Get Your Footballguys Playoff Challenge Teams - Plus News And Notes From Around The League

[Go PRO](=) | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 22, #272 • Jan. 14th, 2021 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [DraftKings]() Howdy {NAME}, We're almost to Round 2 and not a minute too soon. We've got some News and Notes so let's go. J --------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsored by [DraftKings]() 'Tis the Playoffs! To celebrate, all new players can play free for the $1 MILLION top prize with your first deposit, thanks to our partnership with DraftKings! Here’s how it works: - Create your DraftKings DFS account and make a deposit. - DraftKings will credit your account with a free contest entry. - Draft your lineup and compete for millions in prizes! Just go [HERE]() to play. Act quickly, this offer ends after the Playoffs! Min. $5 deposit. Eligibility restrictions apply. See [Draftkings.com]() for details. [Sign Up Now]() --------------------------------------------------------------- SITE NEWS A. [Footballguys Playoff Challenge - Round 2]() Round 2 of the Footballguys Playoff Challenge is on pace to sell out early. As usual. Grab your team(s) before they're gone. Just $35 per team with a $20,000 Grand Prize. B. [Free Content - Monkey Knife Fight Player Props Week 19]() Our friends at Monkey Knife Fight are killing it with the Player Prop games. And our Dan Hindrey's put together a sweet article for you with the edge you need. Check it out and sign up and have a blast. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [JAX - Urban Meyer near deal with Jaguars](#1) 2. [TB - RB Ronald Jones practicing](#2) 3. [LAR - QB Jared Goff to start playoff game](#3) 4. [CHI - QB Mitchell Trubisky on his way out?](#4) 5. [KC - Clyde Edwards-Helaire ahead of schedule](#5) 6. [CHI - RB Tarik Cohen update](#6) 7. [PIT - Randy Fichtner let go](#7) 8. [WAS - Alabama foursome going pro](#8) 9. [DET - Brad Holmes set to be new GM](#9) 10. [IND - Phillip Rivers has GM's backing](#10) 11. [CLE - TE David Njoku out again Thursday](#11) 12. [WAS - Washington reaches out to JoJo Wooden](#12) 13. [DEN - RB Melvin Gordon pleads not guilty](#13) 14. [IND - RB Marlon Mack likely leaving Indy](#14) 15. [SF - WR Travis Benjamin plans to rejoin team](#15) 16. [WAS - Nick Polk in running for Washington GM job](#16) 17. [SEA - Seattle interested in Pep Hamilton as OC?](#17) 18. [CAR - Scott Fitterer set to become new Carolina GM](#18) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [JAX - Urban Meyer near deal with Jaguars](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer is closing in on a contract to be the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Jan. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jaguars owner Shad Khan has been targeting Meyer for some time. He'll take over a team with the no.1 overall pick and $100 million in cap space. That makes the Jaguars a team who could get into playoff contention quickly, especially with a coach like Meyer running the show. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [TB - RB Ronald Jones practicing](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB [Ronald Jones](=) (quadriceps, thumb) was spotted at practice Thursday, Jan. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He was wearing a brace on his surgically repaired thumb. It's a good sign for Jones ahead of the Divisional Round contest against the Saints. If Jones is a late scratch for any reason, then Leonard Fournette would be back as the main ball-carrier. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [LAR - QB Jared Goff to start playoff game]( Source: NFL Network - Steve Wyche Los Angeles Rams QB [Jared Goff](=) (thumb) will start Saturday, Jan. 16, in the divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Rams head coach Sean McVay said Thursday. Blake Bortles will serve as the backup. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Zero surprise here. Goff was able to come off the bench in the Wild Card Round and lead the Rams to victory over Seattle even though he's not 100 percent healthy. Expect the Rams to limit their passing game and try to hit the Packers with RB Cam Akers early and often if they can. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [CHI - QB Mitchell Trubisky on his way out?]( Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Dickerson Chicago Bears QB [Mitchell Trubisky](=) may not be in the team's plans for 2021, in the opinion of ESPN's Jeff Dickerson, who noted that GM Ryan Pace declined to say the team would try to re-sign Trubisky during a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Pace instead said that the Bears 'need more out of the position,' and that 'everything is on the table' for next season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft (taken before Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes) is set to be a free agent because the Bears declined his fifth-year option. We doubt Trubisky returns to the Bears. Sure, the team went to the playoffs only to get predictably bounced in the Wild Card Round but that doesn't mean Trubisky is the answer. The Bears will look for a new quarterback this offseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [KC - Clyde Edwards-Helaire ahead of schedule]() Source: The Athletic - Nate Taylor Kansas City Chiefs RB [Clyde Edwards-Helaire](=) (ankle, hip) is a little bit ahead of schedule in returning from a Week 15 ankle injury, according to head coach Andy Reid. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Edwards-Helaire is trying to get out there for the Divisional Round game against the Browns on Sunday. The rookie first-round pick went down with this hip injury in Week 15 and has been on the road to recovery ever since. The Chiefs are limiting his reps in practice in an effort to have him as close to full strength as possible. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [CHI - RB Tarik Cohen update]() Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace indicated he is 'hopeful' that RB [Tarik Cohen](=) (knee) will be ready for training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cohen tore his ACL in September and missed the remainder of the 2020 season. It will be interesting to see how he's utilized upon his return. Yes, he's a nice change-of-pace back but starter David Montgomery seemed to thrive with a larger role once Cohen went down. Getting Cohen out there as a receiving back will reduce the production and fantasy potential of Montgomery in 2021. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [PIT - Randy Fichtner let go]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner won't return in 2021. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fichtner was promoted from quarterbacks coach to OC back in 2018, replacing the ever-grouchy Todd Haley. He worked well with Roethlisberger that year but in 2019 the veteran quarterback was hurt and in 2020 it just looked like Roethlisberger was done. The Steelers offense will look different in 2021 and Fichtner won't have a problem finding a new gig, likely as a QB coach, somewhere else. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [WAS - Alabama foursome going pro]() Source: AL.com - Mike Rodak University of Alabama QB Mac Jones, WR Jaylen Waddle, CB Patrick Surtain II and DL Christian Barmore announced their intention to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday, Jan. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jones is an efficient passer who used short passing (and incredible weapons) to move the ball. He's likely a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Waddle is one of the best receivers in this class and could be a top-12 pick. Surtain is likely a top-10 pick as he's arguably the no.1 corner in this class. Barmore is seen as a top-25 pick and an absolute beast in the middle of the defensive line. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [DET - Brad Holmes set to be new GM]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Los Angeles Rams director of college scouting Brad Holmes is expected to be hired Thursday, Jan. 14, as the Detroit Lions' new general manger, per source. The two sides are finalizing a multi-year deal. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Holmes worked his way up from a PR intern with the Rams in 2003 to the new Lions GM in 2021. His ability to implement analytics and technology into his scouting routine made him a standout candidate according to Lions team president Rod Wood. We're likely to see Holmes find a new quarterback this offseason as there is plenty of buzz that the Lions will look to trade long-time starter Matthew Stafford. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS PICKS LET'S DO IT AGAIN! - Our sold-out Footballguys Playoff Challenge was a massive success, so we now bring you the [Footballguys Playoff Challenge 2; Divisional Round](). This contest has a $20,000 grand prize, deep payouts, and all the excitement of the original playoff format: no draft, no salary cap, no convoluted rules. Just pick 8 players and let 'em ride to the Superbowl. Still just a $35 entry fee! [Sign Up Now]() --------------------------------------------------------------- DRAFTKINGS PLAYOFF FOOTBALL - It's here and so is your shot at millions! All new players can play free with your first deposit! Just create your DraftKings DFS account, make a deposit, and your new account will be credited with free entry to these contests. Then draft your lineup and go for the millions in prizes! Act quickly, this offer ends after the Playoffs! Min. $5 deposit. Eligibility restrictions apply. See [Draftkings.com](=) for details. [Sign Up Now](=) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [IND - Phillip Rivers has GM's backing]( Source: The Athletic - Stephen Holder Indianapolis Colts QB [Philip Rivers](=) met with the general manager Chris Ballard for an hour earlier this week, Ballard said Thursday, Jan. 14, as Rivers heads into the offseason pondering his future. 'Do I think Philip can still play? Absolutely,' Ballard said. 'He's going to take some time, and we're going to take some time. We'll meet again in about a month.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Unlike his draft classmate Ben Roethlisberger, Rivers did not look washed up this season. The Colts are looking for a young franchise quarterback to take over but bringing back Rivers for one more go would make sense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [CLE - TE David Njoku out again Thursday](=) Source: Around The NFL Cleveland Browns TE [David Njoku](=) (hamstring) won't practice Thursday, Jan. 14, but is making progress, head coach Kevin Stefanski said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Browns have plenty of options if Njoku can't go on Sunday against the Chiefs. We'll see more Austin Hooper and rookie Harrison Bryant in the Divisional Round if Njoku can't play. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [WAS - Washington reaches out to JoJo Wooden]( Source: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala Los Angeles Chargers director of player personnel JoJo Wooden received a request from the Washington Football Team to interview for their general manager vacancy on Thursday, Jan. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington is trying to find a GM who will fit with head coach Ron Rivera. Wooden spent 16 years with the Jets before joining the Chargers in 2013. He oversees the Chargers pro and college scouting departments. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [DEN - RB Melvin Gordon pleads not guilty]() Source: Denver7 Sports - Troy Renck Denver Broncos RB [Melvin Gordon](=)'s attorneys on Thursday, Jan. 14, in virtual court entered a not guilty plea to a DUI charge last Oct. 14 in Denver. Gordon's next hearing is a disposition on Feb 24. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gordon is facing a three-game suspension from the league if found guilty. He's the Broncos lead back and the team may be moving on from RFA Phillip Lindsay in 2021. We'll see what is next for Gordon after his disposition in late February. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [IND - RB Marlon Mack likely leaving Indy](=) Source: The Herald Bulletin - George Bremer Indianapolis Colts RB [Marlon Mack](=) (Achilles) 'deserves a good contract,' Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Thursday, Jan. 14, but added that he doesn't know if the team will be in position to offer the pending free agent one this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mack appeared in one game in 2020, the season opener, before going down with this injury. It's an unfortunate way for his season with the Colts, and likely time with the Colts, to end. Mack has talent but coming off this major injury is going to negatively impact his free agent market. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [SF - WR Travis Benjamin plans to rejoin team](=) Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows San Francisco 49ers WR Travis Benjamin is 'eager' to rejoin the team once the offseason program begins, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. Benjamin opted out of the 2020 season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Benjamin is a seasoned veteran with speed to burn but there's not much fantasy value there with his game. He might be hard-pressed to make the 53-man roster. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [WAS - Nick Polk in running for Washington GM job]( Source: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala Atlanta Falcons director of football operations Nick X. Polk received a request from the Washington Football Team to interview for their general manager vacancy on Thursday, Jan. 14. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Polk has worked diligently for over a decade in his current role with the Falcons. He helped former General Manager Thomas Dimitroff on contract negotiations and salary cap management in Atlanta. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [SEA - Seattle interested in Pep Hamilton as OC?](=) Source: JosinaMedia.com - Josina Anderson The Seattle Seahawks could have interest in Los Angeles Chargers quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton for their vacant offensive coordinator role, according to Josina Anderson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hamilton should be getting a lot more interest than he is given how he was able to work with rookie QB Justin Herbert in 2020. We'll see the Seahawks likely go for a more aggressive approach with their new OC and ditch the balanced offense that former OC Brian Schottenheimer ran. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [CAR - Scott Fitterer set to become new Carolina GM](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Seattle Seahawks vice president of football operations Scott Fitterer is expected to be hired as the new general manager of the Carolina Panthers, according to multiple sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Panthers interviewed 15 candidates to replace Marty Hurney, who was fired with two games remaining in a 5-11 2020 season. Fitterer was a late addition to the candidates list but obviously impressed in his interviews. The Panthers need a lot of help on both sides of the ball. However, the biggest decision Fitterer will have to make this offseason had to do with the future of QB Teddy Bridgewater. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = = Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! You're subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =