Calvin Ridley joins the revamped Titans offense

The Titans add Calvin Ridley for their new commitment to the pass

The Tennessee Titans signed Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million contract that includes $50 million in guarantees. The Jaguars added Gabe Davis to cushion the blow but the Titans acquired another wideout that has an elite ceiling. Derrick Henry just moved on to the Ravens, and the Titans offense will be all new this season under head coach Brian Callahan.

The Titans have long been a run-heavy offense and the rookie Will Levis took over midway through the season. They ranked  No. 32 in pass attempts (490) and completions (302) and only No. 31 in pass touchdowns (12) last season. That’s sure to change with the addition of Ridley who joins DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks in the new offensive scheme that Callahan is importing from his years as the Bengals offensive coordinator.

YEAR TM GMS RUNS YARDS TDS PASS COMP YARDS TDS PPR PTS RANK PPR
2018 ATL 16 6 27 0 92 64 821 10 208.8 19
2019 ATL 13 2 34 0 93 63 866 7 195.0 27
2020 ATL 15 5 1 0 143 90 1374 9 281.5 5
2021 ATL 5 0 0 0 52 31 281 2 71.1 100
2023 JAC 17 9 23 0 136 76 1016 8 227.9 19

Ridley had a breakout 2020 season when he caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns to end as the No. 5 fantasy wideout that year. He would step away from football in 2021 due to mental health reasons and then was suspended for the 2022 season, due to betting on NFL games.

Ridley reclaimed his career in 2023 when he led the Jaguars with 76 catches for 1,106 yards and eight scores – double that of any other team mate. He has a chance to supply the No. 1 role in Tennessee with the 31-year-old Hopkins on the downside of his career.

The Titans also added Mason Rudolph to back-up Levis, and the passing scheme will not be the league’s worst again this year. With the backfield no longer the center of the offense, Ridley has a chance to keep his career on track.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) receives a pass to bring in a touchdown past Tennessee Titans cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (0) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.

2024 NFL Combine results

2023 NFL Combine measurements

The 2024 NFL combine is in the books for the fantasy positions of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. The below results have highlighted players that are considered at the top of their position entering the combine. This draft class is expected to be wideout-rich, but a weaker set of running backs and tight ends, and with the typical handful of quarterbacks that may show up as a rookie.

The talk of the combine wasn’t quarterbacks as many opted out of the 40-yard dash and other drills. Audric Estime from Notre Dame did himself no favors running a position worse 4.72 40-time that will carry weight into the draft process, regardless of his success in college.

More than any other single player, the Texas Longhorn Xavier Worthy turned in a all-time combine record of 4.21 in the 40-yard dash that should propel him into the first round. In the end, drill timings are interesting but not a predictor of future success. This is the first time that reliable, objective measurements have been made for these rookies.

Quarterbacks Height Weight 40-Yard Arm Hand Wingspan School
Caleb Williams 6’1 214 32 9 3/4 75 7/8 USC
Jayden Daniels LSU
Drake Maye 6’4 223 32 1/4 9 1/8 76 1/8 North Carolina
J.J. McCarthy 6’3 219 31 5/8 9 75 7/8 Michigan
Michael Penix Jr. 6’2 216 33 5/8 10 1/2 81 Washington
Sam Hartman 6’1 211 4.8 31 3/8 9 3/4 75 1/4 Notre Dame
Devin Leary 6’1 215 30 7/8 9 1/2 74 3/8 Kentucky
Joe Milton 6’5 235 33 3/8 10 1/4 80 Tennessee
Bo Nix 6’2 214 30 7/8 10 1/8 74 1/2 Oregon
Spencer Rattler 6’0 211 4.95 31 7/8 9 7/8 74 1/4 South Carolina
Austin Reed 6’2 220 4.82 30 1/8 9 7/8 73 3/8 Western Kentucky
Michael Pratt 6’2 217 30 1/4 9 1/4 77 Tulane
Jordan Travis 6’1 200 31 3/8 9 76 Florida State
Kedon Slovis 6’3 223 4.55 31 1/8 9 7/8 74 3/8 BYU
Running Backs Height Weight 40-Yard Arm Hand Wingspan School
Jonathan Brooks 6’0 216 31 1/2 9 1/4 75 7/8 Texas
Trey Benson 6’0 216 4.39 31 1/2 9 1/4 76 3/8 Florida State
Braelon Allen 6’1 235 31 1/4 9 1/4 76 1/4 Wisconsin
Blake Corum 5’8 205 4.53 28 7/8 9 70 1/8 Michigan
Audric Estime 5’11 221 4.72 32 3/8 10 1/4 76 1/2 Notre Dame
Rasheen Ali 5’11 206 31 1/4 8 5/8 Marshall
Emani Bailey 5’7 202 4.61 29 7/8 9 3/4 70 3/4 TCU
Isaiah Davis 6’0 218 4.58 31 1/8 10 1/4 74 7/8 South Dakota State
Ray Davis 5’8 211 4.53 30 1/4 8 7/8 72 1/4 Kentucky
Daijun Edwards 6’0 207 29 3/4 9 1/2 71 3/4 Georgia
Frank Gore Jr. 5’8 201 29 5/8 8 1/4 70 5/8 Southern Mississippi
Isaac Guerendo 6’0 221 4.33 30 3/4 9 1/4 74 7/8 Louisville
George Holani 5’10 208 4.52 29 3/4 9 3/4 72 3/8 Boise State
Bucky Irving 5’9 192 4.56 29 1/2 9 1/2 70 5/8 Oregon
Dillon Johnson 6’0 217 4.68 30 9 3/8 72 5/8 Washington
Jawhar Jordan 6’0 193 4.56 30 1/8 8 1/2 71 Louisville
Dylan Laube 6’0 206 4.54 29 3/8 9 1/4 71 1/8 New Hampshire
MarShawn Lloyd 5’9 220 4.46 30 3/8 8 3/8 73 5/8 USC
Jase McClellan 5’10 217 31 1/8 10 1/4 75 1/2 Alabama
Kendall Milton 6’2 225 4.62 31 3/4 9 5/8 77 1/2 Georgia
Keilan Robinson 5’8 191 4.42 30 5/8 9 5/8 74 3/8 Texas
Cody Schrader 5’9 202 4.6 28 1/8 9 1/8 65 5/8 Missouri
Will Shipley 5’11 206 30 1/2 9 5/8 74 1/8 Clemson
Jaden Shirden 5’8 187 4.46 28 3/4 9 1/4 69 5/8 Monmouth
Tyron Tracy 5’11 209 4.49 31 3/4 9 1/8 76 5/8 Purdue
Kimani Vidal 5’8 213 4.46 30 3/8 9 3/8 73 1/4 Troy
Michael Wiley 5’11 210 4.52 30 9 1/4 74 1/8 Arizona
Miyan Williams 5’9 229 31 5/8 9 69 5/8 Ohio State
Jaylen Wright 5’11 210 4.38 31 1/2 9 3/8 75 7/8 Tennessee
Wide Receivers Height Weight 40-Yard Arm Hand Wingspan School
Marvin Harrison Jr. 6’3 209 31 7/8 9 1/2 77 1/4 Ohio State
Rome Odunze 6’3 212 32 1/4 9 1/4 76 3/4 Washington
Brian Thomas Jr. 6’3 209 4.33 32 3/4 9 3/4 79 5/8 LSU
Malik Nabers LSU
Keon Coleman 6’3 213 4.61 32 1/8 9 3/8 78 1/8 Florida State
Xavier Worthy 5’11 165 4.21 31 1/8 8 3/4 74 1/4 Texas
Troy Franklin 6’2 176 4.41 31 7/8 8 3/4 77 1/4 Oregon
Ladd McConkey 6’0 186 4.39 30 1/4 8 5/8 72 Georgia
Javon Baker 6’1 202 4.54 32 1/4 9 5/8 78 1/4 UCF
Jermaine Burton 6’0 196 4.45 31 9 7/8 74 7/8 Alabama
Jalen Coker 6’1 208 4.57 32 7/8 9 7/8 76 3/4 Holy Cross
Jacob Cowing 5’8 168 4.38 29 1/4 9 69 1/8 Arizona
Ryan Flournoy 6’1 202 4.44 31 5/8 10 1/8 76 1/8 SE Missouri State
Anthony Gould 5’8 174 4.39 29 5/8 8 7/8 69 7/8 Oregon State
Lideatrick Griffin 5’10 181 4.43 30 5/8 9 1/8 72 3/4 Mississippi State
Jah’Quan Jackson 5’9 188 4.42 30 7/8 8 7/8 74 7/8 Tulane
Cornelius Johnson 6’3 212 4.44 31 7/8 8 5/8 77 1/4 Michigan
Xavier Legette 6’1 221 4.39 31 7/8 9 77 1/2 South Carolina
Luke McCaffrey 6’2 198 4.46 30 1/8 9 5/8 74 1/2 Rice
Jalen McMillan 6’1 197 4.47 32 1/8 10 77 3/8 Washington
Bub Means 6’1 212 4.43 33 1/4 10 1/8 79 3/8 Pittsburgh
Adonai Mitchell 6’2 205 4.34 32 3/8 9 77 5/8 Texas
Ricky Pearsall 6’1 189 4.41 30 7/8 9 1/4 73 3/8 Florida
Ja’Lynn Polk 6’1 203 4.52 31 3/4 9 3/4 74 1/2 Washington
Brenden Rice 6’2 208 4.5 33 9 5/8 78 USC
Tayvion Robinson 5’11 191 31 9 1/4 75 1/4 Kentucky
M. Rosemy~Jacksaint 6’1 195 33 10 77 3/4 Georgia
Ainias Smith 5’9 190 29 8 1/2 70 1/4 Texas A&M
Jamari Thrash 6’0 188 4.46 31 8 5/8 74 1/2 Louisville
Devaughn Vele 6’4 203 4.47 33 1/2 9 3/4 79 1/8 Utah
Tez Walker 6’2 193 4.36 33 1/4 9 1/8 79 1/8 UNC
Malik Washington 5’9 191 4.47 30 3/8 9 1/4 72 7/8 Virginia
Tahj Washington 6’0 174 29 1/8 8 3/8 70 USC
Zay Weaver 6’0 169 31 1/8 8 7/8 73 1/4 Colorado
Jordan Whittington 6’1 205 30 3/8 10 73 5/8 Texas
Johnny Wilson 6’6 231 4.52 35 3/8 10 84 1/2 Florida State
Roman Wilson 5’11 185 4.39 30 3/8 9 3/8 72 1/2 Michigan
Isaiah Williams 5’9 182 4.63 30 1/8 9 1/8 72 3/4 Illinois
Tight Ends Height Weight 40-Yard Arm Hand Wingspan School
Brock Bowers 6’3 243 32’68” 9’6″ 78’28” Georgia
Ja’Tavion Sanders 6’3 245 4.69 32’78” 10’01” 78’28” Texas
Ben Sinnott 6’3 250 4.68 32’38” 9’04” 77’48” Kansas State
Cade Stover 6’4 247 4.65 32’68” 9’06” 77’28” Ohio State
Erick All 6’4 252 33′ 10’18” 79′ Iowa
AJ Barner 6’6 251 33’38” 9′ 81’78” Michigan
Jaheim Bell 6’3 241 4.61 33′ 10′ 78’68” Florida State
Devin Culp 6’3 231 4.47 32’78” 9’2″ 78’48” Washington
Dallin Holker 6’3 241 4.78 33’58” 10’02” 78’18” Colorado State
Theo Johnson 6’6 259 4.65 33′ 10’28” 80’68” Penn State
Trey Knox 6’3 240 34’28” 9’3″ 78’68” South Carolina
Tanner McLachlan 6’5 244 4.61 31’58” 9’3″ 77’28” Arizona
Tip Reiman 6’4 271 4.64 32’78” 10’4″ 79’48” Illinois
Brevyn Spann~Ford 6’4 260 4.76 33’38” 10’02” 80′ Minnesota
Jake Westover 6’2 243 32’18” 9’01” 77’18” Washington
Jared Wiley 6’6 249 4.62 33’28” 9’4″ 79’28” TCU

 

2024 NFL Combine fantasy preview

Time to get a first look at the 2024 NFL rookies measurables – the real ones, not the ones that their college PR machine publish.

Spring is not far off and neither is the NFL draft. The NFL Combine is that stopping place between college play and an NFL team submitting that player name in Detroit  sometime between Thu, Apr 25, 2024 – Sat, Apr 27. This is the first time college players get officially measured, where quarterbacks may get shorter, running backs weigh less, and receivers slow down from what their college bios may have claimed.

This is where fantasy football starts for the new year. There are always rookie surprises and plenty of reasons to take the chance on a new player, hoping you landed a big value (cough-cough-Puka Nacua-cough). This is the official start of the hype machine stoked by player agents and highlight films, bought into by franchises trying to appease the fan base and the source of tremendous optimism. Many will not measure up in the long-run, but many will. And it all starts here.

NFL Combine schedule

Thursday, February 29th, 3 PM ET – Defensive Linemen/Linebackers

Friday, March 1st, 3 PM ET – Defensive Backs, Tight Ends

Saturday, March 2, 1 PM – Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers

Sunday, March 3, 1 PM – Offensive Linemen

Saturday is the day when you get a first look at players that will likely show up in nearly every round in your fantasy drafts. Tight ends test on Friday but have historically been minor contributors in their first season, at least until last year when Sam LaPorta shattered that concept when he ended as the No. 1 fantasy tight end.

Invited Players

Here’s the list of players that will appear, and a quick breakdown of the top players in their positions so you’ll know who to pay extra attention.

QUARTERBACKS

Top prospects

Caleb Williams, USC – Widely expected to be the 1.01 pick of the draft by the Bears. Two years starting at USC totaled 8,170 pass yards, 72 pass TDs, 524 rush yards and 22 rush TDs. Highly coveted franchise quarterback.

Drake Maye, North Carolina – Can run well but the 2-year starter in North Carolina is a deadly passer who peaked with 4,321 pass yards and 38 TDs in 2022. Huge at 6-4, 230 pounds and can make any throw, and ran for up to 698 yards in a season. Expected to be a Top-5 pick.

Jayden Daniels, LSU – Heisman Trophy winner. Mature, experienced, dual-threat fifth-year quarterback who peaked in 2023 with 3,812 pass yards, 40 pass TDs, 1,134 rush yards and ten rush TDs. Top-5 pick likened to Lamar Jackson but maybe even a better passer.

Rest of field

  • Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
  • Devin Leary, Kentucky
  • J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
  • Joe Milton III, Tennessee
  • Bo Nix, Oregon
  • Michael Penix Jr., Washington
  • Michael Pratt, Tulane
  • Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
  • Austin Reed, Western Kentucky
  • Kedon Slovis, BYU
  • Jordan Travis, Florida State

RUNNING BACKS

Top prospects

Jonathon Brooks, Texas – Tore his ACL late last year and will not participate in combine drills. Three-down back that can offer dynasty league value that pays off in 2025. May have been the first RB selected prior to injury.

Trey Benson, Florida State – Two-year starter for FSU, averaged 6.1 YPC as a rusher and scored 24 TDs total with two 900+ yard seasons as a rusher. Downhill runner may be first back selected and can offer two-down skillset while upgrading his role as a receiver.

Braelon Allen, Wisconsin – Another bruising runner at 6-2, 238 yards who offers two-down rushing at first and can grow into a better receiver. Three-year starter for Badgers who may end up as the Thunder in a committee backfield but can play all roles. Only 20 years old.

Audric Estimé, Notre Dame – Took over as the primary back in 2023 and ran for 1,341 yards and a school-record 18 TDs while catching 17 passes for 142 yards.  Tough to tackle combination of speed and power should be a Top-5 pick for the position.

Blake Corum, Michigan – Team captain of the National Champs is smaller at 5-8, 200 pounds but four-year back started the last three with 2023 serving up 1,245 rush yards and 27 TDs after tearing meniscus at the end of 2022. Elite back that played behind an elite O-line. Will be 24 in November.

Rest of field

  • Rasheen Ali, Marshall
  • Emani Bailey, TCU
  • Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
  • Ray Davis, Kentucky
  • Daijun Edwards, Georgia
  • Frank Gore Jr., Southern Mississippi
  • Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
  • George Holani, Boise State
  • Bucky Irving, Oregon
  • Dillon Johnson, Washington
  • Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
  • Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
  • MarShawn Lloyd, USC
  • Jase McClellan, Alabama
  • Kendall Milton, Georgia
  • Keilan Robinson, Texas
  • Cody Schrader, Missouri
  • Will Shipley, Clemson
  • Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
  • Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue
  • Kimani Vidal, Troy
  • Michael Wiley, Arizona
  • Miyan Williams, Ohio State
  • Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

WIDE RECEIVERS

Top prospects

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State – As hyped as any rookie wideout in recent history. Will be the first wideout taken. Big, fast, elusive, and won the Biletnikoff Award as best receiver. Two years at Ohio State both ended over 1,200 yards and 14 TDs. Considered a tier above all other college wideouts.

Rome Odunze, Washington – Led the nation with 1,640 receiving yards on 92 catches with 13 TDs. Expected to go in first half of Round 1. Great size at 6-3, 215 pounds with elite hands and a quarterback’s best friend with catch radius and ability to get open.

Malik Nabers, LSU – Junior season exploded for 89-1,569-14 stat line playing with  QB Jayden Daniels. May be the No. 2 WR selected. Only 20 years old and likely a Top-10 overall pick. Tough to tackle and a speedster that averaged 17.6 YPC last year. Expected to provide Year 1 fantasy starter production.

Brian Thomas Jr., LSU – The other half of LSU’s deadly wideouts led team with 17 TDs on his 68 catches for 1,177 yards and averaged 17.3 YPC in his breakout season. Solid speed with 6-5 frame will be a difference-maker at the next level and should be a Round 1 pick with immediate fantasy value.

Keon Coleman, Florida State – Transferred to FSU as a Junior and ended with 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 TDs as their leading receiver. Plenty fast enough with a 6-4, 215 pound frame. Projects as a productive No. 2 NFL wideout for a team that needs a possession receiver and end-zone target.

Troy Franklin, Oregon – Improved all three seasons with the Ducks and ended with 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 scores in 2023. The 6-3 speedster was timed at a 4.35 40-time and expects a Day 1 call as a premier deep threat that can still play the middle.

Xavier Worthy, Texas – Another potential field-stretcher who topped out at 75 catches for 1,014 yards last year and scored 26 times in his career as a third-year Longhorn. The 6-1 receiver has his 172-pound weight work against him but he’s expected to run a 4.3-ish 40-time and can offer a valuable role as a returner that may see him sneak into Day 1.

Ladd McConkey, Georgia – Struggled with injury last year but turned in 58 catches for 762 yards and seven scores for the Bulldogs as a sophomore and projects as a slot receiver at 6-0 and 185 pounds. Precise route runner that shined at the Senior Bowl and should be called on Day 2.

Rest of field

  • Javon Baker, UCF
  • Jermaine Burton, Alabama
  • Jalen Coker, Holy Cross
  • Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
  • Jacob Cowing, Arizona
  • Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State
  • Anthony Gould, Oregon State
  • Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State
  • Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane
  • Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
  • Xavier Legette, South Carolina
  • Luke McCaffrey, Rice
  • Jalen McMillan, Washington
  • Bub Means, Pittsburgh
  • Adonai Mitchell, Texas
  • Ricky Pearsall, Florida
  • Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
  • Brenden Rice, USC
  • Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky
  • Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia
  • Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
  • Jamari Thrash, Louisville
  • Devaughn Vele, Utah
  • Devontez Walker, North Carolina
  • Malik Washington, Virginia
  • Tahj Washington, USC
  • Xavier Weaver, Colorado
  • Jordan Whittington, Texas
  • Isaiah Williams, Illinois
  • Johnny Wilson, Florida State
  • Roman Wilson, Michigan

TIGHT ENDS

Top prospects

Brock Bowers, Georgia – If there is another Sam LaPorta in this draft (and there had never been before), then it would clearly be Bowers who led the Bulldogs in catches, yards, and receiving TDs in all three of his seasons. As a freshman he scored 13 times. As a sophomore, he caught 63 passes for 942 yards. He’s expected to be a Top-10 pick and offer fantasy value even as a rookie. He’s in a tier all by himself for college tight ends.

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas – He may be the second tight end drafted, but is considered a significant drop from Brock Bowers. Sanders is a 6-4, 256-pound receiving tight end who turned in around 50 catches for 650 yards for the last two years. He’ll be more of a development player than a Year 1 contributor.

Rest of field

  • Erick All, Iowa
  • AJ Barner, Michigan
  • Jaheim Bell, Florida State
  • Devin Culp, Washington
  • Dallin Holker, Colorado State
  • Theo Johnson, Penn State
  • Trey Knox, South Carolina
  • Tanner McLachlan, Arizona
  • Tip Reiman, Illinois
  • Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
  • Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota
  • Cade Stover, Ohio State
  • Jack Westover, Washington
  • Jared Wiley, TCU

Combine drills and tests

Players are allowed to participate or opt out of any activity. Below are the seven tests used and their current record holders.

40-yard dash – WR John Ross, Washington (4.22, 2017)

Bench press (225 pounds) – DT Stephen Pea, Oregon State (49 reps, 2011)

Vertical jump –  Tie WR Chris Conley, Georgia (45″, 2015) and CB Donald Washington, Ohio State (45″, 2009)

Broad Jump – CB Byron Jones, U. Conn. (12’3″, 2015)

3-cone drill – WR Jeff Maehl, Oregon (6.42, 2011)

Shuttle run – WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State (3.81, 2014)

S2 eval testing – The NFL relied on the Wonderlic Test but the results were not made available to the public and the test ceased to be used starting in 2022. The test did no favors to QB Vince Young and RB Frank Gore, who both scored a “6” on the 0 to 50 scale. Ryan Fitzpatrick was the top quarterback with a score of 48.

The new S2 evaluation measures visual learning, instinctive learning, impulse control, and improvisation. The results are not made public either and came under scrutiny after the NFL released the scores of three rookie quarterbacks – Bryce Young (98%), Anthony Richardson (79%),  and C.J. Stroud (18%).  Stroud was the second pick of the draft behind Young, and easily outperformed the others despite the rating.

Poll: Which team will win Super Bowl LVIII?

Share your thoughts on which team will win Super Bowl LVIII.

We want to hear from you! Sound-off and tell us which team you think will hoist the Lombardi Trophy following Super Bowl LVIII.

And then there were two …

 

Cooking With Kids: Sunshine Cupcakes

Here’s a tip for you: these easy cupcakes are a great craft to do with kids! We pulled out a favorite kid’s cookbook, knowing parents are already planning for Spring Break activities. We love this recipe from Barbara Beery’s series of children’s …

Here’s a tip for you: these easy cupcakes are a great craft to do with kids!

We pulled out a favorite kid’s cookbook, knowing parents are already planning for Spring Break activities. We love this recipe from Barbara Beery’s series of children’s cookbooks.

The recipe for “Sunshine Cupcakes” comes from Batter Up: Delicious Desserts, and is based off a simple vanilla cake mix. The recipe advises substituting apple juice for the water, but otherwise following box directions. Add white frosting with a little sunny yellow food coloring (and a drop or two of red) added and you get a sunshine cupcake that is as fun to eat as it is to make.

One of the things we love about Delicious Desserts is that it comes with a child-sized cloth chef’s toque that delights kids who are ready to grow their culinary skills. Kids as young as five can break an egg, stir a pot, and decorate a cupcake, after all. Give it a try–just be sure to have plenty of M&Ms, sprinkles, and pretzel sticks on hand!

The cookbook is getting hard to find, but you can still get another in the series, called Sensational Snacks (Barbara Beery, Barbara Berry. Gibbs Smith Publishers, $19.95 (68pp) ISBN 978-1-58685-365-5).

Batter Up Kids Delicious Desserts

Tunnel Vision – Final

Tunnel Vision – Huddle awards!

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Josh Allen 359-67 2
 Carson Wentz 163-56 3
 Dak Prescott 279-0 4
 Derek Carr 264-6 4
 Nick Mullens 396-8 2
Running Backs Yards TD
James Conner 27-150
4-54
1
Breece Hall 37-178
2-12
1
Jonathan Taylor 30-188
2-8
1
Bijan Robinson 11-28
7-103
1
Joe Mixon  14-111
1-6
2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Justin Jefferson 12-192 1
CeeDee Lamb 13-98 2
Nico Collins 9-195 1
Amon-Ra St. Brown 7-144 1
Dontayvion Wicks 6-61 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
Evan Engram 10-79 1
Dalton Kincaid 7-84 0
Sam LaPorta 5-29 1
Will Dissly 3-46 1
Donald Parham 5-83 0
Placekickers XP FG
Cameron Dicker 0 4
Blake Grupe 6 2
Mason Crosby 3 2
Daniel Carlson 3 2
Cairo Santos 0 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Jets 7-2 0
Buccaneers 3-2 0
Giants 3-1 0
Cowboys 4-3 0
Chiefs 0 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

Players with 3+ missed games

Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow
Kirk Cousins
Kyler Murray
Deshaun Watson
Jimmy Garoppolo
Justin Herbert
Daniel Jones
Aaron Rodgers

Running Backs
Nick Chubb
J.K. Dobbins
Saquon Barkley
David Montgomery
Josh Jacobs
Austin Ekeler
James Conner
Kyren Williams
Rhamondre Stevenson
Khalil Herbert
De’Von Achane
Jonathon Taylor
Aaron Jones
Cam Akers

Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson
Diontae Johnson
Marquise Brown
DJ Chark
Robert Woods
Kadarius Toney
Cooper Kupp
Christian Kirk
Tee Higgins
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Tank Dell
Michael Thomas
Christian Watson
Mike Williams

Tight Ends
Mark Andrews
T.J. Hockenson
Dallas Goedert
Hunter Henry
Darren Waller
Pat Freiermuth

The Huddle Awards

Best Player
QB –
Josh Allen
RB –
Christian McCaffrey
WR –
CeeDee Lamb
TE –
Travis Kelce
PK – Brandon Aubrey
DEF –
Ravens

Best Rookie
QB – C.J. Stroud
RB –
Jahmyr Gibbs
WR –
Puka Nacua
TE –
Sam LaPorta

Best Free Agent
QB –
C.J. Stroud: Actual QB10
RB –
Kyren Williams: Actual RB6
WR –
Puka Nacua: Actual WR5
TE –
Trey McBride: Actual TE8

Best Game
QB – 45.05 pts Josh Allen -Week 12 (rush 9-81-2 + pass 339-2)
RB –
51.3 pts De’Von Achane Week 3 (rush 18-203-2 + rec. 4-30-2)
WR –
52.2 pts Ja’Marr Chase Week 5 (rec. 15-192-3)
TE –
35.9 pts Travis Kelce Week 7 (rec. 12-179-1)

Best Fantasy Draft Pick
QB –
Brock Purdy: ADP QB20 – Actual QB5
RB –
Raheem Mostert: ADP RB40 – Actual RB5
WR –
Mike Evans: ADP WR31 – actual WR7
TE –
Sam LaPorta: ADP TE18 – Actual TE1

Worst Fantasy Draft Pick
QB – Aaron Rodgers: ADP QB 12, Actual QB72
RB –
Nick Chubb: ADP RB5, Actual RB88
WR – Justin Jefferson: ADP WR1, Actual WR31
TE – 
Darren Waller: ADP TE5, Actual TE24

Huddle player of the year

Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey  – I had five teams make the playoffs in a large contest and the only league champion that didn’t have McCaffrey was me in one league. CeeDee Lamb delivered the goods for the last month to be sure and was also well represented in all fantasy playoffs, but McCaffrey remained healthy and was the top running back by a huge margin. He took the last game off and still outscored all other running backs by over 100 fantasy points.

Salute!

2023-2024 NFL Playoffs

Saturday
Browns vs. Texans, 3:30 PM
Dolphins vs. Chiefs, 7:00 PM

Sunday
Steelers vs. Bills, 12:00 PM
Packers vs. Cowboys, 3:30 PM
Rams vs. Lions, 7:00 PM

Monday
Eagles vs. Buccaneers, 7:00 PM

all times Central Time

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Carson Wentz 163-56 3 QB Patrick Mahomes 0 0
RB Kendre Miller 13-73
1-6
1 RB Christian McCaffrey 0 0
RB Tyjae Spears 3-25
3-41
2 RB Raheem Mostert 0 0
WR Quez Watkins 8-93 1 WR Keenan Allen 0 0
WR David Bell 4-68 2 WR Cooper Kupp 0 0
WR A.T. Perry 3-53 2 WR DeVonta Smith 0 0
TE Will Dissly 3-46 1 TE Travis Kelce 0 0
PK Blake Grupe   6 XP   2 FG PK Matt Wright 0
Huddle Fantasy Points = 158 Huddle Fantasy Points = 0

Now get back to work… and thanks for everything!

Six points with David Dorey – 2023 surprises

Who were the biggest surprises and what can we learn from them?

And so 2023 ends.

The magic players for the year end up to be Christian McCaffrey, Raheem Mostert, CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, and Sam LaPorta. If you owned more than one of them, you probably made the league playoffs, two or three and you won it.

The reality in the summer is that most fantasy team owners draft as if the previous season will repeat. It’s certainly the best measuring stick for players but your fantasy team will score the most if you can draft players that have the greatest  difference between what you paid for them, and what they actually did. It’s like getting extra earlier picks.

Here’s a look at my top six surprises from the 2023 season and a quick take on why it happened and what they might teach us.

  1. TE Sam LaPorta (DET) ADP=TE18, Actual = TE2

    Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

    I’ve ranked every single NFL player for the last 27 years. What Sam LaPorta has done is without precedent. I’ve long said that rookie tight ends are never worth drafting as a fantasy starter, if even as depth. Kyle Pitts changed that entering the NFL with massive expectations as the 1.04 pick. But he ended with 177 fantasy points while LaPorta already totaled 221. The Lions parted ways with T.J. Hockenson last year and now have a better version.
    Why? – Great question, no good answer other than his talent matched perfectly with the scheme and quarterback. The lack of a No. 2 receiver in a pass-first offense was an opening, but Jahmyr Gibbs was expected to limit the tight end. LaPorta wasn’t even the first tight end drafted. Dalton Kincaid with 136 fantasy points was taken first and he followed the normal rookie script.

  2. WR Puka Nacua (LAR) ADP = WR90,  Actual=WR5

    Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

    Puka Nacua has been a rookie for the ages. He’s setting all-time NFL records and yet was the 5.42 pick as the 20th wideout selected. He hit a lull at midseason but heated back up for the last month and totaled seven 100-yard performances and has a record 101 catches entering Week 18. He was undrafted in nearly every league but 10 catches for 119 yards in Week 1 took care of his availability. This is why you spend big with free-agent dollars at the start of the season.
    Why? – Every NFL team missed on him five times in the NFL draft. He went to Washington for two years as a non-starter. Then to BYU for two years where he peaked at 48 catches for 625 yards and five scores. So yeah, go for the unproven ones with minimal experience. Maybe just pick the marginal guys out of BYU because they apparently do not know what they have.

  3. RB Kyren Williams (LAR) ADP = RB71, Actual=RB6

    Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

    The Rams’ running back started the year as the No.2 back behind Cam Akers. Zach Evans was assumed to be the No. 2 since he was just drafted and Williams had 35 rushes for 139 yards over ten games as a rookie third-stringer. Williams missed four games but already gained 1,144 rush yards and scored 15 times. He is the No. 5 running back despite the missing games. His pace would have resulted in 323 carries for 1,620 yards and 21 touchdowns over a full 17-game season. He moved up the depth chart over the summer but was still the No. 2 back behind the worst O-line. And often undrafted.
    Why? – He was noted as looking better in the summer. But the Rams backfield had been a mess for years and the O-line was terrible. But the passing success made the rushing easier, the offensive line has vastly improved over expectations, and Williams emerged once given the chance. He entered the NFL with two years at Notre Dame as the starter with around 200 carries. The former fifth-rounder needed a full year to get a chance.

  4. WR Mike Evans (TB)  ADP=WR33, Actual = WR7
    Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

    Mike Evans fell in drafts and was taken around the fifth round in most leagues, despite stringing out nine straight 1,000-yard seasons, second only to Jerry Rice. But losing Tom Brady scared drafters away. Evans currently has 76 catches for 1,233 yards for his best season in five years. His 13 touchdowns are one short of a personal best.
    Why? – Drafters underrated Baker Mayfield based on his time with Cleveland, Carolina, and the Rams the last two seasons. He played as well as he had earlier in his career and Evans’ talent alone has been a guarantee of 1,000 yards regardless of the litany of quarterbacks over the previous nine years.

  5. QB Brock Purdy (SF),  ADP = QB20, Actual = QB5

    Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

    The 49ers quarterback impressed in the final nine games last season as the fourth quarterback. But he injured his elbow and his status to start the season wasn’t clear until right before Week 1. Sam Darnold had minor hype (really) in the summer. The bigger concern was what his arm was like and how durable he would be. He’s remained healthy all season and currently totals 4,280 yards and 33 touchdowns.
    Why? – While he had health concerns and tougher schedule this year, Purdy plays behind an elite O-line in an offense stocked with top-level weapons. He’s in arguably the most advantageous offense to succeed of any NFL quarterback.

  6. RB Rachaad White (TB) ADP = RB25, Actual = RB5

    Green Bay Gazette – USAToday

    This surprise followed Mike Evans. Everyone downgraded the Tampa Bay offense with Tom Brady and Leonard Fournette gone, and a new offense installed. The Buccaneers had one of the worst offensive lines in 2022 and it looked no better. White only had 3.7 yards per carry and 129 runs and 50 catches behind Fournette. But he’s been given a much higher volume – 253 rushes and 60 receptions. He ranks No. 4 in RB catches and No. 2 in touches (319).
    Why? – It’s all volume. They dumped Fournette but the new offense did not use the rookie Sean Tucker, Ke’Shawn Vaughn or Chase Edmonds as much as expected. White was good through Week 12 and then has been turned into a 20-carry rusher with up to six catches weekly. He still only has a 3.6 yard-per-carry average. The Bucs O-line has also shown improvement but more than anything, White has no challengers in the backfield. There was speculation that they would add someone significant but never did.

Tunnel Vision – Injuries, free agents and Sunday stars

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Lamar Jackson  321-35 5
 Kyler Murray 232-24 3
 Justin Fields 268-45 2
 Joe Flacco 309-3 3
Jordan Love 256-2 4
Running Backs Yards TD
Kyren Williams 20-87
2-14
3
Isiah Pacheco 18-130
7-35
1
Breece Hall 13-84
9-42
1
James Conner 26-128
1-5
2
Jerome Ford 12-64
2-57
2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
CeeDee Lamb 13-227 1
Davante Adams 13-126 2
D.J. Moore 9-159 1
Brandon Aiyuk 7-114 1
Jayden Reed 6-89 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
Juwan Johnson 8-90 1
David Njoku 6-134 0
Isaiah Likely 2-42 2
Dallas Goedert 5-41 1
Sam LaPorta 7-84 0
Placekickers XP FG
Harrison Butker 1 6
Brandon McManus 2 4
Ka’imi Fairbairn 2 4
Cairo Santos 4 3
Chris Boswell 4 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Houston 6-1 1
Jacksonville 6-1 0
Buffalo 3-4 1
NY Giants 6-1 1
Cleveland 2-2 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Will Levis – Foot
QB Tua Tagovailoa – Shoulder
RB Christian McCaffrey – Calf
RB Alvin Kamara – Ankle
RB AJ Dillon – Neck
WR Tee Higgins – Hamstring
WR Devonta Smith – Leg
WR Robert Woods – Hip
WR DeVante Parker – Ribs
WR Jayden Reed – Chest
TE Dawson Knox – Head

Chasing Ambulances

QB Will Levis – Injured his foot and was carted to the locker room. Test results will be known later in the week but the final game doesn’t matter much. Ryan Tannehill will replace him if needed.

QB Tua Tagovailoa – Left the blowout loss to the Ravens with an injury to his throwing shoulder. He was ruled out since the game was already out of hand but he said after the game that he was “good, just  sore.”

RB Christian McCaffrey – Left early in the second half because of a calf injury and never returned. HC Kyle Shanahan said that he thought that McCaffrey would be “alright”, but he didn’t know if McCaffrey would be available next week. The 49ers have sewn up the No. 1 seed and will likely rest several players. McCaffrey is unlikely to be seen until the 49ers first game in the Divisional Round.

RB Alvin Kamara – He was already questionable to play with an illness, but Kamara was active and effective until he injured his ankle in the first quarter after ten rushes. It was not known if he had a high ankle sprain or not. The Saints are the current No. 9 seed and would need help to reach the playoffs next week.

WR Tee Higgins – Left the game with a hamstring injury but managed to return in the third quarter.

WR Devonta Smith – Was injured while blocking near the end of the game. He was on crutches with a walking boot after the game. The prognosis wasn’t released but there should be more information early in the week. The injury was serious enough for the boot and crutches which throws a shadow onto Week 18 when they finish up at the Giants.

WR Jayden Reed – He had already caught two touchdowns when he injured his chest during the second quarter in the win over the Vikings. He underwent CT scans after the game but his prognosis has not been disclosed. The Packers host the Bears next week and need all hands on deck since the Packers are currently the No. 7 seed.

 Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

QB  Jordan Love – He was likely on many benches if his fantasy owner even made the playoffs, but the Packers quarterback is looking better and erasing some of the early season fears. He threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns at the Vikings and rushed in a touchdown as well.

RB Kyren Williams – Taken as just running back depth in summer drafts, the Rams tailback has become an elite producer and fantasy team owners in large contests did very well in Week 17 when he ran for 87 yards, gained 14 yards on two catches and totaled three touchdowns.

RB James Conner – Playing at the Eagles meant lowering expectations against the No. 1 defense against running backs. Except Conner rushed for 128 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns as a visitor.

RB Justice Hill – The Ravens lost Keaton Mitchell, so they just switched back to Hill as the RB2. The third-down back ran for 48 yards on three carries and caught five passes for 64 yards and one score. Any back on that powerhouse team carries fantasy value.

WR Julio Jones – The Eagles receiver caught two passes for 34 yards in the loss to the Cardinals. But he scored on each and Philly may be without DeVonta Smith.

TE Isaiah Likely – The replacement for Mark Anderson is becoming a factor in games thanks to playing in an offense that likes to throw to tight ends. Likely made a one-handed catch on a reception and while he only caught two passes for 42 yards, he caught two of the eight touchdowns by a tight end this week.

TE David Njoku – Since Joe Flacco showed up, Njoku was a scoring machine with a touchdown in four straight games. He failed to score this week, but led the position with 134 yards on six catches.

WR Bo Melton – The Packers wideout was called up from the practice squad to help cover for all the wideout injuries in Week 17. He responded by leading the Packers with nine targets for six catches and 105 yards with a touchdown. It was the first 100-yard performance by any Packer receiver this year.

RB Najee Harris – He lost his job as a receiver out of the backfield, and was listed below Jaylen Warren on the depth chart. He never had a 100-yard game and scored just once in the last month. So right when you need him the most and trust him the least, Harris turned in a season-best 122 yards on 27 carries with two touchdowns.

Huddle player of the week

Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

CeeDee Lamb  –  He was already well represented on fantasy playoff teams and then helped to deliver the trophy for many when he caught 13 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown. 41.7 fantasy points is a difference-maker.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Joe Flacco 309-2 3 QB Patrick Mahomes 245-2 1
RB Justice Hill 3-48
5-64
1 RB Derrick Henry 12-42 0
RB Khalil Herbert 18-124
2-5
1 RB Jahmyr Gibbs 15-43 0
WR Darius Slayton 4-106 1 WR Tee Higgins 1-19 0
WR Wan’Dale Robinson 6-55
1-24
1 WR Stefon Diggs 4-26 0
WR Julio Jones 2-34 2 WR DeVonta Smith 3-30 0
TE Juwan Johnson 8-90 1 TE George Kittle 3-29 0
PK Harrison Butker  1  XP   6 FG PK Chase McLaughlin   1 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 166 Huddle Fantasy Points = 41

Now get back to work…

Six points with David Dorey

Looking at the 2024 free agent running backs

So here we are on the brink of fantasy championships for one person in every league. But next year should already be in your head. The changes from season to the next can be dramatic, even if we draft like the previous season is going to repeat.

Like every year, plenty of fantasy starters were left behind during the season. Here are my top six injured players and what to think about them entering next season. I have excluded quarterbacks who all appear likely to return healthy for next year. Those include Justin Herbert, Kirk Cousins, Joe Burrow, and Deshaun Watson.

  1. TE Mark Andrews (BAL) 2023 ADP = No. 2 TE, Pick 4.03
     Suffered a cracked fibula and ankle ligament injury in Week 11 thanks to a hip-drop tackle. He is expected to be healed early enough to potentially join the Ravens in the playoffs. He is not returning for the regular season but will be assessed later for a potential return in late January. That’s great news for a tight end that’s become Top-2 when healthy.
  2. RB Nick Chubb (CLE) 2023 ADP = No. 5 TE , Pick 1.11
    The star running back suffered a gruesome knee injury in Week 2. He tore his ACL , MCL, and meniscus. He needed surgery for the MCL and meniscus and a separate procedure to repair the ACL. He is expected to return “during the 2024 season.” Doctors say that he has extensive rehab to go through, but so far, the surgeries are over, and he’s progressing according to play. He was injured so early in the season, that he’ll have plenty of rehab by the opening of the 2024 NFL season. He’ll likely open the year on IR and be a high risk/high reward draft pick.
  3. TE T.J. Hockenson (MIN) 2023 ADP = No. 3 TE, Pick 4.12
    He just tore his MCL and ACL last week when he was hit low by a defender. The injury is fresh enough that his prognosis and recovery are still in progress but the injury was severe enough that it’s reasonable to assume he will not be ready for the start of the 2024 season with only about eight months to heal. He’ll be another elite player who won’t show up until later in the season and present a risky pick that can win – or lose – your league.
  4. Christian Kirk (JAC) 2023 ADP = No. 28 WR, Pick 4.09
    The Jaguars wideout was lost in Week 13 when he suffered a core muscle injury in Week 13. He was placed on injured reserve and required surgery, which will keep him out even if the Jaguars made a deep run in the playoffs. Kirk’s situation becomes further complicated because he’s owed $24 million next year, but the Jags have an out they can take in the offseason. He may end up re-signing on a restructured deal or could be released.
  5. WR Mike Williams (LAC) 2023 ADP= No. 26 WR, Pick 5.03
    The Chargers wideout tore his ACL in Week 3 after rolling up 110 yards and a score on the Vikings. He was placed on injured reserve and underwent surgery to repair the knee. He is expected back next season, but he, too, has his situation complicated by his contract. He’ll turn 30 next year and has been often dinged up in his seven-year career. He is due $20 million next year, but the Chargers have an out they can use in the offseason. He is another player that will either restructure his contract or be released. 
  6. WR Tank Dell (HOU) 2023 ADP = NA, Free Agent
    The Texan’s third-round pick was just a 5-10, 165-pound wideout who carried minimal expectations as a rookie, but he was on a pace to end with a stat line of 80-1205-12 but broke his fibula while blocking in Week 12. He underwent surgery but is expected to return sometime during the Texans’ offseason program. He should rebound 100% from the injury and merit drafting as a fantasy starter.

 

About Last Night…

New York Jets 20, Cleveland 37 

Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

As we all know, Thursday night games are sloppy and low-scoring. Two of the best defenses were meeting and both teams were on their third quarterback of the year. So naturally, they throw down 57 total points.

Trevor Siemian passed for 261 yards and one touchdown to Breece Hall who caught nine passes for 42 yards. Garrett Wilson (5-50) and Tyler Conklin (5-45) were the top receivers. Hall rushed for 84 yards on 13 rushes but the Jets had to abandon the run when they trailed 34-17 at halftime. 

Joe Flacco was without Amari Cooper, so expectations were even lower going against the No. 2 defense versus quarterbacks. And so he threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns. David Njoku (6-134) had a monster performance and Elijah Moore (5-61, TD) scored before leaving with a concussion. Jerome Ford blew up with 12 runs for 64 yards and two catches for 57 yards – both touchdowns. Kareem Hunt (10-31, TD) took the rushing score.

Both teams returned an interception for a touchdown. But this game only furthers the question – why was Joe Flacco sitting at home until Week 13?

Tunnel Vision – Injuries, free agents and Sunday stars

Injuries, stars and duds from Week 16

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Joe Flacco 368-1 3
 Josh Allen 237-15 3
 Derek Carr 319-2 3
 Justin Fields 170-97 2
 Nick Mullens 411-1 2
Running Backs Yards TD
Breece Hall 20-95
12-96
2
Jahmyr Gibbs 15-80
4-20
2
James Conner 12-45
5-67
1
Derrick Henry 19-88
1-11
2
Rachaad White 20-39
6-38
1
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Amari Cooper 11-265 2
George Pickens 4-195 2
Puka Nacua 9-164 1
Amon-Ra St. .Brown 12-106 1
D.J. Chark 6-98 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
Evan Engram 10-95 0
Chigoziem Okonkwo 6-63 1
David Njoku 6-44 1
Juwan Johnson 4-48 1
Cole Kmet 4-107 0
Placekickers XP FG
Younghoe Koo 2 5
Jason Sanders 1 5
Cameron Dicker 1 5
Lucas Havrisik 3 3
Greg Zuerlein 3 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Atlanta 6-1 0
Tampa Bay 4-3 0
Detroit 4-4 0
Pittsburgh 3-3 0
Houston 3-2 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

PK Dustin Hopkins – Hamstring
QB Trevor Lawrence – Shoulder
WR Jaylen Waddle – Shin
WR DJ Moore – Leg
WR Dontayvion Wicks – Chest
WR Jordan Addison – Ankle
WR Courtland Sutton – Head
TE T.J. Hockenson – Knee
TE Tucker Kraft –
TE Cole Kmet – Knee

Chasing Ambulances

QB Trevor Lawrence – The Jaguars quarterback was questionable last week, returning from a concussion and ankle injury but was active and did not appear limited. Until he injured his shoulder and missed the rest of the game. He’ll get tests on Monday to determine the extent of the injury but he took himself out of the game because of the pain. He has never missed a game, but will be replaced by C.J. Beathard.

WR Jaylen Waddle – Injured his shin on an end-around against the Cowboys and never returned to the field. He was limping significantly at the time but the diagnosis will happen on Monday. The Fins play at the Ravens this week and need all hands on deck for a game that likely determines the No. 1 seed.

WR DJ Moore –  He said that he aggravated the ankle injury from a few weeks ago. He did return to the game and caught three of his six targets for only 18 yards in the win over the Cardinals. He’ll need to be tracked in practice this week to make sure he won’t be limited this week in Philly.

WR Jordan Addison –  Injured his ankle when he collided with a teammate after an interception.

TE T.J. Hockenson – Injured his knee when a defender tackled him low. Both Viking receivers will be examined more on Monday to determine the extent of their injuries but HC Kevin O’Connell was asked if any of them were serious and he said, “I believe so.” We’ll see what their status is later in the week but the Vikings can ill afford to lose either.

WR Courtland Sutton – The Broncos star wideout has entered the concussion protocol after a hard hit against the Patriots. He left before he caught a pass and never returned. He’s been their difference-maker this year, so his health will be closely tracked to see if he can play against the Chargers this week.

TE Cole Kmet – He was already in the middle of a career-best game with 107 yards in the first half, when the Bears tight end left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury and was downgraded to out. HC Matt Eberflus reported that Kmet’s injury  “looks positive.” More news should be known later this week.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

QB Nick Mullens – First start was 303 yards and two scores at the Bengals, then this week he threw for 411 yards and two touchdowns. He’ll be an option next week against the Packers but he also threw four interceptions and both Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson were injured, so make sure of their status before grabbing Mullens for the week.

RB Najee Harris – The usage of Harris has always varied and Jaylen Warren has often been talked up as the better back and more deserving of a primary role. But Week 16 saw Harris with a season-high 19 carries for 78 yards and a score in the win over the Bengals. Warren only carried eight times for 24 yards but added five catches for the second straight week. Both are signed through next year.

WR George Pickens – The Steelers No. 1 wideout has disappointed for the last two months while Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky took turns not throwing the ball well or in the area of Pickens. First week with Mason Rudolph and Pickens responds with a season-best four catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He was criticized last week for apparently giving up on plays. Something clicked because his previous meeting with the Bengals was only a month prior and he only managed three catches for 58 yards in it.

QB Josh Allen – The Bills have won their last three games, but Allen threw for just 94 yards and a score against the Cowboys, then 237 yards and one score versus the Chargers and their paper doll defense.  He runs in a score weekly, but the offense is changing in Buffalo – just ask the player formerly known as Stefon Diggs.

TE Kyle Pitts – He’s been a shell of what he was as a rookie, but he is turning in around 50 yards per week and scored in two of the last three games. The Falcons may undergo change in the offseason that will impact Pitts, but he is improving just enough to end the season on a higher note.

RB Aaron Jones – He’s signed through next year when he turns 30, so it is notable that he’s finally healthy this season and just ran for a season-best 127 yards on 21 carries. He’s not done much as a receiver with Jordan Love, but he just had far more carries than his other 2023 games.

QB Bryce Young – His rookie season hasn’t been impressive and he’s been compared to C.J. Stroud in an unflattering light this year. But, he’s just thrown his first 300-yard game with 312 yards and two scores in the close loss to the Packers. D.J. Chark (6-98, 2 TD) and Adam Thielen (6-94) both were fantasy-relevant this week.

WR Amari Cooper – He just set a personal record with 265 yards on 11 catches with two scores versus the Texans. Not sure what is more impressive – that monster game or the fact that 16 other players have gained even more in a game. Six had 300 yards, and I do remember when Flipper Anderson set the record with 15 receptions for 336 yards in 1989 against the Saints in overtime.

Huddle player of the week

Syndication: The Record

Breece Hall  –  He’s suffered behind a terrible offensive line that has worsened. And he plays with the worst passing offense in the NFL. So he’s more than remarkable this week with 20 carries for 95 yards and two touchdowns, plus 12 catches for 96 yards in the win over the Commanders.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Joe Flacco 368 3 QB Trevor Lawrence 211-29 1
RB Chris Rodriguez 10-58
1-7
2 RB De’Von Achane 7-24
1-7
0
RB Khalil Herbert 20-112

1-9

1 RB Tony Pollard 12-38
1-5
0
WR D.J. Chark 6-98 2 WR Jordan Addison 1-2 0
WR K.J. Osborn 5-95 1 WR DJ Moore 3-18 0
WR Demarcus Robinson 6-82 1 WR DeAndre Hopkins 2-20 0
TE C. Okonkwo 6-63 1 TE Sam LaPorta 3-18 0
PK Younghoe Koo   2 XP   5 FG PK Brandon McManus   0 XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 177 Huddle Fantasy Points = 38

Now get back to work…