Dynasty News, Week 15

Photo: USA Today Sports

Here's a quick rundown of the top dynasty news that matters.

QB Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets

Beat reporter Connor Hughes suggested last week that the Jets will try to keep the coaches and team together for 2024, "Woody Johnson doesn't want to blow it up. That's what I've been told. #Jets were one of the 6-8 capable of winning the Super Bowl before Aaron Rodgers went down. They'll have similar odds next with this staff, management & Rodgers back." This team has many holes to fill, especially on the offensive line and at receiver, so it will be interesting to see if and how New York addresses those positions. It is astounding how inept the Jets have been the past few years, especially on offense. In Sunday's win over Houston, New York held quarterback C.J. Stroud to 10 of 23 passing and garnered 4 sacks. The Jets have not made the playoffs for the past 14 seasons (including 2023) and have not hosted a playoff game in 22 years. Playing in a difficult division will not make things easy for New York in 2024, even with a healthy Aaron Rodgers.

QB Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers offense has been frustrating for much of the 2023 season. Bad became worse as Justin Herbert exited the loss to the Broncos in the second quarter with a finger injury. He was 9-for-17 passing for 96 yards with one interception before the injury. After the game, coach Brandon Staley told reporters that Herbert fractured his right index finger. He added that the team will have a better idea of Herbert's timetable in the next few days. Los Angeles now holds a 5-8 record and is virtually eliminated from the playoffs, so there is no reason to rush the franchise quarterback back to action. Herbert was replaced by former fifth-round draft pick Easton Stick. Stick was not sharp against Denver, completing just 13 of his 24 passes for 179 yards. With an anticipated coaching change on the horizon, this Chargers offense could look drastically different in 2024. Sitting at the bottom of the division will not be tolerated, given the talent on the roster.

QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh

Gerry Dulac is a long-time beat reporter covering the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is plugged into the coaching staff and locker room. According to Dulac, Pittsburgh was considering benching quarterback Kenny Pickett due to poor play before his injury. Dulac said, "After the Cleveland game, there was some discussion that maybe a change needed to be made at the position because of the way Pickett had been struggling for those three games, right up until the mess in Cleveland." The Steelers have a mess at quarterback. Mitchell Trubisky played horrendously Thursday night against the Patriots. He played poorly enough that the hometown crowd called for Mason Rudolph early in the game after consecutive home losses to Arizona and New England. These two teams have won a combined six games this season, with two coming in Pittsburgh. We expect coach Mike Tomlin and the front office brass to address the quarterback position this offseason. The Steelers are in the thick of the playoff chase. Dr. Deepak Chona tweeted an expectation that injuries similar to Pickett's usually require 3-5 weeks to return to the field. We expect Pittsburgh to address the position this offseason.

QB Sam Howell, Washington

Jeremy Fowler reported last week that some within the Washington Commanders organization believe that quarterback Sam Howell has earned the right to be the long-term starter. Fowler wrote, "Despite his inexperience and low draft position, Rivera and the staff loved Howell's poise, had confidence in his decision-making, and believed they could win with him. That thinking has largely proven to be well-founded. Despite being in danger of breaking the NFL single-season record of 76 sacks -- he has been dropped 58 times -- Howell is second in the league in passing yards (3,466) and has accounted for 21 touchdowns (18 passing and 3 rushing) on the year." While we can believe that Howell has earned the trust of Rivera and his coaches, there is a sizeable chance that this coaching staff will be replaced this offseason. If so, the new coach will want to bring in his preferred quarterback, either a rookie or a free agent signing. The Commanders are sitting with a 4-9 record coming off a bye with games against the Giants, Cowboys, Dolphins, and Rams remaining. With a top-5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Washington will be in a good position to select their quarterback of the future, making Howell the bridge. He is a player to trade away before Rivera and company depart.