What’s new at Arrowhead Pride Premier? If you want more Chiefs, our newsletter is the answer for you. Three times a week we deliver a new edition to your inbox. Don’t miss Tuesdays with the full hour of our video podcast, the Editors Show, with Pete Sweeney and John Dixon. Check out a free trial below.
Chiefs-Bills Thursday injury report: Another clean day for Kansas City
Chiefs-Bills Thursday injury report: Another clean day for Kansas City
What’s new at Arrowhead Pride Premier? If you want more Chiefs, our newsletter is the answer for you. Three times a week we deliver a new edition to your inbox. Don’t miss Tuesdays with the full hour of our video podcast, the Editors Show, with Pete Sweeney and John Dixon. Check out a free trial below.
McVay hoping for clarity on Stafford’s situation ‘sooner rather than later’
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images Despite rumors the Rams may move on from Stafford, it certainly sounds like their head coach wants his QB back Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is taking time away to contemplate his future in the NFL, and while the team certainly wants to respect their veteran quarterback’s decision, head coach Sean McVay is hoping that they find clarity on the situation “sooner rather than later”. Speaking about Stafford’s future, and last season’s contract dispute about guaranteed money that lingered all through out training camp, McVay said: “We don’t want to have that go on again,” McVay said, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication. I think there’s a lot of love coming from our part. I think there’s a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario.” While it’s possible that LA’s brass may want to know Stafford’s plans in an effort to move him in the offseason, based on McVay’s words, it certainly seems more-likely that the Rams head coach wants Stafford to run it back as the team’s quarterback for 2025. Rumors have swirled about Stafford being traded as far back as 2022, but they really picked up steam this season after Los Angeles started the season 1-4. That said, the trade rumors between Stafford and the Rams have always been presented more by the national media rather than the team itself. McVay has never given any indication that moving off Stafford is something he wants to do, and furthermore, the coach and his team have gushed about their love for Stafford whenever opportunities to do so present themselves. For Stafford’s part, when asked about his future after the Philadelphia Eagles divisional round loss, the soon-to-be 37-year-old QB said that he would “take some time to think about it” but that he “sure feels like” he has some good football left in him. McVay and the team would like to know what Stafford is thinking soon, as it really puts the team’s plans at quarterback in limbo until a decision is made. Currently, the Rams do not know if they have a starting quarterback on the roster with Stafford figuring out his retirement plans, and their backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo set to become a free agent this offseason. There are also no major top-tier quarterbacks available this year via free agency. Sure, Sam Darnold, along with aging-veteran players like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, could end up being available, but all of them seem like downgrades when compared to Stafford and what he brings to the Rams. Stafford is not only a locker room staple as a leader, but as someone who knows the offense inside and out. While there are one or two quarterbacks viewed as potential starters in the upcoming NFL draft, most-likely without some blockbuster trade to get a top pick from someone, the Rams will be selecting a player too late in the first round to have a chance at either of those QBs. LA’s Super Bowl window seems to be open right now, and with so many star players like wide receiver Puka Nacua and edge rusher Jared Verse on their first contracts, bringing in a rookie QB who would need time to learn could set the team back during this crucial time of cheap contracts on valuable players. The other issue is Stafford’s contract after his restructure last offseason. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Stafford “gave up his other 2025 guarantees” when the two sides restructured his deal last July, moving up money to 2024 in the form of a $12.5 million signing bonus and $23.5 million guaranteed salary. Is it possible that Stafford is using retirement as a way to get a new contract done? While I don’t think that’s probably the case, it would be easy to understand if there was some truth that type of move considering what other QBs of his caliber are making per year. Stafford is currently ranked the 16th highest paid quarterback heading into 2025 (based on total cash for the season). It puts him behind the likes of Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Geno Smith and Derek Carr. Many would agree that Stafford is in a higher tier of quarterback play than most, if not all, of the previously mentioned players. Top that with the fact he has almost no guaranteed money coming this season, and one can start to connect the dots a bit. I’ve stated previously that if Stafford decides to continue his career, I believe the best move for both the team and for Stafford is a reunion in 2025. It sounds like McVay may be on that train as well, but if a potential contract dispute is imminent, that could make this saga drag out longer than the Rams head coach was initially hoping for.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson named a finalist for NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson named a finalist for NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year glenn erby After months of speculation and odds, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is officially a finalist for the Associated Press NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Leading Baltimore to its second straight AFC North title, Jackson was first-team All-Pro and set career highs for passing yards (4,172), touchdown passes (41), quarterback rating (119.6) and completions (316). Allen helped the Bills win their fifth straight AFC East title. He threw for 3,731 yards, 28 TDs, and six picks for a 101.4 passer rating. Allen ran for 531 yards and 12 scores. Barkley ran for 2,005 yards, which is the eighth-best in NFL history. He sat out Philadelphia’s final regular-season game when he needed 101 yards to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record. Barkley helped the Eagles win the NFC East and advance to the conference championship game. Goff threw for 4,629 yards, 37 TDs, and nine interceptions, leading Detroit to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Washington eliminated the Lions in the divisional round. Burrow led the NFL with a career-high 4,918 yards passing and 43 TDs, but the Cincinnati Bengals finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Jackson led the NFL in rushing yards by a quarterback (915) and became the first player in league history with at least 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards. He also became the league’s all-time rushing leader at quarterback with 6,173 yards, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Vick (6,109).
Shaquille O’Neal backs Joe Burrow for MVP
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images O’Neal and Burrow are both LSU alums. In large part because the Cincinnati Bengals missed the playoffs after a 9-8 campaign, Joe Burrow, who put together an incredible season, will likely not win the NFL MVP Award. Burrow led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdown passes (49) and ranked fourth in completion percentage (70.6%). However, the NFL’s most prestigious individual honor will likely go to Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens or Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. If former NBA legend and fellow LSU Tiger Shaquille O’Neal had it his way, it would be Burrow taking home the MVP Award. “Every time he steps on the field, and he’s playing well, he’s definitely considered the best,” O’Neal told RG’s Crissy Froyd. “If he’s in the conversation, he has a chance to win.” The MVP Award will be handed out on the Thursday before Super Bowl 59 as part of the yearly NFL Honors. Per Draft Kings, Burrow’s MVP odds are +10000, ranking fifth behind Jackson, Allen, and Philadelphia Eagles superstar running back Saquon Barkley.
Bills at Chiefs: 5 things to watch for during AFC championship game
Bills at Chiefs: 5 things to watch for during AFC championship The Buffalo Bills (13-4) roll on in their long awaited postseason journey. In the AFC championship, the Bills will travel to Arrowhead Stadium for a clash with the Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) after a 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of kickoff. In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets, and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL. And once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind to look out for. Here are five things to watch for during Sunday’s Bills-Chiefs AFC title game: On the road USAT Bills Mafia will likely travel well, but it’s still not Orchard Park… and the fact that this contest is on the road could weigh heavy on the outcome. The Bills won their first two playoff games… both at home. On top of that, Buffalo was undefeated at Highmark Stadium throughout their entire 2024 campaign. That’s a 10-0 record. And let’s just state a fact. The Chiefs are 3-0 against the Bills in the postseason versus “these Bills” under head coach Sean McDermott’s watch. Can Buffalo manage this road contest? Hit the ground running Imagn Speaking of playing at Arrowhead Stadium, silencing the crowd will be a good idea for the Bills. In Week 11, Buffalo beat Kansas City 30-21 at home and got off to a hot start. The Bills picked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on their opening drive and went on to score a touchdown on offense right after for a 7-0 lead. Eventually Kansas City responded, but that early hope matters in such circumstances. It would also quiet Chiefs Kingdom and get Bills Mafia into the game. Turnovers USAT That interception on Mahomes in their meeting earlier this season was one of two by the Bills defense. That contributed to Buffalo’s defense leading the NFL with a plus-24 turnover differential in 2024. The next closest team was the Pittsburgh Steelers at plus-16. This needs little more explanation, especially after the Bills had three takeaways against the Ravens last week. Do that again. Playing bold? USAT One massive takeaway from the Bills’ earlier win over the Chiefs was how bold Buffalo was… particularly on offense. Late on, the Bills went for it on fourth down and did not settle for the field goal. That fourth-and-two play turned into a 26-yard touchdown run by quarterback Josh Allen and made the score 30-21… which was the final. Last week against the Ravens was not the most explosive contest… but most are rightfully thinking this one will be. That can benefit the Bills once again. All about the QBs? USAT Allen and Mahomes were noted. For good reason. Let’s be honest, it’s not going to come down to just those two. Between the slew of playmakers the Bills offense has, and the big-named guys like Travis Kelce and Deandre Hopkins on the Chiefs… someone will make a game-changing play or two. Can Buffalo make sure it’s them?
Former Rams OC embroiled in strangest coaching story of the year
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images After turning the Jaguars down, Liam Coen is back in Jacksonville and favorite for the job Two days after turning them down and one day after the Jaguars fired GM Trent Baalke, former Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen is still in Jacksonville to talk about being their next head coach. Coen, who was the Rams OC for one year in 2022, was believed to have signed an extension to remain in Tampa Bay after it was assumed that he would leave the Bucs for the Jags. Then the Jaguars fired Baalke. Now Ian Rapoport and others are reporting that Coen has not left Jacksonville, that he has been ignoring the Bucs this week, and is the presumptive favorite to be the Jags next head coach. The deal is not done with the #Jaguars. But for Liam Coen to be in the building in Jacksonville, speaking with the #Jaguars about their HC job days after agreeing to an extension… it’s clear he’s the favorite to be their next coach. https://t.co/Dsixt5NYf7 — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2025 Though Coen’s time with the Rams was a disaster, he may have not been at fault. Sean McVay called plays that season with the exception of a game against the Chiefs, but it’s not like Coen was given a fair opportunity that day: The Rams starting quarterback that day was Bryce Perkins. It was enough for the Rams to make Coen a scapegoat for the season that the team essentially funneled through an article at The Athletic. Coen went back to his previous job at the University of Kentucky in 2023, then returned to the NFL in 2024 when the Bucs re-signed Baker Mayfield and lost offensive coordinator Dave Canales to the Panthers. Under Coen’s play calling, the Bucs went from 32nd in rushing the previous two seasons to fourth. Now it appears that the Jaguars are going as far as firing Baalke — which they should have done a long time ago anyway — to make sure that they don’t lose this opportunity to have him. Whether those instincts are right or wrong, there’s clearly a much different take on Coen around other parts of the league than when he left the Rams as the scapegoat.
Early look at the 15 biggest salary cap hits for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025
1 QB Lamar Jackson ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $43,650,000 2 CB Marlon Humphrey KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 5: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) 2025 salary cap hit: $25,377,800 3 LB Roquan Smith EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER:15 Roquan Smith #0 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the field prior to the start of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 15, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) 2025 salary cap hit: $23,718,750 4 TE Mark Andrews ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens runs after a catch against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) 2025 salary cap hit: $16,907,615 5 DT Nnamdi Madubuike HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 25: Nnamdi Madubuike #92 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the sideline in the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $16,475,000 6 LB Odafe Oweh HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 25: Odafe Oweh #99 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after sacking C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $13,251,000 7 RB Derrick Henry ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against Greg Rousseau #50 of the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $12,895,000 8 DB Marcus Williams BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals is hit after his reception by Marcus Williams #32 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 07, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $8,823,000 9 OL Ronnie Stanley Nov 3, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (79) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images 2025 cap hit: $8,168,250 10 Kicker Justin Tucker ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens kicks a field goal against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $7,072,500 11 LB Kyle Van Noy HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 25: Linebacker Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after making a stop during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $6,125,000 12 DB Kyle Hamilton BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 07: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $5,172,074 13 WR Rashod Bateman ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a pass for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $5,148,333 14 DE Broderick Washington Dec 21, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws on the run as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Broderick Washington (96) applies pressure during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images 2025 cap hit: $4,600,000 15 OL Tyler Linderbaum Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and center Tyler Linderbaum (64) warm up before an AFC wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images 2025 cap hit: $4,212,185 16 WR Zay Flowers Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) wraps up Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) just short of the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. 2025 cap hit: $3,828,120 17 DT Travis Jones HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 25: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans pressured by Travis Jones #98 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) 2025 cap hit: $3,584,847
Bengals’ coaching staff shakeup may not be over
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images We might not be done. In a move that many have expected for a couple of weeks now, the Cincinnati Bengals officially announced Al Golden as their next defensive coordinator on Thursday. Golden returns to Cincinnati after three seasons with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. It was also revealed that Jerry Montgomery would be taking over as the team’s defensive line coach. Three coaches remained from the Bengals’ 2024 defensive staff, those being cornerbacks coach Charles Burks, safeties coach Jordan Kovacs, and defensive assistant Ronnie Regula. Per James Rapien of BengalsTalk.com, those three may not be completely safe despite making it through the initial firings. “We’re still working through things,” a source told Rapien. As Golden settles into his new role, he will undoubtedly begin evaluating the team’s roster to see which players fit his scheme, but he will certainly do that with the coaching staff as well. If he doesn’t feel Burks, Kovacs, and/or Regula fit his vision for the Bengals’ defense going forward, the team could choose to move on from them. It’s no secret that the Bengals secondary saw a massive dropoff this past season, so it won’t be a surprise if Burkes or Kovacs is let go after how poorly their units performed in 2024. The Bengals did release a quote from Kovacs Thursday, where he spoke about Golden. “We’re on the clock. Time to get to work.” – @CoachAlGolden More on Golden → https://t.co/vAVoWn7KQJ pic.twitter.com/BcyHtr3q0K — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 23, 2025 Golden is tasked with returning the Bengal defense to the form we saw when Golden served as the linebackers coach in 2021. While he works toward what that will take, the three remaining assistants may not be safe quite yet.
Driver in Khyree Jackson Crash Charged with DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images An update has finally been given Shortly before he was to start his rookie training camp with the Minnesota Vikings, a car accident tragically in Maryland took the lives of cornerback Khyree Jackson and two others. On Thursday, we’ve finally gotten an update on the investigation into the case, and charges have been brought against the driver of the other vehicle. Cori Clingman, the woman who caused the accident, was arrested on Thursday in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and has been charged with thirteen counts, including driving under the influence and criminally negligent vehicular manslaughter. According to the police report, which Kevin Seifert of ESPN has detailed, says that Clingman was attempting to change lanes at a high rate of speed and her Infiniti Q50 hit the Dodge Charger that was being driven by Isaiah Hazel, one of Jackson’s high school teammates. Another teammate of Jackson’s, Anthony Lytton Jr., was in the back seat of the Charger with Jackson in the passenger seat. The Charger then went off the road and hit multiple tree stumps. Per the report, Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, while Lytton was taken to a local medical facility and pronounced dead a short time later. Clingman had two passengers in her vehicle when the accident occurred, but nobody in her vehicle was injured. She also struck a Chevrolet Impala, but the lone occupant of that vehicle was also not injured and refused medical treatment at the scene. The attorney who gave the update could not provide many more details as the investigation is still ongoing, but he did say that Clingman’s blood alcohol level was “at least” above Maryland’s legal limit of .08%. Jackson was taken by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after a college journey that took him to a couple of junior colleges and the University of Alabama before finishing up at Oregon. The team played this season with “KJ” stickers on their helmets, with coaches wearing identical pins on the sideline. The Vikings paid out the signing bonus from his rookie contract to his estate. We will be keeping track of anything that comes out about the investigation into the accident that took the life of Khyree Jackson and two of his high school teammates. Hopefully, justice will be served in this matter, one that was completely preventable and serves as another reminder that alcohol (or drugs) and driving absolutely don’t mix.
