NFL Player News

Darnold completed 25 of 36 pass attempts for 346 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for nine yards on three attempts in Sunday's 31-27 NFC Championship Game win over the Rams.

Darnold was dealing with oblique discomfort during the practice week, but he did not carry a designation into Sunday's playoff tilt. Often criticized for his shortcomings in high-stakes games, Darnold overcame that narrative by producing one his finest performances from the pocket (127.8 QBR) in order to send the Seahawks to Santa Clara, CA for Super Bowl LX. The 346 passing yards were the most the 28-year-old has slung through 19 starts with Seattle. It was also the first time the veteran signal-caller has thrown three touchdown passes with no turnovers in a game this season. Darnold and the Seahawks will have two weeks to prepare for a stiff Patriots defense before the two teams meet in the Super Bowl on Feb. 8.

Nacua corralled nine of 14 targets for 165 yards and a touchdown while gaining four yards on his only carry in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

Nacua paced the Rams in targets, receptions and yards from scrimmage in an impressive individual effort that wasn't enough to lift his club past the NFC Championship Game in 2025. The fantasy stud overcame the complexity of incorporating another superstar wideout into the mix when Davante Adams signed with Los Angeles this past offseason. Nacua maintained his elite status while posting career bests in catches (129), touchdowns (11) and total yardage (1,820) across 16 regular-season appearances. The 2023 fifth-round pick has already surpassed all expectations through three seasons in the pros, and there is little reason to believe that Nacua can't continue to deliver both on the field and for fantasy managers in 2026.

Smith-Njigba hauled in 10 of 12 targets for 153 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-27 win against the Rams in the NFC Championship Game.

Smith-Njigba was far busier in the NFC Championship Game after a run-heavy game script limited the star wideout to a 3-19-1 receiving line against the 49ers in the wild-card round. The league's leading receiver simply couldn't be covered Sunday as he routinely created separation from whatever defender Los Angeles assigned to cover him. JSN was particularly wide open when he hit pay dirt after lining up out of the backfield in the closing moments of the second quarter, giving Seattle the lead heading into halftime. Smith-Njigba has risen to the occasion at every step during his breakout 2025 campaign, culminating in his greatest opportunity to shine on Feb. 8 against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

Stafford completed 22 of 35 pass attempts for 374 yards and three touchdowns while adding two carries for 16 yards in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

The veteran gunslinger walked into a harsh road environment against the league's stingiest defense in 2025 (17.2 points allowed/game) and twirled a statistical gem despite failing one game short of a Super Bowl appearance. The loss brings Stafford's MVP-caliber campaign to a close, and he finished three postseason contests averaging 312.0 passing yards with six total passing touchdowns to one interception. Stafford was one of the top producers in fantasy this year, as he amassed 4,707 passing yards and a career-high 46 touchdowns in 17 starts during the regular season. The 38-year-old blew past his draft value after a preseason back injury quelled expectations to start his 16th season in the pros. Stafford will likely run it back with the Rams in 2026 for the final year of his current deal with both of his superstar wide receivers (Puka Nacua and Davante Adams) in tow, so he should be a popular pick in fantasy drafts next year.

Thomas (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Rams.

Thomas is being evaluated by medical staff to determine whether he can return, though the game is in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. Tyrice Knight and Boye Mafe would be in line for more snaps at linebacker should the Seahawks' defense take the field down the stretch.

Turner (cramping) is questionable to return to Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks, Nate Atkins of The Athletic reports.

Turner went to the locker room during the third quarter of Sunday's game, where he is being evaluated by medical staff to determine whether he can return. Desjuan Johnson, Ty Hamilton and Tyler Davis are candidates to see more snaps on the defensive line for as long as Turner is sidelined.

Whittington (chest) is questionable to return to Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks, Nate Atkins of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear when Whittington suffered the injury, but he is being evaluated by medical staff to determine whether he can return to Sunday's game. Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield should handle kickoff return duties for as long as Whittington is out of the game.

Henderson rushed the ball three times for five yards in Sunday's 10-7 win over the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

Rhamondre Stevenson racked up 25 touches, leaving Henderson as an afterthought in Sunday's win. Henderson's longest rush of the day went for four yards, though his usage never allowed him to settle into the game. He had recorded 10 and 13 touches in New England's first two playoff games, so it's unclear why he didn't see much opportunity in the AFC Championship Game.

Hollins recorded two receptions on two targets for 51 yards in Sunday's 10-7 win over the Broncos in the AFC Championship game.

Hollins was activated from injured reserve Saturday and managed to suit up for the first time since Week 16. While he got only two targets, he led the team in receiving yards thanks to long catches of 31 and 20 yards. Hollins will likely play a secondary role to Stefon Diggs in the Super Bowl, but he's emerged as a key part of the offense across the second half of the season.

Diggs recorded five receptions on six targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 10-7 win over the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

Diggs was the only Patriots' pass catcher to record more than two receptions, though he was outpaced in yardage by Mack Hollins. As his stat line implies, Diggs was used only in short areas of the field, with his longest reception going for just six yards. While he retains a key role in the offense, Kayshon Boutte and Hollins have posted better fantasy performances in New England's last two games. Nevertheless, Diggs will be crucial for the team's chances of winning the Super Bowl in two weeks.