Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram was a disappointment during the regular season in his first year with the Broncos, catching 50 of his 76 targets for 461 yards and only one touchdown in 16 games played. That continued in the Divisional Round overtime win over the Buffalo Bills last Saturday, as Engram caught just one of three targets for seven yards. The 31-year-old veteran just did not live up to the expectations that Denver's coaching staff placed on him during training camp. Perhaps Engram will be a favorite target for quarterback Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots in place of the injured Bo Nix (ankle), but it's probably unlikely. Engram went over 45 receiving yards just once during the regular season, and his lone TD on the year came way back on Oct. 5 in a win over the Eagles. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a sudden breakout for Engram in the AFC Championship.

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New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry let fantasy managers down in the 28-16 Divisional Round win against the Houston Texans, catching just one of two targets for a five-yard gain. Henry played 72% of the offensive snaps, but it was his worst performance of the season against the top defense in the league. Despite his rough showing last weekend, it shouldn't scare fantasy managers away for the AFC Championship this Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Denver's D was one of the better units in the league during the regular season, but they also allowed the ninth-most receiving yards (1,015) to opposing tight ends. Before Henry's dud against Houston, the 31-year-old veteran had three touchdowns in the previous four games for New England. There aren't a lot of sure things at the position at this stage, with only four teams alive, making Henry the No. 1 TE option in most fantasy leagues this week.

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New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught both of his targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional Round win versus the Houston Texans last weekend. The touchdown was just Douglas' fourth of the year, and his first since a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 2. Fantasy managers might want to pump the brakes on thinking that the 25-year-old wideout will be able to find paydirt again in the AFC Championship tilt this weekend against the Denver Broncos. Denver's D allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts during the regular season and only six touchdowns, which tied for the fewest in the league. Douglas was fifth on the team last week with only 17 snaps on offense, making it unlikely that he'll have a major impact on Sunday's big game unless he finds the end zone again. He hasn't gone over 40 receiving yards since Nov. 2.

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Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (knee) missed his second straight day of practice this week on Thursday with a nagging knee issue, but head coach Sean McVay still expects Young to play in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. The 27-year-old should be back on the practice field on Friday, but he could still carry a questionable designation into Sunday's contest. The third-year linebacker was a first-time Pro Bowler in his third NFL season over 17 regular-season games, posting career highs in total tackles (82), solo tackles (45), and sacks (12) while adding 12 tackles for loss, a career-high 29 QB hits, and a forced fumble. The Rams' defense should have Young available this weekend, but against a Seahawks offense that scored the third-most points per game (28.4) in 2025, they will have their work cut out for them to advance to the Super Bowl.

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Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that left tackle Charles Cross (foot) "is good," and that the team is "optimistic for the game" on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. The Seahawks' injury report doesn't really reflect Macdonald's statements, though, as the 25-year-old offensive tackle has yet to practice this week. It's a position to watch for Seattle going into the big game this weekend, as backup both backup tackles Josh Jones (knee, ankle) and Amari Kight (knee) have also missed the first two practices of the week. Cross, Jones, and Kight are most likely going to need to practice on Friday to avoid being ruled out for the NFC Championship. Not having Cross, the blind-side protector for quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique), would be a notable development in the third meeting of the year between Seattle and L.A.

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) was limited in practice again on Thursday, according to Seahawks PR. Darnold suffered an oblique injury in practice a week ago, but he played through the injury in the blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round last Saturday night. Head coach Mike Macdonald said earlier this week that Darnold didn't suffer any sort of setback with his oblique last weekend, although he's being considered day-to-day this week. Barring something unforeseen, the 28-year-old signal-caller should be active on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, but it doesn't mean he won't carry a questionable tag into that game for the second straight week. There are valid concerns about Darnold going into this weekend, surrounding his health, but also the fact that he threw only two touchdowns and six interceptions against the Rams in two games in 2025.

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Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb, who will be a free agent in March, won't be returning to the team for next season, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Dare Ogunbowale will also be a free agent, but he has a better shot at potentially re-signing for backfield depth. Chubb began the 2025 campaign as Houston's lead RB with Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but he lost the job to rookie Woody Marks halfway through the year. The 30-year-old veteran averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 122 rushing attempts for 506 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in 15 regular-season games for the Texans. The four-time Pro Bowler just has not looked like the same player since suffering a gruesome knee injury in 2023 with the Browns, in which he tore multiple ligaments. At best, Chubb will be backfield depth in 2026 if he latches on with another team in free agency.

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Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) was limited in practice again on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to DenverBroncos.com's Aric DiLalla. Dobbins' 21-day practice window was opened on Wednesday, but he would need to be activated to the 53-man roster to play in the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. The Broncos are holding out hope that Dobbins can return this weekend for the first time since suffering a Lisfranc foot injury back in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it may not be realistic to expect Dobbins to play against the Patriots unless he upgrades to a full practice on Friday. And even if Dobbins does return against the Pats, Denver may not feel comfortable using him as the lead back right away over rookie RJ Harvey. Before his injury, Dobbins was on pace for a career year, rushing for 772 yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries in 10 games.

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) put in another limited practice on Thursday, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Franklin suffered a hamstring injury in last weekend's victory over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and is now questionable to play against the New England Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship tilt. If the 22-year-old doesn't upgrade to a full practice on Friday, he could carry a questionable tag into the weekend. Meanwhile, rookie wideout Pat Bryant upgraded to full practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. Franklin's fantasy stock has been on the decline since late in the 2025 regular season, and that has continued into postseason play. It looks like Bryant has a good chance of playing this weekend, which will limit Franklin's fantasy upside if he's active, especially with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham making the start.

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Denver Broncos rookie Pat Bryant (concussion) improved to a full participant in practice on Thursday ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Bryant had three catches for 32 yards in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills despite only playing three snaps on offense before suffering a concussion. The rookie out of Illinois was limited in practice on Wednesday, so an upgrade to full on Thursday suggests he's on the right path to clear the NFL's concussion protocol in time for Sunday's big game. Bryant, who became a bigger part of Denver's passing attack late in the season, could be in line for a bigger role if he's active and Troy Franklin (hamstring) is not. However, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham starting this weekend, Bryant will be even more volatile in fantasy lineups if he's active.

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Across 17 games in the 2025 regular season, Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner set career-highs across the board with 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets. However, the 23-year-old was held without a catch and earned zero targets in Seattle's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. Barner may also see a drop in playing time in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (knee), who has been on Injured Reserve since Week 14 due to a knee injury, has returned to full practice participation and may be nearing his return. It's worth noting that Barner performed well in the regular season against the Rams, hauling in 14 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets across two matchups. Still, it may be difficult for him to repeat his success, given that Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) will likely be playing through an oblique injury. Given his underwhelming outing in the Divisional Round and the uncertain situation around him in Seattle, Barner may be a player for fantasy managers to avoid on Sunday.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp had one of the least impactful regular seasons of his career in 2025, recording 47 receptions for 593 yards and two touchdowns on 70 targets across 16 games. However, the 32-year-old had one of his better performances in Seattle's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, hauling in five catches for 60 yards on five targets. Kupp's numbers may not jump off the page, but they are made more impressive when considering that Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) threw for just 124 yards on 17 pass attempts in the team's 41-6 win. In the NFC Championship Game, Kupp will face the organization he spent the first eight years of his career with in the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp was held in check by the Rams in the regular season, recording six catches for 62 yards on 11 targets across two matchups. Still, Kupp played his highest snap share of the season (93% of offensive snaps) in the most recent meeting between the two teams in Week 16. Between the revenge-game motivation and Kupp's encouraging Divisional Round performance, he could be in for a big game in the NFC Championship.

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has led his team to victory in each of his first two postseason starts, completing 58.9% of his pass attempts for 447 yards and four touchdowns along the way. However, ball security has been a major concern for the 23-year-old, as he has taken 10 sacks, thrown two interceptions, and fumbled six times (three of which were lost). Maye will now face a difficult matchup in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos. Denver's defense finished the regular season ranked second in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.1) and first in sacks (68). In the Divisional Round, the Broncos' defense forced Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen to commit four turnovers. Additionally, Denver's offense is working with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, which could lead New England to lean into a run-heavy and conservative offensive approach. As a result, Maye could be a player for fantasy managers to avoid on Sunday.

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford did enough to lead his team to victory, but did not have his best performance in the Divisional Round against the Chicago Bears. The 37-year-old completed 20 of 42 pass attempts (47.6%) for 258 yards without finding the end zone, and also took four sacks. However, it's worth noting that Stafford was playing through a sprained right index finger. The veteran quarterback has been removed from the injury report heading into his NFC Championship Game matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, so he may now be feeling closer to 100%. The Seahawks fielded one of the NFL's best pass defenses during the regular season, but Stafford was the one quarterback they seemingly could not contain. Across the two regular-season matchups between the two teams, Stafford completed 44 of 77 pass attempts for 587 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Particularly given his improved health status, Stafford profiles as a high-end quarterback option for fantasy managers on Sunday.

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) is currently battling an oblique injury as his team prepares to host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. The 28-year-old reportedly plans to play through the ailment, just as he did in Seattle's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. However, Darnold did not have to do much in the 41-6 win over San Francisco, completing 12 of 17 pass attempts for 124 yards and one touchdown. Darnold struggled in his two regular-season matchups against the Rams, throwing a combined six interceptions and taking four sacks. Dating back to the regular season, the dominant Seahawks' defense has held six of its last seven opponents to 16 points or fewer. Given Darnold's health status, Seattle may look to lean on its defense and run game to get past Los Angeles. Fantasy managers may want to avoid starting Darnold against the Rams.

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New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) returned to practice on Thursday, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. Head coach Mike Vrabel said the team wouldn't open Hollins' 21-day practice window on Wednesday, but they did so a day later. It's good news for the veteran 32-year-old pass catcher, who has been on Injured Reserve since Dec. 27, but it doesn't mean he'll officially be activated and play in the NFC Championship game this Sunday versus the hosting Denver Broncos. In his first year with the Patriots in 2025, Hollins served as a deep threat for young quarterback Drake Maye, hauling in 46 of his 65 targets for 550 yards and only two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games. If Hollins returns this weekend, his snap count could be limited, making him hard to trust for fantasy purposes against a strong Denver defense.

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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that quarterback Jarrett Stidham's football IQ and his composure/calmness are "elite," according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Payton continues to build up Stidham's confidence as the 29-year-old backup prepares for his first NFL start since 2023 in the AFC Championship this Sunday against the New England Patriots. Stidham will be the No. 4 fantasy QB going into this weekend's action after starter Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. Stidham has a strong arm, is accurate, and knows Payton's system well, so he might not be much of a downgrade over Nix if he performs up to his capabilities against New England. It won't be easy, though, against a Patriots defense that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs over the last five weeks.

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Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo (knee), who remains on Injured Reserve, was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. Arroyo landed on IR after injuring his knee in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons, and he's missed each of the last five games. Now that he's practicing in full, though, he could be activated off IR and play in the NFC Championship tilt this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The 22-year-old second-rounder out of Miami wasn't a major factor during the regular season, so fantasy managers probably should avoid using him in playoff lineups if he returns this weekend. In 13 regular-season games, Arroyo had 15 receptions on 26 targets for 179 yards and only one touchdown. AJ Barner is still the TE to use in fantasy despite his donut in the Divisional Round win over the 49ers.

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Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover's (knee) MRI exam showed no damage to his ACL, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Sports. Stover was unable to make much happen after fellow tight end Dalton Schultz (calf) left the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots before getting hurt himself in the fourth quarter. The 25-year-old caught one of his three targets for only two yards. The good news is that Stover should be a full-go for training camp in the summer and for Week 1 of the regular season in the fall. In his second year in the league, the former fourth-rounder caught just 12 passes for 76 yards and no touchdowns on 16 targets in nine regular-season games. As long as Schultz is healthy going into the start of the season, Stover won't be fantasy relevant. He had a 15-133-1 line in 15 games in 2024 in his rookie campaign.

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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that surgery "went well" for quarterback Bo Nix (ankle), according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Nix had surgery for a broken bone in his right ankle that he suffered at the tail end of Saturday's overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. The 25-year-old had one of his best games of the season, too, going 26-for-46 for 279 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. The Broncos haven't given a timetable for Nix's recovery, but we'd be surprised if he wasn't ready to go for the start of the 2026 campaign, where he'll easily be a top-12 fantasy QB. With Nix out for the AFC Championship this weekend against the visiting New England Patriots, the Broncos will go with backup Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't started a game in the NFL since 2023.

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