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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

Patriots fire coach Jerod Mayo after one disappointing season

Sun Jan 5 6:33pm ET
Field Level Media

The New England Patriots fired coach Jerod Mayo on Sunday shortly after the team completed a 4-13 season.

Mayo, 38, was in his first season on the job after replacing legendary Bill Belichick after last season.

The move was made after the Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills 23-16 to halt a six-game losing streak.

"After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. "For me, personally, this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.

"I have known Jerod for 17 years. He earned my respect and admiration as a rookie in 2008 and throughout his career for his play on the field, his leadership in the locker room and the way he conducted himself in our community. When he joined our coaching staff, his leadership was even more evident, as I saw how the players responded to him. ...

"Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team's performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped."

The Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Mayo's debut and then dropped their next six games. New England won two of its next three games before the second six-game skid that ended with a 40-7 beatdown by the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.

New England, which won six Super Bowl titles under Belichick, missed the playoffs for the third straight season. The Patriots haven't won a playoff game since winning the Super Bowl following the 2018 season.

"We have tremendous fans who expect and deserve a better product than we have delivered in recent years," Kraft said. "I apologize for that. I have given much thought and consideration as to what actions I can take to expedite our return to championship contention and determined this move was the best option at this time."

Mayo was a linebackers coach with the Patriots from 2019-23 before being promoted to the head coaching gig. He also was a two-time Pro Bowl linebacker for New England and racked up 802 tackles, 11 sacks and three interceptions in 103 regular-season games from 2008-15.

One available coach who should interest the Patriots is Mike Vrabel, who recorded a 54-45 record in six seasons with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23. He guided the Titans to three playoff appearances, including a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2019 season's AFC title game.

Vrabel, 49, also played for the Patriots from 2001-08 and earned three Super Bowl rings.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 18

Player Notes
Zach Charbonnet Jan 5 8:30pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet did not deliver for fantasy managers in Week 18. He ran for 59 yards and gained 32 yards on a lateral from wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Charbonnet was in a great position to succeed as the starter. However, Seattle rotated running back Kenny McIntosh into the lineup consistently. As such, Charbonnet did not have the same volume he has enjoyed in his other starts this season. Charbonnet's future in fantasy is interesting. The Seahawks seem very committed to starting running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle). However, Charbonnet has shown this season that he can carry the load when called upon and Walker has proven himself to be injury prone throughout his career. At the very least, Charbonnet has proven himself to be an excellent complimentary piece to Walker. Charbonnet should have a chance to be a consistent contributor next year. His eight rushing touchdowns were excellent this year. Time will tell what Seattle decides to do with their offense.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Jan 5 8:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught four passes for nine yards in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. Smith-Njigba was invisible in a game in which quarterback Geno Smith threw four touchdown passes. What's worse, JSN had a chance to break wide receiver Tyler Lockett's single-season team receptions record. He fell one reception short of breaking the record. Overall, Smith-Njigba had a great season. He will finish with 1,130 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 100 receptions. Fantasy managers should be ecstatic about Smith-Njigba heading into next season. He is clearly Smith's No. 1 target, and he has displayed that he has the talent to be a high-end producer for fantasy. While his Week 18 was disappointing, the future is bright for JSN.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Jan 5 8:30pm ET
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty made all four of his field goal attempts against the Seahawks in Week 18 and converted his only extra-point attempt as well. The sixth-round pick from Stanford finished the regular season 29-of-34 on field goal attempts and 32-of-36 on extra-point tries. He made all 13 of his field goal tries over the last four weeks, which should give him a big confidence boost going into the postseason. He also made field goals of 57 and 58 yards to finish the season six-of-seven on kicks from 50+ yards. After an inconsistent season, the rookie finished strong and will look to keep rolling next week as the Rams host a Wild Card game, which means he'll be kicking indoors again as a solid option against the Vikings or Lions.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Jan 5 8:30pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. Metcalf was tied for second on the team in targets with five on Sunday. Metcalf's three receptions were still concerning considering he has not caught more than four passes since Week 11. Metcalf will finish the season eight yards shy of the fourth 1,000-yard season of his career. Metcalf began 2024 on fire, but he did not have the same production after returning from an MCL sprain halfway through the season. With Seattle headed into their offseason after missing the playoffs, they will look to retool their roster. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Seattle's personnel moves and the evolution of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Hopefully, Metcalf can bounce back for fantasy managers in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Jan 5 8:30pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (hip) threw a season-high four touchdown passes in a Week 18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Smith cashed in on several contract incentives in arguably his best game of the season. Smith led a go-ahead drive that was ultimately the game-winning drive. He capped the drive with a touchdown pass to tight end Noah Fant. After throwing the touchdown, Smith was checked out for a lower body injury that was later reported as a hip injury. His services were ultimately not needed again as the Seahawks iced the game on defense, but not much is known about the injury at this time. Smith's end to the season is encouraging for fantasy. After struggling in the touchdown department all year, Smith's four touchdown passes on Sunday were a welcome sign. Smith's future as Seattle's starting quarterback is up in the air. For now, Smith can enjoy the time off as Seattle will not be advancing to the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Jan 5 8:30pm ET
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte caught all seven of his targets for 117 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. Boutte finishes 2024 as New England's best receiver. Despite a slow start to the year, he finished his second season with 43 catches, 589 yards, and three touchdowns through 15 games. He has played at least two-thirds of the offensive snaps in each of his last 13 contests, developing into New England's No. 1 option in the passing game. His role atop the depth chart is far from assured heading into 2025, especially with a new coaching regime on the way. However, Boutte has shown that he deserves to be involved, even if that's merely as a deep threat on the perimeter. He continues to trend upward in dynasty leagues, and he should also sneak into the back end of fantasy drafts next summer.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Whittington Jan 5 8:20pm ET
Jordan Whittington

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington fell just short of 100 yards rushing plus receiving in the regular season finale of his rookie season. While Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp rested for the playoffs, he posted a team-high 86 yards by catching three of four targets from backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo. The former Longhorn also added 12 rushing yards on two carries. Whittington wasn't heavily targeted but made the most of his chances, highlighted by hauling in a 50-yard reception that helped give the Rams a late lead. While the team came up just short in the end against the Seahawks, Whittington continued to show the potential to contribute as a depth option and possibly figure into the Rams' future plans at the position.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Jan 5 8:20pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs closed out the season on a high note, catching 10 of 13 targets for 94 yards, although he was unable to find the end zone in the 26-23 overtime win over the Jaguars. The 23-year-old missed three games this season due to injury but still managed to set new career highs in catches (72), yards (803), and touchdowns (5). Inconsistent and ineffective quarterback play seemed to hold back all of the Colts receivers this season, with none truly separating themselves as a true No. 1. Alec Pierce ended up leading the team in yards (824) and touchdowns (7), but he did it on only 37 receptions, while Michael Pittman Jr.'s numbers were nearly identical to Downs' with 69 catches and 808 yards. Anthony Richardson's play will likely depress Downs' value in 2025 fantasy drafts, but that could make him (and Pittman Jr.) possible values if the offense can improve in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Jan 5 8:20pm ET
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed for 41 yards on 12 carries during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. He also caught four of his six targets for an additional 20 yards through the air. Gibson remained the Patriots' primary running back on Sunday, playing 65.6 percent of the offensive snaps. Terrell Jennings played 37.5 percent of the snaps, and interestingly, Rhamondre Stevenson didn't step foot on the field for a single down. Stevenson has been in the doghouse following a costly Week 16 fumble, registering just two carries since then. Gibson is still under contract with the Patriots for two more years, which means there's a strong chance he enters 2025 as the team's primary running back. Of course, a lot could change between now and Week 1 of next year, especially with New England set to bring in a new coaching staff.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Jan 5 8:20pm ET
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner scored his fourth touchdown of the season in a Week 18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie out of Michigan has proven to be a solid contributor all season. He will finish the year with 245 yards on 30 receptions in addition to the touchdowns. Barner has a chance to become a more integral part of Seattle's offense in 2025. He has already displayed solid pass-catching chops and solid run after catch ability this season. He also started several games in place of tight end Noah Fant this season. He displayed that he has what it takes to be a potential starting tight end in this league. Barner is worth monitoring throughout the offseason to see what kind of buzz he generates in camp. He is also worth a roster spot in dynasty should he have a full second-year breakout. The future looks like it could be bright for this kid.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Jan 5 8:20pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant scored his first touchdown since 2022 in a Week 18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Fant's touchdown was a flipping effort at the goal line that put the Seahawks ahead in this game. The touchdown would turn out to be the game-winner. Fant finished the day with five receptions for 63 yards in addition to the touchdown. He recorded exactly 500 receiving yards this season on 48 catches. Fant was due for a touchdown. It is only fitting that it came on a day in which quarterback Geno Smith threw four touchdown passes. The Seahawks clearly value Fant as a contributor in their offense and that should continue moving forward. If Smith can bounce back in the touchdown department next season, Fant will be an interesting fantasy asset given how high-powered Seattle's offense is.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Jan 5 8:13pm ET
Bucky Irving

Dynasty | Bucs rookie running back Bucky Irving had 89 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Bucs in a playoff-sealing win against the Saints. Dynasty Analysis: It's telling that Irving had all but two or the running back carries in a game of this importance for Tampa Bay. In other words, he's gone from a luxury to a necessity and has the looks of a future RB1 in dynasty leagues. Irving's value could go up even higher with a solid postseason. Regardless, few other rookies saw an increase in value like Irving did and he's a very solid hold in dynasty leagues moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Mike Evans Jan 5 8:13pm ET
Mike Evans

Dynasty | Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans had nine catches for 89 yards in a season-ending win over New Orleans. Dynasty Analysis: Evans finishes just north of 1,000 yards on the season and keeps his streak of 11 straight 1,000 yard seasons alive in the process. This was one of the tougher seasons for him to hit it as he missed a few games in the middle of the year, and the Bucs had to run a final play to get him over the top (and activate a nice little $3 million bonus in the process). Evans has been as steady as they come and will probably be undervalued in dynasty leagues yet again next year.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Bo Nix Jan 5 8:13pm ET
Bo Nix

Dynasty | Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix completed 26-of-29 passes for 321 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in a blowout win against Kansas City. Dynasty Analysis: Nix was surgical against a Kansas City team that played most of their backups and sat anyone critical since they had already secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Nix finishes the year just south of 4,000 passing yards with 29 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. For a rookie who had a lot to prove, this has to be considered a complete and total success. Nix led the Broncos into the playoffs and is clearly the long-term answer at the position. He may be a little undervalued going into next season considering Sean Payton could realistically use him similarly to the way he used Drew Brees in the past, making him a weekly "set it and forget it" option in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Marvin Mims Jan 5 8:13pm ET
Marvin Mims

Dynasty | Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims had five catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Kansas City. Dynasty Analysis: Mims has really come on with five touchdowns and two different 100-yard games over the last five games of the season. It's a small sample size, but Mims has really come on strong of late. While we need to see more consistency, it's hard not seeing his dynasty value rising this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Ronnie Rivers Jan 5 8:10pm ET
Ronnie Rivers

Los Angeles Rams running back Ronnie Rivers took over as the team's top option in the backfield after Blake Corum (forearm) left with an injury on Sunday against the Seahawks. He led the team with 48 rushing yards on 12 carries and added four catches on five targets for 34 receiving yards. The third-year running back from Fresno State could be the primary backup to RB Kyren Williams in the playoffs since Corum was diagnosed with a fractured forearm and will miss the playoffs. Williams is definitely a high-usage back, leaving Rivers almost no fantasy floor, but he could have an increased role after Corum's injury in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Jan 5 8:03pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz ended up with five receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown on five targets in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Fantasy Spin: Ertz regained his status as a TE1 in most fantasy leagues this season, and he finished the season strong. Ertz had 11 receptions for 116 yards and three touchdowns in the final two games, and he has six scores in the final seven outings. Ertz is a top-notch fantasy option in postseason leagues and DFS play. The Commanders travel to meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round.

From TheHuddle

Jamison Crowder Jan 5 8:03pm ET
Jamison Crowder

Washington Commanders WR Jamison Crowder didn't have any offensive touches in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys, but he had three punt returns for 23 yards with one fumble lost.

From TheHuddle

Joe Milton III Jan 5 8:00pm ET
Joe Milton III

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III completed 22 of his 29 pass attempts for 241 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. He also rushed 10 times for 16 yards and an additional touchdown on the ground. Milton didn't take a sack or throw an interception in the victory, but he did lose a fumble on a botched hand-off with Antonio Gibson. The Patriots needed a loss to secure the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, and in order to get some extra film on Milton, they benched Drake Maye after the opening drive. Milton performed better than anyone could have imagined, completing each of his first 11 pass attempts. He totaled two touchdowns and showed phenomenal mobility. The win dropped New England from No. 1 to No. 4 in the draft order, but that's arguably a fair price to pay in exchange for the assurance that New England has two talented, young playmakers in its quarterback room entering 2025. Maye will remain the starter while Milton is likely headed for the backup role.

From RotoBaller

Jimmy Garoppolo Jan 5 8:00pm ET
Jimmy Garoppolo

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo made his Rams debut on Sunday against the Seahawks. Despite playing mostly with second-string skill players, he racked up 334 passing yards to go with two touchdowns and one interception along with five rushing yards. Without much of a ground game, Jimmy G attempted 41 passes and finished with 27 completions (65.8% completion percentage). Next week, he's expected to return to his role as backup QB to Matthew Stafford as the Rams host a game in the wild-card round against either the Lions or Vikings. Whenever the Rams season concludes, the veteran will be a free agent, but his strong showing in Week 18 should help him find work as a backup, either with the Rams or another team next season.

From RotoBaller