Irv Smith Jr., the former Alabama tight end, has officially re-signed with the Houston Texans on a one-year deal, adding depth to their tight end roster. Smith's return marks him as the sixth Alabama player currently on the Texans roster, joining notable teammates such as John Metchie III and Will Anderson Jr. Despite a season in 2024 where he saw limited playtime with only five games and no offensive stats, he remains a viable option for Houston's offensive strategies. Smith's career totals stand at 109 receptions for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his potential in the right system.

As the Texans look to build upon their previous season, Smith's familiarity with the team could be beneficial. Notably, he is reunited with head coach DeMeco Ryans, a former Alabama standout himself, which could enhance Smith's integration into the Texans' game plan. The coaching staff, alongside a roster infused with SEC talent, aims for a more dynamic offensive approach, especially after a season filled with challenges. Smith's experience could help solidify the tight end position and potentially elevate the Texans' passing game moving forward.

The Cleveland Browns are making headlines in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, particularly with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe gaining traction as a potential pick. Recent reports suggest that the Browns might not select a quarterback early on, as they are rumored to be eyeing Colorado's Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, with the No. 2 overall pick. Milroe's acceptance of an invitation to the NFL draft green room signifies his rising stock, and both the Browns and New Orleans Saints have reportedly conducted impressive private workouts with him.

With the Browns looking to revamp their quarterback room, Milroe appears to be a strong contender for a first-round selection. NFL insiders have noted the Browns' keen interest in him during discussions, which could lead to significant changes in their strategy heading into the draft.

Fantasy football is a year-round pursuit, with key developments such as free agency, the NFL Draft, and training camps shaping the landscape for players. As we look forward to the 2025 season, identifying sleeper candidates and undervalued draft targets across the AFC is crucial.

In the AFC East, Ray Davis could emerge as a valuable asset for the Buffalo Bills, particularly if James Cook departs. In Miami, Jaylen Waddle's potential for a comeback remains strong despite a disappointing 2024. The New England Patriots' Hunter Henry continues to be a reliable fantasy tight end, while the New York Jets have excitement around Justin Fields as their new starting quarterback.

The AFC North features Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens, who is on the rise after a strong season. Mike Gesicki's role with the Cincinnati Bengals could increase, especially now that he has secured another contract. Jerome Ford stands to become the starter for the Cleveland Browns, while Cordarrelle Patterson may also find relevance in a reshaped Steelers' backfield.

In the AFC South, John Metchie III of the Texans could benefit from a revamped receiving core. The Indianapolis Colts' Alec Pierce had a breakout year, and Trevor Lawrence is poised for redemption under new leadership in Jacksonville. Lastly, the Tennessee Titans' Tyjae Spears has shown promise as a dynamic player in the backfield.

Shifting to the AFC West, Marvin Mims Jr. of the Denver Broncos could solidify his role, while Marquise Brown remains with the Kansas City Chiefs, despite injury setbacks. Jakobi Meyers had a productive season for the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Los Angeles Chargers' Quentin Johnston is a rising star following improvements in his second year.

The Houston Texans are set to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, a matchup that promises to be thrilling given the stakes involved. The Chiefs, coming off a strong season with only one loss while fielding their starters, are favored by 7.5 points. However, playoff games often produce unexpected outcomes, making this AFC contest intriguing.

Key players will impact fantasy lineups significantly. For the Texans, C.J. Stroud has shown potential but has struggled with consistency, while Nico Collins and John Metchie III are expected to play vital roles. On the Chiefs' side, Patrick Mahomes remains a top fantasy quarterback despite concerns over potential rust after a bye week. The performances of players like Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy will be crucial in determining the outcome.

The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to make history as they aim for a three-peat, starting with a divisional round matchup against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans this Saturday. Patrick Mahomes holds an impressive 14-0 postseason record against quarterbacks outside of Joe Burrow and Tom Brady, and his divisional round performance has been flawless. Meanwhile, the Texans face a daunting challenge as they have yet to win a playoff game on the road and have historically struggled in this round.

In their last encounter, a pivotal moment occurred when Tank Dell caught a game-tying touchdown but was injured, leading to the Chiefs pulling away for a 14th victory. As the Texans regroup after their Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers, they must strategize effectively to upset Mahomes and the Chiefs. Key strategies include limiting Mahomes' rushing ability, winning the turnover battle, and finding another offensive weapon to complement Joe Mixon and Nico Collins.