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FFL: Playoff Week 1 | NFL: Week 15

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
Tommy DeVito Dec 15 2:10pm CT
Tommy DeVito

According to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team, New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game with a concussion. DeVito sustained this injury during the second quarter. As a result, veteran Tim Boyle will get the start for the remainder of the game. Before his early exit, DeVito went 10-for-13 with 68 yards. He was sacked two times and did not get on the scoresheet. Fantasy managers in Superflex formats should monitor DeVito's status after today's game as he may miss an extended period of time.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Dec 15 2:10pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He missed two practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. The veteran receiver had been listed as questionable, but the expectation was that he would be able to play. Shepard has been productive lately, catching 13 of 20 targets for 121 yards over his last three games. He'll continue to operate as the Buccaneers' No. 3 receiver and only has fantasy relevance in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 15 2:10pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee, shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McConkey had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices. The rookie underwent a pregame workout to confirm he'd be able to play. The Georgia product has caught 58 passes for 815 yards and four touchdowns this year, ranking as the overall WR22 in PPR leagues. He should continue to be started in most leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 15 2:10pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as questionable, but the expectation was that he'd be able to play. Downs has appeared in 10 games this year, catching 53 passes for 594 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old seemed to play better when catching passes from Joe Flacco, but even with Andy Richardson under center, he's still a solid WR3/FLEX option as the fantasy playoffs get underway in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Dec 15 2:10pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) is officially active for Week 15 against the Detroit Lions. He had been listed as questionable, but the expectation was that he'd be able to play on Sunday. The second-year tight end has had an underwhelming season, ranking as the overall TE26 in fantasy football with his 34 catches, 456 yards, and two touchdowns. When healthy, he ranks as a mid-to-high TE2. Managers in 12-team leagues can likely find a better option than Kincaid this week.

From RotoBaller

Jake Haener Dec 15 2:10pm CT
Jake Haener

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener was benched and replaced by Spencer Rattler during halftime on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Assuming his day is done, Haener finishes Week 15 having completed just four of 10 passes for 49 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. He also took three sacks and rushed for seven yards. Haener was inserted into the offense this week with Derek Carr (hand, concussion) injured, but evidently, interim head coach Darren Rizzi had seen enough after just two quarters. The offense will belong to Rattler, a rookie, during the second half as the Saints look to overcome a 17-point deficit. Even if Rattler wins the starting job heading into Week 16, he'll still be a mid-to-low QB3 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

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