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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, January 5

Wan'Dale Robinson Fractured Ribs, Achieved 1,000 Yards, Enters Free Agency

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Wan'Dale Robinson fractured his ribs in the first half of the Giants' Week 17 win over the Raiders but played through it to reach his 1,000-yard goal. He finished the 2025 season with a 92-1,014-4 receiving line on 140 targets across 16 games before being placed on injured reserve for Week 18. His ribs are expected to heal by spring OTAs, but his future with the Giants is uncertain as he's slated for unrestricted free agency, potentially making him a sought-after slot receiver.

CeeDee Lamb Exits Early from Finale, Logs 45% Snap Share

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CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys left his recent game early, concluding with a 45% snap share. The report did not specify the reason for his early departure.

George Pickens Exits Early, Logs 45% Snap Share

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George Pickens left his recent game early, concluding with a 45% snap share. The report did not specify the reason for his early departure.

Dak Prescott Pulled from Finale After Stellar Season, Cowboys Miss Playoffs

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Dak Prescott delivered one of his best seasons, but the Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs, leading to his early exit from Week 18's loss to the Giants after just one half. Despite the team's disappointing outcome, Prescott's strong individual performance is cited as a source of optimism for the team's potential in 2026. The decision to sit Prescott was influenced by Dallas exiting the postseason picture.

Pat Bryant Returns from Concussion, Leads Broncos WRs as No. 2

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Third-round rookie WR Pat Bryant returned to the Denver Broncos' lineup after missing Week 17 due to a concussion. In their 19-3 victory over the Chargers, Bryant led Denver's wide receiver corps with 5 targets, 4 receptions, and 31 yards. This performance continues a trend of Bryant establishing himself as Denver's No. 2 wideout, having out-snapped fellow receiver Franklin in three of his four games since the Week 12 bye.

Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson Overcome Friction to Guide Bears to Playoffs

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Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson have successfully evolved their relationship, leading the Chicago Bears to the playoffs. Initially, Williams believed Johnson harbored dislike towards him, but their dynamic strengthened, becoming instrumental in the Bears' playoff qualification and overall team success.

Sunday, January 4

Ravens Kicker Tyler Loop Misses 44-Yard Game-Winner, Knew It Was No-Good

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Baltimore Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired, sealing the Steelers' 26-24 victory and securing Pittsburgh's playoff berth. Loop knew immediately the kick sliced wide right, an outcome that unfortunately ended Baltimore's season and gave the AFC North title to their rival. The missed kick capped a wild back-and-forth affair, concluding the Ravens' season on a disappointing note.

Calvin Austin Secures Game-Winning TD for Steelers in Week 18

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Steelers WR Calvin Austin recorded three receptions on seven targets for 55 yards and a game-winning touchdown in Sunday's 26-24 victory over the Ravens. Playing without the suspended DK Metcalf, Austin snuck past Baltimore's secondary for the late score. He finishes the regular season with a 31-372-3 receiving line in 14 active games. With Metcalf returning for the wild-card round against the Texans, Austin's upside is minimal.

Rodgers Secures Steelers' Playoff Berth, AFC North Title with 294 Yards

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Aaron Rodgers delivered a vintage performance, completing 31 of 47 passes for a season-high 294 yards and a touchdown, plus 20 rushing yards, in the Steelers' 26-24 victory over the Ravens. This crucial win secured Pittsburgh's playoff berth and the AFC North division crown. It marks Rodgers' 12th career playoff appearance and his first with the Steelers. Despite his 2025 season production (3,322 yards, 24 TDs, 7 INTs) falling short of his prime, he proved instrumental when it mattered most. The Steelers are set to face the Texans in the wild-card round.

Zach Charbonnet Scores TD, Ends Season Strong for Seahawks

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Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet finished the regular season strong against the 49ers, carrying the ball 17 times for 74 yards and a touchdown, while also adding three receptions for 23 yards on four targets. His performance helped the Seahawks secure the top seed in the NFC. Charbonnet could be a valuable fantasy player in 2026.

Kenneth Walker Finishes Season Strong, Eyes Free Agency

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Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III concluded the regular season with a strong performance against the 49ers, rushing 16 times for 97 yards and adding four receptions for 36 yards, catching all his targets. With Walker set to become a free agent after this season, he could be a valuable fantasy asset in 2026, depending on his landing spot.

Kenneth Gainwell Leads Steelers in Receiving, Scores TD in Win

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Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell had a productive outing in Sunday's 26-24 win over Baltimore, taking five carries for 10 yards and a touchdown, plus leading the team with eight receptions on nine targets for 64 yards. He vultured a rushing touchdown and set new career highs in 2025 with 84 receptions, 486 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns. Gainwell is expected to remain productive in DFS formats for the wild-card game against the Texans.

Jefferson Caps Season with 101 Yards, Extends 1,000-Yard Streak

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Vikings WR Justin Jefferson recorded 8 receptions for 101 yards on 11 targets in Week 18, catching passes from QBs J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer. This marked his first 100-yard game since Week 5 and extended his streak to six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He finished the year with 85 receptions for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns on 141 targets, a 60.3% catch rate. Despite the milestone, uncertainty surrounds the Vikings' passing game next season, with offseason focus on McCarthy chemistry.

Brosmer Replaces Injured McCarthy, Ends Season with Fumble

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Vikings QB Max Brosmer replaced J.J. McCarthy in the third quarter against the Packers after McCarthy re-injured his right hand. Brosmer completed 7 of 8 passes for 57 yards but lost a fumble in the 16-3 win. The undrafted rookie appeared in eight games this season, completing 66.2% of his passes for 328 yards with zero touchdowns and five turnovers (four interceptions, one fumble). The Vikings may seek a more established backup in 2026 due to McCarthy's injury history.

J.J. McCarthy Re-Aggravates Hand Injury, Season Concludes Early

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Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy re-aggravated his right hand injury early in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Packers, forcing his exit and ending his season. Before leaving, he completed 14 of 23 passes for 182 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, and added 7 rushing yards on two carries. McCarthy pulled himself from the game due to discomfort in his right throwing hand and was replaced by undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

Jaylen Warren Leads Steelers' Rushers with 66 Yards in Playoff-Clinching Win

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Jaylen Warren rushed 14 times for 66 yards and caught all five of his targets for 33 yards in the Steelers' 26-24 win over the Ravens, pacing Pittsburgh's backfield in carries and yardage. He finished his first season as a starter with a career-best 211 carries for 958 yards and six rushing touchdowns across 16 regular-season starts. Warren will continue to complement Kenneth Gainwell in the backfield when the Steelers face Houston in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Caleb Williams Sets Bears Passing Record, Throws 2 TDs in Finale Despite Loss

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Caleb Williams completed 20 of 33 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the Bears' 19-16 loss to the Lions, marking his fifth consecutive game with multiple TD passes. He also set a new Bears single-season passing record, finishing his first season with 3,942 passing yards and a 27:7 TD:INT ratio. Williams admitted the offense came out "flat" and expressed a desire to "be better" despite his individual milestones. He added a crucial two-point conversion pass.

Aidan O'Connell Plays Three Quarters in Finale, Avoids Mistakes for Raiders

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Aidan O'Connell completed 10 of 22 passes for 102 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, adding seven rushing yards, in the Raiders' 14-12 win over the Chiefs. He rotated with Kenny Pickett but ultimately played the final three quarters after Pickett struggled. While not exceptional, O'Connell managed to complete a pair of passes for over 20 yards and avoided significant mistakes. He remains under contract with the Raiders in 2026 and could be set to compete for the backup quarterback role.

Kenny Pickett Benched After First Quarter Struggle, Set for Free Agency

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Kenny Pickett completed one of four passes for three yards, no touchdowns, and an interception, adding nine rushing yards, in the Raiders' 14-12 win over the Chiefs. He drew the start but only played the first quarter after struggling to move the offense and throwing an interception. With the fifth-year option on his rookie contract declined, Pickett will become a free agent this offseason and is likely to compete for a backup quarterback role in 2026.

Jackson Throws 3 TDs in Loss, Ravens Miss Playoffs After Disappointing Season

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Lamar Jackson (back) completed 11 of 18 passes for 238 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, adding nine rushing yards in the Ravens' 26-24 loss to the Steelers. He connected with Devontez Walker for a 38-yard TD on the opening drive. Despite his valiant effort after returning from injury, the Ravens missed the playoffs, with a potential game-winning field goal missed. Jackson's 2025 season was plagued by injuries, resulting in 2,549 passing yards, 21 TDs, 7 INTs, and a career-worst 349 rushing yards. The team, once Super Bowl favorites, faces big questions for 2026.