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Jets' search heats up with interview requests

Mon Jan 6 12:17pm ET
Field Level Media

The New York Jets requested interviews with at least a half-dozen coordinators and other assistants as their coaching search intensified Monday, per multiple reports.

Offensive coordinators Arthur Smith (Steelers), Bobby Slowik (Texans) and Joe Brady (Bills), defensive coordinators Aaron Glenn (Lions) and Vance Joseph (Broncos), and quarterbacks coach Brian Griese (49ers) were candidates named in multiple reports.

The Jets (5-12) fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start this season and went 3-9 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

In addition, the Jets reportedly completed first interviews with former two-time head coach Ron Rivera and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Smith, 42, is in his first season with Pittsburgh after posting three consecutive 7-10 seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-23.

Smith's Steelers, who will visit the Baltimore Ravens for a wild-card game on Saturday night, finished the regular season ranked 16th in scoring (22.4 points per game) and 23rd in total offense (319.4 yards per game).

Slowik, 37, is in his second season with the Texans after working as an assistant for the 49ers' Kyle Shanahan from 2017-22. The Texans were 19th in scoring (21.9) and 22nd in total offense (319.7).

Brady, 35, joined the Buffalo staff in 2022 and is in his first full season as the offensive coordinator. The Bills ranked second in scoring (30.9) and 10th in total offense (359.1).

Glenn, 52, has been the Lions' DC since 2021. Detroit finished seventh in the league this season in scoring defense (20.1) and 20th in total defense (342.4).

Joseph, 52, compiled an 11-21 record in two seasons as head coach of the Broncos from 2017-18. In his second season as head coach Sean Payton's DC in 2024, Denver finished third in scoring defense (18.3) and seventh in total defense (317.1).

Griese, 49, just finished his third season coaching the San Francisco quarterbacks. He was a QB in the league for 11 seasons with four teams from 1998-2008, earning one Pro Bowl selection.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 18

Player Notes
Brenton Strange Jan 6 11:10am CT
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange finished the season on a positive note in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year tight end finished with four catches for 60 yards. After an 11-catch, 73-yard performance against the New York Jets back in Week 15, Strange has struggled to produce. While this Week 18 performance isn't anything special, it is at least a positive way to end the season for the young tight end. Evan Engram went out with an injury for the last few weeks, paving the way for Strange to get looks as a starter. It will be interesting to see what the Jaguars do with the veteran tight end Engram after firing head coach Doug Pederson. It is hard to tell right now, but Strange could be in line for a solid season in a starter role in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Jan 6 11:10am CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) admitted that he's been playing through a small fracture in his back. Pittman first noticed it during a joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals in training camp, and a scan showed the extent of the injury. He decided to play through his back injury and had a follow-up scan in Week 3. The 27-year-old will have another scan on Monday to determine if he'll require offseason surgery. Surprisingly, Pittman only missed one game in 2024, although his back injury certainly played a part in what was a down season for his standards. He finished with 69 receptions on 111 targets for 808 yards -- his lowest total since his rookie season in 2020 -- and only three touchdowns in 16 games. Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson's own injuries and inaccuracy didn't help Pittman's cause in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Jan 6 11:10am CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught four of nine targets for 44 yards in the 32-20 Week 18 loss to the New York Jets. He also carried the ball once for six yards. It was a disappointing ending to a season where Waddle was at career lows in all major receiving statistics. He failed to reach 1000 yards for the first time as a pro and finished third on the team in receiving yards behind Jonnu Smith. With Tyreek Hill making it abundantly clear that he wants to be traded out of Miami, there's a chance Waddle can return to being the WR1 for the first time since 2021. Tua Tagovailoa missing four games heavily contributed to Waddle's decline, but he looks to head into 2025 fully healthy. He will look to start fresh and return to his old self when the season returns in September.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Jan 6 11:00am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. struggled to find much space in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He finished with 13 carries for 31 yards as well as three catches for 29 yards. The 25-year-old back out of Clemson had the worst season of his young career, struggling to find efficient yardage in a lackluster offense. While it still seems Etienne Jr. is much better in the passing game than backup Tank Bigsby, Bigsby seemed to take over as the lead rusher and goal-line back. Maybe with a healthy offense and improved roster next season, Etienne Jr. can get back on track, but he will likely still have Bigsby nipping at his heels. Expect Etienne Jr. to remain involved, but not as a workhorse back in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Jan 6 10:50am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. earned double-digit targets and topped the century mark in yards yet again in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Ever since Mac Jones took over at quarterback in Week 13 for the injured Trevor Lawrence, he has made it his mission to find BTJ. That has allowed the rookie first-round receiver out of LSU to thrive. While he didn't find the end zone, he still finished with seven catches for 103 yards, a great stat line for fantasy, especially in PPR. BTJ has already developed into a sure-fire top receiver in the league, and his potential is sky-high for the future, no matter who is throwing him the ball. Expect even more WR1 fantasy performances from BTJ in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Jan 6 10:50am CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington salvaged his fantasy day with a touchdown in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Washington finished with just two catches for 15 yards and a nine-touchdown. The young receiver has been inconsistent ever since taking over at receiver for the injured Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. He surpassed 100 yards back in Week 13 against the Houston Texans when Mac Jones first took over at QB. However, since then he has struggled to consistently produce, always outshined by the talented Brian Thomas Jr. Washington does seem like a decent red zone threat at least, scoring each of the last two weeks. Washington could turn into a decent flex option if he becomes a consistent starter in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Jan 6 10:40am CT
Mac Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones had a solid final game of the season in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He put up 20 completions on 32 attempts for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a pick. The backup quarterback took over for the injured Trevor Lawrence back in Week 13 against the Houston Texans and has been up and down ever since. This performance was somewhere in between. He barely surpassed 200 yards in five quarters and turned the ball over yet again, but was able to find Parker Washington for another touchdown and get Brian Thomas Jr. over 100 yards receiving in a near victory. Mac Jones will most likely return to a backup role, whether with the Jaguars or another team, in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Jan 6 10:40am CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby struggled with efficiency, but did find the end zone in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bigsby finished with 14 carries for 39 yards and a one yard touchdown. He also caught a pass for three yards. Bigsby had similar production to what he has had many times this season. In an overall lackluster offense, he struggled for yardage and wasn't involved in the passing game but found the end zone, all while splitting touches with Travis Etienne Jr. The young back had a much improved second season, but still is fighting an uphill battle to become a full-time starter. He's been better than Etienne Jr. this season, but this week and in the past few weeks, has struggled to separate himself. Bigsby will look to seize a more consistent starting role and earn more volume in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Carson Wentz Jan 6 10:30am CT
Carson Wentz

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit was a no-brainer must-start in fantasy lineups in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs with most of KC's key starters rest for the playoffs. The Broncos defense, a top-five defense all year, didn't allow their division rivals to score a single point on the day while combining for five sacks on quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Chris Oladokun to set a new franchise record for most sacks in a single season with 63. They also recovered two fumbles to finish the final week of the regular season as a top-five fantasy defense. Overall, they ranked No. 1 in the league thanks to a league-high 63 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, 15 interceptions, three defensive scores, two safeties and only 18.3 points allowed per game (third-fewest). They'll have a tough test in the playoffs, though, on the road in Buffalo against the Bills next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jerod Mayo Jan 6 10:10am CT
Jerod Mayo

The New England Patriots have submitted a request to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their vacant head-coach position, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Johnson has long been viewed as a premier coaching candidate given his status as one of the league's top offensive masterminds. In fact, he seemed to be in line for a head coaching job last offseason before withdrawing his name and returning to the Lions for another season. Johnson's excellent work in Detroit has given him plenty of leverage, and he could have his choice of job and salary once again this offseason. As a result, New England won't be the only team attempting to court him. The Chicago Bears have already requested an interview with Johnson, and he'll likely speak to other teams within the next couple of weeks, too. The Patriots' interest isn't a surprise, but he might not be their top target. New England has been heavily linked to Mike Vrabel, who reportedly has a small coaching staff in place and ready to move to Foxborough. This entire interview process is somewhat uncharted territory for the modern-day Patriots, who enjoyed nearly 24 years of stability with Bill Belichick and did not interview any other candidates before hiring Jerod Mayo last offseason. Mayo was fired after his first season at the helm as the Patriots finished with a woeful 4-13 record.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Jan 6 10:10am CT
Wil Lutz

The Denver Broncos offense was too efficient in their 38-0 blowout win over the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale, which limited kicker Wil Lutz's upside for fantasy managers. With a Chiefs defense resting pretty much all of their top players for the playoffs, they provided little resistance, and the Broncos offense took advantage. The 30-year-old veteran kicker did remain perfect on his kicking opportunities for his seventh straight game, but he made just one field goal and went 5-for-5 on his extra points. Since the Week 10 loss to the Chiefs, Lutz has gone 13-for-13 on his field-goal tries and 27-for-27 on extra points. Lutz has made 91.2% of his field-goal attempts this year and all 46 of his extra points, making him the No. 7 fantasy kicker through 18 weeks. He'll be a bit volatile in Buffalo against the Bills on wild-card weekend, though, depending on the weather.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Jan 6 10:00am CT
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams saw eight touches in the 38-0 trouncing of the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale with the Chiefs resting most of their starters. Williams had only five carries but went for 28 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and also caught three of his four targets for 50 yards. He had the fewest touches behind Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime, but Williams was the most productive with his touches to help Denver clinch their first postseason berth since 2015. The 24-year-old began the year as the clear backfield leader, but he's now fallen into a timeshare with McLaughlin and Estime and didn't even have a carry in last week's overtime loss to the Bengals. Denver will likely continue to split the workload among the three backs next Sunday in the playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, making Williams hard to trust for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Jan 6 9:53am CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles, which will delay his recovery. It's too early for a timetable, however, according to Browns general manager Andrew Berry.

Fantasy Spin: Watson wasn't a great fantasy option next year before this setback. Stay tuned, but he's unlikely to be more than a two-QB league option.

From TheHuddle

Jaleel McLaughlin Jan 6 9:50am CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin led the team in carries in the 38-0 win over the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale that pushed the Broncos into the postseason, but he didn't stand out at all. McLaughlin had a team-high 16 rushing attempts but only gained 39 yards on the ground (2.4 yards per carry) while catching both of his targets for only nine yards. The 24-year-old's 16 carries were a season-high, but it was disappointing he wasn't able to do more against a Chiefs defense resting most of its key players for the playoffs. Despite the inefficient performance, McLaughlin has been seeing the most touches in Denver's backfield committee in recent weeks, giving him flex value for fantasy playoff leagues as the Broncos head to Buffalo to take on the Bills next Sunday in the wild-card round.

From RotoBaller

Al-Quadin Muhammad Jan 6 9:40am CT
Al-Quadin Muhammad

The Detroit Lions defense/special teams unit allowed just nine points but did not force a turnover during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. All nine points came off of field goals, which means that the Lions did not surrender a single touchdown against one of the league's top offenses. The Lions also registered two sacks, courtesy of Za'Darius Smith and Al-Quadin Muhammad. Elsewhere on the stat sheet, Alex Anzalone led the way with seven tackles, one quarterback hit, and one pass defended in his first game back from injured reserve. The Lions' offense will get another tough task in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, but if the regular season is any indication, they're up for the challenge.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Jan 6 9:40am CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught nine of 12 targets for 56 yards in their 32-20 season finale loss to the New York Jets. Smith was a huge bright spot for the Dolphins offense in the second half of the season after Tua Tagovailoa returned from his discussion. In the postgame press conference, he admitted that players were watching the scoreboard and saw the Denver Broncos pummeling the Kansas City Chiefs, crushing their playoff hopes. With the 29-year-old on a one-year deal, his future with the Dolphins is uncertain, but his performance and reliability can't go unnoticed. If he returns to Miami next season, he will surely be a top TE option for fantasy drafts in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Jan 6 9:30am CT
Joe Burrow

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cincinnati Bengals have fired their defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo on Monday. The Bengals narrowly missed a playoff spot after the heroics of Joe Burrow, but ultimately fell short with one of the worst defensive units in the league. They finished in the bottom 10 in almost every defensive category and gave up more points per game than teams such as the Raiders, Patriots, and Giants. Their search for a new coordinator will begin this offseason.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jan 6 9:30am CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert made his return from IR in Sunday's 20-13 win over the New York Giants, shaking off rust ahead of the playoffs. After missing multiple games with a knee injury, Goedert made the most of his limited reps, catching four of six targets for 55 yards. Goedert's performance was a reassuring sign for the Eagles, as the team looks to have their dependable tight end fully integrated into the offense for the postseason. His efficient outing suggests he's ready to resume his role as a key contributor. Philadelphia will host the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, and Goedert's presence will be vital for their playoff success.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Jan 6 9:30am CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, according to general manager Andrew Berry. The development will delay Watson's ultimate recovery, but Berry couldn't specify what his timetable looked like. This setback is tough news for Watson, who has missed a whopping 49 games over the last four seasons due to suspensions and injuries. In fact, he hasn't played more than half the games in his schedule since 2020, which was his final campaign as the Houston Texans' starting quarterback. Amidst the injuries and suspensions, Watson has demonstrated poor performance, too. He had 1,148 passing yards, six touchdowns, and six turnovers through seven games before tearing his Achilles tendon this season, prompting fans to call for his benching. The Browns didn't look much better with a combination of Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe, and Cleveland ultimately restructured Watson's contract to imply that he'll remain on the roster in 2025. He'll likely face the most competition of his career, though. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously reported that the Browns might look to bring in a veteran like Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers, and they've also been linked to several top quarterback prospects after securing the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even once he recovers from his injury, Watson's job is far from guaranteed, and his fantasy value is continuing to decline. Most fantasy managers in dynasty leagues will be forced to hold him, though, as it would be tough to find a trade partner who wants to take on an injured, struggling quarterback whose team is actively searching for his replacement.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Bellinger Jan 6 9:30am CT
Daniel Bellinger

New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger caught two passes for nine yards during Sunday's Week 18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Bellinger has stepped up as the Giants' primary tight end with Theo Johnson (foot) on injured reserve, but he played just 58.5 percent of the offensive snaps on Sunday and hasn't been a dependable contributor despite his increased role. Moving forward, the 24-year-old will drop back down to second on the depth chart once Johnson is healthy again. He's off the radar heading into 2025 fantasy football drafts.

From RotoBaller