PFF grades are now live for the AFC and NFC Championship Games. PFF grades are LIVE: NFL Conference Championships By Gordon McGuinness Posted Jan 27, 2025 11:06 am EST PFF grades are now live for the AFC and NFC Championship Games. Each week, we will highlight an interesting grade or stat from every game in the NFL. Click here to dive into PFF Premium Stats for yourself. To dig deeper into every game, including snap counts for every player, subscribe to PFF+. Click below to jump to a game: Philadelphia Eagles 55, Washington Commanders 23 As the Eagles punched their ticket to Super Bowl 59, rookie cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell shone on defense. DeJean faced seven targets in coverage, allowing just five catches for 32 yards while breaking up two passes. Mitchell, meanwhile, allowed only 10 yards on two receptions from five targets and added the second interception of his young career. Kansas City Chiefs 32, Buffalo Bills 29 Chiefs DI Chris Jones The Chiefs’ pursuit of a historic three-peat remains alive, thanks in part to a dominant performance from Chris Jones in their win over the Bills. Jones earned a stellar 90.6 PFF grade, generating two quarterback hits and six hurries on 37 pass-rushing snaps.
PFF grades are LIVE: NFL Conference Championships
Former Rams playing in the Super Bowl
Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images The Rams won’t be well represented in the Super Bowl From the looks of it, the Super Bowl won’t feature any players who used to play for the Rams when the Chiefs take on the Eagles in two weeks. Perhaps the only player who could come close is Kansas City backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who was only on the Rams briefly in 2023, and he most likely won’t get any action against the team that he won the Super Bowl with (on IR) in 2017. The next closest would be safety Jason Taylor, but he’s merely on a futures contract with the Chiefs. Let me know in the comments if I’ve overlooked anyone. The biggest name in the game associated with the Rams would be Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The former St. Louis head coach for three seasons has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs and is looking for a fourth. If he wins again, that would be five total Super Bowl wins for Spagnuolo, with his first coming as the Giants defensive coordinator in 2007. Maybe the only Eagle loosely associated with the Rams would be Connor Barwin. Now a director of player development in Philadelphia’s front office, Barwin spent one season on the Rams defense in 2017. Who will you be rooting for to win the Super Bowl?
Report: Ravens finalizing contract extension for offensive coordinator Todd Monken
Report: Ravens finalizing contract extension for offensive coordinator Todd Monken glenn erby Todd Monken has gotten the best out of Lamar Jackson. After getting passed over for several high-profile head coaching jobs, the veteran offensive play-caller is finalizing a deal to remain with the Ravens. Baltimore’s offensive coordinator was scheduled to interview with the Jacksonville and Chicago before the teams AFC Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Monken spent three years in Athens as offensive coordinator, leading the Georgia Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. In his first season with the Ravens, Jackson had one of his best seasons, leading the team to an AFC-best 13-4 record. Every offense Monken has commanded since 2021 has finished in the top 10 in total offense, with his title-winning team in 2022 and his first-year Lamar Jackson ranking in the top five. Lamar Jackson could win another MVP this season after accounting for 45 touchdowns and the NFL’s No. 1 ranked offense.
Bengals hire Mike Hodges and Jerry Montgomery
Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images The Bengals find their new linebackers coach and defensive line coach. The Cincinnati Bengals have hired Jerry Montgomery as defensive line coach/run game coordinator and Mike Hodges as linebackers coach. Montgomery, 45, comes to Cincinnati from New England, where he spent the 2024 season as the Patriots’ defensive line coach. He previously spent nine seasons (2015-23) with Green Bay, serving as defensive front assistant (’15-17), defensive line coach (’18-21), and defensive line coach/running game coordinator (’22-23). Prior to his first NFL stint in Green Bay, Montgomery spent 11 years in coaching roles at the collegiate level. He played defensive tackle at the University of Iowa from 1998-2001. He spent training camp with the New Orleans Saints in 2002, then went on to play in the Arena Football League from ‘03-05. Hodges, 38, spent the past eight seasons (2017-24) with New Orleans, most recently serving as linebackers coach from ’20-24. He was a defensive assistant for the Saints from 2017-18 before being promoted to assistant linebackers coach for the ’19 season. Hodges broke into NFL coaching with the Saints after three seasons (2014-16) on staff at Eastern Illinois University. He played linebacker at Texas A&M University from 2008-11, when Bengals head coach Zac Taylor served as an offensive graduate assistant and tight ends coach for the Aggies. Hodges earned second-team All-Big 12 Conference honors as a senior in 2011.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25848732/2168772127.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Senior Bowl sleepers to keep an eye on: Defense")
Senior Bowl sleepers to keep an eye on: Defense
The NFL Pre-Draft Cycle Season is about begin, kicking off with All-Star games like the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl. Fans seem to be already familiar with names like Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, Ole Miss’ Princely Umanmielen, Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, and UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger, as they have littered mock drafts posted online taken in the Top 50. In Watts’ case, they are some of the most common players to be mocked to the Colts. But how about a few sleepers? Players who for one reason or the other, aren’t getting the same attention online? They might not be Round 1-2 targets, but in the mid rounds these players could provide some valuable competition to the roster. Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has been good at finding these lesser-known players and turning them into contributors or even starters. Let’s dive into some under the radar sleepers that fans should acquaint themselves with: Photo by Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty Images Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan A former 0-star recruit, Kone started his collegiate playing career at Iowa Community College before transferring to Indiana State, then finishing his collegiate career at Western Michigan for the last 2 seasons. Despite his unheralded start to his collegiate career, Kone has worked hard to turn into a strong starter for the Western Michigan Broncos. As their starting outside corner the last 2 seasons Kone has allowed: 34 Catches / 67 Targets = 50.7% Catch Rate 537 Receiving Yards 2 Touchdowns 2 INTs 13 Pass Breakups 75.2 Passer Rating Allowed His 6’2 and 190lb. frame fits with what the Colts new defense wants to emphasize, and he has displayed a knack for press coverage with bail technique and highly smooth hips to transition in and out of breaks. He mirrors very well, and can anticipate in both man and zone coverages. A high effort player on tape, Kone has shown a lot of effort plays across the field and in pursuit. He is not afraid to match against top receivers, flashing early in 2024 against Wisconsin and Ohio State. He allowed just 3 catches for 39 yards with 3 pass breakups in 9 targets across those games, also racking up 10 tackles in that span. He was not asked to play to his press strengths often in his college scheme, with a lot more off experience. He has shown ability in man and cover 3 concepts, but needs more experience in a complex coverage scheme as well as more often being asked to use his length rather than exceptional mirroring ability in press. Kone on tape needs development in tackling technique, often leaving his feet and lunging in tackle attempts. He needs better eye discipline, as big plays can happen when he tries bites on a play underneath. He lets inside leverage on in breaking routes at times, which hurts his ability to position to make a play despite his length. His ball skills need work as well, as he has opportunities to turn breakups into interceptions more often with his mirroring ability but has struggled to reel in passes. If he can show out against higher quality WRs consistently in the Senior Bowl practices like Miami’s Xavier Restrepo, Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor, TCU’s Savion Williams and Jack Bech, Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins, and Utah State’s Jalen Royals, Kone will be a fast riser on draft boards. Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska Tommi Hill is flying under the radar for a few reasons despite being a BIG10 starting corner. For one, he dealt with plantar fasciitis throughout 2024, worsening his tape, particularly speed and ability to crash downhill vs the run. He also only has 648 career snaps in coverage, starting his college career as a WR before transitioning into a full time corner mid-2023. Despite those concerns, there is a lot to love about Tommi on tape in his 7 games in 2023. In 2023 he allowed: 25 catches / 46 targets = 54.3% catch rate 243 receiving yards 1 TD 4 INTs 9 Passes Defended 40.4 Passer Rating 7 Run Stops 10.7% Miss Tackle Rate Despite his inexperience at the position, I came away very impressed with his coverage instincts and technique. He was adept at both hard and soft press, mirroring WRs, and being able to pass off targets in zone to others while keeping his eyes on others potential entering his zone. As a former WR, he seems to be able to identify route concepts quickly and react accordingly. He works well in off coverage too, and is a willing tackler. Hill is able to fly to the ball really well when healthy, and uses his length at 6’0 205lbs. to make plays on the ball. As a former WR, his ball skills are apparent and he turns pass deflection opportunities into INTs very well. Tommi has his question marks, but has had some time to get his body right after being out for the season in late November. A good showing at Mobile and positive medical checks at the Scouting Combine later to prove he is healthy could cause him to rise up boards. Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images Nohl Williams, CB, California Williams is an absolute baller and competitor at Corner. Willing to press and match up against top WRs, he is a menace when asked to stop a receiver from getting a clean release. The 6’1 200lb Golden Bear plays like his team’s namesake in that respect. Very aggressive and makes timely swipes in press as well as aggressive and effective efforts to go for the Interception, which his ball skills as a former High School WR reward often. That aggression also manifests in his run defense with a lot of energy vs screens and the run. The Park Services advises you keep your distance. In his 5 college seasons at UNLV and Cal, Nohl has a long resume, allowing: 126 Catches / 224 Targets = 56.3% Catch% (32/66
Raiders quarterback 2025: Russ or Geno?
Pete Carroll, Geno Smith in final game together | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Which former Pete Carroll quarterback do you prefer? Now that Pete Carroll has been hired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, the focus is on the next big question — who’ll be Carroll’s next starting quarterback. The early speculation, of course, has revolved around a couple of Carroll’s former quarterbacks during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Silver and Black Pride, among other outlets, have reported that some sources close to both Carroll and Wilson think a pairing in Las Vegas is possible and both the player and coach would be on board with the idea. There has been other media speculation stating that if the Seahawks don’t give Smith an extension, he could be a trade candidate for the Raiders. Wilson is 36 and is a free agent and would likely cheaper than Smith, but he would probably be a shorter-term answer. Smith is 34 and he could cost Las Vegas trade compensation and probably a bigger contract but he may be able to play a bit longer tan Wilson. Who would your rather the Raiders obtain?
5 takeaways from the Bills’ 32-29 AFC championship loss to the Chiefs
5 takeaways from the Bills’ 32-29 AFC championship loss to the Chiefs 5 takeaways from the Bills’ 32-29 AFC championship loss to the Chiefs Nick Wojton The Buffalo Bills had a too familiar story unfold against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills lost to the Chiefs for a fourth occasion in the postseason, this time in the AFC championship game, in a 32-29 final. Buffalo’s Super Bowl dreams end at the hands of Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. Undoubtedly still a successful season, the Bills still could not beat their AFC rivals. Here are Bills Wire’s five takeaways from the loss to the Chiefs: Another classic Imagn It did not go their way. But it still was a classic and heart-breaking loss. The Bills felt like they were behind the eight-ball for most of the evening. Even so, they had a chance in the end. An unlucky ball bounced off the hands of tight end Dalton Kincaid in the dying minutes and that’s all she wrote. It will go down in history right next to “13 seconds.” This rivalry will continue. Bills survive slow start Imagn The Bills needed a good start on the road. They did not get it. Somehow, it felt like Buffalo survived just enough, but a better performance out of the locker room would have gone a long way. The Chiefs only led 21-16 at the halftime break. It felt like they were the much better team. Kansas City did not punt in the first half, so that helps add to that, but give it to the Bills who did survive this stuck in the mud feeling. A deep touchdown pass to receiver Mack Hollins just before the break was a huge play to keep the Bills in it. Cooked Getty It was all about quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, as usual, between the Bills and Chiefs. But how it’s gone a decent amount of times in 2024, running back James Cook showed up in a big way. Cook punched in two touchdowns and had over 85 yards rushing. He averaged more than six yards per carry. The Bills couldn’t use him in the late stages because of the clock, but Cook proved once again that he’s a top back. Tough decisions don’t always go well Imagn In the tight moments, the chips did not fall Buffalo’s way. In what looked like an interception, the ball went the Chiefs’ way near the goal line and they scored shortly after. In other short-yardage plays, the Bills did not get the job done. Kincaid’s drop was already noted. A really tough one. The narrative rolls on Imagn The Chiefs have the Bills’ number. No regular season wins will change that. As good as they are, it’s still the same narrative about Buffalo’s football team heading into 2025.
2025 NFL Draft prospect profile – Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
Photo by Justin Tafoya/NCAA Photos via Getty Images You should get to know this name The New York Giants offensive line improved markedly in 2024 from it’s previous iterations. However there’s still work to be done up front, and the Giants could still need long term answers at right guard, right tackle, or both. The Giants probably won’t be in a position to draft an offensive lineman highly in 2025, but they could invest a Day 2 pick along the line. North Dakota State left tackle isn’t on the national radar just yet — after all, he plays for NDSU at the FCS level. But he has been one of the best offensive tackles in college football over the last two years. Prospect: Grey Zabel (74)Games Watched: vs. South Dakota State (2023), vs. Colorado (2024), vs. South Dakota State (2024), vs. Montana State (2024)Red Flags: none Measurables Height: 6-foot-6Weight: 305 pounds Strengths Best traits Versatility Athleticism Competitive toughness Pass protection Football IQ Grey Zabel is an experienced and versatile offensive lineman who combines good technique and footwork with NFL caliber athleticism. Zabel has a diverse background and has started games at left and right tackle as well as at left guard. He has solid size for an offensive lineman and is listed at 6-foot-6, 305 pounds. He has a flexible lower body and is a natural knee bender, allowing him to drop his hips and keep good leverage despite his height. Zabel is a smooth athlete, with quick, light feet and a balanced kick-slide. He’s able to easily expand the pocket with his kick-slide, keeping his pads square to the line of scrimmage until the last second, as well as mirror speed rushers off the edge. He seldom over-commits and maintains his balance on the move, which allows him to redirect inside easily. Zabel handles inside moves well and is also seldom tripped up by stunts and twists. Zabel is an effective run blocker with adequate play strength for the position. He does a great job of using his feet to disperse power from bullrushes and is able to generate movement in the run game. He’s an effective pulling lineman, does a great job of staying in phase in zone schemes, and is quick to the second level. He plays with great awareness as well as competitive toughness. Zabel keeps his head on a swivel and is always looking for work. Likewise, he has a definite nasty streak and not only strives to sustain his blocks, but also finish them. Weaknesses Worst traits Play strength Hand placement Block accuracy How FCS level prospects handle the jump to the NFL is always a concern. Zabel will need to prove that he can handle the level of elite power and athleticism at the top of the FBS level over the course of the draft process. He also has a few nits to be picked as a technician. Most notably, Zabel needs to improve his hand usage as he transitions to the next level. He has a tendency to try and “catch” defenders as opposed to firing his punch. Not only does he not consistently disrupt rushes with a hard jolt, but his hands can land outside of opponents’ framework. That can make it difficult for Zabel to control them without drawing holding penalties as well as expose his chest plate and sacrifice inside leverage. He can also suffer mystifying lapses in his accuracy and he occasionally simply seems to whiff on defenders. He might be dropping his eyes into contact, though the available angles aren’t conclusive on that front. Zabel also has somewhat limited play strength. He has adequate size for a lineman at the NFL level, but might need a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program. Game Tape (Zabel is the North Dakota State left tackle) Projection Grey Zabel projects as a starting offensive lineman at the NFL level. He will likely be a Day 2 pick, and might need a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program before he’s able to fully hold up against NFL defenders. However, his football IQ, athleticism, competitive toughness, and versatility will be attractive to a wide variety of teams. Teams might differ on whether they view Zabel as an interior lineman or an offensive tackle. It’s also possible that he’ll have the highest value to teams that primarily run zone blocking schemes. But while the media at large might not be talking about Zabel yet, he has the potential to hear his name called early and be a very pleasant surprise for the fanbase that gets him. Does he fit the Giants?Potentially, depending on scheme fit Final Word: A second round value
Kansas City Chiefs join Miami Dolphins on short list of teams to make three consecutive Super Bowls
Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images Chiefs join Dolphins, Bills and Patriots as only NFL franchises to make three consecutive Super Bowl appearances. The Kansas City Chiefs joined an exclusive club that includes the Miami Dolphins after defeating the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game this past Sunday to advance to the club’s third consecutive Super Bowl. Only four teams in the entire history of the National Football League have achieved that feat — the 2022-24 Chiefs, the 2016-18 New England Patriots, the 1990-93 Bills and the 1971-73 Dolphins — with Buffalo actually making four straight Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s. However, the Chiefs have an opportunity to do something that no other franchise has done in league history — win three consecutive Super Bowls. The Dolphins lost their first Super Bowl appearance following the 1971 season against the Dallas Cowboys. They’d win the next two against the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings. The Buffalo Bills famously made four straight Super Bowls from 1990 through 1993, losing each time — first to the New York Giants, then to the Washington Redskins, before closing their championship game run with two straight Super Bowl losses to the Dallas Cowboys. The New England Patriots were the next team to play in three straight Super Bowls — winning against the Atlanta Falcons in thrilling comeback fashion following the 2016 season, losing the following year to Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles, before defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the title game following the 2018 season. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles two years ago, the San Francisco 49ers last season and now have a chance to deliver the leagues first three-peat if they can once again topple the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on February 9th of this year. For fans of the Dolphins, their NFL dominance has long since disappeared in the rear-view mirror — with 18,642 days and counting since their last Super Bowl victory on January 13th, 1974. After an 8-9 season in 2024, a championship for the players in aqua and orange seems far out of reach for a once proud franchise.
Another Detroit Lions player withdraws from Pro Bowl due to injury
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has withdrawn from the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games due to an undisclosed injury. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown won’t be at this week’s Pro Bowl, as the All-Pro receiver has apparently withdrawn from the event due to an undisclosed injury. He is the second Lions player to remove himself from the games, joining All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell. St. Brown had another fantastic season in 2024. While he fell short of last year’s totals in yardage and catches, he set a new career-high with 12 touchdowns (and a touchdown pass). Among all other NFL receivers, St. Brown finished 2024 second in catches (115), fifth in receiving yards (1,263), and third in touchdowns. He was named First-Team All Pro for the second consecutive season and was third among NFC receivers in Pro Bowl voting. The Pro Bowl Games won’t quite be the same without St. Brown, who has been a participant each of the past two years. In 2023, Brown won the Best Catch competition at the Pro Bowl Games. Last year, St. Brown participated in the games’ Dodgeball event and the flag football game. During the game, St. Brown pulled in 10 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown (yes, I looked up Pro Bowl stats. It’s the offseason). St. Brown will be replaced by Giants rookie receiver Malik Nabers. While the 2025 Pro Bowl roster has yet to be finalized publicly, the following Lions players are expected to make an appearance as of this publication: quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, left tackle Taylor Decker (filling in for Sewell), center Frank Ragnow, safety Brian Branch, and punter Jack Fox.
