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FFL: Playoff Week 2 | NFL: Week 15

Giants favored to land Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman

Tue Dec 9 10:04pm ET
Field Level Media

Will the lure of the NFL and the Big Apple be enough to pry Marcus Freeman away from Notre Dame?

Despite Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua vowing to keep Freeman among the highest-paid coaches in college football as NFL rumors gained steam this week, at least one sportsbook has moved Freeman to the favorite status to be the next head coach of the New York Giants.

GIANTS NEXT COACH ODDS*

Marcus Freeman (1/2) (-200)

Mike McCarthy (5/1)

Chris Shula (5/1)

Klint Kubiak (9/1)

Mike Kafka (9/1)

Jeff Hafley (10/1)

Joe Brady (12/1)

Steve Spagnuolo (12/1)

Jon Gruden (25/1)

Kevin Stefanski (33/1)

Jason Garrett (50/1)

Brian Flores (50/1)

Kevin Patullo (50/1)

Bill Belichick (66/1)

Eli Manning (66/1)

*Odds provided by SportsBetting.ag for entertainment purposes only.

Freeman, 39, led the Irish to a 10-2 record in 2025 as the encore to the national championship game appearance in January. His extended run of success caught the attention of NFL teams in February, and Bevacqua banks on others pushing toward the front of the line again to bid on the 39-year-old.

"Everybody has eyes on Marcus," Bevacqua said. "College has eyes on Marcus; NFL has eyes on Marcus. I bet Hollywood has eyes on Marcus. ... He's the absolute best coach in the country for Notre Dame, full stop, one of the greatest college coaches in the country."

The second shortest odds on the list belong to McCarthy, who would bring extensive NFL head coaching experience from his stints with Green Bay and Dallas, along with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula at +500.

Next on the list are Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Giants interim coach Mike Kafka. With the Giants at 2-11 coming off a late bye week, Kafka wasn't asked specifically about his future on Wednesday but did address his goals over the final four games of the season.

"I think what the messaging has been is really just focusing on today, focusing on this week, not look ahead four weeks in the future, just focus on how we can improve," he said.

"We have a game we have to play and getting that stuff organized. I'm lucky to have a great staff. I'm lucky to have a great group around me that can support me and kind of keep me on track. And then wherever I can, insert myself and put my fingerprint on it."

Bevacqua has had his fingerprint on headlines throughout the week, beginning with his anger at Notre Dame being left out of the College Football Playoff and saying the Atlantic Coast Conference caused "permanent damage" with its campaign on behalf of the league's Miami Hurricanes.

That led to the sportsbook creating another prop focused on Notre Dame's future with the ACC. The Fighting Irish have a football scheduling agreement with the conference in addition to 24 of their other sports participating as ACC members.

WILL ANY NOTRE DAME SPORT LEAVE THE ACC IN 2026?

--Yes (-300)

--No (+200)

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 15

Player Notes
Philip Rivers Dec 10 8:20am CT
Philip Rivers

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers has a "very real chance" of starting versus the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15 after a crazy turn of events for the Colts in Week 14, when Daniel Jones (Achilles) and Riley Leonard (knee) both got injured, leaving the Colts with no options at the quarterback position. Additionally, Anthony Richardson (eye) is on Injured Reserve. Jones is out for the year, and Leonard appears to be in danger of missing Week 15, although nothing is confirmed. Regardless, that leaves a 44-year-old man Rivers signing with the practice squad earlier this week after a successful workout with the organization on Monday, and according to NFL Insider Ian Rapaport, Rivers has a "real chance" at starting on Sunday. Rivers' final season was in 2020, where he threw for 4,169 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Ultimately, fantasy managers need to stay away from this situation, as most Week 15 managers are in the fantasy playoffs, and he won't even be a decent QB2 start in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Mills Dec 10 1:33am CT
Jalen Mills

Los Angeles Chargers DT Naquan Jones was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans on Tuesday, Dec. 9. DB Jalen Mills was waived from the practice squad in a corresponding move.

From TheHuddle

Chris Moore Dec 10 1:13am CT
Chris Moore

Washington Commanders WR Chris Moore was signed to the practice squad Tuesday, Dec. 9, and WR River Cracraft was released from the practice squad.

From TheHuddle

Kevon Seymour Dec 10 1:13am CT
Kevon Seymour

Free-agent TEs Colin Granger, Dalton Keene and Gee Scott each worked out for the Washington Commanders on Tuesday, Dec. 9, while also working out DBs Keenan Isaac and Kevon Seymour.

From TheHuddle

Denzel Ward Dec 10 12:53am CT
Denzel Ward

Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward Jr. (calf) left the Week 14 game against the Tennessee Titans due to a calf injury, and head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to offer an update on the cornerback's injury.

From TheHuddle

David Njoku Dec 10 12:53am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (knee) has been slowed by a knee injury, and he aggravated that injury in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans on a touchdown reception.

Fantasy Spin: Njoku has fallen behind rookie Harold Fannin Jr. on the depth chart, and now he is dealing with a knee injury yet again. At this critical juncture of the fantasy season, Njoku just cannot be trusted. If you're kept him on the roster to this point, it's safe to drop him outside of deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle

Troy Franklin Dec 10 12:20am CT
Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin has operated as the team's No. 2 wide receiver opposite Courtland Sutton for the vast majority of the season. However, his role in the offense has decreased lately, beginning in Week 13 against the Washington Commanders. The second-year wideout played 37 offensive snaps in that game, his lowest all season at that time, but his 68.8% route share still aligned with his season average of 71.6%. Both marks plummeted in the Week 14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, as his snaps were cut in half to just 19 and his route share dipped to a season-low 39.5%. Rookie third-rounder Pat Bryant has seemingly overtaken him as the No. 2 option opposite Sutton. After leading the Broncos in targets for most of the season, Franklin's role has been cut back due to his inconsistent hands and limitations as a run-blocker. He profiles as a low-ceiling flex option heading into Week 15 against a tough Green Bay Packers defense.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 10 12:00am CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been solid in two games since returning from a three-game absence due to a concussion. Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs wasn't his cleanest performance statistically, as he completed just 48.4% of his passes, but he made plays for the Texans when he needed to. Before his head injury in Week 9 against Denver, the 24-year-old signal-caller was starting to get into a rhythm. In Weeks 4-8, Stroud completed 68.5% of his passes for 1,024 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 96 yards on 14 carries on the ground over four games. He averaged 21.1 fantasy points per game during that span, ranking as the QB9. Overall, the Texans' offense hasn't been efficient enough to support multiple reliable contributors in fantasy this season. Stroud profiles as a mid-range QB2 option in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Dec 9 11:50pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) has been on Injured Reserve for the entire year after suffering a serious neck injury during a preseason game in mid-August, but he seems to be getting close to a return. The second-year wideout was a limited participant every day in practice last week and has logged two limited practices on Monday and Tuesday of this week ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons. His status in Wednesday's practice will likely determine if he can play on Thursday. The 24-year-old ended his rookie season on a heater, hauling in 24 of his 31 targets for 316 yards and seven touchdowns over the final five games. McMillan will be vying for targets in a crowded Tampa Bay WR room that could also be getting No. 1 receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) back in Week 15. McMillan will be an extremely volatile deep-league option if he is active on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 9 11:30pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs hasn't been a big fantasy factor this season, recording 44 receptions for 393 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets. After a promising sophomore campaign last year, Downs hasn't been emphasized with three other talented pass-catchers in the Colts' offense, plus a lean towards the run with a superstar back Jonathan Taylor. With quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) out for the season and 44-year-old Philip Rivers expected to be the team's starter moving forward, it's possible that Downs' opportunities will increase with Rivers primarily operating in the short area of the field. The 24-year-old's fantasy upside is still capped while being limited to routes in three-wide receiver sets. Downs still profiles as a deep-league flex option for a tough Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but his floor is probably lower now with Jones done for the year.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Dec 9 10:20pm CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney failed to deliver once again with fellow receiver Drake London (knee) missing Week 14's 37-9 loss to the Seahawks, logging just one catch on four targets for six yards. The 28-year-old nearly had a touchdown catch, but stepped on the sideline before coming back inbounds to make the reception, nullifying the score. After a 64-catch season in 2024, accumulating nearly 1000 yards (992) and five touchdowns, it has been a season to forget for Mooney, now with just 22 catches for 329 yards and one score with just four games to go. London was a DNP on Monday, so he could miss another contest, but it will likely be a boon to Kyle Pitts Sr.'s stats, not Mooney's. Week 15 brings a matchup with the Buccaneers on the road on Thursday night, against a Tampa Bay pass defense that is middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. The veteran will likely be a risky WR4/Flex option in what will be the first round of the fantasy playoffs for most managers.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Dec 9 9:10pm CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin was inactive for nine out of his team's first 10 games of the 2025 season. However, the 25-year-old has been pressed into a more prominent role in recent weeks after Denver lost veteran running back J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending foot injury in Week 10. Across the team's last three games, McLaughlin has recorded 75 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 19 touches. Broncos rookie back RJ Harvey has taken over the RB1 in Denver, which limits McLaughlin's upside. However, McLaughlin could now be one injury away from stepping into a lead role in the Broncos' backfield. In leagues with 12 or more teams, fantasy managers should consider stashing McLaughlin in a bench spot for his handcuff upside. Over the next three weeks, Denver will take on the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Dec 9 9:00pm CT
Mack Hollins

Across 13 games this season, New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has recorded 35 receptions for 440 yards and two touchdowns on 48 targets. While New England's egalitarian passing attack has limited the production of all of its pass-catchers, Hollins has been the team's most consistent wide receiver from a playing time perspective. The 32-year-old has played at least 75% of the Patriots' offensive snaps in each of his last four games. Across his last six outings, Hollins has hauled in 24 catches for 321 yards on 34 targets. His numbers don't jump off the page, and his upside is limited, but Hollins is attached to an elite quarterback in Drake Maye and has demonstrated a safe playing time floor. In the deepest fantasy leagues, Hollins could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Dec 9 8:50pm CT
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter has seen minimal usage as a rusher in recent weeks, as he has not recorded more than five carries in a game since Week 7. However, the 26-year-old has seen consistent work in the passing game, hauling in 15 receptions for 117 yards on 20 targets over the last four weeks. The Cardinals' backfield has been in a constant state of flux this season due to injuries. With James Conner (ankle), Trey Benson (knee), and Emari Demercado (ankle) sidelined, Carter and journeyman back Bam Knight have seen the majority of the work over the last month. Arizona could be getting Benson back in Week 15 against the Houston Texans, which may eliminate Carter's role. However, it appears the Cardinals are also considering shutting down Benson for the season due to his lingering knee injury. If Benson remains out, Carter could have some flex appeal for deep-league PPR fantasy managers thanks to his pass-catching ability.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Dec 9 8:40pm CT
Malik Washington

Across 13 games this season, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has recorded 40 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns on 56 targets. The 24-year-old has also earned some work as a rusher, logging 78 rushing yards on 13 carries. Washington has served as Miami's primary WR2 alongside Jaylen Waddle since star wideout Tyreek Hill (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Since that point, Washington has seen at least five targets in six out of nine games. However, he's struggled to be highly productive with his opportunities and has recorded more than 36 receiving yards in just two contests this season. Washington's lack of efficiency limits his upside. Still, Miami has continued to feed him touches, which could make Washington worth rostering in deep PPR fantasy heading into his Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Trayveon Williams Dec 9 8:30pm CT
Trayveon Williams

The Cleveland Browns have signed running back Trayveon Williams off the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi notes that Williams spent training camp with Cleveland, so he and the team have familiarity with each other. The Browns were in the market for running back help after placing veteran back Jerome Ford (shoulder) on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury. Williams appeared in just three games for the Chargers this season, recording three carries for negative one yard. The 28-year-old has played in 71 career games across seven NFL seasons, recording 280 scrimmage yards on 81 touches. In Cleveland, Williams figures to play a depth role behind Browns running backs Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, and Raheim Sanders.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Dec 9 8:20pm CT
Emanuel Wilson

Across 13 games so far this season, Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson has recorded 438 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. The 26-year-old has spent the majority of the season serving as the RB2 behind star Packers back Josh Jacobs. When Jacobs is active, Wilson has a very limited production ceiling. In the 12 games Jacobs has played in 2025, Wilson has recorded more than eight carries just twice. However, if Jacobs were to suffer an injury, Wilson would immediately become a starting-caliber fantasy running back. In the lone game that Jacobs missed this season in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings, Wilson recorded 125 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 30 touches. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Wilson could be worth stashing as a handcuff option down the stretch of the season. Green Bay will face the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens over the next three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 9 8:13pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (collarbone) was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Fantasy Spin: Evans hasn't played since Week 7 against the Detroit Lions but would be a big boost for the Bucs if he can play Thursday. If healthy, he could be worth a shot as a WR3 or flex option, but fantasy managers may want to give him a chance to catch his breath in this one.

From TheHuddle

Mike Evans Dec 9 7:43pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB SirVocea Dennis (hip), TE Cade Otton (knee) and S Tykee Smith (neck, shoulder) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 9. WR Mike Evans (collarbone), S Christian Izien (neck), WR Jalen McMillan (neck), OLB Haason Reddick (ankle) and OT Tristan Wirfs (oblique) were limited participants. WR Chris Godwin Jr (fibula), RB Bucky Irving (shoulder), QB Baker Mayfield (left shoulder), CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring), and S Rashad Wisdom (quad) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

David Onyemata Dec 9 7:33pm CT
David Onyemata

Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London (WR) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 9. WR KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder), TE Kyle Pitts (knee), OLB Jalon Walker (quad), CB A.J. Terrell (neck), DL Brandon Dorlus (groin), LB Chris Lindstrom (foot) and DL David Onyemata (foot) were limited participants Tuesday. LB Kaden Ellis was a full participant.

From TheHuddle