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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Wildcard

Raiders among teams reaching out to Bill Belichick

Wed Jan 8 1:59pm ET
Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders, behind minority owner Tom Brady, are among multiple NFL teams that have reached out to new North Carolina coach Bill Belichick about changing his mind and returning to the league, NFL Network reported Wednesday.

Brady, who owns a 10 percent stake in the Raiders with business partner Tom Wagner, recently spoke to his coach of 20 years with the New England Patriots about reconsidering, per the report.

Belichick, 72, agreed to a five-year contract with North Carolina on Dec. 11 and has a $10 million buyout prior to June 1. He would owe the school $1 million after June 1. Belichick asserted during his introductory press conference that he "didn't come here to leave."

The Raiders fired Antonio Pierce on Tuesday after one season, becoming the sixth NFL team looking to fill a head coaching vacancy, including the Patriots, who fired Belichick's successor, Jerod Mayo, this week. It's unclear how many of those franchises have reached out to Belichick.

Brady and Belichick won six Super Bowls together in New England.

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Player Notes
Amari Cooper Jan 8 12:50pm ET
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Amari Cooper (personal) will practice in some capacity during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday as they get set to prepare to take on the visiting Denver Broncos in the wild-card round of the playoffs this Sunday. Cooper did not travel with the Bills to New England in their loss against the division-rival Patriots in the Week 18 regular-season finale due to personal reasons, but the 30-year-old veteran is now back with the team and figures to be active this weekend. However, for fantasy purposes, Cooper will be avoided by most, especially going up against a top-five defense in the Broncos. In eight games with Buffalo in 2024 after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns, the five-time Pro Bowler caught only 20 passes for 297 yards and two TDs. Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman are both better upside plays.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Pierce Jan 8 12:30pm ET
Antonio Pierce

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, multiple NFL teams have inquired about whether former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick would reconsider his move to coach college football at the University of North Carolina, including the Las Vegas Raiders, whose minority owner Tom Brady recently spoke with the legendary coach. Belichick agreed on a five-year deal on Dec. 11 to head to the college ranks to coach the Tar Heels. The Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday after just one season as the full-time head coach. The connection would be obvious in Vegas, as Brady and Belichick won six Super Bowls together with the Patriots, and sources are saying Brady thinks the situation in the desert requires a coach with Belichick's expertise. Belichick's contract at UNC includes a $10 million buyout if he leaves before June 1, although it's unclear if it would apply in this situation.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 8 12:20pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) is expected to be at the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to sources. It's a notable step forward as Hurts works his way out of the league's concussion protocol and prepares to start on Sunday in the wild-card round of the postseason versus the visiting Green Bay Packers. Hurts suffered a concussion in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and did not play in the final two games of the regular season. He's also dealing with a fracture to a finger on his left (non-throwing) hand, but his concussion is the much bigger issue. The 26-year-old was a top-10 fantasy QB in 2024 and led the league with 14 rushing touchdowns, but that's where the root of his value lies. The Eagles passing attack left a lot to be desired all year. Given the potential rust factor heading into the playoffs, Hurts carries a lot more DFS risk this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Jan 8 12:10pm ET
Zay Flowers

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee), who missed Tuesday's practice, is a long shot to play on Saturday evening against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Flowers is pretty sore while dealing with a sprained right knee that he suffered in the win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns in the Week 18 regular-season finale last Saturday. The good news is that Flowers could have a chance to play in the Divisional Round next week, but the Ravens would need to take care of business and beat the Steelers this weekend to advance. This is big news for the highest-scoring offense in the NFL. Baltimore will look for receivers Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace to step up, while tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely will both become more attractive in DFS playoff lineups.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Jan 7 10:50pm ET
Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears are reportedly planning to interview Pete Carroll for their open head-coaching position. There were rumors that is was going to happen, but it now appears to be official. The 73-year-old spent over a decade with the Seattle Seahawks and won a Super Bowl during his time with the organization. He was later let go as the head coach, but Carroll took over as an advisor in 2024. A year later, Carroll appears to be interested in being a head coach once again. The expectation is that the Bears are going to interview a handful of candidates, but Carroll is probably the most experienced of them all. The Bears head coaching gig is possibly the most prized out of all the current openings given the amount of potential this team has with youngster Caleb Williams under center.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Hodgins Jan 7 9:50pm ET
Isaiah Hodgins

The San Francisco 49ers have signed wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins to a reserve/future deal. The former sixth-round pick spent the 2024 season with the New York Giants. He hauled in both his targets for 12 targets in his two appearances with the organization this season. Hodgins barely saw the field this season, but he did show flashes of potential during his 2023 campaign with the Giants. It's a low-risk move for the 49ers who might've found a decent depth option in the 26-year-old wideout. He'll get a chance to win a spot on the roster during training camp.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Jan 7 9:40pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. Wilson was designated to return from the injured reserve at the end of December. He was a full participant in practice all last week, but Wilson remained sidelined for the regular season finale. However, it seems possible that Wilson could return to the field for Saturday's Wild-Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Wilson has been out since October, so the Steelers haven't been able to see what the rookie wideout can do. If active, Wilson would likely play a minimal role during Saturday's playoff game.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Perryman Jan 7 9:40pm ET
Denzel Perryman

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. The Chargers are hopeful to get Perryman healthy in time for Saturday's playoff matchup against the Houston Texans. Perryman missed a ton of time down the stretch of the season and only played in 11 games during the regular season. Despite that, Perryman still finished with 55 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack with the Chargers this season. Troy Dye has been seeing an increase in playing time lately with Perryman sidelined. Dye has been a viable option, including a 14-tackle game earlier in the season, but having Perryman available would be a nice boost for this defense.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Heyward Jan 7 9:20pm ET
Cameron Heyward

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (illness) was absent during Tuesday's practice session. Heyward played his normal role during the regular season finale last weekend, so he must've picked up the illness afterwards. The Steelers don't play until Saturday for their Wild-Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. That being said, Heyward has plenty of time to recover before Saturday's contest. His absence would be a significant loss for this defense considering he well Heyward has performed this season. Heyward finished the regular season with 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and eight sacks across 17 games.

From RotoBaller

Mike McCarthy Jan 7 7:33pm ET
Mike McCarthy

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was denied an interview with the Chicago Bears for their head coach vacancy, according to sources Tuesday, Jan. 7.

From TheHuddle

Kyle Hamilton Jan 7 7:00pm ET
Kyle Hamilton

According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice. The star defensive back saw his typical workload during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week but seeing him open the week as a limited participant is a positive sign. Across 17 games this season, the Notre Dame product has tallied an impressive 107 tackles (77 solo) with 30 assists, two sacks, nine deflections, two forced fumbles, and one interception. If Hamilton were to miss Saturday's playoff game against the Steelers, Sanoussi Kane would see an increase in playing time.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Jan 7 6:40pm ET
John Metchie III

According to the team, Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder) did not practice on Tuesday. The 24-year-old wideout exited Sunday's game early. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week as he could be in danger of missing Saturday's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Before exiting, Metchie saw four targets and brought in two of them for 24 yards. In Week 17, Metchie saw a season-high eight targets. With Tank Dell (knee) out for the remainder of the season, Metchie should operate as the clear No.2 wideout in this offense for the remainder of the playoffs. If Metchie were to miss Saturday's playoff game, fantasy managers should expect Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, or Diontae Johnson to move up the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Jan 7 6:30pm ET
Quentin Johnston

According to the team, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (thigh) was a limited participant on Tuesday. Johnston is coming off a career-day where he tallied 186 yards on 13 receptions. This was only the second time this season he eclipsed 100 yards in a single game and first time he brought in double-digit receptions. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with his status during Tuesday's practice as he did not show any signs of an injury during Sunday's game. However, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Since Week 14, Johnston has become a top option in Los Angeles passing attack as he has seen an impressive nine targets per game and averaged 69.0 yards per game. Johnston should be viewed as a solid option in DFS formats on Saturday facing a struggling Houston secondary.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Heyward Jan 7 6:23pm ET
Cameron Heyward

Pittsburgh Steelers OG Isaac Seumalo (rest) and DT Cameron Heyward (illness) did not practice Tuesday, Jan. 7. OG Mason McCormick (hand) and TE MyCole Pruitt (knee) were limited participants at practice. WR Roman Wilson (hamstring), CB Donte Jackson (back), LB Cole Holcomb (knee), DT Logan Lee (calf) and OT Calvin Anderson (groin) were full participants at practice.

From TheHuddle

J.K. Dobbins Jan 7 6:20pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

According to the team, Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice. Dobbins missed four games earlier this season due to an MCL sprain but now appears to have a minor ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. However, seeing him open the week as a limited participant is a positive sign. Since returning in Week 17, Ekeler has averaged 18.5 attempts per game and tallied 69.5 rushing and 9.5 receiving yards per game over this stretch. Before his knee injury, Dobbins averaged a similar 69.6 rushing yards per game and found the back of the end zone eight times over his first 11 games. If he can take on his typical workload, the 26-year-old should be viewed as an elite running back option in all playoff competitions.

From RotoBaller

Denico Autry Jan 7 6:13pm ET
Denico Autry

Houston Texans DE Denico Autry (knee), LB Jake Hansen (ankle), OG Shaq Mason (knee) and WR John Metchie (shoulder) did not practice Tuesday, Jan. 7. LB Folorunso Fatukasi (ankle), LB Christian Harris (ankle), CB Jeff Okudah (concussion) and CB D'Angelo Ross (shoulder) were limited at practice. DE Will Anderson Jr. (hand), OT Nick Broeker (hand) and TE Teagan Quitoriano (calf) were full participants at practice.

From TheHuddle

Ezekiel Elliott Jan 7 5:57pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dynasty | The Chargers have signed running back Ezekiel Elliott. Dynasty Analysis: It's a fun story to watch, but dynasty managers aren't exactly thinking they have the next LaDainian Tomlinson here, either. Elliott will join the practice squad and could be elevated should Gus Edwards be unable to play in the playoffs, but this could be a short tenure for Elliott in Los Angeles. He'll likely attempt to sign on with a team next season, but it's clear he's lost most of his burst at this point and isn't really effective in much other than short yardage situations. Elliott belongs on dynasty waiver wires at this point.