🏆 Another Wild Sunday

Plus - Justin Jefferson, James Conner, Breece Hall, CeeDee Lamb Post Big Games  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 01/08/24 ​[Unsubscribe |]( [Read Online]() | [Join]( | [GO PRO](=)​ Howdy {NAME}[,](=)​ We're in the last Sunday of the regular season and it's been wild. And we still have the night game. Our Sigmund Bloom has some News and Notes. Let's Go. J PS. Make sure you're signed up for our Post-Season fantasy contest below. It's fantastic and easily my favorite Post-Season contest. What's New At Footballguys - [Our Favorite Post Season Contest]() - We've partnered with our friends at the [National Fantasy Championship](=) to bring you the Post Season Fantasy Contest we've always wanted. Check out the [Footballguys Post Season Contest](). It's just a $50 entry fee and $50,000 on the line for a Grand Prize. Sign up now before it sells out. Inside This Issue [] - [MIN: Justin Jefferson finishes up strong](#article-1) - [ARI: Conner goes over 200 total yards in loss](#article-2) - [NYJ: Breece Hall relied upon heavily](#article-3) - [DAL: Lamb scores twice to help lock up #2 seed](#article-4) - [TEN: Derrick Henry has outstanding game](#article-5) - [PHI: A.J. Brown heads to the locker room](#article-6) - [DET: Sam LaPorta has hyperextension, bone bruise](#article-7) - [GB: Aaron Jones goes over century mark](#article-8) - [ATL: Bijan Robinson surpasses 100 yards receiving](#article-9) - [LVR: White goes over 100 in finale](#article-10) - [NO: Four touchdowns for Derek Carr](#article-11) - [GB: Jordan Love goes over 300 yards](#article-12) - [CLE: David Bell finds end zone twice](#article-13) - [TEN: Tyjae Spears accounts for two TDs](#article-14) - [MIN: Nick Mullens flirts with 400 yards](#article-15) - [JAX: Calvin Ridley surpasses 100-yard mark](#article-16) - [DEN: Jeudy scores in finale](#article-17) - [PIT: T.J. Watt injury update](#article-18) - [SF: Mitchell scores in finale](#article-19) - [NYG: Slayton scores again in win](#article-20) - [KC: Perine leads the way in finale](#article-21) - [NO: Kendre Miller leads team in rushing](#article-22) - [CIN: Jake Browning tosses three touchdowns](#article-23) - [MIN: Ty Chandler totals 89 scrimmage yards](#article-24) - [NE: Ezekiel Elliott totals 81 scrimmage yards](#article-25) - [SEA: Lockett scores to end disappointing season](#article-26) - [LAR: Nacua breaks rookie receptions and receiving yards record](#article-27) - [TB: Baker Mayfield throws for 137 yards](#article-28) - [JAX: Trevor Lawrence throws two TDs, two INTs](#article-29) - [WAS: McLaurin leads team in catches, yards in finals](#article-30) - [CHI: Justin Fields closes on low note](#article-31) - [CAR: Bryce Young posts 118 total yards](#article-32) - [LAC: Ekeler's season ends with a whimper](#article-33) - [CAR: Adam Thielen limited to 12 yards](#article-34) Footballguys Playoff Hold'Em Contest Join us in our very first [Footballguys Playoff Hold'Em Contest]() hosted by our friends at the NFFC. What's Hold'Em style? Pick your favorite players - no salary cap or draft. After each Playoff round, you can Hold or Fold each of your players. If you Fold'Em, you get to pick a different player. But the longer you Hold'Em, the more bonus points you can rack up. Your $50 entry fee gets you four more weeks of fantasy football action and a chance at a fully-guaranteed $50,000 Grand Prize. But we only have room for 4,000 teams, so don't miss out. [ENTER NOW 👉](=) ​ [] 1. MIN: Justin Jefferson finishes up strong [Source: ESPN]() Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson ended up with 12 receptions for 192 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions. With the huge game, Jefferson ends up with 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. Our view: Jefferson's season didn't go as the fantasy players who took him #1 overall hoped it would, but the first round was riddled with disappointments this year. He'll still be a top 3-5 pick, but it's reasonable to take CeeDee Lamb over him next season, if not others, pending the Vikings moves at quarterback in the offseason. [Back to Top](#top) [] 2. ARI: Conner goes over 200 total yards in loss [Source: ESPN]() James Conner carried the ball 27 times for 150 yards and a score and added four catches for 54 yards in the 21-20 loss to the Seahawks. Our view: No running back looked better over the last month of the season, and he's under contract for a reasonable $5.25 million next year. Conner was one of the best values in 2023 drafts, and he'll go a lot higher next season. [Back to Top](#top) [] 3. NYJ: Breece Hall relied upon heavily [Source: ESPN]() New York Jets RB Breece Hall rushed 37 times for 178 yards and a touchdown in Week 18 against the New England Patriots in the snow and ice, and he added two receptions for 12 yards on his two targets. Our view: Hall was the most valuable fantasy running back over the last five weeks of the season. He could go as high as the first round in next season's fantasy drafts. [Back to Top](#top) [] 4. DAL: Lamb scores twice to help lock up #2 seed [Source: ESPN]() CeeDee Lamb caught 13 balls for 98 yards and two scores in the 38-10 romp over Washington. The Cowboys won the NFC East and will be the #2 seed thanks to the win. Our view: Lamb finished with a 13-1749-12 line in a season that could make him the #1 receiver off of the board in 2024 fantasy drafts after Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase both had their seasons marred by injuries. The Cowboys seemed to make him the focal point of the offense after the bye, and it changed the fortunes of many fantasy teams. [Back to Top](#top) [] 5. TEN: Derrick Henry has outstanding game [Source: ESPN.com]() Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry rushed for 153 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18. Our view: Henry saved his best for possibly his last game with the Titans. Steelers, Texans and Bills fans thank him as all three teams benefited from his efforts today. It will be interesting to see if any team values Henry more in free agency than the team that made him the centerpiece of their offense. [Back to Top](#top) [] 6. PHI: A.J. Brown heads to the locker room [Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane]() Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown (leg) suffered an apparent leg injury in the first half of the Week 18 game against the New York Giants. He fumbled on a reception, and immediately clutched at his right leg or knee area. He went to the blue medical tent before emerging, and walking under his own power to the locker room. Our view: The Eagles are already in a slump, one of their top two receivers is already hurt, and now this. They are going on the road next week to play the Buccaneers, who have a banged up quarterback, but their offense will be limited at best, and might not be able to overcome missing Brown if he can't rally to play after suffering this injury. [Back to Top](#top) [] 7. DET: Sam LaPorta has hyperextension, bone bruise [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta (knee) suffered a hyperextended left knee and a bone bruise, a source said Sunday, Jan. 7, after an MRI taken following the Week 18 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Dan Campbell said LaPorta is likely to miss time, but the injury isn't as bad as it could have been. Our view: The Lions hope they win enough in the playoffs for LaPorta to return, but for now we should assume that he'll be ready for next week's wild card game against the Packers. [Back to Top](#top) [] 8. GB: Aaron Jones goes over century mark [Source: ESPN]() Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones rushed 22 times for a game-high 111 yards in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears, while adding five receptions for 30 yards on his five targets. Our view: We can conclusively say that Jones wasn't healthy for most of the season, but he's back to 100% now. He finished the season playing like a first round fantasy pick and should be a big factor next week as the Packers try to slow down the Cowboys pass rush. [Back to Top](#top) [] 9. ATL: Bijan Robinson surpasses 100 yards receiving [Source: ESPN.com]() Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson caught seven passes for 103 yards and one touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. He also rushed for 28 yards on 11 carries during the game. Our view: Robinson finished the season on a high note in the passing game, which could help him get back into the first round if the Falcons actually have a new head coach. [Back to Top](#top) [] 10. LVR: White goes over 100 in finale [Source: ESPN]() Zamir White carries the ball 25 times for 112 yards and added one catch for nine yards in the 27-14 win over Denver. Our view: Josh Jacobs is a free agent next year, and White has certainly given the Raiders a lot to consider over the last month of the season. He has the look of a workhorse between the tackles and could be a big factor in fantasy leagues next season. [Back to Top](#top) [] 11. NO: Four touchdowns for Derek Carr [Source: ESPN.com]() New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr went 22-for-28 for 264 yards and four touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18. Our view: Carr played his best in the last month of the season. It's looking more like his injuries were holding him back earlier in the year. The Saints passing game might be underrated in fantasy leagues as many tuned out of the Saints after Carr was inconsistent earlier in the season. [Back to Top](#top) [] 12. GB: Jordan Love goes over 300 yards [Source: ESPN]() Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love completed 27-of-32 passes for 316 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears, while running three times for minus-1 yard with a fumble lost. Our view: There were a few bumps in the road, but Love cinched his spot as the team's quarterback of the future with a strong second half of the season. The Packers will open the playoffs at Dallas in a game that they shouldn't be taken likely in. [Back to Top](#top) [] 13. CLE: David Bell finds end zone twice [Source: ESPN]() Cleveland Browns WR David Bell registered four receptions for a game-high 68 yards with two touchdowns on his four targets in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Our view: The last week of the season is filled with meaningless games, but in those games, we can get meaningful indicators about a player's future. Put a pin in this one, as Bell had two long touchdowns even though he is known more as a possession slot receiver. [Back to Top](#top) [] 14. TEN: Tyjae Spears accounts for two TDs [Source: ESPN.com]() Tennessee Titans RB Tyjae Spears rushed for 25 yards and one touchdown on three carries against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18. He also caught three passes for 41 yards and one touchdown during the game. Our view: Spears has been excellent in a committee back role as a rookie. He could take over as the lead back next year if the Titans don't re-sign Derrick Henry in free agency. [Back to Top](#top) [] 15. MIN: Nick Mullens flirts with 400 yards [Source: ESPN]() Minnesota Vikings QB Nick Mullens completed 30-of-44 passes for 396 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, while running twice for eight yards. Our view: Mullens isn't a long term answer for the Vikings, but fantasy players will be hoping that he's the opening day starter if the team doesn't bring back Kirk Cousins or otherwise make a significant investment at quarterback. His freewheeling downfield passing mentality has made for some big games late in the season. [Back to Top](#top) [] 16. JAX: Calvin Ridley surpasses 100-yard mark [Source: ESPN.com]() Jacksonville Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley caught six passes for 106 yards and one touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18. He was targeted 10 times during the game. Our view: Ridley will go into free agency coming off of an up and down season that ended up over 1000 yards. Supply and demand dictates a likely big payday for the 29-year-old, and one that the Jaguars may not be willing to pony up. If they don't, they will owe Atlanta their third-round pick, if they do sign Ridley, it will become a second-round pick. [Back to Top](#top) [] 17. DEN: Jeudy scores in finale [Source: ESPN]() Jerry Jeudy caught three of six targets for 79 yards and a touchdown in the 27-14 loss to the Raiders. Our view: Jeudy had a poor season and if the Broncos could make the fifth year option decision now, they would probably choose to not pay him nearly $13 million for next season. The Broncos were rumored to have Jeudy and Courtland Sutton on the trade block, we'll see if the offseason brings a change of teams for either. [Back to Top](#top) Help Footballguys Get Even Better in 2024 I've long said there's not a smarter group of Fantasy GMs on the planet than our Footballguys Premium Subscribers. We'd like to hear from you about your experience with our in-season tools and features. We'll put your insights to work as we improve our offerings for the 2024 season. And as a thank you, we'll randomly pick five people who complete the survey who and give them a 2024 Footballguys Hall Of Fame Subscription. [Take the Survey](=) ​ [] 18. PIT: T.J. Watt injury update [Source: CBS Sports - J.J. Watt]( Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt (knee) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 medial collateral ligament sprain and does not have any other structural damage to his knee, according to CBS Sports' J.J. Watt. He is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks. Our view: Watt will miss the wild card matchup next week, but the Steelers should still be happy to be in the playoffs after they entered Week 18 without control of their destiny. [Back to Top](#top) [] 19. SF: Mitchell scores in finale [Source: ESPN]() Elijah Mitchell ran the ball 14 times for 52 yards and a score and added two catches for 15 yards in the 21-20 loss to the Rams. Our view: Many thought the 49ers would sit Mitchell in the season finale because they had locked up the #1 seed and he has been injury-prone during his three years in the league, but they used him as the lead back and he helped fantasy teams with Week 18 Super Bowls. He'll be a worthy late round pick in playoff fantasy drafts. [Back to Top](#top) [] 20. NYG: Slayton scores again in win [Source: ESPN]() Darius Slayton caught five of seven targets for 62 yards and a score in the 27-10 win over Philadelphia. Our view: It was the third straight game with a touchdown for Slayton, who reeled in deep balls from Tyrod Taylor for scores in Week 16 and 17. The Giants smartly signed Slayton to a two-year, $12 million extension in the offseason, so he'll be an important piece of the pass offense next year. [Back to Top](#top) [] 21. KC: Perine leads the way in finale [Source: ESPN]() La'Mical Perine carried the ball 21 times for 76 yards and added three catches for 33 yards in 13-12 win over the Chargers. Our view: The Chiefs played their backups and Perine was up to the task of being the lead back with Isiah Pacheco not touching the ball today. If Pacheco gets banged up in the playoffs, Perine will be in line for some work. [Back to Top](#top) [] 22. NO: Kendre Miller leads team in rushing [Source: ESPN.com]() New Orleans Saints RB Kendre Miller rushed for 73 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18. He also caught one pass for six yards during the game. Our view: Miller's rookie season was an injury-riddled disappointment, but this was an encouraging end. The Saints are in their perpetual state of a tight spot with the salary cap, so they might have to move on from Alvin Kamara, which would open the door for Miller to have a larger role next season - if he can stay healthy. [Back to Top](#top) [] 23. CIN: Jake Browning tosses three touchdowns [Source: ESPN]() Cincinnati Bengals QB Jake Browning completed 18-of-24 passes for 156 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns, while running twice for 18 yards. Our view: Browning has arrived as one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league after keeping the Bengals in the playoff race until Week 17 even though they lost Joe Burrow in the middle of the season. He'll be an ERFA next season, but should get paid as a top-end backup in 2025. [Back to Top](#top) [] 24. MIN: Ty Chandler totals 89 scrimmage yards [Source: ESPN]() Minnesota Vikings RB Ty Chandler rushed 12 times for a game-best 69 yards in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, while adding two receptions for 20 yards on three targets. Our view: Chandler has done enough in his late season audition while Alexander Mattison has been banged up to earn a larger role next year, if not a starting role in the event that the team doesn't add a significant running back in free agency or the draft. He's a hold in dynasty leagues this offseason. [Back to Top](#top) [] 25. NE: Ezekiel Elliott totals 81 scrimmage yards [Source: ESPN]() New England Patriots RB Ezekiel Elliott ended up with 13 rushes for 54 yards in Week 18 against the New York Jets, while adding five receptions for 27 yards on seven targets. Our view: Elliott's level of play bounced back a bit from his 2022 performance, but he is still on the back nine of his career and set to be a backup in 2024. [Back to Top](#top) [] 26. SEA: Lockett scores to end disappointing season [Source: ESPN]() Tyler Lockett caught two of four targets for 71 yards and a score in the 21-20 win over Arizona. He finished with 77 catches for 823 yards and four scores. Our view: Lockett wasn't a big factor in fantasy or for the Seahawks, as first round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba came on in the second half of the season. Lockett's numbers were his lowest in catches since 2018 and lowest in yards and scores since 2017. He could be in decline, but the Seahawks would take on almost $20 million in dead cap if they cut him instead of paying him $16.9 million next season. [Back to Top](#top) [] 27. LAR: Nacua breaks rookie receptions and receiving yards record [Source: ESPN]() Puka Nacua caught four passes for 41 yards and a score in the 21-20 win over San Francisco. He set the rookie record for yards and catches with this performance. Our view: Nacua broke the record Jaylen Waddle set with 104 in 2021, and the yardage record set by Bill Groman with 1473 in only a 14-game season in 1960. We'll put an asterisk next to the yardage record as Groman's performance is still #1 in on a per game basis, and in a much less pass happy era of the NFL. [Back to Top](#top) [] 28. TB: Baker Mayfield throws for 137 yards [Source: ESPN.com]() Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield went 20-for-32 for 137 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Carolina Panthers in Week 18. He also rushed for seven yards on five carries during the game. Our view: Mayfield was limping after a first quarter sack and didn't play up to the level he had established earlier this season. He won't be 100% for next week's game against the NFC East runner-up. [Back to Top](#top) [] 29. JAX: Trevor Lawrence throws two TDs, two INTs [Source: ESPN.com]() Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence went 29-for-43 for 280 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18. He also rushed for 10 yards on three carries during the game. Our view: Lawrence came up short on a fourth down fourth quarter goal line plunge and then fizzled on the Jaguars last gasp drive to save their season. He took a lot of punishment this season and the pass offense only clicked for short periods. Calvin Ridley will be a free agent next year in the biggest looming decision for the Jaguars. [Back to Top](#top) [] 30. WAS: McLaurin leads team in catches, yards in finals [Source: ESPN]() Terry McLaurin caught six balls for 56 yards in the 38-10 loss to the Cowboys. Our view: Washington finished the season on an eight-game losing streak, which has them picking second in a draft with four potential franchise quarterbacks. McLaurin should see an upgrade in his situation next year, and hopefully the addition of an offensive-minded head coach after the Commanders are expected to decide to part ways with Ron Rivera. [Back to Top](#top) [] 31. CHI: Justin Fields closes on low note [Source: ESPN]() Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields completed 11-of-16 passes for 148 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 18 against the Green Bay Packers, while adding eight runs for 27 yards. Our view: The Bears have a big decision whether to go forward with Fields as their franchise quarterback or to take their top-ranked draft quarterback with the #1 pick they acquired from Carolina. Fields has room to grow as a passer, but it's not a certainly that he will fulfill his potential, so this isn't an easy decision. [Back to Top](#top) [] 32. CAR: Bryce Young posts 118 total yards [Source: ESPN.com]() Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young went 11-for-18 for 94 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. He also rushed for 24 yards on two carries but did lose a fumble. Our view: About the only good thing we can say regarding Young's rookie year is that he didn't suffer a serious injury. The Panthers made a huge investment to get Young and don't appear to be any closer to respectability than they were when they made the trade. They lost the #1 pick next year and their 2025 second round pick is also going to the Bears. Hopefully the Panthers will use the #33 pick to help Young and hire an offensive-minded head coach this offseason. [Back to Top](#top) [] 33. LAC: Ekeler's season ends with a whimper [Source: ESPN]() Austin Ekeler carried the ball 10 times for 11 yards and added 38 yards on seven receptions in the 13-12 loss to the Chiefs. Our view: Ekeler was playing hurt for most of the year, and he was a non-factor in both fantasy and NFL terms. This is going to hurt his free agent market, and he could be either a great value or a sucker bet going much lower than the premium top 5 pick he cost in 2023 fantasy drafts. [Back to Top](#top) [] 34. CAR: Adam Thielen limited to 12 yards [Source: ESPN.com]() Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen caught two passes for 12 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18. He was targeted three times during the game. Our view: Thielen had a short stretch when he looked like he could be a league winner as a struggle target in a limited offense, but his production tailed off in the second half of the season. The Panthers are on the hook for $4.5 million of Thielen's salary next season and a $2 million roster bonus in mid-March, so he'll be back with the team, but with questionable fantasy value. [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 [avatar] Joe Bryant Guide ​ ​ [[twitter]​]([[facebook]​](=)[[discord]​]([[youtube]​]([[instagram]​]( = Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey Was this email forwarded to you? [Sign Up here](​ ​[Advertise with us](and get your brand in front of 600,000+ football fans [GO PRO](=) [PODCASTS]() [COMMUNITY]( [SHOP]( [CONTACT US]( You’re subscribed as [{EMAIL}](=) . [Unsubscribe here]( Copyright @ 2023 Sportsguys, LLC. 118 N Peters Road, Suite 208. Knoxville, TN 37922 ​[Opt-out of preference based advertising](=)​ ​