Kevin Seifert of ESPN reported two pieces of positive injury news for the Vikings defense on Thursday, December 26, just three days before the team hosts the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in what will be Minnesota’s final home contest of the regular season.

“Vikings safety Harrison Smith was a full participant Thursday and remains on track to play Sunday vs. Packers,” Seifert posted to X. “We’ll see how the Vikings handle [middle linebacker] Ivan Pace Jr., whose IR window is open, but it’s notable he has had full participation all week.”

Minnesota is 13-2 on the year and tied with the Detroit Lions for the lead in the NFC North Division as well as the race for the conference’s No. 1 playoff seed, which comes with the NFC’s sole bye through Super Wildcard Weekend. However, the Lions bested the Vikings by a score of 31-29 in Week 7, which means Detroit currently holds the tiebreak in both races.

But regardless of what happens anywhere else across the league’s slate of Week 17 matchups, including a Lions’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota and Detroit will play for both the division and conference crowns at Ford Field in Week 18 if the Vikings can hold court against the Packers on Sunday.

Minnesota is currently a 1-point favorite to beat Green Bay after opening the week as a 1.5-point favorite.

Harrison Smith Missed Last Week’s Game Against Seahawks With Foot Injury

GettySafety Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings.

Smith, a six-time Pro Bowler and a defensive captain for the Vikings, has started 14 of 15 games this season.

However, he missed last week’s road contest against the Seattle Seahawks with a foot injury and was a DNP at practice on Wednesday, which cast some doubt upon his status against the Packers this weekend.

Smith has tallied 55 solo tackles, 7 quarterback pressures, 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and 1 sack thus far in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.

Ivan Pace Jr. Crucial Part of Vikings’ Run Defense, Pass Rush

GettyMiddle linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. of the Minnesota Vikings.

Having Smith back will be a boon for Minnesota’s pass and run defenses, while Pace’s potential return will mean a great deal to the run defense specifically as well as the pass rush.

“While Pace has been out, the Vikings’ run defense that had been the best in the league has struggled a bit, though it still retains its standing among the top run defenses in the NFL,” Christopher Gates of SB Nation’s Daily Norseman wrote on Christmas Day. “Pace’s return should help significantly against a Green Bay team that has shown a pretty solid commitment to running the ball in recent weeks.”

Pace has started all nine contests in which he has been healthy enough to play this season. Across those games, the linebacker has recorded 32 solo tackles, 15 quarterback pressures, 3 sacks and a fumble return for a touchdown, per PFF.

The Vikings defense has been at least as important, if not more so, to the team’s unexpected run this season as the offense. Having Smith and Pace back in the lineup (if both are able to go) should provide a huge boost to Minnesota in its second-to-last game of the year.

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The Steelers have lost three straight games following their Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns, and they’ve surrendered 25 points or more in each of those outings. Not only that, but the three somewhat noncompetitive losses have come at the hands of playoff teams that Pittsburgh could end up facing in January or February.

Needless to say, these results have sparked both anger and concern within the locker room and the fanbase, and linebacker Patrick Queen had a message for his teammates on December 26.

“Regroup. RefocUS. .” Queen posted on his Instagram story, emphasizing an all-caps “US” in “refocus.” Steelers Depot also shared his message on X.

A contingent of Steelers fans might argue that Queen himself is part of the problem amid a down first season in Pittsburgh, but the key defensive starter appears to be attempting to show some leadership either way.

When times are tough, it becomes easy to point the finger of blame — and Steelers defenders have done a lot of that in recent weeks, Queen included. Having said that, there’s still time to right the ship, and perhaps this message is the right one.

Regroup. Refocus. The real season is about to begin.

Steelers Reporter Says Patrick Queen Had ‘Personal Conversation’ With Russell Wilson After Week 17

For better or for worse, Queen has taken on a leadership role with the Steelers, and he’s been leaning into that role in recent weeks. Veteran beat reporter Mark Kaboly (Pat McAfee Show) even revealed that Queen talked with quarterback Russell Wilson after Week 17.

“A handful of players were having one-on-one private talks after the game,” Kaboly relayed on X. “It’s something that usually doesn’t happen. Queen was talking to Russell Wilson. [Linebacker] Elandon Roberts after that. Queen said it was a personal conversation and didn’t elaborate but the nature of the talk was out of the norm.”

Kaboly also noted that “Queen’s frustration was visibly percolating in the locker room even though he was deliberate – unlike others – in leaving the locker room.”

The overall message from Queen, among others: “We just have to do our jobs.” Something Kaboly elaborated on.

“Players saying ‘Do your job’ isn’t something new following a loss,” the Steelers insider wrote. “It’s pretty much part of their vernacular when they lose. But this one sure feels different. It’s been said over and over again over the past few weeks, and it has the feel that the outspoken leaders are mostly referring to one player.”

Although Kaboly never went as far as to name a culprit — and neither did Queen or anyone on the Steelers defense — he did highlight safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, cornerback Donte Jackson, defensive back Damontae Kazee and cornerback Cameron Sutton as players that have been involved in clear defensive breakdowns in recent games.

Steelers Must End Season on High Note by Beating Bengals

The Steelers’ final game of the regular season will come on January 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. So, in a way, Pittsburgh now has a mini bye following a hectic three-game skid.

This matchup could end up meaning everything or nothing for the Bengals, depending on the remainder of Week 17, but either way it’ll be important for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh has already clinched a playoff spot, but it’s clear that they need to close out the year on a high note considering the current state of their locker room. If they lose to the Bengals and finish on a four-game losing streak, it could crush the Steelers’ confidence heading into the wildcard round.

On the flip side, a dominant victory could do wonders, especially if they keep a division rival out of the playoffs in the process.

Not only could the Steelers still win the division with a Week 18 win and a Ravens loss, but it might also give them the belief they need. That, in itself, is more important than postseason seeding.

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Ahead of Thursday’s practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced the team is shutting down linebacker Dre Greenlaw for the final two weeks of the regular season.

Greenlaw made his long-awaited return from a torn Achilles in Week 15, playing one half in a defensive effort that kept the Los Angeles Rams out of the endzone. The linebacker could not finish the game due to soreness and tweaking his knee.

Later that week, Greenlaw said he was good to go and would suit up vs. the Miami Dolphins. On Sunday against Miami, Greenlaw made his second start of the season. Four snaps later, he removed himself from the game after injuring his right calf.

On the CBS broadcast, sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said Greenlaw was “yelling, screaming, and limping in pain.”

In a conference call with the media on Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said it was likely the team would shut Greenlaw down. Shanahan added he would leave the decision up to the linebacker, depending on the severity of the MRI results.

Today, Shanahan said he and Greenlaw talked, and the linebacker understood the decision to cut his return short.

Immediate Dre Greenlaw Replacements

The 49ers’ linebacker core has been decimated this season. Backup Curtis Robinson tore his ACL during Training Camp. De’Vondre Campell is serving a season-ending suspension after quitting on the team amidst Greenlaw’s return, and now Greenlaw has been shut down. Not to mention, Fred Warner has been playing on a fractured ankle for the better half of the season.

Even 2024 seventh-round pick Tatum Bethune, who just had his practice window opened, has spent the last month on Injured Reserve.

Against the Lions, the 49ers will start Warner and second-year linebacker Dee Winters. Warner and Winters are the only linebacker duo with an average coverage grade above 90 in over 100 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles will likely fill in on base downs. 2023 seventh-round pick Jalen Graham is the only other healthy backup linebacker on the active roster.

While the San Francisco 49ers look to finish the season without Greenlaw, his future is a massive unknown.

Greenlaw’s Future

49ers’ Dre Greenlaw will be an unrestricted free agent this coming offseason. The assumption was if the linebacker could stay healthy, he would ask for a large chunk of change. But now, with his health a question, it is hard to imagine Greenlaw commanding a large salary.

That may work in the 49ers’ favor, as the front office has already indicated they want to re-sign Greenlaw for a “long time.”

But if Greenlaw decides to chase the money, something he has already said he wanted for Christmas, 2024 could be his swan song in the Red and Gold.

On the chance Greenlaw departs, the 49ers could ride with Warner and Winters next season. Another option is scouring the free agent market, an avenue Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder insists upon.

The San Francisco 49ers have two games left this season, and the focus will be on the middle of their defense. Can Winters end his sophomore year strong, making retaining Greenlaw no longer a necessity? Or will Greenlaw be missed enough to make re-signing a top priority this offseason?

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The Vikings offense has been among the most potent in the NFL in recent weeks, particularly through the air, as Darnold has tossed just 1 interception over his past six games — all of which Minnesota has won.

Now, with a record of 13-2 and hosting Green Bay at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, December 29, Darnold is doing everything he can not to rile up a Packers defense that is ravaged by injury and unlikely to enter the Week 17 matchup anywhere near full strength.

Reporters on Thursday asked Darnold for his thoughts on Green Bay’s defensive unit, and the quarterback did his best to be blunt while also remaining respectful.

“They’re pretty much good everywhere,” he said.

Top Packers Cornerback Jaire Alexander Doubtful Against Vikings

GettyGreen Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander is unlikely to play against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17 due to lingering injury issues. 

While that respectful summation of Green Bay’s defensive unit may be true when the team is healthy, several important players across multiple levels of the defense are far from it with just three days remaining until a rivalry game of significant consequence.

Multiple-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander will “probably not” suit up for the Packers on Sunday, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.

That doesn’t bode well for a Packers secondary that Darold will seek to attack with star wide receiver tandem Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

“On top of Alexanders’ status, the fact that Keisean Nixon has been playing in the slot recently could force two backups — Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes — into starting outside cornerback roles against the Minnesota Vikings,” Justis Mosqueda of Acme Packing Co. wrote Thursday.

Safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams are also battling injuries, with Bullard limited all week and Williams sidelined for every practice through Thursday, according to Green Bay’s injury report.

Quay Walker also sat out every practice this week, while fellow linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper missed Wednesday’s session and was limited Thursday.

Vikings Offense, Sam Darnold Playing Best Football as Regular Season Winds Down

GettyQuarterback Sam Darnold and head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings will try to best the Green Bay Packers for the second time this season in Week 17. 

Green Bay’s secondary/defense has been elite at creating turnovers this season, with 15 interceptions recorded in 15 games played. However, the group also ranks 20th with 3,434 yards surrendered through the air across that same span.

Darnold has been gettable — to a degree — when it comes to turnovers, with 11 interceptions to his name on the season. However, he has also thrown for 3,776 yards and 32 TDs while completing more than 67% of his pass attempts along the way.

Darnold’s mastery of head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system has been such since a 3-INT game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 3 that it is difficult to see such a banged up Packers defense give Darnold a truly hard time in a must-win game on the Vikings home field.

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While Darnold is just a first-year starter in Minnesota, the former No. 3 overall pick is a seven-year veteran of the NFL who has started games for four different franchises. As such, he’s no stranger to standing up at the microphone in front of swaths of media members and doing his best to either send subtle messages or simply say nothing at all — depending on what the situation calls for.

Darnold and the Vikings are 13-2 heading into their final home game of the season this Sunday, December 29, against the rival Green Bay Packers. Regardless of any other outcomes around the league, if Minnesota can best Green Bay this weekend, the Vikings will then play the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Week 18 for the NFC North Division crown and a No. 1 playoff seed/bye week through Super Wildcard Weekend.

Considering the context, Darnold’s job when speaking with reporters Thursday was two-fold: first, don’t rile up the Packers in any way with bulletin board material. Secondly, say whatever he can to try and lull Green Bay’s defense to sleep.

Attendees at the press conference asked Darnold for his thoughts on the Packers defense, and the quarterback did his best to accomplish both objectives in as few words as possible.

“They’re pretty much good everywhere,” he said.

Packers Secondary Heavily Banged Up Heading Into Vikings Matchup

Getty Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander.

While that respectful summation of Green Bay’s defensive unit may be true when the team is healthy, several important players across multiple levels of the defense are far from it with just three days remaining until a rivalry game of significant consequence.

Multiple-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander will “probably not” suit up for the Packers on Sunday, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.

That doesn’t bode well for a Packers secondary that Darold will seek to attack with star wide receiver tandem Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

“On top of Alexanders’ status, the fact that Keisean Nixon has been playing in the slot recently could force two backups — Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes — into starting outside cornerback roles against the Minnesota Vikings,” Justis Mosqueda of Acme Packing Co. wrote Thursday.

Safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams are also battling injuries, with Bullard limited all week and Williams sidelined for every practice through Thursday, according to Green Bay’s injury report.

Quay Walker also sat out every practice this week, while fellow linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper missed Wednesday’s session and was limited Thursday.

Sam Darnold Has Been on Fire Over Vikings’ Past 6 Games

GettyQuarterback Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings.

Green Bay’s secondary/defense has been elite at creating turnovers this season, with 15 interceptions recorded in 15 games. However, the group also ranks 20th with 3,434 yards surrendered through the air across that span.

Darnold has been gettable — to a degree — when it comes to turnovers, with 11 interceptions on the season. However, he has also thrown for 3,776 yards and 32 TDs while completing more than 67% of his pass attempts along the way.

The quarterback has also thrown just 1 INT in the past six games, all of them wins for the Vikings. His mastery of head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system has been such since a 3-INT game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 3 that it is difficult to see such a banged up Packers defense give Darnold a truly hard time in a must-win game on his home field.

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Jones, after all, has plenty of starter experience, and if a team needs a quarterback to fill in for their starter, he has a leg up on others with less experience.

Daniel Jones Could Help NFC East Team Thrive

The Philadelphia Eagles surprisingly lost to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, December 22. During the game, the team’s franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts exited early with a concussion and had to miss the majority of the game. The Eagles are currently figuring out if Hurts will be able to play in Week 17.

If Hurts is out, the Eagles will have to use either Kenny Pickett or Tanner McKee in their Sunday, December 19, game against the Dallas Cowboys. The team desperately needs one more win in the regular season if they want to be first in the NFC East, so it’s still very important for the Eagles to get at least one more victory.

With the Eagles’ quarterback position questionable, they could look to bring on another quarterback to add some depth to their roster.

“It wouldn’t be the worst idea but there aren’t many options available in free agency with just two weeks to go in the regular season,” noted NFL expert and analyst Patrick McAvoy of Sports Illustrated in a December 24 feature about the Eagles’ conundrum.

That’s where Jones comes in, as McAvoy notes, “There could be an intriguing option available on another team’s practice squad, though.”

“Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had a rough ending to his time with the team,” McAvoy stated in the piece. “He landed a four-year, $160 million deal but was benched this year and eventually was let go. He landed with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad and has been there over the last few weeks.”

Daniel Jones Could Reunite With Saquon Barkley

McAvoy also commented that the Eagles would be allowed to bring Jones on. Teams are able to sign players off other teams’ practice squads if they immediately add them to the active roster, according to the NFL’s rules.

That’s not to mention the idea of retuning Jones with his former Giants teammate Saquon Barkley, who’s having a monumental season with the Eagles. It would be pretty wild to see Jones and Barkley together on the field again, especially on the hunt for the NFC East title. Starting for the Eagles could be a golden opportunity for Jones.

“If the Eagles wanted to make another move, adding Jones would give the team a better chance to win than either Pickett or McKee. Plus, this move would reunite Jones with former Giants teammate Saquon Barkley,” McAvoy stated in the piece. “Nothing should be considered likely, but this could be a fun way to end the regular season.”

The Eagles could sure use a fun way to close out the regular season, and Jones could, too.

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“The [Philadelphia] Eagles are signing QB Ian Book to the practice squad following his visit yesterday, sources say,” NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reported on Thursday of Week 17.

“Jalen Hurts (concussion) was listed as DNP [did not practice] on yesterday’s projected practice report while Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited,” Garafolo explained. “Tanner McKee and Book now also available.”

Book spent the 2024 training camp and preseason period with the Chiefs, competing with Chris Oladokun for the third quarterback role in Kansas City. In the end, KC elected to move on from both players in favor of available former fourth-round talent Bailey Zappe.

Unfortunately, Zappe was later poached off the Chiefs’ practice squad by the Cleveland Browns. KC has since re-signed Oladokun as their QB3.

Ex-Chiefs QB Ian Book Reunites With Eagles Ahead of NFL Playoffs

There’s a reason the Eagles chose to sign Book as quarterback insurance, rather than someone else. The former 2021 fourth rounder of the New Orleans Saints spent some time in Philadelphia from 2022 through 2023.

That gives him some familiarity with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and his offensive system.

Book has not appeared in a regular season NFL game since his rookie campaign with the Saints in 2021. Although he has earned some looks during the preseason.

With the Eagles in 2023, Book completed 63.2% of passes for 91 yards and zero touchdowns or interceptions. He was sacked 3 times.

Statistically speaking, Book performed better with the Chiefs this summer. Over three preseason outings, the former Notre Dame signal-caller completed 72.7% of passes for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns. He did not throw any interceptions.

Sacks were Book’s major issue with Kansas City, as he took 5 of them in limited action. The fourth-year pro also fumbled twice with the Chiefs, losing one of them to the opposition.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Is Getting Everyone Involved Again in 2024

As he has in recent seasons, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is distributing the ball with great variety as the 2024 campaign comes to a close.

On Christmas Day, eight different KC pass-catchers caught the ball as Mahomes threw for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns with an elite total QBR rating of 90.1 out of 100.

Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy led the way with 8 receptions each, but Hollywood Brown (4), Justin Watson (2), Samaje Perine (2), JuJu Smith-Schuster (2), DeAndre Hopkins (2) and Noah Gray (1) all got on the board as well.

And according to A-to-Z Sports Kansas City reporter Charles Goldman, there are signs that the best is still yet to come.

“The offense was cooking against the [Pittsburgh] Steelers in Week 17, but they haven’t quite yet reached their final form,” Goldman wrote on December 26.

“You can tell that by the wide receiver snap splits,” he reasoned. “Players like DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown each were on the field for less than 50% of the team’s offensive snaps. Yes, Kansas City has a lot of snaps to go around at skill positions, but it feels like they’re also holding back from opening the offense up and keeping their best weapons on the field as much as possible.”

“Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster played the most snaps among wide receivers this week,” Goldman went on. He concluded that “I won’t be shocked if we see Hopkins and Brown up there once the playoffs roll around.”

Mahomes agreed that the offense is finally hitting its stride after Week 17. Perhaps, the Chiefs still have a trick or two up their sleeve ahead of the playoffs.

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Granted, injuries always happen, and given that the Cowboys are already out of the playoffs, it’s not the end of the world that an important player would be out with an injury. But, the team would probably still like to win their upcoming games, and injuries don’t help.

Cowboys Star Out for the Season

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ongoing shoulder injury, the Cowboys announced on Thursday, December 26. That means Lamb won’t be at the last two games of the regular season for the Cowboys.

Lamb injured his shoulder back in November but kept playing through the injury. A statement from the Cowboys says that testing shows Lamb’s injury is now worse and that he will need treatment. However, Lamb won’t need surgery, according to the team, so that’s a silver lining.

The Dallas Cowboys’ statement reads, “Additional examinations and scans this week on CeeDee Lamb’s shoulder have determined that his injury has now progressed to a point that he will be listed as ‘out’ for the remaining two games of the season.”

The statement continues, noting, “He will undergo a process of treatment and rehabilitation for his shoulder, is not currently expected to require surgery and is projected to make a full recovery.”

The Cowboys and Lamb inked a four-year, $136 million extension in August, ensuring the star wide receiver would stay in Dallas with quarterback Dak Prescott for the foreseeable future.

Even playing through his injury, Lamb’s numbers have been stellar, with the player counting 1,194 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games this season.

ESPN notes that Lamb isn’t the kind of guy who’s easy to replace.

“Replacing Lamb will be difficult,” ESPN stated in a December 26 feature on the news. “Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert will be their top two wide receivers with Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks on the 53-man roster. The Cowboys could elevate Jalen Cropper or Kelvin Harmon from the practice squad.”

“Lamb became just the third player in NFL history with 100 receptions in three of his first five seasons, joining Michael Thomas and Brandon Marshall,” ESPN added. “Only Thomas (510) has more receptions in a player’s first five seasons than Lamb’s 496.”

Micah Parsons Praises CeeDee Lamb

Also speaking on Thursday, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons sang Lamb’s praises.

“He might be the best receiver I’ve seen,” Parsons said according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota. It doesn’t get much better than that compliment. Parsons added, “He’s QB-proof. I’ve seen him get 1,000 (yards) with Andy Dalton. I’ve seen him get 1,000 with Dak Prescott. I’ve seen him get 1,000 with Cooper Rush.”

He also said that, “You give grace to all these other wide receivers and say they’re not producing because they don’t have their quarterback. CeeDee has shown time and time again that he can do it with anybody throwing him the ball.”

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A first-round pick by the Vikings in 2014, Bridgewater has spent time with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints. He also preceded Vikings QB Sam Darnold with the Carolina Panthers.

However, after leading his high school alma mater to a state championship, Bridgewater is back.

“Comeback: High school state championship-winning coach and NFL QB Teddy Bridgewater is coming out of retirement and is expected to sign with the #Lions, sources tell The Insiders,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on December 26.

Bridgewater teased a return before winning the title. And he made his plans clear during an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast with former NFL star Ryan Clark.

“That’s the plan, man. My team knows that’s the plan,” Bridgewater told “The Insiders” panel on December 17. “We wanted to win the state championship and then go back to the league. See what happens and then come back February in the offseason. Continue to coach high school football. So we’ll see how it plays out.”

Teddy Bridgewater Could Face Vikings in Week 17

GettyTeddy Bridgewater #10 of the Detroit Lions warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Bridgewater, 32, spent the 2023 season with the Lions. He logged three snaps all season, coming in Week 5 against the Panthers. Two of those snaps were kneel-downs. His last start was against the New England Patriots in Week 16 of the 2022 season with the Dolphins.

He will slot into the QB2 role for the Lions, which could put him in position to at least see mop-up duty against his former team, the Vikings.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he had been in contact with Bridgewater for “a while.”

“It was something that was always potentially a possibility,” Campbell told reporters on December 26. “Just to be able to add somebody back here, that’s got experience – He’s staying in shape, he’s been throwing. Just getting him worked back in here a little bit – It just brings a level of professionalism. Veteran presence. Somebody that’s great for our team, he’s great for the position.

“Doesn’t be more disappointed in Hooker. That’s not what this means. It just means this gives us… somebody that’s played a lot of the NFL, and we’re getting ready for the playoffs. And so it’ll be good to get him back in the fold with us.”

The Vikings and Lions could be playing for the NFC North in Week 17, so starter Jared Goff will likely be under center.

But Bridgewater could step in if the game gets out of hand.

Vikings QB Room Will Continue to Make Headlines

GettyNick Mullens #12 and Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings take the field before a game against the Chicago Bears.

Bridgewater said that he plans to return to coaching during the NFL offseason and could repeat this process again next season. His journey may or may not lead him back to Minnesota, but the Vikings will have questions to answer at QB.

Darnold’s play has earned him a new lucrative contract, the value of which the Vikings could balk at paying.

They have rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy in the fold.

However, he has missed the entire regular season and most of the preseason with a torn meniscus that required two procedures. McCarthy is expected to be fully recovered by the start of training camp next season.

But that is far from guaranteed as is his ability to keep the Vikings performing at or near the level Darnold has this season.

Daniel Jones is also a key factor.

The Vikings signed him to the practice squad in free agency after the New York Giants released him. It is unclear how much Jones will want to return to the Vikings if McCarthy is the clear front-runner or if a better offer will emerge.

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Aaron Rodgers was a little more creative for the holidays.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini shared on social media that Rodgers handed out multiple expensive gifts to his offensive line in the sprit of gifting.

“A custom Tom Ford suit (a tailor twice came to the facility to take measurements). Tom Ford cologne. Tom Ford sunglasses. Louis Vuitton passport holder. Stereo speaker. Bottle of Devils River bourbon,” Cimini revealed.

Jets offensive linemen each received several Christmas gifts from Aaron (Santa) Rodgers:

A custom Tom Ford suit (a tailor twice came to the facility to take measurements)
Tom Ford cologne
Tom Ford sunglasses
Louis Vuitton passport holder
Stereo speaker
Bottle of Devils River…

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 26, 2024

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The combination of items has an estimated retail value of $8,500.

Rodgers is good to go For Week 17

Interim Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich left some doubt during his media availability this week that Rodgers might not suit up this week due to a new knee issue.

However, when Rodgers spoke to the media he shut all of that speculation down.

“Yeah I’m gonna play and it feels pretty good … [I’m dealing] with a little MCL but I’ve had a lot worse. I lucked out [and] avoided stretchage of the MCL … there is no way I’m not playing,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers said he did not have to take an MRI for the injury and jokingly responded, “No we actually never talked about one, we didn’t talk about it” when asked if he refused to undergo an MRI.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport said in a report earlier this season that Rodgers “refused” medical scans to avoid revealing the full extent of his injuries in fear that he would be taken off of the field.

Rodgers Has The Opportunity to Smash Some Jets Records

The former four-time NFL MVP seems hellbent on finishing this season. He discussed that motivation to play in all 17 games on the Netflix documentary “Enigma” after blowing his Achilles during the 2023 season.

If he does fulfill that promise, Rodgers has a chance to break some Jets franchise records and some NFL ones to boot.

Rodgers is just a single passing touchdown away from joining the 500+ passing touchdown club.

Only four players in NFL history have ever accomplished that feat. The list includes Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539), and Brett Favre (508).

Rodgers is only 227 passing yards away from leapfrogging retired QB Matt Ryan for No. 7 on the all-time passing yardage list.

Rodgers is 497 passing yards away from passing Joe Namath as the single-season passing yards leader. Namath is the only QB in Jets history to have thrown for 4,000 passing yards. As a matter of fact, he was the first QB in NFL history to ever throw for 4,000 passing yards. He did that in only 14 games back in 1967.

Rodgers is eight passing touchdowns from surpassing Ryan Fitzpatrick’s Jets franchise record of 31 passing touchdowns. With only two games left to go that appears incredibly unlikely that Rodgers will accomplish that feat.

However, a respectable finish, let’s say three passing touchdowns total across the final two weeks, could launch Rodgers into the top three of most passing touchdowns by a Jets quarterback in a single season ever.

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The move comes as no surprise following head coach Kyle Shanahan’s conference call with the media on Monday, where he told reporters Williams will not play the final two games of the season.

The eleven-time pro bowler has been battling an ankle and heel injury he suffered in the team’s November 10th victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played through the injury the following week and was initially listed as questionable for Week 12 against the Packers but was ruled out. After the game, he was seen riding a knee scooter.

In the final two weeks of the season, the 49ers will look to piece together a makeshift left side of the offensive line.

Replacing Trent Williams

Earlier this week, the 49ers also placed backup left tackle Jaylon Moore on Injured Reserve with a quad injury. 

Moore, who had been filling in for Williams, was having the best year of his career. Posting a career-high 73 pass-block grade and allowing just ten pressures, Moore made the loss of Williams manageable.

With Williams and Moore on the shelf, San Francisco hopes Spencer Burford can start Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Unfortunately, Burford is not practicing on Thursday due to a calf injury.  Shanahan did say “there is a chance” the former fifth-round pick can play this Sunday.

If all three of the 49ers tackles are unavailable, the team must turn to recently signed Charlie Heck or Austin Pleasants.

Heck is a former fourth-round pick of the Texans. He has appeared in 48 games (21 starts) with Houston (2020-23) and Arizona (2024).

Meanwhile, Pleasants has played in three games staggered across a four-year NFL career. He has never started a game in his NFL career.

A last resort option would be elevating Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad. The former undrafted free agent has played in one game with the 49ers since 2023. Like Pleasants, he would be in line for his first career start.

49ers Sign Offensive Lineman

The 49ers signed center Matt Hennessy to a two-year contract. Hennessy’s signing adds much-needed depth to a depleted offensive line, with backup center Nick Zakelj in line to start at left guard on Sunday.

The signing also adds an intriguing future option for 2025.

Hennessy is a former third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. Ironically, Hennessy learned under former 49ers’ center Alex Mack before taking over the starting job in Atlanta from him.

With 22 starts under his belt, Hennessy has a 96.8 pass-blocking efficiency rating and only allowed 44 pressures and six sacks in 807 pass-blocking snaps. As a first-year starter in 2021, Hennessy totaled the 3rd highest run-blocking grade in the NFL (88.1).

The former Temple product has dealt with his fair share of injuries, most notably a knee injury that cost him the entire 2023 season. 

Hennessy’s signing gives the 49ers high-end potential at a low-risk cost. He can also enter 2025 battling Jake Brendel for the starting center position, who currently ranks 52nd with a 48.9 pass-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus.

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The latest example seems to have come in Week 16, following a 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders which snapped the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reported that Sirianni apologized to Washington tight end and former Eagles star Zach Ertz via a Zoom call about a postgame confrontation that seemed to start when Ertz took exception to something Sirianni said to him right before Sirianni shook hands with Washington head coach Dan Quinn.

In a video shared by JP Finlay of NBC Sports, Ertz appears to walk over to Sirianni and angrily asks “What?” as the 2 begin to walk and jaw at each other.

Ertz and Sirianni were eventually separated by Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro.

“… their brief dust-up saw Ertz take exception to a comment Sirianni made about his performance in the game,” McLane wrote.

Ertz, 34 years old, had 1 catch for 12 yards against the Eagles and is second on the Commanders with 55 receptions for 538 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Sirianni’s Long History of Awkard Moments

Sirianni’s 4 seasons in Philadelphia have been defined by 2 things — lots of winning and lots of awkward moments.

Earlier this season, Sirianni was pilloried in the media after a confrontation with Eagles fans following a Week 6 home win over the Cleveland Browns.

“A few of his players told Nick Sirianni to just be himself,” NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Reuben Frank wrote after the win over the Browns. “Unfortunately, he was listening. Sirianni was caught on the Eagles-Browns FOX TV broadcast having an animated shouting match with fans at the Linc in the final seconds of the Eagles’ win Sunday … Video shows Sirianni holding his hand up to his ear in a sarcastic way of indicating, ‘I can’t hear you.’ ”

Sirianni has also been a relentless winner in his 4 seasons in Philadelphia. The Eagles are 46-20 under Sirianni and in the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. In his second season, in 2022, Sirianni led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ertz Helped Philadelphia Win Only Super Bowl

Ertz is one of the greatest tight ends in Eagles history and had his best seasons in Philadelphia, where he played 9 seasons after he was selected in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2013 NFL draft out Stanford.

From 2013 to 2021, Ertz was a 3-time Pro Bowler and helped lead the Eagles to the lone Super Bowl win in franchise history following the 2017 season. In 2018, Ertz set the NFL single-season record for tight ends with 116 receptions. Ertz also owns the Eagles’ single-game record with 15 receptions.

Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals halfway through the 2021 season — Sirianni’s first year in Philadelphia — and played 2 seasons there before he was released.

After spending time on the Detroit Lions practice squad in 2023, Ertz has rejuvenated his career with the Commanders in 2024 after signing a 1-year, $3 million contract.

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The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on December 26 that the Eagles signed quarterback Ian Book to their practice squad. Book played for the Eagles in 2022.

“Hurts isn’t the only quarterback dealing with an injury right now,” Garafolo wrote on his official X account. “Backup Kenny Pickett had to undergo an x-ray on his ribs. following the Eagles’ loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 16. The #Eagles are signing QB Ian Book to the practice squad following his visit yesterday, sources say. Jalen Hurts (concussion) was listed as DNP on yesterday’s projected practice report while Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited. Tanner McKee and Book now also available.”

Hurts has not even been a limited participant in practice this week as he’s been in concussion protocol. Book is likely to suit up in Week 17 as Philadelphia’s third emergency quarterback, with Tanner McKee serving as Pickett’s backup.

“Three quarterbacks at practice,” PHLY’s Zach Berman wrote on his official X account on December 26. “Jalen Hurts is not one of them. Kenny Pickett is throwing with Tanner McKee before practice.”

The Eagles saw their 10-game winning streak snapped in a 36-33 loss to the Commanders in which Hurts was taken out of the game with a concussion in the first quarter. Philadelphia is currently 12-3 and occupies the No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoffs.

Book Led Notre Dame to 2 CFP Appearances

Book was Notre Dame’s starting quarterback for 3 seasons from 2018 to 2020 — a stretch in which he led the Irish to 2 appearances in the College Football Playoff, where they lost to the eventual national champion both times with Clemson in 2018 and Alabama in 2020.

Book’s 30 career wins set the Notre Dame record for quarterbacks and his 72 career touchdown passes were second all time behind just Brady Quinn.

Book had his best season at Notre Dame in 2019 — sandwiched between the CFP appearances — with 3,034 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and 6 interceptions to go with 546 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.

Headed into the 2021 NFL draft, the biggest issue with Book seemed to be his size, at just 6-foot and 211 pounds.

“Notre Dame’s winningest quarterback brings plenty of leadership and overall intangibles with him,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote his his pre-draft evaluation. “He has big game experience in his background, too. However, his size and arm strength fall below NFL standards and there isn’t anything in his game that he can really hang his hat on that counters those issues.”

Journeyman NFL Quarterback Since 2021

Book was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round (No. 133 overall) in 2021 and signed a 4-year, $4.15 million contract.

The Eagles are his fourth team in 4 seasons, which has also included stops with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. Book made his only career start in 2021 with the Saints, when he went 12-of-20 passing for 120 yards, no touchdowns and 2 interceptions while taking 8 sacks in a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 16.

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However, in six years with the Raiders, Crosby has had one winning season and hasn’t won a play game. That lack of success can wear on a player like Crosby. The star defensive end recently vented about his situation in Las Vegas, which led to some trade speculation.

“Years of inconsistency. New coaches every other year. New teammates. And there’s been plenty of times where I’m like, ‘Damn, like, this D line is cold,’ and then I come back and every single one of them is gone,” Crosby said on the Dec. 24 episode of “The Rush.” “It’s like, ‘What the [expletive]?'”

“It’s tough, bro, because I feel for Myles (Garrett) because he’s in that same boat,” Crosby added.

It’s clear that Crosby is starting to get frustrated with the inconsistency with the Raiders. He’s in the prime of his career and may have concerns about spending the rest of it in Las Vegas if he doesn’t think they can win.

Maxx Crosby Talks Contract

Another reason why there’s starting to be some trade speculation with Crosby is due to his contract situation. He’s one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL but he has no more guaranteed money left on his contract.

He doesn’t seem excited about that as he spoke about being something that needs to be addressed in the offseason.

“I have no more guaranteed money,” Crosby said. “Obviously there’s going to be a lot of things that need to be talked about and I’m looking forward to those conversations. It’s going to be awesome. I’m looking forward to this offseason and the process and I will say, on top of it – the Raider fans have been dope as [expletive] and I love them to death. Like that’s one thing, through everything the fans have truly since Day 1 embraced me and being in their corner. I think it’s the dopest [expletive], like even with the injuries and all this [expletive] the support has been the coolest [expletive] ever. Yeah, there is so many things that gotta be talked about, so it’s going to be interesting. I’m looking forward to it.”

General manager Tom Telesco gave Crosby a raise in the offseason for no reason so it’s hard to imagine he’ll shut down the defensive end when he comes to renegotiate his contract.

Crosby Trade Is Unlikely

Crosby may be getting frustrated with the Raiders and could even get to the point where he requests a trade but he’s under contract through the 2026 season. There’s not much he can do if the Raiders don’t want to trade him.

Crosby isn’t the holdout type so it’s unlikely he’d hold the Raiders’ feet to the fire if he wanted a trade. Las Vegas shouldn’t want to trade him. He’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL and he’s only 27. The more likely solution is for the team to restructure his contract to give him more guaranteed money.

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Bridgewater is signing with the Detroit Lions, the NFC Super Bowl favorite, per FanDuel.

The No. 32 overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, Bridgewater was also the first black QB named the Broncos’ Week 1 starter. He retired following the 2023 season with the Lions.

“Comeback: High school state championship-winning coach and NFL QB Teddy Bridgewater is coming out of retirement and is expected to sign with the #Lions, sources tell The Insiders,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on December 26.

“Bridgewater appeared on @nflnetwork and revealed his plans to play again. Back to Detroit.”

“That’s the plan, man. My team knows that’s the plan. We wanted to win the state championship and then go back to the league. See what happens and then come back February in the offseason. Continue to coach high school football. So we’ll see how it plays out,” Bridgewater told “The Insiders” panel on December 17.

“Right now I’m enjoying this state championship, man, and we’ll see how it all plays out.”

Teddy Bridgewater to Backup Former No. 1 Pick, Mentor Maligned Youngster

GettyHead coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions talks to Teddy Bridgewater #10 before a game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Bridgewater was 7-7 in his lone season as the Broncos starter. He also owns a 33-32 record as QB1 in his career. But he is back in a familiar role with the Lions. It combines his playing and coaching skills as a backup for the Lions.

Detroit has former No. 1 pick (2016) and Super Bowl QB Jared Goff entrenched as their starter. Bridgewater can still operate as a sounding board and go-between with the coaching staff.

The Lions also have former third-round pick Hendon Hooker, who Bridgewater has mentored.

Like Bridgewater, Hooker suffered a serious knee injury. The youngster praised the veteran journeyman for teaching him “how to be a pro.”

“He’s really kind of brought me into his circle, and it’s a blessing,” Hooker said, per MLive’s Kyle Meinke in January 2024. “Teddy’s been my mentor this whole year, and I’m going to continue to work with Teddy this offseason. Really just follow him around, take mental notes, little tidbits that the naked eye might not see, or coach might not see. Teddy’s been in those positions where he’s been on the field and in control.”

Both of the Broncos’ backup QBs, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, are free agents in 2025.

Perhaps a reunion with Bridgewater would make sense for the Broncos, who have Bo Nix entrenched as QB1.

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they call him “teddy two gloves” for a reason #teddybridgewater #detroitlions #nfl #NFLPlayoffs

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Teddy Bridgewater Would Make Fine Mentor for Broncos QB Bo Nix

GettyJarrett Stidham #8, Bo NIx #10, and Zach Wilson #4 of the Denver Broncos on the field during OTAs.

Stidham’s presence for Nix was good with the latter having a year under Broncos head coach Sean Payton and experience under another demanding head coach, Bill Belichick, to his credit entering this season.

Wilson was the No. 2 overall pick who saw the weight of an organization’s (New York Jets) failures fall on his shoulders.

Bridgewater could help Nix too.

Bridgewater overcame similar questions about his ability to make all the necessary throws, particularly deep, that Nix faces. The former’s decision not to wear gloves on his pro day, as was typical for him, only amplified those concerns.

Bridgewater, a Pro Bowler in 2015, averages 7.3 yards per attempt for his career ahead of his comeback.

That would rank 17th in the NFL through the Christmas Day games in Week 17 this season, putting Bridgewater just behind Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford, a Super Bowl winner.

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One fan went so far as to make his own sign that said, “Tank for Sheduer,” and displayed it during the Raiders’ Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Sanders has been a hyped-up prospect for years but the NFL is becoming a reality. He’s in his last year in college and will be playing on Sundays next year.

He saw the Raiders fan with the sign and had a response on what he thought about it.

“Whenever you see a fan took his time out of the day to bring that sign and then it’s on TV and everything, it’s just like dang, this is crazy,” Sanders said on the Dec. 24 episode of the “2Legendary with Shedeur Sanders” podcast. “It feels real. It’s real, now.”

There’s not much Sanders can do to end with the Raiders. He’s going to have to play wherever he’s drafted but there’s been a lot of flirting with Las Vegas. Time will tell if it can happen.

Could Raiders Still Land Shedeur Sanders at No. 6?

According to Tankathon, the Raiders are currently set to hold the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many believe that could take them out of position to draft Sanders but that’s no guarantee.

However, this is considered a weak quarterback class and the teams picking ahead of Las Vegas may prefer to address other positions. The one team that will almost certainly pick a quarterback is the New York Giants and they currently hold the No. 1 pick, but they may not favor Sanders.

In a recent mock draft from Nate Tice and Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports, the Giants take Miami’s Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick and Sanders falls to the Raiders at No. 6.

“Another team with a dire quarterback situation, the Raiders opt to take Sanders to shore up that position for them,” Tice and McDonald wrote in a Dec. 26 mock draft. “They can’t walk into another season with Aidan O’Connell as their best option, even though he’s a good backup option to have moving forward.”

This would be a best-case scenario for the Raiders as they wouldn’t have to reach too high for a potential franchise quarterback and also wouldn’t have to make a trade-up.

Can Raiders Hold off on a QB for Another Year?

The Raiders may also have to consider waiting another year to address the quarterback need. The fact of the matter is that their roster isn’t close to being ready to compete in a loaded AFC West. Plus, the jury is still out on head coach Antonio Pierce.

If the plan is to keep Pierce another year, it might be better for the Raiders to roll with a veteran at quarterback in 2025. The 2026 class of quarterbacks could also be much better. The Raiders could use their first-round pick to address a position of need while filling out some other roster holes. Then whoever they draft in 2026 could be stepping into a much better situation.

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A Veteran Returns

Bridgewater, 32, announced his retirement earlier this year after a nine-season NFL career. Known for his accuracy, poise, and leadership, Bridgewater has played with several teams including the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins. Over his career, he has thrown for over 15,000 yards and 75 touchdowns, and has a 66.4% completion percentage. This makes him one of the league’s more reliable backup quarterbacks.

The return marks Bridgewater’s second stint in Detroit, after previously signing with the Lions in 2023. His familiarity with the organization and head coach Dan Campbell is another key factor in this reunion. Bridgewater and Campbell worked together in New Orleans during 2018 and 2019. There, they helped the Saints secure playoff berths in consecutive seasons. 

The Lions have a strong foothold in the NFC playoff race, and saw an opportunity in Bridgewater. Jared Goff remains the Lions’ starter, but as a seasoned player, Bridgewater can step up if needed. His presence and veteran experience provide security for a team aiming for a deep postseason run.

Why the Lions Called Bridgewater

The Lions’ quarterback depth has been a concern throughout the season. Behind Goff, the options have been limited to younger and less-experienced players, raising concerns about the team’s ability to adapt if injuries arise. Adding Bridgewater to the QB roster fills this gap with a reliable, proven player.

Bridgewater has built a reputation as a steady game manager who thrives under pressure. His ability to keep turnovers low and execute in critical moments makes him an ideal insurance policy for Detroit. Additionally, his connection with Campbell and prior experience with the Lions’ staff ensures a smoother transition, as Bridgewater already understands the team’s culture and expectations.

Timing is Everything

With two games remaining in the regular season, Bridgewater’s signing comes at a critical time. The Lions are focused on finishing strong and solidifying their playoff seeding, and Bridgewater could prove an invaluable addition if the unexpected happens. Though it’s unlikely he’ll see the field in the coming weeks, his presence alone brings peace of mind to the Lions’ coaching staff.

Detroit’s offense has been a force this season, and Bridgewater’s ability to step in if needed adds another layer of preparedness. Additionally, his experience could provide a calming presence in the quarterback room as Goff navigates a high-pressure playoff environment.

What’s Next?

While the details of the contract haven’t been disclosed, Bridgewater’s decision to step out of retirement reflects the allure of joining a playoff contender like Detroit. His first tasks will be to familiarize himself with the Lions’ system and build chemistry with teammates. Fortunately, his prior stint in Detroit and connection to Campbell provide him a strong foundation to quickly integrate into the roster.

For the Lions, this move signals a commitment to going all-in for a postseason run. Bridgewater’s return strengthens their depth at the most important position, ensuring they are prepared for any scenario in January. As Detroit aims for its first NFC Championship since 1991, the addition of a proven veteran like Bridgewater adds both confidence and security to a team looking to make history.

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Maybe it’s McCarthy who, despite the Cowboys’ underwhelming 7-8 record, holds some power over the team’s front office. That’s because rumors have begun to rumble that if the Cowboys let McCarthy walk, he will have other suitors on the coaching market.

While most of the top coaches expected to be available in the offseason are coordinators, maybe the most sought-after option is former Titans coach Mike Vrabel. After him, there are not very many experienced coaches expected to be on the market in the offseason, especially with Bill Belichick having taken the job at North Carolina.

Already, we can say for sure that New Orleans, the Jets and Chicago will be looking for a coach. Jacksonville is almost a sure thing, and some teams willing to make a change after one year–the Patriots, Raiders and Titans–could be added to that mix. And there may be some established coaches who are KO’d after disappointing years, like Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, Mike McDaniel in Miami, or Brian Daboll of the Giants.

And from veteran USA Today writer Jarrett Bell comes this notion: Those teams could come after McCarthy as their next coach. Bell had a stern warning for the Cowboys about McCarthy’s future.

Mike McCarthy Proactive About New Jobs?

Bell pointed out that McCarthy hired well-respected agent Don Yee last April, which could put McCarthy in the arena for new jobs if the Cowboys don’t come through with an extension. Bell wrote, “What if McCarthy, with his contract up, decides that he’s had enough of the intense scrutiny that comes with coaching arguably the most high-profile team in the NFL?

“With his experience, a resume that includes a Super Bowl victory with the Packers and three straight 12-win campaigns with the Cowboys, and a track record for bringing out the best in quarterbacks, McCarthy could be a hot item on the open market.”

Cowboys Under Pressure

The pressure has been rising in recent weeks to Jerry Jones and the Cowboys to give McCarthy an extension, especially as the injury-ravaged  team has managed to rally together and play better than the sum of its parts. The Cowboys have won four of the last five games, which would be five straight if not for a fumbled punt late in a loss to the Bengals.

Said Jones about the situation this week on Dallas radio (via ESPN):

“We’re just talking about what is positive right now. We started the conversation talking about how good a job I think with the circumstances that we’ve been dealing with, how good a job that the coaching staff is doing. It’s led by Mike McCarthy. And that’s what we’re doing. I’m saying just what I’m saying. I’m very impressed with how this team and how it’s playing, and the level of tenacity, and I’m impressed with the fact we’ve got a lot of young players getting a lot of experience out there. The future looks bright there with those players.”

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Jones spotted a disparity on Christmas Day, taking to social media to criticize officials on a call that benefitted the Kansas City Chiefs in their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though the call didn’t matter much in the end, the game ended up having a big impact on the Bills and their playoff seeding.

DaQuan Jones Upset About Controversial Call

The Chiefs jumped out to a 13-0 lead in their game on Christmas, but the Steelers were looking to strike back and driving into the red zone. They appeared to cut into the lead on a Jaylen Warren touchdown, but it was called back after a holding call on tight end Darnell Washington.

The penalty ended up having a big impact, with Russell Wilson throwing an interception on the following play. Many questioned the call, including Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones.

“They never call that hold,” Jones shared in a post on X.

The call didn’t have much impact on the game, with the Chiefs dominating en route to a 29-10 victory.

There has been controversy surrounding the Chiefs this season, including a Week 2 pass interference call that helped set up a game-winning field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chiefs Win Clinches Top Seed

The win on Christmas moved the Chiefs to 15-1 and sealed their place as the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC for the playoffs. That will allow the team the chance to sit quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters in the season finale if they choose, while also taking some pressure off the Bills.

Going into Wednesday’s game, the Bills needed to win both games and have the Chiefs lose both of their remaining games to give Buffalo the chance to clinch the No. 1 seed. The Bills clinched the AFC East in early December and are now close to locked into the No. 2 spot, needing just one win in their remaining two games or one more loss from the Baltimore Ravens to lock up that spot.

The Bills face the New York Jets on Sunday, a game that could have meaning beyond the playoff standings. After a shaky game in last week’s win over the New England Patriots, quarterback Josh Allen is in a closer race for MVP. Though Allen seized the frontrunner status in the race, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson pulled closer with a strong performance in his team’s Christmas Day win over the Houston Texans.

USA Today’s Safid Deen wrote that Allen is still in the lead despite one shaky performance.

“Allen may have been subpar against New England, but it’s hard to forget what Allen has accomplished this season: He led the Bills to wins over the teams with the best records in the NFL – the Chiefs and Lions,” Deen wrote. “He became the first player in NFL history to throw three touchdowns and score three rushing touchdowns in a game. And the Bills clinched the AFC East on Dec. 1.”

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter argued, though, the Steelers don’t have much of a choice. If they want to continue to compete for a postseason berth in 2025, then they have to bring back Wilson.

“What do you want them to do at the quarterback position?” Schefter asked on ESPN’s Get Up on December 26, via The Steelers Depot. “Who’s going to be out there that’s an upgrade over Russell Wilson right now?

“There are two logical first-round quarterbacks in the draft. You’re not going to get either one of those. The top free agent quarterbacks are going to be Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson. Is there another quarterback in the trade market that all of the sudden is going to spring free? Probably not.

“So, this is where the Steelers are.”

Wilson has completed 64.6% of his passes for an average of about 7.7 yards per attempt this season. He also has 15 passing touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

That was more than good enough for the Steelers to go 6-1 in his first seven starts. But Wilson and the Steelers went winless in a three-game stretch against the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.

Versus those three Super Bowl contenders, Wilson averaged 5.9 yards per pass and 183.3 passing yards per game. He also had only 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Steelers Still Want to Bring Back Russell Wilson?

Schefter began his argument by reporting that the Steelers want Wilson to return. So, in a way, Schefter’s point was moot because the team doesn’t seem interested in testing the quarterback market again.

But the insider’s point still rings true. Last year, the Steelers went quarterback shopping because a few available quarterbacks likely offered an upgrade over Kenny Pickett. That’s not the case with Wilson and the possible 2025 quarterback market.

So, for next season, Schefter said the Steelers will have to re-sign Wilson and find other ways to improve.

“They’ve got to find a way to build out the roster and get the turnover battle that they haven’t been able to get to compete with the top teams,” Schefter added. “If they are not getting turnovers, they’re not going to win.”

The Steelers are 10-6 in large part because of their plus-15 turnover margin. Entering Week 17, they held the second-best turnover differential in the NFL.

But over the past three games, the Steelers are minus-2 in turnover margin.

The Steelers were a little unlucky against the Ravens and Chiefs. They forced 4 fumbles on defense and special teams but were unable to recover any of them.

In a perfect world, though, the Steelers would be able to compete without always having to rely on takeaways.

Is the Door Now Open to a Justin Fields Return to Pittsburgh?

Schefter made no mention of Justin Fields in his discussion about Wilson’s future in Pittsburgh. The general consensus among NFL pundits is Fields will not return to the Steelers in 2025 because either the team will not able be able to afford him with Wilson or Fields will have an opportunity to start elsewhere.

But unless Wilson finishes the 2024 campaign on a high note, there will be some fans wondering whether Fields is a better long-term option.

Sports Illustrated’s Noah Strackbein argued that the Steelers should consider Fields over Wilson for Week 18.

“The Steelers have a decision to make. If they want a real shot at breaking their playoff drought, they need to give Fields another chance,” Strackbein wrote. “Otherwise, they’re heading into the final week of the season with a quarterback who’s losing them games, and ignoring that the magic apple of Russell Wilson has turned bad.”

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin gave no indication that’s a possibility in his Week 17 postgame press conference. But the speculation about what the team should do at quarterback this offseason will likely be rampant if Wilson can’t lead the team to a playoff win.

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In light of Philadelphia Eagles franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts suffering a concussion in Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders, Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy suggested the Eagles could be looking to sign Jones off the Vikings’ practice squad.

“Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had a rough ending to his time with the team. He landed a four-year, $160 million deal but was benched this year and eventually was let go. He landed with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad and has been there over the last few weeks,” McAvoy wrote on December 24. “Now that Hurts has a concussion, could the Eagles get Jones? Technically, it is possible. Teams can sign players off other teams’ practice squads if they were to add them to the active roster.

If the Eagles wanted to make another move, adding Jones would give the team a better chance to win than either [Kenny] Pickett or [Tanner] McKee. Plus, this move would reunite Jones with former Giants teammate Saquon Barkley.”

While Jones would need to be added to the Eagles’ 53-man roster, it’s unlikely he’d be trusted to help Philadelphia clinch the NFC East division title this week.

However, he would provide the best veteran insurance policy at the quarterback position in time for the playoffs. Jones has a playoff win under his belt and has similar mobility as Hurts, making him an ideal fit for the Eagles and a potentially awkward reunion if Philadelphia and Minnesota met in the postseason.

The Vikings signed Jones to their practice squad on November 27 after the Giants released him midseason following his benching in Week 10.

Vikings Eyeing Daniel Jones as Veteran Insurance in 2025

GettyMinnesota Vikings QBs Sam Darnold #14 and Daniel Jones #13, formerly of the New York Giants.

When Jones cleared waivers following his release, he had several potential suitors but opted to join Minnesota. The Vikings offensive system under Kevin O’Connell is coveted for turning around Sam Darnold’s career, creating intrigue for other quarterbacks around the league.

Before the start of the season, Minnesota signed Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract as competition for the starting job alongside J.J. McCarthy. When McCarthy underwent season-ending knee surgery, the Vikings’ season seemed lost. Oddsmakers set their win-total over-under to just 6.5 wins with the prospect that Darnold would be the starting quarterback for the entire season.

O’Connell has proved he can get more out of his quarterbacks with Darnold leading a 13-win season with two weeks to go.

Entering Week 17, McCarthy appears to be the quarterback of the future moving forward. Darnold is poised to strike a lucrative multi-year deal elsewhere as the No. 1 free-agent quarterback in 2025.

Meanwhile, Jones is getting a crash course in the Vikings system to serve as the potential bridge veteran option, next year if he re-signs with the team in March.

Vikings Urged to Franchise Tag Sam Darnold: Sorry J.J. McCarthy

GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 and Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings participate in a drill during training camp.

With a playoff appearance in tow and the No. 1 seed in the NFC in sight, the case to move off Darnold after the season can seem ludicrous from an outside perspective.

While Minnesota drafted McCarthy to exploit the roster-building benefits of a rookie-scale starting quarterback, Darnold is flirting with a level of play worthy of splurging on.

NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” host Peter Schrager pitched that the Vikings should consider franchise-tagging Darnold and deferring the McCarthy plan another year.

“If I’m the Vikings I’m either signing [Darnold] and saying to JJ McCarthy, ‘Sorry. dude. It’s just what it is,’ “Schrager said. “Or, I’m going to franchise tag Darnold and say ‘Let’s run it back.’ ”

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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Carroll has “expressed interest” in the Bears’ head coaching job and wishes to return to the sideline as an NFL head coach for the 2025 season after spending a year away from the gig as an advisor for the Seattle Seahawks.

Carroll spent 14 seasons as the Seahawks’ head coach from 2010 to 2023 and guided the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship following the 2013 season. He also won back-to-back NFC championships for the franchise, posting a 136-89-1 coaching record before mutually agreeing to step down as head coach in 2024 and become an advisor.

Carroll’s candidacy for the Bears’ coaching job is intriguing. Not only did he oversee 11 winning seasons in his 14 years leading the Seahawks, but he also played a critical role in the development of Russell Wilson — who, under Carroll, made nine appearances in the Pro Bowl and led the league in passing touchdowns (34) during the 2017 season.

The Bears cannot start interviewing head coaching candidates for their job opening until January 2025, giving them roughly another week to figure out their targets.

Pete Carroll Has Strong Resume, But Does He Fit With Bears?

From the Bears’ perspective, Carroll reaching the playoffs in 10 of his 14 seasons with the Seahawks could appeal to them, but his background as a defensive coach also seems to clash with what they are reportedly prioritizing in their next head football coach.

According to Schefter, the Bears are seeking an offensive-minded head coach who can focus on developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Current offensive coordinators such as Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions), Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills) and Liam Coen (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) fit the bill, but Carroll and his history of crafting defenses does not.

Carroll is also a questionable locker room fit for the Bears at 73 years old. One of the many problems with their previous head coach, Matt Eberflus, was that he struggled to relate to the locker room — and Eberflus is nearly two decades younger than Carroll. That’s not to say Carroll could not overcome his age with his eccentric personality, but it would give the Bears an additional concern that a younger coach likely would not.

Ben Johnson Remains Top Candidate for Bears’ Job

Carroll — or, more accurately, his representation — throwing his hat in the ring for the Bears’ coaching job is notable, but it does not change the growing sentiment that there is one candidate who makes more sense than the rest of the field: Johnson in Detroit.

Johnson has earned a reputation as one of the more creative young offensive play-callers in the league over the past three seasons as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, making him highly appealing for a team seeking an offensive mind to lead its roster. Johnson also spoke glowingly about Williams before their Week 16 matchup.

“There’s no question this guy is talented,” Johnson said with a smile on December 19. “I remember standing on the sideline last game, and you can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him. Can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well.”

The bigger question now, though, is whether Johnson truly desires the Bears’ coaching job. Johnson will expectedly be a coach in high demand during the 2025 hiring cycle, and there are other teams with young quarterbacks — or ample resources to get one — who could appeal to Johnson for his first foray into the head coaching arena.

That said, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that the Bears’ coaching job has Johnson “intrigued” beyond the talent they currently have at the quarterback position. Pelissero emphasized that Chicago’s major market and future stadium plans could play a role in his attraction to the job, as could their ample cap space and draft resources.

Time will tell.

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One includes former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini was asked about Darnold during an interview with radio host Jake Asman.

“Sam Darnold, I always thought was a talented guy, he just wasn’t working here in New York. He probably needed a change of scenery. Good for him, he’s going to get a massive contract from someone this offseason. Good for him. He put in the work, he rehabilitated – I think last year was good for him, just having a year with Kyle Shanahan,” Cimini said on “The Jake Asman Show” on ESPN880 in New York. “I don’t know where it’ll be. Minnesota? Maybe Tennessee or somewhere like that but I’d be willing to bet anything that he is not going to come back to the Jets.”

For #Jets fans holding their breath about a potential Sam Darnold reunion in 2025, don’t count on it.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini told @JakeAsman, ‘I’d be willing to bet anything that he is not going to come back to the Jets.’ 😳😭

📻 @880ESPNNewYork, @JakeAsmanShow #JetUp #SKOL… pic.twitter.com/1K7zF5M8RY

— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) December 26, 2024

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According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, Darnold is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $141 million. That projected $35.4 million annual salary would make him the No. 14 highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, per Over The Cap.

Darnold Might Cost Even More Than That…

The former USC product will hit free agency at the ripe age of 27. If Darnold was told he could sign for that amount of money a year ago he would have taken it.

However, your value includes a lot of different variables. Of course how good you are matters, but it also is important to note who else is available.

It’s a supply-and-demand business. If you’re the only commodity in town, your value increases by default.

When you take a gander at the free-agent quarterback class that is going to be available it leaves a lot to be desired.

Darnold and Russell Wilson of the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only two surefire starting quarterbacks who are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents in 2025. Everyone else who will be available at QB is completely unproven.

Wilson is nine years older than Darnold and he seems to have found a forever home with Pittsburgh. That would leave Darnold as the only top available quarterback with a lot of NFL teams fighting for his services.

All of a sudden Darnold could go from a projected $35 million per year contract to something comfortably in the $45 million per year ballpark, if not higher.

A Jets – Darnold Family Reunion in 2025?

It would be sort of poetic for Darnold to be drafted by the Jets in 2018, struggle, get traded away, and for him many years later to return to the team where it all started.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini is probably right, a Darnold return to the Jets is a longshot. He is going to have a ton of options that include staying in Minnesota or simply going to the highest bidder in free agency.

It should be noted that the regime that drafted Darnold and the one that traded him away is no longer at 1 Jets Drive. The green and white will have a couple of new sheriffs in town by the time he’s making the decision on his football future.

Darnold is having a career season with the Vikings in 2025. The team is 13-2 and has a path to the No. 1 seed in the NFC conference. He has thrown for 3,776 passing yards, has a 32 touchdown to 11 interception ratio, and has completed 67.2% of his passes. All of those statistical milestones are new career highs for the seven-year pro.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on December 26 that the Dolphins will waive Barrett from their Reserve/Retired list. Barrett will be eligible to play for another team if he clears waivers.

“We appreciate the Dolphins giving Shaq this opportunity to continue his career in the NFL,” Barrett’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said in a statement, via Schefter’s X (formerly Twitter) account. “Hopefully he will pass through waivers and become a free agent, so he can play again this season.

“He is in great shape and would be ready to play immediately.”

Barrett hasn’t played since the 2023-24 postseason. He signed a free agent contract with the Dolphins in March but then elected to retire from the NFL in July.

He applied for his reinstatement to the league in November.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on November 26 that Barrett ending his retirement surprised him. At that time, Miami’s plans with Barrett were unclear.

His December 26 release, though, means he will never play in a game for the Dolphins.

Shaq Barrett Could Play for Another Team in 2024

Schefter explained on X that if Barrett goes unclaimed on waivers, then he will be eligible to play this season for any team. However, Schefter added Barrett will be ineligible to return if another team claims him on waivers.

It’s unlikely that will happen. But the possibility exists. An NFL team on its way to the postseason could claim Barrett to prevent another playoff team from adding the veteran to its roster.

Barrett made second-team All-Pro with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019. He reached double-digit sacks with 10 in 2021 as well.

The 32-year-old earned Pro Bowl nominations in both of those seasons.

Barrett started his career with the Denver Broncos. But he broke out with his second-team All-Pro season during his first year with the Buccaneers.

In 131 NFL games, he has posted 59 sacks, 73 tackles for loss and 125 quarterback hits.

Dolphins Pass Rush Without Shaq Barrett in 2024

Barrett only registered 7.5 sacks in 24 games from 2022-23. So he might not have made a huge impact with the Dolphins had he played this season.

But there’s still a lingering “what if” with Barrett and the Dolphins.

Miami has mostly struggled to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. The Dolphins are ranked 26th with 31 sacks in 2024. They have performed better in other categories such as pressure rate, hurry percentage and quarterback knockdown rate. But they are still in the bottom half of the league in two of those three statistics.

With Barrett, perhaps the Dolphins would have been a little better at pressuring quarterbacks, forcing the opposition into more mistakes. Miami has recorded only 8 interceptions this season.

But Barrett will move on having never played for the Dolphins.

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler leads Miami with 8.5 sacks this season. Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson has come on strongly as of late and is second for the Dolphins with 6 sacks.

All 6 of Robinson’s sacks have come since Halloween. He has 4 sacks in the past five games.

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However, if we’re doing that debate again after the rookie seasons of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels … it’s not really a debate.

The Ringer’s Todd McShay did a 2024 re-draft on “The McShay Show” on December 25 that saw him drop Williams to No. 3 overall to the New England Patriots, Daniels pushed up to No. 1 to the Bears and Drake Maye to No. 2 to the Commanders.

In real life, the draft order was Williams, Daniels then Maye.

“I don’t know that Jayden Daniels would have a whole lote more success than Caleb Williams (in Chicago), but I think after just about a full season in the NFL, Jayden Daniels feels like the right decision here,” McShay said. ” … I just can’t debate it. I think it was really close coming in (to the draft) between (Daniels) and Caleb, and Jayden has just outplayed him this year.”

Both Williams and Daniels have started every game for their teams as rookies in 2024. The Bears are 4-11 and in last place in the NFC North. The Commanders are 10-5, in second place in the NFC East and can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 17.

“The scenario is simple for Washington: win against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football, and they’ll lock up their first playoff appearance since 2020,” NFL.com’s Zach Selby wrote on December 25. “It would also be their first 11-win season since 1991.

Record-Tying Run on QBS in 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL draft will forever be known for its record-setting run on quarterbacks and offensive players overall.

The 2024 draft set the record for most consecutive offensive players selected to open the draft (14), most offensive players taken in the first round (23) and tied the 1983 NFL draft for the most quarterbacks taken in the first round (6).

In the actual 2024 draft, the 6 quarterbacks went in the first 12 picks, with Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 to the Falcons, J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 to the Minnesota Vikings and Bo Nix at No. 12 to the Denver Broncos.

In McShay’s re-draft, he had Nix to the New York Giants at No. 6, Penix to the Tennessee Titans at No. 7 and McCarthy to the Falcons at No. 8.

Daniels Had Signature Moment in Head-to-Head

Daniels had not just the signature moment of his rookie season but the signature moment of the 2024 NFL season when he went head-to-head against Williams and the Bears in Week 8.

Playing with injured ribs, Daniels rallied the Commanders from a double-digit deficit and made a play play that will live on through the ages in franchise history — a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from Daniels to Noah Brown as time expired to give the Commanders the 18-15 win over the Bears in Week 8 that sent the crowd at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, into a frenzy.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame created an exhibit for the ball Brown caught, Brown’s gloves and one of the end zone pylons.

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One of those improvements should probably be along the offensive line, where Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder thinks the Eagles should add veteran offensive lineman La’el Collins to the practice squad to add depth. It’s probably the best they could ask for in terms of a late season insurance policy.

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“Joe thuney……. A F***ing Dawgggggg,” Jones wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

In the 29-10 win over Pittsburgh, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked zero times, which was just the third time this season that Mahomes finished a game without being sacked.

It’s no coincidence that Kansas City has been able to protect Mahomes better since D.J. Humphries (hamstring) went down with an injury in Week 14 and Thuney replaced him at left tackle. In the two games before Christmas Day’s victory, Thuney surrendered just three QB hits and zero sacks as the team’s starting LT, per PFF.

The starting lineup of Thuney, Mike Caliendo, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, and Jawaan Taylor has proven to be the Chiefs’ most effective offensive line grouping this season. Because of that, the team should strongly consider keeping Humphries on the bench and Thuney at left tackle for the remainder of the season even when Humphries is healthy enough to return.

Chiefs Find Offensive Footing in Win Over Steelers

Heading into Week 17, the Steelers defense was allowing the seventh-fewest points per game this season, according to Team Ranking. Despite that, Kansas City’s offense displayed how it is rounding into form by scoring 29 points against a tough AFC opponent on the road.

Mahomes had his best performance of the season by completing 29-of-38 pass attempts for 320 yards and three touchdowns. His leading receiver was tight end Travis Kelce, who had a team-high 11 targets and caught eight of them for 84 yards and one touchdown.

Kansas City’s leading rusher was running back Kareem Hunt, who had a team-high nine carries for 20 yards — 2.2 yards per carry — and one touchdown.

Without Jones (calf) in the lineup, the Chiefs’ defense bottled up the Steelers offense. The unit sacked Pittsburgh QB Russell Wilson five times, forced two turnovers (interception, forced fumble), and allowed the Steelers to score on just 1-of-4 red zone trips, per ESPN.

With the win, the Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which means they will have a bye week during the first round of the playoffs as well as home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

X Users Reacted to Joe Thuney’s Christmas Day Performance

X users reacted to Thuney’s performance on Christmas Day.

“Shoutout to Joe Thuney: Best Tackle and Guard on the team,” one person wrote. “If this team 3 peats he will be a huge reason why. That man’s name will be in the ring of honor one day. Been worth every cent.”

“Joe Thuney moved to LT and has lined-up against Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson over the last 3 games, and the Chiefs went 3-0. Shout out to one of the most elite offensive linemen in the NFL,” another person wrote.

“What Joe Thuney and the rest of the Chiefs O-line has done to 3 of the top D-lines in the NFL in the past 10 days cannot be understated. Absolutely incredible work,” another person wrote. “Now I just ask that Andy Reid dials up a TD for Thuney in the playoffs at some point.”

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That’s despite the powerhouse running back continuing to add to his own legitimate claim for the league-wide award with a dominant performance against the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. Henry rushed for 147 yards to underpin a 31-2 victory at NRG Stadium.

Yet, as has often been the case this season, Henry found himself upstaged by Jackson. The latter threw a pair of touchdown passes and surpassed Michael Vick as the most-prolific running quarterback in NFL history.

Henry was asked about fans chanting “MVP” to Jackson during a road game. The two-time NFL rushing champion responded, “He deserves it. He’s been doing this for a long time, and it’s only right for him to get a third one. The stats prove it,” per Ravens Vault co-host Sarah Ellison.

That’s a magnanimous statement. Especially considering Jackson is playing the best football of his career largely because he’s sharing the backfield with Henry.

Debate will rage about who is more valuable, but Henry is still deferring to Jackson.

Lamar Jackson Looks Unstoppable in MVP Race

It’s going to be difficult for anybody to surpass Jackson as a worthier candidate to be named MVP. No. 8 isn’t just setting records for his enduring ability to gash defenses on the ground. Jackson’s also added nuance as a passer with every game.

His 10 completions from 15 attempts against the Texans moved Jackson into second all-time in league history for highest passer rating in a single season, according to The 33rd Team.

Baltimore’s QB1 completed over 60 percent of his passes in a game for the 16th time this season. As if that wasn’t enough, Jackson is also averaging a career-high 8.9 yards per attempt.

He’s progressed in every meaningful areas as a passer. Generating improved accuracy, greater efficiency, increased yards per attempt and more points.

Add 852 yards as a runner, a tally buoyed by scampering 48 yards for a touchdown in Houston, and few would argue Jackson is the most valuable player in football.

If there are still any dissenters, they could do worse than endorse Henry. His prolonged brilliance has lifted Jackson and the Ravens entire offense to new heights.

Derrick Henry’s Impact Can’t Be Understated

An easy way to gauge Henry’s impact is to consider the recent, rough three-game stretch that culminated with working over the Texans. The Ravens were warned about overusing Henry during a demanding 10-day schedule, but offensive coordinator Todd Monken didn’t heed the warning.

Instead, Monken gave Henry 65 carries during the three games, including 51 in the last two against AFC contenders the Pittsburgh Steelers and Texans. Henry responded by hammering the Steelers for 162 yards, before averaging 5.4 yards per carry in Houston.

The veteran has stood up strong and done most of his damage via inside runs. A theme Henry continued by going “between the tackles on a season-high 81.5% of his carries, gaining 140 of his 147 rush yards,” according to Next Gen Stats.

Henry’s ability to stay this productive where the running is toughest is why seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady has a bold prediction about how long the 30-year-old will last.

It’s also why Henry is arguably just as valuable as Jackson. He’s given defenses another elite big-play specialist to try and contain.

Choosing who to focus on is a nightmare dilemma for defensive coordinators. Choosing who is MVP is a toss up.

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Minnesota hosts the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, December 29, in the team’s final home game of the season. Should the Vikings win that contest, they will move to 14-2 and head to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions in Week 18 for the right to call themselves champions of both the division and the conference.

Minnesota announced some news on Tuesday that bodes well for the franchise’s chances to accomplish both of those goals.

“The Vikings announced linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr., has been designated for return and is returning to practice,” Craig Peters, senior editor of Vikings.com, wrote. “This move opens a 21-day evaluation period for the second-year linebacker who suffered a hamstring injury at Chicago in Week 12.”

While Minnesota has three weeks to get Pace back into the lineup, the team’s hope is to have him ready to go against Green Bay four days from now, per Chris Gates of SB Nation’s Daily Norseman.

Ivan Pace Jr. Will Be Crucial Cog in Run Game Against Tough Packers Offense

GettyLinebacker Ivan Pace Jr. of the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings have missed Pace’s presence in the middle of the field, particularly in the run game.

“While Pace has been out, the Vikings’ run defense that had been the best in the league has struggled a bit, though it still retains its standing among the top run defenses in the NFL,” Gates wrote on Christmas Day. “Pace’s return should help significantly against a Green Bay team that has shown a pretty solid commitment to running the ball in recent weeks.”

The Packers have been excellent on the ground behind running back Josh Jacobs, who came over from the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the 2024 campaign and has put together what should be a Pro Bowl campaign. Jacobs has rushed the football 278 times for 1,216 yards and 13 TDs. He has also caught 35 passes for 340 receiving yards and 1 score.

Ivan Pace Jr. Among Best Values on Vikings Defense

GettyLinebacker Ivan Pace Jr. of the Minnesota Vikings.

Pace — who has started 20 of 26 games to this point in his NFL career, including all nine games in which he’s played this season — struggles in pass coverage from the middle linebacker spot but is borderline elite as a run defender and pass rusher with player grades in the mid-80s in both of those categories, per Pro Football Focus.

His traditional counting statistics are excellent as well. Pace has tallied 32 solo tackles and 17 assists this year as well as 26 stops, 15 quarterback pressures, 3 sacks and a fumble return for a touchdown, according to PFF.

During his rookie season in 2023, the undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati also produced 2.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble during his rookie campaign, along with 102 combined tackles. Beyond that, Pace is an incredible value in Minnesota, playing in the second season of a three-year deal worth just $2.7 million total.

And while quarterback Sam Darnold and the Vikings offense are getting much of the publicity for the team’s success this season, most analysts have credited the defense as the driving force behind Minnesota’s unexpected run — one that could reasonably carry the franchise all the way to the Super Bowl in New Orleans next February.

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Swift wasn’t at the game, and there’s likely a good reason why she skipped the event.

Why Travis Kelce Didn’t See Taylor Swift at His Christmas Day Matchup With the Chiefs

It’s actually not surprising that Swift didn’t attend Kelce’s game. It’s known that Swift has to be very careful when it comes to her security. She’s one of the most famous singers in the world, and with that, comes the baggage of having people doing whatever they can to get close to her.

Swift has only been going to Kelce’s home games this season, and it’s believed to be because of security concerns. Last year’s Christmas Day game took place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, so she was there. But, the 2025 Christmas Day game wasn’t.

In October, a source told Page Six that Swift was opting not to attend away Chiefs games this season because of the security risk. “She’s not going anywhere unless she knows the venue intimately, and it has been thoroughly scouted and secured in advance,” the source told Page Six.

So, don’t fret, because Swift skipping the game likely isn’t a reflection of her feelings to Kelce.

It’s also likely that Swift is still getting some time with Kelce over the holidays. In a December 3 feature, a source told Us Weekly that Swift planned to host both her and Kelce’s families. Since her massive Eras Tour has come to a conclusion, Swift is planning to enjoy some special time with Kelce for a while.

“Taylor plans to stay in and hibernate [with Travis] for a while,” the source told Us Weekly. “They want to do ‘normal things’ as a couple.” The insider also said the couple won’t get engaged over the holidays and that they would “love to be engaged” but “aren’t rushing it.” So, if you’re hoping to see Swift post a diamond ring on social media over the holidays, you might be disappointed.

Travis Kelce Has Been Shopping for Taylor Swift

In the same Us Weekly feature, a separate insider said that Swift like to take relationships slowly. “Taylor does feel like Travis is ‘The One,’ but jumping in is not her style,” the source said. “That’s just not how she does [things]. Marriage is a big deal, and she wants [it to be] forever.”

Even though Swift wasn’t at Kelce’s game, it sounds like the tight end wants to make this holiday together special. In a December 5 feature, a source told Page Six, “Although he’ll be playing on Christmas and has an away game the weekend of Taylor’s birthday, Travis is going to make sure to take time out to celebrate both occasions with her.” The insider also said that Kelce “has been shopping for Christmas and birthday gifts for Taylor for quite a while now.”

Kelce had a stellar game against the Steelers, catching 8 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.

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