NFL Player News

Ansley was tasked with calling the Chargers’ defensive plays for the final three weeks of the season after the dismissal of head coach Brandon Staley. During that stretch, Ansley’s defense allowed 17.7 points per game — well below their season average of 23.4 and ranked 16th in EPA per play. He was promoted from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator by the Chargers last offseason and was reportedly a “highly sought after” coach during last year’s coaching cycle. His move to the Giants would be a lateral one, but there’s no guarantee the Chargers’ new head coach keeps Ansley on staff once hired.

Conner was questionable for this contest with a knee injury, and appears to have either aggravated it or just didn’t feel comfortable. There’s a good chance he won’t return, and Michael Carter along with DeeJay Dallas will fill in for the remainder of Saturday night.

Vele was the only starting Denver wide receiver to fail to return a usable fantasy score in championship week as Courtland Sutton went 5-55-1 and Marvin Mim erupted for 8-103-2. Either way, it appears Vele will remain in the team’s plans into the future after earning more snaps through numerous bodies this season. Perhaps Vele can return better counting stats after it matters in fantasy leagues when the Broncos host the Chiefs in Week 18.

The Broncos largely struggled to move the ball in the first half as they let their defense do most of the heavy lifting, eventually taking a 7-3 deficit into the break. They would emerge from the locker room with renewed fervor, with Sutton getting the team even on a six-yard touchdown reception near the end of the third quarter. Both teams went bonkers in the final frame, scoring two touchdowns a piece, before Cincinnati sealed the victory towards the end of overtime following their own missed field goal. Sutton gets another difficult test against the Chiefs in Week 18, although they could be resting key players considering they already locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Mims was having another pedestrian game through three quarters before catching a 51-yard touchdown behind corner and safety coverage up the seam half way through the fourth quarter. He would then catch the game-tying touchdown from 25 yards out with only eight seconds remaining to play over two defenders on what amounted to a jump ball, securing the ball and maintaining possession as he fell to the ground inbounds. The heroics would not last in a wild overtime that ultimately saw the Bengals emerge victorious. Mims has fought tooth and nail to receive more playing time this season and appears to be capitalizing on the opportunity when it matters most for the Broncos.

McLaughlin returned from a one-game absence due to a quad injury to lead the backfield in snaps and opportunities. Javonte Williams, the starter in the backfield to begin the season, did not receive a carry while being targeted only twice, while Audric Estime gained 24 yards on nine carries and caught his lone target for 13 yards. The Broncos now turn their attention to the Chiefs in Week 18, with a win sending them to the postseason and a loss likely ending their Cinderella story, depending on the outcome of the Bengals’ game.

A game that eventually finished 30-24 in overtime started with the Broncos down 7-3 at the half. Nix would lead three touchdown drives from four minuted remaining the third quarter through the end of regulation, forcing overtime on a 25-yard jump ball to Marvin Mims along the right sideline of the end zone on fourth down with eight seconds remaining. Nix initially signaled to the sideline to go for two before a long break to confirm the score resulted in a change of heart, with the team electing to kick the point after and send the game to overtime. Overtime was no less wild, with the Bengals missing a chip shot 33-yard field goal with 2:49 remaining before getting the ball back after a three-and-out to drive the field and win the game. The loss is a solid knock to the team’s playoff chances but they can still make the postseason as the No. 7 seed with a win over a Chiefs team with nothing left to play for in Week 18.

The Rams will have most of their primary supporting cast for a must-win game against the Cardinals in Week 17. Now in control of their own destiny atop the NFC West, the Rams can ensure a playoff spot with wins in their final two weeks agains the Cardinals and Seahawks.

NFL Insider Albert Breer reported that Conner was expected to play despite the questionable tag, with the team’s inactives 90 minutes prior to kickoff confirming his report. Fellow running back Trey Benson is inactive, leaving the likely bulk of work to Conner for as long as his body holds up. Also inactive for the Cardinals are S Jammie Robinson, S Joey Blount, LB Milo Eifler, LB Benton Whitley, TE Travix Vokolek, and WR Xavier Weaver.

Henry had a back-breaking fantasy day, seeing two shaky targets in a blowout loss. After being the Patriots’ leading receiver all season long, Henry deals a blow to fantasy managers during championship week as the TE1 floor fell out. Henry splits looks with Austin Hooper and will be a TE2 for Week 18.

Hooper continues to be a key part of the Pats’ short-yardage rotations. He worked in tandem with Hunter Henry and caught all of Drake Maye’s tight end targets, tallying three catches for 19 yards. He’s quietly been productive this season, and ranks in the TE2 mix for Week 18.