Mon Sep 18 12:21pm ET
Field Level Media
Brandon Staley has long been one of the NFL's most polarizing head coaches.
Known for his penchant for taking risks on fourth down, it's his team's ongoing habit of turning wins into losses that could land Staley in the unemployment line.
The Los Angeles Chargers decided to keep Staley despite blowing a 27-point lead at Jacksonville in last season's playoffs -- with the Jaguars staging the third-largest postseason comeback in NFL history.
The Chargers have also held fourth-quarter leads in both games to open the 2023 season, only to walk away with losses to Miami and Tennessee. They're only a game out in the AFC West, where Kansas City and Las Vegas are 1-1, but Staley is now the +200 favorite by SportsBetting.ag to be the first coach fired this season.
He opened the season at +1600, tied for the ninth-shortest odds. That was slightly behind Chicago's Matt Eberflus, whose odds have shifted from +1400 to +400 following the Bears' own 0-2 start. While Staley is in Year 3 in L.A., Eberflus is in just his second season in the Windy City, but has just three wins through his first 16 games.
Their stories differ significantly from that of Washington's Ron Rivera. Despite the Commanders' 2-0 start, Rivera's odds at the book of being the first coach fired this season have actually shortened from +700 to +400.
The Commanders have opened with victories against Arizona and Denver, a pair of 0-2 teams that held leads against Washington. Rivera is also playing under a new ownership group that didn't hire him, and the Commanders face a daunting schedule ahead that begins with Sunday's home game against Buffalo followed by a trip to Philadelphia.
The next-shortest odds belong to Las Vegas' Josh McDaniels. He was one of the co-favorites preseason, and is being offered at +500 despite the Raiders' 1-1 start.
FIRST NFL COACH FIRED ODDS
Brandon Staley (+200)
Matt Eberflus (+400)
Ron Rivera (+400)
Josh McDaniels (+500)
Kevin O'Connell (+1200)
Robert Saleh (+1400)
Dennis Allen (+2500)
Mike Vrabel (+2500)
Todd Bowles (+2500)
Jonathan Gannon (+3300)
Kevin Stefanski (+3300)
Mike Tomlin (+3300)
Sean Payton (+3300)
Zac Taylor (+3300)
Bill Belichick (+4000)
Pete Carroll (+5000)
Frank Reich (+6600)
Matt Lafleur (+6600)
Mike McCarthy (+6600)
Sean McDermott (+6600)
Shane Steichen (+6600)
Arthur Smith (+10000)
Brian Daboll (+10000)
Dan Campbell (+10000)
DeMeco Ryans (+10000)
Doug Pederson (+10000)
John Harbaugh (+10000)
Sean McVay (+10000)
Mike McDaniel (+20000)
Nick Sirianni (+25000)
Andy Reid (+50000)
Kyle Shanahan (+50000)
Staley said following Sunday's loss against the Titans that last season's loss to the Jaguars "hasn't carried onto the season whatsoever."
The fact remains the Chargers are 0-2 and it won't take much for their season to spiral out of control.
They travel to Minnesota for a Week 3 game against an equally desperate 0-2 Vikings team. Following a home game against McDaniels' Raiders, the Chargers play host to Dallas and return home to face Kansas City.
Whether Staley survives to see the conclusion of his third season in L.A. could well ride on where the Chargers are sitting after Week 6.
"It's a convenient storyline for you and for everybody else, but it's not the truth," Staley said of any potential carryover from the Jacksonville loss. "We've lost two tough games but the guys in that locker room, the men in that locker room they are finishers and they have what it takes and we're excited to prove ourselves."
Meanwhile, the two men McDaniels shared the shortest odds with ahead of the season have seemingly worked their way to cooler chairs thanks to 2-0 starts.
Dallas has begun the season with a pair of impressive blowout victories, leading coach Mike McCarthy's odds to go from +600 to +6600. And Tampa Bay's Todd Bowles is now +2500 following the Buccaneers' opening two wins against Minnesota and Chicago.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert has spent most of this season backing up rookie Ashton Jeanty, and he should remain in that role ahead of Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 33-year-old battled a knee injury during practice this past week but has been removed from the injury report and will play on Sunday, barring a setback. He has been held to just one touch in each of his last two games, and he ranks as the overall RB75 in PPR leagues this season. On one hand, the Eagles present a favorable matchup for any running back. After all, Philadelphia has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2025. On the other hand, though, the Purdue product is clearly nothing more than a change-of-pace back behind Jeanty in this Vegas offense. He's averaging just 3.1 touches per game and has played fewer than one-third of the snaps in each of his last eight contests. Mostert ranks as the overall RB72 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, and he can be left on waivers in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has been a terrific fantasy football contributor lately. In six weeks since returning from injury, Bowers is averaging 5.7 catches, 65.7 yards, and one touchdown per game, and he ranks as the overall TE2 in half-PPR leagues during that span. He has posted double-digit fantasy points in five of those six contests, and he has found the end zone in each of his last two games. All in all, Bowers has been one of the few bright spots in Las Vegas' otherwise bleak offense. Because of that, we expect that he'll continue to thrive as a strong fantasy option when quarterback Kenny Pickett replaces Geno Smith (back, shoulder) in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bowers should serve as a dependable high-volume target in this Pickett-led offense despite the Eagles allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2025. Bowers has shown that he is matchup-proof and should be started in all leagues, regardless of opponent. That's why he ranks as the overall TE3 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy football rankings.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech is coming off the best game of his rookie season. He caught all six of his targets for 50 yards while playing 82% of the snaps last Sunday against the Denver Broncos. He's certainly trending up in fantasy football after his big game, but his floor will take a hit this week with Kenny Pickett starting at quarterback over Geno Smith (back, shoulder) in Week 15. He could also suffer from a difficult matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points and second-fewest touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2025. Bech could certainly replicate last week's strong showing, but he could also struggle to develop any sort of rapport with Pickett while playing against a very solid Eagles secondary. As a result, the rookie ranks as the overall WR69 in RotoBaller's Week 15 fantasy football rankings, and he can be benched or dropped in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett remains a somewhat risky fantasy option heading into Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lockett had 12 catches and 139 yards from Week 10 through Week 12, but his productivity has dwindled over the last couple of weeks. He has just four catches and 55 yards over his last two games. Now, heading into Week 15, Lockett faces signification competition for targets from Tre Tucker and Jack Bech -- not to mention superstar tight end Brock Bowers. The 33-year-old receiver has played through inconsistent volume and will now head into a tricky matchup against the Eagles, who have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points and second-fewest touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2025. He will also deal with a quarterback downgrade this week as Kenny Pickett takes over for Geno Smith (back, shoulder). Although Lockett is a talented veteran receiver, his difficult matchup and unfortunate quarterback change have left him ranked as the overall WR87 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings. He can be left on waivers in most leagues.
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Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has recorded eight catches for 120 yards and four touchdowns on 14 targets across 13 games so far this season. The 23-year-old's most productive stretch has been over the last two weeks, where he's hauled in four receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns on five targets. The Lions have played each of their last two games without wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle), which has opened the door for TeSlaa to fill the team's WR3 role alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. However, Raymond returned to practice in a limited capacity this week and is officially listed as questionable for Detroit's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. If Raymond returns, it could significantly impact TeSlaa's playing time. Should Raymond remain sidelined, TeSlaa could have flex appeal as a touchdown-dependent dart throw for deep-league fantasy managers in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett will earn a spot start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 with teammate Geno Smith (shoulder, back) sidelined. While Pickett should offer a nice change from Smith, who has 16 touchdowns, 15 turnovers, and 49 sacks this year, he likely won't be a reliable fantasy starter. Pickett went 8-for-11 with 97 yards and a touchdown in relief of Smith last week, and he hasn't finished any of his four seasons higher than the QB28 in fantasy football. He could struggle against an Eagles defense allowing the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns and 14th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Pickett ranks as the overall QB31 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, which means that he can be benched in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has been a consistent fantasy superstar all season. This year, McBride has only finished outside of the Top-12 tight ends twice in weekly finishes and is the TE1 overall by a healthy margin in PPR leagues. Entering Week 15, McBride is RotoBaller's No. 1 tight end in all formats in a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans' defense has allowed the fewest receiving touchdowns and the fourth-fewest receptions this season. The Cardinals' offense will be forced to funnel their targets to McBride and Michael Wilson on Sunday, with Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) ruled out for a second straight week. In the last three games Harrison has missed, McBride and Wilson have been targeted on just over 52 percent of Jacoby Brissett's passing attempts. Despite a tough matchup, McBride remains a set-it-and-forget-it TE1 heading into Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) did not practice on Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It's never a good sign when a player appears on the injury report late in the week, suggesting an injury occurred during practice. Johnston has struggled to produce in the Chargers' injury-riddled, quick-passing offense, catching two passes for eight yards on three targets last week. If he is cleared to play, he faces a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense that has allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards this season. Although the potential injury to Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie (knee) offers a slight hope, Johnston's role as a downfield threat is being limited by the team's injured offensive line and quarterback Justin Herbert's tendency for short throws. The game is once again expected to be run-heavy. RotoBaller ranks Johnston as WR44 this week. Considering the tough matchup, the limited passing game, and his low floor, Johnston remains a touchdown-dependent WR4 who should only be started in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) has missed each of his team's last two games after suffering an ankle injury in Week 12. However, the 31-year-old was able to log three limited practices this week and is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Across 11 games this season, Raymond has hauled in 15 catches for 150 yards on 19 targets. Still, he's worked as Detroit's WR3 alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams when healthy. In his absence, Lions rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa has stepped up and recorded touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. TeSlaa's recent surge could mean fewer reps for Raymond, even if he's healthy enough to play. Raymond should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Tre' Harris caught one pass for 18 yards on two targets in last week's overtime win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although he has been on the field for about 50% of snaps recently, his route rate remains low at 38%, limiting consistent production. Harris's outlook improves slightly this week because teammate Quentin Johnston (groin) is questionable, and Harris had his most targets and receptions of the season when Johnston previously missed a game in Week 6. However, overall passing production stays limited due to Justin Herbert's hand injury, the league-worst offensive line, and the team's run-first approach against the Kansas City Chiefs' top-10 pass defense. Harris's only potential for fantasy relevance is if the Chiefs jump out to an early lead, leading to a pass-heavy game script. Even with more targets, Harris is mainly a deep-league stash for this week.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty could handle increased volume in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he should benefit from this favorable matchup against a below-average run defense. The Raiders will be starting quarterback Kenny Pickett over Geno Smith (back, shoulder) this week, and this quarterback downgrade could prompt Las Vegas to throw the ball less and run the ball more. It could also lead to more checkdowns and fewer passes deep downfield. All of this bodes well for Jeanty, who is averaging 14.7 carries and 3.5 catches per game while ranking as the overall RB14 in PPR leagues. Not only do we think he could handle more than 20 touches in an offensive game plan centered around rushing attempts and short passes, but Jeanty should also benefit from a favorable matchup. Philadelphia has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2025. This promising opportunity gives Jeanty top-12 running back upside for Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Across 13 games this season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has recorded 45 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns on 72 targets. While the 24-year-old's full-season numbers are more good than great, he's been coming on very strong of late. Across six games since Detroit's Week 8 bye, Williams has hauled in 28 receptions for 513 yards and four touchdowns on 42 targets. With Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve, Williams has stepped in as the unquestioned number two option in the Detroit passing game alongside wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions have a tough matchup in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams, who currently rank seventh among NFL defenses in fewest yards per pass attempt allowed (6.5). The Rams have also allowed just two pass plays of 40 or more yards all season long, which is tied for the second-fewest in the league. For a player like Williams, who is reliant on big plays, that should give fantasy managers some pause. Still, Williams has earned 19 targets over the last two weeks, and it seems likely that the Lions will continue to try to scheme up ways to get him the ball. Williams profiles as a high-end fantasy WR2 in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Across 13 games this season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 70.1% of his pass attempts for 3,334 yards, 26 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Entering Week 15, the 31-year-old has thrown for at least 255 passing yards in six straight games. In Week 15, Goff will face a difficult matchup on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. Through 14 weeks, the Rams' defense is allowing the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.5) in the NFL. The Rams have also excelled at forcing turnovers, as they rank sixth in the league with 13 interceptions. With the Lions' defense struggling and their interior offensive line dealing with injuries, Goff has been forced into more pass attempts in recent weeks. After topping the 30-pass-attempt mark just once over the season's first seven weeks, he's attempted at least 33 passes in five out of his last six games. If that trend continues, Goff could have a chance to put up some numbers against Los Angeles, even without high-end efficiency. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1 in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey participated in limited practices this week due to a foot issue but does not carry an injury designation and is expected to remain the primary target in the passing game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Last week, McConkey led the team with five targets and 144 air yards but caught only one pass for 12 yards as the Philadelphia Eagles effectively shut down the Chargers' pass attack. Facing a Chiefs defense that has surrendered the ninth-fewest passing yards this season, McConkey will likely draw slot coverage from Chamarri Connor, who allows a high 85.4% catch rate but a low 7.8 aDOT. This points to the Chiefs being vulnerable to volume underneath, which is exactly where McConkey excels when Justin Herbert is under pressure. If fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) misses the game, expect even more targets and usage. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR24 this week, making him a risky low-end WR2 with upside thanks to his high air yard share and red zone looks, despite the tough matchup and offensive struggles.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown gritted through an ankle injury in Week 14, recording six catches for 92 yards on nine targets. The 26-year-old has avoided the injury report this week, so it appears he's feeling much better heading into his team's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have been a stingy pass defense so far this season, allowing the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.5) among all NFL defenses. However, St. Brown has been one of the NFL's most consistent target-earners in 2025. He's recorded at least eight targets in 11 out of 13 games this season and hit the double-digit target mark seven times. Fantasy managers should view St. Brown as a must-start wide receiver in Week 15 against the Rams.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen enters the Week 15 road game against the Kansas City Chiefs on a decline, having caught all three of his targets for just 22 yards last week. Since Week 7, Allen has only caught 19 passes compared to 44 in the first seven weeks. The Chiefs, who have allowed the ninth fewest passing yards this season, are a tough matchup, though the potential questionable status of their top defensive back, Trent McDuffie (knee), could slightly help the passing game. However, with the offensive line battered, Justin Herbert playing injured, and the team leaning on the run, Allen's floor and ceiling are considerably lower. RotoBaller ranks Allen at WR53 this week. Unless the Chargers fall behind early by multiple scores or if fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston (groin) is ruled out, Allen remains an unreliable WR5 who should only be started in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) enters Week 15 facing a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense while still managing a fracture in his non-throwing hand. Last week's 22-19 overtime win over the Philadelphia Eagles saw Herbert complete just 12 of 26 passes for 139 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, along with losing one of his two fumbles and taking a record seven sacks. His passing volume is considerably limited, forcing him to rely on his legs, where he led the team with 66 rushing yards. The Chiefs are a top-10 defense, tied for third in allowed aDOT and third in passing touchdowns allowed, though they rank 24th in sack percentage. With offensive tackle Trey Pipkins doubtful with an ankle injury, the already-battered offensive line faces a significant challenge. Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should look to exploit the Chargers' weak offensive line, stack the box, and force Herbert to pass under pressure. RotoBaller ranks Herbert as QB22 this week. Given the injury, reduced passing volume, and tough road matchup, fantasy managers should temper expectations and consider Herbert a low-end QB2 for the week.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton returned from IR last week after missing seven games with a fractured ankle. He carried the ball 13 times for 56 yards (4.3 YPC) and scored a receiving touchdown in the team's overtime win against the Philadelphia Eagles. The carries were split almost evenly with Kimani Vidal, and it's uncertain if this division will continue or if the Chargers are still gradually reintegrating Hampton into his starting role. OC Greg Roman recently said he prefers a hot-hand approach, but right now is "seeing two guys with the hot hand," which is "a good problem to have." Hampton faces the Kansas City Chiefs, who are among the top teams in rushing yards allowed. Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo will aim to shut down the run and force the injured Justin Herbert to pass. Considering Herbert's recent limitations and the team's reliance on the ground game, Hampton will be a crucial part of the offense. RotoBaller ranks him as RB27 this week. Hampton is a strong, albeit volume-limited, high-end RB3 with touchdown potential in a run-heavy game plan.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery had one of his better games of the season in Week 14, recording 73 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. However, Montgomery earned just seven touches, marking the third time in his last four games that he failed to reach the 10-touch mark. With Jahmyr Gibbs dominating the backfield workload in Detroit, Montgomery has become increasingly dependent on touchdowns for fantasy production. He may have a tough time finding the end zone in Week 15 when the Lions travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. Through 14 weeks, the Rams have allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns in the NFL (four). At best, Montgomery profiles as a low-end flex option for deeper-league managers in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has been one of the biggest fantasy risers within the last month or so. Over his last five games, he has 17 catches, 155 yards, and four touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE4 in half-PPR leagues during that span. He has filled in quite admirably for Tyler Higbee (ankle), and he should continue to remain heavily involved as a top target for Matthew Stafford in his Week 15 revenge game against the Detroit Lions. At worst, Parkinson will be third in the pecking order this week behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (hamstring). However, Adams is listed as questionable, so if he doesn't suit up, Parkinson would likely be the No. 2 target in this high-volume passing offense. He currently ranks as the TE19 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, and he has top-12 upside. Parkinson is a solid fantasy streamer in leagues with at least 12 teams.
From RotoBaller