Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

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

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Aaron Rodgers Slams Fan Conduct: 'They Think They Can Say Whatever'

AutoDraft Pro AI

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers weighed in on fan conduct, stating that "fans think they can say 'whatever the hell [they] want'" and advocating for a code of conduct. His comments came in response to the incident involving DK Metcalf, who was suspended for two games after initiating contact with a fan. Rodgers emphasized that fans' stadium behavior, often fueled by alcohol, would never occur in a face-to-face setting, highlighting the universal reality of verbal abuse in NFL stadiums.

Giants QB Jaxson Dart's Performance Declines Post-Daboll Firing

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has experienced a notable regression in his play since Brian Daboll's firing and returning from a concussion. Under Daboll, Dart averaged 202 passing yards, 45 rushing yards, and 2.4 total touchdowns per game. In three starts under Mike Kafka, these numbers dropped to 139.3 passing yards, 30 rushing yards, and one touchdown per game. Despite this, Dart has 20 touchdowns in 10 career starts, often elevating a limited supporting cast. The Giants show little indication of moving on from Dart, who has established a baseline as an NFL-level player.

Burrow's Playoff Window Narrows Amid Bengals Roster & Line Concerns

AutoDraft Pro AI

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are out of playoff contention, raising concerns about their Super Bowl window closing since their 2022 appearance. Despite having the NFL's most expensive offense with Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, the team's offensive and defensive lines remain significant weaknesses. Questions persist about the organization's ability to draft and develop depth. Burrow's critical role in extending plays is highlighted, though one analyst predicts he will thrash the Cardinals in Week 17.

Rookie Alfred Collins Records First NFL Sack, Forces Fumble

AutoDraft Pro AI

49ers rookie defensive lineman Alfred Collins achieved his first career NFL sack, also forcing a fumble, against Philip Rivers in Monday's win over the Colts. Collins, who overcame a calf injury pre-draft and significantly slimmed down, celebrated the milestone with fellow rookie CJ West. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh praised Collins' diligence, noting the sack as validation for his hard work and a sign of more to come for the young defender.

Philip Rivers Throws Pick-Six, Congratulates Defender

AutoDraft Pro AI

44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers threw a 74-yard pick-six to 49ers linebacker Dee Winters, sealing San Francisco's 48-27 victory over the Colts on Monday night. Despite the turnover, Rivers, known for his sportsmanship, sought out and congratulated Winters on his first career interception after the game. Rivers was also sacked by 49ers rookies Alfred Collins and CJ West during the contest.

Dee Winters Seals 49ers Win with First Career Pick-Six

AutoDraft Pro AI

49ers linebacker Dee Winters sealed the team's 48-27 victory over the Colts on Monday night with a 74-yard pick-six off Philip Rivers, marking his first career interception. The play occurred with 3:38 remaining in the game. Following the contest, Rivers notably sought out and congratulated Winters on the impressive defensive touchdown, highlighting a moment of sportsmanship.

Fantasy Football: Juwan Johnson's Week 17 Start-Sit Status Analyzed

AutoDraft Pro AI

Juwan Johnson is a subject of discussion for fantasy football enthusiasts making Week 17 lineup choices. Nathan Jahnke's start-sit column offers insights and recommendations for how to manage the New Orleans Saints tight end in fantasy rosters. Players are advised to consult expert analysis to inform their decisions regarding Johnson's potential impact this week.

Fantasy Outlook: Jauan Jennings a Key Decision for Week 17 Lineups

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jauan Jennings is a focus for fantasy football managers facing Week 17 lineup decisions. Nathan Jahnke's start-sit column provides guidance on how to handle the San Francisco 49ers receiver, indicating he's a player whose status requires careful consideration for those setting their rosters this week. The article highlights the importance of expert advice for optimizing fantasy performance.

Jonathan Taylor's Production Tapers Off Due to Daniel Jones Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jonathan Taylor's exceptional production has recently seen a decline, which is attributed as a direct consequence of Daniel Jones' injury. The article indicates that the Indianapolis Colts running back's performance has been impacted by the absence or reduced effectiveness of Jones, suggesting a significant link between their on-field dynamics and overall team output.

Daniel Jones' Injury Linked to Jonathan Taylor's Production Dip

AutoDraft Pro AI

Daniel Jones' injury has been identified as a contributing factor to the recent tapering off of Jonathan Taylor's previously otherworldly production. The article suggests a direct correlation between Jones' health status and the performance of his teammate, highlighting the significant impact one player's injury can have on another's output within the Indianapolis Colts' offensive scheme.

Julius Chestnut Part of Festive Fictional Holiday Bowl Story

AutoDraft Pro AI

Julius Chestnut is included in a fictional 'Holiday Bowl' narrative, a festive story by Rich Cimini that features players with holiday-themed names. The Tennessee Titans player contributes to the overall holiday cheer of this imaginative football scenario, which aims to celebrate the season through a unique lens of NFL personalities and their namesakes.

Jaylin Noel Featured in Fictional Holiday Bowl Narrative

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jaylin Noel is highlighted as one of the players featured in the fictional 'Holiday Bowl' story, crafted by Rich Cimini. The narrative aims to bring holiday cheer by incorporating various festive names from around the league, with Noel representing the Houston Texans in this imaginative football scenario. The article provides a lighthearted, seasonal take on NFL players.

Isiah Pacheco Faces Brutal Matchup Against Elite Broncos Run Defense

AutoDraft Pro AI

Isiah Pacheco is set to encounter a challenging Week 17 matchup against the Denver Broncos, who boast an elite run defense. This difficult pairing is expected to hinder Pacheco's performance, making it problematic for him to surpass his projected rushing yardage prop.

Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs Miss Playoffs; Future Roster Concerns Emerge

AutoDraft Pro AI

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are out of playoff contention this season, marking a significant miss for the AFC's 'three-headed monster' of top quarterbacks. The team faces crucial decisions regarding pending free agents and the development of new receivers, especially after Tyreek Hill's 2022 departure. Concerns also loom over Travis Kelce's potential retirement and Mahomes' recovery from injury, with questions about his mobility for next season. The competitive AFC West adds pressure, suggesting the Chiefs may need to rebuild from 'ground zero' to return to elite status.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Josh Sweat 'Frustrated' by Pro Bowl Alternate Snub Despite Double-Digit Sacks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat voiced significant frustration Wednesday after being named a Pro Bowl alternate, feeling he deserved a direct selection. He is the only NFC player with double-digit sacks (11, tying his career high) and four forced fumbles not to receive a Pro Bowl invite. Sweat, who signed with the Cardinals this offseason, was second in fan voting for NFC outside linebackers, stating his play and fan support should have secured his spot, but believes "popularity within the league" prevented it.

Brandon Aiyuk Apologizes for Speeding Video Amidst 49ers Contract Turmoil

AutoDraft Pro AI

49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk apologized Wednesday for posting a video of himself driving at high speed near Levi's Stadium, stating he wouldn't post such content again. This incident follows the 49ers placing him on the reserve/left squad list, ending his 2025 season. The team also wiped out $24.935 million in guarantees from his 5-year, $134.1 million contract after he tore an ACL in Week 7 of the first year. Aiyuk is likely to be cut in the 2026 offseason and may only secure a modest one-year deal.

T.J. Watt Returns to Practice After Collapsed Lung Surgery; Status for Sunday Unclear

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt returned to practice Christmas Eve as a limited participant, marking his first appearance since undergoing surgery two weeks ago to repair a collapsed lung sustained during a dry needling treatment. Watt missed the last two games, but HC Mike Tomlin believes he is fully recovered. His status for Sunday's game against the Browns remains unclear, though his return is a positive sign. The 31-year-old has 53 tackles and 7 sacks in 13 games; the Steelers can clinch the AFC North this weekend.

Lamar Jackson Questionable for Saturday with Back Contusion; Harbaugh Denies Rift

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back contusion) missed Wednesday's practice and is questionable for Saturday's game against Green Bay. He exited Sunday's loss with a deep-tissue contusion, which HC John Harbaugh confirmed is legitimate and painful, causing muscles to lock up. Tyler Huntley is slated to start if Jackson is out. Harbaugh also strongly refuted reports of a rift with Jackson, calling their relationship "A-plus" and denying claims of work ethic issues or practice schedule changes to accommodate him, stating he's in every meeting.

Rams OL Kevin Dotson Stepped On, Leads to Derick Hall's Suspension

AutoDraft Pro AI

Rams offensive lineman Kevin Dotson was the player involved in an incident where Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall stepped on him during a Thursday night game. This action resulted in Hall receiving a one-game suspension from the NFL, which was subsequently upheld on appeal by hearing officer Ramon Foster. Hall's coach, Mike Macdonald, relayed Hall's explanation that the contact was accidental, occurring as Hall tried to step over Dotson while getting rolled up. Dotson's involvement was central to the disciplinary action taken against Hall, who will miss Week 17.

Derick Hall Suspended 1 Game for Stepping on Dotson; Coach Shares Defense

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall received a one-game NFL suspension, upheld on appeal, for stepping on Rams offensive lineman Kevin Dotson during a game last Thursday. Coach Mike Macdonald defended Hall, relaying Hall's explanation that he accidentally stepped on Dotson while trying to step over him after getting rolled up. The league and hearing officer Ramon Foster disagreed, upholding the suspension. Hall will miss the Week 17 game at Carolina, losing $87,666 from his $1.578 million salary, but is expected to return for Week 18.