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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

Browns fire OC Ken Dorsey after 3-14 season

Sun Jan 5 10:39am ET
Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns fired Ken Dorsey, parting ways with their second offensive coordinator in as many seasons, multiple outlets reported Sunday.

Offensive line coach Andy Dickerson also was let go, per reports.

The Brows concluded their season Saturday with a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, finishing 3-14. Their offense, hampered by rotating quarterbacks and another season-ending injury to running back Nick Chubb, mustered only an NFL-low 15.2 points per game.

Cleveland will finish last in the NFL in scoring with 258 points -- fewer than half the points scored by the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has a 40-44 record in five seasons with the Browns, is expected to be retained, NFL Network reported.

This is the second consecutive season that Dorsey, 43, has been fired. The Buffalo Bills dismissed him 10 games into the 2023 season amid perception the Josh Allen-led offense was underachieving.

In Cleveland, Dorsey replaced Alex Van Pelt, who was let go within days of the Browns getting routed 45-14 by the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs last Jan. 13. The Van Pelt offense ranked 10th in the NFL in points per game (23.3).

It was expected Dorsey would take quarterback Deshaun Watson to the next level, but the Browns were 1-6 when Watson was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. Veteran Jameis Winston and second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson took over at the position, with Bailey Zappe making his first start of the season in the loss on Saturday.

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The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 18

Player Notes
Will Shipley Jan 5 11:50am ET
Will Shipley

Philadelphia Eagles running backWill Shipley(concussion) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after he logged a full practice on Friday. Shipley has taken a backseat toSaquon BarkleyandKenneth Gainwellthis season, but with Barkley inactive for Week 18, the rookie out of Clemson has a chance to earn increased opportunities. The 22-year-old has been mostly used as a ball carrier this season, rushing 20 times while failing to command a single target. He's likely headed for a change-of-pace role in Week 18, but with his exact involvement unknown, Shipley is tough to trust in fantasy football. He ranks as a low-end RB4 and should be avoided in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tanner McKee Jan 5 11:50am ET
Tanner McKee

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee will start against the New York Giants in Week 18 despite Kenny Pickett (ribs) being active, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Pickett and Ian Book will handle depth roles for the Eagles on Sunday, though it's unclear which quarterback is the backup and which is the third-string. McKee got his first taste of NFL action last weekend, coming off the bench to throw three completions for 54 yards and two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia fed Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell in that contest, but they might let McKee throw a little more this weekend with Barkley (coach's decision) inactive. Of course, A.J. Brown (coach's decision) and DeVonta Smith (coach's decision) are also resting, leaving Dallas Goedert, Jahan Dotson, and Johnny Wilson as McKee's top targets. The second-year signal-caller out of Stanford ranks as a mid-range QB3 for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Jan 5 11:50am ET
Tony Pollard

As expected, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is officially active on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans. After practicing on a limited basis all week, Pollard will return for the final game of the season after he sat out the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Tyjae Spears (concussion) was ruled out, so Pollard could see a near full workload in his return as the Titans close out a disappointing season. The 27-year-old can earn an extra $250,000 if he racks up 83 rushing yards on the year for 1,100 yards on the season. If he scores twice on Sunday, he'd earn an extra $200,000, so Pollard could be busy and has plenty at stake for fantasy managers debating on whether to throw him into their starting lineups. He has clear RB2 upside for Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Jan 5 11:50am ET
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable but was widely expected to play after being activated from injured reserve on Saturday. The 27-year-old will lead Carolina's backfield with Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) on injured reserve. Sanders, who totaled 237 yards and one touchdown through 10 games earlier this season, will take over the backfield from Raheem Blackshear. He ranks as a mid-to-low RB3 in fantasy football against the Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Jan 5 11:50am ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but had an unfavorable outlook after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that Mooney faced an uphill battle to suit up this weekend. His absence should lead to an increased role for Ray-Ray McCloud III, who is the overall WR54 in PPR leagues with 58 catches, 620 yards, and one touchdown through 16 games. McCloud has quietly put together the best season of his career and possesses WR3/FLEX upside in his increased role Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Jan 5 11:43am ET
Darius Slay

The Philadelphia Eagles have declared WR A.J. Brown, OG Landon Dickerson, QB Jalen Hurts, OT Lane Johnson, DL Jalen Carter, CB Darius Slay, RB Saquon Barkley, WR DeVonta Smith, OT Jordan Mailata, LB Nakobe Dean and LB Zack Baun inactive for Week 18.

From TheHuddle

Ronald Darby Jan 5 11:43am ET
Ronald Darby

The Jacksonville Jaguars have declared CB Ronald Darby, DE Tyler Lacy, LB Ventrell Miller, DE Esezi Otomewo, DE Josh Hines-Allen and OT Walker Little inactive for Week 18.

From TheHuddle

Josey Jewell Jan 5 11:43am ET
Josey Jewell

The Carolina Panthers have declared QB Jack Plummer, CB Lonnie Johnson, CB Jaycee Horn, WR Deven Thompkins, RB Velus Jones Jr., OT Robert Hunt and LB Josey Jewell inactive for Week 18.

From TheHuddle

Derek Carr Jan 5 11:43am ET
Derek Carr

The New Orleans Saints have declared WR Mason Tipton, RB Alvin Kamara, QB Derek Carr, RB Kendre Miller, DT Khristian Boyd, LB Pete Werner and LB Willie Gay inactive for Week 18.

From TheHuddle

Trey Lance Jan 5 11:40am ET
Trey Lance

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance will start against the Washington Commanders in Week 18, according to insider Patrik Walker. Cooper Rush, who tallied 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions while filling in for Dak Prescott (hamstring), heads to the bench for Sunday's season finale. This move is not a reflection of Rush's performance but rather gives the Cowboys an opportunity to get extra game film on Lance as they continue to evaluate the quarterback position going forward. Both Rush and Lance are free agents in March, and it's likely that Dallas will only keep one (or zero) of them as Prescott's backup in 2025. In the short-term, Lance, a former No. 3 overall pick, gets a chance to showcase his talents against a Commanders team that intends to play all of its starters. The ex-49er has just 22 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception through limited action in 2024. He ranks as a mid-to-high QB3 in Week 18 with some extra upside thanks to his rushing ability.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Jan 5 11:40am ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. He had been listed as doubtful, so his absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Eagles' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. The 27-year-old finishes his first season with the Eagles just 100 rushing yards shy of Erick Dickerson's single-season record. Although he didn't break the record, Barkley still had a phenomenal season with 2,005 rushing yards, 278 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns, making him the clear RB1 in fantasy football. Kenneth Gainwell will lead Philadelphia's backfield in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Jan 5 11:40am ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (coach's decision) and DeVonta Smith (coach's decision) are officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. Both players had been listed as doubtful, so their absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Eagles' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. Brown's season ends with 67 catches, 1,079 yards, and seven touchdowns through 13 games. His WR17 finish (PPR) represents his worst ranking since 2021, but he certainly would have ranked higher if he had not missed four contests. The same could be said of Brown, who was the WR24 this year with 687 catches, 833 yards, and eight touchdowns through 13 games. Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson will operate as the Eagles' top wide receivers on Sunday afternoon.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Carter Jan 5 11:40am ET
Jalen Carter

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (coach's decision) and linebacker Zack Baun (coach's decision) are officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. Both players had been listed as doubtful, so their absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Eagles' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. Carter finishes the regular season with 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 16 games. Meanwhile, Baun was one of the NFL's top tacklers and premier IDP weapons with 150 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. ThomasBooker IV and Oren Burks are candidates to replace Carter and Baun, respectively.

From RotoBaller

Zack Baun Jan 5 11:40am ET
Zack Baun

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (coach's decision) and linebacker Nakobe Dean (coach's decision) are officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New York Giants. Both players had been listed as doubtful, so their absence this weekend was widely expected. After all, the Eagles' plan to rest many key starters has been well-documented. Slay finishes the 2024 season with 49 tackles, one forced fumble, and one recovery. However, he will end the year with zero interceptions for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2013. Meanwhile, Dean was a key IDP weapon this year, amassing 128 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one interception through 15 games. Isaiah Rodgers is a likely candidate to replace Slay on defense, while Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter are expected to fill in for Dean and Zack Baun (coach's decision).

From RotoBaller

Marshon Lattimore Jan 5 11:33am ET
Marshon Lattimore

The Washington Commanders have declared CB Marshon Lattimore, QB Jeff Driskel, OT Cornelius Lucas, C Tyler Biadasz, LB Jordan Magee, WR K.J. Osborn and S Quan Martin inactive for Week 18.

From TheHuddle

Tua Tagovailoa Jan 5 11:30am ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is unlikely to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Jets on Sunday due to a unique hip injury that affects the surrounding muscles and leaves him vulnerable to further injury, according to sources. Tagovailoa has pushed to play when his team needs him the most, but it's not a guarantee that he'll be available if the Dolphins win in Week 18 and advance to wild-card weekend. Tagovailoa said his general feeling is worse than how he felt a week after he had ankle surgery during his final season in college in 2019. Head coach Mike McDaniel said it's the same hip that Tagovailoa had surgically repaired, but it's a different injury. While Tua does have a career-high 72.9 completion percentage, 19 TDs and seven interceptions, he's played in only 11 games after a stint on Injured Reserve due to another concussion.

From RotoBaller

Alex Anzalone Jan 5 11:23am ET
Alex Anzalone

Detroit Lions LB Alex Anzalone (forearm) will play in Week 18 versus the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. It will be his first game action since Week 11, when he fractured his forearm. Anzalone will wear a special pad on his forearm for protection and is expected to have his number of defensive snaps monitored.

From TheHuddle

Tee Higgins Jan 5 11:20am ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle) said on Saturday that he has been playing through a left high-ankle sprain and will continue to do so if the Bengals make the playoffs. "I have no choice," Higgins said. The 25-year-old pass-catcher was forced to leave in the second half of Saturday night's win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers with his ankle issue and never returned. The Bengals need both the Broncos and Dolphins to lose on Sunday to get into the postseason, but if it all comes to fruition, Higgins will try to continue playing through his injury. Higgins has 11 catches for 131 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 17 win over the Broncos but only had four catches for 53 yards on Saturday before leaving early. If the Bengals advance, Higgins could carry a questionable tag into wild-card weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jan 5 11:10am ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) was not able to practice this week and will sit out the Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants. Hurts has now missed back-to-back games due to a concussion, but he appears to be making progress. The superstar quarterback is on track to practice this upcoming week. That is great news as the Eagles desperately need Hurts back on the field before the Wild-Card Round next weekend. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) is currently injured and out for Week 18. That could leave Tanner McKee to start a playoff game, so hopefully Hurts is able to practice this week and suit up next weekend. The Eagles injury report is going to be something to monitor throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Jan 5 10:53am ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) will be active for Week 18's game versus the Dallas Cowboys.

Fantasy Spin: Ekeler was a full participant in all three of Washington's practice sessions during the week and was activated from the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Jan. 4. He will be seeing his first game action since Week 12, which also happened to be against the Cowboys, but should not be viewed as a viable fantasy lineup option playing behind Brian Robinson Jr. this afternoon.

From TheHuddle