Honestly, the NFL landscape shifted more in the last 48 hours than it usually does in a whole month. If you’re looking for the latest NFL news today, you've probably seen the headlines about Mike Tomlin stepping down in Pittsburgh. It feels like the end of an era because, well, it is. Nineteen seasons. No losing records for nearly two decades. But after that 30-6 thumping by the Houston Texans on Monday night, something finally snapped.
The Steelers aren't just looking for a coach; they’re looking for an identity. For years, "The Steeler Way" was enough to keep them relevant, but getting outclassed by a young C.J. Stroud and a relentless Texans defense proved that "relevant" isn't the same as "contending." Tomlin’s departure has sent every coaching search in the league into a tailspin. Suddenly, jobs like Atlanta or Tennessee don't look nearly as attractive as the vacancy at Acrisure Stadium.
The Divisional Round: Road Warriors and Major Injuries
We are heading into the Divisional Round this weekend, and the betting lines are doing some weird stuff. Usually, home-field advantage is everything in January. Not this time. The Los Angeles Rams are currently 3.5-point favorites on the road against the Chicago Bears.
That might not sound like a lot, but historically? It’s massive. Since the merger in 1970, only two other road teams have been favored by more in this round. The Bears, led by Ben Johnson, are leaning hard into the "nobody believes in us" narrative. They’re home underdogs despite a stellar season.
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Texans vs. Patriots: The Nico Collins Problem
The Houston Texans are the hottest team in football right now, riding a 10-game winning streak. But there's a massive cloud hanging over their trip to Foxborough. Star receiver Nico Collins is still stuck in concussion protocol.
He didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. Adam Schefter basically said he’d be "shocked" if Collins suits up against the Patriots on Sunday. If you follow the Texans, you know Collins is the engine of that passing game. He had over 1,100 yards this year. Without him, the pressure on C.J. Stroud to find Christian Kirk and Tank Dell increases ten-fold against a Mike Vrabel-led Patriots defense that specializes in taking away your best remaining option.
Injury Watch Elsewhere
- Christian Gonzalez (CB, Patriots): Currently questionable with a concussion. If he can't go, the Texans' life gets a lot easier, even without Collins.
- Harold Landry (LB, Patriots): Dealing with a knee issue. He’s the heart of their pass rush.
- Brock Bowers (TE, Raiders): Out for the Pro Bowl with an injury, replaced by Colts rookie Tyler Warren.
The Coaching Carousel is Spiraling
With eight head coaching openings still active, Friday has been a day of frantic Zoom calls and private jet flights. The biggest name floating around the latest NFL news today is Jeff Hafley. The Packers' defensive coordinator is interviewing with the Steelers on Saturday.
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But it’s not just about head coaches. The Philadelphia Eagles are tearing it all down on the offensive side. After a disappointing exit, they’ve officially moved on from OC Kevin Patullo. Today, they are interviewing Falcons OC Zac Robinson. The Eagles have Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, but the offense looked stale and predictable for the better part of two months.
Then there’s the Giants. They seem to be the only team that moved fast, reportedly still in deep negotiations with John Harbaugh. If that lands, the NFC East just got a whole lot more interesting. Imagine the Harbaugh vs. Nick Sirianni press conferences. It would be pure chaos.
The Aaron Rodgers Question
Here is what nobody is talking about enough: What happens to Aaron Rodgers now that Tomlin is gone? Rodgers is 42. He’s a free agent. Most experts assumed he’d stay in Pittsburgh for one more run if Tomlin remained.
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Now? Steelers owner Art Rooney II has hinted that Rodgers might not have the stomach for a total rebuild under a new staff. If Rodgers hits the open market, does he go to a team like the Raiders to reunite with Davante Adams? Or does he finally call it a career? The quarterback market for 2026 is already thin, and Rodgers is the ultimate wild card.
Why This Weekend Changes Everything
We’re at the point of the season where a single play doesn't just end a game; it ends careers. If the Rams lose to the Bears as favorites, do the questions about Sean McVay’s long-term future resurface? If the Texans keep winning without their WR1, is C.J. Stroud the undisputed MVP?
The latest NFL news today tells us that the old guard is fading. Tomlin is out. Harbaugh is switching sides. Rodgers is in limbo. The league is being handed over to the Strouds, Richardsons, and Love-led offenses.
Actionable Insights for Fans This Weekend
If you're following the news to get an edge on your picks or just to stay informed at the water cooler, keep these specific things in mind for the next 48 hours:
- Monitor the Saturday Morning Reports: Concussion protocol is strict. If Nico Collins or Christian Gonzalez aren't cleared by 10:00 AM ET Saturday, they are almost certainly out.
- Watch the Steelers' Interview List: If they pivot away from defensive names like Hafley and toward an offensive mind like Ben Johnson (if the Bears lose), it signals a total shift in how Pittsburgh plans to build around their next QB.
- Check the Weather in Chicago: It’s January. The Rams are a dome team playing at Soldier Field. Even if they are the better team on paper, the "psychological impact" of 15-degree weather and Lake Michigan winds shouldn't be ignored.
- Free Agency Shadowing: Keep an eye on pending free agents like Tyler Linderbaum or Dallas Goedert. Teams still in the playoffs are evaluating whether they can afford to keep these guys or if they’re about to let a cornerstone walk in March.
The Divisional Round kicks off tomorrow with Bills at Broncos. It’s the best weekend of the year for a reason. Stay locked in, because the news isn't slowing down.