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Flying-mad fans demand Giants 'fire everyone'

Sun Dec 15 2:38pm ET
Field Level Media

New York Giants ownership got another pregame message from angry fans.

For the second Sunday in a row, a plane flew over MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., ahead of kickoff, dragging a banner asking co-owner John Mara to make a giant change in the organization.

"Mr Mara Enough -- We won't stop until you fire everyone," the banner read.

The Giants (2-11) lost an uninspiring game last week to the New Orleans Saints, 14-11. Prior to that contest, a similar message implored Mara to "fix this dumpster fire."

New York stood at 2-3 on Oct. 6 following a 29-20 road win over the Seattle Seahawks. They've since lost eight consecutive games and are winless at home.

And the odds stood against the Giants entering Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens (8-5). Per the New York Post, the 16.5-point spread favoring the Ravens was the highest in the NFL this season and the largest for a home underdog since at least 1966.

Seven games into the season, with the Giants at 2-5, Mara gave a vote of confidence to general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.

"Obviously, we're all very disappointed with where we are right now," Mara said. "But I'm gonna say one thing: we are not making any changes this season. And I do not anticipate making any changes in the offseason, either."

The six losses since could have changed Mara's mind, but he hasn't addressed the aerial messages specifically or his leadership's future in general. It's been a season of turmoil, which included the release of starting quarterback Daniel Jones after he was benched by Daboll,

Things won't get any easier for the Giants after the Ravens' visit.

New York closes the season with games against two teams -- the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts -- that still had a shot at the playoffs as of Week 15, and the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.

The Week 17 meeting with the Colts is the final home game of the 2024 season.

The Giants have made the playoffs just twice since 2012 when the won the second of two Super Bowls in the Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning era. Since Coughlin's departure following the 2015 season, the Giants have employed four head coaches and one interim coach.

The Mara family has owned the team since its founding in 1925.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 15

Player Notes
Jaylen Waddle Dec 15 2:00pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game. The wideout suffered an apparent knee injury during the second quarter. Waddle was seen limping to the blue medical tent but was able to move under his own power. Before leaving, Waddle did not catch a pass, so his fantasy managers will surely be hoping he can return in this one. For the time being, Tyreek Hill and tight end Jonnu Smith should see most of the targets, with Malik Washington getting an increased role in the passing attack. Running back De'Von Achane should see more targets out of the backfield as well.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Dec 15 2:00pm CT
Jalen Hurts

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (finger) was seen wearing a bandage around his apparently broken finger when he arrived at Sunday's game. While Hurts was not on the injury report this week, this situation is worth monitoring leading up to kickoff in case he is limited in any fashion during today's game. For now, fantasy managers should keep him in their starting lineup until further notice.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 15 2:00pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had been listed as questionable after upgrading to a limited participant in practice on Friday. Irving has been active for every game this season, but he did sit out a portion of last week's contest after his back tightened up. We could see the rookie get a reduced workload this week, splitting opportunities with Rachaad White. Both backs are fringe top-24 fantasy options at their position.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Dec 15 1:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game. The veteran tight end sustained this injury during the second quarter. Before leaving, Ertz brought in both of his targets for 25 yards. For the remainder of the game, fantasy managers should expect Daniels to target his wideouts heavily. No.2 tight end John Bates should see an uptick in opportunities during the second half as well. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Ertz's status after the contest.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Blackshear Dec 15 11:40am CT
Raheem Blackshear

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (chest) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Blackshear suffered a contusion last week, and while there was a chance he'd get healthy in time to face Dallas, that's ultimately not the case. With both Blackshear and Jonathon Brooks (torn ACL) sidelined, Carolina will proceed with Chuba Hubbard leading the way while Mike Boone and Velus Jones Jr. fill depth roles.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Dec 15 11:30am CT
Diontae Johnson

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who is suspended for the Week 15 game against the New York Giants due to conduct detrimental to the team, is expected to return to the team's facilities on Monday. Johnson refused to go into the game in the Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles because of his unhappiness with his role in the offense, but the hope is that he'll find his way back into the good graces of the team down the stretch and into the postseason. The 28-year-old was acquired from the Carolina Panthers at the trade deadline in late October, but the Ravens just haven't found a way to implement him into their offense since, as he has just one catch on five targets for six yards in his four games played. Johnson is expected to remain with the team, but for fantasy purposes, he belongs on the waiver wire for the rest of the year.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Dec 15 11:30am CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) received clearance from a doctor to resume practicing after having SC-joint surgery on his shoulder from an injury he suffered in the preseason. Brown returned to practice on Friday and was so quick and impressive that it is entirely possible that he'll be activated from Injured Reserve and be able to play in Week 16 versus the Houston Texans. The 27-year-old was signed in the offseason to essentially serve as KC's top receiver. However, he's missed the entire 2024 season to this point, and the Chiefs have since added wideouts DeAndre Hopkins and JuJu Smith-Schuster with Rashee Rice (knee) out for the season. If Hollywood does make his season and team debut next weekend, he'll almost certainly be on a limited snap count, which would make him extremely volatile for fantasy lineups in the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

K.J. Osborn Dec 15 11:20am CT
K.J. Osborn

Washington Commanders wide receiver K.J. Osborn (coach's decision) is inactive for Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints. Osborn did not appear on the injury report this week and is a healthy scratch. The 27-year-old was claimed off waivers from New England just a few days ago, so it's possible he's inactive simply because he didn't have enough time to get integrated within the Washington offense. Regardless of the reason, he's not a dependable fantasy option moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Za'Darius Smith Dec 15 11:13am CT
Za'Darius Smith

Detroit Lions DE Za'Darius Smith was fined $6,722 by the National Football League for roughing the passer in Week 14's game against the Green Bay Packers. Smith delivered a blow to the head/neck area of QB Jordan Love but was not flagged on the play.

From TheHuddle

Breece Hall Dec 15 11:10am CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is officially active for the Week 15 game on Sunday on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hall was a DNP on both Wednesday and Thursday for a knee injury that kept him sidelined for the Week 14 overtime loss to the division-rival Miami Dolphins, but he was able to return and practice in full on Friday. He still carried a questionable tag into Sunday, but he was expected to play, and now it's official that he will be active. Although the 23-year-old back is active, fantasy managers should have some doubt as to whether he'll actually see a normal complement of offensive snaps in the backfield. Last week, the Jets split the touches pretty much down the middle with rookie Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. A potential lesser role with fewer touches in Week 15 makes Hall more volatile for fantasy as more of an RB3/flex option.

From RotoBaller

Bradley Chubb Dec 15 11:10am CT
Bradley Chubb

Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (knee) and offensive tackles Terron Armstead (knee) and Kendall Lamm (back) have all been ruled out for Week 15 against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Chubb has yet to play this year while recovering from a torn ACL. The 28-year-old is making progress, though, and could make his 2024 season debut next weekend versus the San Francisco 49ers if he has a good week of practice. Getting Chubb back to close out the season will be a huge upgrade for Miami's pass rush. Armstead, who was listed as doubtful, aggravated his knee injury in the Week 14 overtime win over the division-rival New York Jets and won't be available against Houston. Patrick Paul will likely get the start in his absence. Houston's defensive line could cause some issues in Miami's backfield with both Armstead and Lamm out.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Dec 15 11:00am CT
Tony Pollard

As expected, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's contest against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15. Pollard missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited practice on Friday before being labeled questionable for the weekend. The Titans expected their lead RB to play all along, though, and now it's official that he'll play against Cincy. The 27-year-old should be viewed as a strong RB2 play for fantasy managers in the first round of the playoffs in most leagues against a Bengals defense that has been gouged by opposing offenses all year long. Pollard saw 21 carries for 102 yards -- his third 100-yard game of the season -- in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's had 20-plus carries five times this year and should once again dominate backfield touches for the Titans this week.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 15 11:00am CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) will be inactive for Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. The calf issue has hindered Walker over the last few weeks. It was enough to sideline him last Sunday against the Cardinals, and now, he'll be inactive again versus Green Bay. His absence opens the door for Zach Charbonnet to start at running back. Charbonnet took advantage of his increased role last weekend, totaling 134 rushing yards, seven catches, 59 receiving yards, and two touchdowns en route to being the highest-scoring running back in fantasy football. Even against a tougher defense in the Packers, Charbonnet should continue to be viewed as a low-end RB1 option.

From RotoBaller

Jamison Crowder Dec 15 10:50am CT
Jamison Crowder

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (calf) is active for Week 15. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. He was activated from injured reserve over the weekend, suggesting that he would be able to suit up. The veteran receiver played in two games at the start of the season, catching just one pass for five yards. Crowder should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Eric Kendricks Dec 15 10:50am CT
Eric Kendricks

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks (shoulder, personal) is active for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable, and there was some concern about his availability after he missed all three practices this past week. In the end, though, the veteran defender will suit up for the Cowboys' first away game since Week 12. Kendricks has been productive in his age-32 season, registering 119 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception through 12 total games.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Dec 15 10:50am CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee) and cornerback Jaycee Horn (groin) are active for Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys. Both players had been listed as questionable. Clowney closed out this week's practices with a pair of full sessions while Horn was consistently a limited participant. Clowney, 31, has been productive through 10 games this season, registering 33 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Meanwhile, Horn has appeared in all 13 contests, tallying 62 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Having both playmakers available is great news for the Panthers as they enter Sunday's winnable game against Dallas.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Dec 15 10:50am CT
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins is being benched in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs and is a healthy scratch on Sunday. Hopkins has missed six of his last nine field-goal chances, including two in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. As a result, the Browns added Riley Patterson to their practice squad earlier this week, and he will now serve as the team's placekicker in Week 15. Hopkins felt confident that he had a good week of practice, but the Browns apparently felt otherwise and were not comfortable using him this weekend. If Patterson also struggles against KC, perhaps Cleveland will turn back to Hopkins in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. On the year, the 34-year-old Hopkins has made only 64% of his field goals (16-for-25) while also missing two of his 18 extra-point attempts in 13 games.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Dec 15 10:50am CT
Drew Lock

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (heel, left elbow) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. He had been listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this past week. Lock will serve as the Giants' emergency third quarterback on Sunday, which means he would be allowed to enter the game if both Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle suffer injuries and cannot play. Otherwise, Lock will watch Sunday's game from the sideline. He can be dropped in most fantasy leagues now that DeVito is healthy and back under center.

From RotoBaller

Deonte Banks Dec 15 10:50am CT
Deonte Banks

New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (rib) is officially inactive for Week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Banks played in each of the Giants' first 11 games this season, registering 43 tackles and one forced fumble. However, he has been injured since Week 12, now missing three consecutive games. Adoree' Jackson and Tre Hawkins should earn additional opportunities in the defensive secondary with Banks sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Charlie Jones Dec 15 10:50am CT
Charlie Jones

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin) remains out of action for the Week 15 contest on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Jones didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was upgraded to a full practice on Friday before being given a questionable tag for Sunday's game. However, the 26-year-old has been ruled out for his sixth straight game this weekend, meaning running back Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams should continue to serve as the team's kick and punt returners, respectively. Jones, a fourth-round selection in 2023, has played in only eight games in his second year in the NFL and has caught his only target for a five-yard gain. When healthy, he's primarily an option on special teams for the Bengals as a returner and is off the fantasy radar. He had seven catches for 64 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie.

From RotoBaller