Davante Adams Trending Upwards Heading into Divisional Round
After missing his team's final three games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams returned for the Rams' Wild Card Round win over the Carolina Panthers. The 33-year-old immediately re-established himself as a featured piece of the offense, hauling in five receptions for 72 yards on 13 targets. Adams also played 72% of the Rams' offensive snaps, which was largely in line with his pre-injury snap share. While Adams' production against Carolina was more solid than spectacular, his heavy usage suggests that the team views him as fully recovered from his hamstring ailment. In the Divisional Round, Adams gets a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears. Chicago finished the regular season ranked 26th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.6) and 28th in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed (32). Between the matchup and his encouraging health outlook, Adams profiles as a high-end wide receiver option for fantasy managers in the Divisional Round.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brock Purdy Facing Uphill Battle in Difficult Divisional Round Matchup
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was far from perfect in his team's Wild Card Weekend win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 26-year-old completed 18 of 31 pass attempts for 262 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions. Dating back to the regular season, Purdy has now thrown an interception in four consecutive games. In the Divisional Round, San Francisco will travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Seattle completely shut Purdy down in the regular season finale for both teams, holding Purdy to 19 of 27 passing for 127 yards, zero touchdowns, and a pick. The Seahawks defense was dominant throughout the regular season, finishing first in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.0) and tied for seventh in sacks (47). Making matters worse for Purdy, he'll be without one of his top receiving weapons in tight end George Kittle (Achilles), who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the Wild Card Round. Given the matchup and San Francisco's depleted pass-catching corps, Purdy profiles as a quarterback for fantasy managers to avoid in the Divisional Round.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Kirk Could Be Houston's WR1 in the Divisional Round
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk posted an underwhelming regular season in his first year with the team, recording 28 receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown on 52 targets across 13 games played. However, the 29-year-old broke out with a dominant performance in Houston's Wild Card Weekend win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, hauling in eight catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. With star Texans wideout Nico Collins (concussion) exiting the game in the second half after suffering a concussion, Kirk stepped into a more prominent role in his team's offense. Collins has not practiced this week and is reportedly trending towards missing Houston's Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots. As a result, Kirk could see another week as the primary target-earner from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. If Collins is ruled out, fantasy managers should view Kirk as the top wide receiver option in Houston for the Divisional Round.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rome Odunze Questionable for Divisional Round
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) upgraded to a full practice on Friday but is still listed as questionable to play on Sunday in the Divisional Round against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, according to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. Odunze missed the final five regular-season games with a stress fracture in his foot, but he returned in last week's thrilling Wild-Card win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers. The 23-year-old second-year wideout played a season-low 69% of the offensive snaps and caught only two of his six targets for 44 yards after the long layoff. Odunze admitted that it was tough to battle through the pain last weekend, and he emerged with soreness in his foot. However, all signs point to him being available on Sunday against the Rams. The Rams' defense hasn't been able to slow opposing offenses down late in the year, but in what are expected to be inclement weather conditions in Chicago that won't make throwing the ball easy, Odunze will be an easy fade in fantasy playoff lineups.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
Nico Collins Not Spotted at Friday's Practice
Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins (concussion) is missing practice for the third straight day this week on Friday and remains in the league's concussion protocol, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The expectation is that Collins will be officially ruled out for Sunday's Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots. Collins suffered a concussion in the second half of Monday's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and was carted to the locker room. He never returned. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues need to avoid the 26-year-old this weekend. In his absence, the Texans will be looking for receivers Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk (over 100 yards last week), and Xavier Hutchinson to step up in the passing game. Rookie Jaylin Noel could see more targets as well.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Kevin Stefanski Expected to Have Second Interviews for Head-Coaching Jobs
Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to have second interviews for multiple head-coaching jobs around the league, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The two-time Coach of the Year has completed head-coaching interviews with the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans. The Giants have chosen John Harbaugh, but the Falcons, Titans, and Ravens could be looking at Stefanski closely in a second interview this week. SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the Falcons are considered the front-runner to land Stefanski as their next head coach. In addition to looking for a new head coach, Atlanta also has an opening at general manager. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has durability questions, but the Falcons have great young pieces on offense in running back Bijan Robinson and receiver Drake London.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Rome Odunze had a "Tough" Time Managing Pain in Wild-Card Round
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) is playing through a stress fracture in his foot and said it was "tough" managing the pain in his return in the Wild-Card win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers last Saturday, according to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times. "There was soreness, but at this part of the season, it's all hands on deck and play through it. I'll ride it 'til the wheels fall off," Odunze said. In his return after resting for the final five regular-season games, the second-year pass-catcher played a season-low 69% of the offensive snaps against Green Bay and caught two of his six targets for 44 yards. The 23-year-old has been limited in two practices this week, but he should be active on Sunday evening against the visiting Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. At less than 100% while sharing targets with DJ Moore (knee) and rookie Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland, Odunze has a low ceiling and floor for fantasy managers in a game that could feature inclement weather.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Jason Lieser
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Jason Lieser
Elijah Arroyo Won't Come Off Injured Reserve for Divisional Round
Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo (knee) returned to practice this week, but he will not be activated from Injured Reserve and won't play in the Divisional Round on Saturday night against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. The 22-year-old was able to practice in full all week, though, so if Seattle advances past the 49ers and to the NFC Championship next weekend, he should have a good shot to return as TE depth for the Seahawks. Arroyo, a second-rounder out of Miami, was well behind AJ Barner in the pecking order in Seattle in his first year in the NFL. The young tight end played in 13 games in the regular season and caught just 15 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown. If he comes back in the NFC Championship if the Seahawks advance, he won't be recommended in fantasy playoff lineups.
Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
Anthony Weaver a Candidate for Giants Defensive-Coordinator Job
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is among the candidates that New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh is targeting for the team's open defensive-coordinator role, a source told Connor Hughes of SNY. The 45-year-old Weaver previously served on the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff under Harbaugh from 2021-23 as defensive-line coach, run-game coordinator, and associate head coach. Weaver was also a defensive end with the Ravens from 2002-05 after he was taken in the second round. He has run the Dolphins' defense the last two years and has already interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons' head-coaching vacancy. Following the firing of head coach Mike McDaniel in Miami, it's been expected that Weaver won't be back with the team next year under a whole new coaching staff. Weaver's familiarity with Harbaugh could make him a leading candidate for the DC job there.
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Titans to Interview Robert Saleh for Head-Coaching Job
The Tennessee Titans are scheduled to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head-coaching job this weekend, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The Titans will then begin their second round of head-coach interviews on Monday. In addition to the Titans, Saleh is expected to interview for head-coaching positions with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals. Saleh has previous head-coaching experience with the New York Jets, and he's done an excellent job holding the banged-up Niners defense afloat for most of the 2025 season. The Titans will sit down and meet with Saleh on Sunday, following San Francisco's Divisional Round contest on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks. If Saleh were to join the Titans, he'd be searching for an offensive staff that could help young quarterback Cameron Ward take the next step after struggling in his rookie season.
Source: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
Source: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
Nate Scheelhaase Set for Four Head-Coaching Interviews on Friday
Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase will do all of his head-coaching interviews on Friday with the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Scheelhaase, who is only 35 years old, has been a quick riser among the coaching ranks in the NFL as one of head coach Sean McVay's bright assistants. Before coming to the NFL, he coached running backs, receivers, and quarterbacks, in addition to one year as the offensive coordinator, at Iowa State. Scheelhaase also played QB at Illinois. If Scheelhaase does not land a head-coaching job this offseason, he'll be a good bet to be promoted to offensive coordinator with the Rams if current OC Mike LaFleur lands a head-coaching gig. Scheelhaase and LaFleur have orchestrated one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL behind leading MVP candidate and quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Justin Watson Still Not Practicing
Houston Texans wide receiver Justin Watson (concussion) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to the team. Watson suffered a concussion in Monday night's Wild-Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and wasn't able to return. The 29-year-old is in the league's concussion protocol and is trending as unlikely to play this Sunday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the New England Patriots. Top wideout Nico Collins (concussion) is in the same boat as Watson and hasn't practiced this week. It means the Texans' receiving corps will most likely be short-handed this weekend, with rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, Christian Kirk, and Xavier Hutchinson all seeing bigger roles. Tight end Dalton Schultz will also have a higher fantasy ceiling with more targets available. Even when fully healthy, Watson is too far down the WR depth chart to matter for fantasy purposes.
Source: Houston Texans PR
Source: Houston Texans PR
Jawhar Jordan Limited Again on Thursday
Houston Texans running back Jawhar Jordan (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to the team. Jordan suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts and did not suit up for Monday night's Wild-Card blowout win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although Jordan has returned to practice this week, he's still very much up in the air to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game. Even if Jordan is active, he'll merely be the RB2 behind rookie starter Woody Marks. With Jordan out on Monday night, veteran Nick Chubb played 29% of the offensive snaps and carried the ball 10 times for 48 yards. Most of Chubb's work came late in the contest in garbage time. Neither Chubb nor Jordan is recommended fantasy plays behind Marks against New England.
Source: Houston Texans PR
Source: Houston Texans PR
George Kittle has Successful Achilles Surgery
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) underwent successful surgery to fix his torn right Achilles tendon on Wednesday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Kittle was placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Because his injury occurred so late in the year, too, the 32-year-old veteran almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall. In fact, he could end up missing the majority of next regular season after tearing his Achilles in the Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. Going into this Saturday's NFC Divisional contest against the Seattle Seahawks, Jake Tonges will take over as the Niners' top pass-catching tight end. Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowler, still has high-end TE1 upside when healthy, but durability concerns will drastically affect his 2026 fantasy value.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Fred Warner Won't Come Off Injured Reserve This Week
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) will not be activated from Injured Reserve for Saturday's Divisional Round contest in Seattle against the division-rival Seahawks, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The extremely banged-up 49ers' defense won't get Warner back, and they'll also be without safety Ji'Ayir Brown (hamstring). Meanwhile, linebackers Luke Gifford (quadriceps) and Dee Winters (ankle) are questionable. San Fran's defense did a very respectable job last weekend, slowing down the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild-Card round, considering how decimated they've been by injuries all year. If they can somehow pull off the upset against Seattle on Saturday night, Warner will be itching to return for the NFC Championship against either the Los Angeles Rams or the Chicago Bears. Warner has been out since dislocating and fracturing his ankle back in Week 6.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
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