The news that the NFL's salary cap will rise at least $22 million, falling between $277.5 million...

<p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">The news that the NFL's salary cap will rise at least $22 million, falling <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221421">between</a> $277.5 million and $281.5 million, means many NFL teams will be ready to spend when the free-agency negotiating period opens March 10. </span></p><p>Big-money deals will extend far beyond the proven household names, and more than a few signings might provoke a double take. Let's examine eight players who could cash in.</p><h3>QB Sam Darnold</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762736/cropped_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1740071556" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762736/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1740071556 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762736/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1740071556 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762736/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1740071556 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762736/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1740071556 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762736/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1740071556 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stephen Maturen / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Darnold FA projection" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-LxaQv" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LxaQv/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="135" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Quarterback contracts have long involved some silly numbers, so it's hard to really shock people. But this might be a unique case. Darnold completely rehabilitated his value after an outstanding season with the Minnesota Vikings. While some might be skeptical he can sustain that level of play in a less favorable environment, it's still rare for a 27-year-old starter to hit the open market. At minimum, Darnold's camp is probably looking to top Derek Carr's $37.5-million average annual salary. Considering how many teams need a quarterback, Darnold could end up getting paid north of $40 million per year. Too much for one year of production? Probably, but that's the cost of doing business at the most important position on the field.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>WR Darius Slayton</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Slayton FA projection" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BIIFW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BIIFW/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="135" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Slayton hasn't once topped the 800-yard mark in six NFL seasons - not the typical resume of a receiver primed to break the bank. But some numbers don't tell the full story. The former fifth-round pick actually ranks ninth in yards per reception (minimum 100 catches) since he entered the league in 2019. His ability in the vertical game could yield more impressive results away from the New York Giants and their consistently terrible quarterbacks - and other teams will be eager to find out. Slayton could easily sign for more than the $13-million average annual salary that Darnell Mooney and Gabe Davis got last year. Consider it the old Marquez Valdes-Scantling contract with inflation.</p><h3>OT Alaric Jackson</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771426/cropped_GettyImages-2191374740.jpg?ts=1740071601" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771426/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191374740.jpg?ts=1740071601 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771426/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191374740.jpg?ts=1740071601 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771426/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191374740.jpg?ts=1740071601 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771426/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191374740.jpg?ts=1740071601 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771426/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191374740.jpg?ts=1740071601 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ric Tapia / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Jackson FA projection" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o7uDT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o7uDT/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="135" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Jackson couldn't have timed his breakout any better. The former undrafted free agent is testing the waters coming off a 2024 season in which he ranked 20th among all offensive tackles in PFF's Wins Above Replacement metric. Jackson is equally reliable in pass protection and run blocking, and at just 26 years old, there's reason to believe his best is yet to come. His track record with the Los Angeles Rams isn't quite enough to make his market outrageous, but his upward trajectory combined with the value of his position will ensure he does quite well nonetheless.</p><h3>DT Milton Williams</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Williams FA projection" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-JEvxp" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JEvxp/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="135" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Williams' performance in the Super Bowl against the two-time defending champions certainly didn't hurt his stock, but the Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle was already en route to hitting it big. The former third-round pick finished the regular season leading all NFL interior linemen with a 26.7% win rate against true pass sets, according to PFF. A lead role with another team - after rotating snaps on a stacked Eagles defensive line - should give Williams every opportunity to improve upon this year's career-high five sacks. Teams will line up to recruit the 25-year-old as he enters the prime of his career. </p><h3>DT Osa Odighizuwa</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771427/cropped_GettyImages-2191346164.jpg?ts=1740071635" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771427/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191346164.jpg?ts=1740071635 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771427/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191346164.jpg?ts=1740071635 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771427/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191346164.jpg?ts=1740071635 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771427/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191346164.jpg?ts=1740071635 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771427/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191346164.jpg?ts=1740071635 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Odighizuwa FA projection" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ho2aD" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ho2aD/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="135" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Odighizuwa is another under-the-radar name poised to take advantage of an exploding market for defensive tackles. His sack production doesn't seem like much - this year's 4.5 set a new career high - but his ability to disrupt the pocket is undeniable. The rising Dallas Cowboys star finished the 2024 season ranked third behind Chris Jones and Zach Allen among interior defensive linemen with 60 pressures. Williams likely has an edge in free agency thanks to his playoff performances, but it should be a narrow one. Odighizuwa will be right there with him when the contract numbers roll in.</p><h3>DE Chase Young</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Young FA projection" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-aZxt1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aZxt1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="135" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Young's career hasn't lived up to expectations. Inconsistent play and injury issues led the Washington Commanders to trade the former No. 2 pick to the San Francisco 49ers during the final season of his rookie contract. Then he needed neck surgery, which forced him to settle for a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints last season. However, he made the most of his opportunity, finishing the year tied for seventh among all edge defenders with 66 pressures. Equally as important, Young suited up for all 17 games. An ascendant 25-year-old with this kind of draft pedigree should generate significant interest. His upside and the league-wide desperation for pass-rushers could result in a major payday.</p><h3>CB Byron Murphy Jr.</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770009/cropped_GettyImages-2186723323.jpg?ts=1740071676" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770009/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186723323.jpg?ts=1740071676 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770009/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186723323.jpg?ts=1740071676 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770009/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186723323.jpg?ts=1740071676 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770009/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186723323.jpg?ts=1740071676 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770009/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186723323.jpg?ts=1740071676 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Luke Hales / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Murphy FA projection" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-LHkVd" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LHkVd/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="135" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Murphy settled for less than expected in his last opportunity as a free agent, signing a two-year, $17.5-million deal with the Vikings in 2023. It all worked out, though, as he returns to the market having pushed his value through the roof. Murphy recorded nine interceptions across two seasons in Minnesota, including a career-best six picks to earn his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2024. He's just 27 years old heading into his seventh season. The former second-round pick could get a deal that's worth nearly $20 million a year, capitalizing on a growing cornerback market.</p><h3>S Tre'Von Moehrig</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Moehrig FA projection" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NnN5y" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NnN5y/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="135" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Justin Reid and Jevon Holland headline a loaded group of free-agent safeties, but they won't be the only ones to cash in. Moehrig has been one of the few recent bright spots for the Las Vegas Raiders, consistently improving his game and emerging as a do-it-all playmaker. He was the No. 9-ranked safety in PFF's WAR metric this past season, and he's entering free agency for the first time at just 25 years old. Moehrig's contract should surpass the $14.5-million annual average of Kyle Dugger, who ranked seventh in salary among NFL safeties in 2024. And that figure may only be his floor.</p>

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8 NFL free agents primed for surprisingly big paydays

The offseason is here, and this one should be a doozy.  There will be no shortage of stories domi...

<p>The offseason is here, and this one should be a doozy.</p><p>There will be no shortage of stories dominating the never-ending football news cycle, with a few teams primed to spend, some interesting quarterback situations, and trade candidates already generating buzz. Here are 10 storylines that will define the next few months.</p><h3>What do the Bengals do?</h3><p>Joe Burrow hasn't been shy about putting pressure on the Bengals. The way the quarterback sees it, the team shouldn't think twice about extending receiver Tee Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson while also getting Ja'Marr Chase the extension he deserves. It's tough to argue.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But fitting it all together is going to require some creativity from the front office. Burrow recently (and strategically) praised the way the Super Bowl champion Eagles have been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3216821" href="https://thescore.com/news/3216821">"paying everybody"</a> to keep a talented roster together. For the Bengals, that would likely require some sizeable signing bonuses to spread out cap commitments. That might be a tough sell for an ownership group that has historically stuck to pay-as-you-go contract structures.</p><p>The Chase extension is inevitable. Is there a world where Cincinnati could navigate re-signing or using the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3193035" href="https://thescore.com/news/3193035">franchise tag</a> on Higgins after giving his running mate upwards of $35 million per year? How can the Bengals improve the roster if Higgins walks and Hendrickson holds firm on last year's trade request? More importantly, how would Burrow take it?</p><h3>Garrett's trade request</h3><p>Myles Garrett made it clear he wants out of Cleveland. The Browns reportedly have no intention of granting his trade request. This one could get ugly.</p><p>If Garrett digs in, the team might have to consider trade options. The face of the franchise being so transparent about his desire to be elsewhere isn't good for anyone, and the Browns could kickstart a rebuild with the draft picks they'd get in return.</p><p>Garrett wants a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. Still a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate at 29, his presence could conceivably push a contender over the top. Several teams selecting at the end of the first round should be willing to part with their pick, but don't sleep on some of the teams drafting higher. Players like this don't become available very often.</p><h3>Parsons contract talks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754471/cropped_GettyImages-2170813991.jpg?ts=1731192170" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754471/w220xh124_GettyImages-2170813991.jpg?ts=1731192170 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754471/w320xh180_GettyImages-2170813991.jpg?ts=1731192170 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754471/w640xh360_GettyImages-2170813991.jpg?ts=1731192170 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754471/w768xh432_GettyImages-2170813991.jpg?ts=1731192170 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754471/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2170813991.jpg?ts=1731192170 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Diamond Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Micah Parsons' contract should be straightforward enough. Arguably the NFL's premier edge rusher at just 26, he's in a position to top Nick Bosa's market-setting $34-million annual average. Then again, this is the Cowboys we're talking about. It's never as easy as it should be.</p><p>Dallas let contract talks with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb drag on far longer than they should have. Both signed in the end, but at least one of the delays seemingly resulted in the Cowboys overpaying. Prescott got $60 million per season, $5 million per year clear of Burrow, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence.</p><p>Perhaps the Cowboys learned their lesson, but they also don't have a lot of flexibility. Prescott and Lamb are scheduled to account for more than $120 million against the cap in 2025. Does Parsons hold out if a deal isn't in place by training camp? NFL Network reported last week that the team has at least kicked around the idea of a trade internally. If it gets to that point, suitors will be lining up with a boatload of premium picks.</p><h3>Draft QBs</h3><p>Quarterback landing spots will always be the top story of draft weekend. That's usually because at least one or two potential franchise passers are available. This year could be interesting for entirely different reasons.</p><p>Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders will have a chance to be stars in the NFL, but most evaluators probably would have had both outside the top four quarterbacks if they had been part of the 2024 draft.</p><p>Do the teams desperate for a quarterback at the top of this year's draft throw caution to the wind and take a swing anyway? It's not the worst idea, given the potential payoff, but passing on elite talents at other positions might be a mistake. Don't be surprised if teams such as the Titans and Browns, among others, go the veteran QB route to avoid forcing a draft move when the value might not line up.</p><h3>Darnold decision</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765245/cropped_GettyImages-2173750234.jpg?ts=1736862442" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765245/w220xh124_GettyImages-2173750234.jpg?ts=1736862442 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765245/w320xh180_GettyImages-2173750234.jpg?ts=1736862442 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765245/w640xh360_GettyImages-2173750234.jpg?ts=1736862442 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765245/w768xh432_GettyImages-2173750234.jpg?ts=1736862442 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765245/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2173750234.jpg?ts=1736862442 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>For a while, it seemed as if Darnold was trending toward a big-money extension. You don't mess with success, and the veteran quarterback led the way to 14 wins. Then the last two games happened.</p><p>Darnold's play fell off a cliff against Detroit in the prime-time regular-season finale when the Vikings fell short in their bid for the No. 1 seed. He couldn't get anything going in a wild-card loss to the Rams, either. Re-signing him for something in the range of $40 million per year now feels fraught - especially with 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings.</p><p>Someone else will almost surely pay that price if Darnold gets to free agency. The Vikings could also opt for the bold move, hitting him with the franchise tag in hopes of finding a trade partner. Either way, there's going to be a significant market for his services. The totality of Darnold's season, even if it came in a dream situation for a QB, will have teams open to the idea that his resurrection is a sign of things to come.</p><h3>Cousins for cheap?</h3><p>Kirk Cousins' late-season benching in Atlanta is an ominous sign for his career. Don't write him off just yet, though.</p><p>Cousins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3210459" href="https://thescore.com/news/3210459">revealed</a> after last season that he was playing through shoulder and elbow injuries from Week 10 onward. If that's true, his seventh-ranked standing in EPA/dropback over the first nine weeks of the season, according to TruMedia, becomes far more interesting. Could a healthy Cousins - another year removed from his Achilles tear - recapture that form?</p><p>Any team in need of a quarterback should be eager to find out. If the Falcons eat his fully guaranteed $27.5 million by releasing him, any other team could have the 36-year-old for the veteran minimum. An outside chance at steady quarterback play on such a minimal investment could be a steal. The Browns, whose cap is shackled by Deshaun Watson's albatross contract, should be all over this. And they aren't alone.</p><h3>Stafford's future</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759713/cropped_GettyImages-2188938561.jpg?ts=1733711045" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759713/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188938561.jpg?ts=1733711045 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759713/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188938561.jpg?ts=1733711045 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759713/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188938561.jpg?ts=1733711045 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759713/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188938561.jpg?ts=1733711045 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759713/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188938561.jpg?ts=1733711045 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Rumblings about Matthew Stafford being available for trade are slowly picking up. It's tough to imagine either side is eyeing such an outcome, but it wouldn't be the first time business got in the way of an otherwise strong relationship.</p><p>Stafford is going to need a new contract. While the Rams will do their best to reach common ground, they'll likely show some restraint when it comes to opening the vault for the 37-year-old quarterback. The long process of last year's contract talks, which resulted in a one-year Band-Aid solution, signals the team's thinking.</p><p>Potentially getting a first-round pick for Stafford, and turning around to sign someone like Darnold in free agency, could be a logical way to start building around the young core drafted over the past two years. The Steelers stand out as an interesting option among potential trade suitors. Also desperate for a receiver, they could even entice Stafford by offering to bring Cooper Kupp with him.</p><h3>Commanders all in?</h3><p>A rookie quarterback taking the league by storm has a way of accelerating a team's timeline. Can Washington make the most of the short window it has before Jayden Daniels needs to be paid?</p><p>The Commanders head into the offseason with a projected $75 million in salary cap space, more than 29 other teams. Some of that will need to be spent on retaining their free agents, but they should also be extremely active at bringing in new players.</p><p>The rapid 2024 turnaround means Washington can now sell free agents on the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl. A splashy signing such as Higgins at receiver, or even a trade for Garrett, should be on the table. The Commanders know the time is now.</p><h3>A Patriots spending spree</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770598/cropped_GettyImages-2193197583.jpg?ts=1739553831" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770598/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193197583.jpg?ts=1739553831 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770598/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193197583.jpg?ts=1739553831 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770598/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193197583.jpg?ts=1739553831 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770598/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193197583.jpg?ts=1739553831 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770598/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193197583.jpg?ts=1739553831 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Boston Globe / Boston Globe / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Patriots figure to be heavy hitters this offseason. Much like the Commanders, they've got a clear window to build a contender with Drake Maye looking like the real deal on a rookie contract. Unlike the Commanders, they have a lot further to climb.</p><p>Fortunately for the Patriots, they enter the offseason with a league-best $119 million in cap space.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Cap space 2025 offseason" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lYN8B" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lYN8B/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="302" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>New head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff can put that financial flexibility to use in free agency and on the trade market, where stars with bloated salaries are often available for little more than late-round pick swaps. Does that make the Patriots a logical fit for receivers such as Kupp or Deebo Samuel? Look for a few recognizable names to be connected to New England as the rebuild kicks into high gear.</p><h3>Bears overhauling OL</h3><p>The Bears have a chance to reset their trajectory in one offseason. Landing Ben Johnson as head coach - along with a strong staff that includes Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator - was the most important step. Now, it's time to go to work on the offensive line.</p><p>Chicago has all the cap space it needs to make two impact signings up front. Chiefs Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith should be the top priority. The Ravens' Ronnie Stanley should also be considered as a meaningful upgrade at left tackle. Why not both? The Bears will have more than $60 million in cap space at their disposal.</p><p>Solidifying that group with some aggressive moves and solid draft choices would go a long way toward creating a foundation for Johnson's offense. Quarterback Caleb Williams showed some flashes while taking a beating as a rookie. An improved scheme and protection unit will give him a chance to break out as a sophomore and put the Bears in playoff contention right away.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30252161/related

10 storylines that will define the NFL offseason

The offseason is here. What better time to argue about quarterbacks?  This list is not to be take...

<p>The offseason is here. What better time to argue about quarterbacks?</p><p>This list is not to be taken as a ranking of how QBs performed in 2024, but rather where they stand heading into 2025. All things being equal, who are you taking to win you a game right now?</p><p>Let's discuss.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>The core 4</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="The Core Four" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-USeEq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/USeEq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Patrick Mahomes</strong></p><p>Mahomes leading this list is bound to be controversial after a Super Bowl beatdown, but it really shouldn't be. The Chiefs star is still on a Tom Brady-like career path, and there's no one you'd rather have on your team if you want to win.</p><p><strong>Josh Allen</strong></p><p>Nobody saw the Bills going as far as they did this year, but anything is possible with a unicorn quarterback under center. An all-time great set of physical skills alongside what's now a borderline mistake-free style of play is a devastating combination. Allen's MVP award may be the first of many.</p><p><strong>Lamar Jackson</strong></p><p>Jackson became the first player in NFL history to throw for 40-plus touchdowns and fewer than five interceptions. He also added a position-best 915 rushing yards, a total that pushed him past Michael Vick as the career leader among quarterbacks. Jackson remains the most dangerous weapon in football.</p><p><strong>Joe Burrow</strong></p><p>Burrow would have been right there in the MVP conversation were it not for a dreadful Bengals defense. He bounced back from last year's wrist injury to play the best football of his career, leading the league in yards and touchdowns. The Bengals may have a tough time keeping his supporting cast together, but they'll be just fine as long as Burrow is running the show.</p><h3>Ceiling raisers</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Ceiling raisers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n4XuV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n4XuV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="203" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Justin Herbert</strong></p><p>This is where the real debates start. Herbert hasn't won nearly enough for most to consider him in this spot. His four-interception game in this year's playoffs doesn't help - but it came after a regular season in which he got picked off just three times. The pure passing talent is right on par with the group at the top of this list, and the wins should come when the Chargers get the chance to add playmakers around him.</p><p><strong>Matthew Stafford</strong></p><p>Don't let age deceive you. Stafford has always exemplified the way a pocket passer can elevate an offense, and he's not showing any signs of slowing down. If the Rams can't figure out his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204246" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204246">contract situation</a>, the 37-year-old immediately becomes the best option for any team needing a quarterback.</p><p><strong>Jalen Hurts</strong></p><p>Hurts has his limitations when it comes to dealing with pressure and working through progressions. He demonstrated en route to a Super Bowl MVP that it doesn't much matter. The Eagles star is an outstanding leader, he throws vertical shots as well as anyone, and he's always at his best in the biggest games. Hurts is also a dynamic runner - he now has the two best rushing performances by a quarterback in Super Bowl history. All he does is win.</p><p><strong>Dak Prescott</strong></p><p>The Cowboys are the butt of a lot of jokes these days, and deservedly so. Prescott catching strays by association is a bridge too far, as he remains one of the best pocket passers in the game. The Cowboys are fortunate to have stumbled onto him, and his extension is one of the few good decisions they've made lately.</p><p><strong>C.J. Stroud</strong></p><p>Stroud struggled at times as a sophomore, but that had more to do with the Texans' scheme and offensive line than a talent regression. A coordinator change and an opportunity to upgrade the pass protection should set him back on the superstar trajectory he established as a rookie.</p><h3>Knocking on the door</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Knocking on the door" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-5Cfhy" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/5Cfhy/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Jared Goff</strong></p><p>Goff was once the poster boy for average quarterback play. It's a tough label to shake, but he did it. He's improved every season since making the move to Detroit, culminating in a career-best EPA/dropback mark in 2024. Goff's steady presence gives the Lions a chance to soften the blow of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's departure.</p><p><strong>Geno Smith</strong></p><p>It's easy to understand why people are hesitant to truly believe in Smith's emergence - he spent six years as a backup before finally getting another chance as a starter in Seattle. But the tape doesn't lie. The former Jets bust has revitalized his career to the point where his arm talent and downfield aggressiveness truly elevate the situation around him. The wins will come if the Seahawks can put together an offensive line that doesn't get him beat up.</p><p><strong>Jordan Love</strong></p><p>Love being exposed as a <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42937743/jordan-love-green-bay-packers-toyotathon-trend">Toyotathon merchant</a> is incredible content. His play isn't actually connected to the annual car sales event's timing (we think), but the hilarious theory perfectly encapsulates his hot-and-cold stretches. There are some rough patches of decision-making and then some playmaking highs that few in the league can match. He's oddly reminiscent of Brett Favre. Complimentary? Derogatory? Depends on the day. The upside is what championship dreams are made of.</p><p><strong>Jayden Daniels</strong></p><p>Daniels was easily the best player in a stacked rookie quarterback class. We'll hold out for another year before moving him even further up this list, but he's off to a fantastic start. Never flustered in the pocket, the LSU product has already shown incredible growth from his college days - and NFL defenders are having just as much trouble catching him as a runner. The Commanders might have the league's next superstar quarterback.</p><h3>Solid starters</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Solid starters" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ze6Ob" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ze6Ob/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Tua Tagovailoa</strong></p><p>Tagovailoa has mastered Mike McDaniel's offense. His limitations in terms of athleticism and arm talent would probably keep him from being as successful in other systems, hence the mid-level ranking. But that takes nothing away from what he's accomplished in Miami with his elite timing and anticipation. The Dolphins can compete with Tua under center.</p><p><strong>Kyler Murray</strong></p><p>Murray might have a case for a spot in the second tier if this list were only about peaks. His arm talent and ability to make things happen off schedule open the door for all sorts of big plays. But that can't be the basis of an offense. Murray has been far too inconsistent when it comes to working within structure for the Cardinals, and it's fair to wonder whether that will ever change.</p><p><strong>Trevor Lawrence</strong></p><p>Lawrence should be a top-10 quarterback at this point. He's played at that level at times, but the Jaguars' entire operation was a mess last season. Considering the talent Lawrence showed before things started falling apart around him, don't be surprised if new head coach Liam Coen gets him back on track. A healthy Lawrence at the controls of a Bucs-like offense could provide some fireworks.</p><p><strong>Brock Purdy</strong></p><p>The Purdy debate has always been fascinating. His success in his first two seasons was undeniable. But how much of it was due to a cast of superstars? We found out this year as injuries hit the 49ers' offense in a big way. The reality: Purdy probably isn't as bad as he appeared this year, nor as good as he seemed beforehand. He's somewhere in the middle, right where he is on this list.</p><h3>Ascendant young guns</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Ascending young guns" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-SZG7f" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SZG7f/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="145" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Caleb Williams</strong></p><p>Williams' rookie season didn't quite go according to plan. The Bears' coaching and protection issues didn't help matters, but he also led the league in sacks where the QB was responsible, according to PFF. The traits that made him a No. 1 pick did occasionally become visible, however, and Ben Johnson's offense should help that happen more consistently. Williams still has a chance to be the best quarterback from his class.</p><p><strong>Drake Maye</strong></p><p>Maye's rookie season understandably flew under the radar - most people had stopped paying attention to the Patriots when he took over as the starter. Just make sure you're watching in 2025.<strong> </strong>The No. 3 overall pick was quietly spectacular despite a horrific supporting cast. The upgrade in coaching, along with some potential big-money moves around him, could have Maye poised to take off.</p><p><strong>Bryce Young</strong></p><p>Patience is paying off in Carolina. Young has all but shed the bust label after an incredibly promising sophomore campaign. His size will always present challenges, but his renewed confidence after an early-season benching allowed the playmaking qualities that made him a superstar at Alabama to resurface. Young could soar up this list if next season brings more of the same.</p><p><strong>Bo Nix</strong></p><p>The Broncos may have themselves a quarterback. Some of Nix's rookie-season production can be chalked up to the Broncos' scheme - 26.1% of his pass attempts were to a receiver behind the line of scrimmage, according to Next Gen Stats - but he also flashed the ability to push the ball downfield. Nix could be the perfect player to manage coach Sean Payton's offense.</p><h3>Capable vets</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Mid-level starters" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-wanaM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/wanaM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="174" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Baker Mayfield</strong></p><p>Mayfield has re-established himself as a capable starter in this second act of his career, and it's one of the coolest stories in football right now. The veteran quarterback has guided the Bucs to division titles in his two seasons in Tampa Bay. The offense did the heavy lifting in 2024 despite some injuries at receiver, with Mayfield leading the way to a fourth-ranked finish in scoring.</p><p><strong>Sam Darnold</strong></p><p>Although Darnold's breakout may have been aided by an outstanding situation in Minnesota, he deserves credit for getting his career back on track. The talent is there if he can continue to improve his decision-making.</p><p><strong>Derek Carr</strong></p><p>Carr is a perfectly fine starter. The price tag will never match the production - he's on the books for a $51.4-million cap hit in 2025 - but he was actually playing some of his best football this season before the injuries.</p><h3>Vets near the end</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Vets near the end" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4z1em" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4z1em/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="145" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Aaron Rodgers</strong></p><p>For a few fleeting moments this season, it seemed like Rodgers had a little something left in the tank. Perhaps he could give you mid-level quarterback play another year removed from his Achilles injury. Gambling on that, and doing everything necessary to make him comfortable, won't be worth it for most teams.</p><p><strong>Kirk Cousins</strong></p><p>Cousins may well be washed, but let's give it one more year to be sure. He revealed after the season that he was playing through arm and shoulder injuries from Week 10 until his benching. Before that point, he was tied for seventh in EPA/dropback. Could he bounce back when healthy? Cousins will be available on a league-minimum deal if the Falcons release him despite a fully guaranteed $27.5-million salary.</p><p><strong>Russell Wilson</strong></p><p>Wilson is a one-trick pony now that age has robbed him of his mobility. Those vertical shots down the sideline are still a beautiful thing, but they can't sustain an offense alone, as the Steelers discovered. Wilson needs a perfect situation to be an impact starter at this stage.</p><h3>Too early to tell</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Too early to tell" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zT1z0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zT1z0/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="132" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Michael Penix Jr.</strong></p><p>Three games to finish the season is a small sample size, but it's easy to be encouraged about what Penix displayed down the stretch as a rookie. The arm talent is real, he's not afraid to rip it, and he made good decisions with the ball. Penix is one to watch in 2025.</p><p><strong>Anthony Richardson</strong></p><p>Nobody should give up on Richardson yet. The former No. 3 pick always needed reps to put it all together, and he's shown flashes of the talent that made him such an intriguing prospect. That said, the Colts will run out of patience if his accuracy and decision-making don't improve quickly.</p><p><strong>J.J. McCarthy</strong></p><p>McCarthy seems poised to take over the starting job in Minnesota after missing his rookie season with a knee injury. We won't know much until he gets on the field in the regular season, but it would be a serious vote of confidence if the Vikings let Sam Darnold walk for nothing after a 14-win season.</p><h3>The rest</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="The rest" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-8UAK6" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8UAK6/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="145" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Aidan O'Connell</strong></p><p>O'Connell is probably best suited to be a quality backup. A lack of athleticism limits him exclusively to the pocket, and he doesn't quite have the arm talent to make that work consistently. He'll have a long career nonetheless.</p><p><strong>Will Levis</strong></p><p>Levis still has some upside. A rare combination of arm talent and athleticism is always worth a look. But the chaotic decision-making that often leaves him watching in disbelief as the defense takes the ball back the other way won't fly in the NFL. Levis needs to rein it in if he's ever going to live up to his potential.</p><p><strong>Drew Lock</strong></p><p>Lock wasn't much of an upgrade over Daniel Jones. He's a backup who has a chance to get hot if he's forced into action.</p><p><strong>Deshaun Watson</strong></p><p>Watson probably won't play next season after a setback in his recovery from an Achilles injury. If his performance is any consideration, the Browns probably won't let him see the field ever again. Only Zach Wilson produced a worse EPA/dropback among QBs with at least 19 starts over the last three seasons. The Watson trade and subsequent contract remain the worst moves in NFL history.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30241924/related

Ranking QBs after the 2024 season

The NFL coaching carousel has slowed to a stop for another year.  Kellen Moore joining the Saints...

<p>The NFL coaching carousel has slowed to a stop for another year.</p><p>Kellen Moore joining the Saints after helping the Eagles to a Super Bowl title means all seven head coach vacancies have now been filled. While there was at least one astonishingly strange move, it's easy to be optimistic about the incoming group as a whole.</p><p>Let's get to the report cards.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Bears" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-2JFxi" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/2JFxi/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Bears may have knocked this one out of the park.</p><p>Johnson has been the NFL's most exciting candidate for a few years running. While it's impossible to be fully confident in what you're getting from a first-time head coach, coordinator resumes don't get much better than this. Johnson oversaw a top-five offense in both scoring and yards for each of his three seasons with the Lions. Detroit had a talented roster, but the 38-year-old has also earned his reputation as one of football's brightest and most creative play designers.</p><p>Other teams theoretically could've offered Johnson the opportunity to bring his own general manager. There was a brief stretch where it seemed like that might push him elsewhere, and the Bears seemingly lacked focus after they requested interviews with at least 20 candidates. As it turns out, they were just waiting for their shot at the big fish.</p><p>We now know Johnson was always the No. 1 target, and this was the job he wanted. The top available candidate zeroing in on a previously dysfunctional organization is a promising sign that times could finally be changing in Chicago. Caleb Williams' presence alone made this an incredibly appealing job, and now the Bears have an elite offensive mind to set him up for success.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Cowboys" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-GGgOB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GGgOB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>There's no defending this one. Jerry Jones could've ushered in true change and reshaped the team amid an extended run of disappointment. Instead, he interviewed all of four head coaching candidates and settled on promoting a career assistant with a mediocre track record. It's just the latest example of Jones refusing to put his money where his mouth is.</p><p>This is the Cowboys we're talking about. America's Team. The most valuable organization in professional sports. Jones has claimed there's nothing he wouldn't do to win another Super Bowl. If he was serious, he'd flex his financial muscle and put together the best coaching staff this game has ever seen. But he's not. And it's long past time we accept that he probably never will be.</p><p>Jones would rather stick with coaches who don't command big money and would never even think about seeking some level of personnel control. That's his territory. Even the NFC's longest conference title game drought won't influence him to shake things up. Never change, Jerry.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Jaguars" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Sl1UU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Sl1UU/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Coen initially passing on the Jacksonville job seemingly made it clear to Shad Khan that top head coaching candidates wouldn't be interested with Trent Baalke in the building. And just like that, Khan sent the GM packing.</p><p>Moving on from Baalke was always the sensible move. It's not every day that a coach with one year of NFL coordinator experience has the leverage to influence such decisions, but that tells you everything you need to know about the Jaguars' regard for Coen. The Bucs' offense became a top-five unit under his watch in 2024, with the run game jumping from 32nd to fourth.</p><p>The relatively limited resume does create some level of risk here, but it's absolutely a swing worth taking. Finding a way to better support Trevor Lawrence is the Jaguars' top priority moving forward, and Coen's masterfully designed offense could be exactly what the young quarterback needs to get back on track.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Jets" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-uwoJT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/uwoJT/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Don't look now, but the Jets might be getting it together.</p><p>It sounds crazy. It probably is. Few things in football are as predictable as the Jets imploding the moment their fans allow themselves to believe. But this really does feel like the beginning of a new, more grown-up era in Florham Park. Landing one of the NFL's most coveted head coaching candidates tends to have that effect.</p><p>Glenn had a major role in the Lions' meteoric rise over the past few years. The 2024 campaign was his most impressive work to date as he led the league's seventh-ranked scoring defense despite a rash of injuries. That "next man up" mentality can be taken as a direct reflection of his leadership and ability to have every player prepared.</p><p>The Jets will need to figure out the quarterback situation before they can even dream of sniffing the playoffs, but Glenn seems like the type of coach who will establish a promising foundation while that process works itself out. The only question is whether ownership can avoid getting in the way.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Patriots" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-8PGCR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8PGCR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Jerod Mayo didn't deserve to be fired after only one season. However, the Patriots weren't going to miss out on an opportunity to reunite with a franchise legend who also happens to be one of the game's most respected coaches.</p><p>Vrabel has a proven track record of getting the most out of his teams. He posted a 54-45 record across six seasons in Tennessee, making three playoff appearances despite some largely mediocre rosters. His defensive background, along with the return of former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, should give New England an excellent foundation for success on both sides of the ball.</p><p>It'll take some time to rebuild a decimated roster, but the Patriots have the No. 4 pick in the draft and a projected $120 million in cap space. Vrabel also inherits a young franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, an advantage he never had with the Titans. It'll come as no surprise if Vrabel sets New England back on a path to regular playoff contention.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Raiders" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BsA9j" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BsA9j/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Raiders fans had to be hoping this would finally be the cycle that brought them a head coach who would stick around for the next decade. In that sense, Pete Carroll may be seen as an underwhelming hire. The 73-year-old is now the oldest coach in NFL history and figures to be a high-floor bridge to the future. You can't argue with the quality of the coach, though.</p><p>Carroll is among the great program builders of the modern era. He's one of only three coaches to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl, and the Seahawks were in the playoffs 10 times during his 14-year tenure.</p><p>This could've become a particularly uninspiring hire if Carroll stuck with familiarity and reunited with his old assistants from Seattle. Keeping Patrick Graham as his defensive coordinator and hiring Chip Kelly to be his offensive coordinator are promising signs of his willingness to adapt.</p><p>Even if his age limits the long-term upside, the Raiders couldn't pass on the opportunity to establish some stability for the first time in the last two decades. Mark Davis and Tom Brady needed to get things back on track before worrying too much about the distant future. Carroll may have been their best option for making that happen.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Saints" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-JvGRy" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JvGRy/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="99" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Saints were always going to have a tough time filling this job. Aaron Glenn seemed like the top target before he chose the Jets (the Jets!). Pivoting to Joe Brady would've been the next logical move, but the Bills offensive coordinator chose to run it back in Buffalo.</p><p>In the end, the finalists for the job apparently included Moore, Mike Kafka, Anthony Weaver, and Darren Rizzi. Moore is the most recognizable name of the bunch, and it won't be tough to sell this hire after his offense helped the Eagles steamroll the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. But it's no slam dunk.</p><p>We know Moore can dial up plays for a group led by Jalen Hurts, the best offensive line in football, and a ridiculous collection of superstars at the skill positions. How different does that look when he's not working with such an overwhelming talent advantage? It's worth noting that Moore's 2023 Chargers offense was the lowest-scoring unit of Justin Herbert's career. The Saints could also be fighting an uphill battle for years to come with their never-ending cap issues. Ownership will have to be patient because there just isn't much to work with. It may have to get worse before it gets better.</p>

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Coaching carousel report card: Grading all 7 hires

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2025 NFL mock draft: Post-Super Bowl projections

John Mara probably didn't get much sleep last night.  The Giants owner gave us one of the best mo...

<p>John Mara probably didn't get much sleep last night.</p><p>The Giants owner gave us one of the best moments in "Hard Knocks" history when he dreaded the thought of Saquon Barkley leaving for the division rival Eagles in free agency. If only he knew the degree to which he'd be proved right.</p><p>Barkley is a first-time Super Bowl champion after his debut season in Philadelphia, and this wasn't a case of a player simply fitting in and going along for the ride. The new Eagles superstar was the driving force that pushed a supremely talented team over the top. It's the best campaign we've ever seen from a running back.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The regular-season numbers alone put him in rarefied air. Barkley's 2,005 rushing yards are the eighth most in NFL history. Were the Eagles not in a position to rest their starters in a meaningless Week 18 finale, he probably would have added the 101 yards necessary to break Eric Dickerson's single-season record; Barkley averaged 125.3 yards across 16 games.</p><p>He was even better in the first three weeks of the playoffs, racking up 556 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Eagles back to football's biggest stage. His 205 yards in a divisional-round win over the Rams were the fifth most ever in a postseason game.</p><p>The Chiefs completely sold out to stop the run Sunday, holding Barkley to just 57 yards on 25 carries. But his presence was felt nonetheless. The focus on No. 26 opened up plenty of one-on-one opportunities for the Eagles in the downfield passing game, and he contributed another 40 yards as a receiver. Crucially, his blitz pickup in the first quarter cleared the way for Jalen Hurts to launch a deep ball that set up the first touchdown of the contest.</p><p>It wasn't the monster rushing performance many expected, but Barkley's Super Bowl numbers were enough to surpass Terrell Davis and set a new combined (regular season and playoffs) single-season rushing record, which now stands at 2,504 yards. Barkley and Davis are the only two running backs in NFL history to win it all after topping the 2,000-yard mark in the regular season.</p><p>The Eagles' success with one superstar workhorse is a far cry from how championship teams have been built over the last decade.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year</th>
<th>Champion</th>
<th>Leading rusher (Yds)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>Isiah Pacheco (935)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>Isiah Pacheco (830)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>Sony Michel (845)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2020</td>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
<td>Ronald Jones (978)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2019</td>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>Damien Williams (498)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2018</td>
<td>Patriots</td>
<td>Sony Michel (931)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2017</td>
<td>Eagles</td>
<td>LeGarrette Blount (766)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2016</td>
<td>Patriots</td>
<td>LeGarrette Blount (1161)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2015</td>
<td>Broncos</td>
<td>Ronnie Hillman (863)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2014</td>
<td>Patriots</td>
<td>Jonas Gray (412)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>An outstanding supporting cast certainly helped, which never would have happened in New York. But he took full advantage of the situation, finishing the regular season with 549 rush yards over expected, second only to Derrick Henry and the third most in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2018).</p><p>It won't be easy for other teams to replicate this formula for success - there's only one Saquon Barkley. But it's still an important reminder that there's more than one way to win games, no matter how much attention we give to quarterbacks.</p><p>A consistent rushing attack can sustain drives, theoretically minimize the risk of turnovers, and keep the ball away from the opponent. At a time when defenses are built exclusively to combat the passing game - even down to the body types you see in the trenches - consider it a zig when most of the league is zagging.</p><p>The devaluation of the running back position has created a market in which elite players can be had at extremely affordable numbers. Barkley, the third-place finisher in MVP voting, is the third-highest paid RB at $12.58 million per year, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/">Over The Cap</a>. There are 31 wide receivers making more.</p><p>That's a low price for a player who can take a team to another level. The Eagles understood the market inefficiency and the unique talent they were getting. Their reward was one of the best individual seasons we'll ever see and a Super Bowl title.</p><p>Running backs are so back.</p>

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Super Bowl title caps Barkley's all-time great season

The kings have been dethroned. And they didn't so much as put up a fight.  Super Bowl LIX was sup...

<p>The kings have been dethroned. And they didn't so much as put up a fight.</p><p>Super Bowl LIX was supposed to be a heavyweight battle - Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs against the most talented team in football. The Philadelphia Eagles had no interest in being the latest victim of a dynasty, with a 40-22 result barely doing justice to the extent of the drubbing that took place on football's biggest stage.</p><p>Philly denying the three-peat in such convincing fashion is, first and foremost, sweet revenge for the heartbreaking defeat from two years ago. But it's also the culmination of a historic effort in roster building - a reminder that nobody does it like Howie Roseman.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's a team game, after all. And while an all-time great quarterback certainly has the potential to elevate his team beyond its means, there's only so much Mahomes can do when the other side has such an overwhelming talent advantage everywhere else on the field.</p><p>The beatdown started up front, with the defensive line putting together a performance reminiscent of the 2007 New York Giants team that battered Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots. Mahomes was made uncomfortable from the jump, leading to one of the worst first-half efforts in Super Bowl history. His 33 passing yards through the first two quarters represent the fewest since Rex Grossman's 32 in 2006, and the total output made for the worst single-half EPA/dropback of his entire career.</p><p>By the end of the game, Philadelphia had pressured Mahomes on 38.1% of dropbacks - the fifth-highest rate of his career - while forcing him into a career-worst six sacks, according to Next Gen Stats. With all attention on sophomore Pro Bowler Jalen Carter, the rest of the group went to work. Josh Sweat stole the show with 2.5 sacks off the edge, Milton Williams added a pair from the interior, and both Jordan Davis and Jalyx Hunt also got in on the action.</p><p>The early frustrations had Mahomes desperately looking to spark the offense, but that only allowed more of Roseman's most savvy additions to make their presence felt. Second-round rookie Cooper DeJean capitalized on a ball forced into coverage midway through the second quarter, running it back 38 yards to give the Eagles a commanding 17-0 lead.</p><p>Breakout star Zack Baun, who put together an All-Pro season after joining the Eagles on a one-year deal, joined the party with a pick of his own deep in Chiefs territory two possessions later. That set the stage for an A.J. Brown touchdown that would effectively wrap this one up before half.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769761/cropped_GettyImages-2198061622.jpg?ts=1739165535" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769761/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198061622.jpg?ts=1739165535 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769761/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198061622.jpg?ts=1739165535 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769761/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198061622.jpg?ts=1739165535 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769761/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198061622.jpg?ts=1739165535 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769761/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198061622.jpg?ts=1739165535 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>And then there's the Eagles quarterback. The Chiefs were content to live with the results of forcing the ball into Jalen Hurts' hands, clearly doing anything and everything they could to shut down Saquon Barkley. It was a reasonable plan, all things considered, and part of it was successful - the 2024 rushing champion finished with 57 yards on 25 carries, easily his worst outing of the year.</p><p>But Hurts is earning something of a reputation for doing exactly what's needed of him. He always seems to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. This game was no different, and now he's a Super Bowl MVP.</p><p>The Eagles quarterback was nearly perfect against the Chiefs, going 17 of 22 for 221 yards and two touchdowns while also contributing a team-high 72 rushing yards, a new record for a QB in a Super Bowl. Big plays down the field to Brown and DeVonta Smith were a reminder of how dangerous this group can be when needed. That the offense doesn't always require such performances is a feature, not a bug.</p><p>The Eagles almost let things fall apart after the previous Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, but the front office stayed the course. Roseman continued to stack talent as he always has - highlighted by the splash addition of Barkley - while standing by Nick Sirianni and supporting him with some outstanding coordinator hires.</p><p>He'll have to recreate some of that magic this offseason, with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore seemingly set to depart for the Saints head coaching job. But it'll be pretty tough for his successor to mess this thing up with Hurts, Barkley, Brown, and Smith - all in the midst of their primes - starring alongside the NFL's best offensive line.</p><p>Vic Fangio, the architect of Philly's league-best defense, isn't going anywhere. At 66 years old, having already been a head coach, he could be content to work as a coordinator from here on out. Carter, DeJean, Nolan Smith, and Quinyon Mitchell, among others, should only continue to ascend under one of the game's premier defensive minds.</p><p>We have every reason to believe that Roseman will continue to be the NFL's premier drafting general manager, and the way he's managed the salary cap could even put the Eagles in a position to remain aggressive as they set out to defend their title next year. Myles Garrett, anyone?</p><p>The NFL's newest powerhouse has officially arrived and may only be getting started.</p>

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The Eagles built a wagon and they're only getting started

The inevitability of the Kansas City Chiefs has some corners of the football world running wild w...

<p>The inevitability of the Kansas City Chiefs has some corners of the football world <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3208641" href="https://thescore.com/news/3208641">running wild</a> with conspiracy theories. How else to explain a team being so unfathomably unbeatable?</p><p>But back in reality, you don't have to look too hard to see that NFL officiating is an abomination, whether the Chiefs are playing or not. There's a more logical explanation for the emergence of a new football dynasty: This team rises to the occasion like no other.</p><p>The 2024 season has been the perfect example. It's practically impossible for a club with a plus-59 point differential - which ranked 11th in the NFL this year - to rattle off a league-best 15 wins. The Chiefs' streak of 17 consecutive one-score victories dating back to last year should be the clear sign of a team that's overdue to regress.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But this isn't just some squad surfing a wave of good fortune. The two-time defending champions have mastered the ability to be at their absolute best in the most critical plays of individual games and the most decisive moments of seasons. Their numbers redefine what it means to perform in the clutch.</p><h3>3rd-down offense</h3><p>Third-down success has always separated good teams from great teams. In the Chiefs' case, it illustrates a gap between the great and the otherworldly.</p><p>Kansas City has accumulated plus-864% in win probability on third-down plays alone since Patrick Mahomes first became the starter in 2018, according to Next Gen Stats. That's plus-470% more than the closest team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.</p><p>The superstar quarterback is, of course, the driving force. He's posted a league-best 50.4% dropback success rate on third downs since 2018, including a top-ranked 51.4% mark this season.</p><p>Mahomes also leads all quarterbacks in third-down expected points added per dropback since 2000, according to TruMedia. The gap between his top-ranked mark (0.37) and second-place performer Peyton Manning (0.25) is equal to the distance between Manning and Josh Allen (0.13), who sits in 13th. Mahomes simply will not be denied when it comes to keeping his offense on the field on money downs.</p><h3>Scramble show</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767426/cropped_GettyImages-2195577554.jpg?ts=1737944537" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767426/w220xh124_GettyImages-2195577554.jpg?ts=1737944537 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767426/w320xh180_GettyImages-2195577554.jpg?ts=1737944537 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767426/w640xh360_GettyImages-2195577554.jpg?ts=1737944537 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767426/w768xh432_GettyImages-2195577554.jpg?ts=1737944537 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767426/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2195577554.jpg?ts=1737944537 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Mahomes' ability to make plays with his legs is key to Kansas City's success in critical situations. While he'll never be confused with some of the more dynamic runners at the position, his savviness and sneaky athleticism make him one of the most frustrating players to defend in a scramble drill. And it seems like he's only getting better with age.</p><p>Mahomes posted a 75.7% scramble success rate during the regular season, which was tops among all quarterbacks with at least 30 such plays, according to TruMedia. (TruMedia measures a play as being successful if it gains at least 50% of yards to the sticks on first and second down and 100% on third and fourth down.)</p><p>The Bills understand Mahomes' threat all too well after falling to 0-4 against the Chiefs in the playoffs in the last five seasons. This time around, Mahomes ran for a career-high six first downs on six attempts and recorded his first two-touchdown rushing performance.</p><p>Locking up all the Chiefs' receivers and collapsing the pocket, only to have Mahomes take off and casually dipsy doodle around multiple defenders for a first down, is a uniquely demoralizing outcome for an opposing defense.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Chiefs comparison table" aria-label="Dot Plot" id="datawrapper-chart-oOZGo" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oOZGo/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="341" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><h3>Playoff mode</h3><p>The Chiefs' clutch performances in the regular season are only a taste of what's to come when the lights are at their brightest.</p><p>Mahomes leads all playoff quarterbacks in EPA/dropback since 2000 (minimum seven starts) with a mark of 0.23, according to TruMedia. He's producing at a rate of 0.33 in this season's two games.</p><p>The offense doesn't do it alone, though; Steve Spagnuolo's defense also has a knack for stepping up. The veteran coordinator's blitz packages can fluster even the best opposing quarterbacks - Josh Allen was pressured on 45.9% of dropbacks in the AFC title game, completing 5 of 14 passes. Chris Jones led the charge with a 24.2% pressure rate, his best mark since Week 5, according to TruMedia and PFF.</p><p>Looking ahead to the Super Bowl, the Eagles clearly have the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3195538" href="https://thescore.com/news/3195538">better roster</a>. Maybe that ends up being enough to spoil the three-peat. But there's a reason the Chiefs are the team to beat despite the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3195537" href="https://thescore.com/news/3195537">tale of the tape</a>.</p><p>It's taken Mahomes seven seasons as a starter to become the second-winningest quarterback in NFL playoff history. He's still got a ways to go to catch Tom Brady in that department, but becoming the first QB to start five Super Bowls before the age of 30, with a chance to win four, puts him on a pace that used to be unthinkable.</p><p>The Eagles had better find a way to capitalize on their talent advantage and leave no doubt. If this Super Bowl comes down to whether the Chiefs can make a play at the end, only one outcome seems possible.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Eagles comparison table" aria-label="Dot Plot" id="datawrapper-chart-hENcb" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hENcb/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="341" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30137576/related

Mahomes, Chiefs are redefining clutch performance

Every NFL team makes its share of bad decisions. The Browns, however, have established their own ...

<p>Every NFL team makes its share of bad decisions. The Browns, however, have established their own special class of swinging, missing, and setting the franchise back indefinitely.</p><p>On the surface, Myles Garrett's trade request may seem like little more than the latest gut punch for a fan base that's all too familiar with the concept. And superstars forcing their way to new teams is only becoming more common in this era of player empowerment.</p><p>If only it were that simple. No, the Browns chasing away one of the best players in franchise history is a consequence of one particular decision that's still ravaging the organization three years later. It <em>always</em> comes back to the Deshaun Watson trade.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>You know the story by now: six draft picks, including three first-rounders, and an unprecedented fully guaranteed $230-million contract. All for a guy who sat out the entire 2021 season and was facing countless sexual misconduct lawsuits, eventually leading to an 11-game suspension.</p><p>He's been arguably the worst quarterback in football over his three seasons in Cleveland, with journeymen Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston providing clear offensive upgrades whenever they got the opportunity.</p><p>Garrett, the face of the franchise since being selected No. 1 overall in 2017, has never so much as flirted with the idea of looking elsewhere. In fact, it was only last year when he seemingly pledged to take a Joe Thomas-like career path and ride it out in Cleveland - no matter what.</p><p>"Being with the team that drafted you your entire career and winning a championship with them is the most special thing you can do in your career," Garrett told <a href="https://x.com/Jake_Trotter/status/1886449255411294397">ESPN's Jake Trotter</a>. "That's why I'm always going to be committed to this city. As long as they have me, I'm going to be here trying to do my best to elevate this team, this community, this city ... and bring it all home."</p><p>Garrett struck a different tune at the end of the season before leaving no doubt in Monday's surprise announcement.</p><p>"While I've loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent," he said in a statement. "The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton; it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns."</p><p>So, what changed? Well, it seems like reality set in.</p><p>The Browns doing what they did to get Watson has made those Super Bowl dreams all but impossible to achieve in Cleveland. Eating the dead money of a fully guaranteed deal continues to be a complete non-starter. The only way forward has been to restructure, run it back, and pray that Watson recaptures his previous form. Nobody is even pretending to be holding out hope at this point.</p><p>Cleveland's only now freeing itself of the draft repercussions of the Watson deal - April's event represents the team's first opportunity to make a first-round pick since 2021. The roster's predictably suffered without chances to add premium talent.</p><p>And then there's the cap situation. The Browns would be roughly $43 million under the 2025 cap if it wasn't for Watson's $72.9-million hit. As things currently stand, they've got to clear about $30 million in space to reach the ceiling. Their only option for doing so will be pushing even more money on bad contracts to the future.</p><p>Watson's albatross deal will expire after another $72.9-million cap hit in 2026, at which point the Browns can finally start to reset. But it'll surely take time to rebuild from there. And Cleveland probably isn't the team you should be expecting to get it right at that point, either. At 29 years old, Garrett doesn't have time to wait around and find out.</p><p>The Browns will continue to resist the idea of entertaining trade options, and it's easy to see why. Garrett's the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and moving him before June 1 will see an additional $16 million in bonus prorations accelerate onto this year's books, further complicating the already-dire cap situation.</p><p>While a big enough draft haul could make it worth their while, it can be tough to get fair value for a player who so clearly wants out. And most teams tend to resist the temptation to mortgage the future.</p><p>The Browns find themselves in this spot because they, regrettably, are not most teams.</p>

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Garrett's trade request is another consequence of the Watson deal

Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their si...

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h3>Eagles 55 - Commanders 23</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767385/cropped_GettyImages-2196101793.jpg?ts=1737933668" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767385/w220xh124_GettyImages-2196101793.jpg?ts=1737933668 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767385/w320xh180_GettyImages-2196101793.jpg?ts=1737933668 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767385/w640xh360_GettyImages-2196101793.jpg?ts=1737933668 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767385/w768xh432_GettyImages-2196101793.jpg?ts=1737933668 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767385/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2196101793.jpg?ts=1737933668 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Bully ball wins big</strong></p><p>The run game is so back.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Offenses were always going to have a clear opportunity on the ground with defenses doing anything and everything they can to limit explosive passing plays. The Eagles have taken advantage of this better than anyone, and it's the primary reason they're playing in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.</p><p>Saquon Barkley's historic season continued in Sunday's NFC title game as he got things started with a 60-yard score on Philly's first offensive play. That was his third run of at least 60 yards this postseason, a new single-season playoff record.</p><p>The fast start was a sign of things to come as Washington was simply overmatched in the run game. The Eagles finished the day at 229 rushing yards, with Barkley, Jalen Hurts, and backup running back Will Shipley combining for seven touchdowns on the ground - the most in a playoff game since 1940.</p><p>Philly's 55-point effort sets a new scoring record for a conference championship game. That kind of offensive firepower is difficult enough to match on its own. But it's only part of what makes this team so great.</p><p><strong>Defense dominates, too</strong></p><p>Complementing an unstoppable run game with perhaps the best defense in football should make the Eagles the team to beat in New Orleans.</p><p>Somehow flying under the radar amid an offensive explosion, Philly's defense finished the regular season ranked second in EPA, according to TruMedia. That mark is buoyed by a first-place standing against the run. The Commanders managed to move the ball with some consistency this week, but Philly's penchant for taking the ball away ensured that it didn't much matter.</p><p>A pair of early fumble recoveries put the offense in position for an extra 14 points. Just when it seemed like the Commanders might mount a late comeback, another punch-out sealed it.</p><p>That's now nine forced fumbles - five recoveries - in three playoff games. In total, the Eagles have taken the ball away 10 times while not giving up a single turnover of their own. Recipes for success don't get much better than that.</p><p><strong>No shame in defeat</strong></p><p>The Commanders are bound to be disappointed with their mistakes in their unlikely NFC title game appearance. Turning the ball over four times on the road against a team with an overwhelming talent advantage makes it pretty much impossible to win. But Washington's season was a smashing success nonetheless.</p><p>Remember, this team had zero expectations entering 2024. Some meaningful improvements over last season's 4-13 effort would've been more than enough for the first year of a full-scale rebuild. But nothing accelerates a timeline quite like hitting on a quarterback early in the draft.</p><p>The new Commanders regime also deserves plenty of credit for both changing the culture and quickly overhauling the roster with some savvy free-agent additions. But this season was all about the best rookie quarterback the NFL has ever seen.</p><p>Jayden Daniels took his game to yet another level in the playoffs and, despite the result, didn't look the least bit out of place in a conference championship game. The Commanders have a real opportunity to build something special around a star quarterback on a rookie contract. Look for Washington to make some big moves this offseason.</p><p><strong>Refs can do what?</strong></p><p>The NFC title game provided a viral moment of sorts when the Commanders committed three consecutive encroachment penalties while trying to stop Philly's goal-line Tush Push. Head referee Shawn Hochuli stopped play and explained that Washington had been warned that officials could "at some point" award a score in response to what they deemed continued intentional fouls.</p><p>If that's the first time you've heard of this rule, you aren't alone. But it's in the NFL's rule book.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767379/Screenshot_2025-01-26_at_6.02.04_PM.jpg?ts=1737932588" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767379/Screenshot_2025-01-26_at_6.02.04_PM.jpg?ts=1737932588 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767379/Screenshot_2025-01-26_at_6.02.04_PM.jpg?ts=1737932588 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767379/Screenshot_2025-01-26_at_6.02.04_PM.jpg?ts=1737932588 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767379/Screenshot_2025-01-26_at_6.02.04_PM.jpg?ts=1737932588 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767379/Screenshot_2025-01-26_at_6.02.04_PM.jpg?ts=1737932588 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Rule 12, Section 3, Article 4 <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>The more you know. In fairness to the Commanders, jumping the snap may be the only chance teams have to combat the most unstoppable short-yardage play in football.</p><h3>Chiefs 32 - Bills 29</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767438/cropped_GettyImages-2196120882.jpg?ts=1737950716" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767438/w220xh124_GettyImages-2196120882.jpg?ts=1737950716 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767438/w320xh180_GettyImages-2196120882.jpg?ts=1737950716 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767438/w640xh360_GettyImages-2196120882.jpg?ts=1737950716 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767438/w768xh432_GettyImages-2196120882.jpg?ts=1737950716 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767438/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2196120882.jpg?ts=1737950716 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>All they do is win</strong></p><p>For most of this season, it's felt like the Chiefs aren't quite as good as their record. Were it not for a few opponents giving the game away late, any number of those one-score victories could have gone the other way. At least that's what those hoping for some parity told themselves.</p><p>But here we are again. After coming out on top in a thrilling AFC title game against the Bills, Kansas City is heading back to the Super Bowl with a chance to complete the first-ever three-peat. They're simply unflappable.</p><p>The unmatched consistency, of course, starts with the quarterback. From a statistical perspective, this has been the most underwhelming season of Patrick Mahomes' career. His passing numbers are down significantly, and he's taken more sacks than ever. Yet there's no one you'd rather have leading your team in crunch time.</p><p>His ability to provide exactly what the Chiefs need, exactly when they need it, showed up again Sunday night. Mahomes set a season high in dropback success rate (64.7%) and dropback EPA (+21.5) against the Bills, according to Next Gen Stats. His timely scrambles were a key piece of the puzzle, as he picked up a career-best six first downs on the ground while recording his first-ever two-touchdown rushing day.</p><p>On paper, the Chiefs should probably be considered the underdog against a supremely talented Eagles team. Maybe Philly has what it takes to knock off the two-time defending champs. But we should all have a "believe it when we see it" mindset at this point. The Chiefs remain inevitable.</p><p><strong>Spags does it again</strong></p><p>Don't overlook the defense's role in Kansas City's sustained success. The Bills did manage 29 points on the day, but it could have been a whole lot more were it not for Steve Spagnuolo creating chaos with his pressure schemes up front.</p><p>Josh Allen was under pressure on 45.9% of dropbacks against the Chiefs and completed only 5 of 14 passes for 66 yards on those opportunities, according to Next Gen Stats. Instant pressure on the decisive fourth down seemed to cause Allen to turn away from a perfectly schemed-up throw to Khalil Shakir and left him no choice but to launch a prayer downfield.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">no IDEA why Josh did not throw the orbit to Shakir. They've called that exact route against the Chiefs on fourth down before! Gotta go to 10 here. <a href="https://t.co/2UyVIhMVSG">pic.twitter.com/2UyVIhMVSG</a></p>— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenjaminSolak/status/1883708096708739290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Spagnuolo regularly gets overlooked for head coaching opportunities this time of year. Perhaps some of that is because his team is always busy playing until February. But anyone looking for a new leader would be wise to give the veteran coordinator another chance.</p><p>The Chiefs' offense will continue to get most of the credit for coming through in big moments, but Spagnuolo's defense is every bit as much of a nightmare to go up against.</p><p><strong>The refs</strong></p><p>Officiating is unfortunately going to be a point of discussion after this one. Josh Allen was deemed short of the line to gain on a fourth-and-1 sneak early in the fourth quarter, and a review upheld the call on the field. At least one angle appears to suggest Allen had enough for a first down, and CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore seemed to agree. Either way, it was as close as it gets.</p><p>The Chiefs promptly marched down the field for a touchdown and two-point conversion that put them up by seven. The Bills responded, tying things up with a touchdown drive of their own, but it's fair to assume the game could have ended differently if the controversial call had gone the other way.</p><p>While the internet is certain to run wild with conspiracy theories about some sort of Chiefs bias, that's obviously not a real thing. The real issue is officials making mistakes in a difficult job and the NFL not using all technological resources to help them out.</p><p>How is the league still counting on two officials running in from the sideline to spot the ball and then measuring with sticks and chains in the year 2025? Replay is there to correct mistakes, but that's only helpful if the ball isn't hidden in a mass of bodies at the line. That's often the case in these situations.</p><p>A tracking system was tested in the preseason, so perhaps a solution is just around the corner. But it's still inexcusable that it's taken this long.</p><p><strong>Heartbreak for Buffalo</strong></p><p>The Bills weren't supposed to be here this year.</p><p>Most of the football world saw this season as something of a reset for Buffalo after cap issues led to key departures. But hope quickly returned.</p><p>Josh Allen took another major step, and the foundation provided by the coaching staff and front office proved more than capable of masking any perceived deficiencies on the roster. And then there was the Week 11 win over the Chiefs.</p><p>Playoff football is always a different animal, but it seemed like the Bills might finally have what it takes to bring down Kansas City on the big stage. The offense had coughed up just eight turnovers in the regular season and none in the first two games of the playoffs. They simply weren't making mistakes.</p><p>That turnover-less streak continued against the Chiefs, but it still wasn't enough. This team just can't get over the hump.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teams with 4+ TD and 0 turnovers are 21-2 in the playoffs since 2020<br><br>The two losses:<br>Bills at Chiefs, 2024 AFC Championship Bills at Chiefs, 2021 Divisional Round</p>— Dante Koplowitz-Fleming (@DanteKopFlem) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanteKopFlem/status/1883709290013454820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Falling to 0-4 against the Chiefs in the playoffs is a difficult pill to swallow. The pressure to earn a different result the next time around will be monumental. But this team is always going to have a chance with Allen leading the way.</p><p>They've got to break through at some point, right?</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30003498/related

Key takeaways and analysis from the conference title games

Jerry Jones can't possibly be serious with this one.  Letting Mike McCarthy walk would have been ...

<p>Jerry Jones can't possibly be serious with this one.</p><p>Letting Mike McCarthy walk would have been entirely understandable if there was some sort of big move to follow. Granted, it's not easy to top McCarthy's 49-35 record, but this is the Dallas Cowboys we're talking about - a blockbuster splash to push them over the top should always be on the table.</p><p>Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, that's simply not how this team does business. After an embarrassing search that included all of four known interviews, Jones settled on promoting offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to become the next head coach. And did he ever have a collection of words to say about it.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Brian Schottenheimer is known as a career assistant," Jones told ESPN's Adam Schefter. "He ain't Brian no more. He is now known as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys."</p><p>Got it.</p><p>Schottenheimer's indeed been a career assistant, and a relatively anonymous one at that. While there's more to being a head coach than statistical success in other roles, it's not difficult to understand why he's seemingly never been a candidate for top jobs before. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">it is once again time for me to tweet the Brian Schottenheimer career summary <a href="https://t.co/VyNusDxOuH">https://t.co/VyNusDxOuH</a> <a href="https://t.co/SNYAk5CBOB">pic.twitter.com/SNYAk5CBOB</a></p>— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) <a href="https://twitter.com/rodger/status/1621965335099228161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Cowboys did lead the NFL in scoring during Schottenheimer's first season as offensive coordinator in 2023, but Dallas was similarly productive offensively over the two previous seasons. And McCarthy was the offensive play-caller throughout his tenure as head coach, anyway.</p><p>So, what gives? If we're going to be charitable, we could concede the remote possibility that Jones has masterfully identified some rare leadership qualities that may make Schottenheimer surprisingly successful as a head coach. That'll surely be the company line.</p><p>More realistically, though, this seems to be another case of the Cowboys owner doing what he does best: getting in the way of winning.</p><p>Jones runs the most valuable sports franchise on the planet - Forbes' most recent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3157654" href="https://thescore.com/news/3157654">estimates</a> have the Cowboys worth a staggering $10.1 billion. Their $564 million operating income is nearly double that of the next closest NFL team. Considering there's no cap for non-roster salaries, money should never get in the way of doing what needs to be done in terms of staffing.</p><p>Yet Jones is notoriously stingy when it comes to paying head coaches. The first sign the McCarthy exit was going to happen came when the Cowboys reportedly opened extension talks and balked at his desired term. Sure enough, Dallas didn't even pretend to aim high. The final candidate list included only Schottenheimer, Robert Saleh, Leslie Frazier, and Kellen Moore. A headline-generating call to Deion Sanders never appeared to be all that serious.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The idea that a man whose family owns $100 million worth of art won't pay more than like $5 million a year for a head football coach is actually insane.</p>— Robert Mays (@robertmays) <a href="https://twitter.com/robertmays/status/1882473122420723811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>This would be the most attractive job in football - if the Cowboys would allow it. But the clear resistance to big-money gambles, along with Jones pledging to never give up personnel control, makes it nearly impossible to land a top coaching candidate. That leaves the Cowboys zeroing in on familiarity.</p><p>Schottenheimer and Moore - the team's offensive coordinator from 2019-2022 - were the clear favorites throughout this abbreviated search. Both know how things work in Dallas, are in no position to seek any sort of personnel power, and presumably aren't commanding top dollar.</p><p>Schottenheimer, whose hiring was announced in epic Friday evening news-dump fashion, will probably end up one of the league's lowest-paid head coaches over the course of his reported four-year deal. And that makes this the <em>perfect</em> time to look back on Jones talking a big game about his willingness to spend:</p><p>"It would be embarrassing, it would be shocking if you knew the size of the check I would write if it guaranteed me a Super Bowl," he <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/jerry-jones-would-write-embarrassing-check-for-title-0ap3000000951918">said</a> in 2018. "It would be obscene. There is nothing I would do financially not to get a Super Bowl."</p><p>Dallas is further away from a Super Bowl now than it was then, and Jones isn't exactly flexing his financial muscle to help push things in the right direction. </p><p>With the Commanders playing this weekend, the Cowboys officially take over the NFC's longest conference title game drought. It could be a lengthy one if ownership doesn't change its ways.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29991705/related

What in the world are the Cowboys doing?

Few things fuel sports discourse quite like a GOAT debate. There's truly nothing like it.  Every ...

<p>Few things fuel sports discourse quite like a GOAT debate. There's truly nothing like it.</p><p>Every once in a while, though, we come across a case on which everyone can agree. Jayden Daniels' standing among the best rookie quarterbacks in NFL history may fall into that category.</p><p>The Commanders phenom was hardly the headliner of the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams was seen as the consensus No. 1 pick long before he ever declared, and the Bears surrounding the USC star with a collection of names at receiver convinced the football world that he was set up for immediate success. Oops.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Williams may yet be on his own extended path to superstardom. But while all six teams that drafted a quarterback in the top 12 picks last April have legitimate reason to be happy with their decisions, no rookie signal-caller has been on Daniels' level. Not this year, and probably not ever.</p><p>It took only a few weeks for Daniels to emerge as the clear favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. An early four-game winning streak after an opening-week road loss, highlighted by his Week 3 coming-out party against the Bengals in prime time, set the Commanders on a path to blow past their projected win total by the halfway point.</p><p>The LSU product finished the regular season as one of just seven rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to post a 95-plus QB rating while starting at least 10 games. The names on that list, each drafted this century, are all roughly in the same ballpark regarding passing numbers.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rookie passing leaders" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-LCarO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LCarO/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="393" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>However, the passing game is only one part of Daniels' value. Though pre-draft comparisons to Lamar Jackson always felt a little over the top, he wasted no time before establishing himself as one of the league's most dangerous running quarterbacks.</p><p>Daniels broke Robert Griffin III's all-time rookie QB rushing record this season, leading all Commanders ball carriers with 891 yards. Both of Washington's rookie sensations - drafted 12 years apart - are the only quarterbacks to top the 800-yard mark in their debut campaigns.</p><p>Daniels is also the clear leader among top rookie rushing QBs in both first downs and success rate - the frequency with which a ball carrier gains at least 40% of yards required on first down, 60% on second down, and 100% on third and fourth down.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rookie QB rushing leaders" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1ZI75" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1ZI75/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="362" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Only Griffin's rookie season comes close to matching Daniels' in terms of dual-threat impact. Add in postseason success, and the face of a new era in Washington truly begins to separate himself from the pack.</p><p>This year's Commanders are heading to the NFC title matchup for the first time since 1991 largely because Daniels is taking his game to even greater heights when it matters. The 24-year-old was nearly flawless in road playoff wins over the NFC South champion Buccaneers and the No. 1-seeded Lions, completing 69.7% of his passes for a playoff-leading 567 yards, four touchdowns, and no turnovers.</p><p>Daniels finished the regular season with 0.15 EPA/dropback, tied with Joe Burrow for seventh among this campaign's top quarterbacks. He's more than doubled that mark to this point in the playoffs, the best postseason performance of any rookie quarterback who started two-plus games since at least 2000.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766953/Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.42.27_PM.jpg?ts=1737686587" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766953/Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.42.27_PM.jpg?ts=1737686587 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766953/Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.42.27_PM.jpg?ts=1737686587 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766953/Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.42.27_PM.jpg?ts=1737686587 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766953/Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.42.27_PM.jpg?ts=1737686587 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766953/Screenshot_2025-01-23_at_9.42.27_PM.jpg?ts=1737686587 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">TruMedia <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>His poise under pressure seems to get better as the stakes rise. Daniels has been blitzed on 32 dropbacks during the playoffs, a clear attempt from opponents to force the rookie into making mistakes. They're having no such luck. He's completed 69% of passes for 328 yards, one touchdown, and no turnovers in those situations. Daniels has also taken only one sack despite being pressured on 28 dropbacks, according to PFF. His 3.6% pressure-to-sack rate is the lowest mark among all quarterbacks this postseason.</p><p>Daniels' unflappability has also been the driving force behind the Commanders' fourth-down prowess. Washington converted 20 of 23 fourth-down attempts for an absurd (and league-best) 87% rate during the regular season. Daniels accounted for seven of those as a passer and eight as a runner. He's continued that success in the playoffs, going a combined 5-for-7 on his fourth-down tries the last two weeks.</p><p>Daniels is just the sixth QB in league history to start a conference title game as a rookie. If the raw production to this point isn't convincing enough, consider that Daniels is the only one of that group to make it this far without the help of an elite defense.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rookie QB defenses" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-QrtKH" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QrtKH/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="349" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The others in this exclusive company went a combined 0-5 in their conference title appearances as rookies. On paper, a matchup with the powerhouse Eagles suggests Daniels could be headed for a similar fate. But the Commanders heard the same thing heading into Detroit last week. Washington also beat Philadelphia in Week 16 when QB Jalen Hurts left the game in the first quarter with a concussion.</p><p>With these early draft swings, the goal is always to find a quarterback who can elevate his teammates and raise the organization's ceiling. Daniels, one win away from becoming the first rookie quarterback to start a Super Bowl, is already doing it unlike anyone we've ever seen. The brighter the lights, the better he gets.</p><p>Maybe that continues this week; maybe the magic runs out. No matter the result, the Commanders have already won. Football is fun again in Washington, and one of the game's most promising stars is just getting started.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29971770/related

Is Jayden Daniels the best rookie QB in NFL history?

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h3>Chiefs 23 - Texans 14</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766218/cropped_GettyImages-2194622494.jpg?ts=1737311138" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766218/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194622494.jpg?ts=1737311138 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766218/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194622494.jpg?ts=1737311138 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766218/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194622494.jpg?ts=1737311138 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766218/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194622494.jpg?ts=1737311138 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766218/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194622494.jpg?ts=1737311138 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Chiefs still inevitable</strong></p><p>The Texans made a game of it, keeping the upset on the table until late in the fourth quarter, but that's never enough in Kansas City. This is what the Chiefs do. The two-time defending champs weren't especially great on either side of the ball. But as is often the case with this club, it didn't much matter. Houston became the first team in playoff history to lose despite outgaining its opponent by more than 100 yards while avoiding committing a turnover. Kansas City will need a far better effort in an AFC title matchup against Buffalo. Based on what we've seen from the two teams this season, the Chiefs should probably enter as the underdog. Yet recent history tells us that those rooting for some parity shouldn't get their hopes up.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Playoff Kelce strikes again</strong></p><p>Travis Kelce is one of the biggest factors in the Chiefs consistently taking their game to another level in the playoffs. This was the second straight year in which the future Hall of Famer seemed to be slowing down. Kelce finished the regular season with a career-low 823 yards and three touchdowns despite leading the team with 133 targets. Perhaps he's reached a new level of veteran savviness that allows him to coast through the regular season and have a full tank when the games matter most. A crucial 49-yard catch-and-run, on which he broke multiple tackles, was his longest play of the season and his playoff career. Kelce's ninth 100-yard postseason game broke a tie with Jerry Rice for the most in NFL history, and he's not far off his records for yards and touchdowns, either.</p><p><strong>Texans getting close</strong></p><p>The Texans fell far short of expectations in the regular season. Blowing out the Chargers and hanging tough against the Chiefs on the road in the playoffs should be a reminder that the future is still incredibly bright in Houston. An offseason focused on addressing shortcomings on the interior offensive line and at receiver could go a long way toward getting C.J. Stroud back on the superstar path he established as a rookie. A bounce back from that group to complement a defense that finished as a top-five unit by EPA, according to TruMedia, would open the door for Houston to compete with the best of the best in a loaded AFC.</p><h3>Commanders 45 - Lions 31</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766199/cropped_GettyImages-2194706710.jpg?ts=1737300048" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766199/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194706710.jpg?ts=1737300048 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766199/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194706710.jpg?ts=1737300048 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766199/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194706710.jpg?ts=1737300048 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766199/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194706710.jpg?ts=1737300048 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766199/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194706710.jpg?ts=1737300048 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>An all-time turnaround</strong></p><p>The Commanders are giving hope to all kinds of sad sack organizations across the NFL. Only a year ago, a 4-13 campaign earned this team the No. 2 pick in the draft. The opportunity to select rookie phenom Jayden Daniels has undoubtedly been the driving force behind a historic one-year turnaround, but that's not the only factor. A stunning upset win over the top-seeded Lions to earn a spot in the NFC title game is also the culmination of a complete culture change after welcoming new ownership and hiring Dan Quinn. Candidates with past head coaching experience tend to get overlooked in favor of hotshot coordinators this time of year. Quinn is an excellent example of how a veteran presence can stabilize an organization, leveraging his experience to find more success in his second opportunity.</p><p><strong>Kliff buzz on the way</strong></p><p>Speaking of former head coaches who deserve another shot, Kliff Kingsbury should be at the top of interview lists around the league. Curiously, only two of the six teams with vacancies requested to talk with him. The Commanders offense completely outclassed the juggernaut Lions in the most shocking result of the postseason, punting only once en route to a 45-31 victory. Kingsbury has always been seen as a bright offensive mind, but a failure to adjust during his time in Arizona typically saw his units drop off down the stretch. Washington's offense only getting better against top competition in the playoffs should put those concerns to rest. Kingsbury can expect to get a few more head coaching inquiries in the coming weeks.</p><p><strong>Campbell was right</strong></p><p>Dan Campbell was emotional at the podium after last year's NFC title game loss to the 49ers, revealing that he told his players it "may have been their only shot." The Lions dominating the way they did this season made that seem a tad hyperbolic. Now? Not so much. Detroit will certainly be a contender in the coming seasons, but Campbell's larger point is that a Super Bowl run requires a lot of breaks to go your way. The Lions had all the pieces they needed this season, but injuries were their downfall in the end. Keeping the roster together will get more difficult year after year. And Detroit could start this offseason needing to replace two of the league's best coordinators, with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn in the mix for head coaching jobs.</p><h3>Eagles 28 - Rams 22</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766246/cropped_GettyImages-2194765588.jpg?ts=1737320670" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766246/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194765588.jpg?ts=1737320670 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766246/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194765588.jpg?ts=1737320670 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766246/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194765588.jpg?ts=1737320670 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766246/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194765588.jpg?ts=1737320670 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766246/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194765588.jpg?ts=1737320670 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Hurts injury looms large</strong></p><p>The Eagles will host the division-rival Commanders for a chance to get back to the Super Bowl after surviving the Rams in the snow. A clear talent advantage on paper and the benefit of playing in front of a home crowd should make Philly a comfortable favorite heading in. Keep an eye on Jalen Hurts' status, though. The Eagles quarterback was clearly hobbled by a knee injury in Sunday's win. He didn't miss a snap, so it probably won't put his availability at risk, but any limitations that keep him in the pocket could impact the Eagles' offense. That's unless Saquon Barkley does it all himself. After another 205 yards against the Rams, there's no reason to think he can't.</p><p><strong>Young Eagles soaring</strong></p><p>Complementing an elite run game with an outstanding defense gives the Eagles a real chance to be the last team standing in New Orleans. But no matter what happens this season, the Super Bowl window figures to be an extended one. Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, a pair of 2023 first-round picks, created constant chaos up front against the Rams. The Georgia products combined for two forced fumbles and three sacks, including a crucial takedown from Carter on the game-ending drive. Add in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who are already providing high-level cornerback play as rookies, and the Eagles' defense is flush with young blue-chip talent at all the most important positions. Howie Roseman has this group poised for long-term success.</p><p><strong>Rams facing questions</strong></p><p>Sean McVay and Les Snead have done a similarly impressive job of building the Rams roster of late, masterfully transitioning from an "F them picks" philosophy to becoming a team that makes the absolute most of its draft capital. The success, particularly on the defensive side, laid the foundation for a consistent contender. But this team has some questions to address. Cooper Kupp was rumored to be a trade candidate earlier this season, and the 31-year-old's diminished volume down the stretch doesn't inspire confidence about his future. And then there's Matthew Stafford. The veteran quarterback is still playing at a high level but turns 37 in February. An inevitable drop-off, or even a decision to retire, could come at any time. The Rams should be in the market for a young quarterback to plan for the future.</p><h3>Bills 27 - Ravens 25</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766274/cropped_GettyImages-2194785959.jpg?ts=1737334527" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766274/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194785959.jpg?ts=1737334527 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766274/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194785959.jpg?ts=1737334527 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766274/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194785959.jpg?ts=1737334527 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766274/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194785959.jpg?ts=1737334527 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766274/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194785959.jpg?ts=1737334527 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Bills find a way</strong></p><p>Some teams simply know how to win. It wasn't exactly the prettiest effort against Baltimore - the final stat sheet is anything but spectacular - and a conservative second half allowed the Ravens to hang around longer than they should have. But none of that matters in the playoffs. The Bills are going back to the AFC title game after frustrating one of the best teams in football to no end. Most notably, the run game found a way to move the ball with consistency against a Ravens defense that had allowed a league-best 3.6 yards per carry. The defense did its part with three crucial turnovers, and Josh Allen once again kept the ball out of harm's way. Buffalo's ability to so consistently make timely plays that swing games is becoming oddly reminiscent of the Chiefs. We'll see who does it better with a Super Bowl berth on the line next week.</p><p><strong>Deja vu for Ravens</strong></p><p>The Ravens just can't get over the hump. The sheer difficulty of making a deep playoff run is the most reasonable take on Baltimore's latest setback, but at some point this group needs to figure out how to not give these games away. Coughing up three turnovers Sunday night in Buffalo after only having 11 all season is the ultimate letdown for a legitimately great team. Lamar Jackson simply wasn't good enough in the first half, with a pair of backbreaking giveaways adding to his playoff lowlights. A late surge put Baltimore in position to force OT, only for a wide-open Mark Andrews to drop the game-tying two-point conversion. Of course. The Ravens will likely be back in this spot next year, and another productive offseason could make them better than ever. But they'll have yet another crushing playoff disappointment hanging over their heads, and that's not going to make it any easier to get through the gauntlet of AFC juggernauts.</p><p><strong>Agony for Andrews</strong></p><p>Andrews' drop on the game-tying two-point conversion in the final minutes was merely another mistake in a disastrous individual outing. A brutal drop on the third drive of the game preceded a Jackson fumble that put the Bills in position to take their first lead of the night. Andrews also added a fumble of his own early in the fourth quarter, letting the ball get punched out after a big catch in Buffalo territory to end what could have been a go-ahead drive. The pair of drops equals his total from the entire regular season, and the untimely lost fumble was his first since 2019. One of the most reliable players on the team struggling in big moments is a rough addition to Baltimore's recent history of playoff disappointment.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29908286/related

Key takeaways and analysis from the divisional round

The best weekend on the football calendar is here.  A few games may appear one-sided on paper, bu...

<p>The best weekend on the football calendar is here.</p><p>A few games may appear one-sided on paper, but there's a reason each of these teams find themselves among the final eight. Could we be in for an upset or two in the divisional round?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title=":football: Divisional round games" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-2iP7r" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/2iP7r/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="255" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Here's one matchup that could decide each game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Texans DEs vs. Chiefs OTs</h3><p>The Texans shocked the football world by beating the brakes off the Chargers in the wild-card round. Taking on the two-time defending champs at Arrowhead is a far more daunting task, but there's still a potential path to success here.</p><p>Hanging with the Chiefs will, first and foremost, require getting after Patrick Mahomes in the pocket. Houston is uniquely capable of doing so, having finished the regular season with the NFL's No. 1 pressure rate, according to Next Gen Stats. Standout defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. lead the way in that department, ranking second and fifth, respectively, among all linemen in 2024.</p><p>Hunter and Anderson, who combined for 23 sacks this year, spend time on both sides of the line. The one lined up to the left will draw Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who is tied for 38th among offensive tackles in pass-block efficiency, according to PFF. Taylor has also committed 17 penalties this season, third most among all offensive linemen.</p><p>The Chiefs are turning to All-Pro guard Joe Thuney at left tackle after some consistent issues from Wanya Morris, rookie Kingsley Suamataia, and in-season signing D.J. Humphries. Thuney was overwhelmed in his first appearance at left tackle this season, giving up 10 pressures in 43 pass-block snaps against the Browns in Week 15. He settled in from there, though, allowing four pressures the following week against Houston and none in Week 17 in Pittsburgh.</p><p>The Texans' star edge rushers have an opportunity to disrupt Kansas City's passing game by taking advantage of these matchups. Then again, this is the Chiefs we're talking about. Is anyone going to be surprised if any and all question marks disappear in the playoffs?</p><h3>Lions RBs vs. Commanders D</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758542/cropped_GettyImages-2186850178.jpg?ts=1733184666" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758542/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186850178.jpg?ts=1733184666 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758542/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186850178.jpg?ts=1733184666 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758542/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186850178.jpg?ts=1733184666 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758542/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186850178.jpg?ts=1733184666 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758542/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186850178.jpg?ts=1733184666 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Lions' defense is going to have its hands full with Jayden Daniels and the Commanders' well-designed offense, but Washington will need at least a few key stops to have an opportunity to shock the world. Those won't be easy to come by.</p><p>While the Commanders' defense has taken steps in the right direction under Dan Quinn, this unit is still in the early stages of a full-scale rebuild. Major shortcomings in the run game will be difficult to overcome against Detroit's incredibly balanced offense.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>DET offense rank</th>
<th>WSH defense rank</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total EPA</td>
<td>2nd</td>
<td>24th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pass EPA</td>
<td>2nd</td>
<td>20th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rush EPA</td>
<td>3rd</td>
<td>26th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yards/rush</td>
<td>9th</td>
<td>28th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yards before contact/rush</td>
<td>7th</td>
<td>29th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>(Source: TruMedia)</p><p>The Lions are the NFL's premier under-center running team. They've racked up a league-best 1,801 rush yards from such formations this year, over 400 yards more than the next-closest team, according to Next Gen Stats. Detroit also ranks second in success rate (47%) and a distant first in explosive run rate (15.4%) on plays from under center.</p><p>The Commanders' defense, meanwhile, owns the league's worst success rate (47%) and explosive play rate (13.7%) against under-center runs. The Lions will look to exploit this mismatch early and often.</p><p>Selling out to stop Detroit's two-headed monster of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery may be Washington's best bet to keep this one close. Forcing the ball into Jared Goff's hands won't yield an especially favorable matchup, either, but it could create chances for a turnover that might help swing the game. Finding a way to keep this one close would at least leave the door open for some more late magic from Daniels.</p><h3>Sean McVay vs. Vic Fangio</h3><p>Sean McVay's offense was up to the task in a difficult wild-card matchup against the Vikings. The Rams moved the ball with consistency, avoided negative plays, and became the first team all season to keep Minnesota's defense out of the turnover column. They'll need an even better performance to steal a win in Philly.</p><p>L.A.'s best chance against these Eagles is to put them in an early hole that could potentially force a pass-heavy approach. Jalen Hurts is a dangerous player in his own right, but L.A. simply counting on an improved showing against the run can't be an option. The ground-game mismatch was made abundantly clear when Saquon Barkley shredded the Rams for 255 rushing yards in a 37-20 victory in Week 12.</p><p>The Rams' offense dictating this game in such a way that limits Barkley's role will be no easy task. The Eagles' defense finished the regular season ranked second in total EPA, including a league-best mark in the first half of games, according to TruMedia. But there is some reason for optimism. Los Angeles' passing game has enjoyed far more success against zone coverage (eighth in EPA/dropback) than man (23rd). Vic Fangio's defense played zone on 79% of snaps from Week 10 through the end of the regular season, the third-highest rate this year.</p><p>Could a second matchup with Fangio's defense help McVay cook up the perfect game plan and put the Eagles on their heels from the jump?</p><h3>Ravens run game vs. Bills run D</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761973/cropped_GettyImages-2188937462.jpg?ts=1734969336" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761973/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188937462.jpg?ts=1734969336 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761973/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188937462.jpg?ts=1734969336 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761973/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188937462.jpg?ts=1734969336 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761973/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188937462.jpg?ts=1734969336 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761973/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188937462.jpg?ts=1734969336 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">G Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sunday's AFC heavyweight tilt is headlined by a meeting of the MVP front-runners. It'll be fascinating to see Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen go head to head in the marquee game of the year, but the Bills will need to flip the script in another area if that matchup is going to be what decides this one.</p><p>Buffalo's defense allowed 4.5 yards per carry during the regular season, tied for 18th league-wide. A Week 4 showdown with the Ravens ended up as something of a dud because the Bills simply couldn't hold up against the run. Jackson and Derrick Henry led the way to a 35-10 rout as Baltimore put up 271 rushing yards on 8.0 yards per carry.</p><p>Bullying the Bills on the ground proved to be a sign of things to come, as the Ravens went on to finish the year having set a new NFL record for yards per attempt (5.76). They are also the first team in league history to run for 3,000 yards while also passing for 4,000.</p><p>The absence of top Ravens wideout Zay Flowers could theoretically allow the Bills to get extra aggressive and truly sell out against the run, but it's possible even that won't be enough. Henry finished the year with 1,921 rushing yards on 5.9 yards per carry despite facing stacked boxes (eight-plus defenders) on 33.2% of his runs, the second-highest mark among all running backs.</p><p>Allen and the Bills' offense also have a tough assignment of their own on the other side of the ball, taking on a Ravens defense that ranks first in EPA since Week 11. The defense has to find a way to help Allen out if this is going to be the year the Bills get over the hump.</p>

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1 matchup that could decide each divisional-round game

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><p><strong>Not there yet</strong></p><p>The Chargers getting blown out in Houston will understandably put the spotlight on Justin Herbert. The superstar quarterback was shockingly bad in the upset defeat, throwing four interceptions, including a backbreaking pick-6 at the end of the third quarter. We can all agree that Herbert needs to be better in that spot while also conceding that Los Angeles would've had more answers for Houston's defense were it not for some major personnel shortcomings. Both things can be true.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fortunately for Chargers fans, there's plenty of reason to believe this latest playoff letdown isn't just a matter of this team doing what it always does. Remember, nobody expected L.A. to be back in the playoffs in Year 1 of the Jim Harbaugh era. The ceiling was evidently limited with Ladd McConkey as the only legitimate target at receiver. Adding more pass-catchers around Herbert will undoubtedly be a top priority throughout the offseason, and the front office will have over $70 million in cap space to utilize.</p><p>A deep playoff run could be in the cards as soon as next year if the Chargers can reel in a big-time free agent like Tee Higgins or a cut candidate like Davante Adams and potentially add another young playmaker early in the draft. The foundation has been set. Now, it's time to add the pieces to take things to the next level.</p><p><strong>A defense swarms</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764858/cropped_GettyImages-2193464898.jpg?ts=1736642341" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764858/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193464898.jpg?ts=1736642341 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764858/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193464898.jpg?ts=1736642341 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764858/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193464898.jpg?ts=1736642341 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764858/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193464898.jpg?ts=1736642341 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764858/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193464898.jpg?ts=1736642341 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nobody gave the Texans much chance in the wild-card round, and who could blame them? The offense took a significant step back after C.J. Stroud's spectacular rookie season, stumbling to an AFC South title and seemingly making the No. 5 seed the most coveted non-bye position in the entire playoff picture. As always, nobody knows anything. In this case, though, we probably should have.</p><p>You know the old adage: defense wins championships. Houston's offense may have stunk it up throughout the regular season, but the defense was a different story. The Texans finished the year ranked fifth in defensive EPA, according to TruMedia's model, one spot in front of the Chargers. This group plays as fast as any unit in football, and it boasts game-changers at the most important positions. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson can wreck any game plan with the pressure they bring off the edge. Derek Stingley Jr. and rookie Kamari Lassiter have emerged as one of the league's premier cornerback tandems and combined for three interceptions against the Chargers.</p><p>The Texans will need a season-best effort from the offense to hang with the Chiefs in the divisional round, but it's worth noting that Stroud settled in nicely after a slow start against the Chargers. Carrying that momentum into Arrowhead and a repeat performance from the defense could give Houston an outside chance.</p><p><strong>What to do with Russ?</strong></p><p>Another one-and-done playoff appearance for the Steelers turns the conversation to the offseason ahead. What in the world does this team do at quarterback?</p><p>It's easy enough to make the case for re-signing Russell Wilson. He was better than anyone could've expected on a league-minimum salary, winning six of his first seven games. But it wasn't long before big plays down the sideline proved unsustainable, and Pittsburgh closed the season on a five-game losing streak. Overall, Wilson's 23rd-ranked EPA of 0.00 paints the picture of a quarterback who provided little added value outside the occasional moon-ball highlight.</p><p>The explosive plays are fun, and they could be even more plentiful if the Steelers add another reliable receiver opposite George Pickens. But is it wise to build your offense around an aging one-dimensional quarterback? Considering his free-agent value will probably be somewhere in the neighborhood of Baker Mayfield's $33-million yearly salary, probably not. Then again, what other options will the Steelers have?</p><p><strong>The unstoppable force</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/cropped_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765181/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193487287.jpg?ts=1736817505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Can anyone slow down the Ravens' run game? Baltimore's 299 rush yards, including 186 from Derrick Henry and 81 from Lamar Jackson, are the most Pittsburgh has ever given up in a playoff game. For reference, the Steelers' defense finished the regular season having allowed 4.1 yards per carry, tied for the fourth-lowest mark league-wide.</p><p>Nobody the Ravens will meet in the playoffs performed any better, though the Chiefs were one of the teams tied with Pittsburgh. The Bills, who host Baltimore in the divisional round next week, allowed 271 yards on 8.0 yards per carry when the teams met in September. The Ravens cruised to a 35-10 win.</p><p>A run game like this is tough enough to combat on its own. Add in the NFL's presumptive MVP at quarterback and a defense that ranked first in EPA/play from Week 11 through the end of the regular season, and we've got a bona fide juggernaut. The Ravens should be everyone's Super Bowl favorite at this point. Is this finally the year they get it done?</p><p><strong>An obvious need</strong></p><p>Denver never stood much of a chance in Buffalo. Bo Nix had a great debut season, but it's imperative that a rookie quarterback is supported with a consistent run game. Sean Payton's schematic genius wasn't enough in that department.</p><p>The Broncos cycled through running backs all year looking for a spark that never came. Overall rushing efficiency was in the middle of the pack thanks to an offensive line that led the way to a top-eight finish in yards before contact. But the running backs failed to maximize the favorable situation, finishing the season tied for 29th in yards after contact.</p><p>Javonte Williams, Tyler Badie, and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for 35 yards against the Bills, which essentially offered nothing in sustaining drives and put the game squarely on Nix's shoulders. That's a big ask with Josh Allen on the other sideline. Look for the Broncos to be aggressive in addressing their backfield needs this offseason, perhaps with an early pick in a loaded running back draft.</p><p><strong>Mistake-free football</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764989/cropped_GettyImages-2193584600.jpg?ts=1736717315" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764989/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193584600.jpg?ts=1736717315 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764989/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193584600.jpg?ts=1736717315 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764989/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193584600.jpg?ts=1736717315 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764989/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193584600.jpg?ts=1736717315 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764989/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193584600.jpg?ts=1736717315 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The other reason the Broncos didn't have much hope in Buffalo is that the Bills don't give you many opportunities to sneak up on them.</p><p>Even a matchup with the NFL's top-ranked defense by EPA couldn't throw Josh Allen off his MVP-caliber game. The Bills quarterback completed 20 of 26 passes despite being under pressure on 43.8% of dropbacks, throwing for 272 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. And so continues an incredible trend from a regular season in which the Bills coughed up a league-low six turnovers.</p><p>Efficiency and ball security, combined with some timely defensive stops, enabled Buffalo to finish the day with a 41:43-18:17 advantage in the time-of-possession battle. It's tough to beat a team that doesn't make mistakes.</p><p><strong>Love's struggles</strong></p><p>The Packers coming up short in Philly was primarily a result of going up against a dominant Eagles defense. But that doesn't mean we can entirely excuse the play of their $55-million quarterback.</p><p>Jordan Love struggled with accuracy and decision-making throughout the day, completing 20 of 33 passes for 212 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. The disappointing effort follows an up-and-down season in which his true dropback reps became something of an adventure.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">For context among all QBs on true dropbacks, that is 26th in completion percentage, 27th in passer rating, and the worst TD-INT ratio among all starters</p>— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettKollmann/status/1878610381763117250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The official interception count there should be 14, but the point remains. Love's big-play upside does make dealing with some of the turnover issues easier. And it's possible that a Week 1 knee injury hampered his mobility and comfort in the pocket throughout the season. But the Packers have to get more out of a player they rushed to pay after a half-season of high-level production.</p><p><strong>A concern for Philly</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764968/cropped_GettyImages-1777526618.jpg?ts=1736710300" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764968/w220xh124_GettyImages-1777526618.jpg?ts=1736710300 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764968/w320xh180_GettyImages-1777526618.jpg?ts=1736710300 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764968/w640xh360_GettyImages-1777526618.jpg?ts=1736710300 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764968/w768xh432_GettyImages-1777526618.jpg?ts=1736710300 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764968/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1777526618.jpg?ts=1736710300 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Eagles are flying high. With a dominant ground game and an overwhelmingly talented defense, it's possible that nobody stops them on the road to the Super Bowl. However, the passing game still looms as a potential area of concern.</p><p>Jalen Hurts accounting for 131 yards and A.J. Brown contributing one catch on three targets do little to inspire confidence with this group looking ahead. Are we sure the Eagles can get the production they need out of the passing game if they find themselves playing from behind against a team like the Lions?</p><p>Maybe the Eagles were easing Hurts back into the lineup this week, and they could find a rhythm in a contest that calls for more pass volume next time out. But this was also an issue at multiple points in the regular season. A fast start from the Rams' offense could put Philly to the test next week.</p><p><strong>Bowles in trouble?</strong></p><p>It's not often a team considers a coaching change after a playoff appearance, but the Bucs might be a unique case.</p><p>Sunday's loss to the Commanders marks the second straight postseason in which Tampa Bay went out with some questionable game management. This time, Todd Bowles was late using timeouts while Washington tried to run out the clock.</p><p>Bowles is also the play-caller for Tampa Bay's defense, a once-strong unit trending in the wrong direction after finishing the regular season ranked 24th in pass EPA. The Bucs already have a logical in-house successor in Liam Coen, who's getting head coaching interest for his work as offensive coordinator. Letting Coen go would lead to Tampa Bay hiring a third OC in as many years. Opting to maintain continuity for a high-powered offense could be the move here.</p><p><strong>No moment too big</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765069/cropped_GettyImages-2193608009.jpg?ts=1736740656" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765069/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193608009.jpg?ts=1736740656 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765069/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193608009.jpg?ts=1736740656 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765069/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193608009.jpg?ts=1736740656 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765069/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193608009.jpg?ts=1736740656 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765069/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193608009.jpg?ts=1736740656 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>What else is there to say about Jayden Daniels?</p><p>The Commanders rookie followed up a spectacular regular season by making it seem like his first playoff action was just another game. Daniels finished the day with 268 yards and two touchdowns through the air, joining an exclusive group of quarterbacks by winning his postseason debut.</p><p>It's further confirmation that Washington finally has its franchise quarterback, and this is only the beginning for a team that's still in the early stages of a full-scale rebuild. Next week's matchup with the Lions may be too tall a task, but Daniels and this offense could at least make it interesting.</p><p><strong>Stock way down</strong></p><p>We all wondered only a few weeks ago what kind of contract Sam Darnold might command in a seemingly inevitable return to Minnesota. Things change quickly in this league, don't they?</p><p>Darnold may still end up back with the Vikings as a bridge to J.J. McCarthy, but it's increasingly difficult to imagine it being on any sort of multi-year commitment. Not after he followed up a disappointing Week 18 performance with a disaster one-and-done showing in the wild-card round.</p><p>The veteran quarterback crumbled under the pressure of the Rams defense on Monday night, taking six sacks and coughing up two turnovers en route to a 24-3 deficit at the half. L.A. finished the night tying a playoff record with nine sacks. Darnold has played well more often than not this season, but there was always a lingering concern that a dream QB situation was propping him up. Disappearing in the two biggest games of the season isn't going to help him dispel those narratives.</p><p><strong>Vindication</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765218/cropped_GettyImages-2193269206.jpg?ts=1736828008" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765218/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193269206.jpg?ts=1736828008 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765218/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193269206.jpg?ts=1736828008 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765218/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193269206.jpg?ts=1736828008 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765218/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193269206.jpg?ts=1736828008 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765218/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193269206.jpg?ts=1736828008 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sean McVay boldly decided to rest his starters in Week 18 when a win could have led to a matchup with the Commanders instead of the Vikings. Nobody is questioning that move now.</p><p>The Rams had no trouble with the 14-win Vikings on Monday night, dominating all phases of the game in a decisive victory. How much did the pseudo-bye week help them pull off the upset? We'll never know. But for a team that hadn't had a break since a Week 6 bye, it certainly couldn't have hurt.</p><p>Looking ahead, that extra rest could do wonders for a 36-year-old Matthew Stafford, a receiving corps that's battled injuries, and many others throughout the roster. The Vikings found out the hard way that this Rams team can take it to anyone when it's operating at full strength.</p><p><strong>Stat of the week</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Since allowing 42 points to the Bills in Week 14, Rams starters have allowed just 33 points (!) over their last four games</p>— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevePalazzolo_/status/1879020171849072865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

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Key takeaways and analysis from Wild Card Weekend

The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing.  Six teams are officially looking for new leadership,...

<p>The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing.</p><p>Six teams are officially looking for new leadership, while Dallas has until Jan. 14 to figure out what it wants to do with Mike McCarthy.</p><p>Here's an early prediction for the hires made by each club.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>New England Patriots</h3><p><strong>Mike Vrabel</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/cropped_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w220xh124_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w320xh180_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w640xh360_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w768xh432_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>We can probably go ahead and lock this one in now. Vrabel has clearly been the Patriots' top target since the decision to fire Jerod Mayo after one season. An interview was quickly scheduled for Thursday, and the organization made a mockery out of the Rooney Rule to make sure league requirements were satisfied the day prior. Ben Johnson is still slated to speak with New England on Friday, but Aaron Glenn reportedly turning down an interview is yet another sign that there's an understanding of where this is headed.</p><p>Vrabel is a proven leader with a track record of getting the most out of his teams. Maybe another team gives him something to think about. It's tough to see any of them being able to offer as much as the Patriots, though. New England has a future star at quarterback, the No. 4 pick in this year's draft, and over $130 million in cap space. Factor in the familiarity with the organization - Vrabel won three Super Bowls as a player in New England and was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2023 - and this seems like a dream fit for both parties.</p><h3>Chicago Bears</h3><p><strong>Brian Flores</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745905/cropped_GettyImages-2172743051.jpg?ts=1726775487" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745905/w220xh124_GettyImages-2172743051.jpg?ts=1726775487 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745905/w320xh180_GettyImages-2172743051.jpg?ts=1726775487 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745905/w640xh360_GettyImages-2172743051.jpg?ts=1726775487 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745905/w768xh432_GettyImages-2172743051.jpg?ts=1726775487 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745905/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2172743051.jpg?ts=1726775487 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stephen Maturen / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Chicago has been considered a possible - if not likely - landing spot for Ben Johnson. The Bears job will always be a marquee role, and the presence of Caleb Williams alone could make this an especially attractive opportunity. But Ryan Poles' influence looms large.</p><p>Chicago is staying committed to its general manager after ushering out Matt Eberflus and his staff, insisting that he'll run the search for a new head coach. That could complicate the fit with Johnson, who should remain fairly particular about personnel structure after passing on head coaching opportunities over the last two years. The fit with Flores wouldn't be nearly as complex.</p><p>The Vikings defensive coordinator was a teammate of Ryan Poles at Boston College back in 2003. <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-who-could-get-hired-and-where">SI's Albert Breer</a> also reported last month that Bears president Kevin Warren got good reviews on Flores from his contacts with the Vikings, where he spent 15 years.</p><p>Flores would need to have a strong hire in mind to lead the offense, and he'll have to answer questions about Tua Tagovailoa's criticism from their time together in Miami. But he's undoubtedly earned a reputation as one of the best coaches in football. Minnesota's defense finished the regular season ranked third in EPA, according to TruMedia's model, and tied for the league lead with 33 turnovers.</p><h3>Jacksonville Jaguars</h3><p><strong>Ben Johnson</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764252/cropped_GettyImages-2191079750.jpg?ts=1736349621" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764252/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191079750.jpg?ts=1736349621 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764252/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191079750.jpg?ts=1736349621 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764252/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191079750.jpg?ts=1736349621 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764252/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191079750.jpg?ts=1736349621 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764252/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191079750.jpg?ts=1736349621 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It was difficult to imagine the Jaguars landing a top candidate after the stunning decision to keep Trent Baalke as the general manager. But then owner Shad Khan <a href="https://x.com/CoachspeakIndex/status/1876454007926857760">admitted</a> - with Baalke on the conference call, no less - that he'd make a change if an incoming coach can make a good case. It was music to the ears of Jaguars fans everywhere. Flexibility on that front could put a number of options back in play, including the the hottest name among rising coordinators.</p><p>Johnson has been understandably picky in waiting out a suitable opportunity for his first head coaching job - the Lions' star offensive coordinator removed his name from consideration for openings in each of the last two years. So why would the Jaguars (a team drafting in the top five for the ninth time in 14 years) be the one to lure him away?</p><p>Having a quarterback in place certainly doesn't hurt, the draft capital will come in handy, and you could do a whole lot worse than setting up shop in sunny Florida with no state income tax. The Jaguars have a real chance to make the splash of the offseason if Khan commits to reworking the personnel department to align with Johnson's vision.</p><h3>Las Vegas Raiders</h3><p><strong>Liam Coen</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764594/cropped_GettyImages-2183504509.jpg?ts=1736494061" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764594/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183504509.jpg?ts=1736494061 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764594/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183504509.jpg?ts=1736494061 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764594/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183504509.jpg?ts=1736494061 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764594/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183504509.jpg?ts=1736494061 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764594/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183504509.jpg?ts=1736494061 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Raiders opted to clean house after Antonio Pierce's first full season on the job, giving new part owner Tom Brady an opportunity to make his presence felt at the top of the organization. Reports have suggested Brady will have a significant role in the search for a new head coach and general manager, leading many to assume that he might be inclined to tap into his Patriots connections. Vrabel may well emerge as a candidate in Vegas if New England can't close the deal, but what about the other team from his playing days?</p><p>Coen has thrust himself into the head coaching conversation in his first year as an NFL coordinator in Tampa Bay. The Bucs' offense was tied for fourth in EPA/play during the regular season, behind only the Ravens, Bills, and Lions. The run game has been particularly impressive under Coen's watch, posting 5.3 yards per carry (T2nd) after averaging 3.4 (32nd) before his arrival last year.</p><p>Brady likely has many connections with the Bucs who would vouch for the rising star coach. That might include assistant GM John Spytek, who was a teammate of Brady's at Michigan and a personnel exec in Tampa Bay during his three-year stay. Coen and Spytek could be a strong tandem for the Raiders to build around.</p><h3>New York Jets</h3><p><strong>Aaron Glenn</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764549/cropped_GettyImages-2191101128.jpg?ts=1736474608" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764549/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191101128.jpg?ts=1736474608 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764549/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191101128.jpg?ts=1736474608 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764549/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191101128.jpg?ts=1736474608 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764549/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191101128.jpg?ts=1736474608 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764549/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191101128.jpg?ts=1736474608 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Let's be honest: The Jets are a dumpster fire. Ownership, by its own doing, will have a tough time selling this job to most prominent head coaching candidates. The rumored meddling from the top of the organization is only one part of the equation, as there are also some real roster concerns. Not the least of which: the Jets have no clear path to finding a quarterback after the seemingly inevitable departure of Aaron Rodgers. This organization should be looking for a leader who can establish a new culture and rebuild this thing from the ground up.</p><p>Fortunately for the Jets, one of the top candidates available in this cycle just so happens to have deep ties to the organization. Glenn spent the first eight years of his playing career in New York after joining the organization as a first-round pick in 1994. He also rejoined the club as a personnel scout for two years in 2012 before transitioning into coaching.</p><p>He's climbed the ladder in the decade since and is now a key figure for the Super Bowl-contending Lions. His defense ranks in the top 10 in EPA despite being decimated by injuries. It'll take a special person to lead the Jets back to relevance after a 14-year playoff drought. Glenn could be the man for the job and one of the few willing to give it a shot.</p><h3>New Orleans Saints</h3><p><strong>Joe Brady</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764168/cropped_GettyImages-2192093603.jpg?ts=1736294145" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764168/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192093603.jpg?ts=1736294145 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764168/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192093603.jpg?ts=1736294145 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764168/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192093603.jpg?ts=1736294145 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764168/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192093603.jpg?ts=1736294145 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764168/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192093603.jpg?ts=1736294145 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bryan Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Saints opening isn't an attractive job. The roster is in rough shape, and the front office is still trying to dig itself out of the nightmare cap situation created by some reckless contract management that dates back to the Sean Payton era. This is a long-term rebuild project that'll require some patience. Could a young coach with ties to the organization be more willing to take on the challenge than others?</p><p>Brady got his start in the NFL on Payton's staff from 2017-2018. His connections to the area also extend to the college ranks, where he worked with Joe Burrow as part of a legendary LSU offense in 2019. Brady's first opportunity as an NFL offensive coordinator didn't go as planned, but his stock is back on the rise after helping Josh Allen take his game to another level in Buffalo. The Saints might as well take a shot on an ascending offensive mind who can develop their next quarterback while growing into the role of head coach.</p><h3>Dallas Cowboys</h3><p><strong>Mike McCarthy</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763824/cropped_GettyImages-2191781897.jpg?ts=1736120467" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763824/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191781897.jpg?ts=1736120467 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763824/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191781897.jpg?ts=1736120467 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763824/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191781897.jpg?ts=1736120467 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763824/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191781897.jpg?ts=1736120467 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763824/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191781897.jpg?ts=1736120467 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Cowboys job technically isn't open yet, as McCarthy remains under contract until Jan. 14. He's scheduled to become a free agent at that point, though, creating the possibility that Jerry Jones ends up searching for another head coach. We can't rule anything out here, but an extension still seems like the most likely scenario. That's really the only way to interpret the fact that Dallas reportedly denied Chicago's request to speak with McCarthy this week.</p><p>Could the Cowboys upgrade at head coach? Probably. But it's also not difficult to understand the case for running it back. McCarthy had put together three consecutive 12-win campaigns heading into 2024. It seemed like things were going to go off the rails when a disaster start was followed by a season-ending injury to Dak Prescott, but the undermanned Cowboys battled for their head coach down the stretch and still finished 7-10.</p><p>Remember: Jones stuck with Jason Garrett for nine seasons despite only making three playoff appearances. McCarthy will presumably get another chance to see whether he can turn some of that regular-season success into playoff glory.</p>

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Is this the year Lamar Jackson gets a ring?  I know what you're thinking: the Chiefs are inevitab...

<p>Is this the year Lamar Jackson gets a ring?</p><p>I know what you're thinking: the Chiefs are inevitable. Betting against Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending champs does feel legitimately foolish. And Baltimore would likely need a win in frigid Buffalo before even getting the opportunity to face Kansas City.</p><p>It's a true gauntlet of juggernaut Super Bowl contenders that nobody would want to face. But don't be surprised if neither the Chiefs or Bills are representing the AFC in New Orleans. The numbers show the Ravens are the true team to beat this year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Baltimore's offense generated the majority of headlines this season, and rightly so. Outclassing today's high-powered attacks in the game is impressive enough.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Ravens' 2024 Rank</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total EPA</td>
<td>1st</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPA/pass</td>
<td>1st</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPA/rush</td>
<td>1st</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Success rate</td>
<td>3rd</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points scored</td>
<td>3rd</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>(Advanced data via TruMedia)</p><p>But the statistical output - led by a quarterback in Lamar Jackson who's in the running for his third career MVP award - is rivaled only by some of the most prolific scoring units in NFL history.</p><p>Jackson took his game to another level this season, becoming the first QB to record 40-plus passing touchdowns with fewer than five interceptions. That incredible efficiency adds up to the fourth-best single-season passer rating of all time. Aaron Rodgers (2011, 2020) and Peyton Manning (2004) are the only players to exceed Lamar's 119.6 mark.</p><p>The difference? Jackson did it while maintaining his long-standing status as the league's premier running QB. He's the first QB to ever throw for over 4,000 yards and run for over 800 yards. Not bad for a guy who once faced absurd questions about whether he should actually play receiver at the NFL level.</p><p>Jackson's historic season, along with the home-run addition of Derrick Henry, put the entire Ravens offense in rarefied air. Baltimore's the first team to ever record 40 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns in a single season, and the first to top 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in the same year.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762280/cropped_GettyImages-2191417226.jpg?ts=1735242077" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762280/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191417226.jpg?ts=1735242077 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762280/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191417226.jpg?ts=1735242077 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762280/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191417226.jpg?ts=1735242077 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762280/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191417226.jpg?ts=1735242077 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762280/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191417226.jpg?ts=1735242077 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The unit's 6.85 yards per play average is good for third in league history. Only the "Greatest Show on Turf" Rams in 2000, as well as another Rams team in 1954, were better in that regard. Baltimore's 5.76 yards per rush broke an NFL record set in 1963 by the Browns.</p><p>Also, in case anyone wants to cook up baseless narratives about favorable schedules, the Ravens finished this season with the <a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/final-2024-dvoa-ratings">fourth-best offensive rating</a> in the history of DOVA (defense-adjusted value over average), which dates back to 1978. This offense is undeniably a wagon.</p><p>The defense wasn't exactly holding up its end of the bargain over the first 10 weeks of the season, ranking near the bottom of the league in most major statistical categories. It seemed for a while like the regression that followed the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald might wash out the magic we were seeing on the other side of the ball.</p><p>But it's been a completely different story in the second half. Knowing something had to change to solve their coverage mishaps, the Ravens shuffled the lineup by moving standout defender Kyle Hamilton from the slot to a deep safety role. In doing so, Hamilton's effectively become the secondary's QB, and communication lapses are no more with him directing traffic.</p><p>"His smarts, how he keeps the guys calm, he's just a piece you could put at any position," cornerback Marlon Humphrey told reporters in December. "But (Hamilton) going back to safety has seemed to really stabilize everybody else in all their spots."</p><p>Baltimore's defensive numbers before and after the change tell the story:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Weeks 1-10</th>
<th>Weeks 11-18</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total EPA</td>
<td>T27th</td>
<td>1st</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPA/pass</td>
<td>T30</td>
<td>1st</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pass success rate</td>
<td>29th</td>
<td>1st</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yards/play</td>
<td>T25th</td>
<td>1st</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points against</td>
<td>27th</td>
<td>1st</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Ravens' defense has been football's best for the better part of the last two months. That kind of dominance in complementing a historically great offense is what Super Bowl dreams are made of. Pro teams rarely achieve this kind of elite balance, if ever.</p><p>Further, the second-half growth hasn't been limited to the defense, either. Baltimore led the league in penalties per game over the first 12 weeks of the season and are middle of the pack in the six weeks since, ranking behind the Lions and Vikings at 16th.</p><p>And while some bizarre kicking struggles also threatened to derail Baltimore's championship aspirations, Justin Tucker's looked a lot more like his automatic self in four games since the team's bye week. The future Hall of Famer didn't miss a kick as the Ravens outscored opponents 135-43 in their perfect regular-season finish.</p><p>A 31-2 drubbing of AFC South champion Houston on Christmas sent the message loud and clear: Baltimore's ready to roll.</p><p>Anything can happen in the playoffs. Would-be powerhouses have disappointed before and will undoubtedly do so again. But none of that takes away from the reality that this Ravens team, no matter what the AFC standings tell you, is better positioned than any other to dethrone the back-to-back champs and chase down another Super Bowl of its own.</p><p>The Ravens are football's best team this season. Can they keep it going for four more games?</p>

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<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h3>Team of destiny</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763882/cropped_GettyImages-2192582633.jpg?ts=1736135482" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763882/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192582633.jpg?ts=1736135482 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763882/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192582633.jpg?ts=1736135482 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763882/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192582633.jpg?ts=1736135482 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763882/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192582633.jpg?ts=1736135482 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763882/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192582633.jpg?ts=1736135482 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Mulholland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Lions aren't going to let anything get in the way of their ultimate goal.</p><p>Outside expectations were slowly being dialed back as injuries began to pile up over the second half of the season. The defense, most notably, had fallen off a cliff with several key players sidelined, ranking dead last in total EPA over the last five weeks, according to TruMedia's model.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>That's not exactly the direction you want to be going in heading into a high-stakes battle with a Vikings squad capable of exploiting any weaknesses you have on either side of the ball. As it turns out, the Lions couldn't care less.</p><p>Detroit came away from Sunday night's heavyweight title having earned the No. 1 seed in incredibly convincing fashion. The offense was every bit as good as it has been all year long, dicing up the vaunted Vikings defense en route to its 10th 30-point performance of the season. Ben Johnson put on another clinic as a play-caller, and Jahmyr Gibbs dominated to the tune of four touchdowns.</p><p>But the real story was a monumental showing from Detroit's beat-up defense. The Lions' ultra-aggressive game plan had Sam Darnold under duress throughout the night. Detroit blitzed on 55.6% of dropbacks and played Cover 0 on 14 different snaps, the highest total from any defense this season, according to <a href="https://x.com/NextGenStats/status/1876125418249650409">Next Gen Stats</a>.</p><p>The result: Darnold completing just 18 of 41 passes for a season-low 166 yards and no touchdowns. It's also only the second time all year that the Vikings were held out of the end zone.</p><p>Detroit's defense flipping the script and coming through with this kind of performance against a premier opponent tells you everything you need to know. And that's why, along with Johnson, you're going to hear a lot about defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn during the upcoming coaching cycle. Who wouldn't want a piece of this foundation?</p><p>Nobody embodies the "next man up" mentality like the Lions. It really might be their year.</p><h3>Reunion brewing</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/cropped_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w220xh124_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w320xh180_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w640xh360_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w768xh432_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763902/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1750608530.jpg?ts=1736139875 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Patriots didn't waste any time.</p><p>News of Jerod Mayo's firing broke little more than an hour after New England capped a disastrous season with a win over Buffalo's second-stringers. Just one year after being installed as Robert Kraft's hand-picked successor for Bill Belichick, the former Patriots linebacker was already on the way out the door.</p><p>It's a brutal and ultimately unfair result for Mayo - nobody was going to win anything with the roster Belichick left behind, let alone a first-year head coach. But it sure seems like this was a strategic move on the part of Patriots ownership.</p><p>League insiders largely agreed as recently as this week that Mayo was in no danger of losing his job. It was only fair to see it through. What changed? Probably the availability of another franchise legend with a proven track record as a head coach.</p><p>Mike Vrabel getting started on a presumed busy interview schedule by meeting with the division-rival Jets no doubt caught Kraft's attention. And that may have been the idea all along. <a href="https://x.com/AKinkhabwala/status/1876037411588948148">Aditi Kinkhabwala of CBS</a> reported after Mayo's firing that Vrabel's flirtation with New York was designed to put pressure on the Patriots.</p><p>Vrabel will have plenty of suitors in this year's coaching cycle, many of whom are undoubtedly willing to make him one of the league's highest-paid coaches. But it's hard to find a better fit for the former Titans coach than New England - he was a part of three Super Bowl teams across eight seasons with the organization as a player.</p><p>The Patriots already have a young franchise quarterback in place, they've got the No. 4 pick in the 2025 draft, and they'll enter the offseason with a league-high $131 million in cap space. And it's fair to assume Vrabel will be comfortable with everything the organization has to offer in terms of structure.</p><p>A high-profile reunion already feels inevitable.</p><h3>Quick slants</h3><p><strong>The right call</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763903/cropped_GettyImages-2192542328.jpg?ts=1736139958" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763903/w220xh124_GettyImages-2192542328.jpg?ts=1736139958 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763903/w320xh180_GettyImages-2192542328.jpg?ts=1736139958 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763903/w640xh360_GettyImages-2192542328.jpg?ts=1736139958 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763903/w768xh432_GettyImages-2192542328.jpg?ts=1736139958 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763903/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2192542328.jpg?ts=1736139958 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ian Maule / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jim Harbaugh understood the value of the No. 5 seed in this year's AFC playoffs. Resting his starters simply wasn't an option when a win over the Raiders would earn the Chargers a trip to Houston rather than Baltimore. Los Angeles indeed rolled to its 11th win of the season, the club's most since 2018. Anything can happen in the playoffs, but the Texans are easily the most favorable draw among division winners. Assuming there are no other upsets on the AFC side, taking care of business against the AFC South winners would set the Chargers up for a divisional-round meeting with the Chiefs. Don't sleep on that potential matchup as a difficult draw for the reigning champs. Los Angeles held tough in each of the two division matchups earlier this season, and beating a team three times in the same year is no easy task.</p><p><strong>No one to blame</strong></p><p>There's no denying that the AFC playoff picture would be significantly more interesting if Cincinnati was rolling into Buffalo on Wild Card Weekend. In many ways, it feels wrong that a Bengals offense with this much firepower won't be playing under the bright lights in the postseason. But it's a deserved outcome. The Bengals wouldn't have been counting on an unlikely win from the Chiefs' backups if they had managed to avoid even one of their eight losses. That includes an embarrassing Week 1 defeat to the Patriots, who went on to finish 4-13 and fire their coach immediately after the regular-season finale. Cincinnati is probably too conservative to make significant leadership changes, but wasting this kind of season from Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase should be inexcusable. The standard has to be higher with that much talent leading the way.</p><p><strong>The ultimate respect</strong></p><p>It seemed like Mike Evans was going to fall a mere five yards shy of his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season. The Buccaneers weren't going to let that happen, though. Rather than running the clock out after getting the ball back with under a minute to play, Tampa Bay gave its star receiver one last chance to continue his historic run. The team's collective reaction after Evans hauled in a pass to pick up the yards he needed demonstrated how much this milestone meant to everyone. The consistency he's provided since joining the Bucs as a first-round pick back in 2014 has him on track for the Pro Football Hall of Fame whenever he decides to call it a career. But he might have several more 1,000-yard seasons in the tank before that time comes. Evans extending his streak by one more year would break Jerry Rice's all-time record.</p><p><strong>Rams don't bother</strong></p><p>Every playoff team handles Week 18 differently. Sitting key players is understandable if there's little to be gained from a win. Is that really the situation the Rams were facing, though? L.A. entered this week needing a win to secure the No. 3 seed. A loss combined with a Bucs win would drop the Rams down to the No. 4 slot. It seems like a minor difference, and Sean McVay evidently treated it as such by turning to Jimmy Garoppolo and many other second-stringers. But it's tough to see the logic. The Rams coming up just short against the Seahawks sets them up for a wild-card matchup against the Vikings. A win would have meant they'd host the Commanders. Might we be looking back at this decision as a mistake one week from now?</p><p><strong>Chase triple crown</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763894/cropped_GettyImages-2191754112.jpg?ts=1736137327" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763894/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191754112.jpg?ts=1736137327 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763894/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191754112.jpg?ts=1736137327 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763894/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191754112.jpg?ts=1736137327 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763894/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191754112.jpg?ts=1736137327 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763894/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191754112.jpg?ts=1736137327 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ja'Marr Chase wasn't as ruthless as he could have been during his preseason holdout. He opted to play the 2024 campaign without an extension in place, and his price tag has only continued to rise. The former first-round wideout took his game to yet another level this season, becoming only the fifth player in NFL history to lead the league in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17). The monster season leaves little doubt about what's to come in contract talks. Chase will soon be the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, passing Justin Jefferson's mark of $35 million per year. And he deserves every penny.</p><p><strong>Titans on the clock</strong></p><p>The Patriots finishing the season with a win pushes them all the way down to No. 4 in the 2025 NFL Draft order. The Titans are the primary beneficiary, jumping up to the No. 1 spot for the first time since 1978. It's a potentially massive development for a team that desperately needs a franchise quarterback. The only problem: this isn't the best year to be looking for one. Taking a swing at the most important position on the field is still Tennessee's most obvious path back to relevance. And, consensus draft evaluations have been wrong countless times before. But it still feels like a tough break for a team that already doesn't have the best fortune when it comes to drafting signal-callers. The Titans, along with other teams at the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3180527" href="https://thescore.com/news/3180527">top of the draft</a>, will have to hope that this class can surprise us.</p><p><strong>Patience paying off</strong></p><p>Not long ago, we were looking at Bryce Young as one of the worst No. 1 picks of all time. He looked completely overwhelmed as a rookie, and an early benching this season was an ominous sign for his future. But Young stayed the course. To their credit, the Panthers did too. The patience from all parties has culminated in Young finishing his sophomore season looking a lot more like the superstar we saw at Alabama. Sunday's win over the Falcons, who were playing for their playoff lives, was easily the best performance of his career thus far. Young connected on 24 of 34 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns while adding another pair of scores on the ground. The sensational outing represents the most single-game EPA from a Panthers quarterback since Cam Newton in 2017, according to TruMedia. Carolina should feel good about its future.</p><p><strong>Packers injuries</strong></p><p>The last week of the regular season wasn't kind to the Packers. Losing to the Bears, of course, is no way to gear up for the playoffs. And the Green Bay offense will now head into the postseason having taken at least one major hit. Christian Watson was carted off with a knee injury. Receiver depth may be a strength of Green Bay's offense, but the third-year wideout has been a particularly valuable piece to the puzzle: The Packers finished the regular season averaging 0.11 EPA/play with Watson on the field and 0.01 EPA/play without him. That's the difference between the fourth- and 16th-ranked offense. Jordan Love also exited with an elbow injury. While it seemed like he would have returned if the game had more meaning, any questions about your quarterback's throwing arm heading into a playoff matchup with the Eagles aren't ideal.</p><h3>Stat of the week</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Panthers QB Bryce Young is just the second player this season to have at least 3 passing and 2 rushing TDs in a game. He joins Josh Allen, who accomplished that in Week 14 against the Rams.</p>— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) <a href="https://twitter.com/DNewtonespn/status/1876009980278845641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a>
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Key takeaways and analysis from Week 18 in the NFL

<p><em>Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.</em></p><h3>One hit after another</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762703/cropped_GettyImages-2191784112.jpg?ts=1735506904" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762703/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191784112.jpg?ts=1735506904 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762703/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191784112.jpg?ts=1735506904 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762703/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191784112.jpg?ts=1735506904 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762703/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191784112.jpg?ts=1735506904 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762703/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191784112.jpg?ts=1735506904 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ed Mulholland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Some fan bases can't catch a break.</p><p>It looked like Giants supporters finally might get one, as the No. 1 pick was theirs to lose, and projected top quarterback Shedeur Sanders had seemingly signaled an interest in Big Blue with <a href="https://x.com/nicekicks/status/1873144681347121432">his choice of cleats</a> ahead of Colorado's bowl game Saturday. One day later, everything is bad again.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A stunning win over the Colts this week drops New York to No. 4 in the projected draft order. That's not necessarily out of the range to get Sanders or perhaps another coveted passer, but the idea the Giants could suddenly have to trade up to get one should be nauseating. Spending multiple first-rounders on a quarterback in this year's class might be a non-starter.</p><p>All New York had to do to secure its choice of any player in the draft was keep playing the way it had for, well, the entire season. Instead, the Giants prevailed in a shootout courtesy of one of the most random quarterback performances you'll ever see.</p><p>Drew Lock entered this week having posted minus-0.32 EPA/dropback, according to TruMedia's model. That ranked 43rd out of 43 quarterbacks with at least 100 pass attempts this season. But Lock flipped the script against the Colts, completing 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards, throwing for four touchdowns, and adding another on the ground. His 1.18 EPA/dropback against Indy represents the top mark from a quarterback this season and the seventh-best single-game performance since 2000.</p><p>Making matters worse, Giants fans also had to witness departed star running back Saquon Barkley top the 2,000-yard mark with the division-rival Eagles. He's one of only nine players in NFL history to reach that milestone, and he can break Eric Dickerson's single-season record with another 101 yards next week. His opponent for the shot at history: The Giants.</p><p>The real dagger would be watching Barkley begin the game by tearing it up and breaking the record before having the Eagles pull their starters and clearing the way for another unwanted victory. New York could drop as far as No. 9 with a win in Week 18.</p><p>No matter how the draft order shakes out, ownership has a major decision to make at the conclusion of the regular season. Giants fans will be hoping for a move to clean house. There's no way a late win or two would sway the decision, right?</p><p>... Right?</p><h3>Who would've thought?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762745/cropped_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1735535486" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762745/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1735535486 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762745/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1735535486 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762745/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1735535486 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762745/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1735535486 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762745/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191789399.jpg?ts=1735535486 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sam Darnold's looming free agency will make for a fascinating offseason storyline.</p><p>The former first-round bust has been a revelation for the surprise juggernaut Vikings, leading the way to a 14-2 record that puts the club in position to play for the No. 1 seed next week against the Lions. Darnold was outstanding in Sunday's win over the Packers, connecting on one big throw after another for a season-high 377 yards and three touchdowns.</p><p>Many will label Darnold as a product of a quarterback-friendly environment, and that's certainly part of the equation. But it's also true the talent that once made him worthy of the No. 3 pick is finally starting to shine through. Minnesota may have signed Darnold as the bridge to J.J. McCarthy, but he's taken his opportunity and run with it. This is his team now.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THAT’S OUR FREAKING QUARTERBACK <a href="https://t.co/pEo4aqPHen">pic.twitter.com/pEo4aqPHen</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1873532425785192727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It's already getting tough to imagine the Vikings letting Darnold hit the free-agent market. The real question is how they'd go about keeping him.</p><p>The absolute minimum for a long-term deal would probably look something like Baker Mayfield's three-year, $100-million contract in Tampa Bay. More realistically, Darnold likely has the leverage to push for something closer to the four-year, $180-million deal Kirk Cousins landed in Atlanta.</p><p>If that seems too much of a commitment with McCarthy waiting in the wings, the Vikings could opt for the franchise tag. But a one-year, fully guaranteed salary in the range of $40 million - a figure that can't be spread out over multiple years - limits your cap flexibility. Either option may seem less than ideal compared to the rookie QB contract already on the roster, but can Minnesota afford to mess with success?</p><p>It'll be a delicate situation to navigate either way, but it's a good problem to have. The Vikings won't have any complaints if Darnold's play continues to force their hand.</p><h3>Quick slants</h3><p><strong>History within reach</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762778/cropped_GettyImages-2191100231.jpg?ts=1735535578" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762778/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191100231.jpg?ts=1735535578 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762778/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191100231.jpg?ts=1735535578 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762778/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191100231.jpg?ts=1735535578 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762778/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191100231.jpg?ts=1735535578 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762778/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191100231.jpg?ts=1735535578 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Saquon Barkley is now 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. He has a great chance to make history in a Week 18 matchup versus the Giants, who've allowed 138.7 rush yards per game. The question is whether Philly should be willing to let Barkley and other offensive starters play in a meaningless matchup. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed heading into the regular-season finale. Surely, Philadelphia wants Barkley to get it done, and doing so against the division rival that let him go would be extra sweet. But a team setting its sights on a Super Bowl probably can't justify playing key players for four quarters for no other reason than to chase individual records. The Eagles can perhaps open with their starters and give Barkley a chance to rip off a few big runs early before shutting it down. It may not take him long in this matchup.</p><p><strong>Bucs one win away</strong></p><p>The Falcons falling to the Commanders on Sunday night puts the Buccaneers back in control of the NFC South. Taking care of business against the beat-up Saints next week is all Tampa Bay needs to secure a fourth straight division title. A disappointing loss to Dallas had briefly opened the door for Atlanta, and Michael Penix Jr. replacing Kirk Cousins created some momentum for the Falcons. But the Bucs were probably always the team most capable of making noise in the postseason. As we saw again this week, the Baker Mayfield-led offense can light up the scoreboard with the best of them. Sunday's win over the Panthers was Tampa Bay's third 40-point game of the season and the eighth time the club has topped the 30-point mark. That kind of firepower would make the Bucs a sneaky tough matchup against anyone they face in the first round.</p><p><strong>Broncos get a gift</strong></p><p>Two straight losses have put the Broncos in a position where they're still fighting for the last AFC wild-card spot in Week 18. However, there probably won't be much standing in their way thanks to a division rival. The Chiefs, already having locked up the No. 1 seed, are reportedly planning to sit key players for the regular-season finale in Denver. We've seen stranger things happen in this league, but it's tough to imagine the Broncos failing to capitalize on their win-and-in scenario against a second-string Kansas City squad. That's a devastating development for the Bengals and Dolphins, who need wins and a Broncos loss to have a chance.</p><p><strong>What do the Chargers do?</strong></p><p>The Chargers are facing a fascinating Week 18 decision. Saturday's win over the Patriots secured a wild-card spot for Los Angeles, but seeding is yet to be determined. A win over the Raiders combined with a Steelers loss against the Bengals would see the Chargers jump from the No. 6 seed to the No. 5 seed. That may seem like a minor difference, and one typically not worth risking injuries to top players. But this year might be different. As things stand, the No. 5 seed would get the Texans on Wild Card Weekend. The No. 6 seed would get the powerhouse Ravens, who cruised to a 31-2 victory in Houston on Christmas Day. The Chargers should do whatever they can to avoid Baltimore in the first round, even if a small part of Jim Harbaugh is intrigued by the idea of taking down his brother.</p><p><strong>An all-time debut</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762681/cropped_GettyImages-2191350974.jpg?ts=1735500174" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762681/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191350974.jpg?ts=1735500174 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762681/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191350974.jpg?ts=1735500174 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762681/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191350974.jpg?ts=1735500174 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762681/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191350974.jpg?ts=1735500174 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762681/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191350974.jpg?ts=1735500174 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brooke Sutton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Jayden Daniels will run away with Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, but Brock Bowers would be the clear choice if it weren't for position value. The Raiders' first-round pick has put together the best season we've ever seen from a rookie tight end. The Georgia product posted another strong performance in Sunday's win over the Saints, breaking Puka Nacua's rookie record for receptions, Mike Ditka's rookie record for receiving yards by a tight end, and Darren Waller's team record for receptions in a season. Bowers' 108 catches rank second behind only Ja'Marr Chase among 2024 league leaders, and his 1,140 receiving yards have him sitting in the top six. It's not too often we see a rookie immediately establish himself as one of the best at his position.</p><p><strong>Yes, Mike Ditka</strong></p><p>Let's all take a second to appreciate the fact that Ditka was the previous record holder for receiving yards by a rookie tight end. Not only have countless all-time greats rolled through the league since 1961, but we're also talking about a completely different sport. The 1961 campaign was only the second season in NFL history in which the leading passer finished with over 3,000 yards. That's not quite how the game has been played for the past 30 years. The NFL hasn't had a leading passer finish with less than 4,500 yards since 2006, and the last sub-4,000-yard leader came in 1997. Yet Ditka needed only 56 receptions (19.2 yards per catch!) in a 14-game season to set a record that stood for over six decades.</p><p><strong>Stuck on 499?</strong></p><p>Aaron Rodgers is one touchdown pass away from becoming the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach the 500 mark. The milestone would be a nice way to tie a bow on a Hall of Fame career, but it's no longer inevitable. An embarrassing effort this week in Buffalo saw the Jets offense held off the scoreboard until Tyrod Taylor took over in garbage time late in the fourth quarter. Rodgers will have one more opportunity against the Dolphins in Week 18. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess. While his recent form had seemingly opened the door for either a return to New York or perhaps a new landing spot next year, that's certainly no guarantee. Who knows whether a 41-year-old Rodgers would even want to play another season after the way this one has gone? Going out one shy of such a huge milestone would be a tough way to end an incredible career.</p><p><strong>Zero shame</strong></p><p>The NFL insisted late last year that it wouldn't dare schedule games on a Christmas Day falling Tuesday or Wednesday. It was a pretty funny claim at the time and one that nobody took seriously. Sure enough, the league found a way to get a pair of holiday games on the schedule this week by forcing a few teams to play three contests in 11 days. The football on Christmas Day was unsurprisingly bad. But the missteps didn't end there. The NFL also forced three games into the Saturday spot, leaving only eight for Sunday and just two for the late-afternoon window. Spreading out and spotlighting a few contests is cool, within reason. But is it worth it if the result is a watered-down product across the board, including on the day of the week you're supposed to dominate? Here's to wagering a guess that if there's money to be made, the league won't care one bit.</p><h3>Stat of the week</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aaron Rodgers' 1.2 QBR today is the lowest QBR game since Davis Mills' 0.8 in Week 4 of 2021.</p>— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) <a href="https://twitter.com/SethWalder/status/1873537300581531768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a>
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Key takeaways and analysis from Week 17 in the NFL

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