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NFL News

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

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Bijan Robinson Earns NFC Offensive Player of Week, Ranked RB1 for Week 18

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Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after a career-high 195 rushing yards, including a 93-yard touchdown, and 34 receiving yards for 229 scrimmage yards in Week 17. This marks his second player of the week award in 2025. He is also ranked as the RB1 in Matthew Berry’s fantasy football rankings for Week 18, highlighting his expected top performance in PPR leagues for the regular season finale.

Trevor Lawrence Emerges as 2025 Season Surprise with Enhanced Red-Zone Rushing

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Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was a standout surprise of the 2025 NFL season, stepping up amid league-wide quarterback injuries and exceeding initial expectations. He notably increased his rushing fantasy PPG from 3.0 to 5.4, ranking third-best in the NFL, with 70% of his rushing fantasy points coming in the red zone. This significant development, coupled with his breakout as a passer, highlights his consistent and strong showing for the Jaguars.

Colts Confirm Riley Leonard to Start Week 18 Season Finale

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Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed Wednesday that Riley Leonard will start Sunday's Week 18 season finale against the Texans. This decision means Anthony Richardson (orbital) will not be activated from injured reserve, and veteran Philip Rivers' three-week stint as the team's starter will conclude. Practice squad member Seth Henigan is a candidate to be elevated to back up Leonard. Leonard represents a fantasy lineup option for those in need of quarterback help this weekend.

Calais Campbell Undecided on Retirement After 18th NFL Season

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Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell is undecided about retirement as his 18th NFL season concludes. While he previously indicated 2025 might be his last, he's now not ruling out a 19th year, stating he needs time to decompress after the season to assess how his body feels. Campbell wants to ensure he plays at a level where teams would still want him. In his second stint with the Cardinals this year, he started every game, recording 41 tackles and 6.5 sacks, production that should generate interest from teams for 2026.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Tops Fantasy WR Rankings for Week 18

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been ranked as the WR1 in Matthew Berry’s fantasy football rankings for Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season. This top ranking highlights his expected performance in PPR leagues for the final week of the regular season, positioning him as a leading fantasy option.

Patriots QB Drake Maye Ranks QB1, Named 2025 Season Surprise

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been identified as a top surprise of the 2025 NFL season, significantly elevating his game and surpassing initial expectations. His impressive performance allowed him to step up for the Patriots, establishing himself as a key positive storyline. He has reclaimed the top spot in the Week 18 NFL QB Power Rankings, solidifying his status among the league's signal-callers, and is ranked QB1 in Matthew Berry's Week 18 PPR fantasy rankings.

Commanders Place Tyler Biadasz on Injured Reserve, Season Ends

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The Washington Commanders have placed center Tyler Biadasz on injured reserve, officially ending his season. Biadasz sustained ankle and knee injuries during the Christmas Day loss to the Cowboys, and head coach Dan Quinn had previously indicated it would be difficult for him to play in the season finale against the Eagles. He concludes his second season with Washington having started 16 games. In a corresponding move, the Commanders signed offensive lineman Julian Good-Jones to the 53-man roster.

Browns Sign Kingsley Eguakun Off Lions Practice Squad After Struggles

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The Cleveland Browns are signing offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun off the Detroit Lions' practice squad. Eguakun had started the last two games at center for the Lions due to Graham Glasgow's knee injury but struggled in last week's Christmas Day loss to the Vikings, experiencing botched snaps and a critical false start. An undrafted free agent in 2024, Eguakun appeared in four games for Detroit this season. The move means the Lions may need a new center for their season finale.

Fantasy Analyst Matt Harmon Reviews Evolving WR Landscape

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Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon provided an exit interview for the 2025 wide receiver season, noting significant shifts in the position's meta. Harmon highlighted the dominance of Year 3-4 wideouts, with six of the top-12 per-game scorers falling into this category. He observed a change in the archetype of leading receivers, moving towards "power slots" and players who move around the formation, rather than pure X-receivers. Harmon also speculated on a potential rise in WR injury rates and discussed running backs outproducing wide receivers in fantasy for the second consecutive year, suggesting a market correction is needed for WR dominance in fantasy.

Shedeur Sanders Featured in NFL's Top 10 Moments of 2025

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was recognized as one of the NFL's top 10 moments of the 2025 season. While the specific details of his standout moment were not elaborated upon in the report, his inclusion highlights a significant event during an action-packed year for the league.

Zach Allen's Pro Bowl Performance Sparks Broncos' Pass Rush

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Denver Broncos' Zach Allen earned his first Pro Bowl selection due to his exceptional ability to squeeze the pocket from the interior and consistently hit opposing quarterbacks. His dominant performance has significantly sparked the Broncos' pass rush, with expectations high for him to continue his impactful play into the upcoming playoffs.

Trent Williams' Week 18 Status Uncertain After Hamstring Injury

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49ers left tackle Trent Williams is questionable for the Week 18 game against the Seahawks after suffering a hamstring injury on the first play of Sunday's win over the Bears. GM John Lynch noted Williams, 37, has never had a hamstring injury and is making "every effort" to play, despite it being a "tall task" for a quick turnaround. Williams was clocked at 17.5 mph chasing a pick-six. While his status remains in limbo, George Kittle is expected to return, and Christian McCaffrey and Kyle Juszczyk are also expected to play.

Panthers Rookie Nic Scourton Delivers Impressive Performance

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Carolina Panthers rookie Nic Scourton recently delivered his most impressive showing yet, as noted in the NFL pass-rusher rankings ahead of Week 18. This performance highlights his emerging talent and potential impact for the Panthers' defense, marking a significant step in his young career.

Jeffery Simmons Extends Lead in Interior Defender Rankings

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Tennessee Titans' defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has further solidified his position at the top of the interior defender leaderboard. His continued dominant play has allowed him to extend his lead in the rankings ahead of Week 18, showcasing his consistent high-level performance among the league's best.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Metcalf's Suspension Costs Steelers Playoff Berth, Impacts Rodgers

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Pittsburgh Steelers WR DK Metcalf received a two-game suspension and over $500,000 in fines for an altercation with a Lions fan in Week 16. His absence is critically linked to the Steelers' playoff struggles and the potential end of Aaron Rodgers' career. Acquired via trade and secured with a four-year, $132 million extension, Metcalf's impact was sorely missed in the 13-6 loss to the Browns, especially in the red zone. He previously provided a significant boost in Week 14 against the Ravens, recording 7 catches for 148 yards, including 52 and 41-yard receptions.

Rodgers' Career Nears End as Steelers Fight for Playoff Berth

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Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers faces a potential career finale in Week 18, with the team needing a win to extend their season. The 4-time MVP, who previously indicated 2025 would be his last year, failed to lead a touchdown drive in the recent 13-6 loss to the Browns. This defeat, exacerbated by DK Metcalf's suspension, has pushed Pittsburgh to the brink. Rodgers' most effective downfield passing game this season came in Week 14 with Metcalf (7 catches, 148 yards). Coach Tomlin is committed to preventing Sunday from being his last game.

Eagles' Jalen Carter Dominates in Return, Blocks Game-Changing PAT

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter returned to action Sunday after missing three games due to shoulder injections, immediately impacting the game. He recorded two pressures, a sack, a batted pass, and a crucial blocked PAT attempt against the Bills, which proved vital in the Eagles' 13-12 victory. This marks Carter's second blocked kick this season, making him the first Eagle since 2017 to achieve this. Special teams coach Michael Clay lauded Carter's 'freak of nature' athleticism and dedication to studying opposing kicking operations.

Kittle Returns to Limited Practice, Week 18 Status Unclear Despite Progress

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San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (ankle) returned to limited practice Tuesday after missing Week 17 due to an ankle injury sustained against the Colts. While his participation is an encouraging sign, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was hesitant to declare him ready for Saturday's critical Week 18 matchup against the Seahawks, stating, "I wouldn’t assume that." Kittle has recorded 52 catches for 599 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Despite the uncertainty, the team hopes he can play given the No. 1 seed is at stake.

McCaffrey Misses Practice with Back Stiffness, Confident He'll Play Week 18

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San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey missed Tuesday's practice due to back stiffness, which Head Coach Kyle Shanahan described as "just stiff." Despite the missed session and a quick turnaround for the critical Week 18 game against the Seahawks, McCaffrey stated the issue is "not serious" and he expects to play. He previously dealt with a similar back problem earlier this season, playing through it in Week 15. In Sunday's win over the Bears, McCaffrey played 61 of 72 snaps, totaling 27 touches for 181 yards and a touchdown while experiencing back discomfort. His availability is crucial for the 49ers' pursuit of the NFC's No. 1 seed.

Trent Williams Misses Practice with Hamstring, Week 18 Status Remains Unclear

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San Francisco 49ers LT Trent Williams missed Tuesday's practice due to a right hamstring injury sustained on the first possession of Sunday's win over the Bears. His status for Saturday's critical Week 18 matchup against the Seahawks, which will determine the NFC's No. 1 seed, remains unclear. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Williams has not been ruled out and the team is "giving him a shot" to play this week. Despite the uncertainty, there's an expectation that all key players will try to play given the high stakes of the game. His participation will be closely monitored.