NFL Today: The Jets Clean House
This week, Shedeur Sanders was named to replace Drake Maye in the Pro Bowl; after getting an interview for the Buffalo head coaching gig, Philip Rivers withdrew his name from consideration; and Washington hired Minnesota coach Daronte Jones as its new defensive coordinator. Other Fantasy football news items we’re tracking include…
Justin Fields On Borrowed Time?
When we last checked in on the New York Jets, things were off to a rocky start. They only got worse from there as New York dropped its first seven games before a modest two-game win streak. Unfortunately, that was the high point of the season as they went 1-7 in the second half to finish with a paltry three wins a year after winning just five.
Yuck.
The Jets have now missed the playoffs for each of the last 15 seasons (speaking of playoffs, if you’re fortunate enough to still have a team in the race, here’s an updated printable bracket to help you keep track at home).
While New York’s offense showed modest improvement in 2024, the unit handed it all back this season, finishing 29th in both yardage (including dead last in passing) and scoring. And now it’s cost offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand his job after just one season at the helm, even though it appeared very recently that he was part of the team’s plans for 2026.
As we discussed in mid-September, quarterback Justin Fields came out early in Week Two with a concussion and wound up missing Week Three. But upon returning, he enjoyed back-to-back strong performances… and then the wheels mostly came off as four of his final five games were substandard, leading to him being benched for Tyrod Taylor.
To literally add insult to injury (or perhaps injury to insult?), Fields then dealt with a knee woe that caused him to be shut down just before Christmas. So whatever gains he made last season in Pittsburgh were gone as he slightly regressed, and really, proved to be among the worst QBs in the NFL. Fields’ highlight video (see below), shockingly does not include any Jets’ content.
His future as the starter (and really, his place on the team) is very much in question, especially with the Jets expected to use the second (or more likely the 16th) pick in the NFL draft to add his replacement. Fields has one year left on his contract, but at this point it would not be shocking at all if he was released.
He remains intriguing because of his dynamic rushing ability, but as a passer? Well, until Fields proves he can perform on a consistent basis, his opportunities may be extremely limited. At this point, he’s barely a top 35 QB for Dynasty formats.
Seattle’s Other SB MVP Candidate
When we last checked in on the Seattle Seahawks a month ago, they were on a sweet win streak heading into the season finale. Well, they shut down the 49ers in that game to wrap up a team-record 14-win campaign.
With a first round bye, Seattle waited in the wings for the Divisional Round and ultimately another crack at NFC West divisional rival San Francisco, and this one was ugly literally from the opening kickoff as the Seahawks obliterated the ‘Niners 41-6.
The NFC Championship game was a much more competitive affair, but Seattle prevailed 31-27 thanks to a season-best 10 receptions by wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had underwhelmed in the Divisional Round. Drafted three years ago to give newly extended QB Geno Smith a shiny new toy, Smith-Njigba has developed into a top three dynasty option at his position, proving extremely durable and showing major improvement each season, culminating in a career-best 10 TDs in 2025.
In fact, as per FanDuel, no non-QB has a better chance to take home Super Bowl MVP honours than Smith-Njigba (+550).
If New England is going to beat Seattle, negating him may be a wise strategy as the Seahawks haven’t really gotten consistent production from any other receivers, remaining very reliant on him (only once did he not lead the team in receiving yards in the regular season).
It begs the question: is JSN the best WR in the NFL at the moment? Well, if not, as we alluded to above, he’s definitely on a very short list of candidates.
RotoRob Tune of the Day
Canadian rockers Rough Trade got their start in 1968 and remained active until 1988. In 1980, they released their second album, Avoid Freud, kicked off by “It’s a Jungle.” The song was also included on the 1981 compilation album Superstars Salute New Massey Hall.
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