🏈 Five Keys To Look For In NFL Schedule Release

Players and coaches love getting their schedules, but what are they hoping for? [View in browser]( [FOX SPORTS INSIDER WITH MARTIN ROGERS] In today’s FOX Sports Insider with guest writer Bucky Brooks: What do players and teams look for when they first see their upcoming schedule? … The Jets finally have a quarterback, but what else do they need to help for a Super Bowl run? … and more! There is nothing like the anticipation of the NFL schedule release. Although coaches, players and executives have known their opponents since the end of the 2022 season, the league does not reveal the path to the Lombardi Trophy until mid-May. With the full schedule being released Thursday night, I wanted to share some insight and perspective on how players and coaches assess the schedule and what they look for when they finally get their hands on the regular-season slate. When is the bye week? Every head coach in the league immediately searches the schedule to see when the mandatory break falls on the calendar. The positioning of the bye week dictates how coaches will set up their practice schedules, installation plans and load management calendars to put their respective teams in a position to play their best football heading down the stretch. Ideally, the bye week hits in Week 9 or Week 10 to split the regular season in half and to ensure the team avoids a lengthy grind to start or finish the season. In addition, the positioning of the bye impacts how coaches will allocate their 14 padded practices throughout the year. From a player development perspective, the bye week provides some teams with a target date for some young players to crack the rotation as potential contributors. Given how some coaches prefer to make quarterback changes heading into the bye week due to the extra practice days, the mandatory off week is the perfect time to plug a young QB into the lineup. For players, the bye week is the break that enables them to rest and recharge for the playoff push. The positioning of the bye enables players to properly plan for the marathon-like grind of the season to ensure they are ready to perform at their best when the intensity rises heading into the stretch run. For the rest of the story, [click here.]( [STORY IMAGE 1] [IN OTHER WORDS] - Baker Mayfield has far more experience, but new OC Dave Canales knows the [advantage of keeping an open competition]( for as long as possible, writes Greg Auman. - LeBron and Austin Reaves have developed a strong bond both on and off the court since Reaves landed on the Lakers in 2021. And this season, it has [paid off for both](. Melissa Rohlin has the story. - Bill Self has snagged star big man Hunter Dickinson, adding bulk to the already loaded Jayhawks. Who else is near the top? John Fanta [ranks the top teams]( in college basketball at the moment. - Georgia remains atop the college football world, but [who else moved]( in RJ Young’s post-spring top 25? The answers may surprise you. For the latest news and updates, [click here.]( [VIEWER'S GUIDE] Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees (MLBN, 7:05 p.m. ET) Two of the preseason favorites in the American League East collide when the MLB-best Rays battle the Yankees in New York. Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers (ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET) Jayson Tatum and the Celtics look to stave off elimination when they head to Philadelphia to face Joel Embiid and the Sixers. Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET) Devin Booker and the Suns return to Phoenix looking to force a Game 7 with home win over Denver in Game 6. For all of today's games and scores, [click here](. [BET OF THE DAY] Odds provided by [FOX Bet]( Devon Witherspoon to win Defensive Rookie of the Year (+1100) From FOX Sports Betting Analyst: Geoff Schwartz It was not a surprise that Witherspoon was the first cornerback drafted, but it was surprising that the Seahawks picked him with the fifth pick, as most had Seattle addressing the pass rush first. However, Witherspoon is an excellent option for DROY. He allowed a completion percentage of just 34.9% in 2022 as he used his long arms and quick feet to disrupt wide receivers. He’s a physical corner who plays in the face of his opponent, which will lead to pass breakups and possible interceptions among his highlight plays. Seattle being a winning team in 2023 will give much-needed attention to Witherspoon to be in contention for this award. For the latest betting odds, [click here](. 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