Guest of the League
amphitheater of pain Est. 2015
NFL Playoffs League - FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Superbowl

NFL Divisional Playoff Capules

Fri Jan 16 12:05pm ET
Field Level Media

AFC Divisional Playoff Capsules

Buffalo Bills (13-5) at Denver Broncos (14-3)

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS

Empower Field, Denver

FanDuel Odds: Broncos -1.5, Total 46.5

Postseason History: This is the third playoff meeting. Buffalo leads the Broncos 2-0 and defeated Denver in the 2024 wild-card round, 31-7.

The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the first time since 2015, the same season in which they last hosted a playoff game -- the 2015 AFC Championship Game -- when Denver beat the Patriots and went on to win Super Bowl 50 at the site of this year's game, Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The Bills advanced by winning their first road playoff game since 1992, outlasting Jacksonville last week, to set up a rematch of the 2024 Wild Card round last season in Buffalo. The Bills also beat the Broncos in the 1991 AFC Championship game to reach Super Bowl XXVI.

Broncos QB Bo Nix was limited to 144 passing yards at Buffalo last season and is making his second playoff start. This is No. 15 for Bills QB Josh Allen, who has 36 total touchdowns in the postseason.

Bills Pro Bowl RB James Cook had 1,912 yards from scrimmage and powers the Buffalo rushing attack.

Denver's defense presents another challenge for Allen, who was battered and bruised in Jacksonville last week. The Broncos led the NFL in sacks (68) and were No. 2 in total defense (278.2 yards per game allowed) and rushing defense (91.1 yards per game allowed) and ranked third in scoring defense (18.3 points per game against) and passes defensed (94).

The Bills are first in the NFL in rushing and Allen has the most rushing yards (701) and second-most rushing touchdowns (nine) by a quarterback in NFL postseason history. He averages 309.5 combined passing and rushing yards per playoff game, the highest in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 10 playoff starts.

Houston Texans (13-5) at New England Patriots (15-3)

Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

FanDuel Odds: Patriots -3, Total 40.5

Postseason History: The Patriots are undefeated in their last eight divisional playoff games, the longest streak in NFL history. They defeated Houston in their only postseason meetings (2012 and 2016 divisional playoffs, both in New England).

New England advanced to the divisional playoff with its first victory in the postseason since Super Bowl LIII (Feb. 3, 2019) with a dominant performance against the Chargers last week. Houston earned a road playoff win for the first time in franchise history with a 30-6 win at Pittsburgh to reach the divisional playoff round for the third season in a row. Houston has never played in the AFC Championship game.

Patriots QB Drake Maye has come a long way since he made his first NFL start in a 41-21 loss to the Texans in Week 6 last season. Maye and counterpart C.J. Stroud both threw three touchdown passes in that meeting.

Maye led the NFL in passer rating and one of his primary targets is Stefon Diggs, who spent last season with the Texans before a season-ending knee injury.

Houston's pass rush gave the Steelers fits last week. Danielle Hunter was third in the NFL with 15 sacks and had a sack and forced fumble against Aaron Rodgers last week in the wild-card round. Sidekick Will Anderson is no slouch on the other side. He had 12 sacks in the regular season and forced a fumble last week. They fit together well with a big, intense secondary featuring the cornerback tandem of Kamari Lassiter (17 passes defensed in 2025) and Derek Stingley Jr. (15).

Stroud's showing against the Steelers was forgettable. He had two fumbles and an interception at Pittsburgh and No. 1 wide receiver Nico Collins (concussion) could miss Sunday's game. Christian Kirk stepped up last week with 144 yards and a touchdown.

The Patriots are optimistic their top cover man, Christian Gonzalez, will be able to play after returning from a concussion.

--NFC Divisional playoff capsules

San Francisco (13-5) at Seattle Seahawks (14-3)

Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, FOX

Lumen Field, Seattle

FanDuel Odds: Seahawks -7, Total 44.5

Playoff History: Three of the four remaining NFC teams are from the West division. The Rams play at Chicago on Sunday night. The previous postseason game between the 49ers and Seahawks went to San Francisco, 41-23 in January 2023.

The Seahawks captured the No. 1 seed for the first time since 2014 and are on a mission to win their first playoff game since beating the Eagles in the wild-card round in 2019. The 49ers advanced by winning their first road playoff game in four years at Philadelphia, 23-19.

There is consternation in Seattle over the oblique strain suffered by QB Sam Darnold this week. He plans to play, and coach Mike Macdonald doesn't expect the injury to limit the offense. With the 49ers down several key defensive players, San Francisco has had to blitz to create pressure on the passer. When Darnold has time, he is making a living putting the ball in the hands of WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He led the NFL with a franchise-record 1,793 receiving yards.

Darnold has only one playoff start -- last season with the Vikings -- when he was sacked nine times by the Rams in a 27-9 loss.

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey remains the engine of the San Francisco offense. He has at least 100 yards from scrimmage in seven of his eight career postseason games. That includes 114 last week, when he had 66 yards receiving and caught two touchdown passes. He was second in the NFL in 2025 with 2,126 yards from scrimmage and scored 17 touchdowns.

QB Brock Purdy, 5-2 in his playoff career, has worked with a shuffled deck of receivers most of the season due to injuries. He won't have key outlet George Kittle, who suffered a torn Achilles at Philadelphia last week.

The 49ers already own a win on this field this season, Week 1 of the regular season, 17-13. The Seahawks returned the favor in Week 18 at San Francisco (13-3) to clinch the division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Only the Chiefs have equaled the 49ers' run of success in this round. San Francisco has won seven consecutive divisional playoff games (2012-24) and would become the first NFL franchise to reach 20 Championship games with a win. It would be their fourth NFC Championship game in five seasons. Seattle has played in four previous conference championship games (one in the AFC).

Los Angeles Rams (13-5) at Chicago Bears (12-6)

Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock

Soldier Field, Chicago

FanDuel Odds: Rams -3.5, Total 48.5

Playoff History: This is the 40th anniversary of the Bears last Super Bowl (XX) victory. They defeated the Rams in the NFC Championship, 24-0, that year to advance to that game. Los Angeles defeated Chicago, 24-14, in the 1950 Divisional playoffs (Dec. 17, 1950).

Pack the handwarmers, it's Bear weather this weekend in Chicago.

Rams head coach Sean McVay is downplaying the windchill factor reading at or below zero and the Los Angeles defense is more worried about the Iceman than the weatherman.

Caleb Williams, given the "Iceman" moniker for his fourth-quarter performances this season, helped the Bears overcame an 18-point deficit - the largest comeback in franchise postseason history - and Chicago scored 25 fourth-quarter points -- third-most ever in a playoff game - to defeat the Packers, 31-27, last week. It was the first postseason win since the 2010 NFC divisional round against Seattle.

The Rams handled the Panthers, 34-31, in Charlotte to set up the first playoff meeting with the Bears in 40 years.

While Williams has been clutch, the performance of Rams QB Matt Stafford has been constant. He led the NFL in passing yards and touchdown passes. Including the playoffs, he's over 5,000 passing yards and his next TD pass will be No. 50 on the year.

He has a cadre of capable weapons, and a trio of players with 13 or more touchdowns counting Puka Nacua's pair of scores last week (13 total this season). RB Kyren Williams (13) and WR Davante Adams (14) give the Chicago defense a number of threats atop the scouting report. Stafford threw eight interceptions in the regular season. The Bears led the NFL with 23 interceptions -- seven by S Kevin Byard III -- and 33 total takeaways.

Williams and rookie TE Colston Loveland have become a dynamic duo in the passing game. Loveland led the Bears in receptions, yards and tied D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze with six TD catches in the regular season. He had eight receptions for 137 yards against the Packers last week.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

RTSports Super Bowl Preview

Player Notes
Maxx Crosby Feb 7 12:10am ET
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) said on Friday that he's ahead of schedule in his rehab from left knee surgery that he had around a month ago, according to ESPN. "I'm ahead of schedule, and it's business as usual," Crosby said. "It's my eighth surgery in seven years. It's something that I've gotten used to. It's all about perspective, about how you approach what you want to accomplish. I'm willing to run that marathon." The Raiders put the 28-year-old on Injured Reserve with two games left in the 2025 season, which started speculation about Crosby's future in Sin City. Crosby was not happy with the move and left the team's facilities. It's unclear exactly how Crosby feels, but there have been plenty of rumors that he doesn't want to go through another rebuild after the team finished 3-14 last year. Regardless of where he's playing in 2026, Crosby will remain a high-end DE in fantasy IDP leagues after posting double-digit sacks in three of the last four years.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Feb 6 8:30pm ET
George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reiterated the team's desire to reach a long-term contract extension with impending free-agent wide receiver George Pickens, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He's better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I'm looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time," Jones said. In his first year with Dallas in 2025, Pickens led the Cowboys in receiving and earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors with a career-best 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on a career-high 93 receptions over 17 games. Jones and the Cowboys have a history of dragging out extensions for their star players, though, so nothing is guaranteed for Pickens. However, in Pickens' case, the team seems likely to use the franchise tag to keep him around in 2026 if an extension cannot be reached. If Pickens is in Dallas next season, he'll be a clear WR1 target in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Robert Spillane Feb 6 8:20pm ET
Robert Spillane

New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday this week and is officially questionable to play on Sunday in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks, per the NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. Linebacker Harold Landry (ankle) is also questionable. The 30-year-old Spillane injured his ankle in the AFC Championship game victory over the Denver Broncos. If Spillane is limited or unable to play at all on Sunday, it would be a pretty notable loss for the Patriots' defense. Spillane finished his first regular season with the Pats with 97 tackles (48 solo), one sack, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 13 starts. Jack Gibbens would make the start at inside linebacker against the Seahawks if Spillane is inactive.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Feb 6 8:10pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (shoulder) practiced in full all week and has been cleared to play in Super Bowl LX on Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks. Maye was listed as questionable at the end of last week after suffering a minor right-shoulder injury in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos, but the Patriots were never concerned that it would affect him going into the Super Bowl. The 23-year-old second-year signal-caller out of North Carolina led the NFL with a 72% completion percentage in 17 regular-season games and finished as the QB3 in fantasy scoring, but he's completed only 55.8% of his passes for 533 yards, four touchdowns, and two picks in his first three playoff games. Maye has also fumbled six times (three lost) in the postseason. He'll need to be much better on Sunday against a Seattle defense that allowed the seventh-fewest passing TDs (20) during the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Nick Emmanwori Feb 6 8:00pm ET
Nick Emmanwori

Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle) was a full participant in Friday's practice and was removed from the final injury report for Super Bowl LX on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. Emmanwori suffered a low-ankle sprain in practice on Wednesday and was held out of Thursday's practice, but he's now ready to go this weekend. It's great news for a Seahawks defense that has been among the best units in the NFL all year. The 21-year-old Emmanwori was in contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 81 tackles (56 solo), 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, four QB hits, an interception, and 11 pass breakups in 14 regular-season games. He had a strong NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, too, with five tackles (four solo) and three pass breakups. Emmanwori will hope to make life difficult for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in the Super Bowl.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Feb 6 7:50pm ET
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) practiced in full for a second straight day on Friday and was removed from the final injury report ahead of Super Bowl LX on Sunday versus the New England Patriots. Darnold suffered a left-oblique injury in practice just days before the team's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, but it hasn't affected him in two playoff victories on the road to the Super Bowl. The 28-year-old signal-caller has gone 37-for-53 for 470 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in wins over the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in the postseason, and his oblique injury should not be an issue at all this weekend. He'll be facing off against a Patriots defense on Sunday that allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards during the regular season, although their schedule was extremely soft. His counterpart, Drake Maye, will be the more popular DFS play in the Super Bowl because he finished as the QB3 in fantasy during the regular season, but Darnold has looked much sharper than Maye in the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Feb 6 4:10pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce had arguably the best season of his young career in 2025, recording 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns across 15 games played. Pierce remains one of the NFL's most dangerous downfield threats, as he averaged 21.3 yards per reception in 2025 and has led the league in that stat for two years running. However, the 25-year-old also showed signs of becoming a more consistent feature of the Colts' offense this past year. After averaging 4.3 targets per game over the first three seasons of his career, Pierce averaged 5.6 targets per contest in 2025. Pierce is now set to hit unrestricted free agency this spring, but it appears Indianapolis will be looking to bring him back after trading away 2024 second-round wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in the middle of the 2025 season. With the Colts, Pierce profiles as the team's WR2, a role he has proven he can produce in. He may never be an ultra-high volume target earner, but Pierce's fantasy value in dynasty formats should be on the rise after 2025, particularly in leagues that use half and non-PPR scoring.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Feb 6 4:00pm ET
Bhayshul Tuten

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten flashed high-end upside at points throughout his rookie season. The 22-year-old's overall stat line does not jump off the page, as he finished the year with 386 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 93 touches across 15 games played. However, Tuten spent the year behind Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. on the depth chart. While Jacksonville may choose to re-sign him, Etienne Jr. is now set to hit unrestricted free agency and might command a pricy contract on the open market after producing nearly 1,400 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. If the Jaguars let Etienne Jr. walk, Tuten may be in line to take on the team's RB1 role in 2026. Between Etienne Jr. 2025 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving in 2024, Jacksonville head coach and play-caller Liam Coen has proven the ability to manufacture high-value seasons for his running backs. Given the potential opportunity for him in Jacksonville, Tuten should be a player whose value is on the rise in dynasty fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Feb 6 3:50pm ET
Aaron Jones

In his first season with the team in 2024, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. recorded over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and played 17 games, earning himself a second contract. However, Jones Sr. struggled through injuries and a production decline in 2025, logging just 747 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 160 touches across 12 games played. Even when Jones Sr. was healthy, Minnesota split backfield work between him and Jordan Mason, limiting the production upside for both players. If Jones Sr. is back with the Vikings in 2026, he figures to work in a timeshare with Mason once again. Minnesota could also save $8 million against the cap by releasing Jones Sr., so the veteran running back may find himself in a new home come September. Regardless of where Jones Sr. is playing in 2026, his days as a true lead back for an NFL team may be coming to an end as he hits his age-32 season.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Feb 6 3:40pm ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton posted another rock-solid season in 2025, recording 74 receptions for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns on 124 targets across 17 games played. His 2025 line is nearly identical to his 2024 production, when he hauled in 81 grabs for 1,081 yards and eight scores on 135 targets. While Sutton may not carry elite fantasy upside, he's established himself as the number one pass-catcher in an above-average Broncos' offense and has proven he can provide a consistent production floor. However, Sutton's long-term fantasy outlook may be dimming heading into 2026. For one, Sutton will be entering his age-31 season. Additionally, Denver has multiple wide receivers on rookie contracts in Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr., who are all candidates to take a step forward next year. Sutton will likely remain a safe wide receiver option for redraft leagues in 2026, but dynasty managers may be wise to anticipate the start of his decline phase.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Feb 6 3:30pm ET
Kyle Monangai

A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai entered his rookie season without much fanfare. However, the 23-year-old impressed in his first campaign, recording 947 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games. Monangai showcased impressive efficiency as a rusher, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. As the season progressed, Monangai was able to steal more and more work away from established Bears RB1 D'Andre Swift. Including the postseason, Monangai recorded at least 11 touches in eight out of his final 10 games. From Week 11 through the end of the regular season, neither Monangai nor Swift played more than 59% or fewer than 41% of Chicago's offensive snaps in any contest. In 2026, Swift will be playing on the final season of his current contract. While the two backs project to share backfield work in the short term, Monangai may have done enough as a rookie for the team to feel confident in him as its long-term answer at running back. Monangai's fantasy value in dynasty formats should be on the rise after his encouraging 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Feb 6 3:20pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (leg) had by far the worst season of his career in 2025, recording 17 receptions for 303 yards and zero touchdowns on 36 targets. The 31-year-old was also limited to just seven games played. After suffering a hamstring injury in Week 6 that sidelined him for over a month, Ridley broke his fibula upon his return in Week 11, landing him on Injured Reserve and ending his season. Ridley still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Titans, but Tennessee has a potential out this offseason that would leave them with a manageable dead cap hit. As a result, Ridley may be looking for a new home as he enters his age-32 season coming off a major leg injury. Before 2025, Ridley had posted consecutive seasons with at least 120 targets and 1,000 receiving yards, so he may bounce back in 2026. However, the veteran wideout's dynasty fantasy value should be plummeting after his disastrous 2025 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Feb 6 2:13pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Dynasty | Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford won the NFL MVP award and stated he'll return during his acceptance speech. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that works. Stafford was elite last season as he threw for 4,707 yards with 46 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He'll remain a top-flight "set it and forget it" QB1 next season and while any subsequent season could be his last, his value will be high during any year. While his dynasty value can't really rise, he's a prime trade candidate for contending teams.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Michael Penix Jr. Feb 6 1:00pm ET
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) said on the Up & Adams Show on Friday that his recovery from knee surgery is a "little bit" ahead of schedule. Penix suffered a torn left ACL in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers, but he's hoping he'll be ready to roll for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. The 25-year-old has already recovered from two ACL tears in his right knee in college, so he's pretty familiar with the rehab process. He's been attacking his rehab diligently since having surgery on Nov. 25, but there's no guarantee that Penix will be ready for Week 1, making him an extremely volatile QB2 target in fantasy football drafts this fall. Before his knee injury, the former eighth overall pick out of Washington was extremely inconsistent in nine starts in his first year as the full-time starter, completing 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine TDs, and three picks.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Feb 6 11:30am ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) told ESPN's Jordan Raanan that his rehab has been "phenomenal." Nabers suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee on Sept. 28 and had surgery in late October. The 22-year-old's recovery time will be extended due to the full meniscus repair he underwent, in addition to his ACL surgery. However, since his injury occurred so early in the previous season, Nabers has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. We will be keeping a close eye on Nabers' progress throughout the offseason. The former sixth overall pick's progress as we approach training camp will determine his 2026 fantasy value. In his rookie campaign in 2024, Nabers caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 targets. With promising young quarterback Jaxson Dart now in the picture, Nabers' fantasy ceiling could be even higher despite suffering a significant knee injury in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Feb 6 11:20am ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, who is in the final year of the four-year, $8.44 million deal he signed in July of 2022, said he is interested in re-signing with the team in the offseason, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "I've been here four years, so you know I've gotten to know a lot of stuff about Seattle, and you know a lot of the city, and I feel like they feel good about me as well," Walker said. "So if it was my choice, though, I'd definitely stay." The 25-year-old has been key to the Seahawks' run to the Super Bowl this year, recording his second career 1,000-yard season and generating 100-plus scrimmage yards in three straight games, including the playoffs. Walker has 38 carries for 178 yards and four rushing touchdowns in two playoff games, tying for the most TDS in a single postseason in Seattle history. He matched his career high of 4.6 yards per carry while playing all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his four-year career. Walker is an explosive runner who will look to score for the third straight game in the Super Bowl against the Patriots on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Feb 5 11:40pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford was named the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player on Thursday night for the first time in his 17th season in the league. Stafford beat out New England Patriots second-year QB Drake Maye for the award by just one vote. The 37-year-old also made the Pro Bowl in 2025 for only the third time in his career after one of his best all-around seasons. Stafford completed 65% of his 597 pass attempts for a league-high 4,707 passing yards, a league-high 46 touchdown passes, and only eight interceptions in 17 regular-season starts. In three playoff games, he added 936 passing yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. There was some doubt as to whether Stafford would return for an 18th NFL season following the Rams' loss to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship, but the former Georgia Bulldog announced on Thursday night that he will be returning. With weapons galore in L.A. on offense, Stafford will be a clear QB1 fantasy target going into next season.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Feb 5 11:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was named the 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year on Thursday evening, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Smith-Njigba broke out as the best receiver in the NFL in his third year in the NFL with no DK Metcalf around in Seattle. The 23-year-old former 20th overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State immediately clicked with quarterback Sam Darnold and caught 119 passes for a league-leading 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 163 targets over 17 regular-season games. JSN added 13 catches on 16 targets for 172 yards and two more trips to paydirt in the playoffs to lead Seattle to Super Bowl LX this Sunday against the New England Patriots. It would be a surprise if Smith-Njigba doesn't have a big game this weekend to cap off a phenomenal year. He will be one of the first receivers off the board in fantasy football drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

Carson Schwesinger Feb 5 11:00pm ET
Carson Schwesinger

Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday night, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schwesinger was a tackling machine in his first year in the league in 2025 after the Browns took him in the second round out of UCLA. The 22-year-old managed to win the award despite missing the season finale due to an ankle injury. In 16 games played, Schwesinger tallied 156 tackles (67 solo), 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, nine QB hits, two interceptions, and three pass breakups. He quickly put himself on the map in IDP fantasy leagues and should be a popular target in those formats in 2026. Schwesinger's ankle injury shouldn't prevent him from being ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall. Cleveland's defense was one of the strongest units in the NFL this year, with pass-rusher Myles Garrett setting the single-season sack record as well.

From RotoBaller

Nik Bonitto Feb 5 10:10pm ET
Nik Bonitto

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (wrist) had a cleanup surgery on his wrist this week, multiple sources told Luca Evans of The Denver Post. Bonitto injured his wrist in the Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts after slamming the ground in frustration, and he played the rest of the year with a club on his right hand. The procedure was a simple clean-up and shouldn't affect his preparation for the 2026 campaign. The 26-year-old had surgery to remove a bone spur in his foot in the preseason, and he admittedly was beat up during the 2025 season. Bonitto still managed to play in every game in his fourth year in the league and made the Pro Bowl for the second straight season, recording 46 tackles (31 solo), a career-high 14 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 28 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 17 regular-season contests. The former second-round pick will enter the 2026 campaign as one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, with 17.5 sacks the last two years.

From RotoBaller