Fri Jan 24 12:35pm ET
Field Level Media
Four teams are left in the race for the Lombardi.
Two-time defending champion Kansas City, the top seed in the AFC, welcomes an opponent the Chiefs know all too well -- and not just because of a 30-21 loss at Buffalo on Nov. 17.
This is the fourth postseason meeting in five years between the Bills and Chiefs, with marquee quarterbacks front and center.
A new name in lights, rookie Jayden Daniels, orchestrated a landslide upset of the NFC favorite and No. 1-seeded Detroit Lions last week to set up the Washington Commanders for a third game in three months against East division rival Philadelphia.
The Eagles are crossing their fingers quarterback Jalen Hurts can be ready after a knee injury slowed him down in a 28-22 home win over the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional playoffs. Philadelphia's plan still centers around the man lined up behind Hurts -- running back Saquon Barkley -- who delivered the goods in both games with Washington in the regular season.
More details and all the dirt on Sunday's AFC Championship and NFC Championship in the capsules below:
--NFC Championship Game
No. 6 Washington Commanders (14-5) at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (16-3)
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, FOX/FOX Deportes
The NFC title game in Philadelphia completes a trilogy between rivals and the fifth time teams from the same division square off in the conference championship. This is Washington's first championship game appearance since 1991, when the franchise won its last Super Bowl.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has 52 wins in his first four seasons. Only George Seifert, who inherited a gunpowder-infused roster in San Francisco, has more victories (57). Joe Gibbs and Mike Tomlin are the only head coaches with two Super Bowl appearances in their first four seasons. Sirianni would join them with a win over Washington on Sunday.
Previously this season, the Eagles defeated the Commanders, 26-18, on Nov. 14 as Barkley rushed for 146 yards, including two rushing touchdowns in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter to seal the win. In Week 16, Washington overcame a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Philadelphia, 36-33, as Daniels set a career high with five TD passes. He threw the game-winning TD with six seconds left after Eagles backup Kenny Pickett's pass to likely seal the win was dropped by Barkley.
Philadelphia ranked No. 1 in total defense in 2024 and intercepted Daniels three times in two games. At the heart of the defense, second-year defensive tackle Jalen Carter took over late in last week's win over the Rams with a key sack and forced fumble. Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury threw a few bouquets at Carter this week, calling him "maybe the best I've ever seen" at the position. The Eagles have more firepower behind Carter with Defensive Player of the Year candidate Zack Baun and all-rookie defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Mitchell's shoulder injury forced him out of last week's game.
Barkley has the third-most rushing yards (2,329) and is fourth in total yards (2,638) in the NFL's single-season record books. Broncos running back Terrell Davis set the record in 1998.
The game is a second homecoming for Commanders tight end Zach Ertz, who is second in Eagles franchise history to Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael with 639 receptions. Ertz caught a TD pass for visiting Washington when the teams played in November.
--AFC Championship Game
No. 2 Buffalo Bills (15-4) at No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs (16-2)
Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+
Buffalo beat the Chiefs after Kansas City's 9-0 start to the regular season, taking a 30-21 victory to push the Bills' regular-season winning streak over the Chiefs to four games. But Kansas City rattled off six consecutive wins to earn the No. 1 seed and first-round bye in the AFC. The Chiefs have three consecutive victories over the Bills in the playoffs -- the 2020 AFC Championship Game and 2021 and 2023 AFC divisional wins.
Quarterback Josh Allen is tightening the margins for opponents by taking care of the ball. Buffalo sports a plus-27 turnover margin and is the first team in NFL history with zero turnovers in four consecutive playoff games. Including the postseason, the Bills lead the NFL with 35 takeaways and a league-low eight turnovers in 19 total games. No team has ever reached the Super Bowl with 10 or fewer turnovers.
Counterpart Patrick Mahomes knows a thing or two about coming out on top in close games. Turnovers? It's been eight games -- since Week 12 of the regular season -- without losing the ball for Kansas City, as the Chiefs peak on schedule. The Chiefs have won eight playoff games in a row, the third-longest such streak all-time (2001-2005 New England Patriots - 10 consecutive wins; 1961-67 Green Bay Packers - nine) and since Week 12.
Stopping the run will be a vital element to winning Sunday, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo noted this week. He pointed to James Cook's 16 rushing touchdowns and Allen's game-sealing rumble that beat Kansas City earlier this season.
Buffalo allowed 176 yards rushing to the Ravens, who gained 416 total yards but had three critical turnovers.
Bills safety Taylor Rapp was ruled out with a hip injury on Friday. It's likely rookie Cole Bishop will be in the starting 11 against Mahomes on Sunday night.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is two TD receptions shy of tying the all-time playoff record held by Jerry Rice (22). Kelce hauled in a pair of Mahomes TD passes in the Chiefs' playoff win at Buffalo last year. He added a touchdown reception as part of a seven-catch, 117-yard game last week to beat the Houston Texans.
Mahomes and Andy Reid have the Chiefs in the AFC Championship for the eighth consecutive season. Mahomes' 16 playoff wins are second among all starting quarterbacks, he owns the second-highest postseason passer rating (105.6, minimum 150 attempts), fifth-most postseason touchdown passes (42) and eighth-most postseason passing yards (5,312) in NFL playoff history.
Only three teams have reached the Super Bowl three consecutive seasons: the 1990-93 Bills (four consecutive), 1971-73 Miami Dolphins (three) and 2016-18 Patriots (three).
TFC Champion is Crowned
Per David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (wrist) had successful surgery on his wrist this past Friday. The former first-round pick was excellent during his first season in South Beach, appearing in all 17 games and leading all Dolphins in tackles with 143 (86 solo). Brooks appeared on Miami's injury report twice throughout the season with a wrist ailment but never missed practice because of the injury. Fortunately for him, the procedure was early enough in the offseason that he should be ready for the start of training camp. While the 27-year-old was a sound investment for the team in 2024, he'll garner a much more significant cap hit over the final two years of his contract.
From RotoBaller
According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the Las Vegas Raiders requested permission to interview Seattle Seahawks defensive passing-game coordinator and defensive-backs coach Karl Scott for their defensive-coordinator position, according to sources. Scott worked with Nick Saban at Alabama before joining Pete Carroll's coaching staff in Seattle in 2021. Carroll, who is set to be introduced as the Raiders' new head coach on Monday, worked with Scott in his last two seasons at the helm in Seattle. In addition to working at Alabama, Scott was the Minnesota Vikings' defensive-backs coach. He's an intriguing candidate, having worked three years under Saban, who is considered to be the best evaluator and developer of defensive-back talent in football history. The first order of business for the Raiders is determining if current DC Patrick Graham will stick around in Vegas under Carroll.
From RotoBaller
FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz reports that the New England Patriots are hiring former Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone as their new offensive-line coach, according to sources. Marrone is a highly respected offensive-line coach around the league and will now be tasked with improving what was a bad unit in 2024 to better protect second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The 60-year-old coach was the head coach of the Bills from 2013-14 and the head coach of the Jaguars from 2016-20. Last year, he worked as a senior analyst for football strategy for Bill O'Brien at Boston College. He last worked in the NFL from 2022-23 with the New Orleans Saints as their offensive-line coach and is considered one of the brightest O-line coaches in the league. Marrone was the offensive-line coach for Nick Saban at Alabama in 2021.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Baltimore Ravens and offensive coordinator Todd Monken are finalizing a contract extension on Monday, according to sources. Under Monken during the 2024 season, the Ravens led the NFL in offense, and quarterback Lamar Jackson had his best statistical season of his career after winning the MVP award in 2023. Due to all of Baltimore's success on offense, Monken was a hot head-coaching candidate around the league, but he'll be sticking in Baltimore for the foreseeable future. Although the Ravens have not gotten over the hump yet in the playoffs with Jackson under center, nobody can deny that they haven't been one of the best offenses in the NFL the last two years under Monken. Baltimore led the league in 2024 in total yards per game (424.9) and finished third in points per game (30.5).
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the New England Patriots are hiring former Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown as their tight ends/passing-game coordinator on Monday, according to a source. Brown impressed new head coach Mike Vrabel in an offensive-coordinator interview and will now join his staff. He began the 2024 season in Chicago as the team's pass-game coordinator before being promoted to offensive coordinator and then interim head coach after the firings of Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus, respectively. Brown led the Bears to a 1-4 record down the stretch in the interim head coach role, with the team's lone victory coming against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showed improved under Brown, so the Patriots will be hoping Brown can now help in the development of young QB Drake Maye.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown delivered a massive bounce-back performance against the Washington Commanders, hauling in six receptions on eight targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. This marked Brown's best game since Week 15, showcasing his elite talent and reminding everyone of the dominant playmaker he is. Brown's ability to make plays was on full display, as he consistently found space and made critical catches. With the Eagles adopting a more balanced offensive attack in this game, Brown thrived and proved why he's one of the league's premier receivers. As the Eagles gear up for their Super Bowl matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Brown will be a key factor in their offensive game plan and poised for another standout performance.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith maintained his reliability against the Washington Commanders, securing four receptions for 45 yards. Though he hasn't found the end zone in these playoffs, Smith has been a steady target for Jalen Hurts, recording four catches in each postseason game this year. Smith's ability to make plays when called upon adds crucial balance to the Eagles offense, complementing the dominant ground game led by Saquon Barkley. His role as a dependable pass-catcher is pivotal, especially when opposing defenses focus on limiting A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert. As the Eagles head to the Super Bowl to face the Buffalo Bills, Smith will likely continue to play a key supporting role, providing Hurts with a consistent option in the passing attack.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert had another strong performance in the NFC Championship victory over the Washington Commanders. He led the team with seven receptions for 85 yardshis highest yardage output since Week 3 of the regular seasonand added two rushes for 13 yards. Throughout the playoffs, Goedert has been Jalen Hurts' most reliable passing option, averaging five receptions and 62.7 yards per game. His resurgence in the postseason highlights his ability to perform in critical moments, making him a vital part of the Eagles' offensive success. As the Eagles prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl, Goedert's versatility and ability to find openings in the defense will be key. Look for him to play another significant role in the biggest game of the season.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts shined in Sunday's NFC Championship victory over the Washington Commanders. Completing 20 of 28 passes (71.4%) for 246 yards and one passing touchdown, Hurts also added 10 carries for 16 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Hurts showcased his ability to lead a balanced offense, playing efficiently and making smart decisions throughout the game. His passing precision paired well with his signature "tush push" play, which proved unstoppable at the goal line. Hurts' leadership and dynamic playmaking helped the Eagles score a season-high 55 points. As Philadelphia prepares for the Super Bowl against the Buffalo Bills, Hurts' versatility and postseason experience will be critical in securing the Eagles' second championship in franchise history.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dazzled in the NFC Championship, torching the Washington Commanders with 15 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns. Barkley has now averaged an astonishing 147.3 rushing yards per game in the postseason, solidifying his role as the cornerstone of the Eagles offense. Even with Philadelphia opening up the passing game more than in recent weeks, Barkley's production remained elite. His ability to gash defenses for big plays and find the end zone has been pivotal to the Eagles' playoff success, giving him five touchdowns this postseason. As the Eagles prepare for the Super Bowl against the Buffalo Bills, Barkley's dominant ground game will be vital in their quest for a ring.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman caught just one of his four targets for 12 yards during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie endured highs and lows this season, but most fans and fantasy managers would be quick to admit that they expected a little more out of Coleman during his rookie campaign. After all, he was the first pick in the second round of the draft, making him the Bills' highest wide receiver selection since 2014. Through 16 games between the regular season and playoffs, he caught just 32 of his 65 targets (49.2 percent) for 578 yards and four touchdowns. Coleman currently projects to be the Bills' No. 2 receiver alongside Khalil Shakir next year, but Buffalo may be tempted to bring in some star power at the position after coming up short in the playoffs once again.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel caught a four-yard touchdown pass during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Samuel's score came on his only reception, but he did have three total targets in the contest. The veteran occupied a depth role throughout the 2024 season, routinely operating behind players like Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins. He's under contract with Buffalo through 2026, but he could face some additional competition next year if the Bills pursue a wide receiver addition during free agency or the NFL Draft. As it stands, Samuel can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper caught all four of his targets for 33 yards during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Cooper hadn't totaled more than three catches in a single game since Dec. 8, so it was refreshing to see him get more involved on a steady basis Sunday. However, it wasn't quite enough as the Bills once again failed to take down the Chiefs in the playoffs. Cooper finishes his age-30 season with 50 catches, 588 yards, and four touchdowns split between 17 games with the Bills and Browns. He's slated to hit free agency this March, and a reunion with Buffalo seems unlikely given that he underwhelmed during the final stretch of the 2024 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught just two of his four targets for 13 yards during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-year tight end had a costly drop as a pass from Josh Allen hit off his hands with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. While some of the blame could be placed on less-than-perfect ball placement from Allen, the bottom line is that Kincaid's drop resulted in a turnover on downs, giving the ball back to the Chiefs, who were able to run out the clock. The Utah product finishes his second year in the NFL with just 50 catches, 519 yards, and two touchdowns through 16 total games between the regular season and playoffs. The first-round pick has not yet lived up to his potential, and he'll likely rank outside the top 12 tight ends heading into 2025 fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins caught three of his four targets for 73 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran receiver's biggest play of the game came on a 34-yard touchdown strike from Josh Allen. While Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman were the top names in Buffalo's wide receiver corps this year, Hollins quietly put together a strong campaign. Not only did he register 482 receiving yards between the regular season and playoffs, but he also led the entire Bills roster with six receiving touchdowns. The 31-year-old is slated to hit unrestricted free agency in March, and Hollins' impressive 2024 campaign could encourage prospective teams to view him as a strong No. 3 wide receiver option moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught six of his seven targets for 46 yards during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The talented slot receiver led the team in targets and receptions during the defeat. Although Buffalo wasn't able to punch its ticket to Super Bowl LIX, Shakir played well. He has delivered solid results through two games against the Chiefs this year, dropping 14 catches and 116 yards on a Kansas City defense that is susceptible to big showings from slot receivers. In the coming months, there will be plenty of chatter about the Bills looking to add a true No. 1 receiver after numerous failed efforts to knock the Chiefs off their pedestal in the AFC. However, if Buffalo doesn't make a major splash at wide receiver, Shakir has shown that he's capable of handling a large dose of targets while ranking as a low-end WR2 in fantasy football. He remains an appealing option for managers ahead of 2025 fantasy drafts, barring a major shakeup within the Bills' depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed 13 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He also caught all three of his targets for an additional 49 yards through the air. Given that Cook had just 2.2 yards per carry against the Chiefs back in Week 11, he bounced back in a huge way this Sunday. He was highly efficient on the ground, productive through the air, and carried the Bills to a pair of scores. Simply put, he kept Buffalo in the game until the final seconds. Cook totaled 19 touchdowns between the regular season and playoffs, establishing himself as a steady RB1 option for fantasy football. Even with Ray Davis pushing for more opportunities, Cook should continue to be viewed as a top-10 option at his position heading into 2025 fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 22 of his 34 pass attempts for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He also took two sacks and rushed 11 times for 39 yards on the ground. Finally, Allen fumbled three times, but he was fortunate that all three loose balls were scooped up by the Bills rather than a Chiefs defender. The MVP candidate played well in the contest, keeping his team in the game until the final seconds. However, it wasn't quite enough as the Chiefs picked up yet another playoff victory over Buffalo. Despite his season falling short of a Super Bowl berth, Allen has established himself as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. He should continue to be viewed as a top option heading into 2025 fantasy football drafts.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a 55-23 blowout win in the NFC Championship game. Dynasty Analysis: Well, if there were any questions about Barkley, they've been answered this season. Barkley was again a monster in this one as he took his first carry 60 yards to the house and just added on from there. He's the most talented running back in the league and while his age may give some people a little pause in terms of his dynasty value, he's clearly worked his way back up into the round one conversation in dynasty league start-ups. He's simply that good.
Dynasty | Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 20-of-28 passes for 246 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, adding 16 rushing yards and three more touchdowns in a 55-23 wipeout of Washington in the NFC title game. Dynasty Analysis: The Eagles are proving to everyone that a run-first offense can still win games in the NFL. Oh, and it helps when you have an elite runner at quarterback and the best running back in the NFL. Hurts and Saquon Barkley combined for a whopping six rushing touchdowns in this one as the Eagles piled up the most points ever in a championship game. Hurts has certainly regained any value he lost early on in the year and could ascend even more with a big game in the Super Bowl.