NFL Player News

Jacoby Brissett’s watch has ended. New England did seem to find an offensive line combination that was more secure in Week 5 when they shifted Mike Onwenu to guard, but Brissett was unable to find much for the offense. Maye should elevate the ceiling of the Patriots offense. He will also likely lower its floor greatly at times. The Texans D/ST should be a popular pick this week for streaming and DFS alike. This move was always going to happen for New England, as they had to gain some clue of what they have in Maye going into the 2025 season and let him build chemistry with younger receivers like Ja’Lynn Polk.

Kincaid was limited in all three practices last week but was held out of Sunday’s game versus the Rams. The extra week off should ensure that the knee issue doesn’t resurface down the road. Kincaid was stringing together low-ceiling TE1 weeks before the injury and should play his usual role in a shootout with Detroit this week. He will sneak back into the TE1 ranks in his first game back.

Pierce noted that Sincere McCormick would remain the team’s No. 1 back, so Mattison’s return won’t change much in the backfield. Mattison was limited in all three practices last week but was held out on Sunday. He should be upgraded to a full participant this week before being cleared for action. Fantasy managers shouldn’t worry about stashing Mattison even in deep leagues. McCormick, on the other hand, has worked himself into an RB3 ranking going forward.

Musgrave is back at practice after spending two months on injured reserve because of the ankle issue. The Packers now have three weeks to officially bring him off injured reserve. Musgrave won’t factor into the team’s plans on offense for the regular season but could work his way into a part-time role for the playoffs.

It’s not a done deal yet, but Belichick’s talks with North Carolina can no longer be written off as a power play toward an NFL gig. The interest appears to be real and mutual. Belichick was passed over for multiple head coaching gigs during the last NFL hiring cycle and has spent the 2024 season in various media roles. Bill was never long for the media world and is set to enter the college ranks for the first time in his storied career. He will replace legendary college football coach Mack Brown, who was relieved of his duties after a 6-6 regular season campaign. With the NIL era reshaping how college football teams are managed, Belichick’s experience as the Patriots’ de facto general manager will also come in handy. It’s certainly an odd fit for arguably the greatest NFL coach of all time, but we like Belichick’s odds in an increasingly stale looking ACC.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Drew Lock was in a walking boot and would miss at least one game, putting DeVito back under center for Week 15. In his lone 2024 start, DeVito completed 21-of-31 pass attempts for 189 scoreless yards and was sacked four times against the Bucs. DeVito’s primary job against the Ravens will be to funnel targets to Malik Nabers against one of the worst secondaries in the NFL.

Brown, per Quinn, suffered internal injuries two weeks ago against the Titans and looks to be out indefinitely. Brown has positioned himself as the Commanders’ de facto WR2 behind Terry McLaurin. Brown’s absence could open up more targets for McLaurin, Zach Ertz, and Dyami Brown in the run-heavy Washington offense.

Fowler added that “no firm determination has been made” about who will start for New Orleans this week after Derek Carr went down in Week 14 with a left hand injury. Though he’s been better than Spencer Rattler this year, Haener has completed just 49 percent of his attempts, with a 37 percent drop back success rate. Whether it’s Haener or Rattler, the Washington defense profiles as an elite fantasy option in Week 15.

It appears Hopkins will get another chance to redeem himself after missing nine of his 25 field goal tries in 2024. The Browns on Tuesday signed K Riley Patterson, prompting speculation that Hopkins’ days as Cleveland’s starter were over. Hopkins should remain on waiver wires this week.

Njoku apparently tweaked his hamstring last week against the Steelers. Njoku should be OK for Week 15 against the Chiefs if he’s able to log a limited practice on Thursday or Friday. Kansas City represents a great matchup for Njoku, as no defense has allowed more tight end receptions this season than the Chiefs. Njoku has 30 targets over his past two games.

Downs, who was sidelined two weeks ago against the Patriots, has a good shot to suit up out of the Colts’ bye with an early-week practice. The team’s clear-cut No.1 receiving option, Downs will have a tough matchup against a stingy Denver coverage unit in Week 15 if he plays. Only the Texans have allowed a lower drop back success rate than the Broncos in 2024.