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Saints fire Dennis Allen with losing streak at seven games

Mon Nov 4 10:46am ET
Field Level Media

Dennis Allen was fired as head coach of the New Orleans Saints on Monday following the team's seventh consecutive loss.

Allen was 18-25 with the Saints, who won their first two games this season in dominant fashion over the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys before their current nosedive began.

New Orleans (2-7) lost 23-22 at Carolina on Sunday, blowing a lead and becoming the first team in 20 seasons to lose despite an advantage of 150-plus yards total offense, rushing for 150-plus yards and winning the turnover margin.

Reports indicated the Saints would be placing the interim head coach label on assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi for the rest of the season.

Allen, 52, was promoted from his post as defensive coordinator to replace Sean Payton in 2022, when general manager Mickey Loomis cited his familiarity with the culture and roster as a key factor in the decision.

Allen was fired as head coach of the then-Oakland Raiders after an 0-4 start in 2014 and then spent seven seasons as Payton's defensive coordinator in New Orleans.

In two stints covering parts of six seasons as a head coach, Allen has never taken a team to the playoffs.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Jonathan Taylor Nov 4 9:50am CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was held to just 48 yards on 13 carries in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings while adding three receptions on five targets for a paltry 11 yards. It was projected to be a tough assignment coming into the contest and the Vikings' rush defense lived up to its billing, although the Indy offense as a whole never really got anything going, as it accounted for just six of the total points (two FG) with the lone touchdown coming on a defensive scoop-and-score. On the bright side, Taylor draws a Bills rush defense in Week 10 that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to the running back position, with De'Von Achane gaining 121 total yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) against them in Week 9. The 25-year-old is probably a mid-range RB1 in that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Nov 4 9:50am CT
Troy Franklin

After leading the team in receiving in the Week 8 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin was barely heard from in the 41-10 blowout loss to the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 9, catching one of his four targets for a 19-yard pickup. He has had more opportunities in the Broncos' passing attack since Josh Reynolds (finger) landed on Injured Reserve, but it's led to only nine receptions on 15 targets for 106 yards and a touchdowns in four games. Rookie QB Bo Nix has spread the ball around quite effectively in recent weeks, and it's clear that it's impossible to trust any receiver beyond Courtland Sutton in fantasy in this offense. The 21-year-old Franklin has a 14-135-1 line in his first eight NFL games and won't be a recommended fantasy play in Week 10 versus the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on the road.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Nov 4 9:20am CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) is set to undergo tests on his wrist on Monday after a disappointing performance in Week 9. The rookie wasn't forced to leave the game against the Miami Dolphins with the injury, so the severity of the injury is unclear. He's had a solid start to his career as he sits in WR3 territory so far at the WR34 in half-PPR formats. If he's forced to miss some time, Amari Cooper (wrist) could be back in Week 10 while Khalil Shakir has been a steadying force.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Nov 4 9:20am CT
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco was unable to lead his team to victory after being named the team's starter, completing 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings. The 39-year-old was also charged with a fumble in the game after a handoff to running back Jonathan Taylor was not handled cleanly. It was a disappointing performance against a defense that hadn't been great against the pass thus far (seventh-most fantasy points allowed to QBs coming into the week), although it does lead the league in interceptions (14). The Colts have a home date with the Bills in Week 10 who have been stingier, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to QBs, so things may not get much better. The veteran figures to be a low-end QB2 again next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 4 9:10am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was one of three different offensive players ruled active on the day of their game but was unable to get into much of a rhythm. The rookie wideout finished with four targets, two receptions, and 22 yards. The Philadelphia Eagles defense was doing a great job with nine passes defended, three QB hits, two sacks, and two interceptions, so Thomas didn't have much of a chance for fantasy points. His next chance to bounce back will be against another tough defense in the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Dennis Allen Nov 4 9:10am CT
Dennis Allen

The New Orleans Saints have fired their head coach Dennis Allen according to Ian Rapaport and Mike Garafolo. Following a terrible loss to the 1-7 Carolina Panthers, it was clear something needed to change. It looks like the team decided they'll be heading in a different direction coaching-wise. The Saints started 2-0 and looked like the best offense in the league, but have lost seven consecutive games since then. There hasn't been any word yet on who the front-runner is to take over as interim head coach.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 4 8:50am CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby was deemed active not too long before kickoff on Sunday but wasn't able to produce a big performance in the 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 23-year-old saw eight carries for 22 yards and didn't get targeted at all in the passing game. Bigsby has been seeing a higher percentage of snaps this season but hasn't been able to produce many fantasy points when Travis Etienne Jr. is also active. The ground game in general was shut down in this contest and they had to play catch up almost the entire time. The Jaguars will take on another tough defense in the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Nov 4 8:40am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. only received five total touches in the 28-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He registered three carries for 24 yards and hauled in two of his three targets for six yards. The Eagles' defense not only shut down the run, but they jumped out to a big lead to start the game and the Jaguars had to play catch up for almost the entire time. Etienne saw five fewer carries than backfield mate Tank Bigsby but was more of a factor in the passing game. He'll look to bounce back in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Nov 4 8:30am CT
Trey McBride

Through the first eight weeks, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride's only touchdown had been from a fumble recovered in the end zone. That trend changed in the Week 9 win over the Chicago Bears when McBride scored a rushing touchdown on a 2-yard jet sweep. McBride has been putting together a Pro Bowl-caliber season at tight end for the Cardinals, and that continued even with the passing game not up to par. McBride's official stat line was three catches for 35 yards and one rush for 2 yards, resulting in a rushing touchdown. This is an encouraging sign for fantasy managers, as the Cardinals showed an emphasis on getting McBride involved in the red zone. If McBride's touchdown upside increases, he could make a case to finish as the number one tight end in fantasy this season. He should be started in all league formats when the Cardinals host the New York Jets in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Tolbert Nov 4 8:30am CT
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert hauled in a touchdown reception from backup quarterback Cooper Rush late in the game on Sunday. Dallas wound up falling 27-21 to the Atlanta Falcons despite the fourth-quarter touchdown. Tolbert was targeted six times, but only hauled in three receptions for 19 yards along with the score. If CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) misses any time, Tolbert would near must-start territory. For now, the third-year receiver remains a touchdown-dependent flex option.

From RotoBaller

Nakobe Dean Nov 4 8:30am CT
Nakobe Dean

The Philadelphia Eagles defense allowed 17 points, generated two sacks, and forced two interceptions during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. For the fourth week in a row, the team has held an opponent to fewer than 20 points score offensively and they finally started to generate turnovers with a game-sealing interception caught by linebacker Nakobe Dean in the late fourth in the end zone being the highlight of the game. It was another solid fantasy performance from the team and they will be on the streaming radar next week when they travel to Dallas to take on a beat-up Cowboys team that may be without starting quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring).

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 4 8:30am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had another boom-or-bust outing in the 29-9 victory over the Chicago Bears. Harrison Jr. entered the season with high expectations for a rookie, but he has shown his youth throughout the first nine weeks. After recording 111 yards and a touchdown in the previous week against the Miami Dolphins, it seemed as though Harrison Jr. was back on the right track for the rest of the season. However, he recorded only two catches for 34 yards and a fumble against the Bears. One positive was that Harrison Jr. led the team in targets with five, but the Cardinals' lack of passing attack was likely due to a shift toward a more conservative game plan as they took a commanding lead in the second half. As of now, it's hard to view Harrison Jr. as anything other than a boom-or-bust wide receiver, but he should still be started in fantasy lineups in Week 10 when the Cardinals host the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Rush Nov 4 8:20am CT
Cooper Rush

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush entered Sunday's game in the fourth quarter after Dak Prescott (hamstring) left with an injury and did not return. The longtime Cowboys' backup looked solid in the comeback attempt, completing 13-of-25 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. It is unclear whether Prescott will miss any further time, as he is set to have an MRI on Monday. If Prescott misses time, Rush would be an intriguing QB2 option in multiple-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Grant Calcaterra Nov 4 8:20am CT
Grant Calcaterra

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra caught all five of his targets for 30 yards during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The third-year tight end was involved early in the game having four grabs before halftime, but did little after. Next week will mark the fourth since starter Dallas Goedert (hamstring) was injured against Cleveland and will be his first real shot at making a return to the field. Fantasy managers will need to monitor practice reports during the week, but Calcaterra may move back to his role as the No. 2 option if Goedert is able to put in any practice time this week.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Nov 4 8:20am CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury late in their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He left the game while Cooper Rush took over, and is now in doubt for Week 10. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he was concerned and Ian Rapoport reported that Prescott will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The Cowboys' offense has already been disappointing, so if Rush has to take over for a week or more, the entire offense would get a big downgrade until Prescott is healthy. A clearer picture should come into focus after the MRI.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Nov 4 8:20am CT
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was productive in the 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The 26-year-old saw most of the running back work with Ezekiel Elliott (healthy scratch) missing the game due to disciplinary reasons. Dowdle rushed 12 times for 75 yards while also securing five receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown on an impressive grab in the endzone. Dowdle appears to remain set as the lead back in Dallas and is an RB2 moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Nov 4 8:20am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson led the way through the air on Sunday in the 27-21 loss to Atlanta. Ferguson was targeted 10 times, securing seven receptions for 71 yards. The performance was Ferguson's second-highest receiving yardage total of the season. The third-year tight end still has not found the end zone in the 2024 campaign, but remains a key part of Dallas' passing offense and is still a top option at the bleak tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Nov 4 8:20am CT
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made one of two field goal attempts and converted his lone extra point attempt during the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. After his best week of the season, the 29-year-old came back to earth in Week 9 and missed a long field goal attempt late in the game that would have given the Eagles an eight-point lead rather than a five-point one. It went on not to matter in the end, but the up-and-down season for Elliott continues. At this point, fantasy managers need to consider him a boom-or-bust streaming option who only needs to be started in plus matchups. That applies next week when the Eagles take on a reeling Cowboys team.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Nov 4 8:10am CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson scored his first career touchdown in the 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears. Starting running back James Conner had to check himself out after a hard fall, which opened the door for Benson to enter the game and take the Cardinals' goal-line carries, during which he found his way into the end zone. With the Cardinals taking a commanding lead and Conner getting a little banged up, Benson saw an increase in workload, finishing the game with eight carries for 37 yards, one touchdown, and one reception for 18 yards. It was expected that at some point in the season, the Cardinals would try to get Benson more involved to lower Conner's snap count and keep him healthy, and that happened in Week 9. This was Benson's most impressive game of the season, and the rookie looks like he's starting to find his footing in the NFL. While Benson could be viewed as a handcuff for James Conner, he is not necessarily a viable option when the Cardinals host the New York Jets in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Nov 4 8:10am CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught four of six targets for 87 yards and scored in the team's 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former Heisman winner found the end zone for the second week in a row, making one of the year's best catches on a one-handed 25-yard grab in the back of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Smith was pivotal for the offense in the second half with A.J. Brown (knee) leaving early in the third quarter. The 25-year-old had a few rough outings after the Eagles Week 5 bye but has since gained 85 or more yards and has found the end zone in each game recently. Smith will be a set-it-and-forget-it WR2 again in Week 10 when Philadelphia takes on a banged-up Dallas team.

From RotoBaller