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Next NFL coach fired? Trio of favorites emerges

Mon Oct 14 2:02pm ET
Field Level Media

The proverbial first shoe dropped in the NFL head coaching carousel when the New York Jets fired Robert Saleh last week.

After Week 6 brought several more lackluster -- and some blowout -- losses by other highly disappointing teams, the seats have become increasingly hot under several other coaches.

The leading "candidate" to be the next coach fired is Jacksonville's Doug Pederson, who is the odds-on favorite at -140 by SportsBetting.ag. The Jaguars, a preseason pick by many analysts to be a contender in the AFC, fell to 1-5 following a 19-point loss to the Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday.

The book is offering odds on 17 candidates, although it's a small group that is reasonably facing potential pink slips in the near future.

NEXT NFL COACH FIRED ODDS*

Doug Pederson, Jaguars (-140)

Mike McCarthy, Cowboys (+400)

Kevin Stefanski, Browns (+550)

Antonio Pierce, Raiders (+600)

Zac Taylor, Bengals (+900)

Dennis Allen, Saints (+1600)

Nick Sirianni, Eagles (+1800)

Brian Daboll, Giants (+2000)

Brian Callahan, Titans (+3300)

Jerod Mayo, Patriots (+4500)

Matt Eberflus, Bears (+5000)

Shane Steichen, Colts (+5000)

Sean McVay, Rams (+5000)

Mike McDaniel, Dolphins (+5000)

Todd Bowles, Buccaneers (+6600)

Sean Payton, Broncos (+7500)

Dave Canales, Cardinals (+10000)

*SportsBetting.ag odds provided for entertainment purposes only.

Pederson said Monday that he doesn't believe a coaching change is what's needed for Jacksonville to turn its season around. He likely has another week to prove as much to owner Shad Khan with the Jaguars staying in London ahead of next weekend's game against the New England Patriots (1-5). Khan gave Pederson a vote of confidence last week -- before the 35-16 loss to the Bears.

The Jaguars are already on the brink of being out of the AFC playoff picture, and the road doesn't get any easier when they return to the United States. They'll play the Green Bay Packers (4-2) on Oct. 27, at Philadelphia (currently 3-2) in a primetime game on Nov. 3, undefeated Minnesota (5-0) on Nov. 10 and at the Detroit Lions (4-1) on Nov. 17 before Jacksonville's bye in Week 12. On the other side is AFC South-leading Houston (5-1) on Dec. 1.

JERRY STAYING THE COURSE?

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insisted he isn't considering a coach change after Dallas was embarrassed 47-9 at home by Detroit on Sunday -- his 82nd birthday.

"I'm not considering that. Just so you're clear, I'm not considering that," Jones said Sunday night.

At 3-3 entering the bye week, the Cowboys are winless at home and 3-0 on the road to sit in third place in the NFC East behind the Washington Commanders (4-2) and Philadelphia Eagles (3-2). Eleven NFC teams have three or more wins but Dallas has allowed 168 points for a score differential of minus-42. In the conference, that's 15th out of 16 teams and better than only the 1-5 Carolina Panthers (203 points allowed).

The Cowboys expect to get injured All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) and Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) back after their bye, with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) recovering on injured reserve.

CLEVELAND CONUNDRUM

Like Jacksonville, Cleveland was a popular preseason pick to give Kansas City and Buffalo a serious run in the AFC. Powered by last season's stout defense and offseason additions that included wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, expectations were sky high.

However, the Browns are now also 1-5 after dropping their fourth consecutive game on Sunday. Cleveland has a minus-46 point differential, and there are calls for quarterback Deshaun Watson and his $230 million guaranteed contract to be benched.

Stefanski also finds himself on the hot seat just four months after signing a contract extension, and eight months after winning his second NFL Coach of the Year honor.

Cleveland does have an opportunity to right its ship, with three consecutive home games coming up. It begins Sunday with the Browns opening their AFC North slate against Cincinnati (2-4), and with the expectation of running back Nick Chubb returning to the lineup.

"The chance is there, the opportunity is there," Watson said Sunday. "We've just got to take it one week at a time and just try to find a different way."

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6

Player Notes
Deshaun Watson Oct 14 1:00pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that the team will continue with quarterback Deshaun Watson as their starter after another loss in Week 6 to the Philadelphia Eagles. "I think Deshaun (Watson) gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win," Stefanski said. Watson has been really bad so far in 2024, although he was able to avoid any turnovers on Sunday against Philly. The 29-year-old went 16-for-23 for 168 yards without a touchdown and has yet to even throw for 200 yards in six games this season. It appears that the surgery on his right shoulder has sapped him of much of his arm strength, but Watson has also made plenty of head-scratching decisions to lead the Browns to a 1-5 record after six weeks. The impending return of running back Nick Chubb (knee) may not be enough to salvage Watson's starting job the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Oct 14 12:50pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is week-to-week after injuring his hamstring in the Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Ford suffered his hamstring injury in the first quarter and didn't play at all in the second half, finishing with only two carries for 14 yards to really let his fantasy managers down. Not only is it possible that both Nick Chubb (knee) and Nyheim Hines (knee) could be back for Week 7 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but Ford might not even be available to play in that game. In what has been an atrocious Browns offense this year, Ford's fantasy stock is going to plummet even further heading into Week 7. If Chubb and Hines aren't ready to come off the PUP list and Ford is inactive against Cincy, D'Onta Foreman would likely serve as Cleveland's lead back.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Oct 14 12:40pm CT
Calvin Ridley

After Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley had zero catches in the Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, head coach Brian Callahan said the team has "to find ways to get him involved, so he can help us win." It wasn't as though the Titans didn't try to get him involved in their 20-17 loss (he was targeted a team-high eight times), but he just wasn't able to connect with struggling quarterback Will Levis at all. The 29-year-old carried the ball once for a nine-yard gain. Along with Tennessee's ugly offense, Ridley's fantasy stock has tanked in the last three games, as he has two catches for 14 yards on 14 targets over that span. The good news for Ridley is that the Titans aren't going to stop trying to get him the ball, but he's going to need to improve his catch rate drastically to get out of his current rut. Fantasy managers need to stick with Ridley for another week against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Oct 14 12:30pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is considered week-to-week due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, according to head coach Brian Callahan. Spears' injury is significant enough that he'll be in question to play in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills. Before getting injured against the Colts, Spears saw six carries and picked up 27 yards on the ground. He was not targeted through the air. The 23-year-old has mostly played second fiddle to Tony Pollard in Tennessee's backfield in 2024. Outside of his 15-carry day in Week 4 against the Dolphins, Spears hasn't had more than six carries in five games this year. He's also averaging just 3.5 yards per carry on his 33 rushing attempts. Pollard will benefit with an even higher fantasy ceiling if Spears misses any time. Pollard has three rushing touchdowns and has 16-plus carries in four of five games.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 14 12:20pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

In the opinion of the North Jersey Bergen Record's Art Stapleton, New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) will serve in the role that Eric Gray had in the Week 6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night when he returns from his injury. Stapleton thinks rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. will continue on as the lead back after another impressive performance against Cincy with 17 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown while adding six catches for 57 yards. Tracy had 129 rushing yards against Seattle last week and has earned a bigger role in the backfield. Stapleton thinks Singletary's snap percentage will drop from something like 70% to 30% if he's active in Week 7 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The 24-year-old Tracy, a former receiver in college, looks electric with the ball in his hands and will be a top waiver-wire priority this week. Tracy is rostered in less than half of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Oct 14 12:20pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) is considered "week-to-week" after suffering a shoulder that caused him to leave the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, according to sources. It was a bad day for any fantasy managers that started Wicks on Sunday, as the 23-year-old had just one catch on three targets for nine yards before leaving and not returning. He had two touchdowns in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and has big-play ability, but he's a boom/bust fantasy option in a crowded receiving corps in Green Bay, especially after both Romeo Doubs (suspension) and Christian Watson (ankle) returned on Sunday. We'll have a better idea of Wicks' status for the Week 7 game against the Houston Texans, but fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on his services this week. In terms of fantasy, Wicks is probably the most volatile out of Doubs, Watson and Jayden Reed in Green Bay.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 14 12:10pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is expected to play again this season, but it won't come in Week 7 versus the Indianapolis Colts. Tagovailoa suffered yet another scary-looking concussion in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and remains on Injured Reserve. The left-handed-throwing QB is eligible to resume practicing on Oct. 23, but that doesn't mean the 26-year-old will be able to return shortly after that. While Tagovailoa is worth stashing in two-QB fantasy leagues, managers should temper expectations for his return date and how he performs immediately after he returns. Tagovailoa put up career-best numbers last year and has perhaps the best 1-2 punch in the league at wideout, but he could be one more head injury away from his career being over. Tyler Huntley is expected to make his third straight start at QB for Miami against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Oct 14 11:20am CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner ran the ball just seven times for 24 yards in Sunday's disappointing 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Cardinals fell behind early and shifted to a pass-first game plan, diminishing Conner's role, though he did catch four passes for 22 yards. The Cardinals didn't adjust well to the weather and struggled to move the ball. Conner also dealt with ankle issues, although he was never on the injury report. With Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) going down with a concussion, the Cardinals could rely more on the rushing attack in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and fantasy managers should still trust Conner for that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Oct 14 11:20am CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals' Greg Dortch saw increased usage in the Week 6 loss, catching three passes for 36 yards, but hindered his production with a costly fumble in the red zone as the Cardinals were trying to come back. The Cardinals were blown out by the Green Bay Packers, losing 34-13, and the offense did not show up. Dortch hasn't found a clear role in the Cardinals' passing game this season but remains their primary slot receiver. With Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) going down with a concussion, more targets will open up in the Cardinals' passing game, creating more opportunities for other receivers. While the potential target increase could make Dortch a streaming option in Week 7, he is a risky waiver wire target ahead of the Cardinals' matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Chad Ryland Oct 14 11:20am CT
Chad Ryland

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland nailed two field goals (38, 40) and one extra point in the 34-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Ryland has stepped up well, filling in for Matt Prater (knee). Arizona's offense struggled to get into scoring position and keep the ball when doing so, limiting Ryland's opportunities. However, when called upon, he has performed well. It is unclear who the team's kicker will be next week against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, but there are better options at kicker at the moment for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Oct 14 11:20am CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught four passes for 54 yards on six targets in a 20-17 loss against Indianapolis. The good news for Hopkins is this marked the third straight game that he has either led or tied for the team lead in receptions, yards, and targets. The bad news is this has led to a total of 12 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown, with weekly finishes of WR16, WR68, and WR41. The Titans passing offense is in absolute disarray, seemingly getting worse on a week-to-week basis. If one pass-catcher on this team is playable in fantasy it's Hopkins, but the ceiling is extremely limited due to low volume and inconsistency. It does not get any easier from here, as Tennessee travels to Buffalo next week to take on the Bills and their stout secondary.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Oct 14 11:10am CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley did not record a catch in the loss to Indianapolis on Sunday, rushing one time for nine yards. It was only the third time in Ridley's six-year NFL career that he failed to record a reception. Quarterback Will Levis targeted the veteran eight times in the game, but could not connect even once, setting a new low bar for this already awful passing attack. It was only the 13th time in franchise history that a player recorded eight targets and had zero receptions. The fact that Ridley put up this kind of a dud against arguably the league's worst pass defense is as concerning as it gets for his fantasy prospects. He is unplayable in all formats until Tennessee proves they can move the ball through the air, which may not happen with the current state of the offense. Up next is a stiff test against Buffalo's formidable pass defense in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Oct 14 10:50am CT
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed 17 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, adding three receptions for negative five yards in a loss to the Colts on Sunday. On a day in which the Titans passing attack looked the worst it has all season, Pollard was heavily relied upon to move the chains, and did so efficiently with a healthy 5.5 yards per carry mark. It's worth noting that Pollard and his RB teammate Tyjae Spears were splitting work fairly evenly until Spears left the game at halftime and did not return. From then on, Pollard was once again the workhorse, his day highlighted by a 23-yard touchdown scamper on a 3rd-and-19 that game Tennessee the lead. The speedster has been the only consistent part of this offense in 2024, and will likely be the focal point when the Titans head to Buffalo next week to face the Bills, who are allowing a league-low 5.2 yards per carry.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Oct 14 10:40am CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston was forced to miss some time in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos due to an ankle injury. Johnston left in the first quarter but was eventually able to return. Still, he didn't end up doing much, as the sophomore wide receiver was targeted just four times, making three catches for 22 yards. He also recorded a rushing attempt, but did not gain any yardage on his run. Johnston has pretty solidly entrenched himself as the WR2 on this offense, but it's a run-first offense that tries to control clock and spreads the ball around plenty when they do throw (Just Herbert targeted nine different pass catchers in this game). Johnston will have more big games like he did earlier this season, but he's unlikely to be a consistent source of WR2/3 production most weeks.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Oct 14 10:40am CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had five catches for 72 yards in Sunday's win over the New York Giants. The 24-year-old had five touchdowns in the three previous games leading up to Week 6. He also had 10 catches for 193 yards in the overtime loss to the Ravens. However, Chase wasn't as productive on Sunday night. Of course, he's still one of the best wideouts in the league, so he remains a must-start in Week 7 against the Browns.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Oct 14 10:40am CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney caught three passes for 38 yards in Sunday's 38-20 victory over the Panthers. The wideout accumulated the second-most targets on the team with five, but with Atlanta's backfield racking up 200 yards on the ground along with three scores, the Falcons did not need to take to the air as much in this one. Mooney has a solid role as the No. 2 receiver in this offense, totaling 27 receptions, 368 yards, and three TDs on the season, and should continue to provide value in PPR formats in the weeks ahead despite the quiet outing. With a bout against Seattle in Week 7 that carries a 49.5 over/under, there should be plenty of offense and Mooney figures to be a WR3 for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Oct 14 10:30am CT
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer had another pedestrian game in a Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos. Palmer was targeted three times, making two catches for 38 yards. Before the season, there was tons of hype around Palmer as Justin Herbert's presumed WR1 on an offense that was expected to improve. Instead, Palmer has become the third option at best in an offense that severely prioritizes the running game. Palmer could have some big weeks in games the Chargers trail and are forced to throw more often, but he won't be a major part of the game plan most weeks and usually won't return more than long shot WR4 value.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Oct 14 10:30am CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins caught all seven targets for 77 yards in Sunday's win over the Giants. The wideout had two touchdowns in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. While he didn't find the end zone in this one, he still had a solid showing for fantasy managers. Higgins looks far removed from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the lineup to begin the year. However, he has looked good in the last two games. Keep him going for Week 7 against the Browns.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Oct 14 10:20am CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (ankle) managed to suit up for Sunday's meeting with the New York Giants. However, he didn't do much, amassing 13 yards off six carries, adding one catch for two yards. The Bengals offense had a tough time against the Giants defense. But Moss likely wasn't 100%, resulting in Chase Brown being more productive. With that in mind, Moss remains at least a flex option for the Week 7 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Oct 14 10:10am CT
Justin Herbert

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit is now rostered in 80 percent of Yahoo fantasy football leagues after a strong start in 2024, but they disappointed their fantasy managers in the 23-16 Week 6 loss at home to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. A week after recording three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) in the win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, the Broncos failed to turn the Chargers over while allowing 350 total yards of offense to the Bolts and sacking quarterback Justin Herbert only three times. The Broncos' D still checks in as the No. 5 fantasy unit after the first six games of the season, though, and will certainly be in play as a starting unit for their Week 7 matchup in a quick turnaround on Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints and rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who will be making just his second NFL start. Rattler threw two picks and was sacked five times in his debut in Week 6 against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller