NFL DFS Week 9: Best Picks, Lineup Advice and Value Plays

Welcome back to our Daily Fantasy Football picks. On FanDuel, you’ll have $60,000 to fill out your lineup, with each player assigned a salary based on factors such as recent performance, matchup and expected production. The goal is to find the right mix of stars and value plays while staying under the cap. Here are our favorite DFS plays for Week 9’s main Sunday slate. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Quarterback The Cowboys have been a massive disappointment so far, but not because of Dak Prescott. Prescott has been great, throwing for the fifth most passing yards and the ninth most touchdowns. He gets a great matchup this week against a Colts' defense that allows the fifth-highest passer rating (102.6), third-most yards per completion (12.84) and sixth-most yards per attempt (7.87) in the NFL. Indianapolis has just two interceptions, tied for the second-fewest, while allowing 14 passing touchdowns in eight games and eight completions of 40-plus yards, tied for the second-most in the league. Running Back We are going to stack this Cowboys-Colts matchup, as it has the highest Over/Under total on the main slate. Jonathan Taylor is coming off just 23 rushing yards against the Jaguars’ top-ranked rushing defense, but this is an entirely different matchup. The Cowboys rank last in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 152.8 yards per game, and second-worst in yards per carry allowed (5.03). They have also allowed 10 rushing touchdowns, tied for the fourth-most in the league. Just last week against the Cardinals, Dallas gave up 202 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, an average of 7.48 yards per attempt. Tyler Allgeier led the way with 147 yards and a score on just 11 carries. To balance out Prescott and Taylor’s high salaries, we can go to Devin Singletary at $5,200. With Tyrone Tracy on injured reserve and Cam Skattebo doubtful, Singletary could be the main guy in the Giants’ backfield. Even if Skattebo plays, Singletary should still get a solid workload. He is coming off 41 rushing yards, including a game-winning 30-yard touchdown against the Texans, and gets another favorable matchup against an Eagles run defense that ranks 28th in the NFL. Wide Receiver We're going to stack Prescott with CeeDee Lamb in this dream matchup against the Colts. Lamb leads the NFL with 92 targets (11.5 per game), ranks third in receptions (60) and receiving yards (709), and is tied for second in receiving touchdowns (6). The Colts have allowed eight completions of 40-plus yards, tied for the second-most in the NFL, and give up 13.91 yards per catch to opposing wide receivers. At a low price, we like KC Concepcion this week. Concepcion ranks second among NFL rookies in receptions (33) and yards after the catch (182), and third in targets (49). He gets a matchup against a Saints secondary that allows the 10th-most net passing yards per game (233.3) and the ninth-highest completion percentage (66.1%). Opposing wide receivers are averaging 143.6 receiving yards per game and 13.58 yards per reception against the Saints this season. Tight End It's worth paying up for George Kittle this week at $6,700. He is coming off an eight-catch, 88-yard game, and the 49ers continue to be without key offensive pieces. Las Vegas has allowed eight touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season, tied for the second-most in the NFL, and 55 receptions, the second-most. Tight ends have caught 79.7% of their 69 targets against the Raiders. This could be a smash spot. Defense We're punting defense once again, and we love the Panthers at $3,500. Prior to last week, Denver's offense had struggled throughout the year, especially on the road. The Broncos rank 30th in total offense (273.0 yards per game) and 22nd in scoring (21.5 points per game). Bet on Carolina to force some turnovers and keep Bo Nix and the Broncos' offense in check.

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‘Let’s Fiesta’: Top Moments From Rob Gronkowski’s Patriots Hall of Fame Speech

When somebody says "Gronk," everybody pictures the same thing: a 6-foot-6 tight end emphatically spiking a football in the end zone. New England Patriots legend and FOX NFL Studio Analyst Rob Gronkowski was put into the Patriots' Hall of Fame on Saturday afternoon, receiving a red jacket to commemorate the honor. "I fell to the Patriots for a reason. I came to the Patriots for a cause. It's where I belong," Gronkowski said when giving his Patriots Hall of Fame speech outside Gillette Stadium Saturday. "It's where I was meant to be. It's where I needed to serve my time to the game of professional football. Everything, and I mean everything, fit like a glove perfectly after that." Gronkowski, whom the Patriots selected with the No. 42 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Arizona, spent nine seasons in New England (2010-18) in a stint that warrants consideration to be on the franchise's all-time Mount Rushmore of players. "During the predraft process, the visit with them [the Patriots] was probably one of the worst visits of all time," Gronkowski said. "I was tired from flying all over the place. I fell asleep in the Head of Football Operations' room … I literally laid my head down on the table and took a nap. Coach [Bill Belichick], I guess, just didn't understand at the time that's called recovery, buddy. After that situation, a couple of coaches then drew up a play on the board, erased it and asked me about the routes. I had no clue. I was tired and hungover, which they still don't know.x "Just told on myself. So, basically, I said, 'Just throw me the ball. I'll catch it, and watch what I do.' They secretly loved it. They took me. They knew they needed a little edge to get back to the Super Bowl. Crazy how it all worked out." A four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, Gronkowski is first in Patriots' history with 79 receiving touchdowns, second with 7,861 passing yards and fifth with 521 receptions. Meanwhile, he led the NFL with 17 receiving touchdowns in 2011, logged 1,000-plus receiving yards in four seasons and was the 2014 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after suffering a torn ACL in the 2013 season. The superstar tight end won three Super Bowls with the Patriots (2014, 2016 and 2018); he was active for two of them, as Gronkowski missed the 2016 postseason due to a back injury. Gronkowski reeled in a combined 81 receptions for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns across 16 playoff games for the Patriots. One might say there's a degree of "resiliency" to Gronkowski's career. "I am a Patriot for life. Now, let's fiesta," Gronkowski concluded before spiking a football on stage. Gronkowski would come out of retirement to play with Tom Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2020-21, with Tampa Bay winning the Super Bowl in 2020. Speaking of Brady, the NFL's all-time passing leader will call his first-ever Patriots game since becoming FOX's Lead NFL Analyst in 2024, as New England hosts the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon (4:25 p.m. ET on FOX).

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2026 NFL, CFB Odds: Best Bets For Texas-Missouri, Rams-Commanders

Last weekend’s picks went 3–2, and I’ll take that all day. We have to talk about being a part of sports betting history, though. One of my losses was UConn +1.5 and the Huskies fell to an Air Force team that didn’t complete a single pass. Not one. It wasn’t funny last Saturday, but it’s hilarious in hindsight. We know you’re here for informed wagers and I assure you I vet everything through multiple handicappers, oddsmakers and betting buddies who know what they’re doing. Those that do well in this racket know the "how, what and why" and that’s always my goal. Also, this will never be the place for a million picks or five-team parlays. These will always be the wagers I love the most and ones that I’m betting with my own money. Let’s go to work. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. (2026 Record: 22-19-2, +1.1 units) This line absolutely stinks. Texas just pounded Mississippi State 31-3 and Vegas sportsbooks still opened the Horns at -3? A deeper dive tells the story of how Texas’ offensive line is not getting the job done in the running game. Only 60 yards on 32 carries will not cut it against better competition. Austin Simmons is playing really good quarterback for Mizzou right now and the Tigers are very live to win outright. This line stinks, too. UCLA is a perfect 8-0 against the spread this year and yet Circa Sports opened the Bruins -6. It’s just under the ever-important key number of "7," and it looks oh, so easy to walk down that red carpet and lay it with UCLA. Stylistically, these two teams are very similar, and the total tells us there won’t be a ton of touchdowns. As long as the Golden Gophers protect the rock, they’ll be able to hang around. After beating the big, bad Kansas City Chiefs with a goal-line stand, the Broncos now have to fly across the country to face a middling Panthers team. And wise guys were quick to gobble up the +3s on Carolina. Funny how that works, isn’t it? I’ve never been a fan of these cross-country spots and I would rather drink the stuff under the sink than lay a short road number with Bo Nix. Thanks, but no thanks. The Rams continue to be overhyped and overvalued in the betting market. They have not made you money this year at the window and this number is currently inside that dangerous territory where a 10-point lead can become a 3-point lead in the final minutes. Washington continues to battle for 60 minutes and Jayden Daniels continues to protect that precious football. Don’t be surprised if this one is close late.

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Will Hill's Parlay Of The Week: Back Bears To Keep Winning; Gophers To Cover

The baseball season is done, and college hoops is beginning. Still, this week, I'm all about football. Here's what I'm looking at for my five-leg parlay. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Minnesota vs. UCLA has a point total of just 39.5, with points expected to be at a premium. While UCLA is unbeaten and a great story, it has played a very favorable schedule and might struggle to pull away from the feisty Gophers. Last week, North Carolina covered as a big underdog against the No. 1 team in the nation, nearly beating Miami. While Bill Belichick’s squad has had some success as an underdog this season, being a road favorite against a non-conference opponent this week has the makings of a let-down spot. Speaking of UConn, it will be third-string quarterback and Huskies alum Joe Fagnano making his first career start against the Jaguars on Thursday night. I expect the beleaguered Ravens’ offense to struggle mightily with the undrafted rookie under center. The Jets have improved on offense despite not having many wins to show for it this season. They rarely get blown out and have been unfortunate in close games, sporting a 1-5 record in one-score tilts. I’ll say New York keeps it close in Kansas City. The new-look Bears were ultra-impressive in their win over the defending champion Seahawks on Monday night, and look like a legitimate title contender. I expect Chicago to notch another win, this time against the Buccaneers.

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NFL Trade Deadline: Where Will Top Targets Go? Execs Help Us Predict Landing Spots

It's almost time for NFL teams to put the pencils down for the trade deadline. That means it's also almost time for us to put our pencils down and get our final predictions in for what happens ahead of the trade deadline. So, we did just that. Ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, we surveyed people around the league to find out where some of the top players on the market will end up. Will the Indianapolis Colts trade Jonathan Taylor? Will the Dallas Cowboys land one of the handful of standout pass rushers believed to be on the trade market? We asked those questions as we made predictions for the trade deadline and share some other things we've heard about the trade market. Here's what we learned and what we think will happen before next Tuesday arrives. Ralph Vacchiano: One thing I know for sure is that the New York Giants really want him. Badly. The only question is how much they’re willing to pay. John Harbaugh was openly talking about adding a bell cow running back a few weeks ago, when he said, "I would love for us to be in that kind of a circumstance — a Derrick Henry circumstance or a Saquon Barkley circumstance." The 28-year-old Taylor is his best bet (Tennessee’s Tony Pollard might be their Plan B). The problem, as one executive told me, is, "No one is sure if Indy is serious about trading him. What they want is an extraordinarily high price." The word has been that they’re asking for a package like what the Carolina Panthers got from San Francisco for RB Christian McCaffrey in 2022 — a second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round pick. But one source told me, "I heard they wanted a first in the package." The Giants are a little hamstrung by not having a fourth- or fifth-round pick in next year’s draft, so It’s possible they’d have to trade a first. Would they do it? It seems clear Harbaugh would. "They know they’ve got an opportunity" in a weak NFC East, one scout told me. "They want it." Eric D. Williams: Seahawks general manager John Schneider said the Seahawks could still make a move before Tuesday’s trade deadline after already giving up third- and fifth-round picks to add offensive lineman Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. But with a healthy first-round pick in Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet returning, Seattle is likely out of the mix for Taylor’s services. Instead, teams like the Giants, Packers and Vikings make more sense. "I wouldn’t give up a first-round pick," an NFL talent evaluator told me. "Age is my concern, even with the durability factor. He is a healthy 27-year-old – a two and a four for me. A three and a four would be better. People aren’t desperate for RBs like QBs and pass rushers." Vacchiano's prediction: Taylor lands with New York Giants I think the Giants are going to get him and it’s going to feel like they overpaid, even if they somehow do it without giving up a first-round pick. "They’re thinking big," one source told me, and team sources have indicated the same to me. They’ll add a defensive tackle too, but the ones left probably won’t be big-ticket items. This will be their big swing. Williams' prediction: Taylor lands with Minnesota Vikings Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is under immense pressure to make Justin Jefferson happy and the offense work after a so-so performance by Kyler Murray through the first half of the season. And Minnesota general manager Nolan Teasley understands the importance a dynamic runner brings to an offense from his time with the Seattle Seahawks working for Scheider. The Vikings are the most desperate team playing in the most competitive division in the NFC North and make a move here. Vacchiano: A scout who saw him recently said, "He sure looks like he doesn’t want to be there anymore," and sure enough, he asked for a trade last week. The Colts are clearly open for business, and it seems likely they’ll trade him. They reportedly set a price at a third-round pick, but one executive told me, "No one’s crazy enough to do that, not with all the other receivers who might be available." Downs is only 25, but he’s a rental who is scheduled to hit free agency in March. He’s also just 5-foot-9 and probably a No. 2-3 receiver at best. Multiple sources told me the Kansas City Chiefs are interested. Another suggested the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are dealing with injuries to wide receivers Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson. Downs and Wilson would be a little redundant, though, so if Wilson (finger) is really coming back in late November, the Steelers might want to think bigger if they’re going to get quarterback Aaron Rodgers another weapon. Williams: Set to hit free agency at season’s end and looking to escape the dumpster fire in Indianapolis, Downs is a smooth route runner who could serve as a security blanket for an older, experienced quarterback like Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes. One NFL front office executive told me there’s less of a miss factor with Downs over a younger receiver with upside like Brian Thomas Jr. "Downs gives them a consistent short-to-immediate threat," the personnel executive told me. "Neither [Thomas nor Downs] will provide a high-volume target [for the Chiefs]. That will come in the draft next year." Downs has just four drops on 138 targets over the last two seasons, according to Next Gen Stats. Vacchiano's prediction: Downs lands with Pittsburgh Steelers The Colts are going to trade him for whatever they can get, and he makes the most sense for the Steelers, even if he’s similar to Wilson. The more weapons they can get for Aaron Rodgers on his last ride, the better. And since he can’t throw downfield like he used to, they’re better off with slot-types who can catch short passes and make big plays. Williams' prediction: Downs lands with Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City has Travis Kelce to work the middle of the field — and that’s about it. Mahomes could use a sure-handed, twitchy route runner who can get open on got-to-have-it situations and move the chains for the Chiefs. So, it makes sense that the Chiefs have shown interest in Downs, and ultimately, I believe he lands there. Vacchiano: All the speculation I hear about the 29-year-old edge rusher is that he’s a perfect fit for the Dallas Cowboys, who really need someone to boost their pass rush and help out their defensive line. "He’s the perfect guy for Jerry Jones to throw his money at," one scout told me. "He’ll have an impact. He won’t make the defense good. But he can pressure and he can help their run defense." The bigger problem is that Sweat could be expensive. It’s not just that the Cardinals would likely want a second-round pick in return, but it’s also that many around the league believe Sweat is going to push for a new contract, or at least some new money, as part of any trade. He’s only in the second year of a four-year, $76 million contract. He also doesn’t have a no-trade clause, so he can’t block any move, but he can make things difficult if a new team doesn’t sweeten his pot. Williams: The Cardinals already traded an underperforming Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans and moved quarterback Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens, so it would make sense that Arizona would be interested in moving on from the 29-year-old Sweat. He totaled 20 sacks over the last two seasons entering 2026 and now has just four sacks in eight games. However, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort was hired four years ago and is under some pressure to stack some wins after already firing Jonathan Gannon and hiring Mike LaFleur to replace him as head coach this offseason. "I think they are trying to win as many games as possible," a league source told me. So, getting rid of players that help you win games might not be in the cards for the Cardinals. Sweat is in the second season of a four-year, $76.4 million deal he signed with Arizona at the start of free agency last year. Vacchiano's prediction: Josh Sweat stays with Arizona Cardinals I don’t think they’re going to trade him. The Cardinals are building a nice base for the future and Sweat is signed through 2028 and young enough to be a part of that. And given his interest in getting paid more, I don’t think they’ll get an offer they can’t refuse. Williams' prediction: Josh Sweat stays with Arizona Cardinals I think the Cardinals stand pat and keep Sweat. He’s a good fit for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and is playing under a reasonable contract. Pass rushers can play productive football into their mid-30s, and Sweat could be part of Arizona’s rebuilding effort starting in 2027 when they likely draft a franchise quarterback. Vacchiano: The 6-foot-3, 209-pounder caught his first pass in three weeks on Sunday, and it was a 12-yard touchdown. A scout told me, "As soon as I saw that, I thought ‘Showcase!’" Almost everyone thinks the Jags are going to trade the former first-rounder, and for good reason. They’ve buried him in their offense. He’s been targeted 22 times all season. He’s only playing about 44% of Jacksonville’s plays. "It doesn’t make sense," one NFL executive told me. "He can still run. He can still move. He’s still big. It was just two years ago that he was one of the best rookies in the league (87-1,282-10). He’s had issues with drops, but you can fix that. He’s just too talented to give up." It does seem Liam Coen has given up, though, and Thomas could be the best wide receiver moved at the deadline. Figure the Chiefs, Bills and Steelers will be at the front of the line. The NFL executive told me to watch the 49ers as a dark horse given all the offensive injuries they’ve had. Williams: The LSU product is the second disappointing first-round receiver from the 2024 draft class to hit the trade market, following Marvin Harrison Jr., who landed with the Houston Texans. After a promising rookie season, Thomas fell out of favor with head coach Liam Coen. However, according to an NFL front office executive, the upside still remains for a young receiver with elite traits. "I loved Thomas as a rookie," the NFL front office executive told me.  "I don’t know what has happened." After an explosive rookie season with 87 receptions for 1,232 yards and 10 scores, Thomas has been in a steady decline in the following years. But NFL sources I spoke with believe a change of scenery could help reignite the fire in Thomas. Vacchiano's prediction: Brian Thomas Jr. lands with Kansas City Chiefs What a waste if they don’t trade him. And they probably can get a third- or fourth-round pick, since there’s no more talented wide receiver on the market. He really looks like the kind of reclamation project Andy Reid would love. And the Chiefs need wide receiver help, too. Williams' prediction: Brian Thomas Jr. lands with Pittsburgh Steelers The Steelers, with their inability to generate explosive plays down the field, seem like a natural fit for Thomas. Rodgers could use some help on the perimeter, with receivers combining for just five touchdowns this year. Thomas also would provide another field stretcher to help open the middle of the field. Vacchiano: One of the biggest mysteries of the run-up to this trading deadline is why the winless Los Angeles Chargers haven’t been more active. "I don’t know what they’re waiting for," one executive told me. "They should be actively listening to offers on everybody." But the sense around the league is that they’re not — at least not yet. When or if they do, the 35-year-old Khalil Mack figures to be the most likely player to go because a lot of teams need pass rushers. "He’s not what he used to be," a scout told me, "but if you make him a rotational pass rusher, limit his snaps, he can help." Teams like the Bears, the Cowboys, or maybe even the Cleveland Browns make sense if they really think they have a shot in their division and the price is right. But so far, no one seems to know what that price is. "I really don’t get it," the executive said. "If they don’t do anything at the deadline, there’s a good chance they’ll be just as bad next year, too." Williams: I asked Mack after his team’s loss to the Rams over the weekend about the possibility of being traded, and this is what he had to say: "You’ve got to be where your feet are man, ultimately. That can be the most difficult thing when you’re dealing with a lot of outside noise and stuff. Just trying to be where your feet are at all times. That’s kind of been my thing in years past." Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about Mack being traded this week, and said that he wants the 35-year-old edge rusher to be there and Mack wants to stay. However, Mack mulled retirement before eventually returning on a one-year, $18 million deal. And he wants an opportunity to win a Super Bowl in what could be his final season. That’s not happening with the Chargers. Vacchiano's prediction: Khalil Mack stays with Los Angeles Chargers I think the Chargers are crazy and they’re not going to trade him. If they do, I think the Bears make the most sense. But I really get the feeling that they would rather keep their awful, winless team together as long as possible. Never mind that Mack will be a free agent in March. I’m sure the Chargers have a plan. Williams' prediction: Khalil Mack lands with San Francisco 49ers A team like the San Francisco 49ers will make a play for Mack. Even with the potential return of Nick Bosa from a calf injury, San Francisco could use more pass-rush help and is in position to chase a Super Bowl. Also, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has experience with plugging elite pass rushers into his system midseason. He executed a similar situation when the Los Angeles Rams traded for Von Miller and won the Super Bowl after the 2021 season. Williams: There’s been some speculation around the league that the Chargers may be willing to trade franchise quarterback QB Justin Herbert, who’s having the worst season statistically in his seven-year NFL career. But I’ve been told by a league source that’s extremely unlikely to happen. "The OC and WR coach would go first," the league source told me. Vacchiano: I don’t believe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will move him, but one player I’d keep an eye on is defensive tackle Vita Vea. I know the Giants love him. They were big-game hunting at that position, with John Harbaugh even calling Titans owner Amy Strunk to try and swing a deal for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons before he went to Chicago. The Giants called Washington about defensive tackle Daron Payne before he got hurt, too. I wouldn’t be shocked if they made an offer for Vea and were willing to deal a first-round pick. Vacchiano: I’d expect the Eagles to do some selling in the next week, especially CB Riq Woolen and TE Dallas Goedert. They told RB Saquon Barkley that he won’t be traded. "That tells you what his market was," one source told me. Vacchiano: One possible late wild-card entry into the list of sellers: The Baltimore Ravens. They’re only 4-4 but, as one source told me, "They have to know their season is over without Lamar Jackson." Players like CB Marlon Humphrey, DL Calais Campbell, and WR Rashod Bateman would be interesting trading chips. But they might have a bigger one. "All those teams that seem to want Jonathan Taylor," an NFL executive said to me, "I wonder if any of them now will try to pry Derrick Henry loose." Williams: Two veteran players who could have new homes next week are Cardinals Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker and Cleveland Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy. Baker told reporters he hopes to stay in Arizona. In his 10th NFL season, the 30-year-old University of Washington product is an eight-time Pro Bowler and hard-hitting safety who could help a team in need of defensive help in the secondary, like the Buffalo Bills. Jeudy has also shown he can still make plays all over the field, but with the Browns adding talented rookie receivers in WR K.C. Concepcion and WR Denzel Boston, there isn't as much of a need to keep Jeudy around. "Arizona moving on from Budda Baker wouldn’t surprise me," a league source told me. "In Cleveland, given the play of their rookie WRs, a Jerry Jeudy trade wouldn’t be surprising."

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2027 NFL Mock Draft: Drew Mestemaker First Of 6 QBs Selected In First Round

We aren’t quite halfway through the 2026 NFL season yet some fans and their beloved teams are already looking ahead to the 2027 draft. We've been examining the quarterback class for months. And while it has not quite lived up to expectations through the first two months of the college football season, there is still a healthy supply of options. Just as importantly, there remains great demand across the NFL. At least eight of the 32 teams do not have their starting QB in place for 2027. That alone might prompt a Day 1 run on QBs in the upcoming draft. As with any mock this far out, it's important to note that some of the players listed below — including quarterbacks — will inevitably return to school rather than make the NFL jump, especially because of NIL opportunities. But if the draft were held today — and all of the best eligible prospects were available — here is how I think the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft would go. *Draft order set by current standings NFL Player Comp: Julio Jones (retired) The Chargers have scored a total of nine touchdowns in seven games this season. The quickest and best fix for the most anemic offense in the league is Jeremiah Smith, a physically dominant pass-catcher who's more than worthy of being the first wide receiver taken No. 1 overall since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. NFL Player Comp: Micah Parsons, Packers Could it be as simple as just replacing one Simmons with another? Not really, but with All-Pro Jeffery Simmons now playing in Chicago, the Titans must add difference-makers on defense if Robert Saleh has any chance at success. Colin Simmons is the most explosive edge rusher of this class. Pairing him with Jermaine Johnson on the outside would be a great start to the Titans’ defensive rebuild. NFL Player Comp: Josh Allen, Bills It isn’t fair to pin all the blame for the Dolphins' struggles this season on costly free-agent quarterback Malik Willis. But with just five touchdowns (against six interceptions) thrown through the first two months, he hasn’t provided much spark. One could argue that no QB would be successful given the supporting cast Willis has, but that may not matter come draft day. Drew Mestemaker’s perceived upside could have teams bidding against each other, and the Dolphins are currently in good position to land this year’s biggest fish. NFL Player Comp: Christian Gonzalez, Patriots The Jets could wind up with three selections in the top 10, giving general manager Darren Mougey all the resources necessary to move up if desired. But with the likelihood of there being a handful of first-round QB prospects, letting the board fall to him makes a lot of sense. The first bite at the proverbial apple might be best used on blue-chip cornerback Leonard Moore. NFL Player Comp: Brian Burns, Giants It seems much longer than two seasons ago that the Eagles were Super Bowl champions. A roster rebuild may be looming, and if so, Philadelphia might first look to a defensive line that is big on names but low in production, generating just 10 sacks over the first eight games of the season (second fewest in the NFL). For GM Howie Roseman, Dylan Stewart may be the perfect blend of immediate impact potential and long-term upside. NFL Player Comp: Russell Wilson (retired) Geno Smith has played well this season, but at 36 years old, he is likely no more than a one-year stopgap for the Jets. Succeeding amid all the scrutiny of New York is going to take a signal-caller with rare poise. Trinidad Chambliss won’t be a fit for everyone, but I could see a lot of coaches being a fan of his competitiveness and dual-threat talents. NFL Player Comp: Ronnie Stanley, Ravens Regardless of whether the Texans can can right the ship this season, they are in need of upgrades at various positions. That includes left tackle, where second-year pro Aireontae Ersery has surrendered 25 pressures (and four sacks) so far this season. Elijah Page pairs light feet and balance with power and nastiness in the running game to be this year’s top offensive line prospect. NFL Player Comp: Fred Warner, 49ers Only the division rival Panthers (12) have surrendered more rushing touchdowns so far this season than the Saints (11). With a blend of size and speed similar to last year’s top-five pick Sonny Styles, Chris Cole would fill a need and offer excellent value at this point in the draft. NFL Player Comp: Larry Fitzgerald (retired) I love Charlie Becker's potential fit with the Commanders. His blend of size, body control and exceptional hands would be exactly the type of reliable pass-catcher that would help QB Jayden Daniels to reemerge as one of the NFL’s brightest young stars. NFL Player Comp: Nnamdi Madubuike, Ravens It would be fitting to use the first-round selection gained in the trade of Quinnen Williams on another difference-making defensive tackle. Xavier Gilliam is one of this year’s fastest rising prospects, surging up draft boards in large part due to his elite first-step quickness. NFL Player Comp: Christian Watson, Packers When healthy, hideouts Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka have flashed star talent, but they haven’t been able to stay on the field and third-round rookie Ted Hurst remains a flashy project. I believe the quickest way to get the Bucs back on top in the NFC South would be to give Baker Mayfield another dynamic weapon. Big and shockingly athletic, Nick Marsh gets overshadowed at Indiana, but he projects as an even better NFL receiver than he’s been at the college level. NFL Player Comp: Justin Herbert, Chargers The Cardinals' inspirational comeback over the Cowboys last week completely shook up their QB room, as Jacoby Brissett has since been traded, backup Gardner Minshew is now QB1 and rookie Carson Beck is the backup. This is all temporary, however. Arizona will assuredly be in the market for a new starter next year and Mike LaFleur is exactly the type of QB-friendly head coach needed to unlock Arch Manning’s great potential. NFL Player Comp: Chris Lindstrom, Falcons Some teams just adopt the style of their head coach and Kevin Stefanski is a hard-nosed, run-first guy. With longtime left tackle Jake Matthews now 34 years old and right tackle Jaylon Moore in the final year of his contract, I think Atlanta will prioritize the offensive line in the offseason. Trevor Lauck’s game screams top-10 pick, but his relatively short arms could push him down the board slightly. NFL Player Comp: Patrick Surtain Jr., Broncos As dynamic as the Raiders have been on offense so far this season, their secondary has been the polar opposite, allowing an NFL-high 18 touchdown receptions so far this season. Ashton Hampton’s size and physicality would be an immediate help. NFL Player Comp: Joey Porter Jr., Cowboys With aging cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie both in their walk years, Baltimore should be looking for youth at the position. The 6-foot-4 Kelley Jones has the length and physicality the Ravens have long prioritized. A horrific run of injuries at quarterback could have them drafting in the top 10. NFL Player Comp: Kirk Cousins, Raiders Browns general manager Andrew Berry has quite the conundrum. His team already has four quarterbacks on the roster, though current starter Deshaun Watson is 31 years old and a pending free agent. Can the Browns afford to spend yet another first round pick on a signal-caller? With two first-round picks in a potentially rich QB class, can they afford not to? CJ Carr lacks elite traits, but he’s smart, tough and seemingly an ideal fit for head coach Todd Monken’s run-heavy attack. NFL Player Comp: Olu Fashanu, Jets The defending champs face a big decision at right tackle with veteran Abe Lucas struggling this season yet slated to earn a significant raise in 2027. Moving on from the popular local product would be a risk, but there are enough quality tackles such as Jordan Seaton likely available in this class to justify it. NFL Player Comp: Frank Ragnow (retired) A large part of the reason for the Browns' impressive play this season has been the steady, veteran presence of a retooled offensive line. However, with right guard Teven Jenkins on a one-year deal and center Elgton Jenkins’ contract up a year later, the Browns could see Greg Johnson (who has played both positions) as a cost-effective solution. NFL Player Comp: Jonathan Taylor, Colts The Panthers have a sub-500 record and yet would still be picking this late in the first round as they are the current leaders in a weak NFC South division. Carolina has yet to get any return on its investment in third-year RB Jonathon Brooks, and head coach Dave Canales needs results. Jadan Baugh is a 6-foot-1, 225-pound bulldozer with breakaway speed. NFL Player Comp: Keion White, 49ers If the Cowboys are unable to extend wideouts George Pickens or cornerback Joey Porter Jr., those positions could leap to the forefront of their draft priorities. Otherwise, a big, versatile defender such as Devan Thompkins could help solidify a front seven that has allowed an NFL-worst 1,222 rushing yards (and 10 TDs) so far this season. NFL Player Comp: Budda Baker, Cardinals The Patriots have a good young safety in Craig Woodson but could seek an upgrade over pending free agents Kevin Byard III and Mike Brown this offseason. Jaylen McClain gets overshadowed by all of the talent at Ohio State, but he’s taken over for Caleb Downs as the sheriff in the Buckeyes’ defensive backfield and has the range and reliable open-field tackling skills the NFL covets. NFL Player Comp: Tyler Linderbaum, Raiders It should have surprised no one when John Harbaugh selected bulldozing blocker Francis Mauigoa with the first pick (on offense) of his Giants tenure. I think Harbaugh will make a similar push for Kade Pieper, whose style and frame will remind the former Ravens coach of All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum. NFL Player Comp: Derick Hall, Seahawks The Bengals' defense has been better this season, but stopping the run remains an issue. Cincinnati is allowing 4.8 yards per carry, which is tied for 29th in the NFL. Yhonzae Pierre isn’t a dynamic pass-rusher, but he’s violent and sets a firm edge, making him an excellent complement to last year’s investments in defensive ends Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell. NFL Player Comp: Laiatu Latu, Colts Longtime Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the NFL’s best, so it might surprise some to learn that the Chiefs are tied (with the Giants and the Dolphins) for worst in the league in quarterback sacks, with just nine on the season. Boubacar Traore is technically sound with a full tool-belt of moves, making him among the most pro-ready rushers of this class. NFL Player Comp: Kenneth Grant, Dolphins Given that the Jaguars' run defense has been the stoutest in the NFL thus far with just 542 total yards (and four TDs) allowed, this selection might seem superflous. However, with key veterans Arik Armstead and DaRon Hamilton both nearing free agency, adding youth and girth could ensure that one of Jacksonville's biggest strengths remains one for the foreseeable future. NFL Player Comp: Denzel Ward, Browns It is a testament to the Lions’ explosive offense that they seem destined for a long playoff run despite surrendering a league-high 18 passing touchdowns thus far. General manager Brad Holmes might have to trade up to acquire Ellis Robinson IV, who possesses the rare cover skills to help remedy Detroit's secondary woes. NFL Player Comp: C.J. Stroud, Texans Given the investment made in Drew Allar last spring, I don’t believe the Steelers are planning to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2027 draft. However, should an abbreviated 2026 season push Dante Moore — the most talented passer in this class — far enough down the board, it would make sense for Pittsburgh to adjust its plan. NFL Player Comp: Milton Williams, Patriots The Titans used the No. 2 overall selection on edge rusher Colin Simmons in this projection and I don’t think the defensive rebuilding ends there. With the first of two Day 1 picks acquired from the Bears for star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, general manager Mike Borgonzi could see another All-SEC DT in Will Echoles as an ideal replacement. NFL Player Comp: Kyle Pitts, Falcons A playmaking tight end was one of the staples of Sean Payton’s dynamic offenses with the New Orleans Saints. I think he’d love to go back to the bayou for Trey'Dez Green (6-foot-7, 245-pounds) should he still be on the board this late. NFL Player Comp: Jared Goff, Lions The Vikings were the final team in the NFL to lose a game. Just imagine what they could become if they had anything close to quality play at the quarterback position. Despite his gaudy statistics, Darian Mensah isn’t universally regarded as a first-round talent. Still, I think he’d excel in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, especially throwing to Justin Jefferson. NFL Player Comp: Kolton Miller, Raiders Simply put, Trent Williams is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. He is still playing at an All-Pro level at 38 years old and may very well play for another few seasons. Should San Francisco have any thoughts that he is considering retirement, however, the club should be proactively searching for an understudy. Utah's Zereoue Williams has been starting for just one season, but he too possesses a shocking combination of size (6-foot-8, 305 pounds) and athleticism. NFL Player Comp: Malik Mustafa, 49ers The Bills are playing like Super Bowl favorites but will almost certainly be looking at safety in the offseason with veterans Damar Hamlin and Geno Stone hitting free agency (and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson recently released). KJ Bolden lacks ideal size at 6-foot, 185 pounds, but former safety and current Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard won’t be scared by that. Like Leonhard previously, Bolden has range and ball skills and is a fierce hitter.

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NFL Fact Or Fiction: Bears Going To The Super Bowl? Seahawks To Miss Playoffs?

After dominating the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks in Week 8, are the Bears the clear-cut best team in the NFL? And is Seattle in danger of missing the postseason? The Steelers have won four straight games and top the AFC North at 6-2, but are they actually title contenders? As always, NFL fans brought their hot takes to our @NFLonFOX Instagram coming out of the latest week of action. Below, I render fact or fiction verdicts on some of the best ones, providing my thoughts and analysis. Let’s dive in: Fact or Fiction: Fact The NFL is a week-to-week league, and everyone is riding high on the Bears after they stormed into Seattle and overwhelmed the defending champs on Monday Night Football, but I’m all-in on this take! The only team in the NFC that may be just as (or more) complete than the Bears is the San Francisco 49ers. But I’m taking the upside of an ascending Caleb Williams over Brock Purdy — who’s been terrific this season, save the Niners’ Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons — at quarterback. It’s also difficult to trust that San Francisco can stay healthy enough for the duration of the season, given recent history and its veteran roster. The 49ers have already been ravaged by the injury bug seven games into their season. Defensive end Nick Bosa (calf) and wide receivers Mike Evans (Achilles tendinitis) and Deebo Samuel Jr. (hamstring) are among the key contributors currently battling injuries. The Bears, meanwhile, have a much younger core and don’t have nearly as many health issues. Of course, that can change in the blink of an eye in the NFL, but the Bears are currently in great shape. Plus, Chicago’s defense looks much more dependable right now. New Bears DT Jeffery Simmons gives the team the ability to wreak havoc with a four-man rush while San Francisco still has pass-rush issues without blitzing. Reuniting with DL DeForest Buckner will help, but there’s still a need for reliable depth at edge rusher given Bosa’s health concerns. According to Next Gen Stats, the Niners rank 28th in pressure rate (28.0%) and tied for 22nd in sacks (15). The Bears have fewer holes than the Niners and every other team in the NFC. Fact or Fiction: Fiction Sorry, I’m not buying this right now. I know the defending champs are 4-4 and have issues on offense, but it’s not difficult to imagine the tide turning for them over the next several weeks. First of all, the Seahawks just reconfigured their offensive line. All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson, acquired via trade with the Indianapolis Colts, had just a few days to learn a new scheme before facing a revamped Bears defensive line that added Jeffery Simmons. Nelson’s arrival forced Grey Zabel to move from left to right guard, a position he hadn’t played since his freshman year of college in 2020. Left tackle Charles Cross (ankle) didn’t play in Week 8. Seattle’s talented O-line just needs time together, which will help spur an inconsistent rushing attack that just got first-round rookie Jadarian Price and veteran Zach Charbonnet back from injuries. Price has only four NFL games under his belt; we don’t know what he is as a pro yet. Charbonnet, who had 12 rushing touchdowns last season, is coming off his first game action since tearing his ACL in January. Both backs should get better as the season wears on, taking pressure off QB Sam Darnold, who’s been turnover prone (nine interceptions in six games). And while Darnold is week-to-week with a quad injury, backup Drew Lock has been terrific in relief this season, showing he's more than capable of keeping the Seahawks’ offense afloat. Seattle’s "Dark Side" defense is still elite, despite a rough showing against Chicago on Monday. The 49ers (6-1) are 2.5 games ahead of the Seahawks for first place in the NFC West. As it stands, San Francisco is in great shape to take the division. But Seattle is right in the mix for one of the wild-card spots. Fact or Fiction: Fiction I’m not there yet. Yes, the Steelers are technically a contender by virtue of their record. At 6-2, they sit atop their division and would be the AFC’s No. 3 seed if the playoffs started today, hosting a postseason game. They can run the ball with the Jaylen Warren-Rico Dowdle tandem in the backfield — 348 rushing yards over their past two games — and can stop the run (83.9 rushing yards allowed per game, third in the NFL). Pittsburgh is tied with the Denver Broncos for the longest active winning streak, but the Steelers haven’t really beaten anyone to this point. No team they’ve faced in their four-game streak (Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns) would be in the postseason if the playoffs started today. Just one of their six wins came against a team that’s currently in the playoff field (Cincinnati Bengals, Week 3). We’ll learn much more about the Steelers’ legitimacy over the next five weeks, when they have a rematch with the Bengals (5-2) and also face the Broncos (5-2) and Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2). The Bengals game is the only one of those three that’s at home. Right now, I see a Pittsburgh team that could use more depth at wide receiver and cornerback. Aaron Rodgers isn’t the superstar quarterback he once was. It’s tough to buy into the Steelers without a signature win. Fact or Fiction: Fiction The 0-7 Chargers are terrible, but they have winnable games in the foreseeable future. In the next three weeks, they face two two-win teams (Houston Texans, New York Jets) and a Ravens squad that’s down its top two quarterbacks. Further out, in Week 13, the Chargers play the 3-5 Buccaneers. In Week 16, L.A. travels to Miami to face the lowly Dolphins. I say the Chargers get three or four wins by season’s end. As much as this has been a season from hell for quarterback Justin Herbert, he did have a season-high in completion rate (75.0%) and passing yards (257) in the Chargers' loss last Sunday to the Rams. That’s potentially something to build on, despite the fact that he had his third multi-interception game. The Chargers aren’t devoid of talent. That, even if nothing else, can get them at least a couple of wins.

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