We scour the news around the NFL to bring you what matters most for you and your dynasty team: the most current news on players, both superstars and the relative unknowns, and analysis to decipher the respective situations. These are many of the major stories and not meant to be an exhaustive look at all of the recent happenings around the league.
The news of Chicago benching quarterback Jay Cutler for Jimmy Clausen was the talk all week. Clausen suffered a concussion in the Week 16 start against the Lions so now Cutler will get the Week 17 start. What a circus … leaving everyone to opine about Cutler's prospects. Many pondered the future of Cutler, and whether he would be with the Bears in 2015. This week's game will do little to sway team brass. Let's review the situation: Cutler signed a seven-year, $127 million extension this past offseason and is owed $15.5 million guaranteed next season. With that amount owed, there is no reason for Cutler to re-do his deal. In addition, given the contract, the Bears will find it difficult to find a trade partner who would give a first-round pick, but you never know with the shortage of good quarterbacks in the NFL. Remember that San Francisco received two second round picks in exchange for Alex Smith. To many, the strong-armed Cutler should garner similar value. In related news, Dan Bernstein reported last week that the team is expected to fire coach Marc Trestman after the season. It is doubtful that both quarterback and coach will be back given the move to Clausen. Bears brass will have to choose one or the other …. or neither. If the Bears want to move the passer, Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that the Titans could be a potential trade partner for Cutler. This is definitely a fluid situation to monitor.
Sunday morning, Chris Mortensen reported that Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has a bulging disk in his back, and added that Rivers may need offseason back surgery. The injury has impacted Rivers' play the last few weeks. He will continue to tough it out as long as San Diego is alive in the playoff chase.
We have stated several times in this column that either quarterback Robert Griffin III III or coach Jay Gruden should be gone in 2015. Well, part of that discussion was answered this past week when NBC Washington's Dianna Marie Russini reported that the Washington brass has committed to Gruden for next season. Even though the quarterback has failed to live up to expectations, there should be plenty of a market for his services if Washington chooses to move on with so many teams hurting at the position. Presently, there are conflicting reports whether Gruden is just trying to make Griffin into what he wants through tough love or is really “done” with him.
Dustin Fox with the Browns Radio Network tweeted Sunday night, “The re-sign Hoyer talks are going to heat up over the next couple of weeks. #Browns.” This would leave two major questions: “Why would Hoyer re-sign in Cleveland as a backup instead of starting elsewhere?” and “What would Hoyer extension talks say about the faith the Browns organization has in Johnny Manziel?”
While it may not seem like much, do not underestimate the impact on LeSean McCoy's dynasty value to not get short-yardage touchdowns. It was announced last week that Chris Polk will replace McCoy at the goal line. In Week 15, Polk was on the field for three plays, and scored two short touchdowns. The talented McCoy was not upset by the change. He said, "Polk's obviously a little bit more powerful back, so they've been giving him some of the runs in short-yardage in a couple games, especially last game. ... There's just some plays on 3rd-and-1 type of situations where I probably wouldn't have gotten it, where I see him kind of hit a guy, drag a guy and get in there," If this change results in 3-5 fewer touchdowns for McCoy, it could be enough to move him down a tier in the dynasty rankings. It remains to be seen if this is a long-term decision.
Jaguars tailback Denard Robinson was placed on injured reserve this past week with a torn ligament in his foot. Robinson looks to be in the mix for the starting job in 2015 and looks to be the most talented player of the group. We are hoping another offseason will help his development.
The dynasty values of all of the Green Bay Packers will adjust as Randall Cobb approaches free agency. There is still a chance he re-signs with the Green Bay, but discussions of a long-term deal have yet to commence. Beat writer Rob Demovsky believes the odds are in favor of Cobb remaining a Packer. With the chatter regarding Cobb's future, quarterback Aaron Rodgers chimed in with his support of the versatile receiver. This will be an interesting situation to watch play out. The dynasty values of the other Packers receivers will depend on Cobb's 2015 team.
Chargers receiver Keenan Allen did not enjoy the level of production in 2014 many expected. He was just starting to get into a groove before breaking his collarbone in Week 15. While he is not expected back this coming week, Allen was not placed on injured reserve because San Diego is holding out hope for a run deep into the playoffs and hope the star pass catcher can be ready.
Many dynasty writers touted Giants receiver Corey Washington as a player to watch, but he has rarely seen the field. New York coach Tom Coughlin explained why recently, "Do a better job on the practice field. Do a better job all around He does have to, obviously, become better at his job." Coughlin is asking the rookie to earn his snaps. Washington has upside. Whether he reaches his potential could be determined on the practice – not playing – field.
Tight ends rarely have huge rookie seasons. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is not the exception. He has been battling a back injury for almost two months and was placed on injured reserve last week. But, do not let the weak rookie season taint the fact that Seferian-Jenkins is a very good prospect. Many will look at the 21 passes for a mere 221 yards and two touchdowns and think the Tampa Bay rookie is a flop. He is not. Consider the quarterback issues, turmoil across the offense, and the loss of the offensive coordinator as contributing factors. Seferian-Jenkins is a buy because the huge tight end has big-time potential.
One tight end who has disappointed this season is Kyle Rudolph. The Vikings tight end has suffered through a sports hernia for most of the season. Yes, he has played the last six games after having surgery, just not effectively. Last week, in an article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Rudolph admitted he is still not fully healthy and will not be until the offseason. If you believe in Rudolph's ability, the price should be affordable this offseason.
Injuries to monitor
Nick Foles: Collarbone
Matt Cassel: Foot
Carson Palmer: Knee
Knowshon Moreno: Knee
Montee Ball: Groin
Ryan Mathews: Knee
Stevan Ridley: Knee
Ahmad Bradshaw: Fibula/Ankle
C.J. Spiller: Collarbone
Fred Jackson: Groin
Danny Woodhead: Ankle
Victor Cruz: Knee
Allen Robinson: Foot
Marvin Jones: Foot/Ankle
Jordan Cameron: Concussion
Tyler Eifert: Elbow
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