Tyreek Hill Says He Gave Chiefs Chance to Match Dolphins' Contract Offer Before Trade
Dec 13, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Tyreek Hill has offered new insight into the discussions that led to his trade from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins during the offseason.
Appearing on the Club Shay Shay YouTube show with Shannon Sharpe (starts at 3:40 mark), Hill said he approached the Chiefs about what the Dolphins were offering him for a contract extension and they decided to trade him rather than try to match the proposal.
Hill previously said on his own podcast he told Chiefs head coach Andy Reid they didn't need to give him the same deal as Miami was willing to in order to re-sign him.
"I'm like, 'Hey Coach, yo like, I ain't even gotta be the highest-paid, for real. I just want to be put in like a realistic position that's like realistic for me and my family,'" Hill said. "I don't gotta get $30 million. At least get me 25, 26. ... Numbers wasn't even close to that."
Despite expressing some desire to remain in Kansas City, Hill told Sharpe he started to realize around "mid-last season" he might not finish his career with the team and he felt like the Chiefs weren't getting him involved in the offense enough.
"I'm the type of guy, like, I love playing ball and I love being about the team, because football is a team sport, right? And it would be some games where, like, I'd get two targets; I'd get three targets," he explained. "And we'd go into meetings and my coach would be like, 'Hey, 'Reek. We've got to get you involved, we've got to get you involved.'"
Hill was traded to the Dolphins in March and signed a four-year, $120 million extension. The deal made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL by average annual salary ($30 million) and total guaranteed money ($72.2 million).
The Chiefs already had several veteran players on expensive contracts that limited their cap flexibility. Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, Orlando Brown Jr. and Frank Clark all have cap hits of more than $13 million, per Over the Cap.
Hill was still very productive in Kansas City last season. The six-time Pro Bowler led the team in targets (159), receptions (111), receiving yards (1,239) and tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions (nine).
Things have worked out well for both parties since the trade. The Chiefs offense remains one of the most dominant units in the NFL, ranking first in yards per game (423.8) and second in points per game (29.5).
Despite the Dolphins' dip in performance over the past two games, they are still on track to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Hill leads the league with 100 catches and ranks second with 1,460 receiving yards.
NFL Playoff Scenarios 2022-23 Week 15: Standings and Matchups to Watch
Dec 13, 2022
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scrambling and running for a touchdown during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Get ready for a four-week sprint.
The byes are officially in the rearview mirror, the contenders have started to separate themselves, and there are only four games remaining for teams to make one final postseason push.
With that in mind, here is a look at the updated NFL standings and tiebreaker scenarios following the New England Patriots' win over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football.
AFC
1. Buffalo Bills, 10-3 (tiebreaker over KC because of head-to-head)
2. Kansas City Chiefs, 10-3
3. Baltimore Ravens, 9-4 (tiebreaker over CIN because of head-to-head)
4. Tennessee Titans, 7-6
5. Cincinnati Bengals, 9-4
6. Miami Dolphins, 8-5
7. New England Patriots, 7-6 (tiebreaker over LAC because of AFC win percentage and NYJ because of head-to-head)
8. Los Angeles Chargers, 7-6 (tiebreaker over NYJ because of AFC win percentage)
9. New York Jets, 7-6
10. Jacksonville Jaguars, 5-8 (tiebreaker over LV and CLE because of AFC win percentage)
11. Las Vegas Raiders, 5-8 (tiebreaker over CLE because of AFC win percentage)
12. Cleveland Browns, 5-8 (tiebreaker over PIT because of head-to-head)
13. Pittsburgh Steelers, 5-8
14. Indianapolis Colts, 4-8-1
15. Denver Broncos, 3-10
16. Houston Texans, 1-11-1
NFC
1. Philadelphia Eagles, 12-1
2. Minnesota Vikings, 10-3
3. San Francisco 49ers, 9-4
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 6-7
5. Dallas Cowboys, 10-3
6. Washington Commanders, 7-5-1 (tiebreaker over NYG because of win percentage against NFC East)
7. New York Giants, 7-5-1
8. Seattle Seahawks, 7-6
9. Detroit Lions, 6-7
10. Green Bay Packers, 5-8 (tiebreaker over CAR because of strength of victory)
11. Carolina Panthers, 5-8 (tiebreaker over ATL because of win percentage against NFC South)
12. Atlanta Falcons, 5-8
13. Arizona Cardinals, 4-9 (tiebreaker over NO because of head-to-head and LAR because of win percentage in common games)
14. New Orleans Saints, 4-9 (tiebreaker over LAR because of head-to-head)
15. Los Angeles Rams, 4-9
16. Chicago Bears, 3-10
Fans won't have to wait long for one of the games to watch in Week 15.
The San Francisco 49ers hit the road to face the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night in a critical NFC West showdown for both sides. San Francisco continues to fend off injuries and remain in the Super Bowl picture, while Seattle is just outside of a wild-card spot and in need of a bounce-back win.
While quarterbacks Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo are both sidelined with long-term injuries, Brock Purdy is the man of the hour after guiding the 49ers to victories over the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The rookie has completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 461 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions this year and is doing an ideal job of simply getting the ball into the playmakers' hands and letting them work.
One of those weapons will likely be out after Deebo Samuel suffered an ankle injury against Tampa Bay, but Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle will look to stretch the visitors' winning streak to seven and hand Seattle a fourth loss in the last five games.
This is close to a must-win for those Seahawks considering they are at the Kansas City Chiefs the following game and now looking up at the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. They also have a chance to gain some ground on those teams since they are playing each other in a key Week 15 rematch.
New York and Washington tied in Week 13 but are headed in opposite directions.
The Giants are an ugly 1-4-1 in their last five games after a 6-1 start, while the Commanders are 6-1-1 in their last seven after a 1-4 start. If Washington can keep that momentum rolling at home, it will have the key head-to-head tiebreaker over its division rival and the inside track on a playoff spot.
Elsewhere, the Dolphins' playoff spot is somewhat more precarious following a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
They are just one game ahead of the Chargers, New York Jets and New England Patriots in a race for the two wild-card spots behind the Cincinnati Bengals and have the unenviable task of facing Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on the road in Week 15.
Miami already defeated the Bills in Week 3, but this time could be quite different in potentially snowy conditions against a Super Bowl contender that has won four in a row.
Another loss could have a Miami team with championship hopes of its own fighting for a final postseason spot after such a promising start to the campaign.
Justin or Tua? After SNF, There's No Question Herbert Is the Superior QB
Dec 12, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers passes during a game against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert and Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa will be forever linked and compared after being back-to-back selections during the 2020 NFL draft, even though one has been clearly better throughout their careers, this season and when their two teams met Sunday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
When the two are juxtaposed, the difference is about the same as when the Avengers assemble and Thor and Hawkeye join forces. Herbert has God-given skills and abilities most can't even fathom, while Tagovailoa is a useful teammate with pinpoint accuracy to help in daunting situations.
The difference in natural ability is staggering, though, and was evident during the Chargers' 23-17 victory. The two signal-callers weren't even on the same plane of existence, and it should quiet anyone who believes Tagovailoa has earned elite status.
Sunday's performance showed a quarterback with better poise, pocket movement and natural arm talent, despite playing with a lesser supporting cast.
The 7-6 Chargers—who currently claim the AFC's precious and final seventh spot if the postseason began today—rely on Herbert to elevate the play of everyone around him and lift the team into the playoffs.
"You'll become less and less surprised as the game goes," a high-ranking NFL source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler before the season even began. "He'll be the best QB in the game."
Meanwhile, Tagovailoa is a deadly distributor. He's a sniper capable of picking apart opponents with pinpoint accuracy while working within the confines of Miami's offensive scheme.
Both approaches can be highly successful based on the situation. These comparisons shouldn't be viewed as a slight by any stretch of the imagination. The Dolphins have proved they can put a successful team on the field with a quarterback operating at a high level based on their approach.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
The real difference is what happens when everything breaks down. The abilities to work off-platform, make second-window throws and create outside of structure are more important than ever. The likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have revolutionized how the position is played. Herbert brings those traits to the table.
Los Angeles' record is indicative of the trials and tribulations the roster faced this year. Mainly, the offensive line has three inexperienced starters in first-round guard Zion Johnson, sixth-round left tackle Jamaree Salyer and former undrafted right tackle Foster Sarell.
Herbert presents both subtle movement to escape pressure in the pocket and the athleticism to create when he breaks the pocket. Both are absolutely vital to the offense's success.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the 24-year-old evaded a career-high five pressures and completed 13 passes on the run—or two more than anyone in a single game since 2016. Herbert currently leads the NFL with 69 completions, 718 passing yards, eight touchdown passes and a positive-11.2 completion percentage over expected when on the move.
Offensive line issues tend to be minimized with a mobile quarterback who doubles as the unit's best playmaker.
In total, Herbert posted a new single-game personal best with 39 completions while moving into first place in passing yardage through the first three seasons of a career.
The type of throws that Herbert completes can be dumbfounding because they shouldn't be possible.
"It's tough," wider receiver Keenan Allen said of catching Herbert's line-drive passes, per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. "The first year was tough, this year is way slower, and like I said, I think he's just understanding the defense more, understanding how he can throw the passes, understanding when to throw the passes and just not playing all arm."
While the Chargers lack speed on the outside and, oftentimes, healthy targets, their franchise signal-caller throws the ball with staggering placement in unfair angles for defenders befuddled by a pass coming in their direction.
How many quarterbacks are running a designed rollout to their right only to throw the ball across their body, past the opposite hash and 48 yards down the field? Those who should even attempt that type of pass with any hope of completing it can be counted on one hand with fingers to spare.
The Herbert and Mike Williams playmaking duo has been on point all game 🔥 #BoltUp
"He's a special arm talent," Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told Thiry. "He throws some passes that I don't think anyone can throw in this league, and that includes myself. He has a cannon for an arm, you watch—I watch on film every week because we play similar opponents—there's some throws that you just kind of shake your head because they are just that special."
Conversely, Tagovailoa is a rhythm passer. His anticipation and touch are special, though neither trait has been nearly effective the last two weeks against more aggressive defenses.
Prior to Sunday's contest, the former fifth overall draft pick led the NFL in QB rating and Football Outsider's defense-adjusted value over average metric. His timing and accuracy have been thrown off, and it's shown in his performance.
Tagovailoa completed a paltry 35.7 percent of his passes against the Chargers. The passing game never looked in sync. A week earlier, the San Francisco 49ers held the Dolphins' quarterback to a 54.6 completion percentage.
The difference lies in how those units are handling Miami's dynamic wide receivers.
The Chargers used press coverage for a season-high of 35 percent on detached routes, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Los Angeles' defensive backs jammed at the line of scrimmage and rerouted their targets to throw off the passing game's timing.
Opponents must account for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle's speed, but the advantage can be negated to a degree when they're not in the right spots once Tagovailoa expects to throw.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
"A lot of us had an off night," Hill told reporters after the game. "I have to take responsibility, too."
If not for Hill, the Chargers would have posted a blowout victory. A flukish 57-yard scoop-and-score by the speedy wide receiver after Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. fumbled the ball was Miami's only offensive output during the first half.
Midway through the third quarter, Chargers defensive back Michael Davis tripped over Hill's feet and fell down to leave the league's fastest man wide open for a 60-yard score.
Beyond that, the Dolphins got very little going. They must adapt to teams being far more physical, thus forcing Tagovailoa to readjust on the fly.
While Miami's quarterback accounts for how opponents are now playing him and his talented surrounding cast, Herbert can go about his business being the mightier of the two. He's the option teams take 10 times out of 10 if they're starting a franchise. He's the limitless one.
Fortunately, everyone can put to rest any conversation of these two being of the same caliber after seeing both on the field during the same contest, with Herbert clearly emerging as the victor in both outcome and individual performance.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
Tua Tagovailoa Criticized for 'Horrible' Performance in Dolphins' Loss to Chargers
Dec 12, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins passes during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has largely excelled during his breakout third-year NFL campaign, but Sunday evening was a night to forget.
The former Alabama star completed just 10 of 28 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown in a 23-17 road loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sixty of those yards came on a TD throw to Tyreek Hill, who scored after Bolts defensive back Michael Davis tripped in coverage.
Tagovailoa also had some garbage time yards to pad the stats on a night where he had just 25 yards at halftime against a Chargers defense missing key personnel such as Derwin James Jr. and Joey Bosa.
The 24-year-old entered Sunday completing 68.1 percent of his passes for 21 touchdowns (five interceptions), 9.0 yards per attempt and an NFL-high 112.0 quarterback rating.
But the Chargers stymied Tagovailoa, and Twitter criticized the performance.
Judge a QB when things aren’t perfect. Anyone looks pretty good when comfortable. Herbert, under duress on every throw, is 24 of 29 for 222 yards. Tua is 3 of 15 for 25 yards.
Miami fell to 8-5 with its second straight defeat but remains squarely in the playoff hunt. However, the Dolphins now have another tough test ahead Saturday evening when they visit the AFC-leading Buffalo Bills.
'Incredible' Justin Herbert Draws Rave Reviews from Twitter as Chargers Beat Dolphins
Dec 12, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert established himself as one of the best young signal callers in the NFL long ago, and he proved that yet again with a stellar performance in a primetime matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Herbert powered the Chargers to a 23-17 victory on Sunday Night Football to help the team improve to 7-6. The 24-year-old threw for 367 yards and a touchdown on 39-of-51 passing with no turnovers to lead the way.
Sunday's game looked more like a showcase of Herbert's skills, as he dazzled with tight-window throws as well as deep passes that dropped right into Chargers receivers' hands. He spread the ball around, too, as nine players registered at least one catch.
NFL Twitter heaped praise on Herbert for another impressive showing, with many touting him as a bonafide superstar:
Justin Herbert is incredible. And for anyone to call him a “social media” QB is laugh out loud funny and just flat out wrong analysis.
The Chargers are fighting to get into the postseason picture. Sunday's win moved Los Angeles into the seventh seed, but a victory by the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football would put the team on the outside looking in.
With Herbert under center, the Chargers have the ability to compete against any team in the NFL. He's a quarterback that makes players around him better, and he will continue to do so if he stays healthy for the rest of the year.
The Chargers will face another tough matchup next Sunday when they host the Tennessee Titans (7-6), who are in first place in the AFC South. Herbert will have to be at his best once again for the team to earn a second successive win.
J.J. Watt, Twitter Rip 'Absurd' Roughing the Passer Penalty on Dolphins vs. Chargers
Dec 12, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is chased by -Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The NFL has taken great strides in recent years to protect quarterbacks, but questionable roughing the passer penalties have ignited a wave of scrutiny throughout the 2022 season.
Another such occurrence took place in the third quarter of Sunday night's game between the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers when Dolphins defensive end Jaelan Phillips laid a hit on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert that appeared to be a routine tackle, but he was called for a penalty. A sack would've caused the Los Angeles offense to go three-and-out, but the flag extended the drive.
Part of the issue is that roughing the passer penalties cannot be reviewed to amend any real-time mistakes. However, when referees make these calls that can affect the outcome of a game, criticism is warranted.
NFL Twitter lit up with reactions to the penalty, as many were unhappy that Phillips was the subject of what was perceived to be an unnecessary call:
At the time of the penalty, the Dolphins were trailing 17-7. The Chargers' drive ended with a punt, but things obviously could've been worse.
Miami is hoping to maintain its playoff position, while Los Angeles is fighting to make its way into the postseason picture.
Tua Tagovailoa 'Rattled' in 3-Turnover Game as Dolphins Fall to Brock Purdy, 49ers
Dec 5, 2022
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 04: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers have a pretty scary defense. Just ask Tua Tagovailoa.
The Miami Dolphins quarterback threw two interceptions, lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, was sacked three times and left Sunday's 33-17 loss to the Niners with an ankle injury.
Talk about a tough night at the office.
Tagovailoa has been excellent at protecting the ball this season and had gone 193 pass attempts without an interception, per the FOX broadcast (h/t The Sporting News), before throwing picks on back-to-back throws against San Francisco.
NFL Twitter was surprised to see Tagovailoa struggle so much to protect the ball against the 49ers:
Tua Tagovailoa was rattled early versus the 49ers. First really bad game of the season that I can think of. He'll be okay, but San Francisco came up with a formula that some teams will try to replicate (try as they have some special defensive personnel).
Can’t make excuses. Tua didn’t play well. Not having starting tackles obviously didn’t help, but he missed lots of throws. Defense couldn’t take advantage of rookie backup QB in. Oh, and Niners defense is sick. A game like this was bound to happen. Let’s see how Miami responds.
A huge part of Tua's breakout that wasn't being discussed enough IMO is how much the OL was improved. Armstead's presence was enormously positive for the O and Tua. No Armstead = big problems. https://t.co/ChVfuD85GK
This Tua performance is worse than I expected it would be. The early-game hits have clearly made him jumpy. Accuracy, timing, and trust in the offense have all fallen away. The Niners are pressing, sending heat, and daring Tua to beat them vertically -- so far, he hasn't.
It wasn't all bad for the young quarterback; he also threw for 295 yards and two scores, including a 75-yard strike to Trent Sherfield on the game's first play from scrimmage. And after his 45-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill early in the fourth quarter, the Dolphins only found themselves down 23-17 despite Tagovailoa's struggles.
But Robbie Gould's field goal with just 2:03 remaining, and Tagovailoa's fumble on the ensuing drive that was taken to the house by Dre Greenlaw, wrapped things up for the Niners.
While Tagovailoa faltered, Niners backup quarterback Brock Purdy—who was thrust into action after Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a foot injury in the first quarter and was unable to return—had an excellent game considering the circumstances, finishing 25-of-37 for 210 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
It might be unfair to say that Purdy outplayed Tagovailoa, but he certainly managed the game well, helping his team win the turnover battle 4-1. That ultimately was the difference between the teams, as Miami's turnovers led to 13 points.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Durham Smythe #81 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a touchdown with Tua Tagovailoa #1 and Jaylen Waddle #17 during the first quarter in the game against the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
The NFL playoffs are quickly approaching, and teams are continuing to solidify their positions in the race for the postseason.
Here's a look into the playoff picture as we turn the page to Week 13 as well as some intriguing matchups to watch.
NFC
1. Philadelphia Eagles, 10-1
2. Minnesota Vikings, 9-2
3. San Francisco 49es, 7-4
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 5-6
5. Dallas Cowboys, 8-3
6. New York Giants, 7-4
7. Washington Commanders, 7-5
8. Seattle Seahawks, 6-5
9. Atlanta Falcons, 5-7
10. Detroit Lions, 4-7
11. Green Bay Packers, 4-8
12. Arizona Cardinals, 4-8
13. Carolina Panthers, 4-8
14. New Orleans Saints, 4-8
15. Los Angeles Rams, 3-8
16. Chicago Bears, 3-9
AFC
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 9-2
2. Miami Dolphins, 8-3
3. Tennessee Titans, 7-4
4. Baltimore Ravens, 7-4
5. Buffalo Bills, 8-3
6. Cincinnati Bengals, 7-4
7. New York Jets, 7-4
8. New England Patriots, 6-5
9. Los Angeles Chargers, 6-5
10. Indianapolis Colts, 4-7-1
11. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4-7
12. Las Vegas Raiders, 4-7
13. Cleveland Browns, 4-7
14. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4-7
15. Denver Broncos, 3-8
16. Houston Texans, 1-9-1
Projected NFC Matchups
Bye: Philadelphia Eagles
(2) Minnesota Vikings vs. (7) Washington Commanders
(3) San Francisco 49ers vs. (6) New York Giants
(4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. (5) Dallas Cowboys
Projected AFC Matchups
Bye: Kansas City Chiefs
(2) Miami Dolphins vs. (7) New York Jets
(3) Tennessee Titans vs. (6) Cincinnati Bengals
(4) Baltimore Ravens vs. (5) Buffalo Bills
Week 13 is riddled with interconference matchups that could have ramifications on the playoff picture. The most interesting game pits the hottest teams in the AFC and NFC against one another.
The Miami Dolphins will be riding a five-game winning streak into Sunday's showdown against the San Francisco 49ers, who have won their last four. The Dolphins are in second place in the AFC thanks to their head-to-head tiebreaker over the Buffalo Bills, who will face the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football.
A win by Buffalo would put massive pressure on Miami to be victorious this week so it doesn't fall in the standings. However, that will be easier said than done against a San Francisco defense that has held its last four opponents under 20 points. The Dolphins have scored over 30 points in their last four outings, so this makes for the most intriguing game of the slate.
One of Miami's AFC East rivals is also in for a tantalizing matchup against an NFC powerhouse, as the New York Jets will visit the Minnesota Vikings. New York climbed back into the playoff picture with a magical performance by quarterback Mike White in a dominant win over the Chicago Bears, but things won't be as easy against the Vikings.
Minnesota bounced back from a blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys with a 33-26 win over New England on Thanksgiving Day. The Vikings' tilt against the Jets pits a potent offense against one of the top defenses in the league, and it will be highlighted by a matchup between Minnesota star receiver Justin Jefferson and New York star rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner.
The NFL-leading Philadelphia Eagles will face the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans, who will be looking to get back in the win column following a 20-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Tennessee's stout run defense will be tested by Philadelphia's rushing attack, which is led by dual-threat quarterback and MVP candidate Jalen Hurts.
A intradivision matchup worth watching will be the Washington Commanders' taking on the New York Giants. All four NFC East teams would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, so every win is crucial.
Finally, the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Bengals in a rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game. Kansas City has maintained its hold on the AFC, but Cincinnati is clicking at the right time with wins in five of its last six games.
A new team has risen to the top of the tight AFC East. It's the Miami Dolphins, who put together yet another impressive performance on Sunday and have been one...
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Tua Tagovailoa's Fantasy Trade Advice Ahead of Deadline
Nov 9, 2022
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 27: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins takes the field prior to the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Hard Rock Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
The fantasy football trade deadline is fast approaching, leaving managers with a difficult decision on whether to sell high or keep riding the wave with the Miami Dolphins' prolific offense.
Tyreek Hill comes into Week 10 on pace to set the NFL's single-season receiving record and is the top wideout in PPR formats by a massive margin. Jaylen Waddle, meanwhile, is fifth among all wideouts in scoring through the first nine weeks of the season.
Tua Tagovailoa's overall performance has been impacted by injuries, but he is sixth among quarterbacks in per-game scoring.
Here's a look at how to value all three players as the deadline approaches.
Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa has been perhaps the best value pick at the quarterback position all season. He was barely getting drafted in 12-team leagues in the preseason and is now slotted in as an every-week start.
As far as trade value goes, Tagovailoa is a firm hold because he's generally properly rated. He has 35 total rushing yards on the season, so he's never going to be able to compete with a Josh Allen or Jalen Hurts as far as top-end value. That said, the Dolphins offense is explosive enough he should have a floor of around 15 points and get into the mid-20s on most weeks.
Tyreek Hill
What are you doing? Don't you dare think about trading Tyreek Hill.
He's a fantasy monster, capable of dropping a 40-point week every time he lines up on the field while also being consistent enough to give you a double-digit floor.
And guess what? Hill has actually had bad touchdown luck this season. He's managed to be the top-scoring fantasy wideout despite having only three touchdowns and having a six-game stretch without a score before finally finding the end zone last week in Chicago.
Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, Cooper Kupp and Justin Jefferson are the only players in Hill's stratosphere from a fantasy perspective.
Jaylen Waddle
If you're going to sell high on a Dolphins player, Waddle's the guy. He's wildly talented and is a clear every-week start for the rest of the season, but the odds of him finishing as a top-10 option are slim.
The Alabama product is tied for 24th in targets per game, finding himself hanging out with the likes of Christian Kirk and Courtland Sutton. While Waddle is the most talented player in that trio, he's reliant on big plays, and much of his target average is being propped up by the whopping 19 he received in Week 2.
Waddle has double the amount of games with five or fewer targets (four) than games he's been targeted 10-plus times (two). He's the type of high-variance player who could win you a week but also put up a dud in the playoffs.
Sell him now for a true WR1 on a prolific offense if possible.
