Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (knee, finger) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a tough break for the Commanders who have struggled to contain the running game all season long. Now, their All-Pro tackle is sidelined which could be a problem against star running back Saquon Barkley. The absence of Payne means that rookie second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton will likely see an increased role. It's probably going to be difficult for the Commanders to stop the running game without Payne, so Barkley is looking like a must-start DFS option.

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The Detroit Lions have promoted Kelvin Sheppard from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator on Saturday. This comes after former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left Detroit for the New York Jets heading coaching position. Sheppard has been the linebacker coach in Detroit for the past four years. That doesn't seem surprising given the fact that Sheppard was a linebacker in the NFL for eight years. Now, the 37-year-old will get a chance to prove he's ready for a bigger role. It'll be big shoes to fill given Glenn's success, but it looks like the Lions believe he's ready for the job.

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According to Mike Vorel of the Seattle Times, the Seattle Seahawks may entertain trade offers for wide receiver DK Metcalf during the offseason. Vorel noted that even though Metcalf is still under contract, he suggests the team may look to move his contract to open cap space to improve their offensive line, which allowed the third-most sacks this season. In addition, Vorel noted that ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler believes the Los Angeles Chargers could be a potential destination for Metcalf. Metcalf struggled to find consistency throughout the 2024 season. Metcalf averaged 81.1 yards per game during the first seven games with three scores. However, Metcalf averaged just 53.0 yards per game over the final eight games. With the emergence of young wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Metcalf will likely draw significant interest on the trade market during the offseason.

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According to Ed Werder, the Dallas Cowboys have hired former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus as their new defensive coordinator. Eberflus worked under head coach Jason Garrett in Dallas as their linebackers and passing game coordinator from 2011 through 2017. Eberflus was hired as Chicago's head coach in 2022 and was eventually relieved of his duties following Week 13 of this season. During his tenure with Chicago, Eberflus held a 14-32 record. This past season, he won just four games. Eberflus will join newly hired head coach Brian Schottenheimer and bring a sense of experience, given his previous tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. This past season, the Dallas defense took a significant step back, allowing the second-most points-per-game (27.5) under Mike Zimmer. Eberflus will look to bring the Dallas defense back to their 2023 form when they allowed the fifth-fewest points-per-game (18.5).

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According to the team, Philadelphia Eagles rookie defensive back Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is off the injury report and cleared to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon. Mitchell suffered this shoulder injury last weekend during their victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Mitchell opened the week as a limited participant during practice but was able to log two full sessions to conclude the week. The Toledo product has had a key role in the secondary throughout his rookie season. The former 22nd overall selection in last year's draft has logged 53 tackles (44 solo) with nine assists, 14 pass deflections, and one interception across 18 contests. Mitchell will likely be tasked with covering Dyami Brown as No.1 defensive back Darius Slay will likely shadow Terry McLaurin.

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NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the San Francisco 49ers officially hired former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator on Friday, according to sources. Saleh also interviewed for three head-coaching jobs this cycle but will ultimately return to a familiar place after serving in the same role for San Francisco from 2017-20. If things go well again in the Bay Area for Saleh in 2025, he'll have the opportunity to become a head coach again in 2026. Saleh will run the defense after the Niners decided to move on from previous defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, although he could remain with the organization in a different role. During his previous run with the 49ers, Saleh turned their defense into one of the best and most productive units again, so they'll be hoping he can do something similar in 2025.

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New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was acquitted by a jury on Friday in his trial for assault and battery. Peppers testified by denying that he choked or shoved the woman that was accusing him of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Peppers said he "knew eventually the truth would come to light" after being acquitted on Friday. He also admitted to cocaine possession ahead of his domestic-violence trial, but if he stays out of trouble over the next four months, the charges will be dropped. Peppers was put on the commissioner exempt list on Oct. 9 and miss seven games as a result. He was taken off the list on Nov. 25 but appeared in just two of the team's final five games in 2024 due to foot and hamstring ailments. He was signed to an extension by New England before the 2024 season, with his new contract expiring after the 2027 season.

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Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) was removed from the final injury report on Friday and will be available to play in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. Luvu practiced in full on Wednesday and was limited on both Thursday and Friday. The 28-year-old injured his shoulder in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys but has held an every-down role for Washington in their two playoff wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Commanders will surely need him to be at the top of his game this weekend to try and slow down the NFL's leading rusher in 2024 in Saquon Barkley. During the regular season, Luvu was the No. 16 fantasy linebacker in IDP formats, collecting 53 tackles, eight sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 17 games played.

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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will be relied upon in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Butker was perfect on five kicks against the Texans last week, knocking through three field goals and two extra-point attempts. The veteran kicker had been a bit shaky in his return from knee surgery but was able to quell concerns with his performance in their Divisional Round win. Butker could be counted on late in this contest if the game plays out according to plan for Kansas City. Given the explosive nature of the Bills offense, the Chiefs will try to drag out possessions and rely on touchdowns or field goals at the end of them. Kansas City could also extend a drive in the fourth quarter and end it with a game-winning field goal, as we have seen several times before. Whether the game is a shootout or a closely contested matchup, Butker should be involved. The Chiefs kicker is a solid play in both DFS and playoff leagues this week.

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The Kansas City Chiefs defense took care of business last week in their Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans, holding them to 12 points on offense. Despite finishing the game without a takeaway, the Chiefs sacked C.J. Stroud eight times and walked away with the victory. The Chiefs will have a more challenging time in the AFC Championship game against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen had the lowest percentage of plays resulting in a turnover in NFL history this season. If Kansas City wants to avoid a repeat of their Week 11 loss to Buffalo, they will need to slow the pace and force Allen to make mistakes. It will be difficult to trust the Kansas City defense in DFS and playoff leagues, considering the potency of the Bills offense.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on the injury report with an ankle injury but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup. Mahomes passed for 177 yards and a touchdown in last week's AFC Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The Chiefs quarterback will now be playing in his seventh straight AFC Championship game, with a record of 4-2 in his previous appearances. Mahomes will face off against MVP candidate Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills to see who will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The Bills defense is not a shutdown unit, but they did have the fourth-most interceptions in the regular season. The Chiefs will likely try to play a methodical game by slowing the pace on offense, which would be detrimental to Mahomes' numbers. Kansas City has made it their identity to do just enough to win, making it risky to trust Mahomes in DFS and playoff leagues. That said, Mahomes does have boom potential if the Bills can hit the ground running on offense. The Chiefs quarterback is not the no-brainer start he once was, but there is some upside if the game turns into a shootout.

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was the second back on the field for Kansas City, but he proved to be the more reliable option down the stretch. Hunt rushed eight times for 44 yards and a touchdown compared to five carries and 18 yards for Isiah Pacheco. Given his steady performance and Pacheco's inconsistencies, it is likely that the Chiefs lean on him again in this week's contest. Kansas City will face off against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Given the high-powered nature of the Bills offense, Kansas City will try to limit the number of opportunities Josh Allen will have to beat them. Hunt will be leaned on the grind out drives and kill the clock this week. If the veteran running back can remain efficient, he should be in for a heavy workload. Consider starting Hunt in DFS and playoff leagues this Sunday.

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has been a shell of his former self since returning from injury. Even when given the opportunity to start last week's contest, Pacheco remained inefficient and ceded work to veteran Kareem Hunt. The 25-year-old handled five carries for 18 yards against the Texans, compared to eight carries, 44 yards, and a touchdown for Hunt. Given the importance of the matchup and Pacheco's struggles, the Chiefs likely lean on Hunt as their workhorse back in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Kansas City will face the potent Buffalo Bills in Arrowhead to determine who will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. With the Chiefs searching for a historic three-peat, the stakes are too high to rely on Pacheco. The second-year back should not be viewed as a start-worthy asset in fantasy playoff leagues and should be considered a dart-throw option in DFS leagues.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has his eyes set on a third-straight Super Bowl win, but first, he must take on the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Kelce set the playoff record for most games with 100 or more receiving yards in last week's Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. Despite Patrick Mahomes only passing for 177 yards last week, Kelce caught seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. The 35-year-old is one of the most prolific playoff performers in NFL history, and he will likely rattle off another dominant performance at home against the Bills. Kelce enters the weekend just two touchdowns behind Jerry Rice for the most in playoff history. Kelce is easily the top target for Mahomes when the stakes are the highest, and the duo will have to be in sync for the Chiefs to make it to the Super Bowl. Kelce is a must-start option in DFS and playoff leagues this week.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy has solidified himself as a top option in the Chiefs passing attack. In the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans, Worthy was the second option for Patrick Mahomes and the only receiver to catch a pass in the contest. Worthy reeled in five catches for 45 yards against the Texans. The rookie's role expanded in the regular season's final weeks, and it appears that usage has translated to the playoffs. Worthy will look to remain involved against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Travis Kelce will be the first read most often, but he should also draw the most attention from the defense. If the Bills contain Kelce, Worthy could become the go-to guy for Mahomes. Worthy has also admitted he has some extra motivation to perform, given that the Bills did not want him and traded their pick to the Chiefs. The 21-year-old has a safe floor and clear upside, making him an obvious play in both DFS and playoff leagues this week.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins did not have a single catch in the Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans. The veteran receiver was acquired by the Chiefs at the trade deadline and had an immediate impact. Hopkins' involvement dwindled as the season continued, and Xavier Worthy stepped into the WR1 role. The 32-year-old could be relatively uninvolved again versus the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game. Kansas City has centered its winning playoff strategy around running the ball and relying on a few trusted pass catchers. Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy are above Hopkins in the pecking order, which could leave very few opportunities for the veteran receiver. Hopkins should not be started in most playoff leagues and should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent flex play in DFS.

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The Buffalo Bills D/ST faces a tough test in the form of the Kansas City Chiefs during Sunday's AFC Championship. Not only do the Chiefs boast an incredible offense led by Patrick Mahomes, but they've also displayed elite-level ball security. In fact, Kansas City owns the NFL's longest active turnover-free streak dating back to Week 11. Ironically, that Week 11 game was against the Bills, but it took place in Buffalo. Patrick Mahomes was picked off twice in that contest, and the Bills D/ST's best chance to deliver a solid fantasy showing this upcoming Sunday is to rattle Mahomes once again. That won't be an easy task, but our RotoBaller experts are confident in the Bills, ranking them first among the four remaining D/ST units in the playoffs.

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Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass remains a strong fantasy option for Sunday's AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. While the kicker position is somewhat of a crapshoot with just four teams remaining in the playoffs, Bass has a good chance to finish near or at the top of the final rankings when this week's games are complete. The 27-year-old has fared well in the playoffs so far, going 5-for-5 on field goals and 5-for-5 on extra points. His matchup against the Chiefs isn't ideal Kansas City allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to kickers during the regular season but Bass did make one field goal and three extra points when he faced them back in Week 11. Conditions are expected to work in Bass' favor, too, with minimal winds and no precipitation expected in Kansas City on Sunday.

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Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid remains a risky option for fantasy managers and bettors ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 25-year-old has struggled to live up to his first-round price tag from the 2023 draft, but in his defense, he isn't the only Bills pass-catcher delivering subpar numbers lately. Amari Cooper hasn't met expectations since being acquired at the trade deadline, and rookie Keon Coleman remains an inconsistent option in the passing attack. In other words, it's been a subpar season for Buffalo pass-catchers not named Khalil Shakir. Unfortunately for Kincaid and his fantasy managers, the path doesn't get any easier. The Chiefs allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends during the regular season, holding the position to just 24.3 receiving yards per game.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins remains an unappealing fantasy option heading into Sunday's AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. While Hollins is actually the Bills' receiving touchdowns leader he had five during the regular season he hasn't carved out enough volume to justify deploying him in fantasy leagues or bet slips week in and week out. The 31-year-old has just one catch in each of the Bills' two playoff games, and he only had a pair of receptions when Buffalo hosted the Chiefs back in Week 11. If there's anything working in Hollins' favor, it's the fact that the Chiefs allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to slot receivers from Weeks 12 to Week 17. Hollins ranked 42nd among NFL receivers in slot snaps this year, which is impressive considering he ranked just 69th in total snaps. Extra slot opportunities could give him a slightly higher ceiling this week, but his low volume is still just too concerning, especially as Khalil Shakir handles most of the slot snaps.

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