RC's Daily Notes 2026: For the Week of 3/16-3/22 (SUN. Tyreek, SEA RBs, JAX Wrap, and more)

: R.C. Fischer; FreeView; 22 March 2026

RC's daily streaming notes on football, and other, things going on this week...

3/22 SUN

(8:15amET)

Today

-- BACK HOME!

-- New Pro Day Report series test

Analysis/summary of a podcast of interest.

Ross Jacobs next 1st-round mock

NFL Draft position grade either update to existing rank or debut of the CB 1.0 position grade/rank

*Next week...Best Ball rankings debut, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.

-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings ASAP.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...going through the entire staff...I am working on the framework of how I want to present that. This will be a first ever series (for me) where I go beyond ‘just the new head coaches’. ETA in early April to start it up.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- HEADLINE: Tyreek Hill’s agent provides Chiefs, other contenders, return date to NFL duties...

https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/tyreek-hills-agent-provides-chiefs-other-contenders-return-date-to-nfl-duties

If he’s really gonna be back for the start of the season...that’s FF-huge. I haven’t seen this report hit the news sites this weekend, because media off for the weekend and the hoops tourney.

-- He gets it...

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/seahawks-gm-john-schneider-running-back-is-a-position-where-you-can-find-guys

At a minimum, I think it means DO NOT mock an RB to Seattle 1st-round. He wouldn't be so stupid...

== QUOTES & QUOTABLES ==

-- Adam Schefter, ESPN: "It would be surprising if the Titans drafted Jeremiyah Love at No. 4. The 'Love Watch' truly begins at No. 5 with the Giants."

-- Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach: "Resigning Carson [Wentz] was about stability. J.J. McCarthy is the franchise's future, but we aren't going to rush him onto the field until every box is checked. There is no internal mandate for him to start Week 1."

-- Dr. Jesse Morse, The Injury Expertz: "Quinshon Judkins' injury was a 'best case scenario' thanks to no knee damage... He'll be ready for OTAs and should be close to 100% come Week 1 2026 like nothing ever happened. This is a much better situation than the ankle injuries to Pacheco, Pollard, Andrews, Skattebo, and Godwin." https://x.com/jmthrivept/status/2035425854961140145?s=43

-- Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT: "It’s been 3 months 21 days since Jordyn Tyson last played a game. According to Dane Brugler, he won't participate at his Pro Day. Also sounds like his hamstring may have flared up during his training. That is quite some time for a grade 2 strain to heal."

== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==

It’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.

The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.

Here we go:

AFC West: (1) DEN v. (4) LV...yeah, ummm...the Raiders still have a LONG way to go to catch up to the rest of the division. A decent-ish offseason, but they are so far behind. Denver is better at every key spot/position group on the field, except tight end and RB...but they aren’t that ‘key’ of positions in NFL analysis. QB, O-Line, Defense all big wins for Denver.

Tomorrow...we finish the AFC West bracket with (2) LAC v. (3) KC.

Past results:

AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (#) MIA

AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL

AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN, (3) IND d. (2) HOU

-- RC Daily JAX Diary... IT’S A WRAP!!!!

(same intro every day)

At the very end of RC’s NOTES, for the next 50-60 days...I will share my little diary of my time in Jacksonville (for those who don’t know) getting radiation treatment for my battle with prostate cancer that I am winning -- I am figuratively off to a big 1st-quarter lead and looking strong into the 2nd-quarter of this football game analogy/cancer battle...but just like the Packers-Bears playoff game...it’s not over ‘til it’s over/we got a ways to go.

I am keeping these daily notes so that I might look back over time at this odd, unplanned event in my life. 40 straight weekdays of radiation scheduled, weekends off, unknown side effects ahead...some short-term, with a somewhat scary risk of long-term effects. It’s gonna be a wild ride.

I’m trying to treat this like a vacation, of sorts. Some people save up for a special trip to Hawaii or a European excursion...I could care less about those things. I saved for a rainy day for my protection...and, well... https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxLdSXQWUapDe0CcQznO8Kuqzht631AnEz?si=MqnycTkzVD5mzPnF

(end of intro)

3/21/26, Day 56 in JAX

39 of 39 radiation treatments done so far.

AND THEN...there was none.

This will be known as the day where...

I got up at 4am (every day is a mystery of when I’ll be shot out of sleep with full energy, for a bit) and packed and took carts of stuff down to our cars with my wife from 4am-6am. Then we took off for home.

The worst side effect of all the meds and radiation, etc., for me is...when I try to lift anything. Using my upper body to lift, carry, twist, bend down...my heart starts racing immediately, I start sweating like crazy, I start to get dizzy...and I did this leave-day-morning as well. I know it’s true, but I somehow stupidly think...this time will be different.

So I drove home half-seasick...got home and crashed asleep for hours...got up and worked a little, then crawled back into bed and crashed back asleep for another nap at 7:30pm! I’m starting to come out of it now/my systems are getting regulated again. It usually takes 24-36 hours to get reset after I do this to myself. The best thing I can do is sleep...the 2nd best thing is just sit and don’t move much, so work is medicinal. Glad to be back at my home base with my proper chair and equipment set up, etc.

Below is my final wrap up for the food budget for my trip. We did it...kinda!

My daily food diary...

Day 56 food spend = $11

BREAKFAST = Starbucks for the road at 6am

LUNCH = Mom got me some Crumbl-esque cookies...and I used those for breakfast and lunch, sadly!

DINNER = HOME! Jacksonville is over!!

Month #2 (through 28 days) = $596 total spend...a $21.29 per day average.

56-day total food spend = $1,199...$21.41 per day average FINAL!

$1,200 total was my budget with my gifts and gift cards from family and friends heading into this adventure, and I oddly came in $1 below it. I didn’t plan for that to happen...$1 under? What? But really I would have been way over that if not thanks to some FFM members and Jacksonville natives taking me out to eat, and an FFM customer sponsored meal day, as well as good ol’ BTC Chris coming through with the salvation of a big, juicy Starbucks gift card...and my Mom sending a Publix gift card halfway in.

Friends and family to the rescue!

I could not be any more appreciative and blown away by everyone’s generosity. I tried to pay it forward with the key staff at the hotel and hospital that helped me down in Jacksonville for 2 months. I’ll continue to purposefully try to pay it forward as best I can. I never knew how good the generosity feels/comforts, on the receiving end...until I was in the weird position and people were so gracious to me. I need to be more mindful of such things.

Instead of going through this major event and trying to be on a tight budget on top of all the other things to worry about -- I was allowed to live like a king, in a way, for 2 months...pretty worry-free food-wise. I can’t express how meaningful it was...because I didn’t have to worry about ‘food’ things for one second the whole trip. I got to do some exploring of local places and also got to outsource food prep/cooking to Chipotle a lot when I was too tired to do anything after treatments in the morning. I had enough fiscal things to worry about paying for/hitting my Maximum Out of Pocket expense for insurance for the entire 2026 by January 27th. Having my food all taken care of was an amazingly generous mental salvation at a time where I so desperately needed that.

Good news is -- the rest of the insurance year is free as long as I stay ‘in plan’. Gonna get a whole lot of things checked in the next 9 months!! I better not get a kidney stone or break a bone the rest of this year, etc., though!

Seriously, thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. Your FFM subscription means more this year than you could ever imagine!

I have so many stories to share from the last days in JAX, but I am so mentally exhausted from those final days. I hope to share some of the beauty and comedy of it in the days ahead...not sure how much I might save for a potential ‘book’.

For now...I need a day or two of rest and peaceful football work to decompress from the 2 months away and final week mayhem.

Thus ends the Jacksonville radiation treatment ‘winter camp’ excursion. It will take 4-8 weeks for everything to flush out of my system and my body gets back to more (new) ‘normal’ as I still take hormone therapy/chemo pills for 18 more months. I hope to relax and focus on work for the rest of the pre-Draft month...to be fully ready and energized for our live stream.

----------------------------------------------------------

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3/21 SAT

(4:27amET)

Today

-- These next couple days, as I end treatments, my family comes in to celebrate, and then I pack up to leave for home...it’s going to be chaotic. I have several things I’ve been working on that will be out at random times from THU-to-SAT, then getting back to normal SUN and beyond.

-- What all is planned this travel day home for me...

My next Mock Draft (3.0) today for sure, midday

Analysis/summary of a podcast of interest.

*Next week...Best Ball rankings debut, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.

-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings ASAP.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- TRADE: Falcons acquired SAF Sydney Brown, a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick from the Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick. The Eagles get the 114th and 197th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Falcons get Nos. 122 and 215.

This is basically giving away Brown. Vic Fangio has never liked Brown, and I think that will become realized as a minor NFL mistake. Not saying Brown is a superstar, but ‘dem boys can play -- him and his brother Chase. Nobody will ‘out work’ those brothers. Easy, nice move for ATL.

-- SIGNING: Jaguars signed Seahawks RFA WR Jake Bobo to an offer sheet.

You rarely see RFA/Restricted Free Agents ever get offers in the offseason, but now Seattle can match or lose Bobo to the Jags.

I am a fan of Bobo...that was my first thought. Good for him getting some proper love.

Second thought was: Why is Jacksonville doing this?

Third thought was: Ohhhh, this is a chess move for the possible trading away of Brian Thomas Jr. (which I do think is in the works). Bobo is an efficient, interesting outside and end zone weapon. It could just be sweet depth...or something more savvy (bye-bye BTJ)...?

-- HEADLINE: Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reports the league may propose a rule that limits players to playing in 17 games in order to expand the regular season to 18 games.

Boy would this make FF even more interesting/chaotic and wonderful! Another week of the season!

Wait...that means another week of working like a dog in-season for me. Ok, now I’m against expanding the season! 😊

Seriously, I think it would be great because the one thing that is perfect for all us in the FFM cult is...more time, more games to play out for our being one step ahead. The regular season can feel so short and occasionally we all get a crappy early FF schedule and can lose a few games right away while scoring crazy good points and then the season feels like it starts to get away from us and we’re constantly playing catch-up. BUT the more season/games...the more time to get adjusted to injuries, the more time for averages to average out.

Let us play enough hands of blackjack, and we’ll eventually beat the house. I would love an extra game or two of an FF regular season!

== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==

The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.

Here we go:

AFC South: (2) HOU v (3) IND...the league’s top defense with a terrible offense versus the team that was the arguably best in football at the halfway point of the season. Thinking back on it...Indy just acquitted Sauce Gardner, and they were ripping through the league, and Jon Taylor was going nuts, and then Dan Jones gets hurt and Anthony Richardson hits himself in the eye in a pregame exercise and the Colts swirled down the drain and didn’t even make the playoffs!

Well, with this tourney being all teams at full health -- I say the Colts are a nudge better than the Texans, because I think having a top offense is more important than having a top defense. If the Texans even had a decent offense, then they might be the top team in the NFL with that defense...but they have a sad offense and I think Shane Steichen is a hidden gem top offensive mind, and I like Indy as the better team here.

Tomorrow...we start the AFC West brackets.

Past results:

AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (#) MIA

AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL

AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/20/26, Day 55 in JAX

39 of 39 radiation treatments done so far.

AND THEN...there was none.

This will be known as the day where...

I got to ‘ring the bell’ signaling the end of my radiation treatments. This battle in my cancer war is over...and everyone did their part...we extended the lead over cancer. We have it on the ropes. A few more years to go, but one of the toughest battles is over and the enemy is depleted. Now we keep on trucking towards late 2027 when I’ll come off the therapies for the BIG TEST = will the cancer try to make a comeback or do we have it dead-dead?

My whole family was there at the hospital, in the hallway for the bell ringing ceremony for the big moment. My sister-in-law made us matching t-shirts for the occasion that were brilliantly done (she’s so talented!)...so to see my whole family out there in unified t-shirts and to see the staff all come out to be there for it and also my friend that I made there who is 88 years old going through face cancer...his third cancer...I didn’t even know face cancer was a thing...and he’s going at it with the greatest attitude and fight in such a debilitated state...for him to virtually limp his way out there and be the loudest voice out there -- it was such a wonderful scene. The best of humans was on display there -- you can have your Hawaiian volcanos, and crystal clear beaches, and European scenery...none of it matches what I got see here Friday.

I’m gonna make a very bizarre statement, but I could not mean it any more...more than you know: I got to see the beautiful side of cancer this day. Cancer was a blessing this day. You all helped me take the $#%*$#%@%#%ing lemons of cancer and make a beautiful, ‘best you ever tasted, touched by God’ lemonade out of it. And then with a bladder full of that sweet drink, I went and pissed right in cancer’s face for good measure this day.

So many beautiful stories that happened this day, outside of just the great time with family and friends...but I will expand on that at a later date. I am so exhausted from this uber-emotional day, my brain has no more to give. I just need to go to bed to get rested to pack up the bus and head home today!

Thank you all for following with me and praying for me through this battle. This day/Friday, we took out the big FFM flag and went and planted that sonofabitch right at midfield of cancer’s home stadium to declare victory for this phase.

I better not get in a car accident driving home today after whooping up on cancer the last two months...

My daily food diary...

Day 55 food spend = $45

BREAKFAST = Cereal in hotel room

LUNCH = Celebration lunch for my whole family, sponsored by my dad.

DINNER = Took my wife and son to Mod Pizza...$45

Month #2 (through 27 days) = $585 total spend...now at $21.77 per day average.

55-day total food spend = $1,188...$21.60 per day average...we’re trying to get to/close to the $20 per day budget!! $1200 total was my budget in gifts and gift cards from family and friends, probably not gonna make it...except with my dad in town, he always picks up the bill, a family rule...so...maybe a lot of zero cost days to the finish line?

Month #1 closed. I have 56 days here total, so I am breaking it into two 28 day months/halves. Trying to keep it to $20 a day which I got all kinds of gift cards for it from family and friends during the holidays, etc., to cover approx. $20 a day.

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

----------------------------------------------------------

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3/20 FRI

(6:27amET)

Today

-- The Mock DRD...5-Rounds from each draft slot 1-12 with commentary series wraps up with the final two #11 (THU) and #12 (FRI).

-- What all is planned to be out over the next 3 days...

My Mike Washington Jr. report, which is a bit of a monster report taking me longer.

My next Mock Draft (3.0) Friday

A couple of free agent update reports and a misc. report or two.

Next week...Best Ball debut, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.

-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings ASAP.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- HEADLINE: Vikings re-signed Carson Wentz to a one-year contract.

You sign Carson Wentz, if you’re Minnesota give their current QB situation, for one of 2 reasons...

1) You are preparing to deal J.J. McCarthy.

2) You’re worried about the injury history of JJM and you’re being smart to maintain QB depth.

By all accounts, JJM is fine right now (health-wise)...but the injury issue/label lingers over him, so depth signing makes sense. But I also think they would trade him if a decent deal comes around.

Sadly, for them, I don’t believe anyone in the league is interested in JJM, unless for like a 6th-round pick deal exchange...so Minny has no real reason to even make a deal. The only place the Vikings would get a real offer is from the Chargers/John Harbaugh, but that is likely only maybe a 4th/5th-round pick in exchange.

In the end, it’s better for MIN to keep McCarthy than just give him away for nothing much in return. However, I think they’d like to give him a fresh start somewhere...so maybe they would ‘give him away’, to be kind to him. We have seen teams give up on third-year-in-the-league former 1st-round QBs like Fields-Mac-Lance-Pickett, etc.

But ‘in Minnesota with Kevin O’Connell’ is as good as it could get for JJM’s future, so it’s most likely he stays put and tries to get another year of experience with KOC, but as the backup to Kyler...and Wentz in 2026.

-- I was listening to some episodes of the Steve Smith (ex-CAR WR) podcast. I like to see/hear what he sees with WR rookie prospects...but he also sometimes gets some inside info on WRs. I am breaking his podcasts of interest down for those interested, so you don’t have to watch the whole thing...unless you want to.

He did a YT video on Brian Thomas Jr., which I thought was mildly interesting. Here’s a GEMINI summary of Smith’s short report on BTJ...

---------------------------------

This podcast features Steve Smith Sr. discussing the trade rumors surrounding Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and the internal dynamics that may be leading to a potential split.

The "Silent Assassin" vs. New Regime

Steve Smith notes that at LSU, Thomas was often the "second fiddle" to Malik Nabers despite being a more well-rounded route runner [01:36]. He believes Thomas is experiencing "deja vu" in Jacksonville because the new leadership—specifically Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen and EVP of Personnel Tony Belli—did not draft him and may not value him as the primary option [02:40].

Key Factors Driving Trade Rumors

The Travis Hunter Impact: The Jaguars made a blockbuster move to draft dual-threat star Travis Hunter. Smith argues that Thomas likely feels marginalized again, as the team is prioritizing a "gadget" athlete who lacks refined NFL route-running skills over an established Pro Bowler [03:14].
The Arrival of Jakobi Meyers: Jacksonville traded for Jakobi Meyers and immediately gave him a significant contract ("a bag"), making him the focal point of the passing offense [04:53].
"Hollow" Production Concerns: There is a belief within the new coaching staff that Thomas's impressive rookie stats (over 1,200 yards and 10 TDs) were "hollow" because many came while the team was trailing in games [09:03].
The Max Crosby Trade Package: While Adam Schefter reported Thomas isn't being shopped, the podcast claims his name was heavily involved in trade talks during the 2025 deadline and in potential packages for Raiders DE Max Crosby [10:13].

Performance Dip

The hosts contrast Thomas’s elite rookie season (joining only Randy Moss, Odell Beckham Jr., and Jamar Chase in the 1,200-yard/10-TD rookie club) with a disappointing second year [00:34].

Year 2 Stats: 48 catches, 707 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 10 drops [01:12].
The "Wrist" Excuse: While a wrist injury was cited, Smith believes the drop in production was equally due to a "justified disposition" and feeling undervalued by the team [05:32].

Future Outlook

Smith suggests that where there is smoke, there is fire. He believes Thomas would flourish in a different environment (like Las Vegas or Minnesota) where his specific skills are the priority, rather than being treated as a secondary piece behind new acquisitions

While the podcast didn't provide a deep technical scouting report on Parker Washington, the hosts did briefly touch on his recent performance and impact on the Jaguars' depth chart:

Recent Performance: They noted that he "starts balling" and has been "playing real well" when given opportunities [06:53].
Matchup Reliability: He was specifically praised for "getting an opportunity in some of the matchups that he's getting" and delivering [06:57].
Draft Status: A key point of the discussion was that he is producing despite not being a first-round draft pick, which the hosts used to highlight the changing dynamic and competition within the Jaguars' wide receiver room [07:02].

== TWEETS/Xs ==

-- The Maxx Crosby injury stuff is scary... https://x.com/jmthrivept/status/2034693644704522729?s=43

-- Information on the Jags backfield flow from the GM himself: https://x.com/_john_shipley/status/2033900014226002330?s=43

== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==

But it’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.

The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.

Here we go:

AFC South: (1) JAX v. (4) TEN...This matchup has gotten closer with the new Titans regime and a solid free agency period, but the Titans are not in the Jaguars class yet...but the gap that the Titans have been so far off of the rest of the division is shrinking with new management and as Cam Ward settles in and that O-Line was humming late last season, after the coaching change. The Jags are just too good with far better coaches right now.

Tomorrow...we finish the AFC South 1st-round with (2) HOU v (3) IND.

Past results:

AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (#) MIA

AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/19/26, Day 54 in JAX

38 of 39 radiation treatments done so far.

AND THEN...there was one.

This will be known as the day where...

My family all started arriving into town, into the hotel...and I’ve been herding them all to-and-fro on events and get-togethers since I woke up at 4am Thursday (not by choice...I just never know what sleep I’ll get one day to the next now). I’m so busy right now that I can hardly get two minutes to breathe or write about football. So, I’m not gonna force it. This time is too precious...I need to have a couple low volume workdays and enjoy/savor this moment. This very day...Friday...it is the final treatment, and then I get to go home Saturday.

I’ll expand on the stories of these last days here when I get home/back to normal. For now, I need to focus on my family and the triumphant moment about to happen Friday.

Thank you for all your well-wishes and prayers -- you’re hitting a milestone with me tomorrow morning. End of treatments...and I leave with ‘Mission Accomplished’, I am in a current ‘UNDETECTABLE’ cancer status...a PSA of less than 0.04, so low they can’t even put a number on it. We still got hurdles ahead, but we’re in the driver’s set big-time.

Also, this day will be remembered for = no one told me that my alma mater, Siena College, made the tournament!

I went to walk the dog with my son at 4pm and he said to me, man...#16 Siena is beating #1 Duke by 13 after the half. My mind was blown. I had no idea. I followed 0.0% of the CFB hoops this season.

I quickly put the game on my phone -- and as soon as I did, Siena started missing dunks and shots of all ranges and the lead started shrinking and I watched the last 10+ minutes at the hotel...watching the Saints’ lead shrink and shrink and then a deficit and then a tough defeat. They gave it all they had. I thought I might see a miracle moment for my last days here, but they just fell short.

My daily food diary...

Day 54 food spend = $10

BREAKFAST = Starbucks $10...I ran through my BTC Chris gift card and now have to use my other funds remaining for the trip! They open at 4:30am, so I was there at the opening needing caffeine.

LUNCH = My dad paid for our family outing to Picassos!

DINNER = My half-brother paid for our family outing to a sports bar for food and hoops.

Month #2 (through 26 days) = $540 total spend...now at $20.77 per day average.

54-day total food spend = $1,143...$21.17 per day average...we’re trying to get to/close to the $20 per day budget!! $1200 total was my budget in gifts and gift cards from family and friends, probably not gonna make it...except with my dad in town, he always picks up the bill, a family rule...so...maybe a lot of zero cost days to the finish line?

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

----------------------------------------------------------

*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor

*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app

*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting

======================

3/19 THU

(5:11amET)

Today

-- These next 3 days, as I end treatments, my family comes in to celebrate, and then I pack up to leave for home...it’s going to be chaotic. I have several things I’ve been working on that will be out at random times from THU-to-SAT, then getting back to normal SUN and beyond.

-- The Mock DRD...5-Rounds from each draft slot 1-12 with commentary series wraps up with the final two #11 (THU) and #12 (FRI).

-- What all is planned to be out over the next 3 days...

My Mike Washington Jr. report, which is a bit of a monster report taking me longer.

My next Mock Draft (3.0)

A couple free agent update reports and a misc. report or two.

Next week...Best Ball debut, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.

-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings ASAP.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Dolphins have told teams RB De’Von Achane is “not available” via trade.

Does anyone think that’s a real piece of info, and not ‘fake news’? Of course, Achane is available. They said Waddle wasn’t available prior to...

Beyond the semantics/gamesmanship, we know Achane is gonna get traded because he’ll be due a new, big contract next year and this new regime has already boasted about wanting to have a power run game like they had in Green Bay.

The new Miami GM Jon-Eric Sullivan maximized the Waddle asset...he’s gonna do the same with Achane.

Where Achane is going is anyone’s guess.

My top guess: Chicago. 2nd guess: Washington...and then I’m gonna scream.

-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports free agent TE David Njoku visited the Ravens Tuesday.

Three thoughts...

1) There has been like NO market for Njoku. Very quiet.

2) If the Ravens are talking to him, it’s a reminder that Mark Andrews is not the new regime’s ‘guy’.

3) if ATL/Stefanski isn’t interested...then something could be ‘up’/something we don’t know with Njoku, perhaps.

-- HEADLINE: Eagles acquired QB Andy Dalton from the Panthers in exchange for a seventh-round pick.

What are the Eagles doing? Hollywood Brown and Andy Dalton in the same week? An offseason not being able to find an offensive coordinator willing to take the job? Can’t trade AJ Brown.

I thought Tanner McKee was so great/in demand?

-- QUOTE: Jon-Eric Sullivan (Dolphins GM) on trading Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos: "We are heading in a different direction. It was the time to capitalize on Jaylen’s remaining value. We have to be stewards of the long-term cap health while we reshape this roster."

Great to hear an NFL GM use basic business logic wording.

== TWITTER/Xs ==

-- Down goes AJ Brown’s value... https://x.com/nfl_dovkleiman/status/2034316194459582668?s=43

-- Ohh, this helps Denzel Boston’s case... https://x.com/dpbrugler/status/2034101771346272484?s=43

-- Draft riser TE Oscar Delp’s Pro Day note: https://x.com/nfldraftdome/status/2034301822093898097?s=43

-- Malik Lemon on his on his ’Combine viral videos’: https://x.com/mlfootball/status/2034063866909294768?s=43

-- FYI on C.J. Allen’s draft stock: https://x.com/nfl_dovkleiman/status/2034409116374835469?s=43

-- it will be interesting to see how the savvy GM handles this: https://x.com/mlfootball/status/2034062583699832962?s=43

-- FACTS, Jets fans... https://x.com/4whomjbelltolls/status/2034243363654783330?s=43

-- We’ll end with something everyone can relate to that made me laugh... https://x.com/realestmemes_/status/2034208200661037206?s=43

== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==

The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.

Here we go:

AFC North: (2) BAL v. (3) CIN...well, we got our first seeding upset of the young tourney. I think the Ravens entire organization is in free fall. Poor Jesse Minter...he went there at the wrong time. I wonder if Baltimore’s 2027 offseason = Miami’s current 2026 offseason. The Ravens need to gut and rebuild, but I’m not sure the owner has the desire for that. Could be some dark days ahead for Ravens fans. Cincy moves on in the tourney to face the fighting McCarthy’s in the next round.

Tomorrow...we turn to the AFC South 1st-round with (1) JAX v. (4) TEN.

Past results:

AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (#) MIA

AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/18/26, Day 53 in JAX

37 of 39 radiation treatments done so far.

7+ weeks down, 2 treatments left to go.

This will be known as the day where...

I broke down crying during my Wednesday office visit with my chief nurse and radiologist.

It was my last visit with them for this journey. I will see them every 3 months on follow-ups, but this every weekday treatments and weekly visits with the doctor part of the journey is over. I was trying to compliment the doctor’s radiologist‘s technicians on what a great job they did and how welcoming and caring they were to me and all the other guys...and halfway into my talk I just started bawling.

I will tell the full story of why I started crying, what it was probably really about, in a longer piece...or I might save it for my book I am considering writing about my experience...to be a cautionary tale for other men going through this. I won’t charge for it. I just want to ‘give back’ and ‘help others in this situation’ and...I’ve always wanted to write a book.

When things looked the grimmest for me on this early on, when I thought I might have 3-7 years left, I tried to think about what I wanted to do with those 3 years (hedging a ‘what if’ years 4-7 might never be)? Did I want to travel somewhere...or go to some event...or what was it that I just HAD to do?

After much soul searching, three things came to mind as the real bottom line things I wanted to do with a final 3 years...

1) Visiting my adult kids back & forth, spending the summers in the Carolinas with one and the winters in Florida with the other.

2) I wanted my life to be ‘normal’ to the end. No major trips or experiences or things I need to see or anything.

I like my ‘normal’ life. I like my coffee in the morning and taking the dog for a walk and working on football. I thought about quitting football work and not having that schedule for the final 3 years...but I determined, after much thinking about it on sleepless nights early on when I got first diagnosed...football keeps my mind occupied...gives me all the things I need in life -- great TV viewing, a daily puzzle of scouting and betting to try and master daily/weekly, and best of all...something to constantly, harmlessly complain about...and most of all -- have fun every day/week of the season with all my football friends and members of the FFM cult as we collective rejoice and complain about football things every season chasing ‘the prize’ in fantasy or betting or whatever in football.

I wanted to go ‘out’ doing what I loved. Even though it makes me so mad sometimes and the workload is insane, and I have to do something about the non-stop workload...hopefully A.I. will save the day...but I simply enjoy working on football things. I started to think/evaluate: on the other hand the insane football workload is a gift...never a dull moment...I’m never lacking for anything to do.

In the battle of ‘busy’ vs. ‘bored’...I choose ‘busy’.

3) I want to write a book...a real book...even if an e-book, that’s fine. I want to experience the journey of writing a start-to-finish book. The planning, the rewrites, the writer’s block...I’d love to rent the proverbial writer’s cottage or AirBNB or whatever and just work on a book for like 6-12 months and only focus on that book. I might be great at it. I may suck at it. I may love the process or I may find out I hate the process. Either way, I’d like to experience it. Maybe one day.

What was I talking about? Oh, yeah...I was crying like a baby in front of two grown adults who kinda looked at me like I was an alien...and they were taken aback, which is understandable. I just want to note...I am on a lot of hormones...and I am very, very sappy these days. I have a story to tell about this crying fit, but I need more time to do it justice.

Two more days/treatments to go.

If I cried thanking a doctor for his technicians...it’s gonna be a mess Friday when I get to ‘ring the bell’ in front of my family who are traveling in and all the staff there that I’ve made friends with that want to be there...and they don’t do that for everybody, so it will be an honor to see them there.

I am not crying as I typed that last line. It’s just...I got dust in my eye or something. These damn hormones...only 18 more months of them, minimum.

My daily food diary...

Day 53 food spend = $20

BREAKFAST = Cheerios

LUNCH = Five Guys...$18

DINNER = Leftovers of everything, trying to clear out my refrigerator.

Month #2 (through 25 days) = $530 total spend...now at $21.20 per day average.

53-day total food spend = $1,133...$21.38 per day average...we’re trying to get to/close to the $20 per day budget!! $1200 total was my budget in gifts and gift cards from family and friends, probably not gonna make it...except with my dad in town, he always picks up the bill, a family rule...so...maybe a lot of zero cost days to the finish line?

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

3/18 WED

(5:54amET)

Today

-- New series in progress, a Mock DRD...5-Rounds from each draft slot 1-12 with commentary. A new mock every day.

-- New scouting report

-- OLB grades/rank 1.0

-- Free Agent signee/changing teams research piece

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.

-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings ASAP.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- HEADLINE: 49ers signed WR Christian Kirk, formerly of the Texans, to a one-year, $6 million contract.

The starting WRs for SF now are projected to be: Evans-Kirk-Pearsall. Will they have any of them healthy by Week 6?

How Kirk got to SF? https://x.com/schultz_report/status/2033654256067059796?s=43

-- HEADLINE: The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy reports Brian Branch (Achilles) isn’t expected to be ready for Week 1.

The Lions best defender not expected to be ready early on in the season. The Lions defense is always hurt, and thus always underperforms.

-- HEADLINE: Eagles signed WR Hollywood Brown, formerly of the Chiefs, to a one-year contract worth up to $6.5 million.

You wanna sign Brown for a league minimum to add veteran depth...OK. But $6.5M for Hollywood Brown, are you serious? It’s like the Eagles have a serious blind spot in search of a #3 WR. Jahan Dotson was a disaster trade...and then the Falcons pay him like 2x of Hollywood this year.

If AJ Brown gets traded, is Brown their #2 plan? Yikes.

QUOTES & QUOTABLES...

-- Chris Rodriquez/James Gladstone: Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley said the team would take a “committee” backfield approach in 2026.

“What he’ll be able to do is provide the complementary skill set, in particular when it comes to the inside running, the hidden yards that come with his style of play,” Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said during a recent radio interview. “You know, the tough demeanor. You know, that’s a real thing. And when given a higher workload, it can wear out those that have to stop it from going forward.”

-- Malik Willis (Dolphins QB) on his $67.5M deal to start in Miami: "I’ve seen four different offenses and a bunch of different defenses over the last four years. I see 'Haf' [Jeff Hafley] and 'Sully' [Jon-Eric Sullivan] every day now, and they give me the details. You’ve got to be willing to let somebody help you."

-- Jon-Eric Sullivan (Dolphins GM) on the Waddle trade: "Everything is on the table. We aren't actively trying to move everyone, but we have to assess all paths to rebuild this roster's depth. Denver made an offer that made sense for our long-term cap health."

-- Adam Schefter (ESPN) on the Bears' financial "wall": "The Bears are effectively out of spending money. After prioritizing Braxton Jones and Grady Jarrett, Ryan Poles is now in 'salary cap surgery' mode. Any further moves like a Maxx Crosby trade are officially off the table without massive restructures."

-- Peter Schrager (Fox Sports) on the Seahawks' draft strategy: "John Schneider is hoarding 2027 picks. He’s got 12 of them now. They are looking past the 'subpar' 2026 class and positioning themselves for the massive QB class of 2027."

-- Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc) on Patrick Mahomes: "The Fields trade confirms our Boren-timeline theory. ACL/LCL repairs are 9-12 month recoveries. Mahomes will likely start the season on the PUP list or as a very limited 'pocket only' emergency option for September."

-- Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc) on J.J. McCarthy: "The meniscus clean-up from last year is still causing swelling in camp prep. Minnesota bringing in Kyler Murray is the ultimate 'medical hedge.' They don't expect McCarthy to be 100% until October."

-------------------------------

(what GEMINI is collecting/saying)

The J.J. McCarthy situation has become a complicated medical saga that explains why the Vikings moved so aggressively to sign Kyler Murray on March 12th.

While the team was optimistic in 2025, the reality of a "full meniscus repair" (as opposed to a simple trim) is that the recovery is rarely linear. Here is the breakdown of why the "medical hedge" is in place for 2026:

The "Swelling" Cycle

McCarthy’s right knee has a history of reacting poorly to increased workloads.

The Original Repair (Aug 2024): Surgeons opted for a full repair rather than a "cleanup." This is better for his 30s, but much harder on his 20s because it requires a massive biological healing process.
The Second Procedure (Nov 2024): He already had one setback where "uptick in rehab activity" caused significant swelling, requiring a second procedure and a biologic (PRP/Stem Cell) injection.
Current Camp Prep (March 2026): As he began ramping up for 2026 OTA sessions, the swelling returned. Dr. David Chao noted that for a mobile QB, this "lateral twitch" is the last thing to return. If the knee is still filling with fluid after heavy workouts, he cannot practice effectively.

The 2025 Context

You might remember that McCarthy actually started 10 games in 2025 (going 6-4), but he was battered. He missed time with a high-ankle sprain, a concussion, and a hairline fracture in his hand.

The Vikings' medical staff believes the compensation from the weak knee contributed to the ankle and hand issues.
Essentially, he wasn't playing with his natural base, making him a "sitting duck" in the pocket.

Why Kyler Murray is the "Hedge"

The signing of Kyler Murray to a one-year, league-minimum deal (with Arizona paying the other $35.5M) was a gift for Minnesota, but also a necessity.

The October Timeline: Team insiders and medical experts like Jeff Mueller are now suggesting a "slow build." Instead of forcing McCarthy into a Week 1 start where he might re-swell and lose another season, the plan is to let Kyler start the first 4-6 games.
The "October 100%": The goal is to have McCarthy's knee completely quiet (no swelling) by the October window, allowing him to take over once the weather turns and the postseason race heats up.

TWITTER/Xs

-- Waddle Trade X hits incoming...

https://x.com/wyattb_ff/status/2033940558985510949?s=43

https://x.com/nflmemes/status/2033969488006193365?s=43

-- Let’s end on a very funny moment/YT video. This skit was so unexpectedly good...

https://youtu.be/59CpJqCbxXs?si=XBuf4tqlynSNJ_J9

== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==

The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.

Here we go:

AFC North: (1) PIT v. (4) CLE...I’m gonna assume the Steelers will have Aaron Rodgers, which makes this call pretty easy. The Steelers aren’t great...but the Browns are in another freefall. Easy win for Pitt.

Tomorrow...the AFC North continues with the first really intriguing matchup of the tourney to date: (2) BAL v. (3) CIN

Past results:

AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (#) MIA

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/17/26, Day 52 in JAX

36 of 39 radiation treatments done so far.

7+ weeks down, 3 treatments left to go.

This will be known as the day where...

I started to get ready for ‘the end’...as in the end of my time in Jacksonville. Packed up a few items. Went and got an expensive drive-through car wash (not by choice, by surprise...but had no choice, but it was a really nice setup) and vacuumed out my car because I will have some special passengers THU-FRI as we go to-and-fro out to eat, etc.

I’ve got several family members coming in THU-FRI for the ‘bell ringing’ ceremony...signaling the end of/the last of my treatments. I’ll talk more about that in my Friday morning piece.

THU-FRI-SAT are gonna be chaos for me with family coming that I don’t see as much as I wish I could, so I want to spend some time with them and honor them for coming all this way. I hope to do minimal work THU-FRI and then pack it all up early Saturday and be gone! I do want to get back home ASAP and sleep in my own bed and get back to my regular workflow.

I hope it’s light work need on THU-FRI-SAT, but I can almost guarantee you a major NFL trade or two will go down...it always works that way.

3 days to go, but it kinda feels like 1 day to go since my family will descend on Jacksonville from early am and all throughout the day Thursday. Today will be my last ‘typical’ day of my JAX routine...then my final two days are gonna be a blur and then the chaos of packing and driving out. Also it’s ‘party day’ on Friday at a local eatery for the group after the ceremony at the hospital.

My daily food diary...

Day 52 food spend = $28

BREAKFAST = Cheerios

LUNCH = Recommended pizza joint...$12

DINNER = Acai Bowl place...$16

Month #2 (through 24 days) = $510 total spend...now at $21.25 per day average.

52-day total food spend = $1,113...$21.40 per day average...we’re trying to get to/close to the $20 per day budget!!

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

----------------------------------------------------------

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======================

3/17 TUE

(6:24amET)

Today

-- New series in progress, a Mock DRD...5-Rounds from each draft slot 1-12 with commentary. A new mock every day.

-- New scouting report -- looks like Arvell or Mike Washington

-- WR-s, WR-b grades/rank update

-- Free Agent signee/changing teams research piece

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.

-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings ASAP.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- TRADE: Chiefs acquired QB Justin Fields from the Jets in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Well...this is being perceived as either protection for Patrick Mahomes to not rush back or it’s a sign that they know Mahomes won’t be back to start the season.

My guess is that KC desperately needed a #2 QB, regardless...and Mahomes’s ACL makes it even more important...so, the Jets were giving away Fields and KC obliged. Why KC didn’t get a pocket passer to keep continuity if Mahomes is gonna miss the first 2-4 weeks, I don’t know...but here we are.

If I were the Chiefs, whatever the time frame ends up for Mahomes to return...I’d tack an extra month on it. Why rush back for this clearly retooling team? Why risk it...why not give it all the time you can? It’s their interest to tell the public/fans Pat might be back early/on-time because ticket interest and solo night game interest from the network are at stake.

Whether Mahomes or Fields is the starting QB to begin 2026 season DRASTICALLY changes the FF outlook for Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce among others. Rashee is a top 5-10 WR1 with healthy Mahomes. He’s a WR3 with Fields.

It’s too soon to accurately guess Mahomes’s return date. My dart throw guess, based on conversations is -- he misses at least the first 2-4 games and the 6-game season start PUP is not unreasonable. You’re gonna see a more expert opinion on this below.

-- HEADLINE: Commanders re-signed RB Jeremy McNichols to a one-year contract.

OK, how many pass game RBs is Washington gonna sign? White...then Ford...now bringing back McNichols. I’m waiting for the contract details on all 3 of them...it hasn’t been released yet. Most teams...this info is out in 1-3 days, but not for these Commanders signings. So odd. So annoying.

McNichols signing this late might just be him signed as a practice squad level player who is just happy to have a job/gig and likes it in DC...and there is no guaranteed money. That’s what I think it is, and not something that threatens Rachaad. I more want to see the Ford contract as it relates to White...just to keep an eye on this suddenly weird backfield collection.

QUOTES & QUOTABLES...

-- Ian Rapoport (NFL Network) on the mechanics of the Fields-to-KC trade: "The Jets are actually paying $7 million of Justin Fields' $10 million guaranteed salary for 2026 just to facilitate the move. This effectively gave the Chiefs a high-upside backup for only $3 million and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Fields specifically requested this landing spot to reset under Andy Reid."

-- Brett Veach (Chiefs GM) on the Mahomes injury: "Patrick is walking comfortably and the rehab is on schedule. But we owe it to the team to ensure we have a plan in place. Justin [Fields] provides that high-upside insurance we need."

-- Jay Glazer (FOX) on the Cowboys' trade for Rashan Gary: "Rashan Gary actually agreed to a pay cut as part of the trade from Green Bay to Dallas. He dropped his compensation to $16 million each for the next two seasons. It's a huge win for Jerry Jones to get a premier pass rusher at that price point."

-- Dan Graziano (ESPN) on the Kyler Murray release/signing: "The Cardinals are paying Kyler Murray $36.8 million to not play for them. That tells you everything about their belief in the direction of the roster. Now Kyler has to prove in Minnesota that he’s still a 'slam dunk' starter."

-- Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) on Jauan Jennings' market: "Jennings is widely considered the top free-agent receiver left. The Ravens are the team to watch here; they need his physicality and red-zone presence after losing their veteran interior blockers."

Injury Updates & Medical Insights

-- Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc) on Patrick Mahomes' ACL/LCL recovery: "The trade for Justin Fields confirms what we suspected: the Chiefs are preparing for a slow start. A torn ACL and LCL is a 9-12 month recovery. While a Week 1 return is 'possible,' it’s the lateral stability and 'playmaking' twitch that takes longer to return. Fields is more than a backup; he’s a 4-6 week starter."

-- Jesse Morse (Medical Insider) on Alijah Vera-Tucker's triceps/Achilles history: "The health risks around Vera-Tucker are significant. Having suffered season-ending injuries in three of the past four years, his medical grade is a major red flag for any team expecting 17 games."

-- Deepak Chona (Predictive Health) on Michael Penix Jr.'s ACL history: "Penix missed the final eight games of 2025 with a torn ACL in his left knee. Having already had two reconstructions on the right knee in college, his return-to-play timeline is extremely cautious. The Tua signing in Atlanta is a direct result of the medical staff's uncertainty for September."

-- Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc) on Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams: "Both are recovering from ACL injuries. San Francisco's pursuit of Akheem Mesidor in the mock drafts suggests they are worried about the depth of their pass rush while their stars finish rehab. Don't expect Bosa to be 'full-go' until late August."

-- Jeff Mueller (Physiotherapy Expert) on J.J. McCarthy's knee: "McCarthy is coming off an injury-plagued season after missing his rookie year. The Vikings' signing of Kyler Murray is a clear 'medical hedge.' If McCarthy's knee doesn't show the necessary explosion in OTAs, Murray will be the Day 1 starter."

-- Tank Dell video: https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2027479509843181931

== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==

The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.

Here we go:

AFC East: (2) BUF d. (3) MIA...a fairly easy win for the Bills. Miami is changing regimes and gutting payroll/roster. Buffalo is fading but Miami is high-speed crashing for their retool. This analysis was a little closer than you’d think, however...but Buffalo does go on to face NE next round for the AFC East title.

Tomorrow...the AFC North begins with (1) PIT v. (4) CLE

Past results:

AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/16/26, Day 51 in JAX

35 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

7+ weeks down, 4 treatments left to go.

This will be known as the day where...

I first felt the countdown to this phase of life was on. I’ll be home in less than a week. It’s a very weird feeling.

I’m ready to go home, but it feels so weird to get so settled into a new life routine...to make all these new acquaintances that are a part of my everyday life at the hotel and the hospital, and then to know that in less than a week they’ll be out of my routine...out of my life. It’s like I want to bundle these folks up and take them home with me...but I can’t, obviously...but I can take the memories with me. But then I fear...memories fade and thus the people just kinda disappear (mentally), in a sense. But I don’t want them to.

I’m probably being extra sensitive because of the hormones I’m on.

For all of them, it is a job...and they did it well. But for me it was a ‘scary situation’ and a ‘battle’...and I so relied upon them for my new 2-month life. My perspective was way different than theirs...but it is my perception/existence. I hope to never forget them. I owe them more than I could ever pay back. They made this situation so graceful and welcoming. They treated me kind...I treated them kind. We shared laughs and family stories and food recommendations/reviews, etc. We shared a little slice of life. I’ve never been called ‘Mr. Fischer’ so much in my entire life collectively. It’s nice...but kinda ‘not real’ at the same time.

It’s been a beautiful and surreal time of my life...and it’s all coming to an end, for this phase, in just 5 days. It all kind of ‘hit me’ today. It felt for weeks like I’d be here for forever/that it would be SO LONG, but then this week...that feeling is gone. For 7 weeks it felt like time was going by so slowly. Now, this week...this first day/Monday of the final week...it feels like time is going by at a thousand miles an hour and I kinda wanna make it slow back down because I want to go back to the normal routine and interactions and keep these people in my life...but I can feel the ‘ride’ speeding up and I can feel that once the weekend hits and I roll out the door, I may never see many of these people again...and yet they meant so much to me the past 50+ days. It’s a very weird feeling.

Don’t even get me started on all the guys I met at the radiation special waiting room...guys with all kinds of cancer collected up in our ‘holding tank’, waiting to get called back for our treatment...many not as lucky as me, some just starting their battle...others finishing but unsure what the outcome is gonna be. We’re like a platoon of soldiers quietly going to battle everyday...life and death on the line/in the air but mostly unspoken...but we all know why we are there. Heretofore complete strangers to each other but now united by proximity and from this common bond...cancer. An odd bonding thing. I’ll end my daily appearances there in 4 days...and these same set of guys virtually every day -- and then I’ll likely never see this odd band of brothers again. The thought of that makes me sad. Hopefully we can catch up on ‘the other side’ someday.

I told you it was known as the day it was really hitting me...

But for as sad as I am, I would not trade this experience for anything. There’s been way more and unexpected beautiful human moments than there has been pain or angst. In a supposedly dark period, and I got it easy by comparison, I’ve seen the real beautiful side of the human race. Hopefully, I can remember that in traffic today.

I don’t want to have to deal with cancer...but I also never want to forget all the good and beautiful things that have happened because of it.

My daily food diary...

Day 51 food spend = $12

BREAKFAST = Raisin Bran

LUNCH = Chick Fil A $12

DINNER = BBQ leftovers finished off...I liked it, my dog goes wild for some sharing of it!

Month #2 (through 23 days) = $482 total spend...now at $20.96 per day average.

51-day total food spend = $1,087...$21.31 per day average...we’re trying to get to/close to the $20 per day budget!!

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

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3/16 MON

(6:47amET)

Today

-- New series in progress, a Mock DRD...5-Rounds from each draft slot 1-12 with commentary. A new mock every day.

-- New scouting report

-- WR-b and WR-s grades/rank update

-- Free Agent signee/changing teams research piece

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- REWIND report #1 will publish this week...Malik Willis.

-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.

-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings ASAP.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- HEADLINE: NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that the Rams explored trading away WR Davante Adams amid trade talks with the Eagles regarding WR A.J. Brown.

I think I saw what the Rams saw as 2025 season progressed...Davante is not the WR he used to be. The TDs were there because of the focus on all the other Rams weapons, and Davante still has hands...but mostly because ‘Stafford’.

But the yards per everything are dwindling, his separation is down, his catch rate% of his targets was a 12-year low. This is my worry for Mike Evans...that’s he’s just about to hit that Davante-Kupp-Keenan ‘wall’. Evans has been consistently amazing and then started to buckle a bit in 2025.

Davante hit it around age 32. Kupp around age 31.5. Keenan around 32. Adam Thielen around age 31. Julio Jones hit it age 31. Mike Evans will be 33 this season/Week 1...he may have hit that ‘wall’ last year at age 32.

You can offer something to the NFL at these ages, but you’re not elite anymore...you’ll flow with the offense/your role in it. Keenan Allen was pretty solid to start 2025 season (age 33), but then tailed off second-half of the season.

If I were SF management, I’d rather have Jauan Jennings than Mike Evans in the year 2026.

If Aaron Rodgers returns to the Steelers...watch for Adams to be dealt there. The Rams will ‘act’...like they did with Cooper Kupp, when they see ‘the wall’...even if a lot of money is owed/due.

-- HEADLINE: Texans upgraded the two years remaining on RB David Montgomery’s deal to $16.5 million.

If people didn’t want to recognize that Montgomery is being brought in to be the lead RB...this is a little more evidence. Woody Marks will not be the lead or the equal...he’s a side piece. I have been trying to sell Montgomery as a solid RB2...but league mates don’t seem to buy it yet. I’ll wait...they’ll figure it out when the FF writers return to work in August.

QUOTES & QUOTABLES...

-- Jay Glazer (FOX): "The Mike Evans departure from Tampa got 'weird' at the end. It wasn't just about the money; it was a fundamental disagreement on the direction of the offense and the coaching turnover. Evans saw the regression last year under Grizzard and, even with Zac Robinson coming in, he felt the championship window in Tampa had closed while the 49ers offered one last clear shot at a ring."

-- Zac Robinson (Bucs OC): "We’re turning the page. Losing a legend like Mike [Evans] hurts, but it opens up targets for Jalen McMillan and Emeka Egbuka to really showcase their growth."

-- Liam Coen (Jaguars HC): "Losing Travis Etienne to New Orleans was a tough business decision, but we’re thrilled to reunite with Chris Rodriguez Jr. He knows my system from Kentucky and provides that 'hammer' at the goal line we need to complement Bhayshul Tuten."

-- Jeff Hafley (Dolphins HC): "We know the talk about Malik Willis. But with Bobby Slowik (OC) designing the look, we aren't asking him to be Tua. We're asking him to be the most dangerous athlete on the field."

RC NOTE: I’m working on a Malik Willis ‘Rewind’ report to be released this week.

-- Mike McDaniel (Chargers OC): "Working with Trey Lance again in this capacity is exciting. He’s matured significantly, and his package in our 'heavy' sets is going to be a nightmare for DCs."

RC NOTE: Sure thing, Mike.

-- David Blough (Commanders OC): "We’ve been aggressive for a reason. Chig Okonkwo and Jerome Ford give us a level of versatility in the screen game that was lacking."

-- Dr. Jesse Morse: "The 'tightrope' surgery for Keaton Mitchell (Chargers) appears to have held up well. His burst metrics in private workouts were the reason he secured that $9.25M deal yesterday."

-- I thought this was pretty interesting from Brock Purdy...more insane than interesting:

https://x.com/fbgreatmoments/status/2032607704233959796?s=43

== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==

The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.

Here we go:

AFC East: (1) New England d. (4) NY Jets...it’s not even close between these two teams, as you would expect. In no area do the Jets have an edge. Tomorrow (2) BUF v. (3) MIA.

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/15/26, Day 50 in JAX

34 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

7 weeks down, 1 more to go.

This will be known as the day where...

I had a bit of an ‘off kilter’ Sunday.

Went to bed at 12:00am. Woke up at 3am and couldn’t get back to sleep...had energy but also didn’t feel well and was having hot flashes so I can’t get comfortable to sleep. So, I just got up to start working...figuring I’d catch up on sleep later. Went back to bed 8am to 10am. Felt a bit better after that. Started to buckle again at 2pm...slept until 5pm.

I did get 8.0 hours of sleep total, which I need to get all the sleep I can right now to keep recovering from radiation...as I now have a mild case of anemia from the radiation treatments on top of other side issues, thus my fatigue issues. But I got my 8.0 hours total...it just took 3 phases, which is VERY annoying and disruptive...but 8 hours is 8 hours, I guess.

Other than that, a peaceful final weekend day here...getting ready for my final week of treatments/Iife in Jacksonville.

I was able to stay up enough to watch the World Baseball Classic USA v. DR...which was a nice way to end the night.

My daily food diary...

Day 50 food spend = $12

BREAKFAST = Starbucks at 5am, bad night of sleep, dealing with some sickness and hot flashes

LUNCH = Chipotle burrito

DINNER = BBQ leftovers

Month #2 (through 22 days) = $470 total spend...now at $21.36 per day average.

50-day total food spend = $1,075...$21.50 per day average...we’re trying to get to/close to the $20 per day budget!!

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

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