Dalton Risner, former Denver Broncos guard, recently defended Russell Wilson's reputation as a teammate amid perceptions that the quarterback was unpopular in the locker room. Risner, taking to TikTok, described Wilson as one of his favorite teammates, highlighting his work ethic and leadership. He noted that Wilson was always the first to arrive and the last to leave at the Broncos facility, countering narratives created by viral sideline incidents. Despite the drama, Risner’s comments paint Wilson in a positive light as he continues his career with the New York Giants after a turbulent stint in Denver.

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly eyeing a significant addition to their offensive front, as free agent guard Dalton Risner hints at a potential signing soon. While he has a possibility of returning to the Minnesota Vikings, the Bengals, along with the Denver Broncos, are on his radar. With the Bengals entering the draft seeking guard help, they’ve made minor moves like re-signing Cody Ford and adding Lucas Patrick. However, Risner, a 29-year-old former second-round pick with a history of starting games, could be a post-draft signing for a team wanting to bolster its offensive line.

The Indianapolis Colts are actively searching for free-agent guard options as they prepare for the upcoming NFL draft. After Will Fries' departure, the team's offensive line has become a focal point. Head coach Shane Steichen emphasized the need for a strong offensive line to protect the quarterback and enhance the running game. They are considering internal options like Matt Goncalves but could also look to free agency for additional reinforcements.

Among potential targets are Tyrstan Colon, known for his versatility across the interior line; Dalton Risner, who has shown effectiveness as a pass-blocker but has struggled in the run game; and Will Hernandez, who boasts a solid pass-blocking grade despite limited appearances last season. The Colts must weigh their options carefully, as improvements in the line could significantly impact their offensive performance.

The Seattle Seahawks' pursuit of free-agent guards has hit a snag with the recent signing of Dillon Radunz by the New Orleans Saints, a player who was previously on their radar. General Manager John Schneider seems to be reevaluating his strategy as other potential targets like Teven Jenkins and Lucas Patrick have signed with different teams. Fortunately, there's still a wealth of talented guards available in free agency that the Seahawks can target for upgrades on their offensive line.

Among the notable options are Brandon Scherff, who despite aging, provides veteran experience and was solid on the line for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. Will Hernandez is another intriguing candidate, coming off a strong season with the Arizona Cardinals where he allowed no sacks. Lastly, Dalton Risner, formerly with the Minnesota Vikings, has familiarity with the Seahawks' new quarterback Sam Darnold, which could enhance their offensive cohesion. Investing in one or more of these players could significantly bolster the Seahawks’ offensive line heading into the upcoming season.

PFF's NFL Week 17 Team of the Week has been unveiled, showcasing standout players based on performance grades and snap counts. The selections highlight those who not only excelled in their individual performances but also demonstrated consistency over a significant number of plays. The criteria emphasize the importance of maintaining high performance levels, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Leading the offensive lineup is quarterback Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals, who delivered an outstanding performance against the Denver Broncos, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards. His efforts were pivotal in keeping the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. Joining him in the offensive spotlight are notable players like Derrick Henry from the Baltimore Ravens and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers from the New York Giants, who had a remarkable game against the Indianapolis Colts.

On the defensive side, edge rusher Nolan Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant impact against the Dallas Cowboys, achieving an impressive run-defense grade. His ability to disrupt plays was complemented by strong performances from other defensive players, including Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and John Franklin-Myers of the Denver Broncos. The special teams also made their mark with standout players like kicker Cam Little from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This week's selections demonstrate the depth of talent across the league, with players rising to the occasion in critical moments as the season heads into its final stretch.