Welcome to our Latest NFL News & Rumors! What a wild year it has been; the Chiefs are eliminated from the playoffs, the Bears are leading the NFC North, and Philip Rivers is still playing football at 44! If I had told you this was happening prior to Week One, you'd probably call me insane. That being said, plenty has happened this past week, so let's dive into our Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week!

 

 

 

Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week

With just three weeks left in the regular season, there is plenty to cover. In today's Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week, we discuss the benching of Tua Tagovailoa, some NFL transactions around the league, and much more!

NFL QB Update: Tua Tagovailoa Benched

After their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, the Miami Dolphins were officially eliminated from the playoffs. Coming into the game, the Dolphins were quietly one of the hottest teams in football, winning five of their last six, before getting embarrassed by an inconsistent Steelers team. After the game, head coach Mike McDaniel was asked if a quarterback change was possible, to which he replied that everything is on the table. Well, as of today, a change has been made; Tua Tagovailoa has been benched.

The Dolphins are facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday and will trot out rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers to lead the team. Those hoping for a monster game from Jaylen Waddle and Darren Waller for their fantasy football playoffs may need to pump the brakes, as it seems like the rest of this season will be used to evaluate the young talent on this team. 

NFL Transaction Update: Lazard Released, Ruckert Extended

The benching of Tua wasn't the only notable move made by losing teams prepping for next season. After an offseason trade drama, wide receiver (and Aaron Rodgers merchant) Allen Lazard's release request from the New York Jets has been granted. He is subject to waivers before becoming a free agent (and likely signing with the Steelers).

Other veterans like Matthew Judon and Younghoe Koo have also parted ways with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants, respectively. 

On the other side of the transaction report, the New York Jets also extended tight end Jeremy Ruckert to a two-year, ten-million-dollar extension. Ruckert has 55 catches for 427 yards thus far in his career.

 

 

 

NFL Injury Update: Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons

The NFL playoffs are not going to feel the same without Mahomes. Not only have the Chiefs been eliminated from playoff contention, but superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and is done for the season. The same can be said for fellow superstar Micah Parsons, who suffered the same fate during the Packers' matchup against the Broncos. While these two are the biggest names on the NFL Injury Report, there are still plenty of other names to keep an eye on ahead of the second round of fantasy football playoffs:

  • Saquon Barkley is currently dealing with a stinger and did not practice yesterday.
  • Both Christian Watson and Josh Jacobs did not practice for the Packers yesterday, dealing with their respective injuries.
  • On the other side of the rivalry, the Bears were without both Luther Burden and Rome Odunze at yesterday's practice.
  • Cardinals running back Zonavan “Bam” Knight was placed on season-ending IR.
  • Davante Adams has not practiced this week due to his hamstring injury, but has yet to be ruled out against the Seattle Seahawks.

For more NFL injury updates, check out the Fantasy Alarm NFL injury report!

NFL Rumors: Potential Offseason Trade Candidates

While many teams are gearing up for a potential playoff run, there are several other teams who are already looking ahead to the NFL offseason. Last offseason, we saw some crazy names get moved via trade like Micah Parsons, Jalen Ramsey, DK Metcalf, and more. This year, early reports indicate that names like AJ Brown, Trent McDuffie, Mac Jones, and Kyler Murray could be on the move. 

Look for teams like the Rams and Jets with extensive draft capital to be buyers during the offseason.