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FFL: Playoff Week 1 | NFL: Week 15

Carson Palmer named coach of high school alma mater

Sat Dec 14 11:46am ET
Field Level Media

Carson Palmer is taking over as the head football coach at his alma mater.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Orange County, Calif., made his hiring official on Friday.

"Santa Margarita Football is excited to announce the hiring of former Eagle and Heisman Trophy winner, Carson Palmer as our new head football coach," the school posted to social media.

"As head coach, Palmer aims to build a program that emphasizes not only athletic performance but also academic success and character development," the school continued. "His vision includes creating a culture of hard work, discipline, and perseverance that prepares student-athletes for both their athletic and academic futures."

Palmer, who turns 45 later this month, played at Santa Margarita in the late 1990s and led the Eagles to consecutive CIF Southern Section titles. From there, he enrolled at Southern California, won the Heisman in 2002 and was the No. 1 selection of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Orange County Register reported that Palmer was a voluntary assistant coach for the school's freshman team in the 2023 season. His son, Fletcher, was the quarterback of the freshman squad.

Palmer's first game at the helm of Santa Margarita in the 2025 season will be against neighboring Mission Viejo, coached by another former USC and NFL quarterback, Rob Johnson, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 15

Player Notes
Jonnu Smith Dec 14 11:00am CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith has been one of the best tight ends in the 2024 season. The 29-year-old has seen career highs in targets, receptions, and yards. Smith has contributed heavily to Miami winning four of their last five games. This week, he gets a matchup against a Houston Texans defense that has been stingy, allowing fantasy points to tight ends. They allow the third-fewest yards and the least receptions per game to opposing tight ends. Despite this, Smith has been too consistent for any fantasy manager to leave him on the bench. Miami has struggled defensively as of late and may need to throw a ton in this game to have a chance. He should still expect to see plenty of looks; he should be started in all formats. He comes in as RotoBaller's TE5 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Dec 14 11:00am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson is a risky flex streaming option in Week 15 when the Cardinals host the New England Patriots. Wilson has delivered multiple double-digit fantasy performances this season; however, these performances have come at an inconsistent rate. He has caught four touchdowns and remains involved in the offense near the red zone. However, since the bye week, the Cardinals' offense has struggled to put up points. With it being fantasy football playoff season, the risk of playing Wilson is simply too high in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 14 11:00am CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson doesn't provide much fantasy value in the Week 15 matchup against the New England Patriots. The former Florida State standout hasn't had many opportunities this season, despite showing flashes of explosive runs. Benson has carried the ball just nine times over his last four games. With Conner fully healthy, there isn't a high projected workload for Benson, making him not a viable fantasy option in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Dec 14 10:50am CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle looks to build off his nine-reception, 99-yard performance against the New York Jets in Week 14. The 26-year-old is seemingly finding his footing late in the season as the offense looks fluid. Waddle and Miami travel to take on the Houston Texans in Week 15, a team that tends to struggle at defending wide receivers. They allow the sixth-most fantasy points, the seventh-most yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns per game to wideouts. The offense has recently seen an uptick in passing plays, helping Waddle garner more targets. With Miami's recent defensive struggles, they could find themselves in a shootout with quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense. Waddle is a high-upside WR3 play in Week 15. He comes in as RotoBaller's WR30 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Dec 14 10:50am CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) has no injury designation after logging a full practice on Thursday. He is coming off one of his best performances of the season and one that fantasy managers hope he can replicate. He caught 10 of 14 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets defense, his most since Week 1. Now he goes up against the Houston Texans defense, which ranks in the bottom 10 of the league at allowing fantasy points, yards, and touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. With the offense passing the ball considerably more in the last several games, we could see a late-season breakout from the Miami receiving group. Hill enters week 15 as a top-10 receiver play and should be started in all formats. He comes in as the WR6 in this week's RotoBaller rankings.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 14 10:30am CT
Jameis Winston

Don't let the fact that the Denver Broncos defense allowed nearly 500 yards passing to Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston in their Week 13 win keep you from starting them in Week 15 at home against the visiting Indianapolis Colts. Despite being gashed by Cleveland's offense before their Week 14 bye, the Broncos' defense did make up for it by recording two pick-sixes. And even though they gave up 32 points, they still rank second in points allowed (18) and rank second in overall fantasy points, behind only the Vikings D/ST. They'll have to contend with mobile quarterback Anthony Richardson this Sunday. Richardson has a league-high 14.8 yards per carry, but he's also thrown more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (seven), and his accuracy issues remain a question mark. Denver's defense ranks first in sacks (47) and will have a great chance for more turnovers. Start them in fantasy matchups.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Dec 14 10:20am CT
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell didn't catch either of his targets back in Week 13, a disappointing outcome considering the Colts were without one of their top pass catchers in Josh Downs. It was Alec Pierce who earned an uptick in targets, not Mitchell, although there wasn't much production to go around anyway with quarterback Anthony Richardson throwing only 24 passes and completing just 12 of them for 109 yards. The 22-year-old has caught one pass or less in five of his last six games and the Colts take on a daunting Denver pass defense in Week 15, so production could once again come at a premium. Downs had a bye week to recover and although he is questionable, the 23-year-old got in two full practices to end the week so it looks like he has a good shot to play. Regardless of whether he's in or out, it likely doesn't change Mitchell's outlook, which is not good. With the fantasy playoffs upon us, managers should look elsewhere as there should be better options on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Dec 14 10:10am CT
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz went from being off the fantasy radar to begin the 2024 season to being a near-weekly lock as a top-10 option at the position heading into a Week 15 matchup at home against the Indianapolis Colts. Not only has Lutz been one of the most accurate kickers in the league this year -- he's made 89.7% of his 29 field-goal attempts -- but he'll be taking on a Colts defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to kickers in the last five weeks (four games). The 30-year-old veteran has become a fantasy asset with Denver's offensive improving drastically under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in the second half of the season. Lutz has made all 20 of his kicks in the last three games and has been a top-10 fantasy kicker in the last five weeks. Overall, he's the No. 5 fantasy kicker on the year. Lutz should be in starting lineups in altitude in Denver this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Dec 14 10:10am CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has been one of fantasy football's most consistent running backs in 2024. He scored 18+ PPR fantasy points in six of the last seven games and touchdowns in four straight. The 23-year-old also ranks second in receiving yards by a running back behind only Alvin Kamara. Week 15 presents a matchup against a Houston Texans defense that excels at stopping opposing running backs. They rank eighth in rushing yards, fourth in fantasy points, and tied for fifth in rushing touchdowns allowed per game. They're also very good at defending running backs in the passing game, ranking fifth in receiving yards allowed per game to running backs. Despite this, he remains a solid RB1 and should continue to see the bulk of the touches in the Miami backfield. His red zone presence makes him an easy start for Week 15. He comes in as RotoBallers RB5 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Dec 14 10:00am CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to keep up his incredible run since returning from a gruesome concussion in Week 8. He has thrown for 300+ yards and multiple passing touchdowns in three straight games and has not thrown an interception since Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams. In his last five games, Tagovailoa ranks third in passing yards and third in passing touchdowns. This week, he gets a matchup against a Houston Texans defense that somewhat struggles against quarterbacks. They rank 17th in fantasy points and 31st in passing touchdowns allowed per game. Miami must win this game if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive, and with their defensive struggles, they may have to score to keep up with Houston's offense in this game. Start him with confidence as a top 10 play for Week 15. He comes in as RotoBallers QB7 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Dec 14 10:00am CT
Marvin Mims

Although Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. had over 100 yards receiving and his second touchdown in the last three games in the Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns, we aren't recommending him as a starting fantasy option in the first round of the playoffs in most leagues. Mims caught only three passes against the Browns, but one of them went for a 93-yard bomb to the house on a perfectly placed pass down the seam. In Week 11 against the Falcons, Mims also scored but only had two catches for 49 yards. The 22-year-old has been much more involved in the second half of the season, but he's still only averaging 1.5 receptions per game and 20.5 yards per game in 13 contests. In addition, the Colts defense has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points to opposing wideouts in the last five weeks. Mims is going to have to break another big play to pay off in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Dec 14 9:50am CT
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele will be looking for a bounce-back performance in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Empower Field after catching just one of his four targets for 16 yards in the 41-32 win over the Browns back in Week 13. In his three previous games before the quiet showing on Monday night, Vele had a three-game stretch of 14 receptions for 185 yards and his first career touchdown on 18 targets, prompting many fantasy managers to snag him off the waiver wire in Denver's improving offense. In all three of those games, the seventh-round rookie out of Utah played over 60% of the snaps. Indy's defense has allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game (232.4) this year, but in the last five weeks, they've given up the fourth-fewest half-PPR points to wideouts. Vele has been the closest thing Denver has had to a WR2 behind Courtland Sutton all year, but the production has been spotty, making him a low-upside, low-floor WR5/flex in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Dec 14 9:40am CT
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay made just one field goal back before the team's bye week in Week 13, but it was the first time since Week 3 that the 30-year-old was held to just a single field goal. The veteran had been busy since Week 4, knocking 21 footballs through the uprights, which is the fifth-most during that time. Working in his favor is an offense led by Anthony Richardson, which can move the ball at times and even find the end zone, but with a 47.4% completion rate, drives also have a tendency to stall. This leaves the door open for Gay, who has a 91.3% success rate since Week 4 and is also 18-for-18 on extra point attempts over that stretch. The Colts take on a formidable Broncos defense in Week 15 in Denver, so scoring chances could be limited, especially with the Colts as five-point underdogs in a game that doesn't sport a particularly high expected total (45). The sixth-year pro should get a couple of opportunities early but the Colts might be playing catch-up later and won't be able to settle for field goals, leaving Gay as a reliable but not high-upside play in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Dec 14 9:40am CT
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams has a great matchup in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but he's still hard to trust as a flex option in fantasy leagues in the first round of the playoffs. Williams leads the team in carries (124), rushing yards (446) and rushing touchdowns (four), but he's averaging a mere 3.6 yards per carry and is now no longer the clear leader of the backfield after Jaleel McLaughlin saw a team-high 14 carries in the Week 13 win over the Browns. In the last four games, Williams has just 22 rushing attempts for 59 yards (2.69 yards per tote) and two TDs. The Colts defense has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game (147) and fourth-most half-PPR points per game to RBs, so Denver's ground game could have a rare good performance. However, Williams isn't guaranteed to see lead-back volume, making him a tough-to-trust RB3/flex in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jake Bates Dec 14 9:00am CT
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has turned a corner recently with his fantasy production. In his past five games, Bates has made four field goals of 50-plus yards and has double-digit fantasy points in four of those last five contests. In a home matchup with the Bills in Week 15, there figure to be points scored with two great offenses featured in what could turn out to be a shootout. Look for Bates to continue his recent strong stretch if Lions' drives stall short of finding the end zone. He figures to be a strong play at the kicker position this week.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 14 9:00am CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is not a reliable fantasy option for Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though fellow receiver George Pickens (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday, Austin isn't a leading candidate to claim the bulk of his vacated opportunities. For proof, look no further than last Sunday when Pickens was sidelined and Austin still played just 35 percent of the offensive snaps, catching one pass for four yards. Rather than looking to Austin to fill in for Pickens, managers seeking flex production in deep leagues may be better off adding someone like Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, or Mike Williams. Austin should be benched in most formats ahead of Sunday, especially as he takes on an Eagles defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Dec 14 9:00am CT
Josh Allen

The Detroit Lions D/ST should be left on the bench or waiver wire in Week 15. The Lions draw a home matchup with the Bills led by a red-hot Josh Allen. The Bills lost last week to the Rams but Allen had three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns as Buffalo scored 42 points in the loss. In his last four matchups, Allen has six rushing touchdowns. The Lions D/ST has three double-digit fantasy performances this season but the matchup this week says stay away. Likely a matchup-dependent D/ST for fantasy purposes, this is not the week to fire up the Lions.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Dec 14 8:50am CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is expected to earn additional consideration for fantasy lineups in Week 15, but he's not the most dependable option after catching just two passes for 15 yards last Sunday. The 22-year-old turned heads across the league back in Week 13 with six catches, 103 yards, and one score, but he has come back down to earth since then and is no longer viewed as one of the top streaming WR3/FLEX options. Rather, he's the No. 2 pass-catching option in a struggling offense led by Mac Jones, which doesn't bode well for his fantasy value. To make matters worse, Washington is facing a New York Jets defense that has allowed the third-fewest catches, yards, and touchdowns to opposing wide receivers, as well as the fourth-fewest fantasy points. Managers should bench Washington and look elsewhere for their WR3/FLEX contributions in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Dec 14 8:50am CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has seen an uptick in targets lately but his fantasy success is largely based on whether he finds the end zone in a given week. He has seen at least six targets in four of his last five games, but his high for receiving yards was 66 against the Texans in Week 10. Against the Bears, LaPorta scored 15.60 fantasy points in PPR leagues when he caught three passes for six yards and two touchdowns. LaPorta is fighting for looks in the crowded Lions' offense but is still a nice red-zone threat. The tight-end landscape is very thin, so LaPorta still makes for a decent play at the position against a Bills defense that is good at limiting damage to opposing tight ends. The Bills defense is allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. LaPorta will reward fantasy managers if he finds the end zone, but that is a risky proposition this week.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Dec 14 8:40am CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is officially questionable to play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. The veteran had missed two consecutive practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. He has been a steady offensive contributor in his age-31 season, catching 29 passes for 287 yards and one touchdown over 11 games. He has been particularly productive lately with at least four catches in each of his last three contests. Although he's a veteran pass-catcher in a productive offense, Shepard will be tough to trust in fantasy football if he plays this week. Not only does he rank 83rd among wide receivers in total fantasy points this year, but he's going up against a strong Chargers defense that has allowed fifth-fewest receptions to the position.

From RotoBaller