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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Championship

Commanders TE Zach Ertz and under-the-radar storylines on Championship Sunday

Thu Jan 23 4:29pm ET
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Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen certainly are going to do their part. And Saquon Barkley might have his own chapter in the Commanders' defensive game plan. Nobody doubts the significance of Jayden Daniels' role for Washington.

But the matchups within the matchups are set to determine which teams advance on Championship Sunday to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Feb. 9.

We reviewed the critical concerns in each game to determine five under-the-radar players who will determine the outcome this weekend. The first in the series moving Thursday-Saturday: Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz.

Under-the-radar might be a stretch considering Ertz has some kind of history in Commanders-Eagles lore. On Sunday, he'll be locked in as a key security option near the line of scrimmage for quarterback Jayden Daniels as Washington tries to dent the NFL's top-ranked defense.

He'll be performing on a stage and in a stadium that might feel like home.

Ertz was one of the best tight ends in Eagles' history. Only Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael has more receptions in Philadelphia history with 589.

Ertz caught 579 receptions and 38 touchdowns with more than 6,000 receiving yards in eight-plus seasons in Philadelphia before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals.

But after two-plus injury-ravaged seasons and at age 33, Ertz found a new home with the Commanders in free agency.

"When that whistle blows, it's not going to be about the previous nine years that I had there," Ertz said this week.

Ertz signed with the Commanders in a reunion with former Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury. It wasn't a challenge to get on the same page or tout his ability in the red zone. He leads the Commanders with 25 targets and 16 catches in the red zone, including the playoffs.

Already over the emotional curtain of returning to his old home stadium -- Washington visited Philadelphia in November -- Ertz said he'll be too focused on a game plan and making his presence felt than anything in his past.

"I'm not going out there with a chip on my shoulder or trying to prove to people X, Y or Z. I'm just trying to go out there and be the best version of myself," Ertz said.

Part of his responsibility is keeping Daniels upright. The Eagles intercepted Daniels three times in two regular-season matchups, but blitzing didn't work. Daniels leads the NFL in completions and touchdowns against the blitz and threw five TD passes the last time he saw Philadelphia, a 36-33 win Dec. 22 at Washington.

Daniels was sacked just once in that game, but the Commanders are shuffling their line with right guard Sam Cosmi (torn ACL) unlikely to play. We say unlikely because the Commanders haven't placed him on IR and list him as DNP on their practice reports.

Daniels has targeted Ertz 100 times this season -- nine in the playoffs -- with a finishing kick. He caught a touchdown last week at Detroit and has seven total TD receptions since the first visit to Philadelphia two months ago.

"I just wanted the opportunity to come out here and prove that I am still the same guy," Ertz said.

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Player Notes
Sheldon Day Jan 23 4:30pm ET
Sheldon Day

According to the team, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (finger/knee) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status during Friday's final session, as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's NFC title game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Payne sustained this finger injury during their wild-card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now dealing with an additional knee injury. If Payne were to be limited or sit out during Sunday's contest, fantasy managers should expect Sheldon Day to receive an uptick in playing time. During the regular season, Payne was a mainstay on the Washington defensive line. Across 17 games, he tallied 42 tackles (22 solo) with four sacks and two deflections.

From RotoBaller

Olamide Zaccheaus Jan 23 4:20pm ET
Olamide Zaccheaus

According to the team, Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (hip) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status on Friday. If he is unable to upgrade to full participation, he may carry a questionable tag into Sunday's conference championship. Last weekend, during their upset victory over the Detroit Lions, Zacchaeus could not catch any of his two targets. During the wild-card round, Zaccheaus caught three passes for 19 yards. However, during the final three weeks of the regular season, Zacchaeus was a key part of the Washington air attack, averaging 68.7 yards per game with five receptions per contest and three touchdowns. Dyami Brown has surpassed him as the No.2 option on the depth chart, but Zaccheaus still carries flex value in DFS at a much lower price.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Jan 23 4:20pm ET
Zach Ertz

According to the team, Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (rib) was upgraded to full participation during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign, as Ertz did not participate during Wednesday's session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on Friday in case he faces a setback, but he should be in a position to be a full go for Sunday's conference championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In last weekend's victory over the Detroit Lions, Ertz caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and a score. Over his past nine contests, the veteran tight end has found the back of the end zone seven times and seen 5.1 targets per game. During this stretch, the 34-year-old has seen nine targets within the five-yard line and has become Jayden Daniels' go-to option in the red zone. He carries low-end TE1 value in DFS formats this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Braden Fiske Jan 23 3:30pm ET
Braden Fiske

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske (knee) will undergo a knee procedure this offseason after suffering an injury in the Divisional Round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie second-round pick out of Florida State was excellent in Year 1 with the Rams, collecting 44 total tackles (20 solo), 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six run stuffs in 17 games. Fortunately, head coach Sean McVay said the knee procedure will likely not affect his availability for the start of the 2025 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Dan Campbell Jan 23 3:20pm ET
Dan Campbell

Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebackers coach Larry Foote is expected to interview for the vacant Detroit Lions defensive coordinator role, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. Former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was hired as the next head coach of the New York Jets, leaving the Lions will a significant role to fill. Foote has coached linebackers since 2015 with the Cardinals and Buccaneers after 13 seasons as a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, and Cardinals. The 44-year-old is a Super Bowl champion as a player and a coach, something Lions head coach Dan Campbell likely covets.

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Baker Mayfield Jan 23 3:00pm ET
Baker Mayfield

In a media availability on Thursday, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he will call offensive plays for the team in 2025. Cleveland introduced offensive coordinator Tommy Rees on Thursday, but Stefanski will take back the reigns of the offense after relinquishing play-calling duties midway through the 2024 campaign. The 42-year-old was the play-caller for the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and 2019 before taking over the head coaching job in Cleveland in 2020. The Browns produced respectable offensive numbers early in his tenure with Baker Mayfield under center, but production dipped when the organization signed Deshaun Watson ahead of the 2022 campaign. In 2025, Cleveland could be working with a rookie quarterback like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, but signing a veteran bridge quarterback is another option.

From RotoBaller

Damar Hamlin Jan 23 2:50pm ET
Damar Hamlin

Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (hip) did not practice on Thursday, marking the second consecutive day he has been out of action due to a hip injury. The 27-year-old was banged up in last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round and is in danger of missing the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Rapp has started 14 games for Buffalo this year, but if he cannot play this week, rookie second-round pick Cole Bishop will likely make the start opposite Damar Hamlin in the backend of the Bills' defense.

From RotoBaller

Nick Sirianni Jan 23 2:40pm ET
Nick Sirianni

Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (back) did not practice on Wednesday due to a back injury, but he is returning to practice on Thursday, according to head coach Nick Sirianni. The 2022 second-round pick out of Nebraska has started all but one game for Philly this season, and his return to practice is a promising sign for his potential availability against the Washington Commanders in Sunday's NFC Championship Game. Given the high usage rate of the "tush push" or "brotherly shove" in Philadelphia, the center spot is a critical position for the Eagles offense.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jan 23 2:30pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (ankle) is set to practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday's sessions due to an ankle injury. The 30-year-old's return should signal he's trending toward being available for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders. Goedert has been a major contributor in the postseason so far, leading all Eagles' pass-catchers in receptions (eight) and receiving yards (103) over the last two games against the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams. Washington presents a neutral matchup for fantasy tight ends, so he should continue to be heavily involved in the Jalen Hurts-led passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Thomas Brown Jan 23 12:30pm ET
Thomas Brown

The Chicago Bears will not retain offensive coordinator/interim head coach Thomas Brown and wide receivers coach Chris Beatty after the team hired Ben Johnson to be their next head coach, a league source told ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Brown interviewed for Chicago's head-coach position and also has interviewed for the Seattle Seahawks' offensive-coordinator vacancy. In addition to Brown and Beatty, offensive-line coach Chris Morgan, quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph and defensive coordinator Eric Washington will not stay in Chicago under Johnson. Brown started the 2024 season as the Bears' passing-game coordinator but became the interim head coach after both offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus were fired. In the last five weeks of the season, the Bears went 1-4 under the 38-year-old Brown.

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Jan 23 12:20pm ET
Robert Saleh

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are not down to the two candidates who will interview for their head-coaching job for the second time this week in former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Jacksonville is still expected to conduct in-person interviews for the head-coaching job with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. The Bills and Eagles are still in the playoffs, so the Jaguars will have to wait until next week to talk with Brady and Moore. With Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen out of the running for the Jags, Saleh or Brady could be the favorites to take over for Doug Pederson, who was fired after two years at the helm. In addition to the Jaguars, Brady is still a candidate for the head-coach job in New Orleans.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Jan 23 12:10pm ET
Matthew Stafford

According to his wife, Kelly, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (ribs) played through a rib injury late in the season after cracking four of his ribs in Week 15 against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Stafford aggravated his ribs in the first half of the Divisional Round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday and admitted after the game that he had been dealing with it "to a varying degree for some time." He said he "was able to kind of calm it down" and "didn't feel like it was much of a factor" against Philly. Despite being less than 100%, Stafford threw for a season-high 324 yards and two touchdowns and almost led the Rams to an improbable coming back win. The 36-year-old acknowledged that he will contemplate his future this offseason. If Stafford comes back for a 17th season in 2025, he'll be a midrange QB2 target in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Jan 23 12:10pm ET
Robert Saleh

ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer reported on Wednesday night that the Dallas Cowboys held a second interview with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for their head-coach opening. Clarence Hill Jr. reported on Thursday morning that the Cowboys could cross the finish line on hiring Schottenheimer as their next head coach no later than Friday, and possibly as early as Thursday. Owner Jerry Jones' previous eight hires were either former head coaches and/or had familiarity with the Cowboys. The 51-year-old Schottenheimer is the son of long-time NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer. He joined Dallas' staff in 2022 as a coaching analyst and has been running their offense the last two years after Kellen Moore left to join the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cowboys have also interviewed Moore, Robert Saleh and Leslie Frazier, but Schottenheimer is the clear favorite at this point.

From RotoBaller

Mike McCarthy Jan 22 10:30pm ET
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NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the New Orleans Saints are planning second interviews for their head-coaching job with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore next week. In addition to Brady and Moore, the Saints are looking at former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka for their head-coach position. Even if the Bills and Eagles advance to the Super Bowl, they'd be able to interview with the Saints during an off week next week. New Orleans fired Dennis Allen midway through the 2024 season and finished out the year with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi serving as the interim head coach.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Allen Jan 22 10:10pm ET
Jonathan Allen

Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne (knee, finger) was listed as a non-participant for his team's practice on Wednesday. The former first-round pick had been battling through a finger injury he suffered in Washington's Wild Card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He'd also pick up a knee issue in last Saturday's stunning upset of the Detroit Lions. While the finger ailment caused him to practice in a limited capacity the week prior, this new injury has forced him from practice altogether. Payne has missed just one game in his seven-year career, so we'll see if he can elevate his practice status for Sunday's divisional clash with the Philadelphia Eagles. If he's inactive, look for Jalyn Holmes and Sheldon Day to rotate in behind Jonathan Allen.

From RotoBaller

Kelee Ringo Jan 22 9:50pm ET
Kelee Ringo

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity to begin the week ahead of their meeting with the Washington Commanders this Sunday. After just nine snaps, Mitchell was forced from Philadelphia's Divisional win over the Los Angeles Rams and did not return. However, the sentiment regarding his injury appears to be positive, as it was noted that he avoided something serious. It's excellent news for the rookie, who led all Eagles' DBs in snaps during the regular season -- tying for second amongst his cohorts in pass breakups (12). The 23-year-old should be on track to suit up for the Conference Championship round, but if he can't, Isaiah Rodgers would likely fill in again, with Kelee Ringo mixing in behind him.

From RotoBaller

Matt Milano Jan 22 9:40pm ET
Matt Milano

Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (biceps, hamstring) was a limited participant at Wednesday's team practice. The eighth-year pro spent the early portion of the season dealing with a bicep injury, but the hamstring issue is new for him. However, per Alaina Getzenberg of the team, head coach Sean McDermott has been told that Milano is just dealing with soreness and is unsure whether or not it's a traditional injury at this time. The 30-year-old seemingly sustained the ailment in Buffalo's victory over the Baltimore Ravens, though when it occurred is unclear as he played 51 defensive snaps (86%). For now, it appears Milano won't be in danger of missing this Sunday's bout with the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, he'll be one to monitor over the next 48 hours. Teammate Dorian Williams would be in line for more snaps if the veteran could not play.

From RotoBaller

Matt Milano Jan 22 9:20pm ET
Matt Milano

Per ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg, the Buffalo Bills have opened the practice window of linebacker Baylon Spector (calf). The 26-year-old picked up a calf injury in the team's Week 16 win over the New England Patriots. It's good news for the Bills, though he was not spotted at Wednesday's practice. Spector appeared in 11 games this season -- registering 40 tackles (22 solo) with one fumble recovered -- racking up the third most snaps of Buffalo's linebackers. We'll see if he can progress enough to suit up for this Sunday's clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Conference Championship round. If he can't, fellow linebacker Dorian Williams will continue to mix in behind Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Jan 22 8:43pm ET
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills WR Amari Cooper said that he is not bothered by his reduced workload in the offense recently and that winning is more important to him.

Fantasy Spin: Cooper has been targeted only four times in two playoff games and has been held to under 50 yards in six of the 10 games since joining the Bills. He may see a few targets against the Kansas City Chiefs but can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Sean McVay Jan 22 8:20pm ET
Sean McVay

The Chicago Bears have requested to interview Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and passing-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant for their vacant defensive-coordinator job under new head coach Ben Johnson, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Pleasant was a big reason why the Rams defense excelled with a lot of young players late this season. He joined the Rams in 2023 as a defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator before being promoted to assistant head coach under Sean McVay in 2024. Before coming to L.A., Pleasant spent time working with Johnson with the Detroit Lions in 2021 as their defensive backs coach/pass-game coordinator. He was also an offensive consultant for the Green Bay Packers in 2022. Although Pleasant has been coaching in the NFL since 2013, he would be a surprise hire in Chicago as the defensive coordinator.

From RotoBaller