JOSH DUBOW

Josh is an NFL writer who covers Raiders and 49ers

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) dunks the ball over Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Randall Benton)

Celtics bounce back from a tough loss to beat Kings 144-119

Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each scored 28 points and the short-handed Boston Celtics bounced back from a disappointing loss at Golden State with a 144-119 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) catches a pass for a first down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The Patriots and Packers are still seeking their 1st 100-yard games from a rusher or receiver

When it comes to getting big games from playmakers, the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers have been lacking at a historic level.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes as offensive tackle Trent Williams blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

The 49ers ride 2 MVP candidates to back-to-back NFC West titles

Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey each promoted the other player’s candidacy for MVP after another dominating performance for the San Francisco 49ers.

San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee speaks during a baseball news conference in San Francisco, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The Giants describe newly signed Korean star Jung Hoo Lee as a ‘perfect fit’

When the San Francisco Giants set out this offseason to improve on a disappointing 2023 season, adding athleticism, defense and the ability to put the ball in play were priorities.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Deebo Samuel rebounds from self-described ‘awful’ season to star for the 49ers

Deebo Samuel can be his own harshest critic, as evidenced by his description of his 2022 season for the San Francisco 49ers as “awful.”

Baltimore Ravens punt returner Tylan Wallace (16) starts to celebrates as he returns a punt for a game-winning touchdown as Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (87) looks on during overtime of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 37-31. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

AFC boasts a record number of winning teams and NFC filled with losing teams

In a season when much of the NFL is clustered around break even, the AFC can boast a record number of winning teams headed into Week 15 while NFC has the most teams ever on the losing side.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Brock Purdy’s performance for the 49ers keeps silencing the skeptics

The notion that Brock Purdy is simply a creation of coach Kyle Shanahan’s schemes and the best set of playmakers in the NFL gets put to rest the way he plays each week.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Samuel scores 2 TDs, Purdy throws for career-best 368 yards as 49ers beat Seahawks 28-16

Deebo Samuel scored on a catch and a run and the San Francisco 49ers won their 11th straight division game, beating the Seattle Seahawks 28-16.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) passes as guard Damien Lewis (68) blocks San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (98) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Drew Lock provides a spark as well as mistakes for Seahawks in 1st start in place of injured Smith

Drew Lock couldn’t have scripted a much better beginning to his first start for the Seattle Seahawks than capping his initial drive with a touchdown pass to DK Metcalf.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey runs with the ball after making a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

The 49ers look to avoid a repeat letdown headed into their game vs. the Seahawks

The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a familiar spot after posting a dominant victory against a fellow NFC powerhouse with last week’s big win at Philadelphia.

FILE - San Francisco 49ers place-kicker Robbie Gould (9), with Mitch Wishnowsky (18) holding and Tyler Kroft (81) blocking, kicks a field goal during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Gould, a Longtime NFL kicker, is retiring following an 18-year career that established himself as one of the game's best clutch kickers. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)

Longtime NFL kicker Robbie Gould retires after 18-year career

Longtime NFL kicker Robbie Gould is retiring following an 18-year career that established himf as one of the game’s best in the clutch.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) looks on after an argument with Philadelphia Eagles players during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. Greenlaw was ejected from the contest as a result of the scuffle. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw says he has apologized to Eagles security staffer

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw says he has exchanged apologies with the Philadelphia Eagles security official after a sideline dustup led to both being ejected.

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Oddsmakers set historic low over/under totals in 2 NFL games this week

The oddsmakers aren’t expecting many points in a couple of NFL games this week. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the over/under for the Patriots-Steelers game on Thursday night and the Jaguars-Browns game on Sunday are both currently set at 30.5 points.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field after a 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers following an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Offensive struggles mount for the Patriots, Giants and Jets

It’s been more than a decade since the NFL featured three offenses as challenged as the ones for the New England Patriots, New York Jets and New York Giants.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) questions a call against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Patrick Mahomes headlines list of nominees for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award

Two-time league MVP Patrick Mahomes headlines the list of 32 players chosen as finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall (8) walks off the floor after scoring during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas)

Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans past the Kings 127-117 to advance to In-Season Tournament semis

Brandon Ingram scored 30 points and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Sacramento Kings 127-117 in the quarterfinals of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) looks on after an argument with Philadelphia Eagles players during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. Greenlaw was ejected from the contest as a result of the scuffle. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

The 49ers get ‘payback’ against the Eagles with dominant win that makes them Super Bowl favorites

The San Francisco 49ers took out their frustration over last season’s NFC championship game loss at Philadelphia in emphatic fashion.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

49ers QB Brock Purdy focuses on Eagles instead of injury in return to Philadelphia

Brock Purdy’s focus headed into his biggest regular-season start as a pro is on the Eagles and their stout defense instead of on the disappointment of his previous trip to Philadelphia that ended in a significant elbow injury.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk runs back to the sideline after a 28-yard reception for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

The 49ers keep quiet headed into NFC title game rematch against the Eagles

The San Francisco 49ers had plenty to say after they lost the NFC title game last season to the Philadelphia Eagles while playing much of the game without a functioning quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during overtime in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

49ers and Eagles head into NFC title game rematch focused on reversing last season’s disappointment

The Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers haven’t let last season’s postseason disappointment become a hangover in 2023.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is guarded by Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) during the first quarter of an NBA In-Season Tournament basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Randall Benton)

Monk’s late basket leads the Kings past the Warriors 124-123 to win In-Season Tournament group

Malik Monk hit a fadeaway with 7 seconds left and the Sacramento Kings rallied late to beat the Golden State Warriors 124-123 to advance to the quarterfinals of the in-season tournament.

FILE - Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers looks on from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C., Dec. 24, 2017. Three-time All-Pros Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates were chosen as semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2024 in their first year of eligibility. Peppers and Gates headline a group of 25 modern day semifinalists announced Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, by the Hall of Fame from a group of 173 nominees announced in September. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)

Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates advance to semifinal stage for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Three-time All-Pros Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates were chosen as semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2024 in their first year of eligibility.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is chased by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

The 49ers set their sights on a rematch with the Eagles following a win over the Seahawks

The San Francisco 49ers took little time to establish that they are the dominant team in the NFC West.

Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman (10) throws against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

No. 19 Notre Dame wraps up regular season against struggling Stanford

Notre Dame’s season-ending trip to California lacks the high stakes that often accompany its regular-season finale against Stanford or Southern California.

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs in the endzone after his 1-yard rushing touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Typical NFL also-rans surge toward playoff position in topsy-turvy season

The way this NFL season is going so far, there’s a decent chance there could be a first-time Super Bowl participant for the first time since the 2008 season when Arizona became the 28th franchise to reach the big game.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

49ers QB Brock Purdy answers skeptics with a nearly flawless 2-game stretch

Any doubts raised about Brock Purdy during the first little slump of his brief NFL career have been emphatically answered by his record-setting performance the past two games.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is congratulated by offensive tackle Trent Williams after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Brock Purdy and the 49ers get back to early-season form in time for key stretch

The San Francisco 49ers got back to their early-season form just in time for their most crucial stretch of the regular season.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) celebrates with safety Ji'Ayir Brown (27) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, bottom right, fumbles while sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) and linebacker Fred Warner during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. The 49ers recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

Buccaneers lament missed red zone chances that thwarted comeback bid vs. 49ers

On a day when the Tampa Bay defense got picked apart by Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers, the Buccaneers still found themselves with a chance to stage a fourth-quarter comeback.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Perfect Brock Purdy throws 3 TD passes to lead the 49ers past the Bucs 27-14

Brock Purdy threw a 76-yard strike to Brandon Aiyuk for one of his three touchdown passes, and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-14.