Odell Beckham Jr. is not about to be the new man on the Minnesota Vikings, contrary to several reports from credible sources.
Rumors were flying this morning that the Minnesota Vikings were prepared to make a major trade with the Cleveland Browns for star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. but, according to new sources, those claims are false.
"Just asked somebody who would know if #Vikings and Browns discussing deal for OBJ. Response was 'Fake News.' I believe the source," tweeted Paul Allen of KFAN.
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According to Clutch Points, the reported trade included a second and fifth-round pick in next year's draft. To be completely honest, the trade was pretty unrealistic in the first place since many believe OBJ is worth more than that package.
The Minnesota Vikings could certainly use some help after trading away Stefon Diggs, but they do not appear to be seeking a trade with the Browns to get there.
Beckham remains one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the league. He has been a star for years, proving his global appeal with the catch heard around the world.
Do you think he would have been a good fit on the Vikings or can you see him gearing up with a different team when the season starts?
Stefon Diggs Issues Lengthy Message To Vikings Fans After Trade
Stefon Diggs had to say one final goodbye to the fans of the Minnesota Vikings.
Stefon Diggs is one of the best wide receivers in the entire NFL and for the last few years, Minnesota Vikings fans have been blessed by his presence. Over the past little while, it had become apparent that Diggs was beginning to grow upset with the team and this past week, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills. The move upset Vikings fans while Bills fans were absolutely elated. Of course, Diggs’ beef was never with the fanbase and he needed to let them know that.
Earlier today, Diggs took to his Instagram account where he penned a lengthy and heartfelt message to Vikings fans. Diggs had many people to thank and based on the tone of his message, he is leaving on good terms. If you’re a Vikings fan, this post certainly softens the blow.
Per Diggs:
“Skol Nation just know that I gave all my heart, soul and body every time I stepped on the field. Your chants, cheers and unyielding support was everything to me. Thank you! The past five years were truly an amazing experience. To say we made memories would be a huge understatement. The state of Minnesota and the entire Vikings organization will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where my NFL story began. To the entire Wilf family, I’d like to thank you, again, for believing enough in me to draft me. To my coaches and personnel staff, thank you for everything. I’ve learned so much from each of you about the game I love. To my teammates- -my brothers, thanks for the unending support. I’ll always have your backs!! Much Love Skol Nation!!!”
With Diggs on the Bills, it will be interesting to see how he performs with Josh Allen who is arguably a lesser quarterback than Kirk Cousins. Regardless, the 2020 NFL season is going to be a lot of fun.
Vikings Trade Stefon Diggs And One Fanbase Is Extremely Excited
Stefon Diggs has been jonesing for a trade out Minnesota for a while now.
Stefon Diggs is easily one of the more elite receivers in the entire NFL although at times, he has been visibly upset with the Minnesota Vikings. During a slump last season, Diggs seemingly took some shots at his own quarterback and alluded to the fact that he wanted to be traded. Even last month, Diggs continued to perpetuate these rumors which left Vikings fans in the dark over what would happen next.
Last night, we got our answer as Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a haul of draft picks. The Bills have a solid defense but have been looking to give quarterback Josh Allen some weapons. Diggs certainly fits the bill when it comes to elite offensive talent and the Bills will be much-improved when the season starts back up again.
As you can imagine, Bills Fans were ecstatic about the news and immediately took to social media where they voiced their pleasure. While Allen isn't exactly and elite quarterback, having Diggs to help him out will certainly make him better.
You can check out the reactions below. Also, stay tuned for updates on NFL free agency as we will be sure to bring them to you.
Stefon Diggs Ignites Trade Rumors With Cryptic Tweet
Stefon Diggs and the Minnesota Vikings have had a rocky relationship over the years.
Stefon Diggs continues to be one of the most elite receivers in the entire NFL and his services have helped turn the Minnesota Vikings into a formidable offensive team. Last season, Diggs seemingly had some problems with his quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Earlier today, Cousins was signed to an extension and in the aftermath of the news, Diggs took to Twitter where he alluded to the fact that he might be traded, very soon.
"It’s time for a new beginning," Diggs wrote on Twitter. To be fair, this is an incredibly cryptic tweet so there is no telling what he meant by it. Perhaps he is talking about his personal life. In fact, he could even be talking about the Coronavirus and how we need to take better measures to stop it. Realistically, however, it seems like this has a lot to do with the NFL free agency period that's going down this week.
If Diggs were to be dealt, he wouldn't be the only high-profile wide receiver to receive the trade treatment. Today, we reported that DeAndre Hopkins was moved from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals in a move that makes no sense for the Texans. Regardless, a big trade wouldn't be unprecedented in 2020.
Stay tuned for updates as we will be sure to bring them to you.
49ers Rumored To Want QB Not Named Tom Brady
Tom Brady's free agency plans have been heavily theorized over the last few months.
When Tom Brady retires, he will most likely go down as the greatest football player ever. His numerous records and six Super Bowl championships make him an easy contender for the honor. This year he has found himself in a peculiar situation. For the first time in his career, he is a free agent. There is a real possibility that Brady could end up with a team not named the New England Patriots. If this were to happen, the league would be changed in a very significant way.
Over the past week or so, there have been theories that Brady could actually sign with the San Francisco 49ers. During this morning's episode of Get Up!, Dianna Russini shot down the 49ers rumors and claimed that the team is actually looking at another quarterback. It just so happens that QB is Kirk Cousins.
Cousins has ties to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan so the move would make sense. For now, these are just rumors although it seems like the theory has quite a bit of merit. Jimmy Garoppolo disappeared in the Super Bowl and Shanahan will most likely be looking to improve his personnel if Jimmy G sees a bit of a regression.
Let us know in the comments below what you think the 49ers should do.
NFL Divisional Round: Predicting The Winner Of Every Match
This weekend is about to be interesting.
Last weekend’s Wild-Card round was easily one of the best weekends of playoff football we have seen in a long time. The weekend was kicked off with a thrilling overtime game between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. From there, we were blessed with a huge upset as the Tennessee Titans, propelled by Derrick Henry, knocked off the defending champion New England Patriots. On Sunday, more upsets were had as the Minnesota Vikings defeated the formidable New Orleans Saints in yet another overtime blockbuster matchup. The final game of the weekend wasn’t as dramatic as the other three although the Seattle Seahawks showed everyone why they’re so hard to beat when the games mean something.
Now, we are in the Divisional Round which means the stakes are even higher. Whoever wins will punch their ticket into their respective conference’s championship game. From there, they will compete for a spot in the Super Bowl where the Lombardi trophy will be on the line. There are some phenomenal matchups this weekend and we’re here to predict who’s going to come away victorious.
Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers
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The Vikings were one of the most surprising teams of the Wild-Card round as quarterback Kirk Cousins and company upset Drew Brees and the Saints. Most fans would tell you they had the Saints winning that game simply because the Saints offense is too much to handle. In the end, the Vikings defense was up to the task and did an incredible job stifling some of the Saints’ biggest playmakers. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers were one of this season’s biggest surprises as they finished the year with a record of 13-3 and even won the number one seed in the NFC.
Once you get to the Divisional Round, stats are pretty well thrown out the window. What these matches come down to is talent and who can perform in the biggest moment. Both of these teams have unproven quarterbacks which makes the matchup that much more interesting. Cousins proved his worth by winning a playoff game last weekend although it remains to be seen whether or not he can continue that success. As for Jimmy Garoppolo, he will be making his playoff debut on Saturday and the pressure is on. Cousins has better weapons at wide receiver whereas Jimmy G mostly relies on his game management skills. On the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers have been nothing short of dominant this year and will surely prove to be the Vikings’ toughest challenge yet. The Vikings have proven themselves to be formidable foes on defense but 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has proven himself to be quite crafty this season. With this in mind, it’s clear the 49ers have an advantage.
Usually, 1 Vs. 6 seeds are easy to predict. This matchup, however, is going to be closer than people think. Regardless, the 49ers have the pieces necessary to make a Super Bowl run and their road to Miami begins this Saturday. Look for Jimmy G and company to pull this one out.
Winner: 49ers (27-17)
Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens
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Coming into the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens boast the best record in the NFL as they sit at 14-2. The Ravens were dominant thanks to quarterback Lamar Jackson who is a prime candidate for league MVP. Not to mention, running back Mark Ingram was the perfect complementary piece to Jackson’s dual-threat offense. Overall, the Ravens are a team that can decimate you on both sides of the ball, which puts them in the perfect position to make a deep playoff run. As for the Tennessee Titans, they are a gritty team that squeaked into the playoffs and are on an emotional high after upsetting the Patriots.
When it comes down to it, the Ravens are simply the better team and it’s not particularly close. From top to bottom, the Ravens have the advantage. You can make the argument that Derrick Henry is better than Ingram, however, after his usage from last weekend, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a tired, broken down Henry on the field. The Ravens will be anticipating the run game and are more than equipped to deal with it. As for Titans QB Ryan Tannehill, he just isn’t in the same ballpark as Jackson. He put up pedestrian numbers against the Patriots and the Ravens will prove to be an even tougher test. The Titans run has been fun to watch but it will come to an end on Saturday.
Jackson and his teammates will put on a clinic and run away with it early. Expect a double-digit win for the league’s regular-season champion.
Winner: Ravens (31-14)
Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs
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Perhaps the best game of the weekend will be between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans. Earlier this season, Deshaun Watson and the Texans toppled the Chiefs by a score of 31-24. This game was at the height of the Chiefs’ defensive woes all while QB Patrick Mahomes was dealing with injury woes. Now, the tables have turned as the Chiefs are coming into the playoffs with the number two seed in the AFC and a six-game winning streak.
This matchup is going to come down to one thing: the quarterbacks. Mahomes and Watson are two of the best quarterbacks in the league and have the skill necessary to win a Super Bowl. Mahomes is known as more of a gunslinger while Watson is known for his ability to march offenses down the field and scramble out of the pocket when necessary. Both defenses are going to have a hard time stopping these men and it’s going to make for some interesting television. Both the Texans and Chiefs boast questionable defenses although the Chiefs have vastly improved since these teams last played each other. Watson has the ability to go tit for tat with Mahomes but the latter’s ability to throw 50-yard touchdowns at will could prove to the difference. The Texans barely squeaked by the Bills, whose offense is anemic, to say the least. All things considered, it appears as though the Chiefs have the advantage.
Mahomes is going to be motivated after what happened in last year’s playoffs. Look for him to have a dominant game with three touchdown passes. The Chiefs will win this one narrowly, although as they say, a win is a win.
Winner: Chiefs (24-21)
Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers
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Of all the games going on this weekend, this could potentially be the hardest to predict. At the end of the day, it’s all going to depend on what version of Aaron Rodgers we see. Rodgers is perhaps the most talented quarterback to ever grace the field, however, he has seen a bit of a decline over the last two seasons and it has started to be quite noticeable. Luckily for the Packers, Rodgers has a solid defense and competent running back for what seems like the first time in his career. The Seahawks have their own issues as the defense and offense are plagued with injuries. Add a weak offensive line to the mix and you’ve got a nightmare scenario for Russell Wilson.
Wilson and rookie wide receiver DK Metcalf combined for 160 yards and a touchdown last week so look for them to be a huge factor on Sunday. Meanwhile, Rodgers and his Packers receivers will be motivated to silence those who think the Packers are pretenders, despite their impressive 13-3 record. For Rodgers, this could very well be a legacy game. He hasn’t been to the Super Bowl since 2011 and many pundits are starting to question his ability to win big games. This is the perfect opportunity for Rodgers to silence the critics and put on a vintage performance. Overall, this game could very well go the distance and result in a last-minute score. It might be a bit of a coin flip but considering the Seahawks’ injuries, the Packers seem to have the advantage.
Let’s face it, we all want to see a Packers vs. 49ers NFC Championship game. All things considered, it looks like we’re on a collision course for that exact matchup.
Winner: Packers (21-17)
Who do you think is going to win this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
Saints Fans Angrily Throw Debris At Refs Following Wild Card Loss
Who Dat nation in shambles.
New Orleans Saints fans were absolutely crushed yesterday as their beloved team lost to the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round. The Vikings came in as the sixth seed while the Saints were a highly favored 13-3 third seed. Regardless, the Vikings were able to pull off the win as Kirk Cousins connected with Kyle Rudolph in overtime to win the game, 26-20. Saints players and fans were upset by the play as it appeared as though Rudolph committed offensive pass interference. In the end, no penalty was called and the Vikings won the game.
This is the second year in a row that the Saints were eliminated after a missed pass interference call. As you can imagine, the Saints fanbase was distraught over what happened and immediately took their anger out on the referee. In the video below, you can see Saints fans pelting refs with debris as they ran off the field. Some of the refs appear to be ducking and dodging as they head back to the locker room.
Saints fans have been getting a bad wrap over the past year. Many NFL fans felt as though the city was being overzealous following their NFC Championship loss to the Los Angeles Rams. With this latest reaction in mind, it doesn't seem as though the fanbase is doing themselves any favors.
NFL Wild Card Weekend: Predicting The Winner Of Every Game
These matchups are about to be fun.
After 17 weeks of high-octane football, the playoffs are finally upon us. Some teams dominated in every facet of the game while others had all-time bad seasons. Regardless of which team you support, there were plenty of reasons to watch football this season and as we head into 2020, there will be even more. This weekend, football fans will be blessed with the Wild Card round which is always one of the most fun weekends of the year. The winners of these games will go on to the Divisional Round where they will play some of the best teams in their respective conferences. There is a lot on the line so you can be sure that every team will be giving it their all.
Heading into this weekend, we’ve decided to take a look at each matchup and give our prediction for who we think is going to come away victorious. Many of these teams have had phenomenal seasons but as is the case in every other team sport, only one squad can be the champion. So without further ado, here is our breakdown of this weekend’s Wild Card games.
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
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At the beginning of the season, it was almost unfathomable to think the Buffalo Bills could finish with the same record as the Houston Texans. The Texans were seen as the clear-cut favorite in the AFC South and they were able to live up to that potential thanks to their quarterback, Deshaun Watson. Meanwhile, many pundits had written the Bills off at the beginning of the season, only for them to come through with a surprise season that had them finishing second in the AFC East with a record of 10-6.
On offense, this matchup isn’t very close. The Texans have the 13th ranked offense in the entire league while the Bills are ranked 24th. Quarterback Josh Allen was decent for the Bills this season although his best plays came while running the ball. In terms of overall skill, Watson will prove to be the much more effective quarterback, even if his offensive line tends to leave him high and dry. When it comes to defense, the Bills are the team with a clear advantage. They finished the season ranked 3rd in overall defense and were fourth in pass defense. Meanwhile, the Texans were 28th and 29th in those same categories, respectively.
When you compare the offensive and defensive matchups, it would appear as though the Bills have the advantage. Their defense can stop almost anyone which is more than you can say for the Texans. On paper, the Bills offense should have a much easier time dealing with the Texans defense than vice versa. Despite this, the Texans should win, although it will be close. Watson is due for a big performance and the home crowd will help him get there. As for the Bills, they simply don’t have the experience to close this one out. Overall, this game will be a low scoring fight that could very well end on a last-second drive. In that scenario, the Texans are a lot more trustworthy. When it comes down to it, Allen and company might not be ready for the spotlight. In a few years from now, that could very well change.
Winner: Houston Texans (17-14)
Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots
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Of all the games this weekend, this might be the most fun. This matchup is a tale of two teams trending in completely opposite directions. The Patriots finished the year 12-4 although they went 4-4 in their last eight games, including a week-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Ever since benching quarterback Marcus Mariota in favor of Ryan Tannehill, the Titans have been on a tear as their offense has run rampant. If there was any game this weekend that could end in an upset, it would be this one.
As far as defense is concerned, the Patriots are almost impossible to compete with. They had the number one ranked defense all season and were beastly when it came to stopping both aerial and ground attacks. The Titans weren’t as proficient in those categories and finished the season with the 21st ranked defense. Offensively, the Titans proved to be much more effective than their opponents. With the third-ranked rushing offense in the NFL, the Titans proved to be a juggernaut on the ground. Overall, the Titans were ranked 12th in total offense while the Patriots were 15th. These margins don’t seem that big until you realize the Patriots scored most of their points earlier in the season.
Tannehill will have his work cut out for him this weekend. Scoring on this Patriots defense is no easy task although based on his play this season, he appears up to the challenge. As for Brady, he’s going to need to figure out his offense early. The Patriots have been getting off to slow starts as of late and if they do that again on Saturday, they’ll be in big trouble. This Titans team is scary and has built up some impressive wins. When you compare their trajectory to the Patriots, it’s clear that the Titans are in a better position to win. Pulling off an upset victory in Foxboro is never easy but as it stands, the Patriots are in a vulnerable position and the Titans seem more than ready to take advantage.
Winner: Tennessee Titans (28-24)
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
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If this were a normal season, the New Orleans Saints wouldn’t be playing in the Wild Card round. With a record of 13-3, the Saints were easily one of the best teams in the entire league. Meanwhile, the Vikings had a respectable season at 10-6 although their campaign was plagued by inconsistent play from quarterback Kirk Cousins. Overall, this matchup is bound to provide some intrigue although it shouldn’t be particularly close.
The Saints are arguably one of the most well-balanced teams in the entire NFL. They finished 9th in overall offense and 11th in defense. When it came to stopping the run, the Saints were dominant, finishing 4th in the league. This is significant when you consider how the Vikings had the sixth-best rushing offense. Overall, the Vikings finished 16th and 14th in overall offense and defense, respectively. These middle of the pack numbers are respectable but when you’re going up against a juggernaut like Drew Brees, you need just a little bit more firepower.
After the missed pass interference call last season, the Saints are determined to make it to the Super Bowl. As for Cousins, he tends to crumble under pressure and that’s exactly what the Saints will be feeding off of. Quarterback matchups are extremely important in the postseason and the Saints win this category, easily. Brees is one of the best to ever play the game and as his career comes to an end, he will be more motivated than ever before. Don’t get us wrong. The Vikings have talented players. But the Saints have some of the most reliable stars in the league. If there was one thing you could bank on in this game, it would be a lot of offense from the Saints. While the Vikings might keep it close, early on, the Saints will most likely run away with it in the second half.
Winner: New Orleans Saints (35-17)
Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles
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This is one of those matchups that makes you question the NFL playoff system. The Philadelphia Eagles come into this game with a record of 9-7 while the Seattle Seahawks sit at 11-5. Despite having a better record, the Seahawks are playing this game on the road. Why? Well, the Eagles won their division which guarantees them at least one home game. It’s not a perfect system but here we are. Besides, the Seahawks made the playoffs one year with a record of 7-9 because of the same rule. So in the end, it works out.
As far as this game is concerned, stats need to be thrown out the window. Both of these teams are playing injured which means it’s going to come down to a battle of will. The Eagles have had almost zero weapons on offense aside from quarterback Carson Wentz. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are playing with an aging Marshawn Lynch and an unproven Travis Homer. On defense, both the Eagles and Seahawks have their fair share of injuries, as well. If you’re a fan of either of these teams, it’s going to be a hard game to watch. Putting your faith in backups is never easy and this game is sure to see an abundance of unknown talents.
Heading into this matchup, Wentz has very little playoff experience other than watching Nick Foles win the Eagles a championship. As for Wilson, he has been here before and is more than ready to lead his troops on the battlefield. When you go injury to injury, it’s clear the Eagles are in a lot more trouble. Even with a depleted roster, the Seahawks almost beat the San Francisco 49ers which is a testament to their will and desire to win. With all of this being said, look for Seattle to come away with the win. It might no be the prettiest victory but the Seahawks have all of the advantages. Wilson has been a master at pulling off one score victories and Sunday should prove to be no different.
Winner: Seattle Seahawks (21-16)