January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. He finishes the game with one catch for two yards. It has been a rough two weeks for Bryant, who also left last week's game early due to a concussion. This time around, he reportedly injured his hamstring on the opening drive and initially tried to play through it before exiting the game. His absence leaves the Broncos short-staffed at wide receiver, as they're also without
Troy Franklin (hamstring) on Sunday.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey and
Elijah Moore will continue to earn more snaps behind
Courtland Sutton and
Marvin Mims Jr. The good news for the Broncos is that, if they advance to the Super Bowl, Bryant will have a full two weeks to recover.
--Andersen PickardSource: Zac Stevens
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford "does believe he has some good football left" and plans to return for the 2026 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rapoport notes that he expressed this desire before the Rams clinched an NFC Championship berth, so it's possible that he could change his mind if Los Angeles wins the Super Bowl. However, at the very least, the veteran quarterback feels that he has plenty left in the tank and is trending towards playing next year. Indeed, he has shown no signs of slowing down, completing 65% of his pass attempts for a league-best 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns in his age-37 season. He also threw just eight interceptions. Stafford appears to be the MVP front-runner and has supported huge seasons for both of his top receivers,
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had one catch for two yards. Bryant, who cleared concussion protocol in time to play on Sunday, reportedly injured his hamstring on the opening drive and initially tried to play through it before exiting the game. His absence, even if temporary, leaves the Broncos short-staffed at wide receiver, as they're also without
Troy Franklin (hamstring) for today's game.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey and
Elijah Moore should now earn snaps alongside
Courtland Sutton and
Marvin Mims Jr.--Andersen PickardSource: Mike Klis
January 25, 2026
New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had amassed two tackles. Spillane has been a major contributor during his first season with the Patriots. Through 13 regular-season games, he had 97 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two interceptions. He was a major reason why the Patriots' defense performed like a top-10 unit this season, and he helped the Patriots secure an AFC East title. Jack Gibbens entered the game in his absence and will wear the green dot.
--Andersen PickardSource: New England Patriots
January 25, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen), who was listed as questionable going into Sunday's AFC Championship in Denver versus the Broncos, is officially active. The Patriots activated Hollins from Injured Reserve on Saturday, paving the way for him to make his first appearance since injuring his abdomen in the Week 16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 32-year-old will provide quarterback
Drake Maye as an extra deep threat on the outside, although fantasy managers should view him as a boom/bust sleeper for playoff lineups. During the regular season in his first year with the Pats, eight-year pro caught 46 of 65 targets for 550 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie
Efton Chism III is a healthy scratch with Hollins returning. Rookie
Kyle Williams and
DeMario Douglas could have fewer opportunities on the field with Hollins coming back as well.
--Keith HernandezSource: New England Patriots
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin (hamstring) is officially inactive for the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the visiting New England Patriots, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Franklin injured his hamstring early in the Divisional Round win against the Buffalo Bills and never returned. He was limited in practice all week, but the Broncos weren't comfortable making him active. Although Franklin saw his role decline late in the year, it's a notable loss for a Denver offense that is forced to start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidman against New England with
Bo Nix (ankle) out for the rest of the season. The second-year wideout from Oregon was the Broncos' second leading receiver during the regular season with 65 catches, 709 yards, and six touchdowns on 104 targets.
Marvin Mims Jr., rookie
Pat Bryant, and
Lil'Jordan Humphrey will need to step up behind
Courtland Sutton against a solid Patriots defense on Sunday.
--Keith HernandezSource: 9 News - Mike Klis
January 25, 2026
Minnesota Vikings defensive passing-game coordinator Daronte Jones will interview with the Washington Commanders on Sunday for their vacant defensive-coordinator position, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Jones has interviewed for several defensive-coordinator jobs around the league this cycle, including the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, before they filled their openings. Jones has been with the Vikings since 2022 and has had his current title since 2023. He also served as the DC at LSU in 2021 and has worked as a defensive backs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. The Vikings' defense ranked seventh in points allowed per game and led the league in passing yards allowed per game in 2025 under Jones. The Commanders are looking to replace Joe Whitt Jr., who was fired after the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
January 25, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have requested to interview Atlanta Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg for their defensive-coordinator position, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Rutenberg has a long history working with new Titans head coach Robert Saleh, most recently coaching the linebackers with the New York Jets when Saleh was the head coach there. Rutenberg also worked with Saleh in San Francisco with the Niners before he brought him along with him to New York. He should be considered a favorite for the job in Tennessee because of his history with Saleh. Additionally, the Falcons' defense ranked 13th in EPA per drop back allowed and 12th in passing yards allowed per game during the 2025 season under Rutenberg.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 25, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are interviewing Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso for their vacant defensive-coordinator job, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Vasso's mentors, Texans DC Matt Burke and Cleveland Browns DC Jim Schwart, have been pushing hard for Vasso behind the scenes. Vasso has held various coaching roles around the NFL, but he's never called plays or been a defensive coordinator. He began his coaching career in the NFL in 2013 under head coach Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Vasso were to be hired by Tennessee, he might not be calling plays with defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh getting the job as the team's new head coach. The 38-year-old began coaching with the Texans in 2021 and has built up their secondary as one of the best units in the league.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
January 25, 2026
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Seattle Seahawks running backs
George Holani and
Cam Akers are expected to be used in backup roles in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, with some work expected for each player.
Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, so
Kenneth Walker III will become Seattle's workhorse RB. Holani was just activated from Injured Reserve this week and last played in Week 12, so he most likely won't have a big change-of-pace role this weekend behind Walker. In 11 games during the regular season, Holani had only 22 rushing attempts for 73 yards and one touchdown. Akers didn't join the Seahawks until midseason, and he's still looking for his first carry with the team. Neither Holani nor Akers should be in fantasy playoff lineups.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Las Vegas Raiders' head-coaching search should come into focus after Sunday. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is a prime candidate to become the Raiders' next head coach after a strong first interview, according to multiple league sources. Denver Broncos pass-game coordinator
Davis Webb is also mentioned in league circles as a viable option. Los Angeles Rams assistant coaches Mike LaFleur, Chris Shula, and Nate Scheelhaase have also interviewed virtually for the job. The Seahawks had the No. 3 scoring offense this year under Kubiak, and he's an attractive offensive mind with ties to San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. After firing Pete Carroll following his lone season with the team, the Raiders are reportedly looking to hire a young offensive-minded coach who will be able to develop quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be selected by Vegas with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
January 25, 2026
Washington Commanders run-game coordinator Anthony Lynn interviewed on Saturday night in Florida for the Cleveland Browns' head-coaching job, league sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Lynn met earlier in the day with the Buffalo Bills for their head-coaching job as well. Former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is working for the Browns as a consultant during their coaching search, and Telesco and Lynn worked together in Los Angeles when Lynn was the head coach. Lynn was also the Browns' running backs coach from 2007 to 2008. In his four years as the head coach for the Chargers, Lynn went 33-31 and won one playoff game. He also worked as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions the year after he was fired as the Bolts' head coach. Although Lynn is a respected offensive mind in the NFL, he'd be an underwhelming hire as head coach for Cleveland.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
The Green Bay Packers are hiring former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as their next defensive coordinator on Sunday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Cardinals fired Gannon following the 2025 season after three years at the helm. He will take a step back as defensive coordinator and will have big shoes to fill, replacing Jeff Hafley, who has taken the head-coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. In his three years in Arizona, the Cardinals' defense ranked 31st, 15th, and 29th in points allowed under Gannon. The good news for Gannon is that he'll have better talent on the defensive side of the ball in his new home in Green Bay, starting with All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee). Gannon will be head coach Matt LaFleur's fourth defensive coordinator in his eight seasons with the Packers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 25, 2026
Denver Broncos tight end
Evan Engram has continued to occupy a smaller role throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. As a result, he's difficult to trust ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game. Engram finished the regular season with a modest 50 catches, 461 yards, and one touchdown, ranking as the TE29 in full-PPR leagues despite playing 16 games. He added just one reception for seven yards in the Broncos' playoff win last weekend. Moving forward, we expect Engram to remain in a similarly small and discouraging role against the New England Patriots, who allowed the 15th-most fantasy points to tight ends during the regular season. Denver prefers targeting its very talented receiver room, and we could also see the Broncos run the ball more with
Bo Nix (ankle) out. The quarterback change is perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding Engram's outlook. Although he underperformed while catching passes from Nix, we can't exactly project how he'll play with
Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't thrown a pass all year. As a result, we're continuing to temper our expectations. Engram is the overall TE6 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for this weekend.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee) has been activated from injured reserve, but it's unlikely that he'll have a major role in his return to action against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. In his last five regular-season games before getting hurt, the rookie had caught just two passes for 10 yards, and he played fewer than half of the offensive snaps on all five occasions. Seattle remains encouraged about his long-term value, especially after spending a second-round pick on him, but we don't expect him to be a major threat in the NFC Championship game. Instead, we expect to see a consistently heavier dose of
AJ Barner. Barner had 12 targets and two touchdowns over his final three regular-season games, and in his last outing against the Rams, he exploded for 10 catches and 70 yards. DFS players can avoid Arroyo this week, and bettors can expect him to remain in a minimal role.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
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