Elandon Roberts (NE): After seeing limited play in the weeks previous, Roberts had a huge day in the Patriots 41-3 win over the Jets. Roberts saw 28 snaps and made 11 tackles (5 solo) with 1 Tackle for Loss that forced a fumble. In the postgame, Coach Belichick praised Roberts’ play.
Kenneth Farrow (SD): Farrow had a decent game in the Chargers 20-17 loss to the Browns. He had 9 rushes for 28 yards and 4 catches on 4 targets for 29 more yards. Unfortunately for Farrow, he aggravated a shoulder injury that he’s been dealing with since August and will be placed on IR, ending his season.
Charles Sims (TB): Sims continued in his role as 3rd down back in the Bucs 31-24 loss to the Saints. Sims had 4 carries for 12 yards and 4 receptions on 4 targets for another 30 yards. He also made a tackle on Special Teams.
Nolan Frese (SEA): Seattle’s special teams struggled in a 34-31 loss to the Cardinals. Steven Hauschka was 1/2 on FG and 2/3 on XP, the XP he missed would have put the Seahawks up 32-31 with less than a minute left while the missed FG was blocked. While Hauschka took the blame for the miss, Pete Carroll mentioned that the snaps on the two misses were a bit high which threw off the timing. Punting-wise, Jon Ryan punted 4 times for 144 yards, 36.0 avg, with 1 Inside the 20; 1 punt was blocked.
Case Keenum (LA): Case has been relegated to 3rd string as the Rams want to go with the young guys that will probably be there next season. The Rams lost to the 49ers 22-21 as Goff went 11-24 for 90 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INT. He was also sacked 4 times. Good news for Keenum, the QB draft class is considered weak and Kirk Cousins is the only “starting” QB available in free agency.
DeMarcus Ayers (PIT): Ayers got to play in his first game and made an impact in the Steelers division-clinching 31-27 win over the Ravens. Ayers only had 1 catch for 9 yards, but he drew a critical 35 yard pass interference penalty early in the 4th quarter that led to a TD and brought the Steelers within 3. Later in the drive, Ayers through a key block that allowed Le’Veon Bell to score a TD. Good beginning for the rookie.
Thomas Gafford (DEN): Gafford continues to be solid for the Broncos even in a losing effort; the Broncos fell to the Chiefs 33-10 and ending their playoff hopes. The Broncos were 1/1 on FG (52) and 1/1 on XP; for punting, they punted 7 times for 326 yards - 46.6 avg - 2 Inside the 20 and 1 Touchback.
Injured Reserve: William Jackson III (Cin), Sebastian Vollmer (NE), DJ Hayden (Oak), Kenneth Farrow (SD)
Practice Squad: Adrian McDonald (SD), Joey Mbu (Was), Derrick Mathews (GB)
Next Week:
Sun @ noon: Charles Sims (TB) at Carolina on FOX (TB needs a LOT of help, including a Redskins tie, to make the playoffs)
Sun @ noon: Elandon Roberts (NE) at Miami on CBS (NE has clinched home-field in the AFC)
Sun @ noon: DeMarcus Ayers (PIT) vs Cleveland on CBS (PIT has clinched the 3rd seed in the AFC)
Sun @ 3:25pm: Case Keenum (LA) vs. Arizona on FOX (LA has been eliminated from the playoffs)
Sun @ 3:25pm: Thomas Gafford (DEN) vs Oakland on CBS (DEN has been eliminated from the playoffs)
Sun @ 3:25pm: Nolan Frese (SEA) at San Francisco on FOX (Seattle won their division and is currently the 3rd seed, however, they can still finish as the 2nd seed if Atlanta loses and the Seahawks win or they can finish as the 4th seed if they lose.)