Payton, Awards, Whitworth, Cowboys, Watt, Hodgins

The 'worst kept secret' in league circles + Joe Burrow gains ground in MVP race  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ December 28, 2022 [Sign up]( [Legit Football]( Together With: Stathead [Stathead](  Payton [Sean Payton] Sean Payton returning to the Saints is the “worst kept secret” in league circles Details: The insight comes from Mike Florio, who has a well-placed source connected to the situation. - According to Florio’s source, Payton will [not consider]( openings in Denver or Carolina. - Though the Cowboys are on the table — if an early postseason exit leads to a Mike McCarthy firing. Brady: Florio thinks Tom Brady and Payton could be a package deal in the offseason, considering the two have a well-established friendship. - Rob Gronkowski — who is reportedly [open]( to playing next year — could join a Brady-Payton super squad. - Though Brady has also been linked to Josh McDaniels and the Raiders. Cardinals: It's worth noting that Josina Anderson and Albert Breer don’t seem to think Payton-to-the-Saints is a done deal, as both have [mentioned]( the Cardinals as a potential fit — should Arizona fire Kliff Kingsbury. Image: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire Awards [Joe Burrow] Award Odds: Joe Burrow gains ground in MVP race, Sirianni favored for COY MVP: Patrick Mahomes (-500) is the clear favorite for MVP. He’s followed by Joe Burrow (+750), who has passed Josh Allen (+800) and Jalen Hurts (+10000). - Mahomes: 66.9% completion percentage, 4,720 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 321 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 12-3 record. - Burrow: 69% completion percentage, 4,260 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 247 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 11-4 record. - Burrow has a head-to-head victory over Mahomes in Week 13. COY: Nick Sirianni (-175) has a slight lead over Kyle Shanahan (+275) in the Coach of the Year race. Doug Pedersen (+800) is considered a dark horse. OPOY: Justin Jefferson (-800) is a healthy favorite for Offensive Player of the Year, he leads Tyreek Hill (+1400), Mahomes (+1600), and Hurts (+1800). DPOY: Nick Bosa (-1200) has emerged as the favorite over Micah Parsons (+650) for Defensive Player of the Year. OROY: Garrett Wilson (-200) is ahead of Ken Walker (+450), Brock Purdy (+700), and Christian Watson (+900) in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. DROY: Sauce Gardner (-1200) is heavily favored for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The next closest candidate is Aidan Hutchinson (+800). Comeback: The closest race appears to be Comeback of the Player of the Year, with Saquon Barkley and Geno Smith tied at +175. Christian McCaffrey isn’t far behind at +250. - Odds per DraftKings Image: Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire Whitworth [Andrew Whitworth] Andrew Whitworth is open to un-retiring Details: When asked by Peter Schrager if he’d consider coming out of retirement to play for a contender, Whitworth [responded](: “I've said this since the day I retired, I'll never say never. There's always a chance." Bengals: Cincinnati fans have been clamoring for Whitworth to join the Bengals ever since starting right tackle La’el Collins suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 16. - Whitworth — who is currently an Amazon Prime analyst — played with the Bengals from 2006 to 2016. Other Options: Two other contenders — the Buccaneers and Eagles — are also in need of offensive tackle reinforcement. Tampa is dealing with injuries to LT Donovan Smith (foot) and RT Tristan Wirfs (ankle). While RT Lane Johnson (abdominal) is out indefinitely in Philadelphia. Still Good: Whitworth — at age 40 — earned an excellent 86.1 PFF grade as the Rams starting LT last season. Image: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire Cowboys [Tony Pollard] Tony Pollard has yet to practice this week Details: Pollard was held out of practice on Monday and Tuesday with a thigh injury. - His status for Thursday night’s matchup against the Titans is unclear. Malik: Mike McCarthy has not ruled Pollard out — but indicated that third-string back Malik Davis will see [increased]( reps behind Ezekiel Elliott this week. More Cowboys News: - LT Tyler Smith earned an elite [91.4]( PFF pass-blocking grade in Week 16 vs. the Eagles. - RT Tyron Smith has a below-average 56.7 PFF grade since returning from IR two weeks ago. - WR T.Y. Hilton will see [more]( playing time moving forward. Image: George Walker/Icon Sportswire Watt [J.J. Watt] J.J. Watt will retire after the season Details: Watt made the retirement [announcement]( on Tuesday. Legacy: Watt — a 3x Defensive Player of the Year — is one of the greatest defenders of his generation and a sure-fire first-ballot Hall of Famer. - He’s also well regarded for his off-the-field contributions — especially his charitable work in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Stats: Across 12 seasons (10 with the Texans, 2 with the Cardinals), Watt has totaled 580 tackles, 111.5 sacks, 191 tackles for loss, 27 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. Final Games: The 33-year-old will close out his career with games against the Falcons and 49ers. Image: Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire Hodgins [Isaiah Hodgins] Giants WR Isaiah Hodgins emerging as a playmaker Details: Over the last four weeks, Hodgins has reeled in 21-of-27 targets (77.8% catch-rate) for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns. - He caught 8 passes for 89 yards and 1 touchdown in the Giants’ Week 16 loss to the Vikings. Key Piece: Brian Daboll confirmed that Hodgins will continue to play a key role moving forward, as the Giants’ offense will need more than Saquon Barkley to survive in the postseason. More Giants News: - CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee) has a [chance]( to return this week vs. the Colts. - The Giants (8-6-1) can clinch a wild-card berth with a win over Indianapolis. Image: Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire More News - [Bucs]( C Ryan Jensen (knee) returned to practice - [Broncos]( waived 2020 third-round CB Michael Ojemudia - [Commanders]( RB Antonio Gibson has a knee sprain - [Chargers]( S Derwin James won't be suspended for illegal hit Together with Stathead Question of the Day Which QB leads the league in game-winning drives? - Josh Allen - Daniel Jones - Justin Herbert - Kirk Cousins Sign up for a monthly subscription and get your first month free, or use “[LEGIT20](” to save $20 off one year of Stathead Football. [See Answer]( Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up [here](. [Unsubscribe]( Copyright © 2022 Legit Football. All rights reserved. 710 Main Street South #572, Southbury CT 06488