Tom Brady announces his retirement
Did the same exactly one year ago
By: Mike Krueger | Feb 1 2023, 7:00 am
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Truly grateful on this day. Thank you. (Tom Brady on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Tom Brady announced his retirement today. He also announced his retirement exactly one year ago. This time it seems final. The future hall-of-famer is 45 years old and has played 23 seasons in the NFL, winning seven Super Bowls. The Bucs are now left with a void at quarterback and the 19th pick in the upcoming draft. The upcoming season feels like a rebuilding period for Tampa Bay.
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Denver settles on Sean Payton as HC
Saints expected to get first- and second-round pick in return
By: Doug Orth | Jan 31 2023, 11:50 pm
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Breaking: Saints and Broncos are finalizing compensation in return for Super Bowl-winning HC Sean Payton, sources tell ESPN. This clears the way for Payton to sign with the Broncos to become Denver’s next head coach.
And so Payton is expected to head to Denver as its next HC. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)
FFToday's Take: The first-rounder is a 2023 pick the Broncos received from Miami in the Bradley Chubb trade. The second-rounder is a 2024 selection. The Broncos are also receiving a 2024 third-rounder from the Saints. The acquisition of Payton is a huge boost to the Broncos as a whole and particularly the offense. Payton worked wonderfully for many years with Drew Brees and could have a similar impact on Russell Wilson as moves into the later stages of his career. Fantasy managers should also be thrilled about what this trade means for Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Greg Dulcich.
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 Trey Lance expects to be ready for OTAs
Likely needs 3-4 more weeks before he is cleared to practice
By: Doug Orth | Jan 31 2023, 11:30 pm
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Trey Lance says he’s 3-4 weeks from being fully cleared for practice. He said he’ll be 100 percent for OTAs. (The Athletic - Matt Barrows)
FFToday's Take: Great news for Lance, who was already going to be a hot topic this offseason - even before Brock Purdy suffered what was reported as a torn UCL in his elbow. Purdy's most optimistic timeline at this point appears to be training camp, and that is only if can avoid Tommy John surgery. With Jimmy Garoppolo highly unlikely to return, it paves the way for Lance to reclaim the starting job. If Lance can finally stay healthy in 2023, there is a distinct chance he finally becomes the latest dual-threat quarterback to take the league by storm.
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Chargers tab Kellen Moore as new OC
Replaces Joe Lombardi
By: Doug Orth | Jan 30 2023, 11:50 pm
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The Chargers have a new offensive coordinator. The Bolts announced on Monday they have agreed to terms with Kellen Moore for the role. Moore spent the past four seasons as the Offensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. When Moore became available, the Chargers moved quickly and interviewed Moore on Sunday evening, agreeing to terms shortly thereafter to become to the team's offensive coordinator. In Moore's four seasons in Dallas, the Cowboys twice had the top-ranked offense in yards per game (2019 and 2021) and led the league in points scored in 2021 with 31.2 per game. (Chargers.com - Eric Smith)
FFToday's Take: While Joe Lombardi was good for Austin Ekeler's career, it seems as though he was a bit of a drain on Justin Herbert and the passing game. Moore is an unquestionable upgrade and arguably lands in a situation that has a better player at every key offensive spot than he had in Dallas. Expect Moore to open up the passing game a bit more, including more shots downfield to take advantage of Herbert's arm strength. Ekeler, Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Joshua Palmer and Gerald Everett are all under contract for 2022.
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Brock Purdy suffers torn UCL
Team holding hope he can avoid Tommy John surgery
By: Doug Orth | Jan 30 2023, 11:30 pm
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49ers QB Brock Purdy suffered a complete tear of the UCL in his throwing elbow and will undergo surgery, per sources.
Purdy is getting second opinions, but the initial hope is he can undergo a repair - not reconstruction (AKA Tommy John) - and will be ready for training camp. (NFL Network - Tom Pelissero)
FFToday's Take: A repair would likely give Purdy a chance to hold onto a starting job in camp, whereas a reconstruction would likely force him to miss the entire 2023 season and allow Trey Lance to reclaim QB1 duties without much of a challenge. Purdy did enough this season to enter camp as the starter, but Lance is a supremely talented player that the 49ers moved heaven and earth to acquire in the 2021 draft. For now, fantasy managers should expect Lance to be the Week 1 starter next fall.
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Travis Kelce added to injury report, Mahomes not listed
Back injury for Kelce
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 27 2023, 4:02 pm
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The Chiefs added Travis Kelce to their injury report with a back injury and listed him as questionable for Sunday's game. Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson (illness) are also questionable.
Patrick Mahomes has no injury designation, so he's good to go. (Adam Teicher on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Despite his absence from the report, Mahomes will be bothered by his ankle sprain suffered in last week's game against Jacksonville. How much it will hamper his mobility is the big question. Kelce did practice fully on Friday and there's been no indication that he's in danger of missing this game.
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Elijah Mitchell questionable with groin injury
McCaffrey not on injury report
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 27 2023, 4:01 pm
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#49ers game status report for for NFC Championship Game vs. Eagles:
Christian McCaffrey is not on the injury report and will play (as he said himself on Thursday)
OUT
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot)
QUESTIONABLE
RB Elijah Mitchell (groin)
CB Ambry Thomas (ankle) (Jennifer Lee Chan on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: McCaffrey was dealing with a calf issue last week but appears to be good to go for San Francisco's NFC Championship game against the Eagles. Deebo Samuel (ankle) is also absent from the report. Mitchell's status remains up in the air as he was limited on Friday. We'll have a better idea of his true status on Sunday.
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Carolina rolling with former Colts' HC Frank Reich
Steve Wilks left out in the cold
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 26 2023, 2:01 pm
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Former Colts’ HC Frank Reich is being named the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Reich now returns to the franchise he quarterbacked in 1995. Frank Reich had five different Week 1 starting quarterbacks in his five years with Indianapolis. He’ll be getting another new QB in Carolina - with hopes this one sticks longer. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Interim head coach Steve Wilks doesn't get the gig and will now likely be searching for a DC job elsewhere. The Panthers are still searching for a quarterback after trying Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker and Sam Darnold during the 2022 season. Carolina has the 9th pick in the upcoming draft and will likely be active in the free agent QB market.
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Josh Allen not expected to go under the knife
Elbow injury nagged him for second half of regular season
By: Doug Orth | Jan 24 2023, 4:50 pm
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Brandon Beane says "I think we're good there" as far as Josh Allen not planning to have offseason surgery on his right elbow. Allen said yesterday plan for elbow revolves around rest. (Katherine Fitzgerald on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Allen suggested Monday that his mechanics and throwing motion were affected by the Week 9 injury until the end of the regular season. Considering he seems to be pain-free right now - he told reporters he was back to his old mechanics and throwing motion about two weeks ago on Monday - he should be in great shape for the offseason and training camp. Allen figures to be the top quarterback off fantasy draft boards in most leagues again this offseason.
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Rodgers likely headed to AFC team if traded
Team will explore the idea of trading 39-year-old QB
By: Doug Orth | Jan 24 2023, 4:45 pm
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Update: The #Packers will not be trading Aaron Rodgers within the NFC Conference.
They "will explore" the idea of trading the QB exclusively to the AFC, per @AdamSchefter. (Dov Kleiman on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Green Bay is in a bad cap situation entering the 2023 season, so a trade to get about $60 million of guaranteed money moved would be a good thing for its cap situation. Rodgers does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, so the Packers don't need his permission on where he could be dealt either. Whereas last year felt more like speculation, it feels as though there is a legitimate chance Rodgers could be traded this offseason. Expect the Jets, Raiders, Titans and Colts to be among the most interested teams.
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Tony Pollard expected to be full strength for training camp
Surgery completed on ankle
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 24 2023, 3:22 pm
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Tony Pollard underwent surgery Tuesday on a broken left fibula and high ankle sprain he suffered in the Cowboys’ divisional round playoff loss to San Francisco, per source. Should be full strength well before training camp. Set to be an unrestricted free agent in March...
Want to clarify on the Tony Pollard surgery: the tightrope procedure was to correct the high ankle sprain regarding the ligaments. The fibula will heal with time; no casting. (Todd Archer on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The Cowboys certainly want to have Pollard back but they've already got Ezekiel Elliott under a large contract. Perhaps a Zeke restructure would be enough to keep both backs in the Dallas backfield moving forward?
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CMC working through some calf discomfort
Expects to play in NFC Championship
By: Doug Orth | Jan 23 2023, 6:10 pm
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Not only was it difficult for Christian McCaffrey to find room to operate against the Dallas Cowboys’ fast and aggressive defense, he was dealing with a bothersome calf condition. McCaffrey played 44 of the 49ers’ 66 offensive snaps, and spent periods of time on the sideline in the second half with Elijah Mitchell taking over for the other 22 snaps.
McCaffrey confirmed the calf discomfort and expressed optimism he will be ready for the 49ers’ NFC Championship Game matchup against the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
“Nothing bad, all good,” McCaffrey said. (Matt Maiocco on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: It is worth noting that HC Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that McCaffrey and Mitchell (groin) are day-to-day. Mitchell has benefited from how often the 49ers are playing with the lead during their 12-game winning streak and handled more work than most thought was possible in the wake of the McCaffrey trade, but that workload could be put to the test against the Eagles this weekend. If CMC is a full-go for Philadelphia, he should be on the field for roughly 75 percent of the snaps.
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Josh Allen dealt with nagging elbow discomfort
Week 9 injury changed throwing motion until end of season
By: Doug Orth | Jan 23 2023, 6:00 pm
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Josh Allen said that it was just two weeks ago when he felt like he was able to get back to the mechanics/throwing motion he likes due to his right elbow injury. Had to adapt it due to the injury. (ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg)
FFToday's Take: Allen appeared on the injury report from Week 10 through last week, so this news should not come as a complete shock. There was some thought a month or so ago that Allen's turnover woes were the product of this injury, but that notion seemed to be refuted by the fact that his regular-season production in 2022 was nearly identical to his numbers from 2021. It should be a complete non-issue by the time OTAs start this spring. Allen figures to be the first quarterback off the board in fantasy drafts quite often again in 2023.
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Pollard suffers high ankle sprain, fractured fibula
Upcoming free agent
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 22 2023, 11:06 pm
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Tony Pollard suffered a high ankle sprain & a fractured fibula in Sunday’s loss, a person w/ knowledge of the injury said. A timetable won’t be determined until surgery is completed, but a four-month timeframe is reasonable.
Big blow for soon to be free agent. (David Moore on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Pollard demonstrated to be the Cowboys best running back in 2022 and will now hit the free agent market as a sought after piece assuming he's able to fully recover from his injuries tonight. The Cowboys will want him back but will they be able to re-sign him with an expensive Ezekiel Elliott also in the mix? The Cowboys would suffer a $12 million cap hit if they release the veteran RB.
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High ankle sprain for Patrick Mahomes
"I'll be good to go"
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 22 2023, 11:19 am
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From @NFLGameDay: #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a high-ankle sprain in last night's win over the #Jaguars, but vowed "I'll be good to go" for next week's AFC title game. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Mahomes gutted out the Divisional Round game against Jacksonville and most likely will play next week in the Conference Championship game. However, he obviously won't be 100 percent and his mobility will certainly be limited. We can expect a less efficient Chiefs offense against the Bills or Bengals as a result.
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Aaron Rodgers not sure about 2023 yet
QB expects to make decision about future before free agency
By: Doug Orth | Jan 17 2023, 11:55 pm
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Aaron Rodgers on his decision: “I’m not mentally or emotionally at that point to give one.” (The Athletic - Matt Schneidman)
FFToday's Take: No one really expected Rodgers to have a decision made about his future about 1 1/2 weeks after the season, but that isn't going to stop the media from asking the question. Rodgers had his worst season in over 10 years in 2022, although the argument could be made that had as much to do with the rotating cast of young players he had at receiver as much as it did with Davante Adams' absence or Rodgers' age (39). At this point, it seems much more likely he will be playing football - perhaps somewhere other than Green Bay - than hanging up his cleats.
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Tua Tagovailoa in good shape for 2023
GM confident in QB's health after meeting with specialists
By: Doug Orth | Jan 16 2023, 6:00 pm
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Dolphins GM Chris Grier says that in conversations about doctors about QB Tua Tagovailoa: "We fully expect him back next year, 100%, ready to go."
Grier also said in speaking with consultants: "I don't think he's any more prone (to concussions) than anyone else." (NFL Network - Tom Pelissero)
FFToday's Take: HC Mike McDaniel expects to make it a priority to get Tagovailoa to avoid hits better moving forward, but it's not as if Tua's concussions this season were the result of him running too much. If he suffers another brain injury early in 2023, it will either be his third or fourth in less than a year. This story may not be over, as Tagovailoa or his family could decide an extended absence may be good for his long-term health. Either way, Miami would be smart to make sure it is very confident in its backup quarterback moving forward, be it Teddy Bridgewater, Skylar Thompson or someone else.
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Geno Smith interested in remaining a Seahawk
QB, team have engaged in preliminary extension talks
By: Doug Orth | Jan 16 2023, 5:30 pm
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After Saturday’s loss to the 49ers, quarterback Geno Smith made it clear he’d like to remain with the Seahawks. Entering the offseason, it sounds like that feeling is mutual.
HC Pete Carroll said in his weekly interview with Seattle Sports radio 710 that the G.M. John Schneider and the Seahawks have started preliminary discussions with Smith about a new contract.
Via Brady Henderson of ESPN, Carroll noted that Smith is a winner and the club feels lucky to have him. While the contract talks haven’t gotten into anything substantive yet, Carroll said, “Feel assured that John’s all over it.” (PFT - Myles Simmons)
FFToday's Take: Smith exceeded even the most optimistic expectations in 2022, leading the league with a 69.8 percent completion rate while throwing for 4,282 yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Seahawks own the No. 5 pick in April's draft, but it seems unlikely that Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud - generally considered the top two quarterbacks that will be available - will last that long. Look for an extension to get done before Smith becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.
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Huntley and Anthony Brown may both play for BAL
Ravens could use two QBs against Bengals
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 15 2023, 8:44 am
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With Lamar Jackson sidelined, the Baltimore Ravens are preparing to go with an unusual strategy at quarterback at the start of the playoffs. The Ravens are planning to use both of their quarterbacks -- banged-up backup Tyler Huntley and undrafted rookie Anthony Brown -- in Sunday night's wild-card game against the Cincinnati Bengals, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: Huntley has been bothered by an injury to his throwing shoulder which could signal he will be used as the primary running quarterback over Anthony Brown. Officially, the Ravens have yet to name a starter and probably won't before kickoff. Both quarterbacks are off the fantasy radar given this situation.
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Raheem Mostert Out for Wildcard Weekend
Missed practice with thumb injury
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 13 2023, 3:31 pm
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Raheem Mostert is out. So, Jeff Wilson and Salvon Ahmed at RB for Dolphins.
Liam Eichenberg is doubtful. Robert Jones has played LG before.
Terron Armstead, Brandon Shell, Kendall Lamm all questionable. Greg Little can play LT or RT.
Options. Maybe. (Joe Schad on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Mostert missed practice all week after he sustained a thumb injury last week against the Jets. In his absence, we should see Jeff Wilson get the bulk of running back work with Ahmed filling the backup role. Wilson's fantasy outlook is capped by the likely negative game script against Buffalo. He's a volume-based play in DFS tournaments.
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Sean McVay intends to stick with Rams as head coach
Under contract through 2026
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 13 2023, 3:28 pm
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#Rams coach Sean McVay intends to return as the team’s coach after taking a few days to consider his future, per me and
@MikeGarafolo. He is sorting through potential staff changes for 2023. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: After a brief period to considering ditching the Rams, it sounds like McVay will be back in LA and try to revive a team that had a brutal 2022 season and seems to be in transition. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen has left for Kentucky. QB Matthew Stafford (back) and Cooper Kupp will be closely watched this off-season as they recover from injury.
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Mike Williams downgraded to Out
Won't travel with the team
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 13 2023, 12:09 pm
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#Chargers WR Mike Williams, who was previously listed as questionable with a back injury, will remain in Los Angeles to continue receiving treatment and has been downgraded to out for Saturday night's game in Jacksonville. (Tom Pelissero on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Playing Williams in a meaningless Week 18 game against the Broncos has come back to bite HC Brandon Staley. Williams injured his back and will now miss the Chargers Wildcard game against Jacksonville. In his absence, we should see an increase in opportunity for Josh Palmer who had four games of double-digit targets during the regular season while Williams and Keenan Allen battled injuries.
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Mike Williams misses practice Thursday, Questionable
Back injury
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 12 2023, 4:16 pm
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#Chargers WR Mike Williams (back) did not practice today and is questionable for Saturday. The team will give him up to game-time to be able to go vs. the #Jaguars. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Williams injured his back (spasms) in a meaningless Week 18 game against the Broncos and is now in danger of missing the team's Wildcard game against Jacksonville. If he sits, that will move Josh Palmer into a more prominent role and be a viable DFS and playoff league option this week.
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Tua Tagovailoa ruled Out, Skylar Thompson likely to start
Teddy Bridgewater dealing with finger and knee issues
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 11 2023, 11:40 am
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Mike McDaniel says as of today they are preparing for rookie Skylar Thompson to start Sunday vs. Bills.
Teddy Bridgewater is preparing himself to be ready for Sunday but only if he has no setbacks. So team is prepping Skylar as QB1 this week as of now. (Cameron Wolfe on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Tua Tagovailoa is still in concussion protocol and has been ruled out for the Dolphins Wildcard game against the Bills. It sounds like Thompson is going to get the start but there is still hope for Teddy to be named the starter at the end of the week. He "cannot afford any setbacks" according to head coach Mike McDaniel.
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Sean McVay undecided about 2023 plans
Will allow staff to pursue other jobs without resistance
By: Doug Orth | Jan 10 2023, 4:55 pm
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Rams coach Sean McVay, whose future is in limbo, has permitted his coaching staff to search for other jobs without resistance, per sources. McVay said in a staff meeting that he doesn’t know what he will do next year and won’t block those who want to explore opportunities. (ESPN - Jeremy Fowler)
FFToday's Take: This seems to be a pretty clear indication that McVay feels as though he needs to take time off or recharge his batteries at the very least. The Rams reportedly intend to give McVay all the time he needs to make the right decision for him, but there is little doubt his absence would be a big hit to the franchise. DC Raheem Morris is the assistant most prepared to take over if the Rams stay in-house - assuming McVay leaves - but that is probably a scenario the team would rather not consider at the moment.
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David Montgomery sticking around?
GM hopeful of keeping RB on the roster for a while longer
By: Doug Orth | Jan 10 2023, 4:45 pm
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"I've always wanted to keep David." - Bears GM Ryan Poles on RB David Montgomery. He said the next step is trying to find "common ground" on a contract. Montgomery's play style fits the identity that the Bears want. (The Athletic - Adam Jahns)
FFToday's Take: The primary question here is whether Poles hopes Montgomery will accept a 1A/1B arrangement with Khalil Herbert or if Montgomery wants a backfield to himself. The Bears will have the cap space to match just about any offer Montgomery gets in free agency, but he will ultimately need to decide if sharing backfield chores with Herbert is what he wants for the foreseeable future.
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Pat Freiermuth nursing knee sprain
Suffered MCL sprain, will not require surgery
By: Doug Orth | Jan 9 2023, 5:05 pm
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TE Pat Freiermuth has a non-surgical MCL sprain, Mike Tomlin says.
"That's exciting for him." (ESPN - Brooke Pryor)
FFToday's Take: Freiermuth will not begin the offseason healthy, but it is encouraging that he should be able to train as he normally would during the offseason starting sometime in February. Although his touchdowns dipped from seven as a rookie to two in 2022, he caught three more passes as a sophomore and gained 235 more yards. After emerging as quite possibly Kenny Pickett's most trusted target this season, Freiermuth should be considered a top-eight option at the position heading into 2023 drafts.
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Mike Williams dealing with back bruise
Left early in team's Week 18 loss to the Broncos
By: Doug Orth | Jan 9 2023, 5:00 pm
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Brandon Staley said Mike Williams' MRI showed no fracture or muscle injury in his back. He has a contusion, Staley said. And Staley expects Williams to return to practice at some point this week.
(The Athletic - Daniel Popper)
FFToday's Take: While this news bodes well for Williams' ability to play in the Wild-Card Round, it also begs the question of why Staley had so many of his key players playing so long into what was essentially a meaningless game on Sunday. Expect Justin Herbert to rely heavily on Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen yet again versus the Jaguars since it appears Williams won't be close to 100 percent. Josh Palmer may see a few snaps as a result.
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Raheem Mostert suffered broken thumb in Week 18
Status for Wild-Card Round in doubt
By: Doug Orth | Jan 9 2023, 4:55 pm
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Sources: Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert suffered a broken thumb in the playoff-clinching win over the #Jets. He gained 71 yards on 11 carries and was explosive. Now, status is in doubt against the Bills. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)
FFToday's Take: Mostert is reportedly undergoing surgery Monday. The Dolphins will probably try to exhaust every possibility imaginable to get Mostert to play against Buffalo, but taping up a surgically repaired thumb so that he can play less than a week later and not be at a higher risk to fumble or re-injury will be a tall order. Expect the Dolphins to feature Jeff Wilson this weekend.
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Breece Hall recovering well
RB hopeful for training camp return
By: Doug Orth | Jan 9 2023, 4:45 pm
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Breece Hall said he spoke to some other RBs around the league about attacking ACL rehab, including Saquon Barkley.
Thinks he can be ready for training camp. Said he’s progressing at a faster rate than expected. (The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt)
FFToday's Take: Hall is fortunate to have suffered his injury in late October as opposed to late December, but ACL tears still take the better part of a year to recover from fully. While a training camp return is certainly a possibility, it likely remains a best-case scenario. Either way, a slow start to the 2023 season should be expected. When Hall is ready (and most importantly, healthy), he should be considered a top-10 option at his position.
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Arizona fires head coach Kliff Kingsbury
28-37-1 in four seasons in Arizona
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 9 2023, 11:53 am
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Sources: The Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who 10 months ago signed a contract extension through the 2027 season.
The Cardinals still never have had a head coach - any head coach - last longer than six years while the team has existed for over 100 years. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Also, GM Steve Keim has decided to step away from the team. He's been battling health issues recently, so Arizona will be in the market for both a GM and head coach. Sean Payton will likely get a look here. Kingsbury went 28-37-1 in four seasons in Arizona and there appeared to be some issues between him and quarterback Kyler Murray during the season.
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Texans fire head coach Lovie Smith
Will have 2nd pick in 2023 NFL Draft
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 8 2023, 11:02 pm
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Lovie Smith is out as Texans head coach, per source. Just as David Culley got one year in Houston, now so too has Lovie Smith. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Houston finished 4-13-1 and will now have a new head coach for the fourth consecutive season (Bill O'Brien 2020, David Culley 2021, Smith 2022). The Texans missed out on the No.1 pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft by beating the Colts in Week 18. They will undoubtedly be in the market for a quarterback with the 2nd pick.
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J.K. Dobbins will sit Week 18, BAL yet to name starting QB
Anthony Brown could start at QB
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 8 2023, 7:00 am
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Ravens’ standout JK Dobbins will not play today vs. the Bengals and instead will begin focusing on next weekend’s wild-card game, per league source.
Since returning in Week 14, Dobbins leads all NFL running backs in rushing yards and yards per carry. Ravens are not expected to an announce their starting QB Sunday vs. the Bengals until pregame warmups. Lamar Jackson is out, QB Tyler Huntley is listed as questionable due to shoulder and wrist injuries, and Anthony Brown took first team reps in practice this week. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Dobbins isn't on the injury report so it's obvious the Ravens are willing to rest key players this week as they gear up for the playoffs. They've also yet to name a starting quarterback with Tyler Huntley dealing with shoulder and wrist and shoulder problems. Gus Edwards and Justice Hill should be the main running backs against the Bengals with Anthony Brown likely playing at QB.
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James Conner out for Week 18
Corey Clement and Keaontay Ingram expected to be RBs for ARI
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 6 2023, 1:50 pm
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RB James Conner won’t play Sunday for the #AZCardinals. Corey Clement and Keaontay Ingram will both fill the void, Kingsbury said. (Darren Urban on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Conner has been a workhorse for the Cardinals the last few weeks, routinely playing 90-plus percent of the running back snaps. He picked up a shin injury last week which allowed Clement to play 43% of the snaps. That would indicate that Clement will be the lead back in a tough matchup against the 49ers run defense. Clement checks in a low-end RB2.
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Skylar Thompson gets the start at QB for Miami
Teddy Bridgewater likely in backup role
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 6 2023, 12:05 pm
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Dolphins’ HC Mike McDaniel announced that Skylar Thompson will start Sunday vs. the Jets.
Thompson vs. Joe Flacco. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Teddy Bridgewater is dealing with a finger injury, making it difficult for him to throw. Thompson played last week against the Patriots, finishing 12 of 210 for a 104-1-1 line. Him starting has obvious effects on Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle's fantasy outlook. Both have reduced ceilings as a result of the QB change.
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Mike White out, Joe Flacco to start for Jets
Rib injury for White
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 6 2023, 10:19 am
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Jets’ QB Mike White is out Sunday vs. the Dolphins, Joe Flacco will start and Zach Wilson will back him up, as @ZackBlatt reported. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: White has been battling a rib injury that kept him out Weeks 15 and 16 but the issue flared up again in practice this week meaning Flacco will get the start. This is a meaningless game for the Jets who are out of the playoff picture.
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NFL announces Bills / Bengals game won't be resumed
Neutral site for AFC Championship game a possibility
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 5 2023, 9:15 pm
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The NFL announces that the #Bills-#Bengals game won’t be resumed. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The Week 17 game between the Bills and Bengals has been canceled. Furthermore, the league is exploring options for a neutral site AFC Championship game if the game is being played by teams with an unequal amount of regular season games. Basically, this will affect potential scenarios for the Chiefs, Bills and Bengals.
Fantasy commissioners can now decide how to handle their league's championship week if they haven't already.
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Taylor Heinicke, Sam Howell expected to play QB for WAS
Carson Wentz back to the bench
By: Mike Krueger | Jan 4 2023, 9:03 am
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The #Commanders are expected to turn back to Taylor Heinicke as the starter for Sunday’s season finale vs. the #Cowboys, but rookie QB Sam Howell is also slated to play, marking the NFL debut for the fifth-round pick, per source. Barring change of plans, this will be the setup. (Jeremy Fowler on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Carson Wentz hasn't been great in his two recent starts, throwing for a total of 266 yards, 1 TD and three interceptions last week against the Browns. Washington is out of the playoff hunt so we should see quite a bit of the rookie Howell in a bad spot against the Cowboys defense.
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Jalen Hurts should be available for season finale
Recovering from shoulder sprain
By: Doug Orth | Jan 3 2023, 9:40 pm
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From @GMFB: The belief is that #Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (SC joint sprain) will be ready to play in Week 18. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)
FFToday's Take: Hurts practiced in limited fashion Thursday and Friday of last week, so there is reason to believe he will be able to go against the Giants. The Eagles need to win to guarantee themselves home-field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs, so fantasy managers should be able to avoid the dreaded early exit from Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Miles Sanders and Dallas Goedert as well. If Hurts plays, he should be a top-five option. If he doesn't, Gardner Minshew has some QB2 appeal.
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Albert Okwuegbunam back in Denver's good graces?
TE resurfaces in interim head coach's first game
By: Doug Orth | Jan 3 2023, 7:00 pm
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Albert Okwuegbunam had become something of a forgotten player during this lost season, relegated to the inactive list when Denver’s other four tight ends were healthy and to the bench on the occasions when he made the gameday roster. He had five catches in the Broncos’ season opener against Seattle and then just two over the next four weeks as his playing time dwindled. When rookie Greg Dulcich was ready to play in Week 6, Okwuegbunam was inactive for seven straight games. No surprise, then, what interim HC Jerry Rosburg wanted to work on with Okwuegbunam last Wednesday.
Okwuegbunam played 37 out of 70 snaps, most among the Broncos’ tight ends, in part because Dulcich was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury but also because Rosburg identified him as a player that needed a second chance. (Denver Post - Parker Gabriel)
FFToday's Take: Okwuegbunam's shortcomings as a blocker are reportedly what soured Nathaniel Hackett on him. It may end being one of the biggest of his many failings during his short tenure. There are only so many 258-pound men in the world athletic enough to run a sub-4.5 as he did at the 2020 NFL Combine. With Greg Dulcich (hamstring) done for the year - which led to Okwuegbunam getting his chance and posting a 3-45-1 line in Week 17 - Albert O. should be considered a solid tight end streamer in Week 18.
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