This week in the NFL: Travis Kelce is not pleased; Russell Wilson done in Denver?; Antonio Pierce disrespected in Vegas

Travic Kelce let it all out on an episode of his “New Heights” podcast with brother and Philadelphia Eagles center Jason. After the Chiefs lost three of their last four games, Travis called it “a frustrating f**king experience” and said that everyone – including himself – is contributing to the offense’s struggles. - Cale Clinton Read More

There’s never been a sports journalist who enjoys “ coach speak.” That annoyance can become anger if another journalist is the reason “coach speak” is what you get whenever you ask a question. We’ll never know if that’s what happened when New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll didn’t tell Pam Oliver he was benching Tommy DeVito for Tyrod Tayler after halftime on Christmas, but it’s beyond fair to wonder if what Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews recently revealed played a part in it. - Carron J. Phillips Read More

In case I did not make myself clear on Tuesday, the Deshaun Watson contract is never happening again. In the future, no NFL player will ever receive a fully guaranteed contract. For one thing, Patrick Mahomes is not going to push the Kansas City Chiefs for that type of deal. Two, when the Denver Broncos extended Russell Wilson, they made sure to leave a tiny escape hatch. - Stephen Knox Read More

This wouldn’t happen to Kellen Moore, Ben Johnson or Mike McDonald. But for “some odd reason,” Antonio Pierce has to deal with it.

When the Las Vegas Raiders went into Arrowhead Stadium on Monday and upset Kansas City, 20-14, it wasn’t just more proof that the absences of Eric Bieniemy and Tyreek Hill have changed the way we look at the Chiefs, it also served as the latest example of why the interim tag shouldn’t be attached to Pierce’s name. - Carron J. Phillips Read More

I kind of like the idea of NFL players getting to be an honorary captain in their hometown. It would be a nice touch. The hometown kid done good can receive some love from his people. I am pretty sure, though, that is not currently standard NFL procedure. For Jaire Alexander to stroll out to midfield, uninvited and then have the audacity to make the call on the coin toss, that’s presumptuous even for a cornerback. - Stephen Knox Read More

It was about nine months ago when Lamar Jackson wanted to be traded from the Baltimore Ravens. The best quarterback in the history of two forever linked franchises — the Ravens and the Cleveland Browns — was on the open market. Jackson is the only player besides Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes to win an NFL MVP since 2017. There was no clamor for the services of a player that accomplished. - Stephen Knox Read More

Tommy Cutlets must have stuck around the fryer too long, because his fairytale ride as the Giants’ starting QB appears to be toast.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll announced on Wednesday that Tyrod Taylor will get the starting nod against the Rams this week over Tommy DeVito. Taylor saw action in the second half of the game against the Eagles on Monday, where the G-men lost, 33-10. - Mackenzie Meaney Read More

Bronco’s safety Kareem Jackson was released Tuesday after his roster exemption expired. Jackson has accumulated $89,670 in fines this season for repeated violations of unnecessary roughness. - Mackenzie Meaney Read More

When rolling, the San Francisco 49ers look like they’re never going to lose again. Until Monday night’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Niners were undefeated this season when Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffery, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are healthy. And it looked as if that trend might continue — at least for a second — because Lamar Jackson/a back judge made the first mistake, and Kyle Shanahan’s offense totaled 126 yards on 15 plays over their first two possessions. - Sean Beckwith Read More

The conversation surrounding Mike Tomlin is so confusing. Pittsburgh is a game over .500, and with trips to Seattle and Baltimore remaining, the worst case scenario is the coach’s 16-year streak of winning seasons snaps with an 8-9 record. - Sean Beckwith Read More