF
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is my top option this week and for the remainder of the fantasy football playoffs. Kelce has had at least 100 receiving yards in four of his last five games. He has also scored in two of his last three games and remains one of the most-targeted players in the NFL.
He has a tough matchup this week against the Miami Dolphins, but I think he'll still have enough success in the red zone to end up as the top tight end for Week 14.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron had a season-high 68 receiving yards in Week 13. He has also had at least four catches in three consecutive games. This week, the Steelers face the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position.
I expect Ebron to haul in at least seven catches for 60 yards and a score. He is my No. 2 tight end.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry lands at No. 5 in my rankings. Henry only had one catch for five yards in Week 13, but had been hot in his three previous games.
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I expect another stellar fantasy football performance from Henry this week, when the Chargers face the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Henry is a must-start in leagues that have a tight end slot.
Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant is another TE1 candidate in Week 14. Fant hasn't been in the end zone much this season, but is drawing enough targets for starter consideration in tight end leagues that have at least 12 teams.
The Broncos face the Carolina Panthers in Week 14. The Panthers have allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to tight ends. Fant is my No. 8 option.
LONGSHOTS
Dallas Goedert continues to see targets in the Philadelphia Eagles offense, even after the return of fellow tight end Zach Ertz. Goedert has had at least 65 receiving yards in each of his last three games as he heads into a Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints have a very strong defense this year, but I expect new Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to target Goedert enough for a productive fantasy football performance. Goedert is a near-lock for at least eight targets. He is my No. 9 option.
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Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tyler Eifert is a dart-throw option for the position in Week 14. I have Eifert at No. 16 in my rankings.
The Jaguars host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Titans have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Eifert had a season-high six catches in Week 13. I expect him to continue to see looks in the Jaguars offense down the stretch.
He is a stream-worthy tight end option for Week 14, but only if you are desperate at the position.
Week 14 fantasy football tight end rankings
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs at MIA
2. Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers at BUF
3. Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders vs. IND
4. Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. MIN
5. Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers vs. ATL
6. Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers at DET
7. Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins vs. KC
8. Noah Fant, Denver Broncos at CAR
9. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles vs. NO
10. Evan Engram, New York Giants vs. ARI
11. Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys at CIN
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12. Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons at LAC
13. T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions vs. GB
14. Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team at SF
15. Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints at PHI
16. Tyler Eifert, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TEN
17. Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYJ
18. Jordan Reed, San Francisco 49ers vs. WAS
19. Anthony Firkser, Tennessee Titans at JAX
20. Jordan Akins, Houston Texans at CHI
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-13--Fantasy football: Wilson, Herbert, Jackson top Week 14 quarterback rankings

Justin Herbert , Lamar Jackson , Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady round out my Top 5 options for Week 14 .
Patrick Mahomes , Ryan Tannehill , Matt Ryan , Kyler Murray and Ben Roethlisberger also land in my Top 10 .
I also would consider starting Sam Darnold this week -- but only if you are extremely desperate at the position and in a league with at least 14 teams .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability .
Bye weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more options when it comes to finding good defensive matchups for your quarterback .
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : Russell Wilson looked like the league 's runaway MVP earlier this season , but has struggled lately .
The Seattle Seahawks star ranks outside the Top 20 quarterbacks for fantasy points per game over his last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wilson remains my top option at the position for Week 14 .
The Seahawks face the New York Jets on Sunday .
The Jets have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
I expect Wilson to throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdown passes in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs .
Los Angeles Chargers rookie Justin Herbert has thrown just one touchdown pass over his last two games after he had a streak of seven consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to throw all over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14 .
The Falcons have allowed the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
Herbert should throw for at least 300 yards and have three touchdown passes in this matchup .
He is my No .
2 option .
Lamar Jackson has recovered from COVID-19 and looks to rebound from his early season struggles down the stretch .
The Baltimore Ravens ' quarterback had one of his best fantasy football performances of the season in Week 13 , with two touchdown passes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday against the Dallas Cowboys .
I expect Jackson to keep that momentum in Week 14 , when the Ravens battle the Cleveland Browns .
The Browns have been one of the best teams in the AFC this season , but have struggled against the pass .
They have allowed the fourth-most passing touchdowns in the NFL .
I expect Jackson to throw at least two touchdown passes and rush for 80-plus yards .
He is my No .
3 quarterback .
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is my No .
7 option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantasy football performances of the season in Week 13 , with 389 passing yards and three scores in a loss to the Cleveland Browns .
He has now thrown at least two touchdown passes in two of his last three games .
I expect Tannehill to throw another two touchdown tosses this week when the Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars .
The Jaguars have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
They also are tied for allowing the second-most passing touchdowns to the position .
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan has had very tough defensive matchups as of late , but gets a respite in Week 14 when the Falcons face the Los Angeles Chargers .
The Chargers have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
I expect this game to be a shootout , with Ryan and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throwing all over the field .
Ryan is a must-start QB1 .
Sam Darnold is not someone you should rush to put in your quarterback slot , but you could do worse if you are desperate at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback is a deep sleeper as he has a great matchup in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks .
The Seahawks have allowed a league-high 3,877 passing yards and the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks .
Darnold threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another score in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders .
I can see another two-touchdown , high-yardage performance from Darnold on Sunday in Seattle .
He is my No .
18 option .

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has struggled in recent weeks, but is my No. 1 fantasy football option for Week 14. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Russell Wilson tops my Week 14 fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2020. Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady round out my Top 5 options for Week 14. Patrick Mahomes, Ryan Tannehill, Matt Ryan, Kyler Murray and Ben Roethlisberger also land in my Top 10. Advertisement
I also would consider starting Sam Darnold this week -- but only if you are extremely desperate at the position and in a league with at least 14 teams.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability. Bye weeks have ended, so you should have more options when it comes to finding good defensive matchups for your quarterback.
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Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Russell Wilson looked like the league's runaway MVP earlier this season, but has struggled lately. The Seattle Seahawks star ranks outside the Top 20 quarterbacks for fantasy points per game over his last four appearances.
Despite his latest struggles, Wilson remains my top option at the position for Week 14. The Seahawks face the New York Jets on Sunday. The Jets have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
I expect Wilson to throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdown passes in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs.
Los Angeles Chargers rookie Justin Herbert has thrown just one touchdown pass over his last two games after he had a streak of seven consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes per game. I expect the Chargers quarterback to throw all over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
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The Falcons have allowed the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Herbert should throw for at least 300 yards and have three touchdown passes in this matchup. He is my No. 2 option.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Lamar Jackson has recovered from COVID-19 and looks to rebound from his early season struggles down the stretch. The Baltimore Ravens' quarterback had one of his best fantasy football performances of the season in Week 13, with two touchdown passes and 94 rushing yards and another score on Tuesday against the Dallas Cowboys.
I expect Jackson to keep that momentum in Week 14, when the Ravens battle the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have been one of the best teams in the AFC this season, but have struggled against the pass. They have allowed the fourth-most passing touchdowns in the NFL.
I expect Jackson to throw at least two touchdown passes and rush for 80-plus yards. He is my No. 3 quarterback.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is my No. 7 option. Tannehill had one of his best fantasy football performances of the season in Week 13, with 389 passing yards and three scores in a loss to the Cleveland Browns.
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He has now thrown at least two touchdown passes in two of his last three games. I expect Tannehill to throw another two touchdown tosses this week when the Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They also are tied for allowing the second-most passing touchdowns to the position.
Start Tannehill as a Week 14 streamer.
LONGSHOTS
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is my No. 8 option. Ryan has had very tough defensive matchups as of late, but gets a respite in Week 14 when the Falcons face the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. I expect this game to be a shootout, with Ryan and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throwing all over the field. Ryan is a must-start QB1.
Sam Darnold is not someone you should rush to put in your quarterback slot, but you could do worse if you are desperate at the position. The New York Jets quarterback is a deep sleeper as he has a great matchup in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks have allowed a league-high 3,877 passing yards and the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Darnold threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another score in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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I can see another two-touchdown, high-yardage performance from Darnold on Sunday in Seattle. He is my No. 18 option.
Week 14 fantasy football quarterback rankings
1. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYJ
2. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers vs. ATL
3. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens at CLE
4. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers at DET
5. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. MIN
6. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs at MIA
7. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans at JAX
8. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons at LAC
9. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals at NYG
10. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers at BUF
11. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions vs. GB
12. Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints at PHI
13. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings at TB
14. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills vs. PIT
15. Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears vs. HOU
16. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans at CHI
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17. Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts at LV
18. Sam Darnold, New York Jets at SEA
19. Drew Lock, Denver Broncos at CAR
20. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins vs. KC
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-13--Fantasy football: Jones, Henry lead Week 14 running back rankings

Dec. 9 ( UPI ) -- Aaron Jones , Derrick Henry , David Montgomery , James Robinson and Nick Chubb top my Week 14 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020 .
Alvin Kamara , Jonathan Taylor , Chris Carson , Dalvin Cook and Ronald Jones round out my Top 10 options for the first round of the fantasy football playoffs .
Melvin Gordon and James Conner also are among my favorite starts this week at the running back position .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bye weeks have ended , so you should have more options when it comes to finding good defensive matchups for your running backs .
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings : Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers is my top fantasy football running back for Week 14 .
Jones had one of his best games of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 130 rushing yards and a score in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles .
He has now scored in two of his last three games .
This week , the Packers face the Detroit Lions .
The Lions have allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Jones is a must start .
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry was held to just 60 yards on 15 carries in Week 13 , after he piled up more than 400 rushing yards in the three games prior to Sunday 's loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henry to return to his dominant self in Week 14 , when the Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars .
The Jaguars have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Henry is my No .
2 option .
David Montgomery of the Chicago Bears has emerged as a late-season RB1 just in time for the fantasy football playoffs .
Montgomery has piled up more than 100 yards from scrimmage and scored in each of his last two games as he heads into the first round of the fantasy football postseason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Week 14 when the Bears host the Houston Texans .
The Texans have allowed the most rushing yards and the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
Montgomery is my No .
3 play at running back .
Indianapolis Colts rookie Jonathan Taylor is my No .
8 running back for Week 14 .
Taylor has had two consecutive games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage as he enters this matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders .
The Raiders have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a weekly basis , but should be in that slot as you start your playoff run .
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon lands at No .
11 in my rankings and is a low-end RB1 for Week 14 .
The Broncos face the Carolina Panthers , a defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
I expect Gordon to pile up at least 80 yards from scrimmage and score a touchdown in Week 14 .
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner is expected to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matchup against the Buffalo Bills .
The Bills have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to running backs .
I expect Conner to get a healthy workload in this matchup .
He is my No .
12 option and should provide solid RB2 or flex value in Week 14 .

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Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) has a great Week 14 matchup and should help you win the first game of the fantasy football playoffs. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Aaron Jones, Derrick Henry, David Montgomery, James Robinson and Nick Chubb top my Week 14 fantasy football running back rankings for 2020. Alvin Kamara, Jonathan Taylor, Chris Carson, Dalvin Cook and Ronald Jones round out my Top 10 options for the first round of the fantasy football playoffs. Advertisement
Melvin Gordon and James Conner also are among my favorite starts this week at the running back position.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability. Bye weeks have ended, so you should have more options when it comes to finding good defensive matchups for your running backs.
Advertisement
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers is my top fantasy football running back for Week 14. Jones had one of his best games of the season in Week 13, with 130 rushing yards and a score in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He has now scored in two of his last three games.
This week, the Packers face the Detroit Lions. The Lions have allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs. Jones is a must start.
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry was held to just 60 yards on 15 carries in Week 13, after he piled up more than 400 rushing yards in the three games prior to Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns. I expect Henry to return to his dominant self in Week 14, when the Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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The Jaguars have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Henry is my No. 2 option.
SNEAKY PLAYS
David Montgomery of the Chicago Bears has emerged as a late-season RB1 just in time for the fantasy football playoffs. Montgomery has piled up more than 100 yards from scrimmage and scored in each of his last two games as he heads into the first round of the fantasy football postseason.
He should have another great performance in Week 14 when the Bears host the Houston Texans. The Texans have allowed the most rushing yards and the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Montgomery is my No. 3 play at running back.
Indianapolis Colts rookie Jonathan Taylor is my No. 8 running back for Week 14. Taylor has had two consecutive games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage as he enters this matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Taylor is a matchup-based RB1 on a weekly basis, but should be in that slot as you start your playoff run.
LONGSHOTS
Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon lands at No. 11 in my rankings and is a low-end RB1 for Week 14. The Broncos face the Carolina Panthers, a defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
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I expect Gordon to pile up at least 80 yards from scrimmage and score a touchdown in Week 14.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner is expected to return from his Week 13 absence for a matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. I expect Conner to get a healthy workload in this matchup.
He is my No. 12 option and should provide solid RB2 or flex value in Week 14.
Week 14 fantasy football running back rankings
1. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers at DET
2. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans at JAX
3. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears vs. HOU
4. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TEN
5. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns vs. BAL
6. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints at PHI
7. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts at LV
8. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYJ
9. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings at TB
10. Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. MIN
11. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos at CAR
12. James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers at BUF
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13. Mike Davis, Carolina Panthers vs. DEN
14. Wayne Gallman, New York Giants vs. ARI
15. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers vs. WAS
16. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys at CIN
17. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens at CLE
18. D'Andre Swift, Detroit Lions vs. GB
19. David Johnson, Houston Texans at CHI
20. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders vs. IND
21. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs at MIA
22. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals at NYG
23. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers vs. ATL
24. Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins vs. KC
25. Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals vs. DAL
26. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns vs. BAL
27. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles vs. NO
28. Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills vs. PIT
29. Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons at LAC
30. J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team at SF
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This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-13--Dove Cameron confirms split from Thomas Doherty

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- The Descendants star Dove Cameron confirmed she and her longtime boyfriend , Gossip Girl @ @ @ @ @ have broken up .
`` Hi all .
In October , @ thomasadoherty and I @ @ @ @ @ The decision was incredibly difficult , but we still have love for each other , @ @ @ @ @ Thank you for allowing us our privacy in this time , '' the 24-year-old actress @ @ @ @ @ News said the couple had been together for four years .
On Saturday , Cameron @ @ @ @ @ she appreciated their support , while also celebrating the success of her latest music video @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Big feelings .
thank you all so much for the lovely reactions and @ @ @ @ @ Belong video .
1m views and nearly 20m streams .
i am constantly humbled and @ @ @ @ @ me and my work .
i love you , '' she wrote on Instagram .

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Dove Cameron and her boyfriend Thomas Doherty have broken up. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 13 (UPI) -- The Descendants star Dove Cameron confirmed she and her longtime boyfriend, Gossip Girl reboot actor Thomas Doherty, have broken up. "Hi all. In October, @thomasadoherty and I decided to part ways. The decision was incredibly difficult, but we still have love for each other, and will remain friends. Thank you for allowing us our privacy in this time," the 24-year-old actress tweeted Friday. Advertisement
E! News said the couple had been together for four years.
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On Saturday, Cameron told her fans how much she appreciated their support, while also celebrating the success of her latest music video, "We Belong."
"Big feelings. thank you all so much for the lovely reactions and the support on the We Belong video. 1m views and nearly 20m streams. i am constantly humbled and perplexed by your support for me and my work. i love you," she wrote on Instagram.


upi--2020-12-13--Dr. Fauci wants to go back to being an 'anonymous hunk' in 'SNL' sketch

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- Saturday Night Live player Kate McKinnon portrayed Dr. Anthony Fauci as an unlikely heartthrob in a comedy sketch this weekend .
Women threw bras at the infectious diseases expert as he and Dr. Deborah Birx ( Heidi Gardner , ) a fellow member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , talked to CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer ( Beck Bennett ) about how the COVID-19 vaccine would be distributed .
`` This keeps happening .
Throughout this whole thing , I 've been the only one saying facts , so some people got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci said .
`` Any other year , I 'm a 2 .
This year , I 'm a 10 . ''
Blitzer later asked how people will be persuaded to return for a necessary second dose of the vaccine .
`` We 're using a technique long employed by one-night stands who have caught feelings .
We are going to have them leave a necklace at the CVS , so they have an excuse to come back , '' he explained .
As for which states will get the vaccine first , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to distribute to states alphabetically , starting with Acalifornia and Bnew York City . ''
As another woman yelled , `` Marry me ! ''
at Fauci , he went on : `` If enough Americans get this vaccine , you 'll all forget who I am .
That 's my goal -- to have zero name recognition with Americans because that will mean I did my job well .
I want to go back to being an anonymous hunk . ''
Dune star Timothee Chalamet was the episode 's guest host and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided the night 's musical entertainment .

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Kate McKinnon played Dr. Anthony Fauci in this weekend's edition of "SNL." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Saturday Night Live player Kate McKinnon portrayed Dr. Anthony Fauci as an unlikely heartthrob in a comedy sketch this weekend. Women threw bras at the infectious diseases expert as he and Dr. Deborah Birx (Heidi Gardner,) a fellow member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, talked to CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer (Beck Bennett) about how the COVID-19 vaccine would be distributed. Advertisement
"This keeps happening. Throughout this whole thing, I've been the only one saying facts, so some people got a crush on me," the faux Fauci said. "Any other year, I'm a 2. This year, I'm a 10."
Blitzer later asked how people will be persuaded to return for a necessary second dose of the vaccine.
"We're using a technique long employed by one-night stands who have caught feelings. We are going to have them leave a necklace at the CVS, so they have an excuse to come back," he explained.
As for which states will get the vaccine first, Fauci replied, "We're going to distribute to states alphabetically, starting with Acalifornia and Bnew York City."
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As another woman yelled, "Marry me!" at Fauci, he went on: "If enough Americans get this vaccine, you'll all forget who I am. That's my goal -- to have zero name recognition with Americans because that will mean I did my job well. I want to go back to being an anonymous hunk."
Brad Pitt played Fauci in a previous episode in April.
Dune star Timothee Chalamet was the episode's guest host and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band provided the night's musical entertainment.


upi--2020-12-13--Lisa Vanderpump mourns the death of her dog Giggy

Dec. 13 ( UPI ) -- Reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump is mourning the death of a beloved pet this weekend .
`` We are devastated to say that our beloved Giggy has passed away this morning , '' Vanderpump posted on Instagram Saturday .
`` He was truly loved , and we know how many of you loved him too .
Our sweet Gigolo was such an incredible , unique dog , but mainly , because of him , we started The Vanderpump Dog Foundation and embarked on our mission to save as many dogs as possible .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue , and for that we will always be grateful .
Giggy 's legacy will live on , through every dog @ vanderpumpdogs saves .
Thank you all for your support .
Rest In Peace Giggy , we love you . ''
Vanderpump , 60 , also shared a photo gallery of Giggy , a tiny Pomeranian pooch , dressed in various glamorous outfits .
UsMagazine.com said Giggy was given to Vanderpump as a gift for her birthday in 2009 .
The celebrity is a restaurateur and philanthropist known for her appearances on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules .

Lisa Vanderpump's dog Giggy -- seen here in 2011 --has died. File Photo by Phil McCarten/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump is mourning the death of a beloved pet this weekend. "We are devastated to say that our beloved Giggy has passed away this morning," Vanderpump posted on Instagram Saturday. Advertisement
"He was truly loved, and we know how many of you loved him too. Our sweet Gigolo was such an incredible, unique dog, but mainly, because of him, we started The Vanderpump Dog Foundation and embarked on our mission to save as many dogs as possible. He inspired us to start our work in rescue, and for that we will always be grateful. Giggy's legacy will live on, through every dog @vanderpumpdogs saves. Thank you all for your support. Rest In Peace Giggy, we love you."
Vanderpump, 60, also shared a photo gallery of Giggy, a tiny Pomeranian pooch, dressed in various glamorous outfits.
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UsMagazine.com said Giggy was given to Vanderpump as a gift for her birthday in 2009.
The celebrity is a restaurateur and philanthropist known for her appearances on Dancing with the Stars, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules.
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upi--2020-12-13--Fantasy football: Allen, Adams top Week 14 wide receiver rankings

Dec. 8 ( UPI ) -- Keenan Allen , Davante Adams , A.J .
Brown , D.K .
Metcalf and Adam Thielen top my wide receiver rankings for the first round of the 2020 fantasy football playoffs .
DeAndre Hopkins , Mike Evans , Tyreek Hill , Stefon Diggs and Allen Robinson round out my Top 10 options .
Justin Jefferson , Corey Davis and Jamison Crowder also are among my favorite starts this week .
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Monitor the status for each of your players ' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability .
Bye weeks have ended , so you should have more options when it comes to finding good defensive matchups for your wide receivers .
Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason .
Here are some of my favorite players in this week 's rankings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five consecutive games with a touchdown end in Week 13 , but he still had 11 targets in the Los Angeles Chargers ' blowout loss to the New England Patriots .
Allen has been targeted a ridiculous 40 times over his last three games .
He is the most-targeted player in the league , with 133 looks on the season .
I expect those targets from quarterback Justin Herbert to keep up in Week 14 , when the Chargers face the Atlanta Falcons .
The Falcons have allowed the second-most receiving yards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receivers .
Allen is my No .
1 wide receiver and an elite WR1 throughout the playoffs .
Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers is another obvious WR1 , but he should help your team win your first-round matchup as he has battles the Detroit Lions in Week 14 .
The Lions have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position .
Adams leads the league with 102.9 yards per game and 13 touchdowns on the season .
He should explode in this matchup .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week 14 .
Tampa Bay Buccaneers playmaker Mike Evans has one of the best schedules for fantasy football wide receivers throughout the playoffs .
Evans begins that run with a game against the Minnesota Vikings .
The Vikings are tied for allowing a league-high 19 receiving scores to wide receivers .
They also have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to the position .
Evans has scored in three consecutive games and the Buccaneers had a Week 13 bye .
I expect the Buccaneers wide receiver to finish the week as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
7 option .
Minnesota Vikings rookie Justin Jefferson could claim NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2020 .
Jefferson has 1,039 yards and seven scores during his rookie campaign .
He has scored in three consecutive games and should have another explosive performance in Week 14 , when the Vikings battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
The Buccaneers defense has been great against the run , but has struggled against the pass .
They are tied for allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to the position .
Tampa Bay has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyreek Hill in Week 13 before their bye .
Jefferson is a WR1 play this week due to his great matchup .
He is my No .
13 option .
A.J .
Brown might get most of the attention out of the Tennessee Titans wide receiver group , but Corey Davis has quietly had a breakout 2020 campaign .
The fourth-year wide receiver is on pace for career highs in catches , yards and touchdowns .
Davis has had at least 100 receiving yards in two of his last three games .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards and a score in Week 13 .
I expect him to keep getting looks from Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill down the stretch .
Davis and the Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars this week .
The Jaguars have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers .
Davis is my No .
15 option and is a high-end WR2 for Week 14 .
Jamison Crowder is another player who has had a solid 2020 campaign , but has been under the radar .
Crowder scored two touchdowns in Week 13 and should see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week 14 .
The Jets have a Week 14 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks .
The Seahawks have allowed a league-high 2,707 receiving yards to wide receivers this season .
They also have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to the position .
Crowder is my No .
20 option and can slide into your WR2 or WR3 slot .

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) is my top fantasy football option for his position in Week 14. File Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Keenan Allen, Davante Adams, A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf and Adam Thielen top my wide receiver rankings for the first round of the 2020 fantasy football playoffs. DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs and Allen Robinson round out my Top 10 options. Justin Jefferson, Corey Davis and Jamison Crowder also are among my favorite starts this week. Advertisement
You should target players who have a good chance to score a touchdown and get a lot of looks from their respective quarterbacks when considering who to start at the position.
Monitor the status for each of your players' games this week as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the NFL schedule and player availability. Bye weeks have ended, so you should have more options when it comes to finding good defensive matchups for your wide receivers.
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Check out my article on the players with the easiest and hardest playoff schedules for an idea of who to start -- and who to avoid -- this postseason.
Here are some of my favorite players in this week's rankings:
TOP SHELF
Keenan Allen saw his streak of five consecutive games with a touchdown end in Week 13, but he still had 11 targets in the Los Angeles Chargers' blowout loss to the New England Patriots.
Allen has been targeted a ridiculous 40 times over his last three games. He is the most-targeted player in the league, with 133 looks on the season.
I expect those targets from quarterback Justin Herbert to keep up in Week 14, when the Chargers face the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have allowed the second-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Allen is my No. 1 wide receiver and an elite WR1 throughout the playoffs.
Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers is another obvious WR1, but he should help your team win your first-round matchup as he has battles the Detroit Lions in Week 14.
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The Lions have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Adams leads the league with 102.9 yards per game and 13 touchdowns on the season. He should explode in this matchup. He is my No. 2 option for Week 14.
SNEAKY PLAYS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers playmaker Mike Evans has one of the best schedules for fantasy football wide receivers throughout the playoffs. Evans begins that run with a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings are tied for allowing a league-high 19 receiving scores to wide receivers. They also have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Evans has scored in three consecutive games and the Buccaneers had a Week 13 bye. I expect the Buccaneers wide receiver to finish the week as a high-end WR1. He is my No. 7 option.
Minnesota Vikings rookie Justin Jefferson could claim NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2020. Jefferson has 1,039 yards and seven scores during his rookie campaign. He has scored in three consecutive games and should have another explosive performance in Week 14, when the Vikings battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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The Buccaneers defense has been great against the run, but has struggled against the pass. They are tied for allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to the position. Tampa Bay has also allowed 269 yards and three scores to Tyreek Hill in Week 13 before their bye.
Jefferson is a WR1 play this week due to his great matchup. He is my No. 13 option.
LONGSHOTS
A.J. Brown might get most of the attention out of the Tennessee Titans wide receiver group, but Corey Davis has quietly had a breakout 2020 campaign. The fourth-year wide receiver is on pace for career highs in catches, yards and touchdowns.
Davis has had at least 100 receiving yards in two of his last three games. He had a season-high 11 catches for 182 yards and a score in Week 13. I expect him to keep getting looks from Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill down the stretch.
Davis and the Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. The Jaguars have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Davis is my No. 15 option and is a high-end WR2 for Week 14.
Jamison Crowder is another player who has had a solid 2020 campaign, but has been under the radar. Crowder scored two touchdowns in Week 13 and should see more work near the goal line in Week 14. The Jets have a Week 14 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
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The Seahawks have allowed a league-high 2,707 receiving yards to wide receivers this season. They also have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to the position. Crowder is my No. 20 option and can slide into your WR2 or WR3 slot.
Week 14 fantasy football wide receiver rankings
1. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers vs. ATL
2. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers at DET
3. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans at JAX
4. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYJ
5. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings at TB
6. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals at NYG
7. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. MIN
8. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs at MIA
9. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills vs. PIT
10. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears vs. HOU
11. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team at SF
12. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys at CIN
13. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings at TB
14. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints at PHI
15. Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans at JAX
16. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks vs. NYJ
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17. DeVante Parker, Miami Dolphins vs. KC
18. Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers at BUF
19. D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TEN
20. Jamison Crowder, New York Jets at SEA
21. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons at LAC
22. Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers vs. ATL
23. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. MIN
24. Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens at CLE
25. Robby Anderson, Carolina Panthers vs. DEN
26. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers vs. WAS
27. Keke Coutee, Houston Texans at CHI
28. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts at LV
29. Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills vs. PIT
30. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers at BUF
31. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals vs. DAL
32. Denzel Mims, New York Jets at SEA
33. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys at CIN
34. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns vs. BAL
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35. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers vs. WAS
36. Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers at BUF
37. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos at CAR
38. Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers at DET
39. Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals at NYG
40. Breshad Perriman, New York Jets at SEA
41. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals vs. DAL
42. Henry Ruggs III, Las Vegas Raiders vs. IND
43. Nelson Agholor, Las Vegas Raiders vs. IND
44. Sterling Shepard, New York Giants vs. ARI
45. Marvin Jones, Jr., Detroit Lions vs. GB
46. Darius Slayton, New York Giants vs. ARI
47. Antonio Brown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. MIN
48. Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys at CIN
49. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers at DET
50. Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts at LV
This week in the National Football League


upi--2020-12-14--Emily Ferguson engaged to William Karlsson: 'I said yes!'

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- Bachelor alum Emily Ferguson is engaged to be married .
The 28-year-old television personality got engaged to her boyfriend , professional hockey player William Karlsson , on Dec. 11 .
Ferguson shared the news in an Instagram post Sunday .
`` I SAID YES !
I get to marry the man of my dreams , '' she wrote .
`` This is a moment I 've dreamed of since I was a little girl and it 's more than I could have ever imagined because it 's truly with my perfect person .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laugh with you forever . ''
Fellow Bachelor alum Raven Gates , Lace Morris and Becca Tilley were among those to congratulate Ferguson in the comments .
`` Ahhhh !
!
!
!
Congratulations beautiful !
So happy for you !
!
!
!
! ''
Tilley said .
Ferguson and Karlsson celebrated their three-year anniversary as a couple in November .
`` Three years of laughter & adventures with you , '' Ferguson said on Instagram .
`` I love you more and more everyday . ''
Ferguson shared family photos with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Here is some family photos during quarantine .
Making the best of our time at home and looking for any excuse to get dressed up and not be in pjs , '' she wrote .
Ferguson and her twin sister , Haley Ferguson , appeared in Ben Higgins ' season of The Bachelor , which aired in 2016 .
The sisters subsequently appeared in Bachelor in Paradise Seasons 3 and 4 .

Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Bachelor alum Emily Ferguson is engaged to be married.
The 28-year-old television personality got engaged to her boyfriend, professional hockey player William Karlsson, on Dec. 11.
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Ferguson shared the news in an Instagram post Sunday.
"I SAID YES! I get to marry the man of my dreams," she wrote. "This is a moment I've dreamed of since I was a little girl and it's more than I could have ever imagined because it's truly with my perfect person. I can't wait to grow old and laugh with you forever."
Fellow Bachelor alum Raven Gates, Lace Morris and Becca Tilley were among those to congratulate Ferguson in the comments.
"Oh my gosh!!!!!! Congrats!!" Gates wrote.
"Ahhhh!!!! Congratulations beautiful! So happy for you!!!!!" Tilley said.
Ferguson and Karlsson celebrated their three-year anniversary as a couple in November.
"Three years of laughter & adventures with you," Ferguson said on Instagram. "I love you more and more everyday."
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Ferguson shared family photos with Karlsson and their dog Obi-Wan in March.
"Here is some family photos during quarantine. Making the best of our time at home and looking for any excuse to get dressed up and not be in pjs," she wrote.
Ferguson and her twin sister, Haley Ferguson, appeared in Ben Higgins' season of The Bachelor, which aired in 2016. The sisters subsequently appeared in Bachelor in Paradise Seasons 3 and 4.


upi--2020-12-14--Sudan officially comes off U.S. blacklist of terrorism sponsors

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- The United States on Monday officially removed Sudan from its list of nations designated as state backers of terrorism , fulfilling a top goal for the African nation 's transitional government .
Sudan 's removal from the terrorism blacklist became official at the conclusion of a 45-day waiting period following U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's signing of a notification rescinding Sudan 's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism .
Monday marks a `` historic day in the U.S.-Sudanese bilateral relationship , as Sudan 's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a tweet .
`` I congratulate [ Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok ] and the Sudanese people and look forward to building a stronger U.S.-Sudanese partnership , '' he said .
Sudan was first blacklisted as a sponsor of terrorism in 1993 , when al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden lived there as a guest of the government .
Momentum to remove it from the list accelerated last year when an uprising ousted longtime President Omar al-Basir , who is accused of crimes against humanity stemming from the Darfur conflict , during which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Donald Trump announced in October that Sudan would be removed from the list after it had agreed to provide compensation for the families of victims of the 1998 twin embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania .
Hamdok hailed the rescinding of the designation , which he says has prevented his government from receiving debt relief and financing from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund .
`` Today , after more than two decades , it has been announced to our people that the name of our beloved country has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorism and our liberation from the international and global blockade into which the behavior of the ousted regime has forced us , '' he said in a tweet .
Responding to Pompeo 's message , Hamdok wrote , `` It 's indeed a historic day for our bilateral relations , by which we look forward to establish meaningful partnerships to benefit our people . ''

Sudanese celebrate during a reception for leaders of South Sudan in Khartoum, Sudan, on Nov. 15. Sudan was removed from the U.S. blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday. File photo by Mohammed Abu Obaid/EPA-EFE
Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The United States on Monday officially removed Sudan from its list of nations designated as state backers of terrorism, fulfilling a top goal for the African nation's transitional government. Sudan's removal from the terrorism blacklist became official at the conclusion of a 45-day waiting period following U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's signing of a notification rescinding Sudan's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Advertisement
Monday marks a "historic day in the U.S.-Sudanese bilateral relationship, as Sudan's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism is officially rescinded," Pompeo said in a tweet.
"I congratulate [Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok] and the Sudanese people and look forward to building a stronger U.S.-Sudanese partnership," he said.
Sudan was first blacklisted as a sponsor of terrorism in 1993, when al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden lived there as a guest of the government.
Momentum to remove it from the list accelerated last year when an uprising ousted longtime President Omar al-Basir, who is accused of crimes against humanity stemming from the Darfur conflict, during which more than than 300,000 Sudanese were killed.
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President Donald Trump announced in October that Sudan would be removed from the list after it had agreed to provide compensation for the families of victims of the 1998 twin embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.
Hamdok hailed the rescinding of the designation, which he says has prevented his government from receiving debt relief and financing from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
"Today, after more than two decades, it has been announced to our people that the name of our beloved country has come out of the list of states sponsoring terrorism and our liberation from the international and global blockade into which the behavior of the ousted regime has forced us," he said in a tweet.
Responding to Pompeo's message, Hamdok wrote, "It's indeed a historic day for our bilateral relations, by which we look forward to establish meaningful partnerships to benefit our people."


upi--2020-12-14--BBC's Natural History Unit expanding to Los Angeles

Dec. 14 ( UPI ) -- The BBC 's Natural History Unit or NHU , is coming to the U.S. to launch a production office in Los Angeles in 2021 .
This marks the first time in the studio 's 63-year history that it has set up an office outside the United Kingdom .
NHU is behind natural history programs like Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II .
The studio has 25 projects in production including Prehistoric Planet for Apple TV+ , The New World for NBCUniversal , The Green Planet for PBS , Frozen Planet II for BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our work for the BBC in the U.K. and our cp-production partners worldwide continue to be of vital importance to the NHU , but this expansion in the U.S. will allow us to strengthen our U.S. relationships , forge partnerships with new platforms , and expand our network of makers , scientists and talent .
This is a really significant moment in the NHU 's history , '' Tom McDonald , head of factual for BBC Studios said in a statement .
The office in Los Angeles will report to NHU 's headquarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won over 200 awards in the four years including four Emmys and 11 BAFTA TV awards .

Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The BBC's Natural History Unit or NHU, is coming to the U.S. to launch a production office in Los Angeles in 2021.
This marks the first time in the studio's 63-year history that it has set up an office outside the United Kingdom.
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NHU is behind natural history programs like Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II. The studio has 25 projects in production including Prehistoric Planet for Apple TV+, The New World for NBCUniversal, The Green Planet for PBS, Frozen Planet II for BBC America and Endangered for Discovery.
"Our work for the BBC in the U.K. and our cp-production partners worldwide continue to be of vital importance to the NHU, but this expansion in the U.S. will allow us to strengthen our U.S. relationships , forge partnerships with new platforms, and expand our network of makers, scientists and talent. This is a really significant moment in the NHU's history," Tom McDonald, head of factual for BBC Studios said in a statement.
The office in Los Angeles will report to NHU's headquarters in Bristol, England.
NHU has won over 200 awards in the four years including four Emmys and 11 BAFTA TV awards.