Wildcard Saturday went off without a hitch with the New Orleans Saints defeating the Detroit Lions 45-28 while the Houston Texans made quick work of the Cincinnati Bengals 31-10.
Today, the New York Giants will host a very dangerous Atlanta Falcons team with the winner having to take on Green Bay in the frozen tundra, while the Denver Broncos will host the Pittsburgh Steelers, and many Broncos fans could be surprised to see Tim Tebow on the bench at some point.
To clarify, ProFootballTalk is reporting: "...multiple sources tell PFT that coach John Fox is prepared to bench Tebow, if he struggles once again."
This is probably blow-back from Tebow's recent turnover-riddled last four-game output where he's thrown five interceptions to only two touchdowns. The article also goes on to say that one source suggested that the Broncos also have a package for Brady Quinn to be used in second-and-long or third-and-long situations, and that Quinn has been taking at least 50% of the first-team reps this week.
What other news is coming over the wire?
Jerome Solomon on Twitter reported that Texans TE Owen Daniels was sent for X-rays on his hand after Saturday's Wild Card round game—the injury occurred in the middle of the second quarter of Saturday's game. There hasn't been any word yet on the status of Daniels, but if his hand is broken, Joel Dreesen would get the start.
Over the course of the season, Daniels has been beaten up by a few injuries, and under utilized which suggests that perhaps next year, Daniels will be more valuable as a waiver wire pluck, than a fantasy football draft choice, especially if the Texans wind up drafting a WR in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Browns RB Peyton Hillis is believed to be "most likely gone" according to Mary Kay Cabot - Cleveland Plain Dealer, but this should come as no surprise.
Cabot goes on to say that "The Browns don't feel he is worth all the drama" and that "With their offensive line, they feel they can plug in another back who'll be as successful -- at a much lower cost. "
It's an interesting turn of events; one that will surely have the Browns making some adjustments on draft day as well, as they now could target a RB at some point, especially considering they will be looking to preserve some cash in 2012.
I still think that Hillis will be a nice contributor as a fantasy back (RB 2) in 2012, but it will obviously depend on where he goes, and what role he assumes.
Adam Schefter on Twitter has reported that the Patriots and Josh McDaniels have officially agreed to a new deal and McDaniels will officially begin his second stint as OC next season.
The most interesting aspect of this news is the rising speculation that Rams receiver Brandon Lloyd will join McDaniels in Foxborough at some point this off-season. Lloyd has already admitted that he is "tied to McDaniels", and when asked whether or not he would follow McDaniels if let go he said:
"I can't even lie about that," Lloyd said. "I'm tied to McDaniels. He uses me differently than other offensive coordinators used me in my entire career. He uses me as an every-play receiver. The short game, mid-range game, gimmick passes, deep balls." - St. Louis Dispatch
Lloyd is already a top notch fantasy receiver, but going to New England with Tom Brady under center would significantly increase his overall fantasy potential.
Tomlinson is the fifth leading rushing back in NFL history with 13,684 career yards, but has been relegated to nothing more than a solid waiver wire grab in fantasy football leagues for a few years now. At 32, Tomlinson believe there's still some gas left in the tank, but not much.
