There are just four teams still standing in the race to the Super Bowl, and all four of them have a real shot to win it all. These are probably the four most balanced teams in the league. They all rank inside the top-10 in scoring defense, and three of the four are top-five in scoring offense, with Denver (12th) being the lone exception.
Today, I’m setting out to do the impossible. I will be ranking all four of the remaining offenses and defenses to try to figure out which is the best all-around team. All of these teams are so close, we’re talking about razor-thin margins here, but I did my best. Here are my offensive and defensive rankings for all four teams still in the hunt.
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Offenses
1. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have the best offense of any team left in the playoffs. They finished the regular season with the No. 1 scoring offense, averaging 30.1 points per game, but that’s not the only reason I’m picking them. I know he’s been a bit off his game in the postseason, but Matthew Stafford is the best quarterback remaining in the playoffs. Add on the fact that he’s throwing to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, two of the three best receivers still standing, and has Kyren Williams, arguably the best running back left, lining up behind him, and it’s not too much of a contest.
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2. Seattle Seahawks
When they’re playing their best, the Seattle Seahawks might have the highest ceiling of any offense remaining. We’ve seen this team completely decimate opposing defenses at times this year, but I’m holding back because they’ve also had a few stinkers. They didn’t need Sam Darnold to do too much last week, but if they fall behind to LA, I don’t trust Darnold to out-duel Stafford with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. This is a really good offense, but they’re not as consistent as the Rams.
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3. New England Patriots
It’s weird having the New England Patriots, who finished fifth in scoring this year, at No. 3 on this list, but that goes to show how talented these offenses are. Drake Maye had an MVP-level season, but is off to a somewhat slow start to the playoffs. He’s really struggled under pressure, but if he has a clean pocket and the run game is working, this offense is lethal. I think they’re a clear tier below Seattle and LA, but they’re certainly better than Denver.
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4. Denver Broncos
Even if Bo Nix were healthy, the Denver Broncos would be last on this list, but with Jarrett Stidham under center, they definitely have to be fourth. Their offense just hasn’t been as good as the other three this year. They’ve had some incredible fourth-quarter comebacks and have the best play caller of any team remaining, but they’ve just been too inconsistent in the first three quarters. Sorry, Denver, but you have to be in last place.
Defenses
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1. Seattle Seahawks
Everyone, myself included, talked about the Houston Texans having the best defense in the league, but the Seahawks actually finished with the best scoring defense, giving up just 16.6 points per game this year. They may not have the household names that Houston has, but Mike Macdonald is the best defensive play caller in the league, and he has this unit flying around. I think all four of these defenses are great, but Seattle’s is a step above the rest.
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2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos’ defense is actually worse than the Patriots’ scoring-wise (18.8 PPG to 17.8 PPG), but I’m way more scared of Denver than New England for one reason: their pass rush. The Broncos recorded 68 sacks this season, which is the fifth-most all-time and the second-most since 2000. They can get after the passer, and they can do it from anywhere on the field. While Seattle’s defense is suffocating, Denver’s is terrifying.
3. New England Patriots
The Patriots are in a similar boat to Seattle. They don’t have a ton of big names defensively, but they play fundamentally sound football and don’t give up a ton of big plays. They finished the year as the No. 3 scoring defense, allowing 17.8 PPG, but they’ve been even better in the playoffs, giving up 19 total points in their first two games and forcing six turnovers. I would not want to be Jarrett Stidham this week.
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4. Los Angeles Rams
Finally, the Rams have to be in last place when it comes to defensive rankings. They looked like one of, if not the best, defenses in the league at the beginning of the year, but as the season has gone on, they’ve fallen off a cliff. They gave up just 16.3 PPG through their first 11 games, but have surrendered 26.9 in their eight game since then. I don’t know what’s happened to them, but their defense isn’t even close to the other three right now.

Davante Adams led the NFL in receiving touchdowns during the 2025 regular season, his first with the Los Angeles Rams. And yet, it was not just his performance on the field that recently drew even more attention to the six-time Pro Bowler from the league.
Adams certainly caused a stir during the Rams’ win over the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
He did so again afterward.
Davante Adams Draws NFL’s Attention After Rams’ Win
Adams finished the Rams’ overtime win over the Bears with two receptions for 24 yards on six targets. The former Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets star did not catch his first pass until the fourth quarter on his fourth target of the contest.
However, his second grab was in overtime and moved the Rams from their own side of the field into Bears territory for the game-winning field goal from Harrison Mevis.
The NFL took notice, sharing a highlight of the play and reactions to it on the field.
Adams asked Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon if he “liked that one,” after the diving grab in front of Chicago’s Nahshon Wright. The clip then cuts to Bears’ corner Jaylon Johnson telling Adams, “Good catch.”
Adams thanked Johnson, whom he faced numerous times while with the Packers, for the compliment and said, “Them be the ones. You don’t get one all day. And then,…”
Adams missed the final three games of the regular season for the Rams.
He made his return in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Carolina Panthers, recording a 5-72-0 line. Before his injury, Adams thrived as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s top red zone target.
As they get deeper into the postseason, look for Adams to reassert himself in that role, especially in the most critical moments.
Davante Adams Praised Bears’ Caleb Williams
Adams also drew attention for his comments to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams after the Rams’ win.
As the players convened on the field to exchange pleasantries, Adams met Williams and told him, “Real s***, man. You’re a dawg. I know you know that. Just keep doing your thing,” before agreeing to send the second-year QB his jersey.
Adams was not the only one.
Rams center Coleman Shelton, who spent the 2024 season with the Bears, also lauded his former battery mate after the contest, saying it was “so fun watching” him as he “balled out.”
The game got the full NFL Films treatment, too, complete with clips of Adams getting hyped up by teammate Puka Nacua in the tunnel, as the latter explained that it has “been an honor” playing alongside the veteran, who has “set a standard of greatness” since arriving.
Adams signed a two-year, $44 million contract with the Rams in free agency last offseason.
The Davante Adams Difference
Adams finished the 2025 regular season with 789 yards and 60 receptions on 114 targets en route to his league-leading 14 touchdown receptions. The yards are his fewest since the 2015 season, Adams’ second year in the league.
Adams was not on the field in the Rams’ last meeting against the Seattle Seahawks, their opponents in the NFC Championship Game, but a trip to the Super Bowl is at stake.
He is certainly looking to make an impact this time, helping the Rams avenge that loss.
“This is the biggest game,” Adams told reporters on January 18. “Whatever game you’re currently in is the biggest game of the year. But this is, obviously, the biggest game right here. They took care of business against us last time. So, just–it’s tough being on the sideline. Not being able to watch, even though we did take care of business on offense and had a good day. But it’s time to it’s time to finish it off this time.”
Notably, Adams had one catch for 1 yard and 1 TD in the Rams’ win over the Seahawks at home in Week 11. The Rams could need Adams to be active and even more productive this time around.

The Kansas City Chiefs rode to three straight Super Bowl appearances on the strength of Patrick Mahomes and a dynamic passing attack, even though the rushing game was lacking at times.
That ride came to an end in 2025, with the Chiefs dropping to 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade. The offense struggled in both the air and ground phases, with the Chiefs failing to find consistent production out of their backfield.
One insider believes they will address that in the coming months, using their unusually high draft pick to land the top running back in this year’s class.
Chiefs Address Rushing Woes in PFF Mock Draft
In a mock draft published on Jan. 19, analyst Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus predicted the Chiefs would use the No. 9 overall pick on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
McGuinness noted that the Chiefs would see vast improvement across their offense if they can establish a rushing game, which he believes would start with drafting Love.
“As long as Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs’ quarterback, opposing defenses will have reason to worry,” McGuinness wrote. “A dynamic running back would only lift Kansas City’s attack in 2026. Love earned elite PFF overall grades of 91.1 and 93.9 over the past two seasons, and he averaged 4.5 yards after contact in 2025. He would instantly be the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year if he landed in Kansas City.”
Love was a strong two-way running back for the Fighting Irish, netting 1,650 yards from scrimmage last season. He is considered the top running back in this year’s draft class — and a popular pick for the Chiefs.
Pro Football Network analyst Josh Weil also predicted the Chiefs would snag the Heisman Trophy finalist.
“With Kansas City in a rare position to pick so high and needing to add a new element to their team, bringing in a running back with the upside of Jeremiyah Love would be perfect to do just that,” Weil wrote. “Love followed up on a 19-touchdown sophomore season with a 1,372-yard and 21-touchdown season that had him in New York as a finalist for the Heisman.”
The Chiefs have picked near the end of the first round for most of the last decade, so their top-10 pick could give them a chance to make an immediate impact on the roster.
Chiefs Could Pick Same College Team, Different Back
While many analysts expect the Chiefs to use their top pick on a running back, there is some disagreement about who they might take. SI.com’s Jared Feinberg suggested the Chiefs could stick with the Fighting Irish, taking Love’s backup — running back Jadarian Price — in the third round.
Feinberg suggested that Price would address the rushing woes and help the Chiefs restart their backfield.
“Boy, do the Chiefs need help at running back. It’s clear that outside of Brashard Smith, this team will have a clean reset in the backfield, which requires unique and talented skill sets across the board,” Feinberg wrote.
Price racked up 1,692 rushing yards across his three college seasons, scoring 11 touchdowns. He added 162 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs has been in the news for having a high-stakes decision about if he’ll decided to retire before the 2026-27 season starts, so he’s focused on that. But, amid that decision and the Chiefs making decisions for their future, the team is sharing news about Kelce that’s getting attention.
After the team fell 14-12 to the Las Vegas Raiders in their final game of the season, Kelce fielded retirement questions, as expected, telling reporters, “Who knows? It either hits me quick or I’ve got to take some time. Last year, it was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away, I wanted to give this [year] a shot. We’ll see.”
The Chiefs’ season didn’t end the way any of them wanted. Kelce and the team dropped their final game of the season on Sunday, January 4, with a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. So, if Kelce goes out now, he’ll end his NFL life on a down note, but it doesn’t erase the awards he’s received and achievements he’s made over his past 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs in the News
On Monday, January 19, the news broke that Kelce was named to the 2025 PFWA All-AFC Team. The honor comes from accredited writers covering all 32 NFL teams, who voted on the PFWA’s All-NFL, All-AFC Teams after the end of the 2025-26 NFL regular season.
So, Kelce snagged his selection on PFWA’s 2025 All-AFC team. He joins center Creed Humphrey on this year’s All-AFC team. This marks the seventh time Kelce has been named to the team in his career, so he’s a regular at this point.
Over his 13 seasons in the NFL, Kelce has notched 1,080 receptions for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns, according to NFL research.
PFWA has picked an All-NFL team since 1966 and All-AFC and All-NFC teams since 1992. Congratulations to Kelce and all the winners.
Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and Brother Jason Shar Update
On the Wednesday, January 14, episode of the “New Heights” podcast, Travis and his brother Jason announced that they’re releasing their debut book together, called “No Dumb Questions: And All of Our Dumbest Answers.” The book is inspired by their podcast and its popular “No Dumb Questions” segment, where the two respond to fan submissions.
“When we started the ‘No Dumb Questions’ segment on New Heights, never in our wildest dreams did we think it would become a book sitting on your coffee table,” the brothers said via People. “But we’ve had a blast with it, and we’re stoked the 92%ers can take home a little piece of the podcast, including some that were too ridiculous to make it on the show.”
The two also shared with People magazine that they’re “still trying to wrap their heads around being able to call ourselves published authors.”

Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya has filed paperwork to run for Minnesota’s Senate seat in the 2026 election, joining a crowded field of Republican hopefuls in the 2026 election.
Tafoya, 61, a resident of the Minneapolis suburb of Plymouth, has been eyed as a possible candidate by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and met with the Senate Leadership Fund and other stakeholders in Washington, DC, in December, The Post previously reported.
She has not publicly addressed the “Tafoya for Senate” campaign since it was filed with the FEC on Tuesday.
The four-time Emmy Award-winning sports journalist is entering the GOP primary after incumbent Sen. Tina Smith (D) announced she wouldn’t be seeking a second term last February.
Smith, 67, said her “decision is not political, it is entirely personal” with intentions to retire in early 2027 to spend more time with her family.
Tafoya has been vocal on social media regarding issues happening in her home state and around the country, including sharing The Post’s exclusive report Tuesday about 7,000 illegal immigrant gang members being arrested during President Trump’s first year in office.
“Why would anyone protect these people from law enforcement?” she wrote on X the same day she filed her statement for candidacy.
Since Smith’s announcement, Democrats have been gearing up for a messy primary pitting Rep. Angie Craig against the progressive favorite, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, with outsider Billy Nord having thrown his name as a nominee, too.
Republican nominees in the crowded primary include former Minnesota Senate Minority Leader David Hann, ex-NBA player Royce White and US Navy SEAL veteran Adam Schwarze.
Tafoya started her career at Minneapolis’ radio station KFAN, covering the Minnesota Vikings and the University of Minneapolis before being hired by CBS in 1994.
The longtime sports reporter then moved to ABC and ESPN and became the sideline reporter for “Monday Night Football.” She also did stints with a local radio station and returned to the NFL sidelines with NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” crew, a position she held from 2011 to 2022.
Tafoya covered the Los Angeles Rams’ victory in Super Bowl LVI in February 2022 as her last sports assignment before leaving her career and joining Kendall Qualls’ campaign during the Republican primary for Minnesota governor, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
She shot down speculation that she was pulled from the air, rather had “been waking up every day with a palpable pull at my gut that my side, my view, my middle-ground moderate viewpoint, is not being represented to the rest of the world,” Tafoya told former Fox News host Tucker Carlson
The soon-to-be vacant seat has been a Democrat stronghold since Al Franken defeated incumbent Norm Coleman (R) in the 2008 election.
Minnesota may have two new senators representing it in the upper chamber in 2027, as Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D) is said to be seriously considering a run for the governorship of the North Star State.
Klobuchar, who was first elected to her seat in 2007, has been viewed as a successor of Gov. Tim Walz (D) after he dropped his bid for a third term on Jan. 5 as he faces major scrutiny over a massive welfare fraud scandal and the ongoing unrest following the fatal shooting of activist mom Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent earlier this month that erupted under his watch.

National championship glory fails to quiet the swirling rumors around Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. Despite powering his team to a 27-21 win over Miami, speculation dominates about his absence from the NFL combine. Sources indicate that an NFL leap isn’t imminent for the Hoosiers QB because he’s prioritizing other commitments.
“SPECIAL: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza tells ESPN that he has a finance internship on Wall Street in February and plans to miss the NFL Scouting Combine,” reporter Scott Hughes said on X. “A remarkable decision for the presumed #1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.”
Now, this news was shared by a trustworthy X user, Scott Hughes, who has 11.7k followers and is a men’s basketball reporter. The post quickly gained more than 1.4 million views, too. However, the claim turned out to be false as the account that initially posted the news is a parody. Even fans commented on the post, calling it a “bait account.” The Spun media outlet also confirmed it as fake news.
Besides, Fernando Mendoza never actually made any comment regarding his NFL scouting move. He has also mentioned being overwhelmed before the championship game against the Hurricanes with all the NFL talk going around him.
“Friends and family send me things about (the draft),” Mendoza said. “All that stuff about the NFL, it’s a blessing, and the things that I see in articles. However, Monday’s game is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
This isn’t the first time this account has made false claims. Back in November 2025, that account posted a story claiming that former ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski had been ejected from a St. Bonaventure basketball game after arguing with the officials. Hughes said that Wojnarowski was forcibly removed from the season-opening win over Bradley.
The post went viral with more than 6000 likes, but it turned out to be completely fake. The St. Bonaventure AD denied the entire story. So, even if his account looks credible, it’s far from reality.
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Now, missing out on the NFL combine doesn’t seem like a big thing, but players often use this opportunity to talk to their favorite teams and make an impact. Plus, Fernando Mendoza already holds a No. 1 overall pick projection on every other analyst list, like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. His improved decision-making and mobility solidify his case even more.
Mendoza has already proved enough with his Heisman-winning resume, with 3,535 passing yards, 276 rushing yards, and 48 touchdowns. However, an NFL combine visit can be an add-on that Mendoza might not miss. With all the false claims, Mendoza made a lasting impact on Tom Brady and the team.
Fernando Mendoza’s last-moment antics impress Tom Brady
The entire Hard Rock Stadium buzzed with excitement when Indiana took Miami down and ended their season with a perfect 16-0 record. But that wasn’t possible if Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza had not taken the risk. Late in the fourth quarter, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti decided to put the game entirely in Mendoza’s hands.
But he didn’t flinch; he took advantage of the moment with a 12-yard quarterback draw for the game-winning touchdown that won the national title for Indiana. In that moment, Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady’s stunned reaction showed how well Mendoza’s game resonated with him. The Raiders’ front office staff made a visit to the Miami vs. Indiana game. General Manager John Spytek and owner Mark Davis were there alongside Brady.
As the Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, this moment was more than enough to give them their future quarterback after a troubling season with Geno Smith. What’s benefited Mendoza is that Brady is already hooked on him, as he praised his caliber.
“I love everything about his game,” Brady said. “His leadership is what stands out to me; it’s his relatability to his teammates. He’s overcome a lot of things in his career.”
What could make him a perfect fit for the Raiders is his low turnover rate. The Raiders recorded 17 interceptions in 2025 because of Smith, whereas Mendoza threw just six interceptions in 16 games. On top of it, his 6’5″ and 225-pound physique makes him incredibly accurate with solid arm strength. With that push, let’s wait and see if Mendoza makes his way to Indiana or not.

Several NFL pundits and fans see the Pittsburgh Steelers zeroing in on Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula as their next head coach. The Steelers just can’t meet with him in person until after the NFC championship game on Sunday.
But there could be other assistants coaching Sunday the Steelers could still be considering for their head coach opening.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer explained in his column to begin this week that an unusual rule has prohibited the Steelers from virtually speaking with any assistants from this year’s top-seeded teams.
“One interesting rules quirk: The Steelers won’t be able to interview any Broncos or Seahawks assistants until after the playoffs,” Breer wrote. “Pittsburgh missed the first window because it was playing on wild-card weekend, and the second window (during the Super Bowl bye week, should either or both make it) is only for second interviews.”
What that means is, if the Denver Broncos or Seattle Seahawks win Sunday, the Steelers won’t be able to interview any assistants from those teams until after the Super Bowl.
Do the Steelers Still Want to Interview Klint Kubiak or Aden Durde?
When Mike Tomlin initially stepped down as Steelers head coach on January 13, pundits mentioned both Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and defensive coordinator Aden Durde as potential Tomlin replacements.
But the Steelers didn’t request interviews with either assistant. Kubiak has interviewed with six other teams — the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. Durde interviewed with the Falcons as well and the Cleveland Browns.
Had the Steelers requested to interview either Kubiak or Durde, though, they wouldn’t have been able to because of the interview rule Breer explained.
It’s possible this won’t have much of an impact on Pittsburgh’s head coaching search. The Steelers are doing their due diligence on a lot of candidates this week. Breer and other insiders have also stated the Steelers won’t rush with their decision.
Waiting until after the Super Bowl is probably too long. But if either the Seahawks lose the NFC championship game, then the Steelers could have an opportunity to interview Kubiak or Durde if they choose.
With the Broncos, it’s possible Vance Joseph could be a head coach candidate for the Steelers or other teams still with openings.
Chris Shula Named Favorite to be Steelers Next Head Coach
The Steelers could hope the Rams defeat the Seahawks in the NFC championship game to make Kubiak and/or Durde available for interviews. But that’s not ideal for Pittsburgh either.
While the Steelers may or may not be interested in Kubiak and Durde, they definitely are considering Shula as a Tomlin replacement. The Steelers, though, haven’t had a chance to meet with Shula in person because the Rams are also still in the playoffs.
Win or lose, Shula will be available to meet with teams for interviews during the Super Bowl bye week.
That meeting is likely to come with a lot of hype. The Steelers potentially hiring Shula is gaining a lot of traction on social media.
Shula is cut from the same cloth as Pittsburgh’s last three head coaches — Tomlin, Bill Cowher and Chuck Noll. Shula has served as Rams defensive coordinator the past two years and is 39 years old.
Tomlin, Cowher and Noll were all defensive assistants before becoming Pittsburgh’s head coach. They were also in their thirties when their tenures started.

TMZSports.com
Don’t go penciling in the Patriots for the Super Bowl just yet … ’cause former star Broncos safety Justin Simmons says backup QB Jarrett Stidham’s play will be every bit as good as Bo Nix’s!

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With three postseason games still to go, the 2025-26 NFL playoffs have already had the most fourth quarter lead changes of any year in NFL history.
The 10 playoff games played in the last two weeks have had a total of 15 fourth quarter lead changes, by far the most ever.
The previous record went to the 2007-08 playoffs, which had 10 fourth quarter lead changes, including three in the Super Bowl, when the Giants ended the Patriots’ perfect season.
That record had already been broken within the first four games of this year’s postseason, when those games combined for 12 fourth quarter lead changes. That included four fourth-quarter lead changes in the Rams’ win over the Panthers, four more in the Bills’ win over the Jaguars, three fourth quarter lead changes in the 49ers’ win over the Eagles, and one fourth quarter lead change in the Bears’ win over the Packers.
The divisional round of the playoffs featured two fourth quarter lead changes in the Broncos’ win over the Bills, and one in the Rams’ win over the Bears.
These playoffs have also had a few dull blowouts, but the good games have been so good that the NFL has had one of its most exciting postseasons. And it’s not over yet.

One of the Lobos’ All-Mountain West honorees is set to play in college football’s longest-running all-star game.
New Mexico defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby is set to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, the game announced Tuesday via social media.
After making 52 total tackles and nine sacks this season with UNM, the 6-foot-2, 244-pound fifth-year senior will join over 116-plus prospects on Jan. 27 in Frisco, Texas in a showcase sponsored by Shriners International.
James-Newby represents the third Lobo to accept an invitation to the Shrine Bowl over the last two years. Running backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Andrew Henry both played in the game last January.
The Lobo star received his invitation to the game last week while training for the NFL Draft in Florida, calling it a “blessing” after exhausting his eligibility this season.
“I’m a small school guy, basically, coming up to that bowl game,” he said Tuesday. “There’s no such thing as messing up for a guy like me, especially coming (in) as an underdog. I can only do great things up there.”
After the Shrine Bowl, James-Newby said he’ll return to X3 Performance and Physical Therapy to continue training before heading back to Albuquerque for UNM’s pro day in March. Improving his speed and adding to his pass rush repertoire, he said, has been his focus ahead of the NFL Draft in April.
“And then working on sculpting my body and making sure my body passes more of an eye test for the scouts and whatnot,” he added. “(Letting) them know that when it comes down to me just working and training and eating properly, I could do that.”
Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider.

With the NCAA transfer portal set to close on January 16, a shocking late entry instantly sparked support from NFL legend Michael Irvin. On January 13, Colorado Buffaloes starting left tackle Jordan Seaton officially announced that he is entering the transfer portal. And as fans were still trying to process Seaton’s sudden exit from Deion Sanders’ Colorado program, Irvin stepped forward to recruit Seaton publicly.
“If you are going to leave my boy @DeionSanders, you might as well, come and see his boy @CanesFootball ME!!!” Michael Irvin wrote in the caption of his recent X post.
As a Miami Hurricanes alum, Michael Irvin clearly sees Seaton as a perfect fit for them, so he tagged the team to recruit the player. But Irvin did not just stop there. He amplified the buzz by quoting a post from Recruits CFB that underlined just how massive Seaton’s move could be for the transfer portal.
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“Colorado STAR OT Jordan Seaton has entered the transfer portal,” Recruits CFB wrote in the caption of the X post. “The former 5 star and top 10 player nationally will easily command over 4 million dollars in the portal, and may instantly jump up to the number 1 overall player available. Miami is a team I would bet on as the odds on favorite to land Seaton… they always pay up for the big time tackles. 👀”
This is a developing story… Stay tuned for more updates.

The Miami Hurricanes are playing for the national championship on Monday, January 19, against the Indiana Hoosiers, but that’s not stopping them from thinking about next season and how to replace quarterback Carson Beck. It won’t be former Alabama Crimson Tide star Ty Simpson, though, as he turned down an insane NIL deal to focus on the NFL draft.
In the world of NIL money, players can potentially make even more than they can when they get into the pros. We just learned the crazy amount Texas Longhorns’ Arch Manning pulled in this past season.
Beck himself is making a crazy figure after transferring from the Georgia Bulldogs — so much so even Lane Kiffin was baffled before the season started.
RELATED: Carson Beck’s Miami run is insane vs. fellow NFL QBs CJ Stroud, Bryce Young
Simpson, 23, made $2.1 million at Alabama last season, according to On3.
RELATED: Dolphins QB Quinn Ewers gets insanely low NFL guaranteed money vs. $8M NIL offer
His offer from other schools
The Ole Miss Rebels and the Tennessee Volunteers wanted to nearly double it at $4M. Miami wanted to triple it at $6.5 million, according to reports.
It’s the Wild West out there in the NIL world of college football.
Simpson turned down the offer to go after his dream of playing in the NFL despite maybe being able to make more next season to stay in college.
Simpson has even been called “a reach” as a first rounder.
Shedeur Sanders, for example, thought he was going to go in the first round and fell all the way to the fifth before the Cleveland Browns drafted him. He’s now on a 4-year, $4.6M rookie deal. If he stayed in college, he’d have made way more money.
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Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore has a significant decision to make: Whether to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Although Moore had a rough game in the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Indiana Hoosiers, he will likely be the No. 2 QB prospect behind Fernando Mendoza, in what many consider a strong signal-caller class.
If the Las Vegas Raiders take Mendoza, the next team without a quarterback is the New York Jets. The Jets will need to decide whether to select Moore or entertain offers from teams willing to trade up and draft the Oregon star.
Nonetheless, on Jan. 12, WFAN host Craig Carton urged the Jets to avoid drafting Moore.
“I got a chance to see up close and personal the guy that all you college football experts keep telling me is going to be a great quarterback in the NFL,” Carton said. “I do not want Dante Moore. I want no part of Dante Moore.
“Dante Moore [against Indiana] looked like a New York Jets quarterback. I want no part of it. I hope he stays in school for another year. I’d rather take Trent Chambliss, although they lost almost against Miami. I’ll take Chambliss all day over Dante Moore.”
Dante Moore Could Consider Returning to Oregon
Moore has yet to decide on his future. After the loss to Indiana on Jan. 9, the media asked the Oregon star whether he intends to return to school or head to the NFL.
“I don’t know my decision yet,” Moore said (h/t Ducks Wire).
Moreover, due to Oregon’s lopsided performance against the Hoosiers, Zachary Neel, the Ducks’ beat reporter for USA Today, expressed the belief that several veteran players, including Moore, could return for the 2026 season.
“If you are a person who feels inclined to try and look at the bright side of things in life, this outcome will likely lead to a lot of veterans returning for the 2026 season, Dante Moore among them,” Neel wrote on Jan. 9 on X during the Indiana win.
NFL Decision Isn’t Easy for Oregon QB Dante Moore
Amid the uncertainty, ESPN host Rece Davis spoke with Oregon Ducks on SI reporter Bri Amaranthus and noted that Moore has to think long and hard about whether he’s ready for the NFL, given he has only a handful of starts in college.
“There’s no rush. You’re going to be an NFL quarterback whether you go immediately or whether you go next year,” Davis told Amaranthus in the article published on Jan. 12. “Make sure you’re ready to go. And by that, I don’t necessarily just mean in terms of playing on the field. Make sure you’re ready for your life to change because it’s going to (change) in the pros.
“Make sure that’s what you really want to do because there’s no going back. The decision gets made one time. It’s not going to be the end of the world if you decide, ‘Hey, you know what? I like Eugene. I like Oregon. I like playing for Dan Lanning. I like playing in the Big Ten, and I want to stay.’”

If there was any doubt that the landscape of college football has changed, just ask former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Simpson initially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following the Crimson Tide’s season-ending loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff.
However, Simpson did not submit his official paperwork until January 13 — one day before the deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft.
So why the delay? Simpson was being heavily courted by programs making massive NIL offers to keep him in college, including Miami, Tennessee and Ole Miss.
Those offers gave the 23-year-old pause as he weighed whether to chase his NFL dream or return to college for another season.
“And while nothing was in writing, Simpson remembers Sunday being a blur,” On3’s Chris Low wrote. “He was supposed to go duck hunting after church, but couldn’t do it.
“‘I had a knot in my stomach,’ Simpson said. ‘I didn’t know what to do.’”
Miami Made Massive Offer to Lure Ty Simpson
It’s easy to understand why Simpson was torn. The money being offered would make anyone reconsider.
Miami, Tennessee and Ole Miss each presented offers in the $4 million range, with Tennessee’s potentially reaching $5 million, according to Low. Miami, however, attempted to separate itself by offering $6.5 million.
“I really felt good with my decision to go pro, but that amount of money to play college football again for what amounts to about eight months makes you stop and think,” Simpson said. “I remember my parents telling me that $6 million was more than they had made the whole time they had been married, but the thing they wanted most for me was to be happy.”
Miami’s aggressive pursuit came amid growing desperation at quarterback after missing on Brendan Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech, and Sam Leavitt, who landed at LSU.
“Miami was kind of like, ‘All right, we’re moving on,’ and then they lost out on Sam Leavitt and came back with that big number,” Simpson said. “And then Ole Miss called again and said they could match it.”
As of now, both Miami and Tennessee have yet to land a quarterback from the transfer portal for the 2026 season, with options growing increasingly thin as top prospects commit elsewhere.
Ty Simpson Sought Advice From Nick Saban
Facing one of the biggest decisions of his life, Simpson turned to his former head coach, Nick Saban, for guidance.
Saban offered a simple but pointed perspective, encouraging Simpson to remove money from the equation entirely.
“Take the money out of it,” Simpson said Saban told him. “If everybody was offering you zero dollars, what would you want to do? Would you want to come back and play college ball, or would you want to go play NFL ball?”
That advice settled the decision.
Simpson will now head to the NFL Draft in April, where he is expected to be among the top quarterback prospects.

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, a 2005 Mount St. Joseph University graduate and four-year football letterwinner at MSJ, is among candidates to become a first-time NFL head coach.
Minter reportedly interviewed Jan. 13 with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. Albert Breer reported that the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens also requested interviews with Minter.
Minter was among candidates to replace Sherrone Moore as the University of Michigan’s head coach before the Wolverines hired Kyle Whittingham.
Minter spent two seasons as the Wolverines’ DC under Jim Harbaugh. Minter left Michigan in 2024 to join Harbaugh with the Chargers.
What to know about Minter, who turns 43 years old in May:
Jesse Minter is the son of former Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Rick Minter
Rick Minter was UC’s head coach from 1994 to 2003.
Jesse works with his father, currently a senior defensive analyst for the Chargers.
During NBC’s November broadcast of the Chargers’ game against Pittsburgh, Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth discussed the two seasons then-Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spent as the Bearcats’ defensive backs coach, as an assistant under then-head coach Rick Minter.

The Kansas City Chiefs rounded out their 2025-26 season back on Sunday, January 4, with a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on the road, 14-12. It was a rough way to end a difficult season, but now, the team has several months to prepare for their 2026-27 season and give Chiefs Kingdom that comeback they’re craving.
That final game didn’t end the way the Kansas City Chiefs wanted, and a few flags didn’t go their way, either. One happened against the Chiefs at the two minute, 14 second mark of the second quarter.
At that contentious point in the game, the referees called an “unsportsmanlike conduct” penalty against the Chiefs’ bench, and it led to a 10-yard penalty in favor of Las Vegas. It was a perplexing moment, because the referees didn’t explain the call during the game, and the broadcast didn’t elaborate on it either, leaving the Chiefs scratching their heads. So, it was simply a frustrating moment for Kansas City amid an already difficult game.
NFL Makes Punishment Decision for Kansas City Chiefs Penalty
So, the Chiefs were flagged, and then, the NFL had a decision to make, as to whether to punish the franchise even more. Every week during the season, the league gives punishments to players for actions taken during the previous week’s games. The NFL states on their official website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.”
Ahead of the season, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that result in these accountability measures. So, it’s a way to keep things safe and fair for players on the field.
But, good news, because the NFL didn’t fine or punish the Chiefs for the incident when they released their roster of punishments for Week 18. So, they aren’t in any additional trouble with the league for that move.
According to research from the NFL’s rule book, “unsportsmanlike conduct” penalties can get up to a $14,491 fine for a first offense and $20,288 for a second. Funds raised from the fine will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
Patrick Mahomes Double Finds New Home
In other news, people are buzzing about Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, who has been getting attention for having a similar look, style of play and number choice as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, right?
Raiola had been excelling as a sophomore quarterback at Nebraska, but he decision to move on and entered the transfer portal this year. Now, Raiola, No. 15, has picked his next home, and it’s not Mahomes’ college team.

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson made his next steps official on Tuesday as the redshirt junior signed his paperwork to submit his name to the NFL Draft and turn pro. Simpson declared his intentions a week ago, but was tempted to reconsider his options after multiple schools made offers to the veteran quarterback to transfer.
Simpson spent time with Chris Low of On3 and detailed that Tennessee and Ole Miss offered him $4 million to transfer, but Miami went over the top with a $6.5 million offer.
“Miami was kind of like, ‘All right, we’re moving on,’ and then they lost out onand came back with that big number,” Simpson told Low. “And then Ole Miss called again and said they could match it.”
Ultimately, the Crimson Tide quarterback decided to stick with his original decision and try his luck in the NFL Draft. He conveyed to Low that he received evaluations from 18 NFL teams with 17 giving him a first round grade after he led the Crimson Tide to the playoffs despite battling multiple injuries.
Simpson admitted to dealing with a bulging disc in his back, bursitis in his elbow, and endured an adverse reaction to medication that inflamed the lining in his stomach. He never missed a start, despite the struggles and ultimately passed for 3567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Crimson Tide quarterback reportedly followed up with head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb on Tuesday morning to relay his plans for next season.
“KD and Coach Grubb have been so good to me,” Simpson said to Low. “I’m sure they were wondering what was going on because they wanted a decision from me last Thursday so they could start building their roster for next year. I was honest and told them what I’d been offered, but that I just couldn’t do it because of everything I stood for and what Alabama had meant to me and the legacy that I built there. Everybody would just remember me as the guy who took all this money and went to Miami or Tennessee for his last year. But I was a captain. I put my hand and footprints in the cement at Denny Chimes.
“I would have lost everything that I built at Alabama.”
Here’s the Roll Call for Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
Wednesday’s Crimson Tide Schedule:
No Alabama athletics in action
Tuesday’s Crimson Tide Results:
Men’s Basketball: Alabama 97, Mississippi State 82
SEC News:
Consistency, Hard Work and Leadership: Inside Tyler Nickel’s Performance This Season After a Win Over LSU
Did You Notice?
The college football head coaches voted unanimously to expand the eligibility for redshirt years from four games to nine games, meaning players can participate in more games and maintain their redshirt status.
However, this is only a recommendation and will be forth to the Division I committees.
The Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan says the organization intends to pick up the fifth year option on former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, keeping him with the franchise. Young passed for 3011 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as he led his franchise to the NFC South division title.
Alabama’s Jessica Timmons was named SEC Co-Player of the Week after scoring 24 points on Jan. 8 versus then-No. 6/7 Kentucky to help UA earn its highest win over a ranked opponent since 1997. She leads Alabama in scoring, averaging 15.4 points per game.
On This Day in Crimson Tide History:
January 14, 1965: Quarterback Joe Namath was named captain of the 1964 team, while Ray Ogden was selected as alternate captain in a vote of the Crimson Tide players. Namath was preparing to undergo surgery in New k, great johonor in Beaver Falls, Pa. Coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant had announced he would attend Namath’s special day.
January 14, 2013: Eddie Lacy appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated after Alabama ran over Notre Dame in the BCS Championship Game.
Crimson Tide Quote of the Day:

COLUMBUS, Ohio — When Ohio State sent four defensive linemen to the NFL Draft following their 2024 national championship season, the consensus was clear: the 2025 defensive front would inevitably take a step back. But on the latest Buckeye Talk podcast, Stephen Means offered a take so scorching it left his co-hosts momentarily speechless.
“I have a hot take. I think the 2025 defensive line was better than the 2024 defensive line,” Means declared.
Better than a unit that produced a first-round pick in Tyleik Williams, a second-rounder in JT Tuimoloau, and two more selections in Jack Sawyer and Mike Hall? The claim sounds preposterous at first blush, but Means laid out a compelling case that deserves serious consideration.
The 2025 defensive line, anchored by unanimous All-American Kaden McDonald and breakout edge rusher Kaden Curry (who tallied 11 sacks), didn’t just fill the massive shoes of their predecessors – they might have outgrown them entirely.
Means pointed to superior depth as a key factor in his argument. “The depth at defensive tackle was better in 2025 you had four guys. Last year you had two and a half and the half guy was playing defensive end until like three a month and a half into the season,” he explained.
This depth proved critical throughout the season. While the 2024 unit relied heavily on star power at the top, the 2025 group brought waves of talented players who kept fresh legs on the field. Taiwan Malone emerged as a force alongside McDonald, while Edric Houston overcame early-season injuries to become a disruptive presence by season’s end.
Andrew Gillis, though initially skeptical of Means’ hot take, eventually acknowledged the remarkable achievement of the 2025 group.
“So, I’m at a nine as well because I think they replaced the defensive line that lost every single starter to the NFL with a defensive line that might have had every single starter that could get dropped into the NFL,” Gillis said.
The potential NFL futures of the 2025 unit support Means’ argument. McDonald is widely projected as a potential first-round selection should he declare for the draft, while Curry’s 11 sacks put him in elite company with Chase Young (16 in 2019) and Tuimoloau (12.5 in 2024) as the only Buckeyes to reach double-digit sacks in the Ryan Day era.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the background of these players. While the 2024 defensive line featured several five-star recruits who had been groomed for stardom, the 2025 unit included several developmental success stories. Curry, in particular, wasn’t widely expected to become the dominant force he emerged as this season.
“The only person in on the Ohio State beat who would have ever predicted that Kaden Courier was going to do what he was going to do this year is Jeremy Birmingham,” Means noted, giving credit to a colleague who had long championed Curry’s potential.
The numbers tell a compelling story as well. McDonald’s production outpaced his predecessor at nose tackle, Tyleik Williams. In 448 snaps across 14 games, McDonald recorded 65 tackles – just four fewer than the team’s top draft prospect – along with nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. By comparison, Williams had more pressures but significantly fewer tackles (46) and comparable disruption stats.
The defensive line’s stellar play wasn’t just about individual achievements. The unit maintained its dominance against every opponent on the schedule, including in the team’s two losses. Against Miami in the Cotton Bowl, Edric Houston “is lighting up the tape,” as Means observed. Even in defeat, the defensive front showed its quality.
Perhaps most impressive was how the unit performed without the element of surprise. Opposing offenses knew exactly who they needed to account for, yet still struggled to contain players like Curry, who Stefan Krajisnik observed “tried to kill the Heisman Trophy winner in the first snap of the game” during the conference championship.
When the hosts rated the defensive line’s performance on a scale of 1-10, both Krajisnik and Gillis gave the unit a 9, reflecting just how dramatically they exceeded preseason expectations.
The debate about which defensive line was better ultimately speaks to the incredible standard of excellence that Larry Johnson has established in Columbus. That a unit replacing four NFL draft picks could potentially exceed their predecessors’ performance is a testament to Johnson’s development skills and the Buckeyes’ recruiting prowess.
Whether you side with Means or maintain that the 2024 group still holds the edge, one thing is undeniable: the Buckeyes’ defensive line in 2025 was something special, and the foundation has been laid for continued dominance in 2026 and beyond.
Here’s the podcast:

Michael Jordan never played pro football, but his legacy even ascends the gridiron. The dynasty run with the Chicago Bulls is enough for sports fans across the world to draw comparisons with clutch plays from players of today’s generation. It happened recently when the Buffalo Bills won a playoff game after trailing in the final two minutes.
The Bills secured a narrow victory in the NFL playoffs wild card round against the Jacksonville Jaguars, 27-24, on Sunday. Quarterback Josh Allen led the team to victory following the script of their many comeback victories this regular season. This earned him the comparison with His Airness from Fox Sports analyst Chris Broussard.
“He’s clearly the best quarterback left in the conference, so they were already on notice. But I thought what was so impressive yesterday, like you said, with Superman mode, is like he goes dynamic. I think it wasn’t Superman because it wasn’t dynamic. It was just steady. It was almost like Jordan in the first three peat is Superman mode, and yesterday, Josh Allen was Jordan in the second three peat. Not quite as dynamic, not as spectacular, but just killing you, killing you mid-range here. And, you know, just, and that’s what he did.”
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The Bills’ QB had 273 passing yards and three touchdowns, including a 10-yard pass near the end of the game. Josh Allen signed a 6-year, $330 million contract in March last year and justified it against the Jaguars. It wasn’t the 29-year-old’s best game statistically this season, but it had its challenges. Allen required two trips to the medical tent, including one for a concussion test that had to be cleared. Despite this, he completed 28 of 35 passes, not his explosive best, but enough to guide the Bills to the win.
Broussard compared it to Michael Jordan’s second three-peat era. The Bulls legend came back from his first retirement and would lead Chicago to glory again. During his second run, the points scored on average were 30.4, 29.6, and 28.7 points per season. Again, good MVP numbers, but not dominating as the first three-peat. The numbers from the 90-91 season were 31.5, 30.1, and 32.6 points per season. During the 92-93 postseason, MJ would end with 35.1 points in 19 games.
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The comparison from Broussard was done to highlight that Josh Allen’s steady performance and mental ability to deliver in clutch moments reminded him of MJ.
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The Michael Jordan and Josh Allen connection is not new
Allen has now won six times this season when tied or trailing in the fourth quarter, including overcoming two double-digit deficits. It was during his second season in the league when he received a comparison with MJ. It was after Allen had just led another fourth-quarter comeback, his fourth of the season and sixth of his career, “Because Josh Allen’s name starts with a J and end with an N, said left tackle Dion Dawkins about Allen being so good in the fourth quarter.
That was cryptic in the first instance, and later Dawkins clarified. “If you want to go down history lines, fourth quarter starts with J and ends with N, is who? Michael Jordan, but Josh Allen has that Jordan feature in him.” Since then, the Buffalo Bills‘ star has only increased his stock value. Even Michael Jordan couldn’t resist narrating his story.
Allen collaborated with Gatorade for the ‘Is It In You?’ campaign, narrated by none other than Michael Jordan. “So iconic! It’s so cool to be a part of. Having MJ in it is pretty dang cool,” Allen said. Now, we saw another Jordan-like performance from the Bills QB. With the season on the line and Buffalo trailing by four with 3:58 remaining, Allen delivered.

Had the New York Giants lost one of their last two games, the top of 2026 NFL Draft would look a lot different. Because of the way the final weeks of the 2025 regular season played out, the No. 1 overall pick was up for grabs, and a potential sale to the highest bidder was on the table.
That did not materialize, however, as the Giants went 2-0 to close out the year, and the teams that are expected to be in the market to select a future franchise quarterback wound up slotted 1-2.
Here’s how the Top 10 looks now and our early mock draft with the Giants landing the fifth pick. This will be the ninth time in the last 11 years in which the Giants are set to make their initial first-round pick in the Top 10.
1. Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Heisman Trophy winner is putting on a show for the Hoosiers, who are within one win of an improbable yet impressive national championship. Mendoza is making believers out of the NFL scouts, throwing more touchdown passes (8) than incompletions (5) in two victories for undefeated Indiana. It’s hard imagining Tom Brady advising the Raiders to go in any other direction.
2. Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Moore still has not officially entered the draft, and his performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal paled in comparison to Mendoza last Friday night. But there’s no question Moore has the tools, the Jets have the need and word that former Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola was transferring to Oregon fueled speculation Monday that he may be ready to turn pro.
3. Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese is a hybrid butt kicker whose versatility allowed for Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to use him in a variety of ways. You don’t turn away talent, but it’ll take a creative plan to get the most out of the talented playmaker who can rush and play off the ball.
4. Titans: Reuben Bain, Edge, Miami
Bain is the marquee name that most college football fans know, considering his 23 career sacks in three seasons for the Hurricanes. He has recorded four more sacks in Miami’s surprising run to the CFP championship game. His physical gifts have NFL scouts drooling, and he offers some inside rush potential as well.
5. Giants: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Tate is the next great Buckeye receiver. He’s got it all and shined despite not being at 100% this season while also playing opposite sophomore phenom Jeremiah Smith. Tate set career highs in yards (838) and touchdowns (9), and would mesh extremely well with Malik Nabers in an offense looking for more playmaking ability for Jaxson Dart.
6. Browns: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The talented safety can do it all on the back end and he’s a legit leader from jump. How he’d fit in the secondary isn’t the question; given Downs’ game-breaking talent, you take him and fit everyone else around him.
7. Commanders: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Bailey is the top pass rusher in the country in sacks, total pressures and quarterback hits, and Pro Football Focus has him as their highest graded edge rusher. The Stanford transfer became more of a finisher this season and he will push for the top defender taken.
8. Saints: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, Woods profiles as an ideal 3-technique who is exactly what NFL teams go after. He does have the versatility to move up and down the front in the right system.
9. Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love has great vision and burst at 20 years old, and the sky’s the limit. He has a chance to drum up interest similar to how Jahmyr Gibbs did with the Lions a few years ago. With the way the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson put on a show this season, Love could rise up to ultimately be the highest running back picked since Saquon Barkley.
10. Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Delane started 29 straight games at Virginia Tech before transferring to LSU. He’s positioned to be the top man-to-man corner in this class. Delane is not a finished product, but the tools are there for him to really rocket up boards during the pre-draft process.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — After the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, the Browns now know where the pick they acquired in the Travis Hunter trade will land.
The Browns officially have the sixth and 24th picks in the draft.
I already looked at players the Browns could target at No. 6 to fill their two biggest needs: offensive line and wide receiver.
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Now it’s time to look at those options for the 24th pick.
First up is looking at wide receiver, where there is a cluster of players behind the top trio of Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon. Which receiver goes fourth might ultimately come down to the eye of the beholder.
Here are two of those receivers who could fit the Browns at pick No. 24.
Denzel Boston, Washington
Height, weight: 6-4, 210 pounds.
2025 stats: 62 receptions, 881 yards (14.2 avg.), 11 touchdowns.
The top options here couldn’t be more different from a style standpoint. Boston brings outstanding size to the position at 6-4, and he knows how to use it.
Like most big receivers, Boston excels in contested situations. He also has elite hands with just five combined drops in his college career according to Pro Football Focus.
What separates Boston from most other receivers with his size is how good a route runner he is. His ability to separate only creates more room for his quarterback.
Where he struggles is getting off the line explosively, which can make it easier for defensive backs to slow his momentum down before he gets started. He will also need to continue building on his skills as a route runner.
However, with 800-plus yards in each of his last two seasons, Boston is a legitimate first-round option, although more suited for the back half of the round because of his concerns.
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Height, weight: 5-11, 190 pounds.
2025 stats: 61 receptions, 919 yards (15.1 avg.), 9 TDs.
We’ve talked about the taller option in Boston. Now it’s time to break down the smaller, but shiftier option in Concepcion. He transferred into Texas A&M after two good seasons at N.C. State and had a great final season.
His play style, like that of Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon, relies on quickness and how well he runs routes. That agility makes him a weapon after the catch as evidenced by his 7.2 yards after catch per reception according to PFF.
Concepcion is surprisingly good at contested catches, winning them at a rate of 66.7% per PFF. He is also a dangerous punt returner, taking two back for touchdowns last season.
However, drops are a concern. He had 19 in his collegiate career, including seven in each of his last two seasons.
But when he catches the ball, he is as dynamic as there is in this class.
Who is the better choice?
The Browns lack size at receiver outside of Cedric Tillman. However, they also lack an “easy yards” guy as Lance Reisland would typically say.
That’s why for me, the choice is Concepcion. He only ranks slightly behind Makai Lemon in my personal rankings because of the drop concerns, which is not a concern with Lemon.
The Browns need a lot at receiver, and that’s why I think drafting two within the first three rounds should be a legitimate option. But above all else, they need a receiver who can make life easy for a quarterback.
Guys like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Amon-Ra St. Brown are examples that you can be an elite receiver without size. The ability to separate and make plays after the catch is just as dangerous.
That’s why I’m taking Concepcion over Boston.
But in addition, I’d also have interest in Louisville’s Chris Bell in the second round. He was a first-round talent but tore his ACL in November.

Even before the 2025 NFL playoffs kicked off on Saturday, the field looked different.
How would the first postseason without Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning since 1998 feel? After a wild-card slate full of late-game heroics and quirky stat lines, exciting is an understatement.
Here’s a recap of the past three days, summarized by the most surprising/bizarre/record-setting stat lines that made for one of the most interesting opening weekends in postseason history.
Lead changes and close calls
The late-game action was unprecedented. There were 12 fourth-quarter lead changes over the weekend, a record for any postseason in its entirety, per NFL researcher Jack Andrade — and we’re only through the wild-card round.
That record was actually set after the first four games, with the New England Patriots-Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans-Pittsburgh Steelers matchups giving us a more tame ending to the weekend.
The Los Angeles Rams-Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills-Jacksonville Jaguars games each saw four lead changes in the fourth quarter (tied for the most ever in a playoff game), while there were three fourth-quarter lead changes in the San Francisco 49ers-Philadelphia Eagles game and one in the Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers rematch. Those late-game heroics led to four comeback wins in the final three minutes, more than any other postseason.
Four wild-card games were decided by one score or less.
Road teams finished 4-2, the best record for visiting teams on wild-card weekend since the league expanded to a 14-team field in 2020. There was also the first postseason road win in Texans franchise history.
Comeback (or cardiac) Bears
About those comebacks, the Bears overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Packers, which was the largest comeback in a postseason game in Chicago franchise history and also the most in an NFL playoff game since the 2022 postseason (when the Jags came back from 27 points down to beat the Chargers).
Chicago scored 25 points in the fourth quarter to make it happen, which makes the Bears just the third team in NFL history to score at least 25 points in the fourth quarter of a postseason game (1934 New York Giants and 1993 Eagles), per the team’s Larry Mayer.
Even wilder: The Bears didn’t have a single snap on offense against the Packers with the lead in all three of their matchups this season, yet Chicago won the series 2-1. Coach Ben Johnson has more wins against the Packers in his first season in charge than each of his four predecessors had in their entire tenures.
MVP stat breakers
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye are favorites for the league’s MVP award, and last weekend both earned spots in their franchise’s postseason record books.
Maye’s 37-yard run in the second quarter against the Chargers was the longest by a Patriots quarterback in postseason history. He finished the win with 10 carries for 66 yards, the most by a Patriots QB in a postseason game (previous best was Steve Grogan with 35 yards at Oakland on Dec. 18, 1976).
Stafford, on the other hand, set Rams career records for postseason passing yards and touchdowns. In his fifth year in Los Angeles, the quarterback passed Kurt Warner in both categories during the first quarter of the win over the Panthers. Warner had 2,221 postseason passing yards and 16 touchdowns. With the Rams headed to the divisional round, Stafford has 2,392 postseason passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
A perfect passer
Speaking of quarterbacks, San Francisco 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings is the first player in NFL history with a perfect 153.8 passer rating in multiple playoff games for the same team, per Andrade. He’s also the only non-QB of the Super Bowl era to register multiple touchdown passes in a postseason career.
On the first play of the fourth quarter against the Eagles, the Niners pulled out a trick play, with Jennings finding Christian McCaffrey deep for a 29-yard touchdown that helped give San Francisco the lead.
Jennings completed more passes over 15 air yards (one) than opposing quarterback Jalen Hurts did all game (0-for-5). Even more fun: He also broke a tie with Manning for the most perfect passer rating playoff games by a Tennessee alum (Manning had just one), per Andrade.
Jennings also threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to McCaffrey in the second quarter of the 49ers’ Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 11, 2024. It makes Jennings a perfect 2-for-2 passer in the NFL, as he has no regular-season attempts in his six professional seasons.
There’s a reason Jennings looks comfortable slinging it. He was ranked as the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback coming out of high school in the Class of 2015, per 247Sports. He was ranked ahead of, among others: current Seahawk Sam Darnold (No. 6), current Bengal Joe Burrow (No. 7) and current Raven Lamar Jackson (No. 9).
Looking ahead
Three NFC West teams are in the divisional round (the top-seeded Seahawks, plus the Rams and 49ers). This is the fourth time in the history of the divisional round that one division has three teams in the field, and in all three previous instances one of those three teams advanced to the Super Bowl, per Fox Sports.
Those other instances include the 2022 NFC East (Giants, Cowboys and Eagles), the 1997 NFC Central (Vikings, Buccaneers and Packers), and the 1993 NFC East (Eagles, Redskins and Cowboys).
The most unfamiliar divisional-round foes are the Rams and Bears, who last met in the postseason in the 1985 NFC Championship. Chicago won 24-0 and ended up with the franchise’s first and only Super Bowl ring.
For Rams coach Sean McVay, Sunday’s divisional round game will be his 15th playoff game as a head coach. As noted by CBS Sports’ John Breech, those 15 games have come against 15 different opponents. The full rundown: Falcons (2017); Cowboys, Saints, Patriots (2018); Seahawks, Packers (2020); Cardinals, Buccaneers, 49ers, Bengals (2021); Lions (2023); Vikings, Eagles (2024); Panthers, Bears (2025).
Should the Rams win Sunday, McVay will finally have his first playoff rematch, as Los Angeles will face either the Seahawks or 49ers. The only two NFC teams the Rams have yet to face in the playoffs are the Giants and Commanders.

The NFL playoffs’ divisional round matchups are set in what’s expected to be an eventful weekend of football.
The divisional round kicks off with the Buffalo Bills visiting the Denver Broncos. The San Francisco 49ers travel to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC West playoff bout.
Sunday begins with the Houston Texans and New England Patriots. The divisional round ends with the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Chicago Bears in the Windy City.
USA TODAY Sports provides the early predictions for the divisional round of the playoffs:
NFL divisional round predictions, picks
Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+
Spread: Bills (-1)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Bills 22, Broncos 20
Denver’s stingy defense versus Josh Allen and the Bills offense. The Broncos defense will play well and slow down Allen and the Bills. But Denver’s offense ended the year stagnant and will make a couple costly turnovers, which will put its defense in a tough spot.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Lumen Field, Seattle
TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX One
Spread: Seahawks (-7.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Seahawks 25, 49ers 20
The injury-riddled 49ers deserve a lot of credit for advancing to the divisional round. George Kittle’s Achilles injury was a sobering reminder of what a healthy 49ers team would’ve looked like. At some point injuries are going to catch up to Kyle Shanahan’s team. A well-rested Seahawks team gets the victory.
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
Date: Sunday, Jan. 18
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
TV: ESPN/ABC
Streaming: ESPN App
Spread: Patriots (-2.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Texans 20, Patriots 16
The Texans have a Super Bowl-caliber defense. C.J. Stroud and the offense just have to make timely plays and avoid game-changing turnovers. Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr. and the Texans defense contain Drake Maye and the Patriots in New England.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
Date: Sunday, Jan. 18
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
Spread: Rams (-4)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Rams 27, Bears 20
The Bears ranked 31st in pass rush win rate during the regular season, per ESPN. That’s bad news for Chicago as they try to slow down Matthew Stafford and the NFL’s top offense. The Rams’ prolific offense will be too much for a subpar Bears defense.

No one thought the Jacksonville Jaguars were going to do what they did in the 2025 NFL season. No one except for General Manager James Gladstone, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli, and the rest of the team’s brass. This might have been a retooling year for the Jags in theory, but the moves that the front office made last offseason and throughout the campaign painted a simple picture: Jacksonville wants to win now.
And win they did. All of their acquisitions paid off with 13 wins, an AFC South championship, and a home playoff game. Unfortunately, the Jaguars’ season ended the same as 30 other teams’, without the Lombardi in hand. Now, Gladstone, Boselli, and the rest of the braintrust have to figure out how to bring this roster over the hump.
Jaguars have to do some financial finagling
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in great shape for the future. They’re coming off a transformative season and have several young cornerstones in place already. They’ll be able to add to that core with nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four in the first three rounds. Not to mention that they ripped off their eight-game win streak to claim the AFC South without Travis Hunter Jr., who went down with a season-ending knee injury before Week 9.
However, Jacksonville has to worry about the talent they might lose in free agency. And if General Manager James Gladstone wants to bring in any new veteran talent this offseason, he’ll have to cook the books first. The Jaguars are projected to be $10+ million over the salary cap for next year, when accounting for the rookie contracts they’ll have to dole out if they keep all of their selections. Clearly, that’s untenable, but it’s a problem with multiple viable solutions.
What the Jaguars can do
Jacksonville will have to free up that money somewhere, whether that’s by way of contract restructuring or cutting its in-house talent. Thankfully, Gladstone has already shown a creative mind when it comes to NFL accounting, with the Jaguars tweaking Walker Little and Dyami Brown’s contracts last offseason and mending Greg Newsome II’s after trading for him midseason.
He’ll have to open his Excel sheets once again this spring to make Jacksonville liquid again, but there are options available. Contrary to popular belief, cutting Arik Armstead would only offer the Jaguars a little over $2 million in cap relief. However, they could restructure his deal to free up around $10 million. That would get them close to where they need to be. Here are some other actions Jacksonville could take and how much it would save the franchise:
Keep in mind that restructuring contracts is also called the

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The two-week window for college football players to enter the transfer portal closes on Friday, but another important deadline looms for Ohio State before then.
Players must declare for the 2026 NFL Draft by Wednesday.
While standout Buckeyes such as receiver Carnell Tate, safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Arvell Reese and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald have already announced their intentions to forgo another season at Ohio State and declare for the draft, some decisions still loom.
Here’s a look at the four Buckeyes who have yet to announce if they’re heading to the NFL or coming back to Columbus for another season at Ohio State.
Latest Ohio State Buckeyes news
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Why Ohio State’s mass transfer portal exodus isn’t actually a crisis
Ohio State football adds 2 Alabama transfers to its 2026 roster
Ohio State has added a veteran quarterback from the transfer portal. Here’s why:
Max Klare
Max Klare started his collegiate career at Purdue where he spent three seasons and developed into an All-Big Ten tight end. He then transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2025 season.
While helping OSU reach the College Football Playoff, Klare caught 43 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns. His best outing came in a November win against Rutgers when he recorded season-highs in receptions (7) and yards (105).
Ohio State’s overhaul of the tight end room has started despite Klare not making a public announcement yet. Will Kacmarek has exhausted his eligibility, and Jelani Thurman has announced he’s transferring to North Carolina.
OSU has countered the departures by adding Mason Williams (Ohio) and Hunter Welcing (Northwestern) out of the portal.
Kenyatta Jackson
Considering what Ohio State’s defensive line is losing this offseason, Kenyatta Jackson’s decision might be the most important of the bunch.
The standout defensive end, who was once a four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, recorded 6.5 sacks in 2025 — his first season as a starter for the Buckeyes.
He started alongside defensive end Caden Curry and tackles Tywone Malone and McDonald. Those three are headed to the NFL, putting Ohio State in position to lose all four starting defensive linemen for the second consecutive season. If Jackson chooses to return for another season in Columbus, that won’t be the case.
Ohio State is set to return Beau Atkinson and Zion Grady at defensive end next season. It has also landed a commitment from former Alabama edge rusher Qua Russaw.
Carson Hinzman
Center Carson Hinzman did not take part in Ohio State’s senior day festivities in November, leaving the door open for a potential return in 2026 — which would be his fifth season at the collegiate level.
Hinzman was the starting center for the Buckeyes in 2023 before former Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin took over the job in 2024. However, injuries forced Hinzman back into the lineup, giving him nine starts (six at center) in Ohio State’s run to a national title.
He remained the starting center going into the 2025 season and held the role for all 14 games.
If Hinzman declares for the NFL draft, Josh Padilla would be the likely favorite to start at center next season.
Austin Siereveld
Austin Siereveld’s career at Ohio State started in 2023 when he signed as a four-star interior offensive lineman. He became somewhat of a household name in Columbus when he played both guard spots for the Buckeyes in 2024, helping the unit overcome injuries en route to a national title.
However, his true breakout season came in 2025 when he protected quarterback Julian Sayin’s blindside. Siereveld started all 14 games at left tackle, allowing only 15 pressures and no sacks.
Ohio State is set to return starting right tackle Phillip Daniels, a former Minnesota transfer, next season. If Siereveld departs, Ian Moore — who replaced an injured Siereveld in the second half of a CFP loss to Miami on Dec. 31 — would be a likely candidate to start.
Ohio State has yet to add an offensive lineman out of the transfer portal.

After a crazy Wild Card Weekend, there are now just eight NFL teams left in contention to lift the Lombardi Trophy.
It’s time to move on to the Divisional Round, which means we’ll see the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks in action for the first time this postseason.
I have my bets locked in for all six Divisional Round games, so let’s dive into them.
NFL Divisional Round Best Bets for Every Game
Bills vs. Broncos Prediction
If you’re betting on the Bills, you’re betting on Josh Allen to take over the game. He has done it in the majority of their games this season, including in their first playoff game against the Jaguars, but can he do it on the road against an elite Broncos defense?
The Broncos rank fifth in defensive DVOA, eighth in opponent EPA, and first in opponent success rate. They can stop both the run and the pass, ranking first in opponent dropback success rate and second in opponent rush success rate. Not only that, but they’ve been dominant on the road, sporting a Net Yards per Play of +1.2 at home, compared to the Bills, who are at +0.2 on the road.
Teams have been able to run the ball all over the Bills. They’re 31st in opponent rush EPA, and they give up 5.2 yards per carry, which is also the second most in the league. If Denver leans on its run game, this could be a long game for the Bills.
Pick: Broncos +1.5 (-115) via FanDuel
49ers vs. Seahawks Prediction
I’m not denying the Seahawks are the better team, but a spread at over a touchdown seems a tad steep to me, even with George Kittle out for the 49ers.
I have some concerns for the Seahawks’ offense that regressed in the second half of the season. They now rank 10th in offensive DVOA, 14th in EPA per play, and eighth in success rate. The 49ers rank second, sixth, and third in those three respective metrics. Sure, the Seahawks’ defense is leagues above the 49ers, but is defense alone enough to justify this spread?
Let’s remember, the Seahawks are led by a coach in Mike Macdonald, who is making his playoff debut, and a quarterback in Sam Darnold, who has been known to fail to deliver in big games. The 49ers are led by Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan, both of whom have the experience of making it to a Super Bowl.
I think this game will be closer than the spread indicates.
Pick: 49ers +7.5 (-110) via FanDuel
Texans vs. Patriots Prediction
The Texans’ defense is good enough to lead them all the way to a Super Bowl. Second in the NFL in DVOA, opponent EPA, and opponent success rate. Their offense has struggled against good defenses themselves, but now they face a Patriots’ defense that’s in the bottom 10 in a lot of categories.
Despite beating the Chargers last week, the Patriots’ offense struggled against one of the best defenses they’ve faced all season. Now they face an even better defense in the Texans. They may be able to squeak out a win, but I’ll take the side with the best defense in football that’s getting three points.
Pick: Texans +3 (-120) via DraftKings
Rams vs. Bears Prediction
The Bears’ luck is going to run out sooner rather than later. Their late-game heroics and countless coin flips that go their way that result in them squeaking out wins against superior teams can’t take them all the way to a Super Bowl, especially now that they face a team in the Rams that won’t make the mistakes of the other teams they’ve faced on this one.
The Rams remain arguably the most complete team in football. They’re the only team that ranks inside the top 10 in both EPA per play and opponent EPA per play, and they’re second in total DVOA and Net Yards per Play. By comparison, the Bears are 21st in net yards per play and 16th in DVOA.
The Rams are the far better team, and they’ll prove it on Sunday.
Pick: Rams -3.5 (-112) via DraftKings
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The Buffalo Bills went into Jacksonville as road underdogs and took down the Jaguars in the Wild Card Round. They’re now slight road favorites as they head to Denver to take on the top-seeded Broncos in the Divisional Round.
Denver was an impressive 14-3 this season, including 8-1 at home. The Broncos were able to rest up during the bye week while Buffalo played a back-and-forth game in Jacksonville.
Can Josh Allen and the Bills get over the hump in Denver?
Here’s a breakdown of the odds, a player to watch, betting trends and my prediction for this matchup in the NFL Divisional Round.
Bills vs. Broncos Odds, Spread and Total
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread
Bills -1.5 (-105)
Broncos +1.5 (-115)
Moneyline
Bills -122
Broncos +102
Total
46.5 (Over -115/Under -105)
Bills vs. Broncos How to Watch
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17
Time: TBD
Venue: Empower Field at Mile High
How to Watch (TV): TBD
Bills record: 13-5
Broncos record: 14-3
Bills vs. Broncos Betting Trends
The Bills are 8-10 against the spread this season.
The Broncos are 8-9 against the spread this season.
The UNDER is 10-8 in the Bills’ games this season.
The UNDER is 10-7 in the Broncos’ games this season.
The Bills are 5-4 against the spread on the road this season.
The Broncos are 6-3 against the spread at home this season.
Bills vs. Broncos Injury Reports
Bills Injury Report
Jordan Phillips – injured reserve
Gabe Davis – questionable
Ty Johnson – questionable
Maxwell Hairston – questionable
Terrel Bernard – questionable
Jordan Poyer – questionable
Joshua Palmer – injured reserve
Ed Oliver – injured reserve
Damar Hamlin – injured reserve
Curtis Samuel – injured reserve
Broncos Injury Report
Drew Sanders – questionable
Dre Greenlaw – questionable
J.K. Dobbins – injured reserve
John Franklin-Myers – questionable
P.J. Locke – questionable
Bills vs. Broncos Key Player to Watch
Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has always been a terrific regular-season quarterback, but one of the main knocks on him is that he has yet to reach a Super Bowl. That’s largely due to the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty ruling the AFC in recent years, but even with the Chiefs out of the picture, the Bills still must go on the road if they want to reach their first Super Bowl in over 30 years.
Allen had a strong start to the postseason in Jacksonville. He threw for 273 yards and a touchdown on 28 of 35 passing, and ran for 33 yards and two scores on 11 carries. He didn’t turn the ball over, which will be important on Saturday in Denver.
It also won’t be as easy for Allen and the Bills to move the ball against the Broncos. Denver allowed the second-fewest yards per game (278.2) this season and fewest yards per play (4.8).
All eyes will be on Allen in Denver on Saturday.
Bills vs. Broncos Prediction and Pick
The Broncos have been a well-oiled machine this season. They’ve done enough on offense to win games, and their defense is one of the best in the league.
Bo Nix learned a few lessons last year in Buffalo as the Bills eliminated the Broncos with a 31-7 win in the Wild Card round. Denver has also been terrific at home this season, while the Bills needed a few clutch plays to down the Jaguars in this year’s Wild Card round.
I’ll take the Broncos at home, but the under is a good look as well.
Pick: Broncos moneyline (+102)
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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The first week of the 2025 NFL playoffs has proven two things. One, postseason football is incredible. Outside of the New England Patriots’ comfortable 16-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, every other game went down to the wire. Two, the NFC West is the best division the league has seen in a long time.
The Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers all advanced past Wild Card Weekend. Three teams from the same division have made the Divisional Round of the playoffs just four times in NFL history since 1970: this year’s NFC West, 2022’s NFC East, 1997’s NFC Central, and 1992’s NFC East. Thanks to the Niners’ upset over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams won’t have to face a divisional foe until the Conference Championship. Instead, they’ll face off with the two-seed Chicago Bears next round.
Rams will have to lean on Matthew Stafford
1. Josh Jacobs: 2.9 yards per carry
The Chicago Bears’ defense was highly scrutinized ahead of their Wild Card matchup with the Green Bay Packers. It was understandable, considering they gave up 42 points to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 and were repeatedly gashed on the ground throughout the 2025 NFL season.
However, the Bears’ run defense clamped down on the Packers’ rushing attack on Wild Card Weekend. They allowed Josh Jacobs to gain just 55 yards on 19 carries, including a 13-yard gain. 96 percent of his yardage actually came on seven attempts. The rest were absolutely stuffed down the stretch. To be fair, the Los Angeles Rams have a much more competent ground game than the Packers did this year, but LA might not be able to pound the rock as successfully as initially expected against the Bears.
2. Jordan Love: 5-of-6 on passes between 10-20 yards
The Niners were able to generate a ton of offense by picking on the Bears’ linebackers in the passing game. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and San Francisco repeatedly ran intermediate routes to expose the middle of Chicago’s defense. Green Bay was able to do the same for the most part.
Jordan Love completed over 83 percent of his attempts between 10 and 20 yards, gaining 85 yards and a touchdown from those passes. This is Matthew Stafford’s bread and butter. He and Rams Head Coach Sean McVay should find little trouble scheming up ways to pick apart the Bears’ defense with medium passes to Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and the rest of the Rams’ weapons.
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