Total 2024 Wild Card audience dips by 9.3 percent from 2023
It was fitting that the NFL dropped the “Super” from “Wild Card Weekend.” The final audience numbers were less than super. Via the Associated Press, the six games played from Saturday to Monday night averaged 28.3 million per game. That’s a 9.3-percent drop from last year’s 31.2 million average. It
Lamar Jackson doesn’t want to be Josh Allen’s friend
The biggest NFL playoff matchup this weekend is arguably the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Buffalo Bills (13-4). The game undoubtedly features the biggest quarterback matchup of the weekend between the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and the Bills’ Josh Allen. Allen and Jackson are NFL MVP front-runners, and this tilt will go
Kliff Kingsbury waits on all potential head-coaching interviews
On Sunday, we explained that Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury might wait on conducting one or more head-coaching interviews. He has decided to wait on all of them. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Kingsbury has decided to wait until the Commanders’ season ends to interview with any
Vikings GM Addresses Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy Statuses
Sam Darnold promises to be one of the most interesting free agents in recent memory. Regarding quarterback UFAs, he may become one of the most captivating commodities since full-fledged free agency launched in 1993. Coming off an original-ballot Pro Bowl nod, Darnold transformed his free agency stock during the regular
Rams add DE Larrell Murchison, ILB Troy Reeder to the injury report
The Rams added defensive end Larrell Murchison (foot) and inside linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) to the injury report Thursday. Both were full participants. Left tackle Alaric Jackson (chest) returned to full participation after being estimated as a non-participant Wednesday. Rams tight end Tyler Higbee remained a limited practice as he
Sanders-Cowboys rumors gain more steam with bombshell report
The Dallas Cowboys hiring Deion Sanders as their next head coach no longer seems inconceivable. On Thursday, Ed Werder of WFAA-TV in Dallas tweeted that the Colorado Buffaloes head coach’s inner circle is pushing him to take the job. “Regarding Deion Sanders: I’m being told that [Sanders] would almost certainly
Jaguars complete interview with Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken
The Jaguars completed a virtual interview with Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken on Thursday night, the team announced. Monken will meet with the Bears on Friday. He was the seventh interview of the search, with the Jaguars previously talking to Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen, former Jets head coach Robert
Sheldon Rankins, Alex Cappa Among Bengals’ Potential Cuts
The Bengals are projected to enter the 2025 offseason with just under $50MM in cap space, per OverTheCap, the 11th-most in the NFL. Still, that might not be enough for the front office to accomplish all of their offseason goals. The front office will be focused on re-signing wide receiver
State Farm cancels its Super Bowl commercial due to L.A. “tragedy”
The largest insurer in California has scrapped its plan to air a commercial during the largest TV broadcast of the year. Via Alex Weprin of The Hollywood Reporter, State Farm has cancelled its Super Bowl spot. The company cited the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. “State Farm, its agents, and
Commanders’ Gonzalez reveals personal struggle behind game-winning FG
Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez was just another replacement before sending his team to the divisional round of the playoffs with his game-winning heroics against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Playing in just his seventh game for the team, Gonzalez hit a 37-yard field goal, “doinked” in, to earn
Agent says Tom Brady intends to fulfill his full 10-year contract with Fox
As Fox analyst Tom Brady takes a bigger and bigger role with the Raiders, he won’t be taking a different role with Fox. His agent, Don Yee, tells Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal that Brady intends to fully perform his 10-year contract as a broadcaster. “Tom has had a
Coaching/Front Office Notes: 49ers, Packers, Giants, Bears
After moving on from special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, the 49ers have started looking at replacements. After meeting with Lions assistant special teams coach Jett Modkins, the team has added two more candidates to the fray. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the 49ers have interview Broncos assistant special teams
Report: Packers part ways with DL coach Jason Rebrovich
The Packers have fired defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich, Rob Demovsky of ESPN reports. Rebrovich coached outside linebackers (2022) and was the pass rush specialist (2023) under previous coordinator Joe Barry and moved to the defensive line this past season under new coordinator Jeff Hafley. Rebrovich has 23 years of
Packers GM Gutekunst gets real on championship expectations
The Green Bay Packers underperformed in 2024-25. Sure, they were a playoff team, but they limped into the NFC’s No. 7 seed coming off two straight losses to divisional opponents. Speaking of the division, the Packers went 1-5 against the rest of the NFC North. They were dominated by both
Packers to interview former Jets assistant Aaron Whitecotton for DL job
The Packers fired defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich this week. They soon will begin interviewing for his replacement. They have scheduled an interview with former Jets defensive line Aaron Whitecotton, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. Whitecotton spent four seasons with the Jets after Robert Saleh hired him. He has
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/16/25
Today’s reserve/futures contracts: Arizona Cardinals Minnesota Vikings Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Cardinals snagged a pair of wide receivers from recently-eliminated playoff teams. Quez Watkins spent all of this season on the Steelers practice squad, while Trishton Jackson was a member of the Vikings’ taxi squad when they were knocked out
Lamar Jackson will play the coldest game of his career Sunday
Lamar Jackson doesn’t like the cold, but he doesn’t fear the cold. The Ravens quarterback, who grew up in South Florida, said he will not wear gloves Sunday despite playing the coldest game of his career. “No. I tried that in practice, [and] I was horrible,” Jackson said, via Ryan
Rodgers reveals the factors that will determine his NFL future
Aaron Rodgers isn’t ready to say whether he’ll continue on playing football for a 21st season in the NFL. Heck, he’s not even for sure if the team that currently employs him, the New York Jets, want him back for the 2025 season. That’s an interesting perspective on a four-time
NFLPA offers buyouts to roughly half of its employees
The NFL Players Association is looking to shrink its workforce. Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal reports that the union has offered buyouts to roughly half of its 150 employees. The package reportedly includes one year of severance pay, with more for employees with more than 30 years of experience.
NFC South Notes: Panthers, Bucs
Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson has played just six games in the last two seasons due to a broken fibula in 2023 followed by an Achilles tear this past September. Thompson led the Panthers in tackles from 2020 to 2022, but still took a pay cut to stay in Carolina after
Texans dealing with big injury concern ahead of Chiefs game
The Houston Texans have a significant injury concern ahead of Saturday’s AFC divisional-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Running back Joe Mixon did not practice on Thursday as he deals with an ankle injury. This is a step backward, as Mixon was able to practice on a limited basis
Falcons interview Packers assistant Derrick Ansley for their defensive coordinator job
The Falcons completed an interview with Packers defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley for their open defensive coordinator position, the organization announced Thursday. Ansley is the fourth completed interview by the Falcons since their search for the next defensive coordinator began earlier this week. Atlanta previously interviewed Don “Wink” Martindale,
AFC North Notes: Garrett, Bengals, Ravens
Myles Garrett made it clear before the end of the regular season that he has no intention of playing through another rebuild in Cleveland. Crucially, Garrett has asked the Browns for a concrete plan at quarterback after their disastrous 2022 trade for Deshaun Watson crippled the offense for much of
Texans RB Joe Mixon is questionable for Saturday at Chiefs
If the Texans are going to take out the Chiefs, they need running back Joe Mixon to take it up a notch. That might be a challenge. He’s questionable for Saturday’s game with an ankle injury. The injury apparently happened at practice on Wednesday, since he wasn’t on Tuesday’s report.
Lions getting star player back for playoff game against Commanders
The Detroit Lions are officially getting one of their best players back for their divisional-round playoff game. David Montgomery has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Washington Commanders. The star running back missed the final three games of the regular season, but he
Aaron Rodgers knows his Jets future hinges on G.M., coach hires
The Jets are looking for a new G.M. and head coach. They might eventually be looking for a new quarterback. The answer to that question hinges on the first one. And their current quarterback knows it. Appearing on Pat McAfee’s show, Aaron Rodgers explained (via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com) that
Raiders Preparing Big Offer To Ben Johnson?
The Bears and Jaguars have superior quarterback situations to the Raiders, who have a major question to answer entering the offseason, and Ben Johnson has been one of the choosiest coordinators in recent memory. As Chicago and Jacksonville remain in the mix for Johnson, buzz persists about Detroit’s OC giving
Bears’ Caleb Williams admits he wants one kind of head coach
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams endured a rookie campaign filled with ups and downs that included the in-season firings of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus. During a recent appearance on the “St. Brown Podcast,” Williams touched upon his preference regarding Chicago’s next head coach. “Selfishly, I want an offensive-minded guy
Lamar Jackson on Josh Allen: I’m trying to beat you, not be your friend
The NFL’s top two MVP candidates will meet on Sunday when Lamar Jackson leads the Ravens against Josh Allen and the Bills. And Jackson badly wants to win. Asked if he and Allen ever get together in the offseason, Jackson said he spends his offseasons trying to get better than
Deion Sanders Still In Play For Cowboys?
Deion Sanders has repeatedly said he is not interested in coaching in the NFL, but the Hall of Fame cornerback also admitted speaking with Jerry Jones about the Cowboys’ job brought intrigue. Despite Sanders attempting to reaffirm his commitment to Colorado shortly after the Jones conversation became public, rumblings about
Jets wrap up interview with Arthur Smith
The Jets have announced the completion of another head coaching interview. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is the latest candidate to wrap up a remote interview with the team. Smith is the 11th candidate to interview with the team and Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is set to interview with
The greatest NFL playoff quarterbacks of all time
The NFL’s biggest stars tend to shine brightest when the games matter most. Especially at the quarterback position. Here’s our list, in alphabetical order, of the best postseason quarterbacks in NFL history. Focus on Sport/Getty Images Sure, Aikman played alongside some of the game’s offensive greats in Emmitt Smith
Will Deion Sanders, Dallas Cowboys do a deal?
In 2023, Colorado coach Deion Sanders slammed the door on coaching in the NFL, saying “I would never do that.” More recently, he said he’d only do the thing he said he’d never do if he’s coaching his sons. Now, there’s a chance he’ll be coaching in the NFL, without
Seahawks Schedule Second OC Interview With Klint Kubiak
With the Saints in transition, Klint Kubiak is taking meetings. While the Browns went in another direction by promoting Tommy Rees, Kubiak has impressed the Seahawks and is moving closer to that job. The New Orleans OC met about the gig already and is set for a second interview for
PFT’s 2024 NFL divisional picks, Florio vs. Simms
The playoffs require a higher level of performance. We didn’t provide it. Last week, Simms and I went 3-3 each in the straight-up picks. He had a 3-3 record against the spread; I was 2-4. I still hold a one-game straight up lead. I’m 192-86. He’s 191-87. Against the spread,
Broncos owner shares big challenge for Payton regarding 2025
In his second season serving as head coach of the Denver Broncos, Sean Payton guided the club to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth with rookie Bo Nix serving as Denver’s starting quarterback. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner shared quite the challenge for Payton regarding
Bobby Wagner is back on the practice field for the Commanders
The Commanders had a significant part of their defense back on the practice field on Thursday. Reporters at the open portion of practice shared video of linebacker Bobby Wagner warming up with the rest of the team. Wagner was listed as a non-participant in practice the last two days because
Cowboys Request Kellen Moore HC Meeting
Now coaching a 14-3 Eagles team preparing for the divisional round, Kellen Moore has improved his stock from where it was after his one-and-done as Chargers OC. As could be expected, the veteran OC’s other former NFL employer has circled back to him. In need of a head coach for
Caleb Williams: Selfishly I’d like an offensive-minded coach, but just want championships
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams revealed a couple of things during an appearance on the St. Brown Podcast this week. Williams told Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and his brother Equanimeous that he recently fell for a prank text from a group of teenagers who were posing as Lions offensive
Report shares how much say Stefanski had in Browns’ QB decisions
It’s no secret that head coach Kevin Stefanski was one of the members of the Cleveland Browns who traveled to Houston in March 2022 to recruit then-Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. With that said, it appears Stefanski has only had so much say regarding Cleveland’s quarterback situation since the club replaced Baker Mayfield with Watson
Patrick Mahomes rising up the NFL’s career playoff passing rankings
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes already has a resume that puts him among the best playoff quarterbacks in NFL history. Now he’ll try to build on that resume on Saturday against the Texans. Here’s where Mahomes stands in some of the NFL’s most important playoff quarterback categories: Wins by a starting
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/15/25
Wednesday’s taxi squad moves: Buffalo Bills Signed: QB Anthony Brown Released: DT Eli Ankou Houston Texans Signed: WR Alex Erickson Kansas City Chiefs Signed: WR Jason Brownlee Released: TE Robert Tonyan This content was brought to you by: Pro Football RumorsPro Football Rumors
C.J. Stroud: It “definitely helps” that we recently played the Chiefs
Back on Saturday in Week 16, the Chiefs defeated the Texans 27-19 to move to 14-1 and put the club one step closer to securing the No. 1 seed. Houston fell to 9-6 that day, also losing Tank Dell to a serious leg injury on 30-yard touchdown pass in the
Vikings icon shares bold Darnold take after nightmare end to season
Almost immediately after quarterback Sam Darnold produced back-to-back duds en route to the Minnesota Vikings being eliminated from the playoffs in the tournament’s wild-card round, analysts such as ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicted that the Vikings will let Darnold hit the open market in March and make 2024 rookie J.J. McCarthy their new starter. Vikings
Ravens OC Todd Monken set to interview with Jaguars Thursday, Bears Friday
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken will be doing double duty the next couple of days. Monken will be preparing his unit for their trip to Buffalo for Sunday’s divisional round playoff game against the Bills while also getting into the mix for a couple of head coaching vacancies. Adam Schefter
Two Oregon Big Men Declare For Draft
The Oregon Ducks have come a long way from 2022 when defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux was their only selection in the NFL draft, seeing six players selected in 2023 and eight players selected last year. This year, though, the Ducks have a chance at doing something they haven’t done in
Ravens doing all they can to prepare for the cold weather in Buffalo
The Ravens’ preparation for Sunday’s road game against the Bills includes more than prepping for what they’ll see the Bills try to do on the field over the course of the game. They are also preparing for frigid conditions in Buffalo. Current forecasts are for temperatures well below freezing for
The ‘Most touchdowns in the NFL playoffs since 2000’ quiz
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Kansas City Chiefs once again secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs. For the second straight season, the Chiefs were carried more by their defense than their offense. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes tied his lowest passing touchdown total since taking over as the full
Derrick Henry close to becoming seventh player ever with 1,000 playoff rushing yards
Last week, Ravens running back Derrick Henry moved into the Top 10 players in NFL history in postseason rushing yards. This week, he can accomplish another significant career achievement. Henry’s 186-yard game against the Steelers gave him 918 rushing yards in the playoffs in his career, moving him ahead of
Mike Vrabel To Control Patriots’ Roster?
Mike Vrabel became connected to each of the first six teams to carry a coaching vacancy this offseason, with only the Cowboys — whose official Mike McCarthy ouster came a day after Vrabel’s Patriots hire — not tied to the former Titans HC. This gave Vrabel considerable leverage in negotiations