Dein erstes Forum » eat. But with two games left to play, the Niners

SAN DIEGO -- The Los Angeles Dodgers were celebrating Adrian Gonzalezs tiebreaking home run when the crowds roar directed attention back to the field. Hanley Ramirez sent the next pitch out, too, giving the Dodgers a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday and a split the four-game series. "Hanleys home run was the after-party that keeps the celebration going," Gonzalez said. "This win was a big one for us. We needed to split the series and build some positive momentum. Im glad we were able to do that." Gonzalez broke a 1-all tie with a drive to right field off closer Huston Street, and Ramirez hit the next pitch to right-centre. It was the second home run in two days for both players. "Were 2-0 when Hanley and I homer in the same game," Gonzalez said. "We need to keep that trend going. We need to produce in the middle of the lineup." The Dodgers also got solid efforts on the mound. Chris Capuano threw five shutout innings on short rest and a shaky bullpen held up when Padres relievers could not. "A lot of good stuff happened today," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "We got a solid start and clutch hitting from the middle of our lineup. Thats what you want. Thats what you should expect from this club." The Dodgers have been beset by injuries -- Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford and Ted Lilly remain out -- but Mattingly doesnt want to use that as a crutch. He believes the Dodgers are healthy enough now to win consistently. "We are pretty much at full strength," Mattingly said. "There are no excuses at this point. We have the talent in the middle of the order to produce in a big way. Its nice when those thumpers come through for us in the clutch." Street (0-4) has given up 10 home runs in 26 1-3 innings this season. Last year, he allowed two in 39 innings. "Bottom line ... its location," Padres manager Bud Black said. "Huston is a guy who changes speeds. He has impeccable control. This year, at times, its been spotty. We have to get him to the point where hes consistently hitting his spots and making his pitches." Brandon League (3-3) got the last out in the eighth and Kenley Jansen earned his fourth save. Ramirez kept up his torrid hitting of late. He is 11 for 22 with six runs, seven RBIs and two homers in his last six games. The Dodgers were in position to win because of Capuano, who volunteered to start on short rest just days after returning from the disabled list. He was healthy, able and up to the task. The left-hander threw five shutout innings, struck out five and walked none. He let only two runners reach scoring position and was pulled before the sixth due to a 75-pitch limit. He threw 74. Los Angeles needed someone to start on short rest after playing a doubleheader Wednesday against the New York Yankees. Capuano pitched six shutout innings that day, showing no ill effects from the strained left calf that sidelined him on May 29. "I knew that I had a relatively stress free outing in New York where I threw just 80 pitches," Capuano said. "I knew we were going to need a starter for Sunday and I thought I was the guy to take that responsibility. Given the way my body and my arm felt, the assignment made perfect sense." Capuano has pitched 11 shutout innings since returning from the DL, a run he credits to a mechanical tweak that has improved location and the life on his fastball. Padres starter Andres Cashner had life on most pitches in one of the best starts of his young career. He allowed one run in eight innings. He generated 18 outs on the ground with efficiency uncharacteristic of a strikeout pitcher. He fanned only two, but was rarely challenged by the Dodgers. "The best part about it was the efficiency," Cashner said. "I was able to keep my pitch count down and I threw some good pitches when I was behind in the count." The Dodgers have won two straight, but havent won three in a row since April 7th. Buried in last place, the Dodgers must go on a run to get back in the NL West race. Mattingly knows they need to do it soon. "This is a time where we need to get on a roll and we build some momentum," he said. "Weve seemed to stall in the past. This time, hopefully we wont." NOTES: Kemp went 0 for 5 with four strikeouts Saturday in his first rehab game with Triple-A Albuquerque. He was the DH and will play centre field throughout the rest of his assignment, the final stage of his recovery from a hamstring injury. Its scheduled for three games, but Mattingly said Sunday that the stint could be extended to ensure Kemps timing at the plate is right. OF Scott Van Slyke (shoulder) also is on a rehab assignment with Albuquerque. ... The Padres recalled RHPs Miles Mikolas and Brad Brach from Triple-A Tucson and optioned RHPs Anthony Bass and Brad Boxberger back to their top farm team. The moves were made to add fresh arms to the bullpen, with RHPs Tim Stauffer and Tyson Ross unavailable following extended outings Friday night, when LHP Clayton Richard was removed with an injury in the first inning. ... There is no exact timetable for Padres 2B Jedd Gyorko (groin) to start a minor league rehab assignment with Class-A Lake Elsinore, but manager Bud Black believes it will be sometime next week. Adidas NMD R1 New Zealand .25 million option on reliever Jose Veras. NMD R2 Sale Womens . They hope to persuade the other team owners and commissioner Roger Goodell to put pressure on Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to drop the nickname they find offensive. "Given the way the meeting transpired," Ray Halbritter, an Oneida representative and leader of the "Change the Mascot Campaign," said Wednesday, "it became somewhat evident they were defending the continued use of the name. http://www.nmdshoesnz.com/adidas-superstar-cheap-nz.html . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive. Adidas Falcon New Zealand . Barcelonas entertaining victory ensured the defending Spanish champions retained their share of the league lead with Atletico Madrid two rounds ahead of their meeting in the capital. Real Madrid needed a late goal by substitute Jese Rodriguez to earn a 3-2 victory at Valencia to stay in third place and three points behind its title rivals. Adidas NMD New Zealand . But when it comes to determining if Raymond will find a place on the Leafs roster when training camp concludes in a week, well, that decision will ultimately fall to the head coach. NFL Nation reporters detail the biggest storylines -- and what they mean going forward -- for every team coming out of Week 15.AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC WestAFC EASTBuffalo Bills (7-7)Rex Ryans parking spot at 1 Bills Drive appears to be safe, for at least one more week. Buffalos 33-13 win over the Browns avoided an embarrassing loss for the Bills against a winless team, and even though Ryan might not be able to save his job with season-ending wins over the Dolphins and Jets, it would be odd for the Bills to fire Ryan this week after a 20-point victory. -- Mike RodakWeek 16:?vs. Miami, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETMiami Dolphins (9-5)Backup quarterback Matt Moore emerged with a career-high four touchdown throws in Saturday nights win over the Jets. Moores performance after nearly five years on the shelf provides himself and the Dolphins a big confidence boost that Moore can quickly shake the rust and win important December games down the stretch. -- James WalkerWeek 16: at Buffalo, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETNew England Patriots (12-2)Playing turnover-free football with the type of complementary football Bill Belichick preaches between offense, defense and special teams, the Patriots beat the Broncos in Denver -- which has been their kryptonite -- to clinch the AFC East title for an NFL-record eighth straight year while also earning a first-round playoff bye. Now, the Pats shoot for home-field advantage, which as they learned last year was so critical. -- Mike ReissWeek 16: vs. New York Jets, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETNew York Jets (4-10)Once again, the Jets have a quarterback question: Bryce Petty suffered a chest injury Saturday night and underwent tests on Sunday. The team hasnt disclosed the results. If Petty cant play this week against the Patriots, the Jets will probably turn back to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Rookie Christian Hackenberg is a remote option. Petty has struggled, but he will get another shot to improve, if healthy. -- Rich CiminiWeek 16: at New England, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETAFC NORTHBaltimore Ravens (8-6)The emotions are already running high for Sundays game in Pittsburgh. The Christmas Day showdown will likely determine the AFC North champion. Since John Harbaugh became coach in 2008, the Ravens have won five times in Pittsburgh, the most of any team in that span. Im sure its what everybody wants, QB Joe Flacco said. Were up for the challenge. -- Jamison HensleyWeek 16: at Pittsburgh, Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ETCincinnati Bengals (5-8-1)The Bengals are now playing for pride after being eliminated from the playoffs with Sundays loss to the Steelers. This is the first time since 2010 that the Bengals wont make the postseason. Head coach Marvin Lewis has yet to win a playoff game in Cincinnati. -- Katherine TerrellWeek 16: at Houston, Saturday, 8:25 p.m. ETCleveland Browns (0-14)What would a week be without a Browns quarterback decision? Hue Jackson said hell ponder the possibility of replacing Robert Griffin III for Saturdays game against the Chargers. The coach will review the tape of Sundays 33-13 loss in Buffalo before making a decision, but his fight to win a game is so determined he could go to rookie Cody Kessler or veteran Josh McCown. -- Pat McManamonWeek 16: vs. San Diego, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETPittsburgh Steelers (9-5)After Sundays wildly physical win in Cincinnati, the Steelers were ready to talk about the Ravens, who come to Pittsburgh for a Christmas Day clash with huge playoff implications. The Steelers know whats at stake in their upcoming game: the AFC North. Whoever wins that?game is most likely going to?the playoffs, said linebacker Ryan Shazier. Added running back LeVeon Bell, whos ready for Baltimores defensive front: We understand what we have to do. -- Jeremy FowlerWeek 16:?vs. Baltimore, Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ETAFC SOUTHHouston Texans (8-6)The big question for the Texans this week is who will start at quarterback on Saturday against the Bengals. Bill OBrien benched starting QB Brock Osweiler in Sundays comeback victory over the Jaguars for backup Tom Savage after Osweiler threw two first-half interceptions. OBrien wouldnt name Saturdays starter after the game. With the Titans victory on Sunday, the Texans stay tied atop the AFC South with Tennessee. -- Sarah BarshopWeek 16: vs. Cincinnati, Saturday, 8:25 p.m. ETIndianapolis Colts (7-7)The Colts best win of the season quickly lost its shine when Tennessee and Houston also won on Sunday, keeping Indianapolis in third place in the AFC South. The Colts need to win their final two games, and hope both Tennessee and Houston lose next week and that the Titans to beat the Texans in Week 17 in order to win the division. -- Mike WellsWeek 16: at Oakland, Saturday, 4:05 p.m. ETJacksonville Jaguars (2-12)The Jaguars have officially begun their coaching search now that they fired Gus Bradley following Sundays 21-20 loss at Houston. Owner Shad Khan said GM Dave Caldwell will lead the search for a new coach, which seems to indicate that Caldwells position in 2017 is safe. Why would you allow a GM to hire a new coach if youre going to fire him once the season ends? -- Mike DiRoccoWeek 16:?vs. Tennessee, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETTennessee Titans (8-6)For each of the past seven seasons, the Titans and Jaguars have split their series. The Titans won the first meeting this season on Oct. 27. If they can break the streak and win at Jacksonville on Christmas Eve to sweep Jacksonville in 2016, the Titans will play for the AFC South title on Jan. 1 at home against Houston. Tennessee has gone a month without turning the ball over. Now, the Titans will need to clean up the three turnovers they got away with in their upset of the Chiefs on Sunday and avoid losing to an interim coach who will be named Monday to fill Gus Bradleys headset. -- Paul KuharskyWeek 16: at Jacksonville, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETAFC WESTDenver Broncos (8-6)The Broncos held Tom Brady to 188 yards without a touchdown pass, a 50 percent completion rate and the high-powered Patriots to 16 points. Still, the Broncos didnt win and the 16-3 loss makes their playoff chances almost a vapor. Two first-half turnovers by Denver turned into 10 New England points, and the Broncos never recovered. After the game, coach Gary Kubiak said he didnt know all the playoff scenarios, but that he did know the Broncos have to win their last two games and get to 10 wins to even think about it. -- Jeff LegwoldWeek 16:?at Kansas City, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ETKansas City Chiefs (10-4)The Chiefs have counted on Alex Smith not to make the big mistake that costs them a victory. But he did so for the second time this season on Sunday against the Titans when he threw a bad end-zone interception with the Chiefs in easy field-goal range. Those three points would have been useful in what was an eventual 19-17 loss. Smith made a similar play in last months loss to Tampa Bay, one that also ended with the Chiefs on the short end of a 19-17 score. -- Adam TeicherWeek 16: vs. Denver, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ETOakland Raiders (11-3)The Raiders survived the Chargers, 19-16, on Sunday to clinch their first playoff berth since 2002 and, courtesy of Kansas Citys loss to the Tennessee earlier that day, reclaimed first place in the AFC West. Win out and the Raiders would also clinch at least a top-two seed in the playoffs with a first-round bye and an ensuing home playoff game -- yes, just two years after starting out 0-10, and in coach Jack Del Rios second season in Oakland. But when asked what was on his mind as the final seconds ticked off the clock of the Raiders playoff-clinching victory, a focused Derek Carr smiled. Indianapolis, he said. -- Paul GutierrezWeek 16: vs. Indianapolis, Saturday, 4:05 p.m.San Diego Chargers (5-9)The Chargers have been mathematically eliminated from postseason consideration and are playing for pride for a second straight year with two games left. QB Philip Rivers said hell find out a lot about his teammates over this two-game stretch. Youre playing for respect of your peers in the locker room because if you lose that, its hard to regain, Rivers said. So I think thats what well find. -- Eric D. WilliamsWeek 16: at Cleveland, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETNFC EASTDallas Cowboys (12-2)Second-year defensive end Randy Gregory will be eligible to practice for the first time this season after missing 14 games due to multiple violations of the substance-abuse policy. Given the back injury to DeMarcus Lawrence, who was inactive Sunday in the win over Tampa Bay, and the inability to pressure the passer for most of the season, the Cowboys could need Gregory to be ready to go from immediately. Gregory did not have a sack as a rookie and has not been in pads since last season, but the Cowboys almost have no choice. -- Todd ArcherWeek 16:?vs. Detroit, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ETNew York Giants (10-4)The Giants are hot. The Giants are a team to be reckoned with. If you didnt believe it when they handled the NFC East-leading Cowboys last week, believe it now. The Giants followed their second win over Dallas this season with a 17-6 victory over the Lions on Sunday and have won eight of nine games. They havent clinched a playoff spot yet, but they can do as much as early as Thursday night in Philadelphia. The Giants are on a roll and are dangerous with their defense dominating once agaiin.dddddddddddd They have now gone seven straight quarters without allowing a touchdown. -- Jordan RaananWeek 16: at Philadelphia, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ETPhiladelphia Eagles (5-9)Coach Doug Pedersons decision to go for two at the end of regulation failed, and the Eagles walked away from M&T Bank Stadium with a 27-26 loss to the Ravens. The decision to be aggressive played well in the locker room afterwards, though. The players like the confidence Pederson is showing in them, and appear to be playing hard under this head coach despite having dropped nine of their last 11. -- Tim McManusWeek 16: vs. New York Giants, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ETWashington Redskins (7-5-1)The Redskins playoff hopes will be helped by an offense finally at full strength. That is, if Jordan Reed can play more than the 10 snaps he did a week ago because of his shoulder injury. The tight end said the pain has decreased and that he can handle a fuller load. Meanwhile, the offensive line will have its starting group together for the first time since Week 8, as C Spencer Long and G Shawn Lauvao are expected to start. All of this will help against a Carolina defensive front that remains a dangerous one. -- John KeimWeek 16: at Chicago, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETNFC NORTHChicago Bears (3-11)Matt Barkley deserves to be Chicagos No. 2 quarterback in 2017, but he waited too long to throw the ball to Alshon Jeffery in the Bears 30-27 loss to Green Bay. Jeffery, who just returned from a four-game PED suspension, was targeted only one time over the first three quarters. With the Bears trailing 27-10, Jeffery came alive, finishing with six receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. But where was Jeffery earlier in the game? For his part, Barkley played better than his numbers (four turnovers) might indicate. He put Chicago in position to win or send the game into overtime -- a running theme since he took the starting job over from Jay Cutler. -- Jeff DickersonWeek 16: vs. Washington, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETDetroit Lions (9-5)The Lions are coming off a loss for the first time since the last weekend of October. How they react to that loss could define whether they make the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. After losing to a likely playoff team in the Giants, 17-6, the Lions now have to travel to the NFCs possible No. 1 seed: Dallas. To make matters potentially less palatable for Detroit, top cornerback Darius Slay left Sundays game with a hamstring injury and didnt return. For a team that needs at least one win in its next two games to make the playoffs, its going to be a difficult two-week stretch for the Lions. -- Michael RothsteinWeek 16: at Dallas, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ETGreen Bay Packers (8-6)Forget about 4-6; the Packers like their position heading into the final two games of the season -- at home against Minnesota and at Detroit -- after a four-game winning streak stayed alive Sunday against the Bears. Puts us in position to control our own destiny, coach Mike McCarthy said after the 30-27 win. And thats all you can ask for at this time of year, especially going into two more division games and especially for what weve been through earlier. -- Rob DemovskyWeek 16: vs. Minnesota, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETMinnesota Vikings (7-7)After a 5-0 start, the Vikings are in a position where they might not have anything left to play for, except the chance to spoil their arch rivals playoff fate. Minnesota heads to Lambeau Field on Saturday in third place in the division to face the Packers, who have a clearer path to the playoffs than the Vikings. Coach Mike Zimmer said on Sunday he wants to find out who is going to fight. Because that was not a fighting performance there. Depending on how the rest of the NFC shakes out, the Vikings might not have much to fight for. -- Ben GoesslingWeek 16: at Green Bay, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETNFC SOUTHAtlanta Falcons (9-5)Devonta Freeman rushing for more than 100 yards for the first time since Week 3 and three touchdowns is exactly what the Falcons should have expected against the 49ers, who have the leagues worst rushing defense. But getting Freeman into a flow to end the season will pay huge dividends as Atlanta heads toward the playoffs. The Falcons are that much more dangerous when they have that offensive balance, which helps set up QB Matt Ryan and the play-action game. -- Vaughn McClureWeek 16: at Carolina, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETCarolina Panthers (5-8)The Panthers officially saw their slim playoff chances end on Sunday as they prepare for Monday nights game at Washington. Now, the question is whether theyll shut down LB?Luke Kuechly for the season? Kuechly passed the final test of the concussion protocol, clearing him to play against the Redskins. But team officials are considering whether its worth risking long-term health by playing the three-time Pro Bowler this week or in any of the three remaining games. That Kuechly was listed as questionable after being cleared and that coach Ron Rivera cast doubt on the situation after previously being emphatic that the linebacker would play when cleared could be a strong hint. -- David NewtonWeek 16: vs. Atlanta, Saturday, 1 p.m. ETNew Orleans Saints (6-8)Sundays offensive outburst was a nice reminder that the Saints havent forgotten what they do best. After two offensive duds that virtually knocked them out of the playoffs, the Saints exploded Sunday with 48 points at Arizona, 488 yards, four TD passes from?Drew Brees and a career-high 186 receiving yards by Brandin Cooks. Its better than the alternative, and it should continue to give the team some reason for optimism heading toward next year. But its also too little, too late -- and all too familiar for a team that has been maddeningly inconsistent for three straight years. -- Mike Triplett?Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay, Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ETTampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)After Sundays loss to the Cowboys, the Bucs are now a game behind the Falcons in the NFC South, and theyll have to wait until Mondays Carolina-Washington game to see where they fit into the wild-card race. With two winnable games left -- at New Orleans and vs. Carolina -- the Bucs have a shot at their first playoff appearance since 2007.Week 16:?at New Orleans, Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ETNFC WESTArizona Cardinals (5-8-1)Now that the Cardinals have officially been eliminated from the playoffs with Sundays 48-41 loss to the Saints, Arizona only has pride left to play for. But the question now becomes: How will the Cardinals respond to that? QB Carson Palmer talked about how beating the Seahawks next week will become the teams focus. But with two games until their offseason begins, will the Cardinals be able to put together a good enough game to upset their rivals? -- Josh WeinfussWeek 16: at Seattle, Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ETLos Angeles Rams (4-10)Rams rookie QB Jared Goff exited Thursdays game against the Seahawks in concussion protocol after sustaining a vicious fourth-quarter hit from Richard Sherman while trying to run for a touchdown. Several players said Goff was fine after the game and interim coach John Fassel checked in with him in the trainers room on Friday morning, but there is nonetheless a layer of uncertainty about his status for this weeks game against the 49ers. Hell get three more days to get treated and become assessed, Fassel said Friday, and well probably make a decision from there where hes at, how much hell be able to do in practice. By then, well probably have a better idea of how close hell be to playing in the game. The Rams would love to see more out of Goff before their miserable first season in Los Angeles comes to an end. -- Alden GonzalezWeek 16: vs. San Francisco, Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ETSan Francisco 49ers (1-13)There wasnt much unique about the 49ers 13th consecutive loss, a blowout at the hands of the Falcons on Sunday. The defense set a record for rushing yards allowed in a season, the offense struggled in the second half -- wash, rinse, repeat. But with two games left to play, the Niners might struggle to have enough bodies just to finish out the season. San Francisco lost LB Nick Bellore (elbow), CB Jimmie Ward (shoulder), WR Quinton Patton (foot), C Marcus Martin (ankle) and TE Blake Bell (shoulder) in Sundays game. Add that list to the key players theyve already lost this season, and its hard to see how this team is going to pull off a victory against Los Angeles or Seattle in the seasons final two weeks. -- Nick WagonerWeek 16: at Los Angeles, Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ETSeattle Seahawks (9-4-1)The Seahawks go into the final two weeks knowing that if they win out, theyre guaranteed a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Seattle hosts the Cardinals in Week 16, then goes on the road to face the 49ers in the regular-season finale. Because of the Lions loss to the Giants, if the season ended today, the Seahawks would be the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Pete Carrolls group has plenty of issues to work out, but things are set up well going down the stretch. The Seahawks are 7-0 at home in the regular season, and if they hold on to that No. 2 seed, a potential path to the Super Bowl would include a maximum of one game on the road. -- Sheil KapadiaWeek 16: vs. Arizona, Saturday, 4:25 p.m. ET ' ' '