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Jets interview Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. for HC job

Sun Jan 19 4:28pm ET
Field Level Media

The New York Jets completed their 16th interview for their head coaching vacancy on Sunday, getting to know Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

Whitt was one day removed from guiding his unit to a strong playoff performance against the Detroit Lions. The Commanders intercepted Jared Goff three times and forced him to lose a fumble in a 45-31 victory that advanced Washington to the NFC Championship Game.

Whitt, 46, played wide receiver at Auburn and began his coaching career there as a student assistant. His first job on the defensive side of the ball was as Louisville's cornerbacks coach from 2003-06, after which he graduated to the NFL as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons.

Whitt worked in various roles for the Green Bay Packers (2008-18), the Cleveland Browns (2019), another stint with Atlanta (2020) and the Dallas Cowboys (2021-23), primarily working with the secondary and coordinating pass defense. This was his first season in Washington and his first year as a defensive coordinator.

It also marks Whitt's first interview for a head coaching job.

New York's other interviews have included 10 candidates with previous NFL head coaching experience, counting its own interim coach Jeff Ulbrich and New Orleans Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi. Ulbrich has since joined Atlanta as its new defensive coordinator, and another interviewee, Mike Vrabel, was hired as the New England Patriots' head coach.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Divisional Round

Player Notes
Braden Fiske Jan 19 4:20pm ET
Braden Fiske

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (knee) is questionable to return against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Fiske exited during the first half of the Divisional Round, but he registered a sack prior to his departure. The rookie out of Florida State has been a game wrecker this year, amassing 44 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 17 regular-season games. Tyler Davis and Desjuan Johnson will earn more defensive snaps until Fiske is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Jan 19 4:13pm ET
Travis Kelce

Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs playoff win over the Texans. Dynasty Analysis: Kelce now owns the NFL record for most 100-yard receiving games in the playoffs by any player, not just a tight end, breaking the mark set by Jerry Rice. It seems the Chiefs are just fine using him relatively modestly during the regular season, only to unleash him in the postseason at this point. While it's great for Kansas City, it has really affected his dynasty value over the past two years and made him more of a low-end TE1 than the elite difference maker he once was. If he continues playing after this season, that will likely continue.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

DeAndre Hopkins Jan 19 4:13pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Dynasty | Chiefs receiver DeAndre Hopkins failed to record a catch in a playoff win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Hopkins honestly just looks done at this point and while he's offering some red zone appeal to the Chiefs, they seem much more happy looking for Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and even other before Hopkins. While he should still stay on roster, Hopkins' best days in dynasty leagues have clearly come to an end.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jared Goff Jan 19 4:13pm ET
Jared Goff

Dynasty | Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 23-of-40 passes for 313 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in Detroit's stunning playoff loss to the Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: Goff shouldn't take all the blame in this one as the Lions defense got shredded, but he was hardly the solution either. It closes the chapter on a brilliant season but also raises some questions about just how high his ceiling really is. His value should hold this off-season, but this performance will certainly stop it from rising.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jahmyr Gibbs Jan 19 4:13pm ET
Jahmyr Gibbs

Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a playoff loss to Washington. Dynasty Analysis: He added six catches for 70 more yards. Detroit's loss was a shock, but Gibbs' performance really wasn't. The breakout star posted over 1,400 rushing yards, 50 catches and scored 20 times on the season, so nobody should be stunned at this. While David Montgomery will continue to eat into his workload a bit, it's clear he's the 1A in this offense moving forward and will be valued as one of the top running backs in dynasty leagues this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jayden Daniels Jan 19 4:13pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Dynasty | Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 22-of-31 passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 51 rushing yards in a signature playoff road win over Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Can he really be considered a rookie at this point? Daniels was again brilliant in what may be the win that really puts him on the map as one of the elite players in the NFL. Washington looks like a team of destiny and that tends to go with the territory when you have a breakout star like this. Daniels is a top tier QB1 in dynasty leagues and an easy player to build your franchise around moving forward as the best may still be yet to come.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Zay Flowers Jan 19 4:10pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) completed a pre-game workout ahead of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers remains listed as doubtful, which means that he faces an uphill battle to play. However, the fact that he was able to test his injury and go through a workout is noteworthy, at the very least. If Flowers defies the odds and does end up playing, it would be a surprising development, and the young receiver could still have a reduced snap count. Fantasy managers and bettors should expect confirmation on his status when the Ravens' list of inactives is revealed at 5 p.m. EST. Regardless of Flowers' availability, Rashod Bateman should take on an increased workload Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Quinyon Mitchell Jan 19 3:40pm ET
Quinyon Mitchell

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (shoulder) is officially questionable to return after exiting during the first quarter of Sunday's Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He made one tackle and defended a pass prior to his departure. The 23-year-old rookie spent significant time in the medical tent before the Eagles labeled him as questionable. Isaiah Rodgers will earn more defensive snaps at cornerback until Mitchell is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Dan Quinn Jan 19 3:40pm ET
Dan Quinn

Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi (knee) has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and will not return during the playoffs, head coach Dan Quinn announced Sunday. Cosmi suffered the injury during Saturday's Divisional Round victory over the Detroit Lions. The 25-year-old was an anchor on the offensive line this season, playing essentially every snap while providing impressive protection and leadership. When confirming Cosmi's injury, Quinn noted, "That's a big deal, the ballplayer and the man." Trent Scott is expected to operate as the Commanders' primary right guard going forward.

From RotoBaller

Ainias Smith Jan 19 2:20pm ET
Ainias Smith

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Texas A&M product was also a healthy scratch during the wild-card round when the Eagles faced the Green Bay Packers. During the regular season, Smith caught just seven passes for 41 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should expect A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson to lead the passing attack on Sunday afternoon.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Jan 19 2:10pm ET
Tyler Johnson

According to the team, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson (coach's decision) will not suit up on Sunday afternoon to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. The 26-year-old also sat out during the wild-card round. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson to lead the passing attack in Philadelphia. Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will operate as rotational pieces. During Week 18, when several starters rested, Johnson brought in four of his seven targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. Nacua carries an elite WR1 upside on this slate, whereas Kupp and Robinson carry flex value.

From RotoBaller

Bobby Brown III Jan 19 2:00pm ET
Bobby Brown III

According to the team, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) and defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) are both active for Sunday's playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown could not practice all week and is expected to return to his rotational role on the defensive line. Last week against the Vikings, Brown tallied one tackle on 13 defensive snaps. Witherspoon ended the week with a limited practice session and will return to his starting role in the secondary. Over his past five games, he has tallied 21 tackles, seven deflections, and one interception. He will be a key part of the defensive game plan to limit the potent Philadelphia offense.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Jan 19 12:20pm ET
Caleb Williams

According to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer, the Chicago Bears are scheduled to interview former Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George for their head-coaching job on Sunday. George has been the head coach at Tennessee State for the last four years and was named the Coach Of The Year for the Big South in 2024-25 while leading his team to a co-championship. Before starting his coaching career, George won a Heisman Trophy in college. In his time at Tennessee State, he's gone 24-22, including 9-3 during the regular season this year. The Bears fired Matt Eberflus after their Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions, with Thomas Brown finishing out the year as the interim head coach. The Bears are casting a wide net for their next head coach and are hoping whoever they choose will be able to get more out of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Morris Jan 19 12:10pm ET
Raheem Morris

The Atlanta Falcons hired former New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator on Saturday night, according to sources. In addition to finishing the 2024 campaign as the Jets' interim head coach after the team fired Robert Saleh after just five games, Ulbrich played linebacker in the NFL. He will be reuniting with head coach Raheem Morris in Atlanta after coaching with him from 2015-20. It will be Ulbrich's second stint with the Falcons after Morris named him the defensive coordinator in 2020 when Morris became the interim head coach. Ulbrich will be replacing Jimmy Lake, who was fired after just one year in the role. The 47-year-old went 3-9 to close out the year with the Jets. Before that, he had been New York's defensive coordinator since 2021. The Jets defense was in the top five in defensive EPA in 2022 and 2023 under Ulbrich.

From RotoBaller

Oren Burks Jan 19 9:33am ET
Oren Burks

Philadelphia Eagles LB Oren Burks was fined $8,333 by the National Football League for committing an act of unnecessary roughness in the team's Wild Card Game versus the Green Bay Packers. On the opening kickoff of the game, Burks used his helmet on a hit against KR Keisean Nixon, which caused a fumble. No flag was thrown on the play.

From TheHuddle

Mack Hollins Jan 19 9:33am ET
Mack Hollins

Buffalo Bills WR Mack Hollins was fined $11,255 by the National Football League for committing an act of unsportsmanlike conduct in the team's Wild Card game versus the Denver Broncos. He taunted DB Patrick Surtain II while stepping over him.

From TheHuddle

Patrick Mahomes Jan 19 4:00am ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 16 of 25 pass attempts (64%) for 177 yards and a touchdown in the 23-14 win over the Houston Texans in their Divisional Round matchup. Mahomes displayed his game-managing abilities as Kansas City ran only 50 plays in this contest compared to 65 for Houston. The veteran quarterback was not particularly impressive in this game but did manage to scramble away from a sack to deliver a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce in the fourth quarter. Mahomes and company will now play in their seventh-straight AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills. The 29-year-old will face off against either Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen to determine who will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs have displayed their willingness to grind out low-scoring games, but a shootout is not out of the question, given the level of competition.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Jan 19 4:00am ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in the 23-14 win over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round. The 35-year-old broke his tie with Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice for the most playoff games with at least 100 receiving yards. All but 60 of Patrick Mahomes' 177 passing yards went in the direction of Kelce in today's contest. The veteran tight end also received Mahomes' lone passing touchdown in the game. Kelce will now play in the AFC Championship game for the seventh straight season. Kansas City will face either the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills in next week's matchup. Whoever the opponent is, look for Mahomes and Kelce to connect early and often.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Jan 19 4:00am ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt handled eight carries for 44 yards and a touchdown in the 23-14 win over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round. The veteran running back also caught one pass for two yards in this contest. Hunt led the backfield with more touches and total yards than Isiah Pacheco. The 29-year-old also averaged 5.5 yards per carry compared to 3.6 for Pacheco. Despite the latter starting the game, Hunt showed that he is the better back right now. Hunt will have the week to prepare for the team's AFC Championship matchup against the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills. The Ravens appear to be the tougher run defense of the two, but Hunt should be heavily involved regardless of the matchup.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Jan 19 4:00am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught five passes for 45 yards in the 23-14 win over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round. Worthy finished the game second on the team in receiving stats behind Travis Kelce but was the only wide receiver to catch a pass for Kansas City. Worthy has blossomed into Mahomes' top option in the receiving corps despite being a rookie. Worthy even had a highlight over-the-shoulder catch in the first quarter. The 21-year-old will have a week to prepare for the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills. Regardless of the matchup, Andy Reid and the Chiefs will find creative ways to get the ball into Worthy's hands.

From RotoBaller