January 13, 2025

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said on Monday that he doesn't have any plans to retire this offseason and expects the team's front office to remain intact heading into the 2025 season. Loomis also said the team has plenty of confidence in quarterback Derek Carr despite the fact that he missed seven games due to injury in 2024, although he stopped short of saying Carr would be the starter in 2025. The first order of business for the Saints this offseason is finding a new head coach after they fired Dennis Allen in the middle of the year. New Orleans was a popular preseason pick to win the NFC South, but instead they finished 5-12 and last in the division. "I'm positive. I'm glass half-full at all times. Even in a 5-12 season, I see a lot of things that were positive that we can build on," Loomis said. "So I'm on the side of, man, this thing can go the other direction pretty quickly."--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell

January 13, 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders requested permission to interview Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph for their head-coach opening, according to sources. Joseph is a candidate for multiple head-coaching vacancies around the league this offseason, with possibly more coming now that the Broncos were eliminated from the postseason on Sunday. Under Joseph, the Broncos had a top-five defensive unit in 2024 and led the NFL in sacks. The 52-year-old was in his second season with Denver this year. He was previously the head coach for the Broncos from 2017-18 and went 11-21 during that span. The Broncos' defense ranked third in total points allowed and seventh in total yards allowed this season on their way to helping the team make the playoffs for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50 in 2015.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

January 13, 2025

The Chicago Bears are interviewing interim head coach Thomas Brown on Monday for the full-time head-coaching position, according to a source. Brown impressed team brass this year with how he handled a challenging situation while also earning the players' respect. The young coach was also able to lead the team to its first win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers in six years. Brown went from pass-game coordinator to offensive coordinator and then to interim head coach in a tumultuous 2024 season for the franchise. Despite Brown's impressive work in a tough situation, he's still considered a long shot to win the full-time head-coaching gig for 2025 and beyond. In addition to his meeting with Chicago, the 38-year-old also has an interview with the Seattle Seahawks for their offensive-coordinator position.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

January 13, 2025

According to sources, Mike McCarthy is out as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys after the two sides were unable to agree on the length of a new contract. McCarthy will now pursue other opportunities and is expected to be a prime head-coaching candidate for at least the Chicago Bears this cycle. Despite plenty of turmoil in Dallas, McCarthy leaves the franchise with a winning record (49-35) and three playoff appearances in his time there. In addition to the Bears, the New Orleans Saints are expected to pursue McCarthy for their head-coaching vacancy this offseason. McCarthy's contract with the Cowboys was set to expire on Tuesday, and despite owner Jerry Jones backing him all season long despite a disappointing campaign, the two sides will now part ways.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

January 13, 2025

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz was a top-10 fantasy kicker during the regular season, but we warned fantasy managers setting DFS lineups in playoff leagues to avoid him for the wild-card matchup in Buffalo against the Bills on Sunday. Hopefully you did, as Lutz didn't attempt a single field goal and made just one extra point in the 31-7 blowout loss at Orchard Park. Although the Broncos put up a dud to close out what was a successful 2024 season, the 30-year-old Lutz was money in the bank for Denver in his second year with the team. He made 91.2% of his 34 field-goal attempts in 17 regular-season games and didn't miss any of his 47 extra-point opportunities on the year. In his final eight games, Lutz made all 27 of his field goals and went 13-for-13 on extra points. With impressive QB Bo Nix leading Denver's offense moving forward, Lutz should easily be a top-12 fantasy kicking option this fall.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com

January 12, 2025

Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez went 3-for-3 during their victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday evening. Gonzalez was also perfect (2-for-2) on extra points. His first field goal of the evening came in the second quarter from 52 yards out. In the third quarter, he would convert his second attempt of the evening from 22 yards out. Then, in the final seconds, Gonzales would convert his third field goal of the evening to snap Washington's 19-year playoff victory drought with a 37-yard field goal. Gonzalez has replaced the injured Austin Seibert (groin) and has gone perfect on all attempts over his previous four games. He will look to extend this streak during their next game in Detroit on Saturday evening.--Andy Smith
Source: ESPN.com

January 12, 2025

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not planning to move on from head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension before the start of the 2024 season, which will keep him under contract through 2027. Despite losing their sixth consecutive playoff game, the front office still believes they can improve their roster through other moves and not with a new voice in the locker room. This season, the Steelers finished with a 10-7 record, which was the second-best in the AFC North. Their offense averaged the 10th-fewest total yards per game (319.7) and allowed the 12th-fewest total yards per game (326.7). Tomlin has led the Steelers to 16 straight non-losing seasons while being the head coach. While the Steelers will not look for a new head coach, they will need to make a decision on the future of their QB room, as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to enter free agency following the conclusion of the 2024 season.--Andy Smith
Source: Gerry Dulac

January 12, 2025

According to Adam Schefter, the Chicago Bears have completed their interview with Ron Rivera for the head coach opening. The Bears interviewed several names for the opening job, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. The Bears fired former head coach Matt Eberflus following their 4-8 start. Thomas Brown served as the interim coach for the remainder of the season. The Bears had a disappointing season as they finished with a 5-12 record and averaged just 284.6 total yards per game, which was the lowest in the sport. On defense, they allowed the sixth-most total yards per game. In addition, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times, the most in the NFL. Ron Rivera's last head coaching gig was with Washington, leading them to an overall 26-40-1 record and a 2020 NFC East Title.--Andy Smith
Source: Adam Schefter

January 12, 2025

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reports that the Chicago Bears are looking to interview Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman for their head coach opening. Freeman has never coached in the NFL and is set to coach the College Football Playoff National Championship game against Ohio State on January 20. The 39-year-old has a (33-9) record as a head coach and led Notre Dame to a (14-1) record this season, including a trip to the national championship game. Freeman was given a four-year extension with Notre Dame in December, making him one of the highest-paid college head coaches in history. With the extension and college championship game coming up, Freeman will likely stay put in Notre Dame. Chicago continues its search after firing head coach Matt Eberflus during the season. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have been interviewed for the position along with New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Arizona Cardinals Aaron Petzing, and former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Caroll. Former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and current offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will be interviewed this week. The Bears are searching for that head coach who will be a perfect fit to help develop the No. 1 2024 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams, and turn around a team that won five games in 2024.--Brad Camara - RotoBaller
Source: Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network

January 12, 2025

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled both of his extra-point attempts in a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The team struggled to move the ball in the first half and found itself trailing by 21 at halftime, forcing Pittsburgh to be more aggressive with its decision-making in the second half. The Steelers scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, giving Boswell his only action of the contest on PATs. Despite a quiet conclusion to the campaign, it was a historic run for the 33-year-old, whose 41 field goals fell just three shy of David Akers' NFL record for single-season makes. Boswell is under contract through the 2026-2027 season and should be one of the first kickers off the board in fantasy drafts this coming fall.--Jorden Hill
Source: ESPN

January 12, 2025

Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots officially agreed to a multi-year deal on Sunday for Vrabel to become the team's next head coach, according to sources. Vrabel becomes the seventh person to become the head coach for a franchise that he once helped win a Super Bowl as a player, joining Jerod Mayo, Bart Starr, Forrest Gregg, Art Shell, Jeff Saturday and Jason Garrett. Vrabel played linebacker in New England from 2001-08 and won three Super Bowl rings with the Pats. He also went 54-45 in the regular season and 2-3 in the playoffs, including a trip to the AFC Championship in 2019, as head coach of the Titans from 2018-23. Vrabel was the NFL Coach of the Year in 2021 and will replace Mayo, who was fired after going 4-13 in his lone season as the head coach. Vrabel's coaching career began in 2011 as a linebackers coach at Ohio State, his alma mater.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

January 11, 2025

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made two field goals in a disappointing Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans. Dicker attempted two field goals and made them both, one from 35 yards and the other from 39 yards out. His one attempt at an extra point was blocked, scooped, and returned for a two-point conversion. Dicker ended up as the third-highest ranked fantasy kicker this season, and he should be right around that same level next season.--David A Marcillo
Source: ESPN.com

January 11, 2025

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty had an up-and-down rookie season, but he finished on a very nice run and will hope to carry over his momentum into the Wild Card matchup against Minnesota this Monday. Even though the game had to be moved from Los Angeles, Karty will still be indoors since the game will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Karty finished the season on a high note, making all of his kicks against the Seahawks by nailing an extra point and four field goals, including two from over 50 yards away. On the year, he made 29-of-34 field goal attempts and 32-of-36 extra points. He went 13-for-13 on field goal attempts in the last six weeks and will look to continue that momentum when called upon Monday against Minnesota.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN.com

January 11, 2025

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn was perfect in his team's 32-12 Wild Card victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, converting all three of his field goal attempts and all three extra points to help Houston advance. The longtime Texans kicker made easy work of a range of short and midrange field goals, making kicks from 41, 37, and 30 yards as Houston held the lead for the entire second half. The 30-year-old will have at least one more game as the Texans' win secured a place in the Divisional Round next week.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: ESPN

January 11, 2025

Minnesota Vikings placekicker Will Reichard is a solid option this Monday night when he lines up with the Los Angeles Rams on the road. It's been a tale of two halves for the 24-year-old in his debut campaign. Reichard was excellent early in the year – missing nary a kick in his first seven appearances. However, he hasn't been as fortunate since. The rookie missed his first two field goals in Week 9 and was placed on injured reserve afterward with a quad injury. Despite only a minimum IR stay, his kicking troubles have continued – missing at least one attempt in three of the ensuing five contests. Still, he's yet to miss an extra-point try in 2024 and has an excellent opportunity to hang some more points on the board against a Rams defensive unit that allowed the seventh-most total yards per game in the NFL (352.8).--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN