Fantasy Football Weekly (Jan. 17 to 23)

Quarterbacks

The story of the week has been "Deflategate." After the Patriots destroyed the Colts in the AFC Championship Game to advance to the Super Bowl, scandal arose when it was found that 11 of the Patriots' 12 game footballs were not inflated to the regulation size of 12.5 PSI (pounds per square inch) during the first half. At least one of the balls was at nearly 10.5 PSI. The balls were then re-inflated to regulation size at halftime. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have denied any involvement in deflating the footballs, but the NFL' s investigation into the matter is ongoing … According to a report citing nearly 20 team sources, Johnny Manziel lacks commitment to the Browns and displayed a "year-long pattern" of a "commitment to nightlife" during his rookie season. One teammate went as far as to call him a "100 percent joke." As of now, the only support he seems to have in the organization is on the "business side" of the front office, not from his coaches or teammates. The Browns have actually reached out to Brian Hoyer about a contract extension. It remains to be seen if the sides can work out a deal … Peyton Manning reportedly intends to return to the Denver Broncos next season if healthy … The Panthers will exercise Cam Newton's fifth-year option, and general manager Dave Gettleman insists that Newton is Carolina's franchise QB … Aaron Rodgers expects to be fully recovered from his calf injury in about six weeks … Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers are expected to get a contract extension in place as soon as possible … The Dolphins are fully expected to pick up Ryan Tannehill's fifth-year option … Head coach Marvin Lewis once again reassured us that the Bengals are very comfortable with Andy Dalton as their starting QB … After watching hours of game tape, NFL Films' Greg Cosell said Blake Bortles "got into some bad habits" this season and that the Jaguars may need to start from scratch with him … No one in the Jets' organization, including the new head coach or GM, will commit to Geno Smith as a starter in 2015 … Carson Palmer's rehab from a torn ACL and meniscus is currently "ahead of schedule." Head coach Bruce Arians believes he'll be ready to roll in June … New Bears head coach John Fox would not comment on whether Jay Cutler will be the team's starter next season … The Eagles will reportedly try to trade up to acquire Oregon QB Marcus Mariota in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Running Backs

The Seahawks are now more open than ever to bringing Marshawn Lynch back next season. However, Lynch may once again seriously consider retiring … It is very likely Trent Richardson has played his last game as a Colt. It turns out he was handed a two-game suspension leading up to the AFC Championship Game. If the Colts decide to bring him back, Richardson's suspension will carry over to Week 1 next season. Impending free agent Ahmad Bradshaw, who broke his leg in November, is still in a walking boot, and Dan Herron is viewed as more of a backup. Expect the Colts to sign or draft an RB this offseason … It is beginning to look like Adrian Peterson and the Vikings will part ways this offseason. However, the reason for the split could have more to do with the $15.4 million cap hit Peterson will cost the Vikings than his legal issues … Mark Ingram claimed the Saints have told him they would like to re-sign him. Ingram has made it known that he would like to stay in New Orleans … The Steelers still aren't sure if Le'Veon Bell will be suspended following his arrest for DUI and marijuana possession last summer … C.J. Anderson believes he's a perfect fit for Gary Kubiak's system in Denver … Joique Bellunderwent a minor procedure on his knee and Achilles tendon … Raiders new offensive coordinator, Bill Musgrave, plans on customizing his scheme to suit Latavius Murray … DeAngelo Williams will likely be cut by the Panthers sometime after June 1.

Wide Receivers

The Patriots' Brandon LaFell was limited in practice throughout the week due to toe and shoulder injuries. He is still expected to play his normal role in the Super Bowl … Reggie Wayne is not sure if he has taken his last snap in the NFL. He is set to become a free agent and has said he couldn't see himself playing for any other team. There is reportedly a chance the Colts re-sign Hakeem Nicks to be their No. 3 WR … Randall Cobb has stated that he'd prefer to stay in Green Bay if possible. However, it may be tough for the Packers to fit him under the salary cap … Marques Colston is willing to take a small pay cut to stay in New Orleans … Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey opted not to comment on questions about Mike Wallace's future with the team … Kenny Britt really wants to return to the Rams and has already met with team reps to see if the two sides can make that happen … CFL WR and Cris Carter's son Duron Carter has reportedly narrowed his decision down to two teams. It's thought that the Vikings are one of them.

Tight Ends

Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane said he thinks Rob Gronkowski isn't that good. Gronk responded by saying everyone is entitled to their opinion but that Lane's "may" give him a little more anger heading into next Sunday's game … Jimmy Graham expects to avoid offseason surgery on his injured shoulder … Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expects a decision from Dennis Pitta regarding his future "in a couple of weeks." Pitta broke and dislocated his hip for the second time in as many years back in September.

Coaches & Front Office

The Ravens hired Marc Trestman as their offensive coordinator and Marty Mornhinweg as their QBs coach. They also chose Vic Fangio to coordinate their defense … Bears hired Adam Gase to be their new offensive coordinator. Former Browns QBs coach Dowell Loggains has taken the same position in Chicago … The Browns hired 36-year-old John DeFilippo as their OC … The Jets tabbed Chan Gailey to be their offensive coordinator. He hasn't been in the league since getting fired from his job as Bills head coach in 2012 … Greg Olson signed on to be the Jaguars' OC, and Doug Marrone will be an assistant head coach as well as the offensive line coach … The Raiders hired Bill Musgrave as their OC and Todd Downing as their quarterbacks coach … the 49ers promoted Eric Mangini to defensive coordinator. They filled Mangini's old job as tight ends coach with former Raiders interim head coach Tony Sparano. San Fran also added Jason Tarver as linebackers coach … The Redskins hired Joe Barry as their defensive coordinator … Former Raiders head coach Dennis Allen is now a defensive assistant for the Saints. The Saints' owner, 87-year-old Tom Benson, has changed his will so that his wife, not his daughter and grandchildren, will be left the team when he passes. His daughter and grandchildren are now suing him over the matter … The NFL is investigating whether or not a text was sent from a "high-ranking" member of the Browns' personnel department to their coaches on the sideline during a game. This would be a violation of league rules.

Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings