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Once a week during the NFL season, I dig into the pass-game data and try to figure out what trends matter at wide receiver, tight end and running back. Let’s open up the spreadsheets and see what we find.

Dan Campbell saves the day in Detroit (at least on offense)

Let’s enjoy the 2025 Detroit Lions while we can. The Lions are somewhere between a 30-40% chance to make the playoffs, depending on which data estimator you prefer. The pesky Steelers, improving Vikings and formidable Bears remain on the schedule. Nothing easy here. The Lions might not qualify for the tournament.

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But at least the Detroit offense has been humming of late, and that coincided with Campbell taking over the play sheet. The Lions have 189 points in six games with Campbell calling the shots, averaging about 419 yards per game. They averaged 351 yards per game with John Morton dialing up the plays.

With Campbell pushing the right buttons, the Lions are giving us late-season impact players. Consider the results:

– Jahmyr Gibbs was RB8 during the Morton era. He’s RB1 since Campbell took over.

– Jameson Williams was in a WR41 funk with Morton. He’s the WR5 the last six games. Williams’s ADOT has come down significantly in this period, which certainly helps; more lay-up targets.

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– Jared Goff stood QB14 with Morton. He’s QB5 since.

To be fair, this Detroit spike is tied to other factors. The Lions have collapsed on defense, mostly because of cluster injuries in the secondary. Some favorable matchups have come during this period. And with tight end Sam LaPorta getting hurt, the usage tree has condensed somewhat. We also should mention that Amon-Ra St. Brown has been good all year (WR4 with Morton, WR6 with Campbell).

Still, it’s fun to see pinball alive in Detroit. This week’s game total is set for 52 points; get your popcorn ready.

Jacoby Brissett, miracle man in Arizona

We’ve sung the song forever. Garbage Time Heroes never feel any pain. Garbage Time Heroes never really die.

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This is a reprise of past themes, but we need to re-examine Brissett’s amazing run. He’s been the Arizona starting quarterback for nine games, and the Cardinals have won just once in that period. But the stats have arrived every week: QB7, QB12, QB10, QB10, QB4, QB8, QB8, QB12, QB12. If you run the cumulative numbers over that period, he’s the QB3, trailing only Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence.

A huge key to Brissett’s fantasy production has been game flow. The Cardinals almost always fall behind quickly but they continue to throw the ball and compete. Look at the splits on the Brissett record: 14 of his 18 touchdown passes have come in the second half. He has a 103.2 passer rating after intermission, compiling a 7.2 YPA.

If you prorated Brissett’s nine-game starting pace to a 17-game season, you’re looking at ridiculous stats. Here’s what you’d get: 483 completions, 727 attempts, 5,115 passing yards, 34 touchdowns. And throw in 413 rushing yards for good measure.

The Falcons and Bengals call the next two weeks. There’s no reason this music can’t keep playing.

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Trey McBride has been unstoppable since Brissett took over: TE2, TE3, TE6, TE1, TE2, TE5, TE2, TE15, TE2. He’s obviously the runaway TE1 for the year. The difference between McBride and TE2 Travis Kelce is basically the same as the gap between Kelce and TE25 Darren Waller (who’s played just seven games). McBride has been an unquestionable league-winner in 2025.

Sometimes I like to close my eyes and just imagine Michael Wilson is Marvin Harrison Jr. Wilson’s emergence came five games ago and it’s been a blast, too: WR3, WR13, WR49, WR2, WR17. The one clunker in that series came after Harrison returned to action. It’s not clear if Harrison will play again this year.

If you grade Wilson over this five-game sample, he’s the best receiver in fantasy, narrowly ahead of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua. Wilson is a slam-dunk fantasy starter when Harrison can’t play and still worth consideration even if Harrison does come back.

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J.J. McCarthy surges — but not with Justin Jefferson

It’s been encouraging to see McCarthy start to play well. He checked in as the QB10 in the victory over Washington two weeks ago, then had a QB7 showing in the upset at Dallas. After an early interception against the Cowboys, McCarthy avoided negative plays for the rest of the night. He didn’t even take a sack, which is a major step forward in his game.

Alas, Jefferson has not been part of this recent spike. Jefferson has a paltry 4-33-0 log over the last two weeks, continuing a lost season. Since the Minnesota bye, here are Jefferson’s weekly finishes: WR25, WR27, WR18, WR44, WR27, WR38, WR95, WR81, WR77.

Sure, opposing defenses prioritize Jefferson from the opening snap, but that’s always the case with elite receivers. You need to find a way to beat that. Jefferson’s lost year isn’t just about him, but it’s also a red-ink spot for McCarthy and well-respected play-designer Kevin O’Connell.

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The Vikings have a 48.8 rating when Jefferson is targeted this year, a horrible number and one of the lowest in the league. But that rating drops to 38.4 when it’s McCarthy throwing to Jefferson this year. It blows my mind to say this, but the data screams this out: the worst passing play in the NFL this year is any J.J. McCarthy pass to Justin Jefferson.

I’ll try to stay open-minded after the season. McCarthy has started to improve, O’Connell is a sharp mind, Jefferson is obviously uber-talented and eager to improve. They can figure this out. But there’s no reason to expect a fix to magically appear as we navigate the fantasy playoffs.

Top-5 target earners at each position from Week 15

Wide Receiver

Running Back

Tight End

Here you’ll find Joel Smyth’s fantasy football PPR rankings for Week 16 — you can find his half-PPR rankings here. Remember to bookmark this page as Joel will be updating his rankings to help you with your lineup decisions throughout the week.

More Week 16 start-sit advice

Rankings from each Yahoo Fantasy analyst

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Consensus PPR Rankings

Consensus Half-PPR Rankings

Note: You can check out Joel's half-PPR rankings right here.

Nationally syndicated sports radio host Doug Gottlieb is stepping away from his job with Fox Sports to focus on his head coaching gig with the Green Bay Phoenix.

“These kids owe a fully dedicated coach. You only get one shot at this thing. If there’s any ounce of fatigue, or lack of preparation … I gotta be here for these kids,” Gottlieb said at a postgame news conference.

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Gottlieb became the head coach of Green Bay last season, and the team went 4-28 in his first year. So far, 13 games into the 2025-26 season, the Phoenix have already surpassed last year’s win total and sit at 6-7. Meanwhile, Gottlieb continued to host his national show on Fox Sports Radio, Monday through Friday, from 3-6 p.m. ET.

His agreement with the university has allowed him to coach the team while continuing his full-time radio show. Because of his radio schedule, Gottlieb had to modify the team’s schedule and even record shows from his campus office. Ultimately, balancing both became too overwhelming.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Gottlieb said. “But these kids [deserve] a fully dedicated coach.”

While stepping back from radio, fans of Gottlieb’s show aren’t completely lost as he plans to keep producing podcasts from his home studio. Gottlieb has been a regular daily host for Fox since 2017, after a lengthy tenure with ESPN.

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In 2002, Gottlieb started his radio broadcasting career in Oklahoma City after playing college basketball in the late 1990s and professionally for a few years, both in the United States and overseas. Gottlieb played college ball at Notre Dame but was dismissed for his alleged role in a 1996 credit card fraud incident. He then bounced to Golden West College before finishing his collegiate career at Oklahoma State in 2000.

Basketball has always been Gottlieb’s first love, despite his long and successful career on the national radio airwaves.

As a number of teams tip off their 28th game of the NBA season on Thursday night, we have officially hit the one-third mark of this campaign, so what better time — after the league crowned its Cup champion on Tuesday — to take stock of an MVP race that is as stacked with top-end talent as it has ever been.

The title picture is coming into clearer view, as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (24-2) remain clear favorites. They are followed by a number of teams out West that are still trying to convince themselves they can win four games in a series against a team that has lost two all season, namely the Denver Nuggets (19-6), San Antonio Spurs (18-7), Los Angeles Lakers (18-7) and Houston Rockets (16-7).

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons (21-5) and New York Knicks (18-7) are the only teams to have claimed contender status, and the MVP discussion reflects the top of the standings on both sides.

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Remember, too, that Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is nursing a calf injury, is scheduled to miss his 11th game of the season on Thursday, and one can miss only 17 games before he is ineligible for the award. (Victor Wembanyama has missed a chunk of games, as well, but at least he has returned to the court.)

Let’s do this.

Honorable mention: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks; Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics; Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers; Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers; Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets.

6. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

As the best player on the Eastern Conference’s first-place team, Cunningham warrants mention in this conversation. The Pistons are a surprising top seed, if only because we expected so much from the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cunningham is their driving force. Quite literally. He is among the league’s leaders in drives, prodding his way to his spots, where he can either pull up over a smaller defender, find Jalen Duren rolling to the basket or spread it out to a shooter. He beats you in many ways.

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If there is a nit to be picked, it is that Cunningham was slightly more efficient from the field last season, when he placed seventh in the MVP discussion. He is shooting 32.7% on 6.4 3-point attempts per game, down from a career-best clip of 35.6% last season. Even when at his best, he is a league-average shooter. That is the final piece to a basketball puzzle that is almost as complete as anyone else’s in the league.

5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

We are running out of ways to laud Wembanyama, who as an athletic 7-foot-4 specimen is capable of things on a basketball court that others simply are not. He can score inside and outside, over everyone, but it is his defense that truly separates him. He all but blocks out the sun with his 8-foot wingspan.

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When Wembanyama is on the court, the Spurs are allowing 104.3 points per 100 possessions, which would rank second to the West-leading Thunder’s defense if averaged over a full season. When he is off the floor, San Antonio allows 117.1 points per 100 possessions, equivalent to a bottom-10 figure. In other words, put Wembanyama in the game, and he will transform you into an elite defense.

Offensively, it is not as if the reverse is true, but San Antonio’s scoring has been better when Wembanyama is not in the game. He can slow the flow, as he isolates, still trying to figure out what he is capable of. And he is capable of quite a bit. These are growing pains that we trust Wembanyama will sort out over time. Whether or not he can this season will dictate how close the Spurs come to contending.

4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

Offensively, you cannot ask for more from Dončić, who is leading the league per game in points (34.7), field-goal attempts (23.1), 3-point attempts (10.7) and free-throw attempts (12.3). He is doing a lot, and while he could be more efficient (his 32.4% clip from 3 is on pace to be his lowest since his sophomore season) there are few players capable of getting to their spots and finishing from them as well as Dončić.

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Defensively is where he struggles. When Dončić is on the court with Austin Reaves and LeBron James — an offensive trio that no other team can compete with — the Lakers are allowing 117.9 points per 100 possessions, equal to the league’s 25th-worst defensive rating. It is a fatal flaw, one Los Angeles cannot overcome as currently constituted. And no amount of offense from Dončić can mask that deficiency.

3. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Brunson is the NBA Cup MVP for the in-season tournament’s champion, and — to be quite honest here — who else can claim an accomplishment so substantial through the first third of the season? The goal for the Knicks in the early going was to establish themselves as legitimate championship contenders, and their effort in the NBA Cup (3-1 in group play and 3-0 in win-or-go-home competition) solidified that.

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Brunson is the straw that stirs New York’s drink on offense. The Knicks operate like the league’s best outfit when he is in the game, scoring 126 points per 100 possessions, and like a bottom-five offense when he is on the bench (111.1 points per 100 possessions). With exceptional footwork, he gets wherever he wants, and usually, even at 6-2, he can manufacture a clean look for himself or someone else from there.

Defensively there is a limit to what Brunson can do. The Knicks own an elite defense when Brunson is off the court and a middling one when he is on it. It is a delicate balance. How well he walks that line — and how well he and Karl-Anthony Towns hold up in pick-and-roll defense — will dictate New York’s title odds.

2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Jokić is averaging another 30-point triple-double, which is ridiculous. He leads the league in rebounding and assists, and he ranks fifth in scoring. His last season, when he finished second in MVP voting, was arguably the most impressive statistically in league history, and he has been even better this year, shooting 67.6% on 2-point attempts and 43.3% on 3s. His production and efficiency are unprecedented.

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They are translating into wins, too, as the Nuggets have more than any other team but the Thunder in the West. After taking Oklahoma City to seven games in the conference semifinals in May, Denver looks poised as the favorite’s biggest threat again this season. And for the first time in Jokić’s career, the Nuggets are outscoring opponents by a slim margin when the three-time MVP is off the court, a testament to improved depth.

The on/off numbers were always what made Jokić’s MVP case so convincing. The Nuggets are still monsters whenever he is on the court, but they are also now serviceable when he is on the bench, and that could end up hurting his cause in this discussion, especially in an MVP race so hotly contested.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

I did not necessarily agree with Gilgeous-Alexander’s selection as MVP last season, given, as I said, how Jokić submitted arguably the greatest statistical season in basketball history. But SGA won the award, fair and square, and then backed it up in the playoffs, capturing Finals MVP honors en route to a title.

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So, someone has to take the honor from him, and nobody has done that. Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder are 24-2, apace to break the NBA’s regular-season wins record (73). They won eight straight to open the year, lost by two to the Portland Trail Blazers, and then won another 16 straight, before losing by two to Wembanyama’s Spurs in the Cup semifinals. They have blown 15-point leads in each of their two losses.

The result is a +16.4 net rating that would mark the league’s best net rating ever — by a wide margin. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging a 32-5-6 and doing so in such a consistent manner that it feels like he is programmed to do so. They have done this largely without Jalen Williams and without a full rotation for a single game this season. They are so far and away the league’s best team, and he is so far and away their best player, that it is hard to argue against Gilgeous-Alexander as the league’s most valuable player.

This week’s Thursday Night Football matchup might just be one of the most important games of the week, as the Los Angeles Rams travel to face their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks. Both teams are 11-3 heading into Week 16, and they’ve both been at the top of their division all season long (with the 49ers trailing closely behind). This week’s game will have major implications for who comes out on top in both their division and conference. With records like these, in any other NFC division, these things might already have been decided, but given how close this NFC West race has been, it’s all coming down to the final few weeks of play. Here’s a look at this week’s playoff-clinching scenarios across the league.

The Rams vs. Seahawks game will stream live nationally on Amazon Prime Video tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Thursday’s game and the rest of the Week 16 schedule.

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How to watch the L.A. Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks game:

Date: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

Coverage start time: 7 p.m. ET

Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT

Game: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

Location: Lumen Field

Streaming: Prime Video

L.A. Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks game channel:

The Rams play the Seahawks tonight, Dec. 18, for the next Thursday Night Football game of the season, streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video.

With nearly a third of the fantasy basketball season in the rear view, it’s time to reassess the 2025 NBA Draft class. For the first time this season, the top of the ladder has shifted, with Dallas’ Cooper Flagg taking over the No. 1 spot. There’s been quite a shakeup among first-year players over the past month, with new entrants and rooks providing more value to fantasy managers.

Here’s the updated December ladder with context for both High Score and 9-category formats.

1. Cooper Flagg — SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks

High Score Rank: 59 | 9-cat Rank: 73

Flagg claims the top position thanks to his across-the-board production and massive role in Dallas. The Mavericks have fast-tracked Flagg into the centerpiece of their offense and defense because the vets are either injured or underwhelming. Flagg was mostly showcased as the point guard to start the season, with his role now moving to more of a scoring threat. Over his past 10 games, Flagg has averaged 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists, shooting 48% from the field.

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Just days ago, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points (he scored 42), breaking LeBron James’ record. Flagg’s shooting struggles are becoming a thing of the past and when you combine that with his defensive contributions, he’s deserving of the No. 1 spot. As his efficiency improves and the scoring hovers in the low-to-mid 20s, he could start to pull away from the field.

2. Kon Knueppel — SG/SF, Charlotte Hornets

High Score Rank: 88 | 9-cat Rank: 67

Knueppel continues to impress as one of the most polished wings of this draft class. He’s neck-and-neck with Flagg in terms of production at this point in the season and there should be more conversation about how he is the best rookie. I have Flagg slightly ahead of him because of his defense, but Knueppel’s offensive production has been pushing elite.

Knueppel leads all rookies in scoring and 3-pointers made — but what really stands out is how well he maintains that production under heavier usage. Charlotte has asked him to be their primary scorer and playmaker with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller being sidelined at different points, and his shooting splits remain among the best in the class. He’s on pace to obliterate the rookie 3s record and as of Thursday, Knueppel is the only rookie in NBA history to average 47/40/90 shooting splits while playing more than 115 minutes by this point in the season (he’s played 883!). He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November for a reason.

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Knueppel continues to be one of the most reliable and efficient rookie contributors in fantasy, especially in 9-cat formats.

3. VJ Edgecombe — PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers

High Score Rank: 84 | 9-cat Rank: 94

Averaging 15-5-4 with a steal per game is Rookie of the Year worthy numbers in a class that wasn’t this deep. Edgecombe has cooled from his early-season burst, but the Sixers’ rookie continues to produce across categories despite Sixers’ stars getting healthier. He’s been flexing his ability as a primary ball-handler with Tyrese Maxey sidelined, and while I’m not sold on his handle yet, he’s getting the job done and also got out of a shooting slump that plagued him in November.

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I could see the angle to sell high after putting up 20+ points in consecutive games. However, he’s shown more than enough early on to be considered one of their cornerstones for the future. It’s hard to find rookies locked into 30 minutes a night.

[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. It’s not too late to create or join a league]

4. Derik Queen — C, New Orleans Pelicans

High Score Rank: 97 | 9-cat Rank: 136

Queen is the new entrant from our last report and man, did he hit the ground running. He put up a 30-10-10 triple-double, amassing 70 points in High Score a week ago. And, even before that game, his minutes and impact continue to grow. The Pelicans traded meaningful draft capital for him, and month over month, he’s improved in almost every statistical area.

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For December, he’s up to 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, shooting 58% from the field and 83% from the line. Real minutes, real production that evolved into a must-roster, potential league-winning type of player across formats.

Once he tightens his discipline and effort on the defensive end, his 9-cat value will follow. Queen is trending in the right direction and could break into the top three sooner rather than later.

5. Ryan Kalkbrenner — C, Charlotte Hornets

High Score Rank: 165 | 9-cat Rank: 86

Kalkbrenner remains one of the most stable category-league rookies. His rim protection, FG% and low turnover rate give him a locked-in floor, especially in 9-cat formats. His High Score value is limited by low-scoring volume, but the Hornets continue to rely on him as their defensive anchor, something many didn’t anticipate from the second-round pick.

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He’s not as flashy as the names above him, but he’s become a reliable big man for blocked shots and is one of the most efficient scorers in the entire league.

6. Cedric Coward — SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies

High Score Rank: 135 | 9-cat Rank: 162

Coward was the top rookie in November, after jumping out to a crazy, efficient first 10 games of his career. He’s since regressed, but he remains a key part of Memphis’ rotation. He maintained double-digit scoring while also increasing his rebounding and assist rates month over month, a sign that he can help fantasy managers beyond his efficiency. Coward is in a good situation, seeing 27 minutes a game and that could rise depending on how the Grizzlies decide to move over the next couple of months ahead of the trade deadline.

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7. Jeremiah Fears — PG, New Orleans Pelicans

High Score Rank: 121 | 9-cat Rank: 179

Fears’ emergence over the past month and change stemmed from Jordan Poole’s absence. With Poole back, that hasn’t prevented the fearless rookie from maximizing his minutes. He’s an electric player, with the handles and creativity of Kyrie Irving (seriously, look).

He’s a pretty volatile scorer, which is reflected in his poor 9-cat rank. However, I’d still roll with him for High Score and points leagues because he gets buckets and steals at a high rate. Most wouldn’t expect that Fears leads rookies in total steals coming into Thursday. The Pelicans stink and I can only see his role expanding the deeper we get into the season.

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Up-and-Comers

• Dylan Harper – PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs

• Ace Bailey – SF/PF, Utah Jazz

• Maxime Raynaud – C, Sacramento Kings

• Ryan Nembhard – PG, Dallas Mavericks

Watch List (Deep Stashes)

• Tre Johnson — SG, Washington Wizards

• Walter Clayton — PG, Utah Jazz

• Drake Powell — SF, Brooklyn Nets

These are the names who could crack the ladder if roles shift, trades occur or injuries open up additional minutes.

Five fresh tales for five players in Week 16, all tied to the matchups that decide your fantasy football playoffs. I’ll walk you through the setup and deliver five takes. It’s Week 16 Tale of the Take — good luck and let’s get it.

Trust and targets should travel to Detroit for Kenneth Gainwell

The Tale: You don’t need a cutup to see it. When No. 14 has the ball, it’s just different than when Jaylen Warren has it. On a Pittsburgh offense short on trusted pass catchers, Kenneth Gainwell is one of Aaron Rodgers’ guys. Full stop.

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The data tracks the eye test. Gainwell has a 28.1% targets per route run rate, living in a neighborhood usually reserved for alpha wideouts like Ja’Marr Chase, Rashee Rice and Amon-Ra St. Brown. He’s also in that tiny circle of running backs leading their team in receptions, alongside Christian McCaffrey and De’Von Achane. That matters in Week 16 because usage that sticky travels no matter the look, and this week’s look is tailor-made to feed him.

Detroit can score points in bunches. Vegas hung 52 on the total with the Lions indoors as 7-point home favorites, which means volume for the Steelers’ passing game stays alive all day. Since Week 12, the Lions defense has sprung leaks, allowing a league-high 328 passing yards per game, a league-high 453 total yards per game and a league-high 24.5 first downs per game. That’s exactly what you want to hear when your running back is a route winner who earns targets each and every week. Gainwell isn’t just catching checkdowns. He’s moving the chains, making plays in space and setting up the offense to keep the sticks moving.

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Against Miami, Gainwell handled 14 carries and seven catches. The roles seem pretty defined. Warren offers physicality between the tackles and at the goal line, while Gainwell is the outlet, the tempo, the player the quarterback trusts when drives are forced to go to the air. Pittsburgh wants to keep stacking momentum inside the division. Detroit needs to win to keep its hopes alive, so the pace and pressure should hold. I’m playing Gainwell with zero hesitation and I expect another high workload in the receiving game with enough rush attempts to keep him locked on the starter radar.

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The Take: Kenneth Gainwell finishes Week 16 as a top-15 fantasy running back.

Slump buster on deck for Justin Herbert

The Tale: It’s been rough. Justin Herbert hasn’t cracked a top-10 quarterback finish since Week 9, and the slide matches the state of the line. The Chargers have shuffled bodies all season and they’re missing both bookend tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. Even with that, I’m not shying away from Herbert in Dallas. The total sits at 49.5 with the Cowboys favored by 2.5. The additions up front have definitely helped their run defense, but through the air, they’re still giving up production. Jared Goff went for 309 and a score. J.J. McCarthy posted two passing touchdowns and added one on the ground. Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdowns on 261 yards. Jalen Hurts dropped three touchdowns in the most recent showing.

This is a get-right lane for a passer who can push it.

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The target tree has been a headache. Ladd McConkey hasn’t hit. Keenan Allen hasn’t delivered. Quentin Johnston has been inconsistent, period. The backfield has been the lone steady drumbeat. Where Dallas can be had is in space against that linebacking corps. Oronde Gadsden II’s size and speed — plus those second-level issues in Dallas — can create real problems for the ‘Boys. Gadsden can win his own battles or free up teammates on in breakers and red-zone work.

I can’t tell you exactly which Chargers wideout pops. I am telling you the quarterback bounces back. Herbert’s arm talent paired with his willingness to run is enough to break the slump against this pass defense. Dallas will score and that will force the Chargers to score. And here’s the thing — they can. They absolutely can. Dallas is a slump-buster defense and this is a slump-buster spot for Herbert.

The Take: Herbert shakes off the funk and delivers a top quarterback finish in Week 16 versus Dallas.

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Ashton Jeanty vs. Houston — Volume meets a brick wall

The Tale: Listen, I know where we drafted Ashton Jeanty. I know what he was supposed to be on your roster. The truth is, this environment is not built for consistent rushing success right now. The Raiders are broken. This team has lost eight straight and just got buried by the Eagles, barely clearing 100 total yards of offense. It has been 11 weeks since Jeanty hit 100 yards. He hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown in six weeks. The receptions aren’t flipping fields. He hasn’t been able to show the full skillset behind an offensive line that isn’t holding up and a quarterback situation in flux between Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett. Geno returning to practice helps, but the task on deck in Week 16 is a buzzsaw.

Houston is a problem. On the season, the Texans have the fourth-best rushing defense at about 92 yards per game and the fourth-best passing defense at about 176 per game. Their sack rate sits at 8.5%, which is sixth best. They allow the fewest first downs per game at 16. They are top-three on third down. Time of possession tilts their way and the Raiders allow opponents to hold it for 32 minutes.

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It’s win or go home for us in fantasy. None of this is about Jeanty’s talent. He’s getting everything you can ask for from a usage standpoint. He’s a top-three back by utilization. But everything around him is deficient.

If you have to roll him as a volume-based RB2, I get it. But in this same game, if Woody Marks sits and Jawhar Jordan gets the work, I’d bet Jordan outscores Jeanty. There are other names you can start over Jeanty this week, even if they don’t sound pretty.

The Take: Ashton Jeanty finishes outside the top-20 running backs in Week 16.

Under the lights, it’s next man up — and that’s Colston Loveland

The Tale: Bears and Packers in Chicago on Saturday night with the division scent in the air. Chicago just handled Cleveland. Green Bay just took a gut punch from Denver and came out of it lighter on bodies. It lost arguably one of the best defenders in the league in Micah Parsons, whose ability to generate pressure and change the focal point of protections tilts every snap, and it already lost Devonte Wyatt for the season. On top of that, the Packers may be down a key protector in offensive lineman Zach Tom. That’s a battered group walking into a hostile building.

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Rookie tight end Colston Loveland has played like a grown man at times this season, has been ready when his number gets called and the runway is there for a spike game in prime time.

Chicago may be thin at wideout. As of Wednesday, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III did not practice. We’ve seen the Bears make Loveland part of the plan early, then the ball gets spread and the volume cools. Even with that, the usage is real. Loveland has five targets in four straight games. He’s caught at least four passes in three of those four and he’s found the paint in two of the four. When he touches it, the energy changes. He’s a friendly window over the middle and a bully in traffic when it’s time to move the sticks.

Green Bay’s defense is dinged. The pass rush and the middle of the field won’t look the same without their main dudes. If Chicago is down multiple receivers, Loveland becomes the pressure release and the finisher in scoring areas.

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I think Loveland becomes more of a focal point in the offense. The Bears can take a step up in the NFC North with a win, and the rookie is lined up to help them get it done.

The Take: Colston Loveland scores a touchdown and delivers a big Week 16 against Green Bay.

Big Bengals bounce back

The Tale: It’s been bad. Cincinnati opened the fantasy playoffs with a zero against Baltimore, Joe Burrow threw two picks and took hits and while Ja’Marr Chase still stacked catches and yards, the offense was not good. As of Wednesday, Tee Higgins practiced after missing Week 15 in concussion protocol, and now the Bengals head to Miami as -4.5 favorites. The Dolphins are starting rookie Quinn Ewers after Tua Tagovailoa was benched. Even in a season that went sideways, these Bengals have said they want to put up points, put up yards, put on a show. I think that’s exactly what happens this weekend.

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Miami’s defense isn’t awful, but it can be had. It’s allowing about 202 passing yards per game, yet it’s much softer on the ground at 132 per game, which is sixth-worst. On the other side, Cincinnati is the absolute worst, allowing nearly 160 rushing yards per game, so De’Von Achane can pop explosives that keep this game spicy and keep Burrow throwing. A rookie quarterback on the other sideline also opens the door for short fields. If Ewers gifts a turnover or two, Burrow won’t need seven-step magic to cash. He’ll need rhythm, timing and his guys healthy enough to do what they do.

I expect a professional response. Burrow locks onto Chase early. Tee Higgins’ return matters in the red area. Chase Brown’s burst plays against a front that tires late in games. Warm air, clean footing, confident quarterback with his top receivers. Cincinnati may be out of the mix, but pride still counts for fantasy football. This is the week the Bengals pay you back on the road with volume, efficiency and enough splash to carry lineups.

The Take: Cincinnati gets right in Miami as Burrow rebounds and Chase, Higgins and Brown deliver big fantasy lines in Week 16.

Olivier Rioux made even more history on Wednesday night during No. 23 Florida’s 102-61 win over Saint Francis.

The 7-foot-9 center threw down an incredibly easy dunk in the final minute of the blowout win at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida, on Wednesday, which made him the tallest player in college basketball history to ever make a field goal. Naturally, the Gators’ bench lost it.

Rioux, who actually has a spot in the Guiness World Records book as the world’s tallest teenager, redshirted last season with the Gators. He played his first minutes last month against North Florida, which set a different record for the tallest person to ever play in a college basketball game, and then went 1-of-2 from the free-throw line against Merrimack.

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Finally, on Wednesday night, he hit his first field goal — which looked like it didn’t take any effort to get up to the rim at all.

Xavian Lee led the defending national champions with 18 points in the win after he shot 7-of-9 from the field. Alex Condon finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, and Reuben Chinyelu added 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Gators now sit at 7-4, and have won back-to-back games after a rough stretch where they dropped two of three games, including one to unranked TCU.

Florida will host both Colgate and Dartmouth before the end of the year, and will then open SEC play at Missouri on Jan. 3.

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While Rioux has only played a handful of minutes so far in the nonconference slate, and he likely won’t see much the rest of the way, he’s already off to a historic start to his playing career in Gainesville.

Tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been on sale for months now, and the final World Cup draw has determined which countries will face each other in the group stage. The global soccer tournament, which begins June 11, 2026, and runs through July 19, will take place all across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with 104 matches played in 15 major North American cities.

Even before the draw, prices for matches were high, with the cheapest tickets still costing over $1,000, but if you’re looking to buy great seats at a specific match or want to save some dough, Gametime might just have the tickets you’re looking for.

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Gametime is the premier marketplace for last-minute tickets to events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring transparent pricing that includes all fees, mobile ticketing – no printer required – and a guarantee that all tickets sold will be valid for entry to the game. If you’re interested in buying tickets to the 2026 World Cup, here’s everything you need to know about purchasing individual game tickets with Gametime.

How to get tickets to the 2026 World Cup:

The average price for a single ticket to the 2026 World Cup is around $1,500-2,000, but for lower prices and a great selection, Gametime has you covered, with tickets as low as $319 for select matches.

Find tickets with Gametime

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When is the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, 2026 and runs through July 19, 2026.

When is the 2026 World Cup draw?

The World Cup draw was held Friday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. ET on Fox. All the group stage venues and kickoff times will then be announced the following day, on Saturday, Dec. 6.

2026 FIFA World Cup Groups:

Group A:

Group B:

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Group I

• FIFA Play-Off Tournament 2

Group J

Group K

• FIFA Play-Off Tournament 1

Group L

Where will 2026 World Cup games be held?

There will be 15 host cities for the 2026 World Cup throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada. They are:

United States

• Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

• Boston – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

• Dallas – At&T Stadium, Arlington TX

• Houston – NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

• Kansas City – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

• Los Angeles – Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

• Miami – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

• New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

• Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

• San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

• Seattle – Lumen Field, Seattle, WA

Mexico

• Mexico City – Estadio Azteca, Coyoacan, Mexico City

• Monterrey – Estadio BBVA, Gudalupe, Nuevo Leon

• Guadalajara – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara

Canada

• Toronto – BMO Field, Toronto, ON

• Vancouver – BC Place, Vancouver BC

How to get 2026 World Cup tickets using Gametime:

You can find individual match tickets to dozens of 2026 FIFA World Cup games on Gametime. If you know which match, group, or venue you want to see, you can filter by price, date and location to find the tickets that are right for you.

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When do 2026 World Cup tickets go on sale?

Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are now on sale.

Find tickets on Gametime

How much are 2026 World Cup tickets?

Currently, individual tickets for the 2026 World Cup run anywhere from $1,400 to $3,500 on the FIFA website (lower-priced tickets are available through a lottery). But for even better prices and a more diverse array of seating option, Gametime has you covered. Tickets to many group stage games start as low as $319, and there are tickets available for nearly every match.

Find tickets on Gametime

2026 World Cup Schedule

(All times Eastern)

The 2026 World Cup will begin on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and the final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. You can take a look at the existing schedule below; updates can be found on the FIFA site.

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Group Stage

June 11 – June 27, 2026

Thursday, June 11, 2026

• Group A: Mexico vs. South Africa – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (3 p.m. ET)

• Group A: South Korea vs. UEFA playoff winner D (Czechia, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia) – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (10 p.m. ET)

Friday, June 12, 2026

• Group B: Canada vs. UEFA playoff winner A (Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland) – BMO Field, Toronto (3 p.m. ET)

• Group D: USA vs. Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET)

• Group D: Australia vs. UEFA playoff winner C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye, Romania) — BC Place, Vancouver (12 a.m. ET)

Saturday, June 13, 2026

• Group B: Qatar vs. Switzerland — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (3 p.m. ET)

• Group C: Brazil vs. Morocco — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (6 p.m. ET)

• Group C: Haiti vs. Scotland — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (9 p.m. ET)

Sunday, June 14, 2026

• Group E: Germany vs. Curaçao – NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

• Group F: Netherlands vs. Japan — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (4 p.m. ET)

• Group E: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (7 p.m. ET)

• Group F: Tunisia vs. UEFA playoff winner B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania) — Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (10 p.m. ET)

Monday, June 15, 2026

• Group H: Spain vs. Cape Verde – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m. ET)

• Group G: Belgium vs. Egypt — Lumen Field, Seattle (3 p.m. ET)

• Group H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET)

• Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET)

• Group J: Austria vs. Jordan — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (12 a.m. ET)

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

• Group I: France vs. Senegal — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (3 p.m. ET)

• Group I: Norway vs. FIFA playoff winner 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (6 p.m. ET)

• Group J: Argentina vs. Algeria — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (9 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

• Group K: Portugal vs. FIFA playoff winner 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica, DR Congo) — NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

• Group L: England vs. Croatia — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (4 p.m. ET)

• Group L: Ghana vs. Panama — BMO Field, Toronto (7 p.m. ET)

• Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (10 p.m. ET)

Thursday, June 18, 2026

• Group A: South Africa vs. UEFA playoff winner D (Czechia, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m. ET)

• Group B: Switzerland vs. UEFA playoff winner A (Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland) — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

• Group B: Canada vs. Qatar – BC Place, Vancouver (6 p.m. ET)

• Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (9 p.m. ET)

• Group D: Paraguay vs. UEFA playoff winner C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye, Romania) — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (June 19, 12 a.m. ET)

Friday, June 19, 2026

• Group D: USA vs. Australia – Lumen Field, Seattle (3 p.m. ET)

• Group C: Scotland vs. Morocco — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (3 p.m. ET)

• Group C: Brazil vs. Haiti — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (9 p.m. ET)

• Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (12 a.m. ET)

Saturday, June 20, 2026

• Group F: Netherlands vs. UEFA playoff winner B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania) — NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

• Group E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast — BMO Field, Toronto (4 p.m. ET)

• Group E: Ecuador vs. Curaçao – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (8 p.m. ET)

Sunday, June 21, 2026

• Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m ET)

• Group G: Belgium vs. Iran — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

• Group H: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET)

• Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt — BC Place, Vancouver (9 p.m. ET)

Monday, June 22, 2026

• Group J: Argentina vs. Austria — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (1 p. m. ET)

• Group I: France vs. FIFA playoff winner 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (5 p.m. ET)

• Group I: Norway vs. Senegal — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (8 p.m. ET)

• Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (11 p.m. ET)

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

• Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan — NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

• Group L: England vs. Ghana — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (4 p.m. ET)

• Group L: Panama vs. Croatia — BMO Field, Toronto (7 p.m. ET)

• Group K: Colombia vs. FIFA playoff winner 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica, DR Congo) — Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (10 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

• Group B: Canada vs. Switzerland — BC Place, Vancouver (3 p.m. ET)

• Group B: Qatar vs. UEFA playoff winner A (Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland) — Lumen Field, Seattle (3 p.m. ET)

• Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET)

• Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (6 p.m. ET)

• Group A: Mexico vs. UEFA playoff winner D (Czechia, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia) — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (9 p.m. ET)

• Group A: South Korea vs. South Africa — Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (9 p.m. ET)

Thursday, June 25, 2026

• Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (4 p.m. ET)

• Group E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (4 p.m. ET)

• Group F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (7 p.m. ET)

• Group F: Japan vs. UEFA playoff winner B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania) — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (7 p.m. ET)

• Group D: USA vs. UEFA playoff winner C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye, Romania) – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (10 p.m. ET)

• Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (10 p.m. ET)

Friday, June 26, 2026

• Group I: Norway vs. France — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (3 p.m. ET)

• Group I: Senegal vs. FIFA playoff winner 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) — BMO Field, Toronto (3 p.m. ET)

• Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain — Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (8 p.m. ET)

• Group H: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia — NRG Stadium, Houston (8 p.m. ET)

• Group G: New Zealand vs. Belgium — BC Place, Vancouver (11 p.m. ET)

• Group G: Egypt vs. Iran — Lumen Field, Seattle (11 p.m. ET)

Saturday, June 27, 2026

• Group L: Panama vs. England —MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (5 p.m. ET)

Group L: Croatia vs. Ghana — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (5 p.m. ET)

• Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (7:30 p.m. ET)

• Group K: Uzbekistan vs. FIFA playoff winner 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica, DR Congo) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (7:30 p.m. ET)

• Group J: Jordan vs. Argentina — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (10 p.m. ET)

• Group J: Algeria vs. Austria — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (10 p.m. ET)

Knockout stage matches

Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026

Sunday, June 28, 2026

• Group A Second-Place vs. Group B Second-Place — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

Monday, June 29, 2026

• Group C Winner vs. Group F Second Place — NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

• Group E Winner vs. Group A/B/C/D/F Third Place — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (4:30 p.m. ET)

• Group F Winner vs Group C Second Place — Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (9:00 p.m. ET)

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

• Group E Second Place vs. Group I Second Place — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (1 p.m. ET)

• Group I Winner vs Group C/D/F/G/H Third Place — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (5 p.m. ET)

• Group A Winner vs Group C/E/F/H/I Third Place — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (9 p.m. ET)

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Wednesday, July 1, 2026

• Group L Winner vs. Group E/H/I/J/K Third Place — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m. ET)

• Group G Winner vs. Group A/E/H/I/J Third Place — Lumen Field, Seattle (4 p.m. ET)

• Group D Winner vs. Group B/E/F/I/J Third Place — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (8 p.m. ET)

Thursday, July 2, 2026

• Group H Winner vs. Group J Second Place — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

• Group K Second Place vs. Group L Second Place — BMO Field, Toronto (7 p.m. ET)

• Group B Winner vs. Group D/E/I/J/L Third Place — BC Place, Vancouver (11 p.m. ET)

Friday, July 3, 2026

• Group D Second Place vs. Group G Second Place — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (2 p.m. ET)

• Group J Winner vs. Group H Second Place — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET)

• Group K Winner vs. D/E/I/J/L Third Place – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (9:30 p.m. ET)

Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026

Saturday, July 4, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

• TBD vs. TBD – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (5 p.m. ET)

Sunday, July 5, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (4 p.m. ET)

• TBD vs. TBD Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (8 p.m. ET)

Monday, July 6, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (3 p.m. ET)

• TBD vs. TBD – Lumen Field, Seattle (8 p.m. ET)

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m. ET)

• TBD vs. TBD – BC Place, Vancouver (4 p.m. ET)

Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11, 2026

Thursday, July 9, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (4 p.m. ET)

Friday, July 10, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

Saturday, July 11, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (5 p.m. ET)

• TBD vs. TBD – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (9 p.m. ET)

Semifinals: July 14 – 15, 2026

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (3 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (3 p.m. ET)

Bronze Final (3rd Place Match): Saturday, July 18, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (5 p.m. ET)

Final: Sunday, July 19, 2026

• TBD vs. TBD — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (3 p.m. ET)

Originally posted earlier; updated December 6 with detailed Group Stage schedule.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus announced on Thursday that he will be moving to the coaches’ booth for the final three games of the season. Eberflus previously called plays from the sidelines during the first 14 games and has coached from the booth before in his career. He is making the change to give the defense a different perspective.

This is Eberflus’ first season as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator after the team parted ways with former DC Mike Zimmer following last season. Dallas ranks 31st in points allowed, giving up 30 points per game, and is 29th in yards allowed per game at 374.9 yards. Before the season started, the Cowboys traded their best defender, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers.

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While the defense has shown signs of improvement since acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, the Cowboys have allowed 28 or more points in each of their last three games.

Jones was asked Tuesday on Dallas’ 105.3 The FAN whether Eberflus’ job status will be determined by how the Cowboys perform defensively over the final three games of the regular season.

“I think that should be a big criteria because these three games are vital to us,” Jones said. “We don’t play a game that’s not important to us. … But yes, how we play over these next few weeks will be a big criteria because I think, really, we’re at one of the peaks of our healthiness right now. … If we can step out there and have three good games, then I think that should go into the decision making.”

Eberflus also addressed Jones’ comments about being evaluated during the final three games.

“This is the NFL,” Eberflus said. “Everybody is being evaluated throughout the whole league. That’s part of the job.”

Before becoming the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator last offseason, Eberflus was the head coach of the Chicago Bears and previously served as the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts. He went 14–32 during his time as the Bears’ head coach.

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At 6-7-1, the Cowboys face nearly impossible odds of making the playoffs, but these final three games could shape what the team looks like next season. The Cowboys have to win out and hope the Philadelphia Eagles lose the rest of their games to sneak into the playoffs.

If the Cowboys fail to make the playoffs this season, it will be their second consecutive miss; they’ve missed the playoffs in four out of five seasons. The Cowboys will face the Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) on Sunday.