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Falcons interview Matt Eberflus for DC position

Sat Jan 18 12:02pm ET
Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons completed a virtual interview with Matt Eberflus for their defensive coordinator position, the team announced Saturday.

Eberflus, 54, most recently served as head coach of the Chicago Bears for two-plus seasons. He was fired the day after a Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions, finishing his tenure with a 14-32 record.

The Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake last weekend after one season with the team. Atlanta dropped its final two games to miss the playoffs, giving up a combined 74 points in back-to-back overtime defeats against the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers.

Before coaching the Bears, Eberflus was the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts from 2018-21. He was an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys from 2011-17 and the linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns from 2009-10.

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The Paur Report

Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Divisional Round

Player Notes
Justin Fields Jan 18 12:20pm ET
Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac writes that in all likelihood, the Pittsburgh Steelers will start the 2025 season with a new starting quarterback, and he thinks that Justin Fields will be given the job. It's the third time in the last four years that the Steelers head into the offseason with uncertainty at the most important position. Both Fields and Russell Wilson will be free agents, and it's highly unlikely the Steelers will bring them both back. With the way the season ended with five straight losses and a disconnect with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Dulac believes the Steelers will let Wilson walk. Fields, meanwhile, is only 25 and showed improvement in his 10 games played (six starts), completing a career-high 65.8% of his passes for 1,106 yards, five TDs and one interception while adding 289 rushing yards and five more scores.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Jan 18 12:10pm ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon (ankle), who is questionable to play in the Divisional Round on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs after being limited in practice this week, will play, according to sources. Mixon was limited in practice on Wednesday and did not practice on Thursday, leading to his questionable tag. However, the Texans said on Friday that the 28-year-old was expected to play, and now it's official that he'll be active to kick off the Divisional Round of the postseason as the Texans look to pull a huge upset on the road in KC. The two-time Pro Bowler ran for 1,016 yards and scored 12 total touchdowns in the regular season and also had over 100 yards rushing and a TD in last week's win over the Chargers. However, his ankle could limit him somewhat on Saturday against a Chiefs defense that allowed the fewest PPR points to RBs all season long.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Jan 18 11:00am ET
Sam Darnold

The Rams defense/special teams put on an impressive show last week against the Vikings, and they'll need to show up again on Sunday in their road game against the Eagles. On Monday, the Rams dropped Sam Darnold nine times for sacks, forced two turnovers and even scored a defensive touchdown while holding the vaunted Vikings' offense to nine points. Not counting the last game of the season when starters rested, they have allowed under ten points in four straight games while recording seven takeaways and 17 sacks. They'll have a tough task against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles this week. Last week, the Eagles did not turn the ball over in their win against the Packers while allowing two sacks. Adverse weather could keep the game low scoring, and the Rams' defense will again look to rise to the challenge and make big plays to help their team advance.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Jan 18 10:30am ET
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty has a brutal matchup in less-than-ideal conditions this week, so he's probably not the best fantasy option. The rookie did have a strong finish to the season, making 15 straight field goal attempts over the last six games. However, the Eagles have allowed the fewest fantasy points in the NFL to opposing kickers this season, and the weather is expected to be cold and wet. Since most of Karty's recent success has come indoors at SoFi Stadium, it seems like a difficult place to count on him for a big fantasy week in the Divisional Round.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Jan 18 10:20am ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp has struggled down the stretch, but the Rams will need him to step up with a throwback game in Philadelphia if they want to knock off the Eagles. Last week against the Vikings, Kupp played only 55% of snaps and was only targeted one time. He converted that target to a 29-yard catch, but the Rams will need him much more involved this week. Over their last five games, Kupp has totaled just five catches, although he did rest for one of those contests. The drop off has come quickly for Kupp, who had several strong games earlier in the season. He'll remain behind Puka Nacua in terms of workload for this week, but the Rams will need his playmaking abilities if they want to get to the NFC Championship Game. He's a high-risk fantasy play this week given his recent struggles, but Kupp does still have upside as a flier.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Jan 18 10:10am ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson played 72% of the team's snaps in their Wild Card Round win over the Vikings. He actually played more snaps than Cooper Kupp but only had two targets, one catch, and 23 receiving yards. The Rams passing game could struggle in the weather in Philadelphia, but Robinson is getting enough playing time to deserve consideration as a punt play for DFS contests. He did have some good games earlier in the season and scored seven touchdowns. One of those scores came against the Eagles in their regular season meeting, and he'll have touchdown-dependent upside this week in the rematch.

From RotoBaller

Ronnie Rivers Jan 18 10:00am ET
Ronnie Rivers

Los Angeles Rams running back Ronnie Rivers stepped in as the primary backup for Kyren Williams last week in the Rams' first game of the playoffs. He replaced rookie Blake Corum (forearm) on the depth chart but had a similarly minimal workload. Rivers wasn't targeted and gained eight rushing yards on his three carries. He'll probably get a few touches again this week against the Eagles, but he hasn't had enough of a role to deserve much fantasy attention yet. In Week 18, he did have four catches for 34 yards and 12 carries for 48 yards while Williams was resting, so if there's an injury and he has to step up, there is some potential upside to consider if you're looking for a DFS punt play.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Jan 18 10:00am ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is the clear focus of the Rams' passing game and was targeted nine times on Monday Night Football when his Rams knocked off the Vikings, 27-9. He has at least eight targets in each of his last nine games, and the only games this season in which he was targeted fewer times than that he left early due to injury or ejection. Last week, he only had five catches for 44 yards, which was his lowest total for any full game this season. However, his high volume and big-play ability keep him a strong fantasy option against Philadelphia in the Divisional Round. He had nine catches on 13 targets for 117 yards against the Eagles in the regular season, and he'll likely have a good opportunity to post similar totals this week as long as the weather isn't too much of a factor. However, even if conditions are difficult, coach Sean McVay will be able to find ways to get the ball into his hands since he's one of the team's top playmakers.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Jan 18 9:50am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams took down the Vikings last week in the NFL Wild Card Round to earn a road matchup in the Divisional Round. Stafford completed 19 of his 27 pass attempts for 209 yards and two touchdowns, which was a big step forward for the veteran after not passing for multiple touchdowns or 100+ yards in any of his final three regular season games. He'll look to build on that success Sunday afternoon against the Eagles. Against Philadelphia in Week 12, Stafford completed 24-of-36 pass attempts for 243 yards and two scores, but that was indoors in Los Angeles, while Sunday's Divisional Round matchup is in Philly with an awful weather forecast. While he has mixed results in cold weather games, he has struggled in the rain and snow, going 1-8 with just a 54.6% completion rating, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. More than the weather, the Eagles' defense will pose a tough test for Stafford after they shut down Jordan Love and the Packers. Even in a tough spot, Stafford has enough upside to be a DFS flier, but he's very high-risk given his recent track record and the obstacles he'll be up against on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Jan 18 9:50am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams faced the Vikings last week, who allowed the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL this season, and this week, things don't get much better as he faces the Eagles, who gave up the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. Williams did still deliver last week, though, finding the end zone as a receiver while catching all three of his targets for 16 yards. He totaled 76 rushing yards on his 16 carries as well, posting an average of 4.8 yards per carry which was slightly above his season average. Especially with potential weather concerns, the Rams will lean heavily on Williams again this week in Philadelphia. He had 16 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles in their regular season meeting and produced at least 70 rushing yards in seven of his last eight games. Volume should be no problem for him this week, either, and he has touchdown-dependent upside as the Rams look to pull off a road upset against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Jan 18 7:10am ET
Kyren Williams

Philadelphia Eagles D/ST enters Sunday's Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams as one of the league's top defensive units. The Eagles allowed the fewest points per game this season (17.2) and have been even stingier in recent weeks, giving up an average of just 10 points over their last three contests. In their Week 12 meeting, Philadelphia's defense limited the Rams to 20 points, 198 passing yards, and 92 rushing yards in a 37-20 win. This season, the Eagles have held opponents to an NFL-best 175.3 passing yards per game and rank ninth against the run (104.3 rushing yards per game). The Rams will need to rely on playmakers like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams to keep the Eagles from dominating.

From RotoBaller

Byron Young Jan 17 10:20pm ET
Byron Young

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Byron Young (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Divisional round matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old has been shelved since picking up a hamstring injury and being placed on injured reserve in late October. Young returned to practice last week and was a full participant each day before being ruled out for their 22-10 Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers. He logged three full sessions again this week but is evidently not ready to return to game action. For now, teammates Jalen Carter and Milton Williams will lead the charge for the Eagles' defensive front, with Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis working in behind them.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Jan 17 10:10pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley faces the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the Divisional Round, a team he torched for 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 12. The NFL's rushing champion has been the centerpiece of Philadelphia's offense, logging over 20 touches in eight of his last nine games. The Rams allowed 4.52 yards per carry during the regular season and struggled to contain Barkley's downhill running style, as 162 of his 255 yards in their last matchup came after contact. While the Rams' defense has tightened recently, Barkley remains a near-lock for high-volume usage behind one of the NFL's best offensive lines. Expect him to dominate touches and provide the usual production as the Eagles aim to punch their ticket to the NFC Championship.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Jan 17 10:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith heads into Sunday's Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams as a pivotal part of the Eagles' passing attack. Smith led the team in receiving during last week's Wild Card victory, catching all four of his targets for 55 yards. This came on the heels of an impressive close to the regular season, where he averaged 79.3 receiving yards per game and scored three touchdowns over his last three contests. With Jalen Hurts now fully recovered and the Eagles facing a Rams defense that has struggled against top-tier wideouts, Smith could be poised for another strong outing.

From RotoBaller

Teagan Quitoriano Jan 17 10:00pm ET
Teagan Quitoriano

Houston Texans tight end Teagan Quitoriano (calf) was downgraded to out for Saturday's road outing with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. The 24-year-old was placed on injured reserve in late November and has not returned to the field since picking up a calf injury in Week 12's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Quitoriano appeared in seven games during 2024 but eclipsed 20 snaps in a game just once and did not record a target. Despite logging a week of full practices, he'll garner a questionable tag yet again. If he's not ready to go, fellow tight ends Dalton Schultz, Irv Smith Jr., and Cade Stover will continue to lead the Texans' TE room against the reigning Super Bowl champions.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 17 10:00pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will look to exploit the Los Angeles Rams defense on Sunday in the Divisional Round. Hurts delivered a solid performance in last week's Wild Card win over the Packers, completing 61.9% of his passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns while adding 36 rushing yards. However, his output was tempered, in part, by the Eagles' reliance on Saquon Barkley. Hurts struggled in the Eagles' Week 12 matchup with the Rams, finishing with just 15 fantasy points as Barkley stole the show. Despite completing 68.2% of his passes, Hurts managed only 179 passing yards and one touchdown while rushing for 39 yards. Facing a Rams defense that allowed one of the league's lowest QB rushing averages, Hurts must lean on his dual-threat ability to deliver a strong playoff performance.

From RotoBaller

Deonte Harty Jan 17 9:30pm ET
Deonte Harty

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is officially questionable for Sunday's road meeting with the Buffalo Bills. The seventh-year pro was designated to return from IR last week. However, he was inactive for Baltimore's 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers -- garnering a questionable tag after two DNPs and a full practice session. Harty participated fully in all three team practices this week, so he may get his first in-game action since Week 6 in the Divisional Round. Even if the 27-year-old suits up, he'd likely operate as a kick returner for the Ravens. Though, with fellow wideout Zay Flowers (knee) stringing together three consecutive DNPs and deemed doubtful -- he may get some reps out wide if he plays. Harty did not command a target across his six total snaps through the season's first four weeks.

From RotoBaller

Armani Rogers Jan 17 8:20pm ET
Armani Rogers

The Buffalo Bills announced on Friday that they signed tight end Armani Rogers to a Reserve/Futures deal. Rogers, a former undrafted free agent, hasn't appeared in the NFL since 2022 when he played in 11 games (three starts) for the Washington Commanders. The former quarterback was with the Atlanta Falcons on their practice squad during the 2024 season but wasn't active for any regular-season games. The 27-year-old tore his Achilles in the offseason of 2023. In his 11 games with the Commanders in 2022, he caught five of his six targets for 64 yards and no touchdowns while carrying the ball twice for 26 yards. Rogers now latches on with the Bills but won't be eligible to play at all this postseason. He will continue his development as a pass-catcher into the offseason and will hope to remain with Buffalo through training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Jonah Elliss Jan 17 8:10pm ET
Jonah Elliss

Denver Broncos rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (shoulder) suffered a fractured scapula bone in his right shoulder in the wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, but the good news is that he's expected to be recovered in time to participate in the team's offseason workouts in April. Elliss suffered the injury in the first quarter when he was hit by Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins. His father said that the Broncos are getting second opinions on Elliss' injury to see if he'll need surgery. Elliss also had a partially torn labrum in 2023 while playing at Utah, but this injury isn't related. The 21-year-old third-rounder played in all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and played a big role on a strong Broncos defense, tallying 38 tackles (24 solo), five sacks, seven tackles for loss and six QB hits. He's the younger brother of Kaden Elliss and Christian Elliss, who also play in the NFL for the Falcons and Patriots, respectively.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Jan 17 7:50pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be a head coach somewhere in 2025, but it won't be for the Dallas Cowboys. Most speculation around the league is that Johnson will join the Las Vegas Raiders, but Schefter says he's "not in that camp right now." Schefter's reasoning for why he's not sold on Johnson going to Vegas is that Johnson has been very selective in where he wants to become a first-time head coach. Not only do the Raiders not have a top pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but they don't have desirable quarterback situation, and they also reside in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix. Johnson's name has been connected with the Chicago Bears often. The NFC North was the toughest division in the NFL this year, but they do have last year's No. 1 overall pick in QB Caleb Williams.

From RotoBaller