Mon Dec 30 10:20am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Higgins comes up huge Week 17
It was a fitting end to the season with several huge performances from fantasy players once again. It made for some high-scoring fantasy championships. We had a receiver top 40 points and eight other players had 30 or more fantasy points. The only bad news with those big scorers were some of them weren’t in fantasy lineups because they were fringe players. But if you took a chance them, you likely won big! Hopefully, your championship games turned out well and you were able to take advantage of some of these big performances.
Chiefs 29, Steelers 10
Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. Kelce was down the last few weeks but came back in a big way in Week 17. He had eight receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce scored 22.4 fantasy points, topping 20 points for the first time since Week 10. Some might think his season is a little down, but he is three catches shy of 100 and has four games with 20-plus fantasy points.
Fantasy Dud: George Pickens. There was hope for Pickens to return to the lineup and have one of his huge games in his first game back, but that didn’t happen. He was targeted seven times but caught three passes for just 50 yards. He scored just eight fantasy points, which wasn’t a big help for fantasy owners at all.
Game Notes: Patrick Mahomes had a three-touchdown performance, finishing 29-of-38 for 320 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. He has two straight games with 26-plus fantasy points.
Xavier Worthy found the end zone for the third straight game. He had eight receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown.
Ravens 31, Texans 2
Fantasy Stud: Derrick Henry. It was fitting for Henry to have another one of his huge performances during championship week. He ran 27 times for 147 yards and a touchdown. Henry also caught two passes for 18 yards. Henry had 24.5 fantasy points, his highest total since Week 9. It was his seventh game this season with 20-plus fantasy points. A move to Baltimore was a great one for Henry, posting huge numbers on a consistent basis.
Fantasy Dud: Joe Mixon. The entire Texans offense was a dud but Mixon led the way, considering his production throughout the season. The Ravens really held him in check, though. Mixon rushed nine times for just 26 yards and caught two passes for 13 yards. Mixon had a season-worst 5.9 fantasy points.
Game Notes: Lamar Jackson attempted just 15 passes and ran four times but produced huge numbers once again despite his limited workload. He was 10-of-15 for 168 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. Jackson rushed four times for 87 yards and another touchdown.
Mark Andrews found the end zone for the fifth straight game. He had two receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.
Seahawks 6, Bears 3
Fantasy Stud: Seahawks defense. The Seahawks defense had a completely dominating performance, holding the Bears to just three points and 179 total yards of offense. Seattle had seven sacks and an interception in the game. The Seahawks scored double-digit fantasy points in nearly every fantasy format. This unit has taken a huge step forward this year and becoming a top weekly fantasy starter.
Fantasy Dud: Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There were duds across the board for both teams in this one, but Smith-Njigba tops the list for us. He had been producing such great numbers lately that this performance was really unexpected. He had just three catches for 32 yards. This game broke a streak of 70-plus yards seven straight games.
Game Notes: Caleb Williams had his struggles, missing on some throws once again. He was 16-of-28 for just 122 yards and failed to score a touchdown.
D.J. Moore had six receptions for 54 yards, giving him at least six catches seven straight games.
Chargers 40, Patriots 7
Fantasy Stud: Ladd McConkey. McConkey is clearly the top target in the Chargers passing game. He had eight receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns on 10 targets. He has scores two of three games. He is over 1,000 yards for the season. McConkey is going to be a top player in this offense for years to come. The best is likely yet to come for the talented rookie.
Fantasy Dud: Hunter Henry. Henry failed to catch a pass for the first time all season. He was targeted two times in the game. Henry has been consistent in this offense nearly all season but didn’t show up in Week 17. He had at least four catches five straight games before this one.
Game Notes: J.K. Dobbins returned from his knee injury and looked good. He ran 19 times for 76 yards and a touchdown, and caught a pass for seven yards.
Justin Herbert continued his great play, going 26-of-38 for 281 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. Herbert has multiple scores three straight games.
Bengals 30, Broncos 24
Fantasy Stud: Tee Higgins. Higgins had a game-winning fantasy performance. He had an absolutely monster game, catching 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns. There was even some thought he might not play in this game because of his ankle injury. Higgins had season highs across the board, scoring 41.1 fantasy points. He has been huge down the stretch, having scores three straight and six of the last seven games he has played.
Fantasy Dud: Chase Brown. Brown wasn’t awful but wasn’t great, either. He had 20 carries for just 67 yards and caught four passes for 24 yards. You were hoping for a bigger week from him in such a crucial week of games. Plus, he had a chance to score late in the game but pulled up at the goal line to take more time off the clock. He also hurt himself on that play, injuring his ankle. He didn’t return to the game, which was insult to injury for his fantasy owners because the game ended up going to overtime.
Game Notes: Mike Gesicki had double-digit receptions for the first time all season. He had 10 receptions for 86 yards on 12 targets.
Marvin Mims continued to show some signs of life after a terrible start to his season. He had a season-high eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets.
Rams 13, Cardinals 9
Fantasy Stud: Trey McBride. McBride picked a good time to finally find the end zone, scoring his first touchdown of the season. It was a long time coming for all his fantasy owners. He had a huge game, catching 12 passes for 123 yards and a score. He scored a season-best 30.3 fantasy points. McBride has double-digit receptions three of six games.
Fantasy Dud: James Conner. Conner was able to play but aggravated his knee injury and left the game early. He had four carries for just four yards before getting hurt once again. He also had two receptions for four yards. Conner burnt all the fantasy owners that used him in Week 17.
Game Notes: Puka Nacua had 10 receptions for 129 yards. Nacua has double-digit receptions two of four games.
Cooper Kupp had just a catch for 29 yards. Kupp has just four receptions for 53 yards his last three games. He has been targeted just nine times during that three-game stretch.
Jaguars 20, Titans 13
Fantasy Stud: Brian Thomas. Thomas continued his great rookie season, catching seven passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Thomas scored a touchdown for the third straight game. He had 23.9 fantasy points, topping 20 points for the sixth time this year. Thomas is nearing 1,200-receiving yards for the year, which is impressive considering the passing woes of the Jaguars this season.
Fantasy Dud: Chig Okonkwo. Okonkwo wasn’t terrible but you expected much better after his last two monster performances. He had five receptions for 42 yards in this one, putting up some pretty mediocre numbers. Okonkwo had 17 receptions his last two games.
Game Notes: Tyjae Spears had a solid showing in a starting role for the Titans. He ran 20 times for 95 yards and caught three passes for eight yards. He even left the game early because of a concussion so his numbers could have been even better.
Mac Jones had his best showing in a starting role for the Jaguars. He missed on just seven passes, going 15-of-22 for 174 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover.
Bucs 48, Panthers 14
Fantasy Stud: Baker Mayfield. Mayfield had a huge, huge performance. He was nearly flawless, going 27-of-32 for 359 yards and five touchdowns without a turnover. Mayfield scored a season-high 38.15 fantasy points. Mayfield is having another huge season, having 42 total touchdowns and nearly 4,300-passing yards. He has been a solid No. 1 fantasy quarterback all season.
Fantasy Dud: Rachaad White. White was one of the few Bucs that didn’t produce big fantasy numbers. He had six carries for just 30 yards and a catch for four yards. You expected much better from White in a game the Bucs scored nearly 50 points and racked up a ton of yards offensively. He is taking a backseat to Bucky Irving more and more, though.
Game Notes: Bucky Irvin had another big-time performance, racking up 190 total yards. He ran 20 times for 113 yards and caught four passes for 77 yards.
Adam Thielen reached the 100-yard mark for the second time in four games. He had five receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Eagles 41, Cowboys 7
Fantasy Stud: DeVonta Smith. Smith had a really impressive showing, catching six passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He has 100-yard games two of three and touchstones three of four games. Smith has been a little up and down this year but produced plenty of big games like this along the way.
Fantasy Dud: Cooper Rush. Rush was starting to gain some fantasy value with his play of late, but he came back down to earth in this one. He was 15-of-28 for 147 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions. Rush showed why it is hard to trust a player like this at this time of the fantasy season.
Game Notes: Kenny Pickett was knocked from the game because of an injury. He looked pretty good before leaving, though, going 10-of-15 for 143 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. He also ran in a score, giving him two total scores.
Saquon Barkley went over 2,000-rushing yards for the season in this game. He ran 31 times for 167 yards and caught two passes for two yards.
Giants 45, Colts 33
Fantasy Stud: Drew Lock. There were just 1.1 percent of teams that used Lock on our site but for those owners, great work. He had the game of his career and one of the best fantasy games for a quarterback this season. He was 17-of-23 for 309 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. He also ran in a score, giving him five total touchdowns. Lock scored 37.45 fantasy points.
Fantasy Dud: Tyrone Tracy. Tracy got his work but didn’t produce big numbers. He ran 20 times for just 59 yards and caught two passes for 14 yards. Tracy failed to reach double-digit fantasy points, scoring just 9.3 points. He has failed to reach double-digit points two of three games.
Game Notes: Malik Nabers had another big game, finishing with seven receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers has at least seven receptions three straight games and four of five.
Jonathan Taylor had multiple touchdowns for the second straight game. He ran 32 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He has 100-yard games three straight.
Bills 40, Jets 14
Fantasy Stud: Josh Allen. Allen played his usual solid football, scoring three more touchdowns. Allen was 16-of-27 for 182 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He ran in a touchdown, rushing five times for 17 yards and a score. Allen has three-plus scores four of five games. He is having another MVP season.
Fantasy Dud: Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers had a poor showing, throwing for just 112 yards with two interceptions. He also failed to score a touchdown. Rodgers scored a horrible 3.6 fantasy points, his lowest total of the season. He had 20-plus points two of three games before this terrible performance.
Game Notes: Garrett Wilson was a bright spot for the Jets, catching seven passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. Wilson has scores two of three games.
James Cook scored a touchdown for the third straight week. He had 15 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Raiders 25, Saints 10
Fantasy Stud: Jakobi Meyers. Meyers had five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. He scored 17.1 fantasy points. It was his first touchdown since Week 8. Meyers has been good as the top target for the Raiders, though, having double-digit fantasy points five of six games.
Fantasy Dud: Kendre Miller. Miller started but didn’t last long, going down with a concussion. He ran three times for just three yards before getting hurt. And he caught a pass for 16 yards. Miller was a huge bust for any owner that used him in what looked like a favorable matchup for him.
Game Notes: Ameer Abdullah continued his late-season surge, having his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. He ran 20 times for 115 yards and caught three passes for 32 yards.
Brock Bowers had seven receptions for 77 yards. He is up to 108 catches and 1,144 yards on the season, having arguably the best rookie season for a tight end.
Dolphins 20, Browns 3
Fantasy Stud: Jerry Jeudy. His team lost but Jeudy produced big numbers, finishing with 12 receptions for 94 yards. He didn’t score a touchdown but managed 21.4 fantasy points. He was targeted 18 times in the game, catching a season-high 12 passes. Jeudy has double-digit receptions two of three games.
Fantasy Dud: Devon Achane. Achane had his second-worst fantasy game of the season, scoring just 5.8 fantasy points. He ran 10 times for just 25 yards and caught two passes for 13 yards. He was used sparingly in the second half, so you have to wonder if he was battling some sort of injury. Either way, his poor game likely did in a lot of fantasy owners.
Game Notes: Tyler Hunter got the start and played a very good game, going 22-of-26 for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also led the team in rushing, running seven times for 52 yards and another touchdown.
Tyreek Hill was iffy to play but played and had his third 100-yard game of the season. He had nine receptions for 105 yards on nine targets.
Vikings 27, Packers 25
Fantasy Stud: Sam Darnold. Darnold continued his resurgence, showing up big in a crucial game for the Vikings. He was 33-of-43 for 377 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. He has two straight three-score games and hit that mark three of four games. Darnold has 36 total touchdowns on the season to 12 interceptions.
Fantasy Dud: Jordan Love. Love struggled some in this big division game, failing to throw for even 200 yards. He was 19-of-30 for 185 yards and a touchdown. Love scored just 15.85 fantasy points. He has failed to reach 20 fantasy points four straight games and five of six. He is not having near the fantasy season most hoped.
Game Notes: Jordan Addison scored a touchdown for the second straight game and has scores six of nine games. Addison has 13-plus points four straight games.
Romeo Doubs had a season-high 11 targets, catching seven passes for 58 yards. He has 14-plus fantasy points two of three games.
Commanders 30, Falcons 24
Fantasy Stud: Jayden Daniels. Daniels had some big-time performance once again, playing more like a seasoned veteran than a rookie quarterback. He was 24-of-36 for 227 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. Daniels led the Commanders in rushing, running 16 times for 127 yards. Daniels scored 35.5 fantasy points, giving him 30-plus fantasy points four of five games.
Fantasy Dud: Terry McLaurin. McLaurin was completely shut down in this one, catching a pass for five yards. He had a tough matchup but you still expected better from him based on his performances throughout this season. McLaurin had touchdowns four straight games before this one.
Game Notes: Olamide Zaccheaus continues to emerge as a big factor in the Commanders passing game. He had eight receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.
Bijan Robinson had multiple touchdowns for the second straight game. He had 17 rushes for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
The Chicago Bears have reached an undisclosed agreement with veteran wide receiver Miles Boykin. Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported the news. The 28-year-old split last season on the practice squads of the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, though he never made his way to the field. Boykin most recently contributed for the Steelers in 2023, appearing in 17 games, recording three catches for 17 yards on four targets. Though his playing time on offense was minuscule for Pittsburgh, he did play 316 snaps for the squad on special teams (70.07%). Boykin joins his fourth NFL team and will compete for the third WR spot behind returning starters DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. However, he'll likely serve as a special teams asset for Chicago.
From RotoBaller
During his appearance on Good Morning Football, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (knee) expressed his desire to return to the field at a high level in 2025. "I have my sights set high," proclaimed Overshown. "Not only do I want to be nominated for the Comeback Player of the Year, but I'm going to be the Comeback Player of the Year." Despite his age, the 24-year-old has dealt with his fair share of adversity. He tore his ACL during his days as a Longhorn in 2019 and then did so again in 2023 -- forcing him to miss his rookie season. Overshown was exceptional in 2024, racking up 87 tackles and five sacks in 13 games before tearing the ACL, MCL, and PCL in his right knee. Reports are that the Texas product plans to rejoin the team before December. He's already proven that he can return from a devastating injury twice before, and if he is the player he was before he got hurt, he'll be an impactful asset in IDP leagues. Still, it seems unlikely he'll be ready to hit the field until the back half of the season.
From RotoBaller
Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reworked quarterback Baker Mayfield's contract to free up cap space. The Bucs converted Mayfield's $30 million base salary to a roster bonus, freeing up nearly $15 million. The team also added a void year for proration purposes in 2029. Tampa Bay has been resourceful this offseason, moving money around for Mayfield in addition to offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. All in all, the Buccos saved $50.12 million over the next few seasons. It seems unlikely that the money moves are in anticipation of signing a big-ticket asset and more so for down the road. Mayfield is entering his third season with the squad and will look to build off his spectacular 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears are signing former Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. Keenum spent the last two years as a Texan but missed the entire 2024 campaign due to a foot injury he suffered just before Week 1. Though he spent minimal time on the field over the prior two seasons (two appearances), the 37-year-old was reportedly a leader off the field and a mentor for young QB C.J. Stroud. He'll play a mentoring role again, in addition to potentially backing up second-year signal-caller Caleb Williams. Chicago has done an excellent job of addressing their team needs this offseason -- beefing up their offensive -- and they're doing right by their young QB. Things are looking up for Williams in his second season.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Raiders have signed quarterback Geno Smith to a two-year, $85 million extension. Dynasty Analysis: The contract includes nearly $67 million in guaranteed money and will effectively lock him in as the team's starter for the next few seasons. It's a hefty chunk of guaranteed money and essentially ties new Head Coach Pete Carroll and Smith for the duration of their Las Vegas tenures. Smith could have been a one-year rental, but this all but assures his job is safe for the foreseeable future. He'll remain a decent QB2 in dynasty leagues until further notice as his off-season has been a lucrative one in fantasy and reality.
The Arizona Cardinals are making Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride the highest-paid tight end in NFL history with a four-year, $76 million contract extension on Thursday, according to his agents. The deal includes $43 million guaranteed and a $19 million average per year, which is the highest ever for any NFL tight end. The 25-year-old former second-rounder (55th overall) in 2022 out of Colorado State was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 while setting career-highs in receptions (111), targets (147), receiving yards (1,146) in 16 games. Despite only finding the end zone two times, McBride still finished as the TE2 in standard scoring in his third year in the league, with his 111 catches falling just one short of Brock Bowers' 112 for the league lead. He should score more in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL, making him an elite TE1 target for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders and quarterback Geno Smith agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension on Thursday to better compensate him for his play after the blockbuster trade this offseason in which they acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz is reporting that the deal is worth $85 million and includes $66.5 million guaranteed. The 34-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) by the New York Jets in 2013 out of West Virginia has been a late-bloomer, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2022 and 2023 in Seattle. Smith threw for a career-high 4,320 yards with 21 TDs and 15 interceptions in 17 starts in 2024 and will reunite with head coach Pete Carroll in Vegas. He'll get to work with impressive young TE Brock Bowers, but his wide receiving corps will be a big downgrade from what he had in Seattle. Treat Smith as a QB2 target in fantasy in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Former Louisville, Texas Tech, and Oregon quarterback Tyler Shough has reportedly been one of the biggest risers at the position during the pre-draft process, and ESPN's Field Yates projects the Cleveland Browns to select the 26-year-old with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While that's likely bold, many mock drafts have slotted Shough inside the first three rounds. Between his three collegiate spots, Shough completed 62.7% of his passes for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 23 touchdowns in 42 games over seven seasons. He has impressive traits and physical tools, which is likely why many believe he'll be a Day 2 selection as part of a weak rookie quarterback class. With a lack of high-end quarterback talent at the top of the draft, we could see many teams taking shots on mid-round signal-callers in the NFL Draft later this month.
From RotoBaller
Former Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is meeting with the defensive coaches and front-office members of the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, according to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network. The 21-year-old spent three seasons with the Aggies and racked up 65 tackles (30 solo), 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in 37 career games. Stewart is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Dallas could be interested in taking an edge prospect to play opposite Micah Parson despite signing Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason. The Cowboys hold the No. 12 pick in the first round of this month's draft.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants have become the popular landing spot for former Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter following the organization's signing of quarterback Russell Wilson. With Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Tommy DeVito on the roster, the belief is New York could be choosing to address its franchise quarterback position in the future given the weak 2025 NFL Draft QB class. The team is likely interested in Miami's Cam Ward, but the Titans are asking for a significant package of first-round selections to move off the No. 1 overall pick. That said, the Giants could take the "best player available" approach with the No. 3 overall pick if they are not sold on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. If Hunter ends up in New York and plays wide receiver, his upside in Year 1 could be limited while playing alongside Malik Nabers and catching passes from an aging Wilson. That said, he is an elite talent, so he could exceed expectations right away.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (knee) missed his entire rookie season in 2023 due to a torn ACL before returning and being a productive member of the Dallas defense in 2024. The Texas product registered 90 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, four pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown in 13 games. Unfortunately, he suffered another ACL tear, costing him the final four games of the regular season. Heading into 2025, Overshown is ready for a bounceback campaign. "The future's looking good, let me tell you that," Overshown said Thursday during an appearance on Good Morning Football. "Just how I came off of last year, I'm 100% positive. I have my sights set high. Not only do I want to be nominated for the Comeback Player of the Year, but I'm going to be the Comeback Player of the Year." Last season, Overshown ranked 13th in total fantasy points from Week 1 until suffering his ACL tear in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that the New Orleans Saints need a long-term plan at the quarterback position and are among the team's that could take a signal-caller early in this year's NFL draft. There was a time earlier in the offseason where there was uncertainty if Derek Carr would even stick around in New Orleans in 2025. They aren't desperate for a starter this year, but they have done all their homework on the QBs in this year's draft and have had a heavy presence at their Pro Day workouts. It's possible that the Saints consider taking a QB with the ninth overall pick, but Rapoport also says it wouldn't be a surprise to see them trade back into the end of the first round to take someone like Jaxson Dart. It makes plenty of sense to draft a QB and have him sit and learn behind Carr in new head coach Kellen Moore's first season with the organization.
From RotoBaller
Veteran free-agent safety Mike Edwards is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, a source tells NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. After spending the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Edwards will return to Kansas City after winning the Super Bowl with them in 2023. The 28-year-old former third-rounder (99th overall) by the Buccaneers in 2019 out of Hawaii played in only eight combined games (two starts) in Buffalo and Tampa last year and has 12 tackles (seven solo). In his lone season with the Chiefs in 2023, Edwards compiled 51 tackles (32 solo), one sack, one interception, five pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) in 17 regular-season games (five starts). The six-year NFL veteran will provide depth for Steve Spagnuolo's defense and won't be relevant in IDP fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Patriots have traded quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys. Dynasty Analysis: As we reported yesterday, there was a lot of smoke around a trade of Milton and and just like that, he's gone the next day. The Cowboys are sending their compensatory fifth-round pick to the Patriots for Milton and a seventh-round pick in order to shore up the backup spot behind Dak Prescott. While Milton is no threat to the starting job in Dallas, he's shown real promise and could be worth a roster stash in dynasty leagues as a result.
The Dallas Cowboys are sending a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for quarterback Joe Milton III and a seventh-round pick, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. Milton has been in trade rumors all offseason long and is headed to Dallas to back up Dak Prescott now that Cooper Rush is with the Baltimore Ravens. Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, flashed in his limited opportunity with New England as a rookie. In Week 18, the 25-year-old connected on 22 of his 29 passing attempts for 241 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He added 10 rushing yards and a score on the ground. While Milton still does not have a clear path to a starting role, he could be one of the top quarterbacks to stash in deep two-QB or Superflex leagues. Prescott has missed at least five games in three of his nine NFL seasons. Milton is arguably one of the most talented signal-callers in the NFL, but touch and accuracy have been a concern for the rocket-armed QB.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson said on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday that he's not looking for a short-term deal from Cincinnati and began asking for a long-term deal from the Bengals with guaranteed money three years ago. Hendrickson, who has the third-most sacks in the NFL since 2020 (70.5), sounds frustrated that he hasn't been able to get an extension worked out with the Bengals yet, but he's not willing to put a timeline on when he might prefer a trade out of town this offseason. The 30-year-old said he doesn't have any desire to become the highest-paid defender in the league, but the communication of late with him and the team has been poor. He sounds fed up, but in all fairness, it was always going to be hard for Cincy to lock up all three of Hendrickson and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. It doesn't sound like a Hendrickson extension is close.
The New England Patriots expect to have defensive tackle Christian Barmore (illness) in the fold when they begin their offseason workouts on Monday, April 7, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. It's great news for the interior of the team's defensive line, as Barmore entered the offseason with uncertainty after having a setback with his blood-clot diagnosis last year. The Patriots signed the 25-year-old to a four-year, $84 million extension in 2024 after he led the team in sacks (8.5) and QB hits (16) in 2023. But he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs right before the start of training camp last July and ended up playing in only four regular-season games. Barmore made his season debut in Week 11 but was shut down after experiencing "recurring symptoms" from blood clots. If healthy, Barmore will join forces with Milton Williams, and the two could create one of the best interior combinations in the NFL.
Dynasty | The Patriots are reportedly receiving trade calls in regards to quarterback Joe Milton. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't the first report we've seen like this and it seems there's a lot of smoke surrounding the interest around the league. With Drake Maye established as the long-term starter, it's hard to imagine New England not at least listening to what other teams have to offer. Milton showed well in limited action last season and seemingly has some upside. With quarterbacks being the premium of all premium positions, it wouldn't be surprising to see New England hold on to him in case something happens with Maye as well. At this point, Milton looks like a solid stash in dynasty leagues.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they signed Australian tight end Jordan Petaia as part of the league's International Player Pathway training program. Petaia recently worked out for teams at the University of South Florida's Pro Day on March 26. He appeared in two Rugby World Cups in 2019 in Japan and in 2023 in France for the Wallabies and became the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup in 2019 at just 18 years old. Petaia will be a long shot for any kind of fantasy relevance in the NFL with the Chargers but will provide additional tight end depth in L.A. heading into training camp behind newcomer Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Tucker Fisk and McCallan Castles. The 25-year-old spent the last few months learning American football at the IMG Academy in Florida.
From RotoBaller
University of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden is taking a pre-draft visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, according to Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh. The Steelers acquired wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, but it doesn't mean that they won't look to add to the position through the draft to provide depth in 2025 behind Metcalf, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. The 21-year-old Golden is widely expected to come off the board in this year's NFL draft in the first round after producing 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with the Longhorns. He also impressed with his speed at the combine in late February by running a 4.29-second 40-yard dash. If makes sense for the Pittsburgh to look at receiver in the upcoming draft with the future of Pickens uncertain beyond the 2025 season.
From RotoBaller