usatoday--2020-12-25--Opinion:  Aaron Rodgers views himself as worthy of MVP honors – and here's why he is right

Aaron Rodgers increased his league-leading touchdown pass total to 40 this past weekend as he and the Green Bay Packers earned their 11th victory of the season and strengthened their standing atop the NFC .
As the season enters its final two weeks , it appears likely MVP honors could come down to Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes .
Rodgers , who has thrown only four interceptions to go with his 40 touchdowns , also boasts the best passer rating in the league ( 118.0 ) while on pace for another 4,000-yard season .
Mahomes , meanwhile , leads the NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passes , a 110.6 passer rating and five interceptions .
Rodgers ’ Packers own an 11-3 record while Mahomes ’ Chiefs are 13-1 .
More : Opinion : Loss of Trevor Lawrence might cost New York Jets far more than a star quarterback Rodgers – already a two-time MVP – recently laid out his criteria for league MVP , and shared how he believes he measures up to that standard in a Zoom call with reporters in Green Bay .
“ I think it should live up to what it stands for as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It ’ s that person who is most valuable to their team .
I feel like that ’ s why I should be in the competition most years , and this year especially.
” Compared with his previous MVP campaigns ( 2011 and 2014 ) , Rodgers is working with a far less decorated supporting cast .
Outside Davante Adams , Green Bay ’ s offense doesn ’ t boast another pass-catcher in the NFL ’ s top 50 statistical leaders .
Rodgers also is working with far less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tight end Travis Kelce and wideout Tyreek Hill , who each have multiple Pro Bowls selections on their resume .
And the same comparison applies to another MVP candidate in Josh Allen , whose Bills ’ offense features two receivers ( Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley ) who rank in the top 20 .
Despite the talent disparity , the Packers ’ offense ranks among the best in the league .
They ’ re top five in yards and points per game , and eighth in passing yards per game .
Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on third down conversions .
Can you imagine what how much more effective this unit could be if they had a top-level tight end and more accomplished slot receiver ?
Rodgers is on pace for his ninth 4,000-yard season , his third 40-touchdown campaign and the highest completion percentage ( 69.6 ) of his career .
With two games remaining , Rodgers needs just six touchdown passes to set a single-season career high .
His production , and the success of the Packers ’ offense , speaks levels not only to the quarterback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ability to elevate those around him , which only strengthens his case for most valuable .
There ’ s no denying Mahomes possesses such rare gifts that enable him to do things on the field that we ’ ve never seen before .
His skill set and smarts probably make him the best quarterback in the league .
If you took him off the Chiefs ’ roster , the team definitely would experience a significant drop-off .
But the Packers would find themselves in far worse shape without Rodgers .
A third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company .
In the history of the league , only five players have won it three times or more : Peyton Manning ( five ) , Tom Brady ( three ) , Jim Brown ( three ) , Brett Favre ( three ) and Johnny Unitas ( three ) .
And Rodgers , who admits to including winning MVP on his annual preseason list , definitely views joining that elite group as a meaningful achievement .
“ There ’ s not many guys who have won three , so that would definitely mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Back in the spring , Packers brass felt the need to use a first-round pick to draft Rodgers ' eventual replacement ( Utah State 's Jordan Love ) rather than upgrade the weapons around their 16-year veteran .
But Rodgers this season has shown he has plenty left in the tank , and very well might be more valuable to the franchise now than ever .
Follow USA TODAY Sports ’ Mike Jones on Twitter @ ByMikeJones and listen to the Football Jones podcast on iTunes .

Opinion: Aaron Rodgers views himself as worthy of MVP honors – and here's why he is right
Show Caption Hide Caption NFL power rankings 16.0: Steelers continue their tumble SportsPulse: We have just two weeks left in the regular season. Mackenzie Salmon lets you know where everyone stands in this week's risers and fallers. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
Aaron Rodgers increased his league-leading touchdown pass total to 40 this past weekend as he and the Green Bay Packers earned their 11th victory of the season and strengthened their standing atop the NFC.
As the season enters its final two weeks, it appears likely MVP honors could come down to Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes.
Rodgers, who has thrown only four interceptions to go with his 40 touchdowns, also boasts the best passer rating in the league (118.0) while on pace for another 4,000-yard season. Mahomes, meanwhile, leads the NFL with 4,462 yards and has 36 touchdown passes, a 110.6 passer rating and five interceptions. Rodgers’ Packers own an 11-3 record while Mahomes’ Chiefs are 13-1.
More: Opinion: Loss of Trevor Lawrence might cost New York Jets far more than a star quarterback
More: Titans' quarterback Ryan Tannehill thought Pro Bowl invite 'Should have happened'
Rodgers – already a two-time MVP – recently laid out his criteria for league MVP, and shared how he believes he measures up to that standard in a Zoom call with reporters in Green Bay.
“I think it should live up to what it stands for as an acronym,” the 37-year-old Rodgers said. “It’s that person who is most valuable to their team. I feel like that’s why I should be in the competition most years, and this year especially.”
This year especially, huh?
Yeah, he has a point.
Compared with his previous MVP campaigns (2011 and 2014), Rodgers is working with a far less decorated supporting cast. Outside Davante Adams, Green Bay’s offense doesn’t boast another pass-catcher in the NFL’s top 50 statistical leaders.
Rodgers also is working with far less than Mahomes, who has two top-10 pass-catchers, tight end Travis Kelce and wideout Tyreek Hill, who each have multiple Pro Bowls selections on their resume. And the same comparison applies to another MVP candidate in Josh Allen, whose Bills’ offense features two receivers (Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley) who rank in the top 20.
Despite the talent disparity, the Packers’ offense ranks among the best in the league. They’re top five in yards and points per game, and eighth in passing yards per game. Green Bay also is third-best in the league on third down conversions.
Can you imagine what how much more effective this unit could be if they had a top-level tight end and more accomplished slot receiver?
Rodgers is on pace for his ninth 4,000-yard season, his third 40-touchdown campaign and the highest completion percentage (69.6) of his career. With two games remaining, Rodgers needs just six touchdown passes to set a single-season career high.
His production, and the success of the Packers’ offense, speaks levels not only to the quarterback’s skill, but his leadership and ability to elevate those around him, which only strengthens his case for most valuable.
There’s no denying Mahomes possesses such rare gifts that enable him to do things on the field that we’ve never seen before. His skill set and smarts probably make him the best quarterback in the league. If you took him off the Chiefs’ roster, the team definitely would experience a significant drop-off. But the Packers would find themselves in far worse shape without Rodgers.
A third MVP award would put Rodgers in rare company. In the history of the league, only five players have won it three times or more: Peyton Manning (five), Tom Brady (three), Jim Brown (three), Brett Favre (three) and Johnny Unitas (three).
And Rodgers, who admits to including winning MVP on his annual preseason list, definitely views joining that elite group as a meaningful achievement.
“There’s not many guys who have won three, so that would definitely mean a lot,” Rodgers said.
Back in the spring, Packers brass felt the need to use a first-round pick to draft Rodgers' eventual replacement (Utah State's Jordan Love) rather than upgrade the weapons around their 16-year veteran. But Rodgers this season has shown he has plenty left in the tank, and very well might be more valuable to the franchise now than ever.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones on Twitter @ByMikeJones and listen to the Football Jones podcast on iTunes.


usatoday--2020-12-25--Let's give thanks to Tom Hanks: His 10 essential feel-good roles (including 'News of the World')

Although it has n't always been a year to give a lot of thanks , 2020 has given us plenty of Tom Hanks .
There was the offscreen health scare for America 's Dad , as Hanks revealed in March that he and wife Rita Wilson had tested positive for the coronavirus , which brought the entertainment world and most of the globe to a standstill .
He got better ( hooray ! )
and then gifted us with a couple of new screen roles : as a World War II naval commander in the action film `` Greyhound '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News of the World '' ( in theaters now ) , his first Western .
To honor Hanks helping get us through a rough year , here are the beloved Oscar winner 's 10 essential feel-good roles ( in alphabetical order ) .
Ranked !
The 10 best movies of 2020 , from ‘ One Night in Miami ’ to ‘ The Invisible Man ’ One of the Hanks-iest of Hanks personas , the actor and Rogers go together like a well-matched sweater and sneakers .
Hanks played the late kids ’ TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doling out heartwarming bon mots to a troubled journalist ( Matthew Rhys ) who 's tasked to profile Rogers but is skeptical of the man ’ s absolute goodness .
Hanks earned a supporting-actor Oscar nomination not just because of a pitch-perfect performance but because he brought so much of his own calming aura to the part .
Back in the 1980s , Hanks was aces at playing a man-child – to a debaucherous degree ( see : “ Bachelor Party ” ) and quite memorably to a deeper one in this fantasy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big and a magical carnival machine grants it .
Hanks sells the sweet ( playing “ Heart and Soul ” with his feet on a giant keyboard ) , the sublime ( eating baby corn at a dinner party ) and the somewhat serious ( dating Elizabeth Perkins ) until Josh figures out he ’ d rather just be a kid again .
It 's all Hanks , all the time in the survival drama : Most of the two hours-plus running time is spent watching the actor by himself on an island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stranded after his plane crashes .
Hanks ' main character grows a beard , goes a little crazy , befriends a volleyball ( named Wilson , obviously ) but never gives up .
An ode to the human condition , for sure , and one where Hanks lends heaps of humanity .
It won an Oscar for best picture ( and maybe should n't have ) .
It spawned a seafood restaurant and so many Internet memes .
The thing is , though , what keeps `` Gump '' from being complete uber-saccharine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ character who listens to his mama ( Sally Field ) and is utterly devoted to his Jenny ( Robin Wright ) .
We see American history through his experience , but Forrest has a lot to teach us about kindness , love , family and life ( which , as we all know , is totally like a box of chocolates . )
An underrated film in the impressive Hanks-ography , `` Crowne '' is a dramedy he also directed that taps into a lot of modern themes , from emotional turmoil brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation reinventing itself for a new chapter in life .
Hanks is the title boomer , a divorced veteran laid off from his job at a big-box store who finds himself with limited opportunities without a college education , while Julia Roberts is the speech professor ( and love interest ) with her own issues who 's part of Larry 's rebirth . '
A League of Their Own ' ( 1992 ) Hanks is very much a supporting player in Penny Marshall 's sports-movie ode to the first women 's professional baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead in a story of female identity in the wake of World War II .
As alcoholic former all-star and new Rockford Peaches manager Jimmy Dugan , Hanks is the crass , somewhat sexist comic relief ( `` There 's no crying in baseball ! ''
) who comes around as both his players ' friend and fan yet also as an emotional rock in tragic times .
This is n't a hard Hanks role to imagine at all .
He plays a former Confederate captain going from town to town in Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 cents a person , who runs into a 10-year-old girl ( Helena Zengel ) on her own and promises to take her back home .
Hanks brings warmth and humor to a character that 's a reluctant do-gooder at first – the youngster , raised by the Kiowa people , is a handful – but ultimately becomes the protective father figure that Hanks embodies like no other .
The dramedy digs into the backstory behind `` Mary Poppins '' and how persnickety author P.L .
Travers ( Emma Thompson ) was wooed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none other than Walt Disney ( Hanks ) himself .
While it 's a hoot seeing Disney the ultimate businessman showing off Disneyland and his Mickey Mouse efforts to a disinterested Travers , the hard sell shifts to kindness and understanding as the two have a heartfelt conversation about what `` Poppins '' is really about .
Because there 's so much personality in plastic cowpoke Woody 's voice , the Pixar animated classic is a no-brainer to include on any Hanks retrospective .
The first `` Toy Story '' is fun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 'll make you tear up like freshly sliced onions .
It 's totally worth it , however , to see the dynamic between earnest sheriff Woody and idiosyncratic spaceman Buzz Lightyear ( Tim Allen ) as they go from an initial rivalry to be the favorite toy to budding best friendship .
In the 1990s , Hanks and Meg Ryan were an unstoppable rom-com pairing , the Fred and Ginger of the grunge era .
`` Joe Versus the Volcano '' and `` Sleepless in Seattle '' might have their devotees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovely ode the earliest days of online dating .
Hanks runs a massive family bookseller , Ryan heads up the small corner bookstore whose business is in jeopardy , and the rivals become secret email confidantes who fall for each other .
Just try not to cry as Brinkley the dog bounds through the park , a furry version of a modern `` swipe right '' bringing together two lovebirds .

Let's give thanks to Tom Hanks: His 10 essential feel-good roles (including 'News of the World')
Show Caption Hide Caption 'News of the World': Tom Hanks saddles up for a Western drama Tom Hanks stars as a Texas storyteller who takes on a young 10-year-old girl (Helena Zengel) during his travels in the Western 'News of the World.' USA TODAY
Although it hasn't always been a year to give a lot of thanks, 2020 has given us plenty of Tom Hanks.
There was the offscreen health scare for America's Dad, as Hanks revealed in March that he and wife Rita Wilson had tested positive for the coronavirus, which brought the entertainment world and most of the globe to a standstill. He got better (hooray!) and then gifted us with a couple of new screen roles: as a World War II naval commander in the action film "Greyhound" and as a kindhearted traveler in "News of the World" (in theaters now), his first Western.
To honor Hanks helping get us through a rough year, here are the beloved Oscar winner's 10 essential feel-good roles (in alphabetical order).
Review: In throwback role, Tom Hanks helps steady wobbly Western 'News of the World'
Ranked! The 10 best movies of 2020, from ‘One Night in Miami’ to ‘The Invisible Man’
‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' (2019)
One of the Hanks-iest of Hanks personas, the actor and Rogers go together like a well-matched sweater and sneakers. Hanks played the late kids’ TV icon as a guru of empathy, doling out heartwarming bon mots to a troubled journalist (Matthew Rhys) who's tasked to profile Rogers but is skeptical of the man’s absolute goodness. Hanks earned a supporting-actor Oscar nomination not just because of a pitch-perfect performance but because he brought so much of his own calming aura to the part.
'Big' (1988)
Back in the 1980s, Hanks was aces at playing a man-child – to a debaucherous degree (see: “Bachelor Party”) and quite memorably to a deeper one in this fantasy in which a 12-year-old wishes to be big and a magical carnival machine grants it. Hanks sells the sweet (playing “Heart and Soul” with his feet on a giant keyboard), the sublime (eating baby corn at a dinner party) and the somewhat serious (dating Elizabeth Perkins) until Josh figures out he’d rather just be a kid again.
'Cast Away' (2000)
It's all Hanks, all the time in the survival drama: Most of the two hours-plus running time is spent watching the actor by himself on an island, playing a FedEx guy who gets stranded after his plane crashes. Hanks' main character grows a beard, goes a little crazy, befriends a volleyball (named Wilson, obviously) but never gives up. An ode to the human condition, for sure, and one where Hanks lends heaps of humanity.
'Forrest Gump' (1994)
It won an Oscar for best picture (and maybe shouldn't have). It spawned a seafood restaurant and so many Internet memes. The thing is, though, what keeps "Gump" from being complete uber-saccharine hokum is Hanks as the lovable main character who listens to his mama (Sally Field) and is utterly devoted to his Jenny (Robin Wright). We see American history through his experience, but Forrest has a lot to teach us about kindness, love, family and life (which, as we all know, is totally like a box of chocolates.)
'Larry Crowne' (2011)
An underrated film in the impressive Hanks-ography, "Crowne" is a dramedy he also directed that taps into a lot of modern themes, from emotional turmoil brought on by sudden unemployment to an older generation reinventing itself for a new chapter in life. Hanks is the title boomer, a divorced veteran laid off from his job at a big-box store who finds himself with limited opportunities without a college education, while Julia Roberts is the speech professor (and love interest) with her own issues who's part of Larry's rebirth.
'A League of Their Own' (1992)
Hanks is very much a supporting player in Penny Marshall's sports-movie ode to the first women's professional baseball league, with Geena Davis taking the lead in a story of female identity in the wake of World War II. As alcoholic former all-star and new Rockford Peaches manager Jimmy Dugan, Hanks is the crass, somewhat sexist comic relief ("There's no crying in baseball!") who comes around as both his players' friend and fan yet also as an emotional rock in tragic times.
'News of the World' (2020)
This isn't a hard Hanks role to imagine at all. He plays a former Confederate captain going from town to town in Texas, reading newspaper articles with gusto for 10 cents a person, who runs into a 10-year-old girl (Helena Zengel) on her own and promises to take her back home. Hanks brings warmth and humor to a character that's a reluctant do-gooder at first – the youngster, raised by the Kiowa people, is a handful – but ultimately becomes the protective father figure that Hanks embodies like no other.
'Saving Mr. Banks' (2013)
The dramedy digs into the backstory behind "Mary Poppins" and how persnickety author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) was wooed to sign off on an adaptation by none other than Walt Disney (Hanks) himself. While it's a hoot seeing Disney the ultimate businessman showing off Disneyland and his Mickey Mouse efforts to a disinterested Travers, the hard sell shifts to kindness and understanding as the two have a heartfelt conversation about what "Poppins" is really about.
'Toy Story' (1995)
Because there's so much personality in plastic cowpoke Woody's voice, the Pixar animated classic is a no-brainer to include on any Hanks retrospective. The first "Toy Story" is fun, full of nostalgia and, yes, it'll make you tear up like freshly sliced onions. It's totally worth it, however, to see the dynamic between earnest sheriff Woody and idiosyncratic spaceman Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) as they go from an initial rivalry to be the favorite toy to budding best friendship.
'You’ve Got Mail' (1998)
In the 1990s, Hanks and Meg Ryan were an unstoppable rom-com pairing, the Fred and Ginger of the grunge era. "Joe Versus the Volcano" and "Sleepless in Seattle" might have their devotees, but the best by far is this lovely ode the earliest days of online dating. Hanks runs a massive family bookseller, Ryan heads up the small corner bookstore whose business is in jeopardy, and the rivals become secret email confidantes who fall for each other. Just try not to cry as Brinkley the dog bounds through the park, a furry version of a modern "swipe right" bringing together two lovebirds.


usatoday--2020-12-23--Here's what stores and restaurants are open on Christmas Day

Here 's what stores and restaurants are open on Christmas Day Here 's a list of who 's open for @ @ @ @ @ Day 2020 .

Christmas 2020: Here's the list of stores that are open
Here's a list of who's open for grub and last-minute goodies Christmas Day 2020.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-25--Make a homemade snow globe

Make a homemade snow globe

Christmas craft: homemade snow globe
Get crafty this holiday season with a homemade snow globe
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-27--Arizona Cardinals' playoff hopes take big hit after loss to San Francisco 49ers

GLENDALE , Ariz. — Third-string quarterback C.J .
Beathard passed for three touchdowns and backup running back Jeff Wilson Jr. became the first player to rush for 100 or more yards against Arizona this season as the 49ers held on for a 20-12 victory over the Cardinals on Saturday at State Farm Stadium .
Beathard completed 13 of 22 passes for 182 yards , including two scoring strikes to fullback Kyle Juszczyk and one to Wilson , who rushed for a career-high 183 yards .
The Cardinals were haunted by an offense that could never find a consistent rhythm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a defense that allowed far too many chunk plays against a supposed inferior opponent .
As a result , they ’ ll have to wait at least another week to learn their playoff fate .
A win over the 49ers on Saturday , coupled with a loss or tie by the Bears on Sunday against the Jaguars , would have assured the Cardinals of their first trip to the postseason in five seasons .
Now , the Cardinals ( 8-7 ) have to beat the Rams next week in the regular-season finale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 7-7 ) lose or tie against the Jaguars and lose or tie next week at home against the Packers .
Arizona had a chance to tie the score after falling behind 14-6 when Kenyan Drake leaped over the goal line for a 1-yard touchdown .
On the two-point try , however , Kyler Murray rushed a pass to DeAndre Hopkins in the end zone that was too low and off target .
After the Cardinals failed to convert on fourth down for the first time in five tries , the 49ers took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a 34-yard run before Beathard found Juszczyk on a 1-yard touchdown .
Robbie Gould missed the extra point , but it didn ’ t matter in the end .
Murray drove the Cardinals down field with one more chance to tie it , but his pass in the end zone to Christian Kirk was intercepted by cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to virtually seal the win for the 49ers ( 6-9 ) .
The Cardinals looked like they were off to the races to open the game , quickly driving down to the 49ers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass to Christian Kirk in the end zone was high and incomplete on third down , however , and Arizona had to settle for a 27-yard field goal from Mike Nugent .
After each team went three-and-out , the 49ers responded with a 7-play , 74-yard drive highlighted by a big 24-yard catch and run by tight end George Kittle , back off injured reserve following a fractured foot .
Five plays later , Beathard threw a short pass to Wilson , who cut to his right and ran through a handful of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Later , Arizona converted its second fourth-down situation but had another drive stalled when Murray ’ s pass in the end zone to Hopkins was broken up by cornerback Jason Verrett .
Hopkins was injured on the play and Nugent came in for a 43-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 7-6 with 35 seconds left in the first half .
Haason Reddick forced a fumble by Beathard on the ensuing possession , but the Cardinals didn ’ t have enough time to get the ball into field-goal range for Nugent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 41-yard attempt by 49ers kicker Robbie Gould , his first from inside 50 yards in 31 tries , gave the Cardinals some hope early in the second half .
But Arizona ’ s offense had three straight plays for negative yardage and San Francisco had another 7-play 70-plus yard scoring drive , this one capped on a 9-yard pass from Beathard to fullback Kyle Juszczyk .
The 49ers were now ahead 14-6 and making matters worse , Cardinals tight end Dan Arnold lost a fumble on the team ’ s first play of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After cutting the deficit to 14-12 , the Cardinals ’ defense was able to force a three-and-out , but the offense couldn ’ t deliver on its end during the decisive fourth quarter .
An incomplete pass , a false-start penalty on left tackle D.J .
Humphries , and two completions for 12 yards resulted in a fourth and 2 from the Cardinals ’ 35=yard line .
Kingsbury went for it and the pass from Murray to Hopkins was incomplete .
The 49ers scored two plays later .
Star player : Wilson was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle linebacker Fred Warner was the star on defense and his play – 14 tackles , a huge batted-down pass , and constant harassment – helped frustrate the Cardinals all afternoon .
He was also one of the reasons why the Cardinals had problems with the false starts .
Key injuries : Outside linebacker Haason Reddick , who was already nursing a sore shoulder , left the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury but was able to return in the second quarter .
Running back Chase Edmonds left the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injury and did not return .
Late in the first half , Hopkins left for the locker room with chest or abdomen discomfort after heavy contact in the end zone on an incomplete pass .
He returned early in the second half .
Arnold left the game late in the third quarter and was examined for a concussion but was able to return .
Up next : The Cardinals close out the regular season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams at Sofi Stadium .
Kickoff is set for 2:25 p.m .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 6 and have won the past seven meetings .

Arizona Cardinals' playoff hopes take big hit after loss to San Francisco 49ers
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 16 SportsPulse: Lorenzo is here to spread some holiday cheer and solid take to the bank bets for Week 16 in the NFL. USA TODAY
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Third-string quarterback C.J. Beathard passed for three touchdowns and backup running back Jeff Wilson Jr. became the first player to rush for 100 or more yards against Arizona this season as the 49ers held on for a 20-12 victory over the Cardinals on Saturday at State Farm Stadium.
Beathard completed 13 of 22 passes for 182 yards, including two scoring strikes to fullback Kyle Juszczyk and one to Wilson, who rushed for a career-high 183 yards.
The Cardinals were haunted by an offense that could never find a consistent rhythm, a strong of more pre-snap penalties, and a defense that allowed far too many chunk plays against a supposed inferior opponent.
As a result, they’ll have to wait at least another week to learn their playoff fate. A win over the 49ers on Saturday, coupled with a loss or tie by the Bears on Sunday against the Jaguars, would have assured the Cardinals of their first trip to the postseason in five seasons.
Now, the Cardinals (8-7) have to beat the Rams next week in the regular-season finale at SoFi Stadium and hope the Bears (7-7) lose or tie against the Jaguars and lose or tie next week at home against the Packers.
Arizona had a chance to tie the score after falling behind 14-6 when Kenyan Drake leaped over the goal line for a 1-yard touchdown. On the two-point try, however, Kyler Murray rushed a pass to DeAndre Hopkins in the end zone that was too low and off target.
After the Cardinals failed to convert on fourth down for the first time in five tries, the 49ers took over on downs and Wilson promptly ripped off a 34-yard run before Beathard found Juszczyk on a 1-yard touchdown. Robbie Gould missed the extra point, but it didn’t matter in the end.
Murray drove the Cardinals down field with one more chance to tie it, but his pass in the end zone to Christian Kirk was intercepted by cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to virtually seal the win for the 49ers (6-9).
The Cardinals looked like they were off to the races to open the game, quickly driving down to the 49ers’ 9-yard line. Murray’s pass to Christian Kirk in the end zone was high and incomplete on third down, however, and Arizona had to settle for a 27-yard field goal from Mike Nugent.
After each team went three-and-out, the 49ers responded with a 7-play, 74-yard drive highlighted by a big 24-yard catch and run by tight end George Kittle, back off injured reserve following a fractured foot. Five plays later, Beathard threw a short pass to Wilson, who cut to his right and ran through a handful of Cardinals defenders for a 21-yard touchdown.
Later, Arizona converted its second fourth-down situation but had another drive stalled when Murray’s pass in the end zone to Hopkins was broken up by cornerback Jason Verrett. Hopkins was injured on the play and Nugent came in for a 43-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 7-6 with 35 seconds left in the first half.
Haason Reddick forced a fumble by Beathard on the ensuing possession, but the Cardinals didn’t have enough time to get the ball into field-goal range for Nugent to try a third kick.
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A missed 41-yard attempt by 49ers kicker Robbie Gould, his first from inside 50 yards in 31 tries, gave the Cardinals some hope early in the second half. But Arizona’s offense had three straight plays for negative yardage and San Francisco had another 7-play 70-plus yard scoring drive, this one capped on a 9-yard pass from Beathard to fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
The 49ers were now ahead 14-6 and making matters worse, Cardinals tight end Dan Arnold lost a fumble on the team’s first play of the ensuing possession.
Turning point: After cutting the deficit to 14-12, the Cardinals’ defense was able to force a three-and-out, but the offense couldn’t deliver on its end during the decisive fourth quarter.
An incomplete pass, a false-start penalty on left tackle D.J. Humphries, and two completions for 12 yards resulted in a fourth and 2 from the Cardinals’ 35=yard line. Kingsbury went for it and the pass from Murray to Hopkins was incomplete. The 49ers scored two plays later.
Star player: Wilson was the difference maker on offense, but middle linebacker Fred Warner was the star on defense and his play – 14 tackles, a huge batted-down pass, and constant harassment – helped frustrate the Cardinals all afternoon.
He was also one of the reasons why the Cardinals had problems with the false starts.
Key injuries: Outside linebacker Haason Reddick, who was already nursing a sore shoulder, left the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury but was able to return in the second quarter. Running back Chase Edmonds left the game in the second quarter with a hip injury and did not return. Late in the first half, Hopkins left for the locker room with chest or abdomen discomfort after heavy contact in the end zone on an incomplete pass. He returned early in the second half. Arnold left the game late in the third quarter and was examined for a concussion but was able to return.
Up next: The Cardinals close out the regular season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams at Sofi Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:25 p.m. The Rams beat the Cardinals 38-28 back on Dec. 6 and have won the past seven meetings.


usatoday--2020-12-27--NFL playoff picture as Week 16 begins: Bucs, Tom Brady headed to postseason, Cardinals might not be

Here 's how the NFL playoff picture looks as Week 16 commences .
( Note : the postseason field expands to 14 teams this season and could potentially go to 16 if the league 's schedule is thrown into disarray down the stretch by COVID-19 disruptions . )
y-1 .
Kansas City Chiefs ( 13-1 ) , AFC West champions : A win against the Falcons or a loss by either the Bills or Steelers secures home-field advantage for champs .
y-2 .
Buffalo Bills ( 11-3 ) , AFC East champions : They 're division titlists for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is virtually out of reach given Buffalo lost to Kansas City in Week 6. x-3 .
Pittsburgh Steelers ( 11-3 ) , AFC North leaders : Failed to wrap up division and just about played themselves out of conversation for home field and first-round bye after third straight loss .
Just need a win to wrap up division .
4 .
Tennessee Titans ( 10-4 ) , AFC South leaders : Win gives them a playoff berth , and they 'll secure division , too , if Colts lose in Pittsburgh .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts Tennessee into field .
5 .
Cleveland Browns ( 10-4 ) , wild card No .
1 : They 're playoff bound for first time since 2002 with a victory against the Jets ... assuming either Baltimore , Indianapolis or Miami lose .
6 .
Indianapolis Colts ( 10-4 ) , wild card No .
2 : They 're into field with a win and a loss by Ravens or Fins .
7 .
Miami Dolphins ( 9-5 ) , wild card No .
3 : Need to beat Las Vegas on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off hard-charging Ravens .
8 .
Baltimore Ravens ( 9-5 ) , first team out of field : Their 6-5 record against AFC clubs currently has them looking up at Browns , Colts and Dolphins , each 6-4 within the conference .
y-1 .
Green Bay Packers ( 11-3 ) , NFC North champions : A win plus a Seahawks defeat means Pack gets to stay at Lambeau Field in January .
y-2 .
New Orleans Saints ( 11-4 ) , NFC South champions : Won division for fourth consecutive season on Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of help to reclaim No .
1 seed .
x-3 .
Seattle Seahawks ( 10-4 ) , NFC West leaders : Playoff bound for the eighth time in QB Russell Wilson 's nine-year career , they win the division by beating the Rams on Sunday .
4 .
Washington Football Team ( 6-8 ) , NFC East leaders : Can remarkably clinch division with a win plus a loss by the Giants .
x-5 .
Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 10-5 ) , wild card No .
1 : They advance to postseason for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but will drop back down to sixth seed if Rams win on Sunday .
6 .
Los Angeles Rams ( 9-5 ) , wild card No .
2 : Suffered humiliating loss to the Jets , failed to clinch a playoff spot and fell out of first place in the NFC West in Week 15 .
But win in Seattle on Sunday , and L.A. goes back to top of division standings and ensures a playoff return .
7 .
Arizona Cardinals ( 8-7 ) , wild card No .
3 : Devastating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday afternoon means Chicago now controls path to final NFC wild-card berth .
8 .
Chicago Bears ( 7-7 ) , first team out of field : They 've suddenly won two in a row on heels of six-game losing streak .
Win their final two games ( at Jacksonville vs. Green Bay ) , and they claim a most surprising postseason berth .
If you love talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our NFL insiders .
Do the right thing , sign up now !

NFL playoff picture as Week 16 begins: Bucs, Tom Brady headed to postseason, Cardinals might not be
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 16 SportsPulse: Lorenzo is here to spread some holiday cheer and solid take to the bank bets for Week 16 in the NFL. USA TODAY
Here's how the NFL playoff picture looks as Week 16 commences. (Note: the postseason field expands to 14 teams this season and could potentially go to 16 if the league's schedule is thrown into disarray down the stretch by COVID-19 disruptions.)
AFC
y-1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1), AFC West champions: A win against the Falcons or a loss by either the Bills or Steelers secures home-field advantage for champs.
y-2. Buffalo Bills (11-3), AFC East champions: They're division titlists for the first time in 25 years. Top seed is virtually out of reach given Buffalo lost to Kansas City in Week 6.
x-3. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3), AFC North leaders: Failed to wrap up division and just about played themselves out of conversation for home field and first-round bye after third straight loss. Just need a win to wrap up division.
4. Tennessee Titans (10-4), AFC South leaders: Win gives them a playoff berth, and they'll secure division, too, if Colts lose in Pittsburgh. A loss by the Dolphins or Ravens also puts Tennessee into field.
5. Cleveland Browns (10-4), wild card No. 1: They're playoff bound for first time since 2002 with a victory against the Jets ... assuming either Baltimore, Indianapolis or Miami lose.
6. Indianapolis Colts (10-4), wild card No. 2: They're into field with a win and a loss by Ravens or Fins.
7. Miami Dolphins (10-5), wild card No. 3: Ultimately came up aces in Las Vegas and are now just one win from playoff berth.
8. Baltimore Ravens (9-5), first team out of field: Their 6-5 record against AFC clubs currently has them looking up at Browns, Colts and Dolphins, each 6-4 within the conference.
NFC
y-1. Green Bay Packers (11-3), NFC North champions: A win plus a Seahawks defeat means Pack gets to stay at Lambeau Field in January.
y-2. New Orleans Saints (11-4), NFC South champions: Won division for fourth consecutive season on Christmas, but they'll need a lot of help to reclaim No. 1 seed.
x-3. Seattle Seahawks (10-4), NFC West leaders: Playoff bound for the eighth time in QB Russell Wilson's nine-year career, they win the division by beating the Rams on Sunday.
4. Washington Football Team (6-8), NFC East leaders: Can remarkably clinch division with a win plus a loss by the Giants.
x-5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5), wild card No. 1: They advance to postseason for first time since 2007 after crushing Lions but will drop back down to sixth seed if Rams win on Sunday.
6. Los Angeles Rams (9-5), wild card No. 2: Suffered humiliating loss to the Jets, failed to clinch a playoff spot and fell out of first place in the NFC West in Week 15. But win in Seattle on Sunday, and L.A. goes back to top of division standings and ensures a playoff return.
7. Arizona Cardinals (8-7), wild card No. 3: Devastating loss to the division rival 49ers on Saturday afternoon means Chicago now controls path to final NFC wild-card berth.
8. Chicago Bears (7-7), first team out of field: They've suddenly won two in a row on heels of six-game losing streak. Win their final two games (at Jacksonville vs. Green Bay), and they claim a most surprising postseason berth.
x — clinched berth
y — clinched division
***
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.
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usatoday--2020-12-27--NFL COVID-19 updates: Browns LB  B.J. Goodson tests positive; six players will miss game vs. Jets

CLEVELAND – If the Browns have their playoff hopes significantly damaged with a loss Sunday to the New York Jets , the COVID-19 pandemic will be remembered as a major culprit .
Starting middle linebacker B.J .
Goodson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday after testing positive for the virus .
Then the Browns ' top four wide receivers — Jarvis Landry , Rashard Higgins , rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge — plus rookie linebacker Jacob Phillips were identified as high-risk close contacts of Goodson , so they landed on the list , too .
All six players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the Browns ( 10-4 ) are scheduled to face the New York Jets ( 1-13 ) at MetLife Stadium .
No change to the game 's status has been made , an NFL spokesman said .
The Browns can clinch a playoff berth in Week 16 if they defeat the Jets and one of the other teams in the thick of the AFC wild-card race loses .
The teams to watch are the Miami Dolphins , Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens .
The Browns have n't appeared in the postseason since 2002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one game this season — 23-20 over the Los Angeles Rams last week — defeating any team in the league should be challenging with a receiving corps as depleted as the Browns ' .
Of the five receivers who entered the weekend on the active roster , only Marvin Hall will face the Jets .
The Browns claimed Hall off waivers from the Detroit Lions on Dec. 7 , and he has yet to appear in a game with them .
The Browns also elevated receivers Ja'Marcus Bradley , an undrafted rookie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the active roster in addition to linebacker Montrel Meander .
A five-time Pro Bowl selection , Landry will miss the first game of his seven-year NFL career .
He has played through countless injuries to appear in 111 consecutive games , including a playoff appearance with the 2016 Miami Dolphins .
Landry leads the Browns with 67 catches for 789 yards and three touchdowns this season .
Without Landry , Higgins ( 35 catches , 544 yards , four TDs ) , Peoples-Jones ( 13 catches , 293 yards , two TDs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 155 yards ) , the Browns will likely need to lean on running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt and tight ends Austin Hooper , Harrison Bryant and David Njoku much more in the passing attack orchestrated by quarterback Baker Mayfield .
`` I don ’ t even have covid !
!
!
This s*** sucks !
!
!
! ''
Higgins tweeted .
The Jets have the NFL 's 29th-ranked defense ( 392.7 yards allowed per game ) .
They 're 14th against the run ( 112.9 ) and 30th against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Browns activated rookie starting left tackle Jedrick Wills .
He landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday as a close contact of a non-Browns employee who tested positive for the virus .
The team elevated center Javon Patterson from the practice squad to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement .
The Browns had their flight to New Jersey delayed until 7 p.m. , pushed back four hours , 15 minutes , while contact tracing was conducted after Goodson tested positive .
A person familiar with the situation said Goodson did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-risk close contacts of him .
The contact occurred at Browns headquarters , the person said .
Goodson will be unavailable to face the Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Jan. 3 regular-season finale because of COVID-19 protocols .
The protocols were changed Dec. 15 to stipulate all players who test positive for the virus , even symptomatic ones , may not return until 10 days have passed since the specimen that tested positive was collected .
A free-agent acquisition in March , Goodson leads the Browns with 91 tackles and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six passes defensed and a fumble recovery .
With Goodon and Phillips sitting out against the Jets , other key linebackers who will be relied on to fill the void are Sione Takitaki , Mack Wilson and Malcolm Smith , who 's questionable to play Sunday because of a hamstring injury .
Coach Kevin Stefanski decided to make Wilson a healthy inactive in last week 's 20-6 win over the New York Giants , but defensive coordinator Joe Woods said Thursday Wilson is in the plans to play against the Jets .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will still be down a starter on the offensive line Sunday because they ruled out right guard Wyatt Teller ( ankle ) for the second consecutive game .
Rookie fifth-round draft pick Nick Harris is expected to start in place of Teller .
Chris Hubbard started for Teller against the Giants , but Hubbard suffered a season-ending knee injury on the offense 's second play , forcing the Browns to summon Harris from the bench .

NFL COVID-19 updates: Browns LB B.J. Goodson tests positive; six players will miss game vs. Jets
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 16 SportsPulse: Lorenzo is here to spread some holiday cheer and solid take to the bank bets for Week 16 in the NFL. USA TODAY
CLEVELAND – If the Browns have their playoff hopes significantly damaged with a loss Sunday to the New York Jets, the COVID-19 pandemic will be remembered as a major culprit.
Starting middle linebacker B.J. Goodson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday after testing positive for the virus.
Then the Browns' top four wide receivers — Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, rookie Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge — plus rookie linebacker Jacob Phillips were identified as high-risk close contacts of Goodson, so they landed on the list, too.
All six players will be unavailable to play Sunday, when the Browns (10-4) are scheduled to face the New York Jets (1-13) at MetLife Stadium. No change to the game's status has been made, an NFL spokesman said.
The Browns can clinch a playoff berth in Week 16 if they defeat the Jets and one of the other teams in the thick of the AFC wild-card race loses. The teams to watch are the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens. The Browns haven't appeared in the postseason since 2002.
Although the Jets have won just one game this season — 23-20 over the Los Angeles Rams last week — defeating any team in the league should be challenging with a receiving corps as depleted as the Browns'.
Of the five receivers who entered the weekend on the active roster, only Marvin Hall will face the Jets. The Browns claimed Hall off waivers from the Detroit Lions on Dec. 7, and he has yet to appear in a game with them.
The Browns also elevated receivers Ja'Marcus Bradley, an undrafted rookie, and Derrick Willies from the practice squad to the active roster in addition to linebacker Montrel Meander.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Landry will miss the first game of his seven-year NFL career. He has played through countless injuries to appear in 111 consecutive games, including a playoff appearance with the 2016 Miami Dolphins.
"ANNOYED," Landry tweeted.
Landry leads the Browns with 67 catches for 789 yards and three touchdowns this season. Without Landry, Higgins (35 catches, 544 yards, four TDs), Peoples-Jones (13 catches, 293 yards, two TDs) and Hodge (nine catches, 155 yards), the Browns will likely need to lean on running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt and tight ends Austin Hooper, Harrison Bryant and David Njoku much more in the passing attack orchestrated by quarterback Baker Mayfield.
"I don’t even have covid !!! This s*** sucks!!!!" Higgins tweeted.
"Bro nawwww ain't no way...," Peoples-Jones tweeted.
PLAYOFF PICTURE WEEK 16: Bucs, Brady are headed to postseason
WEEK 16 NFL PICKS: Rams, Seahawks vie for NFC West supremacy
The Jets have the NFL's 29th-ranked defense (392.7 yards allowed per game). They're 14th against the run (112.9) and 30th against the pass (279.8).
Earlier Saturday, the Browns activated rookie starting left tackle Jedrick Wills. He landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday as a close contact of a non-Browns employee who tested positive for the virus. The team elevated center Javon Patterson from the practice squad to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement.
The Browns had their flight to New Jersey delayed until 7 p.m., pushed back four hours, 15 minutes, while contact tracing was conducted after Goodson tested positive.
A person familiar with the situation said Goodson didn't celebrate Christmas with the five players deemed high-risk close contacts of him. The contact occurred at Browns headquarters, the person said.
Goodson will be unavailable to face the Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Jan. 3 regular-season finale because of COVID-19 protocols. The protocols were changed Dec. 15 to stipulate all players who test positive for the virus, even symptomatic ones, may not return until 10 days have passed since the specimen that tested positive was collected.
A free-agent acquisition in March, Goodson leads the Browns with 91 tackles and has a half sack, two interceptions, six passes defensed and a fumble recovery.
With Goodon and Phillips sitting out against the Jets, other key linebackers who will be relied on to fill the void are Sione Takitaki, Mack Wilson and Malcolm Smith, who's questionable to play Sunday because of a hamstring injury.
Coach Kevin Stefanski decided to make Wilson a healthy inactive in last week's 20-6 win over the New York Giants, but defensive coordinator Joe Woods said Thursday Wilson is in the plans to play against the Jets.
And even with Wills back, the Browns will still be down a starter on the offensive line Sunday because they ruled out right guard Wyatt Teller (ankle) for the second consecutive game.
Rookie fifth-round draft pick Nick Harris is expected to start in place of Teller. Chris Hubbard started for Teller against the Giants, but Hubbard suffered a season-ending knee injury on the offense's second play, forcing the Browns to summon Harris from the bench.
— Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal


usatoday--2020-12-26--Victoria's Semi-Annual Sale: Shop our top picks from the long-awaited event

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
When it comes to post-Christmas sales , there 's no savings event more highly anticipated than the ever-popular Victoria ’ s Secret Semi-Annual Sale .
Two times a year , fans of the brand go bananas over this cornucopia of price cuts , which features massive markdowns on everything from the company ’ s best-selling bras and underwear to pj ’ s , athleisure and more .
And right now , you can get an exclusive online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t start in stores until December 29 .
Get expert shopping advice delivered to your phone .
Sign up for text message alerts from the deal-hunting nerds at Reviewed .
With sizes at the top of the page to make it easy for you to find what you 're looking for , you can easily see what 's still available that will actually fit .
The only catch ?
The most popular ones tend to sell out at lightning speed , so you 'll have to move fast should something catch your eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on orders of $ 10 What is the Victoria 's Secret Semi-Annual Sale ?
The Victoria 's Secret Semi-Annual Sale is your chance to get huge savings on its customer-loved underthings , clothing and beauty galore .
Everything—and we do mean everything !
—gets big price cuts during this sale—we 're talking savings of of 50 to 70 % .
Needless to say , while this event typically lasts around two weeks , sizes get picked over , fast—especially when it comes to smaller sizing—so we highly recommend adding what you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The best deals to shop from the Victoria 's Secret Semi-Annual Sale Do n't know where to start ?
No sweat .
We 've already combed through the sale to find the items that not only got the best discounts , but actually have stock up for grabs .
Click through our picks below to get the best stuff while it 's hot !
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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Victoria's Semi-Annual Sale: Shop our top picks from the long-awaited event
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
When it comes to post-Christmas sales, there's no savings event more highly anticipated than the ever-popular Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale. Two times a year, fans of the brand go bananas over this cornucopia of price cuts, which features massive markdowns on everything from the company’s best-selling bras and underwear to pj’s, athleisure and more. And right now, you can get an exclusive online preview of the mega-event that won’t start in stores until December 29.
Get expert shopping advice delivered to your phone. Sign up for text message alerts from the deal-hunting nerds at Reviewed.
With sizes at the top of the page to make it easy for you to find what you're looking for, you can easily see what's still available that will actually fit. The only catch? The most popular ones tend to sell out at lightning speed, so you'll have to move fast should something catch your eye. Note that shipping is also free on orders of $10
What is the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale?
The Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale is your chance to get huge savings on its customer-loved underthings, clothing and beauty galore. Everything—and we do mean everything!—gets big price cuts during this sale—we're talking savings of of 50 to 70%. Needless to say, while this event typically lasts around two weeks, sizes get picked over, fast—especially when it comes to smaller sizing—so we highly recommend adding what you want to your cart while you still can.
The best deals to shop from the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale
Don't know where to start? No sweat. We've already combed through the sale to find the items that not only got the best discounts, but actually have stock up for grabs. Click through our picks below to get the best stuff while it's hot!
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-12-26--San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals: Live stream, how to watch, odds, time

The San Fransisco 49ers ( 5-9 ) will be heading to State Farm Stadium in Arizona to take on the Cardinals ( 8-6 ) Saturday .
The defending NFC champs are not in playoff contention following their loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 and with two games of the regular season remaining , the Cardinals are poised to make a playoff run .
The injury-plagued 49ers lost their third straight game on Sunday and sixth in their last seven games .
With Nick Mullens out for the season after an elbow injury and Jimmy Garappolo not ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start on Saturday with newly signed Josh Rosen off of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad backing him up .
The Cardinals are coming off of their second straight win and quarterback Kyler Murray passed for a career-high 406 yards , leading in a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles .
Here ’ s everything you need to know for Saturday ’ s game : What time does 49ers at Cardinals start ?
The game is set to kick off at 4:30 p.m .
ET on Saturday , Dec. 26 .
What TV channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The game will be televised in both teams ' home markets on NBC affiliate KNTV in San Francisco and FOX affiliate KSAZ in Arizona .
How can I watch 49ers at Cardinals online via live stream ?
As part of the NFL Holiday Blitz on Prime Video , 49ers-Cardinals is the first NFL game to exclusively stream through Amazon Prime , Twitch and Amazon 's various platforms .
The game will also be available to stream nationally on mobile through the NFL , 49ers , Cardinals and Yahoo Sports mobile properties .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardinals ?
According to BetMGM , the line is Cardinals -5.5 and the over/under is at 48.5 .
Where can I find score updates from 49ers at Cardinals ?
USA TODAY Sports will have all the latest on the game in our box score .
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services .
Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage .

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals: Live stream, how to watch, odds, time
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 16 SportsPulse: Lorenzo is here to spread some holiday cheer and solid take to the bank bets for Week 16 in the NFL. USA TODAY
The San Fransisco 49ers (5-9) will be heading to State Farm Stadium in Arizona to take on the Cardinals (8-6) Saturday.
The defending NFC champs are not in playoff contention following their loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 and with two games of the regular season remaining, the Cardinals are poised to make a playoff run.
The injury-plagued 49ers lost their third straight game on Sunday and sixth in their last seven games. With Nick Mullens out for the season after an elbow injury and Jimmy Garappolo not ready to return, C.J. Beathard will reportedly start on Saturday with newly signed Josh Rosen off of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad backing him up.
The Cardinals are coming off of their second straight win and quarterback Kyler Murray passed for a career-high 406 yards, leading in a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here’s everything you need to know for Saturday’s game:
What time does 49ers at Cardinals start?
The game is set to kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 26.
What TV channel is the 49ers at Cardinals on?
The game will be televised in both teams' home markets on NBC affiliate KNTV in San Francisco and FOX affiliate KSAZ in Arizona.
How can I watch 49ers at Cardinals online via live stream?
As part of the NFL Holiday Blitz on Prime Video, 49ers-Cardinals is the first NFL game to exclusively stream through Amazon Prime, Twitch and Amazon's various platforms.
The game will also be available to stream nationally on mobile through the NFL, 49ers, Cardinals and Yahoo Sports mobile properties.
What are the odds for the 49ers at Cardinals?
According to BetMGM, the line is Cardinals -5.5 and the over/under is at 48.5.
Where can I find score updates from 49ers at Cardinals?
USA TODAY Sports will have all the latest on the game in our box score.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.


usatoday--2020-12-26--Carrie Underwood thanks 'brave first responders' in Nashville, more celebs react to explosion

Country music stars , actors and media pundits took to social media to offer their thoughts and prayers for those in Nashville who were affected by an explosion that went off on Christmas morning .
On Friday , an RV exploded and rocked Nashville 's historic Second Avenue rattling residents for miles and causing destruction throughout several blocks .
Federal and local investigators focused Saturday on the circumstances leading up to what they call an `` intentional act . ''
Police have found what they believe are human remains but had not confirmed any fatalities .
Carrie Underwood , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas message and thanked first responders for their work .
`` Merry Christmas everyone !
And a huge thank you to all the brave first responders in Nashville this morning , '' Underwood wrote .
Russell Crowe tweeted : `` Reading about Nashville .
Thinking about all the golden hearted people of the great state of Tennessee this morning . ''
Megyn Kelly offered her prayers to those in Nashville .
`` Prayers to those in Nashville today and to those injured .
Authorities will find the cowards who did this , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted .
Multi-platinum-selling country singer Chris Young shared a photo of the destruction the explosion caused in downtown Nashville , '' My heart is with all of my fellow Nashvillians that have been affected by this ... especially on Christmas , '' Young tweeted alongside the photo .
`` Every Little Thing '' country artist Carly Pearce expressed her dismay at the tragedy during a holiday .
`` Sending all my love to Nashville this morning , '' Pearce tweeted .
`` These videos are absolutely terrifying .
Such a horrific act , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Town also tweeted out a holiday message and offered their prayers to their hometown .
`` Merry Christmas !
Thinking of our beautiful hometown we love so much .
We are beyond grateful to our first responders for your dedication and bravery , '' the group tweeted .
`` Our prayers and love are with all those serving our community . ''
More : Nashville explosion : What we know about downtown explosion on Christmas morning

Carrie Underwood thanks 'brave first responders' in Nashville, more celebs react to explosion
Show Caption Hide Caption Nashville blast blows out windows, wrecks apartment An explosion that shook the largely deserted streets of downtown Nashville early Christmas morning shattered windows, damaged buildings and wounded three people. Authorities said they believed the blast was intentional. (Dec. 25) AP
Country music stars, actors and media pundits took to social media to offer their thoughts and prayers for those in Nashville who were affected by an explosion that went off on Christmas morning.
On Friday, an RV exploded and rocked Nashville's historic Second Avenue rattling residents for miles and causing destruction throughout several blocks. Federal and local investigators focused Saturday on the circumstances leading up to what they call an "intentional act."
Police have found what they believe are human remains but had not confirmed any fatalities.
Carrie Underwood, who lives in Nashville, tweeted out a Christmas message and thanked first responders for their work.
"Merry Christmas everyone! And a huge thank you to all the brave first responders in Nashville this morning," Underwood wrote.
Russell Crowe tweeted: "Reading about Nashville. Thinking about all the golden hearted people of the great state of Tennessee this morning."
Megyn Kelly offered her prayers to those in Nashville.
"Prayers to those in Nashville today and to those injured. Authorities will find the cowards who did this, and justice will be done," she tweeted.
Multi-platinum-selling country singer Chris Young shared a photo of the destruction the explosion caused in downtown Nashville,
"My heart is with all of my fellow Nashvillians that have been affected by this... especially on Christmas," Young tweeted alongside the photo.
My heart is with all of my fellow Nashvillians that have been affected by this... especially on Christmas... pic.twitter.com/gtPazVF4n9 — ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) December 25, 2020
"Every Little Thing" country artist Carly Pearce expressed her dismay at the tragedy during a holiday.
"Sending all my love to Nashville this morning," Pearce tweeted. "These videos are absolutely terrifying. Such a horrific act, especially on Christmas morning."
Little Big Town also tweeted out a holiday message and offered their prayers to their hometown.
"Merry Christmas! Thinking of our beautiful hometown we love so much. We are beyond grateful to our first responders for your dedication and bravery," the group tweeted. "Our prayers and love are with all those serving our community."
Contributing: Yihyun Jeong, Natalie Neysa Alund and Joshua Bote, Nashville Tennessean
More: Nashville explosion: What we know about downtown explosion on Christmas morning


usatoday--2020-12-25--Bathroom ideas: Technology, smart devices can improve your home

From smart mirrors and a bidet and trash can with built-in sensors , there are many ways to improve your @ @ @ @

Bathroom technology: Smart devices can improve your home
From smart mirrors and a bidet and trash can with built-in sensors, there are many ways to improve your bathroom with technology.
Marc Saltzman, Special to USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-22--Missing winter cruises? Here are 4 warm-weather trip ideas for the holiday season

Missing winter cruises ?
Here are 4 warm-weather trip ideas for the holiday season Holiday cruises may be suspended this @ @ @ @ @ here are 4 other warm-weather trip ideas with socially-distanced experiences .

Winter cruise fans: 4 warm-weather trips to tide you over
Holiday cruises may be suspended this year thanks to COVID-19 but here are 4 other warm-weather trip ideas with socially-distanced experiences.
Staff Video, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-27--'It's a miracle': After months on a ventilator fighting COVID-19, Arizona high school football coach

Russ Stryker is home for Christmas , a gift from God , a miracle , he calls it , as he catches up on everything .
How his Kingman High School ( Arizona ) football team did , while he lay in a hospital bed the entire season on a ventilator , battling complications from COVID-19 , coding once , his kidneys trying to shut down , his lungs collapsing .
How his son Garrett , a junior , his first time starting at quarterback , led the Bulldogs offense and , late in the game , intercepted a pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opener against Kingman Academy with Garrett also acting as offensive coordinator because only Garrett and his dad knew the offense inside out .
How the team ended up 2-4 with one game canceled due to the virus .
He did n't recall any of it , because he was intubated on a ventilator in a fight for his life .
When he went to the hospital on Sept. 22 , before his team 's first scrimmage , his oxygen level was at 30 .
On Dec. 17 , when he finally came home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital , four weeks at Mayo Clinic and three weeks at St. Joseph 's in Phoenix , Stryker said his oxygen was at 98 .
PLAYOFF PICTURE : Bucs , Tom Brady headed to postseason , Cardinals might not be His voice was raspy , but he was talking football again with his son , cherishing every waking moment , breathing easier .
`` It 's a miracle , '' Stryker , 53 , said .
`` No doubt about it .
`` I think the doctor working on me told my wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was going to pull through .
And , if I did pull through , I 'd probably be in a nursing home .
It does n't line up with what God is telling me .
She kept praying .
Mayo put a trach ( tracheostomy ) in my throat .
Just really good doctors .
They were able to get everything back in line . ''
When Paul Clark , part of Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep 's ( Arizona ) coaching staff , got a call from his childhood friend during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , he stepped away to take it .
Stryker had just gotten the tracheal tube pulled and was finally able to breathe on his own .
`` I said , 'This is the greatest call I ever had , ' `` Clark said .
`` He 's a fighter .
He wanted to get back and up so bad .
He had me bring him elastic bands to St. Joseph 's to use for exercises , so he could build back up . ''
`` Those kids at Notre Dame , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special attention for Coach Stryker . ''
Stephanie Stryker , 49 , came down with COVID-19 first in September .
Russ tried to stay away but he got it as well .
He stayed away from his team and son so they would n't have to go into a two-week quarantine and cancel the season opener .
Stephanie had symptoms -- fatigue , fever , chills , body aches -- but no respiratory issues .
By Day 7 , she was feeling better .
`` His Day 7 was coming up , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were watching TV and said , 'Tomorrow is Day 7 , it will probably be a turning point . '
`` She did n't know it would be turning into a near-fatal direction for Russ .
Stephanie said his breathing was short , irregular and he was panting as if he had just run three laps around the block .
She told him , `` If you ca n't quit panting like that and ca n't take a deep breath , I 'm going to take you to the ER . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Center emergency room , somehow finding the strength to lift his 6-foot-2 , 280-pound frame out of her Chrysler and into a wheelchair .
`` They told me he only had 30 percent oxygen when he got there , '' Stephanie said .
`` I thought they would give him some oxygen and keep him a few days .
I had no idea .
He had bacterial pneumonia and got a bad infection in the hospital .
Once he started to get an infection , his body was so run down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she could n't stay there with her husband .
Stephanie said the hospital called later that night to tell her he had coded and doctors were working on him .
His heart had stopped .
They told her to come to the hospital .
`` They were only going to let me come because he was dying , '' she said .
`` My sister and best friend prayed for an hour .
They got him stable . ''
By the fifth week in the hospital , Stryker took another bad turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it .
But he came through .
The next day , Stephanie decided she needed to move him to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix for a change in care .
Because of his size , she said he was taken by airplane , instead of a helicopter .
An Army veteran who served during Desert Storm , Stryker was covered by the VA for medical expenses , and Mayo took him in .
But the transportation via airplane to Mayo was not covered .
And that 's costly .
Her best friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 50,000 to offset costs .
It had raised more than $ 14,000 as of this week .
At Mayo , Stephanie said she was asked tough questions .
`` Do you want us to pursue this or do you want to call it ? ''
was one of them , Stephanie said .
She was told that her husband 's lungs `` were trashed , '' a byproduct of the COVID , and they did n't think he 'd ever come off the ventilator and would have to spend the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She felt God had something in store for her husband .
She told them to do anything they can to save him .
`` The next day he was responding , '' she said .
`` Things got better . ''
After four weeks at Mayo , he was moved to St. Joseph 's Hospital and Medical Center , where , for three weeks , he underwent physical therapy to build his lungs back up and walk on his own again , having had to use a wheelchair as he recovered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road to recovery continues .
At least now , he can see a light at the end .
`` He never gives up , '' Stephanie said .
`` He fights to the bitter end with everything .
That 's one of the things that makes him a great coach .
Never , never gives up on kids with their home lives and school .
The coaching is the easy part .
Dealing with what was going on with kids in their lives , he never gave up on anybody . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ youth and middle school football teams in Kingman .
He knew the man 's resiliency , which motivated the players to battle through .
`` It was a challenge , '' said Schritter , who helped lead the team .
`` He 's special .
He brings a family atmosphere to the team .
`` He was on the vent for our first scrimmage .
He was under until the last week . ''
Schritter said Garrett Stryker , born into football , showed tremendous leadership while knowing his father could die .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him to keep his mind focused , '' Schritter said .
`` He handed it better than any high school player . ''
`` He was just a junior but the kids rallied behind him , '' Stephanie said .
Garrett said it was n't his best season , but he was determined to not let his teammates down .
`` I tried to step up to be like him as a player , emulate him , '' Garrett said .
`` I knew the offense inside out .
It was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But at times , it was stressful .
You can see everything .
I would try to think what my dad would do and sometimes I would get lost . ''
Russ said he is proud of his son for stepping into the role he would have calling the offense .
`` I 've always been my own offensive coordinator , '' Russ said .
`` The only thing that saved us a little bit , this summer I decided to start using my son at quarterback .
I 'm not positive he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trusted him .
He has a good football head .
He 's a good athlete .
`` When I came down sick , the only person who knew the offense was him . ''
Garrett figured he ended up calling 75 percent of the offense , and had the ability to check down and change plays at the line of scrimmage .
Once his father was able to talk again , he told his dad about every game , every play .
Russ lost 50 pounds over the course of 12 weeks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember anything while in the Kingman hospital and a little bit while at Mayo , because he was sedated .
`` Because I did n't know what was going on , I was shocked that all that stuff had happened , '' he said .
`` I 'm still a little bit shocked .
It 's traumatic . ''
Kingman Athletic Director John Venenga said the school and team never doubted Stryker would survive .
`` He was strong in body and faith , '' Venenga said .
`` You know how teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone gets hurt ?
That is exactly what our coaching staff did .
They all took on a bigger role within the organization .
`` Our players continued to stay motivated and played hard from the opening kick off until the final horn sounded .
It was always , 'This is what we are doing until Russ gets back . '
We did what we could to support his son .
We continued to stay in touch with his wife to make sure she had what she needed .
And of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to get him back . ''
With vaccines starting to be distributed , Russ said he does n't think he 'll get the shot , but added , `` I 'll still play it safe and wear a mask . ''
He goes through physical therapy and occupational therapy .
He said he hopes to go back to coaching in early March .
Stryker credits Mayo for saving his life , along with `` a good praying wife . ''
`` God has bigger and better stuff planned for me . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news , reach Obert at richard.obert @ arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827 .
Follow him on Twitter @ azc_obert .

'It's a miracle': After months on a ventilator fighting COVID-19, Arizona high school football coach home for holiday
Show Caption Hide Caption Kingman football coach Russ Stryker home for Christmas after COVID-19 battle Kingman High School head football coach Russ Stryker spent all of the high school football season on a hospital ventilator suffering from COVID-19. Nick Oza, The Republic | azcentral.com
Russ Stryker is home for Christmas, a gift from God, a miracle, he calls it, as he catches up on everything.
How his Kingman High School (Arizona) football team did, while he lay in a hospital bed the entire season on a ventilator, battling complications from COVID-19, coding once, his kidneys trying to shut down, his lungs collapsing.
How his son Garrett, a junior, his first time starting at quarterback, led the Bulldogs offense and, late in the game, intercepted a pass to seal a 16-10 win in their opener against Kingman Academy with Garrett also acting as offensive coordinator because only Garrett and his dad knew the offense inside out.
How the team ended up 2-4 with one game canceled due to the virus.
He didn't recall any of it, because he was intubated on a ventilator in a fight for his life.
When he went to the hospital on Sept. 22, before his team's first scrimmage, his oxygen level was at 30. On Dec. 17, when he finally came home, after five weeks in a Kingman hospital, four weeks at Mayo Clinic and three weeks at St. Joseph's in Phoenix, Stryker said his oxygen was at 98.
EARLY WEEK 16 WINNERS, LOSERS: Dolphins, Buccaneers, Alvin Kamara ride high
PLAYOFF PICTURE: Bucs, Tom Brady headed to postseason, Cardinals might not be
His voice was raspy, but he was talking football again with his son, cherishing every waking moment, breathing easier.
"It's a miracle," Stryker, 53, said. "No doubt about it.
"I think the doctor working on me told my wife at one point there was no chance I was going to pull through. And, if I did pull through, I'd probably be in a nursing home. It doesn't line up with what God is telling me. She kept praying. Mayo put a trach (tracheostomy) in my throat. Just really good doctors. They were able to get everything back in line."
When Paul Clark, part of Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep's (Arizona) coaching staff, got a call from his childhood friend during a practice a week of the 5A semifinal game, he stepped away to take it.
Stryker had just gotten the tracheal tube pulled and was finally able to breathe on his own.
"I said, 'This is the greatest call I ever had,' " Clark said. "He's a fighter. He wanted to get back and up so bad. He had me bring him elastic bands to St. Joseph's to use for exercises, so he could build back up."
"Those kids at Notre Dame, at the end of practice, asked for special attention for Coach Stryker."
'Fights to the bitter end'
Stephanie Stryker, 49, came down with COVID-19 first in September. Russ tried to stay away but he got it as well. He stayed away from his team and son so they wouldn't have to go into a two-week quarantine and cancel the season opener.
Stephanie had symptoms -- fatigue, fever, chills, body aches -- but no respiratory issues. By Day 7, she was feeling better.
"His Day 7 was coming up," she said. "That night, we were watching TV and said, 'Tomorrow is Day 7, it will probably be a turning point.' "
She didn't know it would be turning into a near-fatal direction for Russ.
Stephanie said his breathing was short, irregular and he was panting as if he had just run three laps around the block.
She told him, "If you can't quit panting like that and can't take a deep breath, I'm going to take you to the ER."
She took him to the Kingman Regional Medical Center emergency room, somehow finding the strength to lift his 6-foot-2, 280-pound frame out of her Chrysler and into a wheelchair.
"They told me he only had 30 percent oxygen when he got there," Stephanie said. "I thought they would give him some oxygen and keep him a few days. I had no idea. He had bacterial pneumonia and got a bad infection in the hospital. Once he started to get an infection, his body was so run down."
Because of the no-visitors COVID-19 protocols, she couldn't stay there with her husband. Stephanie said the hospital called later that night to tell her he had coded and doctors were working on him. His heart had stopped. They told her to come to the hospital.
"They were only going to let me come because he was dying," she said. "My sister and best friend prayed for an hour. They got him stable."
By the fifth week in the hospital, Stryker took another bad turn and it didn't appear he would make it. But he came through.
The next day, Stephanie decided she needed to move him to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix for a change in care. Because of his size, she said he was taken by airplane, instead of a helicopter.
An Army veteran who served during Desert Storm, Stryker was covered by the VA for medical expenses, and Mayo took him in.
But the transportation via airplane to Mayo was not covered. And that's costly. Her best friend started a gofundme page with a goal of $50,000 to offset costs. It had raised more than $14,000 as of this week.
At Mayo, Stephanie said she was asked tough questions.
"Do you want us to pursue this or do you want to call it?" was one of them, Stephanie said.
She was told that her husband's lungs "were trashed," a byproduct of the COVID, and they didn't think he'd ever come off the ventilator and would have to spend the rest of his life in a nursing home.
She felt God had something in store for her husband. She told them to do anything they can to save him.
"The next day he was responding," she said. "Things got better."
After four weeks at Mayo, he was moved to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, where, for three weeks, he underwent physical therapy to build his lungs back up and walk on his own again, having had to use a wheelchair as he recovered.
He is home now, but the the road to recovery continues. At least now, he can see a light at the end.
"He never gives up," Stephanie said. "He fights to the bitter end with everything. That's one of the things that makes him a great coach. Never, never gives up on kids with their home lives and school. The coaching is the easy part. Dealing with what was going on with kids in their lives, he never gave up on anybody."
Taking over
L.D. Schritter worked with Stryker on youth and middle school football teams in Kingman. He knew the man's resiliency, which motivated the players to battle through.
"It was a challenge," said Schritter, who helped lead the team. "He's special. He brings a family atmosphere to the team.
"He was on the vent for our first scrimmage. He was under until the last week."
Schritter said Garrett Stryker, born into football, showed tremendous leadership while knowing his father could die.
"I think football was the release for him to keep his mind focused," Schritter said. "He handed it better than any high school player."
"He was just a junior but the kids rallied behind him," Stephanie said.
Garrett said it wasn't his best season, but he was determined to not let his teammates down.
"I tried to step up to be like him as a player, emulate him," Garrett said. "I knew the offense inside out. It was more fun (calling the plays). But at times, it was stressful. You can see everything. I would try to think what my dad would do and sometimes I would get lost."
Russ said he is proud of his son for stepping into the role he would have calling the offense.
"I've always been my own offensive coordinator," Russ said. "The only thing that saved us a little bit, this summer I decided to start using my son at quarterback. I'm not positive he was ready. But I knew I trusted him. He has a good football head. He's a good athlete.
"When I came down sick, the only person who knew the offense was him."
Garrett figured he ended up calling 75 percent of the offense, and had the ability to check down and change plays at the line of scrimmage.
Once his father was able to talk again, he told his dad about every game, every play.
Today, Stephanie calls Russ "a miracle walking."
Russ lost 50 pounds over the course of 12 weeks in three hospitals.
He said doesn't remember anything while in the Kingman hospital and a little bit while at Mayo, because he was sedated.
"Because I didn't know what was going on, I was shocked that all that stuff had happened," he said. "I'm still a little bit shocked. It's traumatic."
Kingman Athletic Director John Venenga said the school and team never doubted Stryker would survive.
"He was strong in body and faith," Venenga said. "You know how teams talk about 'next man up' when someone gets hurt? That is exactly what our coaching staff did. They all took on a bigger role within the organization.
"Our players continued to stay motivated and played hard from the opening kick off until the final horn sounded. It was always, 'This is what we are doing until Russ gets back.' We did what we could to support his son. We continued to stay in touch with his wife to make sure she had what she needed. And of course, we continued to pray for his recovery and to get him back."
With vaccines starting to be distributed, Russ said he doesn't think he'll get the shot, but added, "I'll still play it safe and wear a mask."
He goes through physical therapy and occupational therapy. He said he hopes to go back to coaching in early March.
Stryker credits Mayo for saving his life, along with "a good praying wife."
"God has bigger and better stuff planned for me."
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.


usatoday--2020-12-27--NFL Week 16 roundtable:  What AFC team poses the biggest threat to the Kansas City Chiefs?

Unlimited access to all content on usatoday.com The Daily Briefing , delivered to your inbox daily

NFL Week 16 roundtable: What AFC team poses the biggest threat to the Kansas City Chiefs?
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 16 SportsPulse: Lorenzo is here to spread some holiday cheer and solid take to the bank bets for Week 16 in the NFL. USA TODAY
Kansas City seems to be barreling its way to becoming the first repeat Super Bowl champion since New England after the 2003 and 2004 NFL seasons.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is in the running for a second season MVP award in three years, and while there are concerns around an ankle injury to stellar rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and questions about the defense, the reality is the Chiefs are 13-1, and a victory Sunday against the 4-10 Falcons gives them the No. 1 seed and first-round bye in the AFC.
Teams like Buffalo and Tennessee (and Baltimore if it even makes the playoffs) present problems for Kansas City. But to what extent?
With that in mind, our NFL staff was asked to address the question: Which AFC team poses the biggest threat to the Kansas City Chiefs?
More: NFL Week 16 winners and losers from Christmas, Saturday: Dolphins, Buccaneers, Alvin Kamara ride high
More: Opinion: Aaron Rodgers views himself as worthy of MVP honors – and here's why he is right
The Tennessee Titans. I’m so tempted to pencil in the Baltimore Ravens in this slot because the image of Lamar Jackson coming out of the locker room on that Monday night in Cleveland still resonates. Magic can happen with Lamar and in one game, he can provide that extra-level sizzle to beat anybody. But then I think of how the Chiefs just destroyed Baltimore earlier this year, how Baltimore was one-and-done the past two years in the playoffs ... and how as Week 16 commenced the Ravens (9-5) were not even holding a playoff slot, trailing the Dolphins, Colts and Browns in the wild-card pecking order. So, maybe not Baltimore. Unless it happens.
Tennessee, though, looms as dangerous because the Titans are just that pesky, balanced team to give anybody a fit. Plus, there’s King Henry, Derrick Henry, the NFL’s soon-to-be repeat rushing champ. Playoff football always escalates the value of a running game and Henry gives Tennessee (10-4) that foundation, while efficient and mobile-when-needed Ryan Tannehill can sling it to two impressive and physical receivers, A.J. Brown and Corey Davis. And remember: The Titans advanced to the AFC title game last year after stinging No. 1-seeded Baltimore while riding Henry’s back. Then they threatened to upset the Chiefs at Arrowhead — at least for a quarter or so, they threatened — in building a 17-7 lead before the Chiefs ignited the after-burners. In any event, the Titans saw the formula, again, of what it would take to knock off Kansas City. Control the tempo and clock with Henry. And they saw it in November of 2019, too, when they beat the Chiefs in a shootout at Nashville. So, the vision is there in more ways than one. Now, the Chiefs are even better this season. But if the Titans can keep it close — Tennessee is 5-2 this season in games decided by 7 points or fewer — they will have a better chance than any in the AFC to spoil Kansas City’s desired destiny of claiming another Lombardi Trophy.
Though I think the Chiefs are the team to beat in the AFC, I hardly think it will be a walkover. The Bills, Ravens, Colts and even Steelers could all provide significant problems in a one-and-done playoff game against Kansas City. But I think the reigning champs’ primary threat could be the Tennessee Titans, whom they faced in last year’s AFC title game. Derrick Henry is the league’s top rusher, exactly the type of weapon that allows for a keep-away strategy to keep Patrick Mahomes and Co. off the field. And Titans QB Ryan Tannehill and WRs A.J. Brown and Corey Davis also form a very underrated passing attack quite capable of exploiting a so-so K.C. D. Would love to see these teams in a January rematch.
To stop the Chiefs, one must slow and match Patrick Mahomes. The AFC is full of ballhawking defenses – hello Miami, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis – but I don’t trust their offenses to match Mahomes’ firepower. Baltimore, meanwhile, has allowed just 20.5 points a game (fourth in the league) while ranking fourth-stingiest on third down at 36.63%. The Ravens ability to kill drives will be key to containing Mahomes, whose threat never dissipates when he’s on the field. On offense, Baltimore’s 28.8 points a game ranks sixth in the league, and it leads the league gashing defenses for 172.7 yards a game by ground. The Ravens can score and take time doing it. Questions fairly loom about Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s ability to thrive in the playoffs (0-2 career) and against the Chiefs (0-3), which is where I believe Jackson’s recent performance in the Ravens’ 47-42 Monday night win over the Browns clarifies the picture. Jackson was recovering from a COVID-19 bout. He battled cramps and dehydration that required mid-game IVs. And he missed much of the fourth quarter. Despite all that, he emerged from the locker room at the 2-minute warning to take the field on fourth-and-5, promptly nailing receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown with a 44-yard, game-winning touchdown. It was the epitome of clutch. And it’s a trait that, unlocked, he can use to conquer his Chiefs demons.
I’m going to say the Chiefs themselves. There’s not a team in the AFC that possesses the same kind of versatility or potency to really threaten the Chiefs. People really like the Bills, but Josh Allen is too up and down for me to believe in them just yet. The Titans have one of the highest scoring offenses, but they can’t quick-strike score like K.C. Maybe their methodical, balanced approach would help keep the Chiefs off the field. But if the game is on the line, do you really trust that Titans defense to get a stop?
Baltimore is hot right now, and the Browns are having an impressive year. But I still need to see them shine in big, high-pressure moments before I buy into them as a threat. (And that’s IF Baltimore gets in.) And Pittsburgh is on life support. Miami forced three Mahomes interceptions and still couldn’t beat them. So, I’ll say the Chiefs. If they roll into games, sloppy and seemingly disinterested as they have at times, then they could be primed for a sloppy outing, offensively. And that will put even more pressure on their defense, which is the last thing that unit needs. Ultimately, they won’t receive a real challenge until the Super Bowl, against the likes of Green Bay.