Tacleando la NFL: FALCONS’ CALVIN RIDLEY SUSPENDED THROUGH AT LEAST THE 2022 SEASON FOR BETTING ON NFL GAMES IN 2021 SEASON

 

FALCONS’ CALVIN RIDLEY SUSPENDED THROUGH AT LEAST THE 2022 SEASON FOR BETTING ON NFL GAMES IN 2021 SEASON

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today suspended Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in the 2021 season. The activity took place during a five-day period in late November 2021 while Ridley was not with the team and was away from the club's facility on the non-football illness list. A league investigation uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.  Nor was there evidence suggesting any awareness by coaches, staff, teammates, or other players of his betting activity. In a letter to Ridley notifying him of his suspension, Commissioner Goodell wrote: "There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL's success - and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league - than upholding the integrity of the game. This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league. Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL. "For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions."  Ridley may petition for reinstatement on or after February 15, 2023.  Pursuant to the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, he may appeal his suspension by filing notice within three days.

#TacleandoLaNFL STATEMENT BY NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL ON THE PASSING OF LEGEND FLOYD LITTLE

 

STATEMENT BY NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL ON THE PASSING OF LEGEND FLOYD LITTLE

​ “Floyd Little was not only a Hall of Fame running back, he was a Hall of Fame person. Faith, family and football were the pillars of his life.  “I was so fortunate to know Floyd and witnessed first-hand the impact he had on others. Whenever he represented the Broncos at the annual NFL Draft, others immediately sought to greet him and his genuine excitement of being with his fellow Legends and his pride and passion for the Broncos was unmistakable. “Football, the Broncos and the NFL were a large part of his life, but nothing could surpass his love and affection for his wife DeBorah and his children, Marc, Christy and Kyra. To them and the entire Little family we extend our deepest sympathy. “He worked to inspire many to be the best they could be, saying at his 2010 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: ‘Leave a legacy that you and your family can be proud.’​ “You left us all proud to have known you. Thank you, Floyd.”

#TacleandoLaNFL Notas sobre la 3era semana de la NFL

 

'Thursday Night Football' Exclusively on NFL Network Continues with Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars

​ Dolphins-Jaguars EXCLUSIVELY on NFL Network Thursday at 8:20 PM ET​ 'NFL GameDay Kickoff' at 6:00 PM ET – Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew w/ Joe Thomas Pregame Coverage Starts with 'TNF First Look' at 3:00 PM ET The 2020 Thursday Night Football Presented by Bud Light Platinum season continues Thursday, September 24 when quarterback Gardner Minshew and the Jacksonville Jaguars host quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Miami Dolphins at 8:20 PM ET EXCLUSIVELY on NFL Network. Dolphins-Jaguars will also be available on local broadcast stations in Miami (WPLG) and Jacksonville (WFOX). Fans can also stream the game through NFL digital properties across devices (NFL.com and the NFL app), NFL Network distributors' apps and sites, and on phones via Yahoo Sports and the Dolphins and Jaguars mobile properties. Live game audio of Thursday Night Football will be broadcast nationally by Westwood One, and carried on SiriusXM. For a full listing of Thursday Night Football viewing options, fans can visit NFL.com/watch. FOX Sports' lead play-by-play announcer Joe Buck, and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and FOX Sports' lead analyst Troy Aikman, along with sideline reporters Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink call the action from Jacksonville. Additionally, FOX's NFL Rules expert Mike Pereira joins to give explanations on officiating and rules throughout the game. NFL Network's pregame coverage begins at 3:00 PM ET with TNF First Look hosted by Andrew Siciliano. At 6:00 PM ET on NFL Network, NFL GameDay Kickoff previews the Dolphins-Jaguars matchup with host Colleen Wolfe and analysts Joe Thomas, Steve Smith Sr. and Michael Irvin. Among the topics discussed this week on NFL GameDay Kickoff include: Joe Thomas sits down with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew Is Gardner Minshew the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback of the future? When do the Miami Dolphins turn to rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa?   Who is the best quarterback in the NFC? At halftime, Wolfe, Thomas, Smith Sr. and Irvin break down the first half. Immediately following the game, the postgame show airs with Wolfe, Thomas, Smith Sr. and Irvin joined by a star of the game. Additional postgame coverage continues at 12 Midnight ET with NFL Total Access. ABOUT NFL MEDIA NFL Media is comprised of NFL Network, NFL Films, NFL.com, the NFL app and NFL RedZone. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, fans turn to NFL Network to receive information and insight straight from the field, team headquarters, league offices and everywhere the NFL is making news. Launched in 2003, NFL Network gives fans unprecedented year-round inside access to all NFL events, including the Super Bowl, Playoffs, regular season, preseason, Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl, league meetings, minicamps and training camps. For fans on the go, all NFL Network programming can be streamed live through the NFL and NFL Network apps on smartphones, tablets, PCs and connected TV devices (Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, PlayStation 4, Roku and Xbox One). Access is available for NFL Network subscribers of participating TV providers. For more information, go to NFL.com/nflnetwork.

What To Look For - Week 3 OFFENSE IS KING: Through the first two weeks of the 2020 NFL season, there have been 186 total touchdowns and 1,611 total points scored, both the most in NFL history through Week 2.​ MOST TOUCHDOWNS IN FIRST TWO WEEKS, NFL HISTORY   MOST TOTAL POINTS IN FIRST TWO WEEKS, NFL HISTORY SEASON TOUCHDOWNS   SEASON TOTAL POINTS 2020 186   2020 1,611 2018 174   2012 1,556 2011 172   2018 1,506 2015 170   2011 1,502 2012 170   2015 1,488   Quarterback play has also been at an unprecedented level, as 13 quarterbacks have a passer rating of 100 or higher (minimum 20 attempts) through two weeks, the most in NFL history through Week 2. Five of those quarterbacks are under the age of 26 – Buffalo’s JOSH ALLEN (122.9 rating), the Los Angeles Rams’ JARED GOFF (108.5), Baltimore’s LAMAR JACKSON (134.6), Kansas City’s PATRICK MAHOMES (104.0) and Jacksonville’s GARDNER MINSHEW (115.7). Overall, the league has a 96.2 passer rating, the highest in league annals through Week 2. Last season, 11 quarterbacks had a passer rating of 100 or higher through the first three weeks, the most in league annals. This season has a chance to surpass that mark. The seasons with the most quarterbacks with a passer rating of 100 or higher through the first three weeks in NFL history: SEASON QUARTERBACKS 2019 11 2018 10 2015 10 2007 10     2020 13* *Through two weeks   ​ -- NFL -- MVP MATCHUP: Baltimore quarterback LAMAR JACKSON, the 2019 NFL MVP, and Kansas City quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES, the 2018 NFL MVP, will meet for the third time in their careers when the Ravens host the Chiefs on Monday Night Football (8:15 PM ET, ESPN) in a battle of unbeatens. It will mark the first game in NFL history featuring two former league MVPs under the age of 26. ​ Monday’s showdown will be the fifth game in the last six years featuring the two most recent MVPs. The more recent winner has been victorious in the past two such meetings. ​ The past five meetings featuring the two most recent NFL MVPs: MVPs (SEASON) DATE RESULT Lamar Jackson (2019) vs. Patrick Mahomes (2018) Sept. 28, 2020 ??? Patrick Mahomes (2018) vs. Tom Brady (2017) Dec. 8, 2019 KC 23, NE 16 Matt Ryan (2016) vs. Cam Newton (2015) Dec. 31, 2017 ATL 22, CAR 10 Matt Ryan (2016) vs. Cam Newton (2015) Nov. 5, 2017 CAR 20, ATL 17 Aaron Rodgers (2014) vs. Peyton Manning (2013) Nov. 1, 2015 DEN 29, GB 10   -- NFL -- WILSON WOWS: Seattle quarterback RUSSELL WILSON enters Week 3 as the league’s leader in touchdown passes (nine) and passer rating (140.0). He is the fourth quarterback with at least nine touchdown passes through the first two weeks of a season in league annals, joining DREW BREES (2009), PATRICK MAHOMES (2018) and PEYTON MANNING (2013). Both Mahomes and Manning would go on to win league MVP that season. If Wilson, who had five touchdown passes in Week 2 and four touchdown passes in Week 1, has at least four touchdown passes on Sunday against Dallas (4:25 PM ET, FOX), he would become the first player with at least four touchdown passes in each of his team’s three games of a season in NFL history. Additionally, Wilson would tie PATRICK MAHOMES (13 in 2018) for the most touchdown passes by a player through his team’s first three games of a season in league history. The quarterbacks with the most touchdown passes through their team’s first three games of a season in NFL history: PLAYER TEAM SEASON TOUCHDOWN PASSES IN TEAM’S FIRST THREE GAMES Patrick Mahomes Kansas City 2018 13 Peyton Manning Denver 2013 12 Tom Brady New England 2011 11         Russell Wilson Seattle 2020 9* *Through first two games -- NFL -- DAK DASHES FOR SIX: Dallas quarterback DAK PRESCOTT passed for 450 yards with one touchdown and rushed for three touchdowns last week, becoming the first player with at least 400 passing yards and three rushing touchdowns in a single game in NFL history. Prescott now has 24 career rushing touchdowns, the most among quarterbacks since he entered the league in 2016. With a rushing touchdown on Sunday at Seattle (4:25 PM ET, FOX), Prescott will become the fourth quarterback to rush for at least 25 touchdowns in his first five seasons in NFL history. The quarterbacks with at least 25 rushing touchdowns in their first five seasons in NFL history: PLAYER TEAM RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS Cam Newton Carolina 43 Otto GrahamHOF Cleveland 27 Daunte Culpepper Minnesota 26       Dak Prescott Dallas 24* *In fifth season     -- NFL -- CARSON TD CATCHER: Seattle running back CHRIS CARSON had 108 scrimmage yards (72 rushing, 26 receiving) and a touchdown catch last week after recording two touchdown receptions in Week 1. Entering Week 3, Carson leads all NFL running backs with three touchdown receptions this season. With a touchdown reception on Sunday against Dallas (4:25 PM ET, FOX), Carson would become the fourth running back with a touchdown reception in each of their team’s first three games of a season in the Super Bowl era, joining GARY ANDERSON (1986), CURTIS MCCLINTON (1966) and BRIAN WESTBROOK (2005). McClinton had a touchdown reception in each of his team’s first four games of that season. The running backs with touchdown reception in each of their team’s first three games of a season in the Super Bowl era: PLAYER TEAM SEASON Brian Westbrook Philadelphia 2005 Gary Anderson San Diego 1986 Curtis McClinton Kansas City 1966       Chris Carson Seattle 2020* *Through first two games -- NFL -- TOP BILLING: Buffalo quarterback JOSH ALLEN passed for a career-high 417 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions for a 147.0 passer rating in the Bills’ Week 2 victory. Allen, who has passed for 729 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions through the first two weeks, is the fourth quarterback with at least 700 passing yards, six touchdown passes and zero interceptions through his team’s first two games of a season in NFL history. With at least 300 passing yards, two touchdown passes and zero interceptions on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (1:00 PM ET, FOX), Allen will become the third player with at least 300 passing yards, two touchdown passes and zero interceptions in each of his team’s first three games of a season in NFL history, joining PATRICK MAHOMES (2019) and PEYTON MANNING (2013). Mahomes won Super Bowl MVP and Manning won league MVP in those respective seasons. The players with at least 300 passing yards, two touchdown passes and zero interceptions in each of their team’s first three games of a season in NFL history: PLAYER TEAM SEASON Patrick Mahomes Kansas City 2019 Peyton Manning Denver 2013       Josh Allen Buffalo 2020* *Through first two games -- NFL -- TANNEHILL CONTINUES TO THRILL: Tennessee quarterback RYAN TANNEHILL passed for four touchdowns and zero interceptions last week in the Titans’ victory and now has six touchdowns and zero interceptions on the season. Since Week 10 of the 2019 season, Tannehill has passed for at least two touchdowns with one or fewer interceptions in all nine games. With at least two touchdown passes and one or fewer interceptions on Sunday at Minnesota (1:00 PM ET, CBS), Tannehill will become the fourth player in NFL history with at least two touchdown passes and one or fewer interceptions in at least 10 consecutive regular season games, joining AARON RODGERS (13 consecutive games), TOM BRADY (11) and PHILIP RIVERS (10). The players with the most consecutive games with at least two touchdown passes and one or fewer interceptions in NFL history: PLAYER TEAM SEASON(S) CONSECUTIVE GAMES Aaron Rodgers Green Bay 2011 13 Tom Brady New England 2010-11 11 Philip Rivers L.A. Chargers 2017-18 10         Ryan Tannehill Tennessee 2019-present 9* *Active streak   -- NFL -- RIDLEY ME THIS: Atlanta wide receiver CALVIN RIDLEY leads the NFL with four touchdown receptions through two weeks and ties for the league lead with 239 receiving yards. After recording 130 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in Week 1 and 109 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in Week 2, Ridley became the first player since Pro Football Hall of Famer MARVIN HARRISON (1999) to record at least 100 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in each of his team’s first two games of a season. ​ With at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception on Sunday against Chicago (1:00 PM ET, FOX), Ridley will become the fifth player with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in each of his team’s first three games of a season in NFL history, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers MARVIN HARRISON (1999), RANDY MOSS (2007) and JERRY RICE (1989) and DWIGHT CLARK (1982),​ The players with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in each of their team’s first three games of a season in NFL history: PLAYER TEAM SEASON Randy MossHOF New England 2007 Marvin HarrisonHOF Indianapolis 1999 Jerry RiceHOF San Francisco 1989 Dwight Clark San Francisco 1982       Calvin Ridley Atlanta 2020* *Through first two games -- NFL --​ NOT DRAFTED? NOT A PROBLEM: Jacksonville running back JAMES ROBINSON, who went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, leads all rookies with 210 scrimmage yards through the first two weeks of the season.   With at least 90 scrimmage yards on Thursday Night Football against Miami (8:20 PM ET, NFL Network), a mark he has hit in each of the first two games of the season, Robinson will become the second undrafted player with at least 300 scrimmage yards through his first three career games in the common draft era, joining JAMES BRIM (318 scrimmage yards in 1987). ​ The undrafted players with the most scrimmage yards through their first three career games in the common draft era: PLAYER TEAM SEASON SCRIMMAGE YARDS James Brim Minnesota 1987 318 Kevin Willhite Green Bay 1987 288 Bobby Johnson N.Y. Giants 1984 281         James Robinson Jacksonville 2020 210* *Through first two weeks   -- NFL -- WATT FAMIILY REUINION: Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. WATT ties for the NFL lead with 2.5 sacks through the first two weeks of the season, while Houston defensive end J.J. WATT ties for third in the league with 2 sacks. The two brothers will be meeting for the first time in their NFL careers when the Steelers host the Texans on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX). Pittsburgh fullback DEREK WATT, who faced each of his brothers in 2019 with the Chargers, will also be on the field on Sunday. J.J. enters the game with 98 career sacks in 10 seasons, while T.J. has 37 career sacks in four seasons. Their 135 combined sacks are the fourth-most among pairs of brothers or father-son duos since 1982, counting instances in which each player recorded at least one sack. The pairs of brothers or father-son duos with the most combined sacks since 1982, counting players in which each player recorded at least one sack: PLAYERS COMBINED SACKS Clay/Clay Matthews 161 HowieHOF/Chris Long 154 JohnHOF/Ervin Randle+ 145.5 J.J./T.J. Watt*+ 135* Arthur/Chandler Jones+ 107 *Both active +Brothers With at least two sacks on Sunday, J.J., playing in his 115th career game, will become the fourth-fastest player to reach 100 career sacks since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic. ​ The fastest players to reach 100 career sacks since 1982: PLAYER TEAM GAMES Reggie WhiteHOF Philadelphia 96 DeMarcus Ware Dallas 113 Bruce SmithHOF Buffalo 114 Jared Allen Kansas City, Minnesota 122 Lawrence TaylorHOF N.Y. Giants 122       J.J. Watt Houston 114* *Has 98 sacks in 114 games​ -- NFL -- ​ ​ ​ ​​​​​​​​​​  ​National Football League ​ ​View this press release ​online Sep 23, 2020​ STATEMENT FROM NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL ON THE PASSING OF NFL LEGEND GALE SAYERS The NFL family lost a true friend today with the passing of Gale Sayers. Gale was one of the finest men in NFL history and one of the game's most exciting players. Gale was an electrifying and elusive runner who thrilled fans every time he touched the ball. He earned his place as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. We will also forever remember Gale for his inspiration and kindness. Gale's quiet unassuming demeanor belied his determination, competitiveness and compassion. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Ardie, and their family. Our thoughts are with his teammates, the Bears organization, the many fans who remember him as a football player and the many more people who were touched by Gale's spirit and generosity. Notas de la NFL de la tercera semana ​Notas de la NFL de la tercera semana LOS EMOCIONANTES DUELOS DE LA SEGUNDA SEMANA PUDIERON SER PRESAGIO: LOS CHOQUES EN HORARIO ESTELAR SE DESTACAN EN EL CRONOGRAMA DE LA TERCERA ¿Una parada en la línea de gol de último segundo, un gol de campo de 58 yardas en la prórroga y, ver para creer, una bizarra patada corta que ayuda a resurgir tras una desventaja de 19 puntos en el medio tiempo? La NFL está recién comenzando su historia 2020. El guión de la tercera semana podría ser otra vez así de emocionante.  LAS SUPERESTRELLAS HACEN COSAS DE SUPERESTRELLAS. Abundan los candidatos a Jugador más valioso (MVP, por sus siglas en inglés) a lo largo de dos semanas. Varios de esos candidatos estarán en bandos enfrentados esta semana.  Seattle y el mariscal de campo RUSSELL WILSON, que lidera la NFL en índice de pasador (140.0), pases anotadores (nueve) y porcentaje de pases completos (82.5), reciben a los DALLAS COWBOYS (el domingo a las 4:25 PM, hora de New York, FOX), que la semana pasada se convirtió en apenas el tercer equipo en las últimas 15 temporadas regulares en ganar tras sobreponerse a una desventaja de dos anotaciones en los últimos dos minutos del tiempo regular. El mariscal de campo de los Cowboys DAK PRESCOTT lanzó 450 yardas y una anotación mientras que acarreó tres anotaciones la semana pasada, convirtiéndose en el primer jugador con al menos 400 yardas aéreas y tres acarreos anotadores en un solo partido en la historia de la NFL. El Jugador más valioso reinante de la NFL, LAMAR JACKSON, y sus Ravens reciben al Jugador más valioso del Super Bowl PATRICK MAHOMES y a los Chiefs en el clásico de lunes en la noche Monday Night Football (8:15 PM, hora de New York, ESPN). Mahomes (81 pases anotadores en 33 juegos) promedia 2.45 pases anotadores por partido, la marca más alta en la historia de la NFL (mínimo de 30 partidos), por delante de los dos jugadores más próximos, PEYTON MANNING (2.03) y AARON RODGERS (2.02). Jackson, en tanto, alcanzó las 2,000 yardas por tierra en su carrera mientras ayudó a su equipo a tener un arranque de 2-0 la semana pasada. Esta semana, necesita 193 yardas aéreas para alcanzar las 5,000 en su carrera y convertirse en el jugador que en la historia de la NFL (34 partidos) más rápido alcanza las 5,000 yardas aéreas y las 2,000 yardas por tierra en su carrera. Ambos clubes también tienen registros de 2-0 en la tercera semana de 2019. Los Patriots y CAM NEWTON, cuyos cuatro acarreos anotadores son la mayor cantidad por un mariscal de campo a lo largo de las primeras dos semanas en los anales de la NFL, reciben a los invictos LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (el domingo a la 1:00 PM, hora de New York, CBS). Newton, que tiene dos acarreos anotadores en cada uno de sus primeros dos juegos con New England, tomó posesión en solitario de la marca de la NFL entre mariscales de campo para la mayor cantidad partidos en una carrera (ocho) con al menos dos acarreos anotadores, superando a JACK KEMP, STEVE MCNAIR y a los miembros del Salón de la Fama OTTO GRAHAM y STEVE YOUNG.  El mariscal de campo de Buffalo JOSH ALLEN, cuyo equipo recibe a los LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-0) el domingo (1:00 PM, FOX), lanzó 417 yardas, con cuatro anotaciones, ninguna intercepción e índice de pasador de 147.0 en el triunfo de los Bills 31-28 de la semana pasada. Allen, que lanzó 729 yardas, seis anotaciones y ninguna intercepción en las primeras dos semanas de la temporada 2020, es el último mariscal de campo con al menos 700 yardas aéreas, seis pases anotadores y ninguna intercepción a lo largo los primeros dos partidos de una temporada de su equipo en la historia de la NFL, sumándose a TOM BRADY (2015), PATRICK MAHOMES (2019) y PEYTON MANNING (2013). Por otro lado, el mariscal de campo de los Rams JARED GOFF, la selección global Nº 1 en el Sorteo Universitario de la NFL 2016, es uno de cuatro mariscales de campo desde 2017 en tener cuatro partidos de tres o más pases anotadores y un índice de pasador de al menos 140. Los otros son DREW BREES, RYAN TANNEHILL y RUSSELL WILSON. El mariscal de campo de Arizona KYLER MURRAY, la selección global Nº 1 en el Sorteo Universitario de la NFL 2019, recibe a los DETROIT LIONS el domingo (4:25 PM, hora de New York, FOX). Murray, que lanzó 516 yardas y acarreó 158 yardas esta temporada, es el primer mariscal de campo en la era del Super Bowl (1966-presente) con al menos 500 yardas aéreas y 150 yardas por tierra a lo largo de los primeros dos partidos de su equipo en una temporada. Su recientemente adquirido receptor DEANDRE HOPKINS tiene 22 recepciones, la mayor cantidad de la liga y la mayor cantidad en la historia por un jugador en sus primeros dos juegos con un equipo nuevo. El corredor de los Packers AARON JONES, que promedia 6.9 yardas por acarreo y tiene 234 yardas por tierra, la mayor cantidad en la liga, va con Green Bay a New Orleans para el clásico del domingo en la noche Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM, hora de New York, NBC). Los Packers, que totalizaron 85 puntos y 1,010 yardas netas de ofensiva en su arranque 2-0, son el cuarto equipo en registrar al menos 80 puntos y al menos 1,000 yardas netas de ofensiva a lo largo de las primeras dos semanas de una temporada en la historia de la NFL, sumándose a los BALTIMORE RAVENS de 2019, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS de 1998 y BUFFALO BILLS de 1991. ABUNDAN LOS EQUIPOS 2-0. A lo largo de la liga, 11 equipos arrancaron 2-0, cifra que empatad la mayor cantidad en la historia de la NFL y la mayor cantidad en 12 años. Además de 2008, la NFL también tuvo 11 clubes arrancando la temporada 2-0 en 2006 y 1998. Cinco de esos clubes con marca de 2-0 clubes –los ARIZONA CARDINALS, CHICAGO BEARS, LAS VEGAS RAIDERS, LOS ANGELES RAMS y PITTSBURGH STEELERS– se perdieron la postemporada en 2019. Los Cardinals (5-10-1) terminaron últimos en la NFC Oeste en 2019.  En 15 de las últimas 17 temporadas, al menos un equipo de la NFL ganó su división la temporada siguiente a haber finalizado en el último puesto, en solitario o empatado. En realidad, de los 48 equipos en la historia de la liga en ir de “peor a primero” 25 lo hicieron en los últimos 17 años (2003-19), incluyendo tres de tales equipos, una marca de la NFL, en 2005 y 2006. Dos equipos durante ese lapso, los New Orleans Saints de 2009 y los Philadelphia Eagles de 2017, ganaron el Super Bowl tras haber finalizado en el último puesto en sus divisiones la temporada anterior. La temporada pasada, tanto Green Bay (NFC Norte) como San Francisco (NFC Oeste) ganaron sus divisiones tras haberse perdido la postemporada en 2018. Al menos dos equipos ganaron sus divisiones la temporada siguiente a haberse la postemporada en 16 de los últimos 17 años. CUBRIENDO TRES ZONAS HORARIAS. Esta semana, tres clubes del horario del Pacífico se encuentran con equipos del huso horario del Este, el domingo: SAN FRANCISCO visita a NEW YORK GIANTS (1:00 PM, hora de New York, FOX), los LOS ANGELES RAMS en BUFFALO (1:00 PM, hora de New York, FOX) y LAS VEGAS en NEW ENGLAND (1:00 PM, hora de New York, CBS).  Los equipos que viajan desde la Costa Oeste hacia el Este para enfrentarse con equipos de ese huso horario están 5-0 esta temporada, con un triunfo por cada uno de los cinco equipos que practican, comen y duermen tres horas antes que los equipos a los que derrotaron. En un periodo más largo, desde el comienzo de 2019 e incluyendo postemporada, esos equipos están 20-4 (.833). Los registros de partidos ganados y perdidos de los equipos de la zona del Pacífico jugando de visitante contra equipos del huso horario del Este, desde 2019: EQUIPO GANÓ PERDIÓ % Seattle 7 0 1.000 L.A. Rams 4 1 .800 San Francisco 4 1 .800 L.A. Chargers 3 1 .750 Las Vegas 2 1 .667 Totales 20 4 .833   BATALLAS DE LOS IMBATIDOS. La acción de este fin de semana incluye dos duelos entre equipos con marca de 2-0: los Los Angeles Rams en Buffalo (1:00 PM, hora de New York Sunday, FOX) y Kansas City en Baltimore (8:15 PM, hora de New York Monday, ESPN). Los Chiefs y los Ravens se encontraron hace un año, en la tercera semana, como equipos con registro de 2-0, cuando los Chiefs les propinaron a los Ravens una de sus derrotas en temporada regular, 33-28. Mahomes lanzó 374 yardas y tres anotaciones. Desde 2006, 17 partidos tuvieron a equipos 2-0 enfrentándose en la tercera semana. Los ganadores de esos juegos presagiaron fortunas en la postemporada. Y durante ese lapso, incluyendo a los Chiefs la temporada pasada, el ganador de un duelo entre equipos 2-0 en la tercera semana terminaron ganando el Super Bowl tres veces (Kansas City ganó el Super Bowl LIV en 2019, New England ganó el Super Bowl LI en 2016, e Indianapolis ganó el Super Bowl XLI en 2006). Otros dos equipos, los Chicago Bears de 2006 y los Pittsburgh Steelers de 2010, perdieron el Super Bowl. Y un equipo perdedor de un duelo entre equipos 2-0, los Green Bay Packers de 2010, terminaron ganando el Super Bowl. NO ES CÓMO ARRANCAS, ES CÓMO TERMINAS. Mientras que 11 equipos arrancaron 2-0, otros 11 abrieron 0-2. Cada temporada de fútbol americano conlleva adversidad. Sobreponerse a esa adversidad fue característica de los equipos de la NFL desde que el entrenador de los Packers de primer año VINCE LOMBARDI reemplazó al lesionado LAMAR MCHAN con un jugador seleccionado en la 17ª vuelta del Draft nombrado BART STARR. Lombardi y Starr terminaron ganando cinco campeonatos de la NFL y capturaron los primeros dos Super Bowls en su camino hacia la exaltación como miembros del Salón de la Fama. Cuarenta y cuatro años más tarde, TOM BRADY, 199ª selección global en el Sorteo Universitario del año anterior, tomó las riendas del equipo de manos del titular, DREW BLEDSOE , y llevó a los Patriots, que estaban 0-2, hasta una victoria en el Super Bowl.  La NFL esta temporada comienza un formato de postemporada de 14 equipos, con dos equipos Comodín adicionales, uno de la AFC y otro de la NFC. En el periodo 1990-2019, durante la era del formato de playoffs de 12 equipos, cada temporada al menos cuatro equipos clasificaron para la postemporada tras habérsela perdido el año anterior. La temporada pasada, cinco equipos que no clasificaron a la postemporada en 2018 –Buffalo (10-6), Green Bay (13-3), Minnesota (10-6), San Francisco (13-3) y Tennessee (9-7)– consiguieron plazas en la postemporada. A lo largo de las últimas 30 temporadas, desde 1990, 30 equipos se sobrepusieron a arranques 0-2 para terminar clasificando. Tres de esos clubes – los DALLAS COWBOYS de 1993, los NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS de 2001 y los NEW YORK GIANTS de 2007– ganaron el Super Bowl. Y cuatro de esos clubes –los SAN DIEGO CHARGERS de 1992, los DETROIT LIONS de 1995, los BUFFALO BILLS de 1998 y los HOUSTON TEXANS de 2018– alcanzaron la postemporada tras un arranque 0-3.  Los 30 equipos que avanzaron a la postemporada tras un inicio 0-2, desde 1990: AÑO EQUIPO MARCA FINAL AÑO EQUIPO MARCA FINAL 1990 Houston Oilers 9-7 2002 Pittsburgh 10-5-1 1990 New Orleans 8-8 2003 Philadelphia 12-4 1990 Philadelphia 10-6 2006 Kansas City 9-7 1991 Atlanta 10-6 2007 *New York Giants 10-6 1992 +San Diego Chargers 11-5 2008 Miami 11-5 1993 *Dallas 12-4 2008 Minnesota 10-6 1993 Pittsburgh 9-7 2008 San Diego Chargers 8-8 1994 New England 10-6 2013 Carolina 12-4 1995 +Detroit 10-6 2014 Indianapolis 11-5 1996 New England 11-5 2015 Houston Texans 9-7 1998 Arizona 9-7 2015 Seattle 10-6 1998 +Buffalo 10-6 2016 Miami 10-6 1998 New York Jets 12-4 2017 New Orleans 11-5 2001 *New England 11-5 2018 +Houston Texans 11-5 2002 Atlanta 9-6-1 2018 Seattle 10-6 *Ganó el Super Bowl    +Arrancó la temporada 0-3