NFL Player News

The sides were “far apart” in late February, and apparently haven’t closed the gap with free agency just days away. If Wells holds fast on his (reported) demand of $7.5 million per season, he will hit the open market on Tuesday.

Henry erupted in the second half following the departure of starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, quite literally putting the team on his back as the Ravens built an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter. The veteran bruiser overcame a lost fumble in the first quarter for his second consecutive 100-yard showing, sixth 100-yard outing, and fourth multi-touchdown game of the season. Even so, the Ravens fall to 7-8 with the loss and no longer control their own destiny for a playoff berth. King Henry gets a difficult matchup against the Packers in Week 17.

Huntley entered the game in the second quarter following a back injury to starter Lamar Jackson. He wasn’t asked to do much through the air as the defense allowed the Ravens to ride Derrick Henry in the second half, ultimately coming up short of the much needed win after the Patriots surged from 11 points down to snatch the victory away. The loss removes control from the team’s path to the postseason, now requiring a loss by the Steelers in Week 17, a win over the Packers, and to beat their divisional opponents in Week 18 to reach the playoffs. They could also be forced to do so without Jackson, pending follow-on testing to his injured back.

Henry got the team on the scoreboard in the second quarter from one yard out, shedding his block on a Drake Maye bootleg for an easy score after his defender committed to keeping Maye from the end zone. His solid red zone role has kept his fantasy value afloat this season, even through a modest aDOT and route participation for the Patriots.

Williams’ primary contribution was a ridiculous catch through two defenders in the corner of the end zone from 37 yards out in the fourth quarter, a play that helped spark the Patriots’ first fourth quarter comeback from 11 or more down since their Super Bowl victory over the Falcons. A modest snap rate and deep aDOT keep Williams from true weekly fantasy utility, although he continues to flash his big play ability in key situations. Keep an eye on Williams in best ball drafts in the coming offseason.

The veteran journeyman made his presence felt early as he flashed across the middle of the field for a chunk gain in the second quarter, following it up with numerous catches to help move the chains. Hollins continues to play in a rotational role for the Patriots, although his big play ability gives him paths to fantasy utility in the right environment. That said, pass volume could be more sparse when the Patriots face the Jets on the road in Week 17.

Diggs served as quarterback Drake Maye’s primary target throughout a game that was played tightly throughout, reaching the 100-yard threshold for the fourth time this season. Arguably more important than his contributions on the field was his leadership off the field as Diggs was consistently shown on the broadcast hyping up his team on the sideline, something that helped to spark the team’s first fourth quarter comeback win after being down by 11 or more since their Super Bowl victory over the Falcons. The 138 yards were more than Diggs had amassed in his previous three games combined and helped to secure a playoff berth for New England following a three-year drought.

Stevenson was thrust into workhorse duties following the second quarter departure of rookie TreVeyon Henderson due to a concussion, although the negative game script capped his rush attempts the remainder of the way. Stevenson made the most of the opportunity in the fourth quarter, catching a two-point conversion to bring the Patriots within three points with just over nine minutes left to play before springing loose off tackle for a 21-yard score to complete an 11-point comeback later in the frame. Fantasy managers in the Championship round will want to follow the status of Henderson closely in the coming week of practice as Stevenson could be looking at a robust role in a good matchup against the Jets in Week 17.

Maye also coughed the football up twice, losing one, which was nothing a fourth quarter comeback could not erase. The second-year quarterback led the charge for the first New England come-from-behind victory from 11 down in the fourth quarter since their Super Bowl win over the Falcons, sparking “MVP” chants from the Patriots faithful that traveled for the game. The 380 yards through the air marked the first game this season with more than 300 passing yards for Maye as the Patriots clinched a playoff berth with the win. Maye made several spectacular throws, the most impressive of which was a 37-yard dime down the sideline to beat double coverage for a touchdown to rookie Kyle Williams. Maye and the Patriots get a full week of rest before traveling to face the reeling Jets in Week 17.

Mims also had one carry for three yards. He saw his usual offensive usage, running 15 pass routes on 51 Bo Nix drop backs and seeing a few designed looks. That Pat Bryant went down in the fourth quarter with a neck injury probably won’t matter for Mims, whose value lies in punt and kick returns.

Smyth was busy in Sunday’s easy win over the Jets, as the Saints stalled out on three red zone possessions. Smyth has now made nine of his ten field goal tries over four games with the Saints and profiles as a decent Week 17 option against the Titans.