Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Denver Broncos passing game coordinator/QB coach Davis Webb is drawing significant head coaching interest from the Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills. Considered a "strong candidate" for the Raiders, Webb is credited with developing Broncos QB Bo Nix. A former NFL quarterback, Webb quickly transitioned to coaching under Sean Payton and is now viewed as a future head coach in the league.
Kenneth Walker III rushed for a two-yard touchdown, giving the Seattle Seahawks an early lead in the NFC Championship Game. He continued to be a workhorse, rushing 19 times for 62 yards and another touchdown, while also catching all four targets for 49 yards in the 31-27 win over the Rams. Walker, who took over as the clear No. 1 option after Zach Charbonnet's injury, cracked the century mark in total yards and scored his fourth postseason rushing TD. He is primed for a heavy workload in Super Bowl LX against the Patriots on Feb. 8.
NFL analyst Tom Brady awarded Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba the LFG Player of the Game for his dominant NFC Championship performance. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have reached Super Bowl LX, marking their first appearance since the "Tom Brady era," signifying a new chapter for the franchise.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba delivered a dominant NFC Championship performance, hauling in 10 of 12 targets for 153 yards and a 14-yard touchdown from Sam Darnold in the Seahawks' 31-27 win over the Rams. He made an incredible one-handed catch and routinely created separation, scoring from the backfield. Smith-Njigba was emotional after the victory, which sends Seattle to Super Bowl LX. Tom Brady awarded him the LFG Player of the Game, praising his special skills.
Puka Nacua delivered a standout effort in the NFC Championship Game, corralling nine of 14 targets for 165 yards and a 34-yard touchdown from Matthew Stafford, plus four rushing yards. Despite pacing the Rams in targets, receptions, and yards from scrimmage, his efforts were in vain as Los Angeles fell 31-27 to the Seahawks. Nacua, who posted career bests in catches (129), touchdowns (11), and 1,820 total yards in 2025, was ruled down on the Rams' final offensive play, sealing their loss.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez sealed the AFC Championship Game victory by intercepting Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham in the final minutes. His crucial play secured the win for New England, with Gonzalez stating, "We've Got Our Identity" after the game.
Jarrett Stidham started for the Broncos in the AFC Championship, completing 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. He added 23 rushing yards but committed two costly turnovers, including a lost fumble. His 6-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton wasn't enough as he was intercepted by Christian Gonzalez in the final minutes, sealing the 10-7 loss to the Patriots. Stidham expressed, "Wish I put team in better spot to win." He played without key receivers Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix underwent surgery last week to repair a broken right ankle, an injury he sustained in the AFC divisional round. He faces a 12-week recovery period, which will sideline him for the first three months of the offseason. Nix is expected to be non-weight-bearing for four weeks, followed by eight weeks of rehabilitation, with a projected return by mid-April and full participation before training camp. Jarrett Stidham started in his place for the Broncos' playoff run, including the AFC Championship loss, but this injury is not expected to impact Nix's 2026 campaign.
Seattle Seahawks receiver Cooper Kupp scored a touchdown in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold connected with Kupp for a 13-yard touchdown reception. This score helped to extend the Seattle Seahawks' lead over the Rams.
Seattle Seahawks receiver Jake Bobo scored a touchdown from Sam Darnold against the Los Angeles Rams. This scoring play occurred immediately after the Seahawks recovered a muffed punt in the red zone during the NFC Championship Game.
New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs recorded five receptions on six targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 10-7 win over the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Diggs was primarily used in short areas of the field, with his longest reception going for just six yards. While Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins have posted better fantasy performances in recent games, Diggs is considered crucial for the team's chances of winning the Super Bowl.
Rhamondre Stevenson was the leading rusher for the New England Patriots in their 10-7 AFC Championship win over the Broncos, carrying the ball 25 times for 71 yards. Despite inefficient carries, he played a crucial role in time of possession and field position in adverse weather. Stevenson significantly out-touched TreVeyon Henderson and is expected to lead the backfield in the Super Bowl, though Henderson could see increased involvement.
Courtland Sutton remained the Denver Broncos' No. 1 wideout for the AFC Championship Game, with Troy Franklin (hamstring) inactive. In the 10-7 loss to the Patriots, Sutton caught three of five targets for 17 yards and a touchdown, scoring a 6-yard TD early. However, he also had a key drop and struggled to make an impact later in the game, frequently shadowed by Christian Gonzalez. Sutton concluded his two-game postseason run with a combined 7 receptions for 70 yards and one touchdown on 14 targets.
Marvin Mims saw increased snaps in the AFC Championship Game due to Troy Franklin's hamstring injury. In the 10-7 loss to the Patriots, Mims paced the Broncos' pass catchers, hauling in four of six targets for 62 yards, including a 52-yard reception from Jarrett Stidham that set up a touchdown. He also returned three punts for eight yards. Mims featured prominently in the air attack due to other receiver absences and finished as the co-leader in receptions and targets, capping a productive two-game postseason.
RJ Harvey rushed 13 times for 37 yards and caught four of six targets for 22 yards, totaling 59 scrimmage yards, in the Broncos' 10-7 AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots. Despite facing a tough defense and deteriorating weather, Harvey contributed with productive runs and significant receiving work, tying Marvin Mims for the team lead in receptions and targets. Following an encouraging rookie season where he handled the lead-back role after J.K. Dobbins' injury, Harvey is expected to lead the Broncos' backfield in 2026.
Seattle Seahawks TE Elijah Arroyo (knee) is officially inactive for the NFC Championship Game against the Rams. Despite being activated from Injured Reserve earlier this week, the rookie tight end will not be available to play in this crucial matchup. His continued absence due to the knee issue means that A.J. Barner is expected to continue dominating snaps and targets in Seattle's tight end room, taking on a significant role in the offense.
Denver Broncos WR Pat Bryant has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots due to a hamstring injury suffered in the second quarter. Initially deemed questionable, the rookie wideout will not return to the contest. This new concern arises after he had recently cleared concussion protocol following his second concussion in less than a month. Prior to his departure, Bryant recorded one catch for two yards and rushed once for one yard.
Broncos WR Troy Franklin (hamstring) has been ruled inactive for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. He was a limited practice participant all week after sustaining the injury in the divisional-round win over the Bills, marking his first sideline absence all season. With Franklin out, Pat Bryan will start as Denver's No. 2 WR opposite Courtland Sutton, while Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey are expected to see increased snaps.
Denver Broncos WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey is expected to see a boost in snaps during the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. This increased opportunity comes as teammate Troy Franklin (hamstring) has been ruled inactive for the contest. Humphrey, along with Marvin Mims and Pat Bryan, will likely take on more reps at receiver behind No. 1 wideout Courtland Sutton.
Patriots WR Mack Hollins (abdomen) has been activated from Injured Reserve and is active for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos. He missed the final two regular season games and first two postseason contests while recovering. Hollins was a full participant in Friday's practice, and with Efton Chism inactive, he's not expected to have strict limitations. Before his Week 16 injury, he averaged 7.0 targets and a 77% route rate, finishing the regular season with 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets over 15 appearances.
