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Bengals fire DC Lou Anarumo, three position coaches

Mon Jan 6 10:23am ET
Field Level Media

The Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and offensive line coach Frank Pollack on Monday.

Cincinnati (9-8) missed the playoffs in the AFC, coming up short despite a five-game winning streak to end the season.

Anarumo has been defensive coordinator of the Bengals since Zac Taylor became head coach in 2019. He was a finalist for head-coaching positions just two years ago, when the Bengals were coming off of back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances.

But the Bengals were torched repeatedly during a 4-8 start to the 2024 season, dropping one-score games in which they allowed 34 points (Chargers), 35 and 41 (Ravens), 38 (Commanders) and 44 (Steelers).

Cincinnati finished the season 25th in total defense (348.3 yards per game) and tied for 26th in points allowed (25.5 per game).

Defensive line coach Marion Hobby and linebackers coach James Bettcher were also fired Monday, as was Pollack.

Pollack was in his second tour of duty in Cincinnati and has also coached for the Jets, Cowboys and Raiders.

Quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked 48 times in 2024 after Cincinnati allowed 50 total sacks in 2023.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 18

Player Notes
Michael Mayer Jan 6 10:20am ET
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer caught all four of his targets for 21 yards during Sunday's Week 18 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayer has been routinely out-produced by Brock Bowers this season, but that didn't stop him from playing 81.3 percent of the offensive snaps in the Raiders' regular-season finale. That represented his second-highest rate of the season, and it showed that the Raiders can have success operating out of two-tight end sets. Mayer finished his second pro season with 21 catches and 156 yards through 10 games, remaining a solid short-yardage outlet for quarterback Aidan O'Connell while Bowers did more work downfield and after the catch. There's no question that Bowers remains the No. 1 tight end in Las Vegas (and all of fantasy football), but Mayer could sneak onto the end of the fantasy radar in deeper PPR leagues next season.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Jan 6 10:20am ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers wrapped up a sensational rookie season despite a constant change at quarterback and a tumultuous season for the team in general. In the Week 18 loss to the Chargers, Bowers finished with four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. He ended the year with 112 receptions, 1,194 yards, and five touchdowns on 153 targets. His performance broke records for most receptions by a rookie, Raiders franchise single-season receptions, and most yards by a rookie tight end.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Jan 6 10:20am ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane carried the ball 11 times for 121 yards and a touchdown in the 32-20 loss to the New York Jets in Week 18. He was one of the lone bright spots for Miami on a day when their dreams of making the playoffs were crushed after the Denver Broncos blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs. Surprisingly, Achane didn't receive a single target in this game, which was his bread and butter all season. Despite running behind an inconsistent offensive line all year, the 23-year-old put together a top-10 fantasy running back season and figures to be a solid option again in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Jan 6 10:10am ET
Tyler Huntley

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley completed 25 of 41 passes for 227 yards, one passing touchdown, and two interceptions in the Week 18, 32-20 loss to the New York Jets. He also added three rushing attempts for 16 yards. This was a poor showing for the Dolphins all around, and admittedly, many were watching the scoreboard as the Denver Broncos were pummeling the Kansas City Chiefs, crushing their playoff hopes. After a promising performance last week against the Cleveland Browns, Huntley came back down to earth with two bad interceptions and several missed easy throws. Miami will now continue their playoff-winning drought to 24 years. It is unknown whether Huntley will return to the Dolphins, but he figures to be the backup quarterback when next season starts.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Jan 6 10:10am ET
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker caught three of his four targets for 24 yards during Sunday's Week 18 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Tucker played just 79.2 percent of offensive snaps in the contest, which was his lowest rate since Week 2. Still, he managed to post his largest reception total since Week 12. Even though the 23-year-old merely delivered modest production, it was a good bounce-back showing from him after he caught just two of eight targets one week earlier. His improved catch rate in Sunday's regular-season finale suggests that he can handle increased opportunities on offense. Moving forward, Las Vegas will likely look to bring in some competition at wide receiver during the offseason, but Tucker has established himself as a reputable target. He's worth holding in dynasty leagues, and he could sneak into the last couple rounds of 2025 drafts in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Jan 6 10:00am ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott connected on two of three field goal attempts and converted both extra-point tries in the team's 20-13 win over the New York Giants. Elliott's lone miss came from 39 yards, marking his first failed attempt under 50 yards this season. Despite the misstep, Elliott has been a reliable weapon for the Eagles all year, with his production often tied to the scoring opportunities generated by Philadelphia's high-powered offense. As the team prepares to host the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, Elliott will aim to return to his consistent form and deliver clutch performances when the stakes are at their highest.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Rodgers Jan 6 10:00am ET
Isaiah Rodgers

The Philadelphia Eagles D/ST held their ground in a 20-13 win over the New York Giants despite resting many starters. The unit allowed 238 total yards and just 13 points, effectively stifling a struggling Giants offense. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers made standout contributions with an interception as well as a 51-yard kick return to start the second half. As the Eagles prepare to host the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, their defense will be a crucial factor in the team's playoff success. With key starters returning to the lineup, the Eagles defense aims to help provide the stability needed for a deep postseason run.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Jan 6 10:00am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers finished as the WR3 in half-PPR leagues to cap off the regular season despite the 34-20 loss to the Chargers. Meyers registered nine catches for 123 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. He finishes the season with his first 1,000-yard total to go along with four touchdowns and a career-high 87 receptions. On the year, he ended up as the WR23, surpassing his previous career-best at WR24 last season.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Jan 6 9:50am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a disappointing game in Sunday's 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers. The rookie receiver struggled for productivity, as he had only two receptions for 18 yards on the day. The game marked Odunze's eighth game this season with two or fewer receptions as he capped his rookie campaign with his second straight game with under 20 yards receiving. The 22-year-old receiver had an up-and-down season, finishing the year with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games. Depending on who the Bears bring in to call the shots, though, Odunze may enter the 2025 season with a leap forward to a solid second option for the Bears.

From RotoBaller

Brian Daboll Jan 6 9:50am ET
Brian Daboll

The New York Giants released a statement from John Mara that said head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen will both remain with the franchise. Daboll is two years removed from being named Coach of the Year and now owns an 18-32-1 record after moving in the wrong direction. Despite the dreadful 3-14 season, the Giants are willing to give their staff another season when they usher in a new era with a top draft pick. They currently own the third-overall pick in the upcoming draft.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Jan 6 9:50am ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson stepped up in a big way during Sunday's 20-13 win over the New York Giants. Filling in as the primary receiver with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith resting for the playoffs, Dotson hauled in seven of his eight targets for 94 yards, leading the team in both receptions and receiving yards. Dotson showcased his ability to thrive when given an expanded role, proving he can be a reliable option in the passing game. As the Eagles gear up for the postseason, Dotson will return to his usual spot as the third receiving option but has shown that he can contribute effectively when called upon. Philadelphia will host the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.

From RotoBaller

Ainias Smith Jan 6 9:50am ET
Ainias Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith made the most of his extended playing time in Sunday's 20-13 win over the New York Giants. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith resting ahead of the playoffs, the rookie caught four of his six targets for 35 yards, including his first career touchdown reception. He showed flashes of his potential in the most significant game action he's seen this season. The Eagles' fifth-round draft pick has spent much of the year developing behind Philadelphia's star-studded receiving corps, but his Week 18 performance hinted at a bright future. With Brown and Smith set to return for the playoffs, Ainias will resume his backup role, but his contributions on Sunday give the Eagles more confidence in their depth heading into the postseason against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Jan 6 9:40am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen was fairly uninvolved in the team's 24-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 18. The former Los Angeles Charger finished his final game of his first season with the Bears, catching three passes for 25 yards. This was Allen's second straight game with 25 receiving yards and his eighth game of the year with fewer than 40 receiving yards. The 32-year-old receiver was firmly the second-option in the receiving game behind D.J. Moore, with Allen finishing his season with 70 receptions for 744 yards and seven scores across 15 games. The former California receiver may even enter 2025 as the third option in the receiving game and maybe a decent depth piece for fantasy next season.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Jan 6 9:40am ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson capped off a poor season with a poor showing in Week 18's loss to Washington. The 25-year-old was targeted four times but caught just two passes for 12 yards. He did not score a single touchdown in the 2025 campaign and caught 57 passes for 482 yards on the season while missing some time with a concussion. Ferguson will look to rebound in 2025 with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) back under center, as he was not on the same page as Cooper Rush or Trey Lance over the back stretch of the season.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Jan 6 9:40am ET
Kenneth Gainwell

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell saw increased usage in Sunday's 20-13 win over the New York Giants but struggled to make an impact. Gainwell logged 11 carries for just 14 yards and added two receptions for nine yards. Rookie Will Shipley outperformed Gainwell, posting 32 rushing yards and 35 receiving yards. With Saquon Barkley set to return for the playoffs, Gainwell will return to his usual backup role. While his Week 18 output was disappointing, Gainwell has shown the ability to contribute effectively when needed. The Eagles will rely on their depth as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Jan 6 9:30am ET
D'Andre Swift

The Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift saw plenty of chances out of the backfield in Week 18's 24-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The 25-year-old rusher saw 20 rushing attempts, though he was inefficient with those opportunities as he accumulated only 65 rushing yards. Swift added a rushing touchdown in his game, which helped bolster his production. Swift was targeted twice but was unable to reel in both targets. The former Georgia Bulldog played every game in 2024, a first in his career, and saw at least 10 touches in each game for the Bears. Swift had his least efficient, though most involved, season in his career as he had 253 carries for 959 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns while hauling in 42 receptions for 386 receiving yards on the year. Swift has a solid opportunity to continue to build on his touches in 2025, depending on who the head coach will be for the Bears.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Tolbert Jan 6 9:30am ET
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert was targeted six times in Sunday's 23-19 loss to the Washington Commanders. The third-year receiver secured four receptions for 98 yards, leading the team in both categories. Tolbert wrapped up the 2024 campaign with career highs across all metrics, as he grabbed 45 receptions for 512 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. The 25-year-old still has a year remaining on his rookie contract and will likely stick around as the Cowboys' WR3 going into 2025.

From RotoBaller

KaVontae Turpin Jan 6 9:30am ET
KaVontae Turpin

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin touched the ball four times offensively on Sunday in the 23-19 loss to Washington. Turpin turned three receptions into 53 yards while also rushing once for five yards. He also ripped off a 30-yard kick return. The 28-year-old gadget player saw more involvement in the offense down the stretch with CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) out. Turpin becomes a restricted free agent in the spring, but Dallas will likely bring him back after a Pro Bowl season.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Jan 6 9:30am ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks led the team with nine targets in Sunday's 23-19 loss to Washington. Despite the heavy volume, Cooks struggled to produce. He caught just three passes for 15 yards and added a rush for a five-yard loss. The veteran was not on the same page as quarterback Trey Lance, who missed him in the end zone multiple times. The 31-year-old has a voidable contract going into the offseason, so there is a chance that he has played his final game with Dallas.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Jan 6 9:30am ET
Trevor Lawrence

According to Ian Rapoport, the Jacksonville Jaguars have fired head coach Doug Pederson after a disappointing 4-13 season. In three seasons with the Jaguars, Pederson led them to the playoffs once and finished with an overall record of 23-30. Pederson seemed to acknowledge that the firing was coming, so the team will look for their next coach through this offseason. Their general manager, on the other hand, will stay with the team for the time being. Reportedly, the new head coach won't go through Trent Baalke though, they'll report directly to owner Shad Khan. The team has some enticing pieces on offense with Trevor Lawrence, Brian Thomas Jr., and Evan Engram, so this could be a valuable situation for free-agent head coaches.

From RotoBaller