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.

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.

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.

Gardner missed the Jets’ Week 14 overtime loss against the Dolphins, but will be back in action this Sunday against the Jaguars. With Gardner sidelined, the Jets secondary gave up 331 passing yards and two touchdowns to Miami. They shouldn’t have much problem shutting down Mac Jones and the Jacksonville passing offense in Week 15.

Hall’s knee issue, which kept him sidelined last week against the Dolphins, remains a major issue as the Jets prepare for a meaningless Week 15 game against the Jaguars. It would hardly be a surprise if Hall was shut down with the Jets eliminated from postseason contention. Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis split the New York backfield workload both as rushers and pass catchers in Week 14 against Miami. They would both be RB3 options against Jacksonville if Hall is sidelined.

Samuel posted on social media that he was frustrated about not getting the ball enough before deleting his post. The 28-year-old has 40 receptions for 553 yards on the season, adding 32 carries for 92 yards. He has not found his previous Pro Bowl success, scoring just two touchdowns in 2024. Purdy stood by Samuel when asked about the situation, saying, “There’s just moments throughout seasons where guys just don’t get the ball, just depending on the scheme.” Purdy continued said he will “do everything [he] can to get [Samuel] the ball.” The 49ers stand at 6-7, with injuries taking a toll amidst the playoff race. Fantasy managers can expect Samuel to remain involved, though his struggles creating yardage keep him in the WR3 mix for Week 15.

It’s looking likely that Patrick Taylor will be leading the 49ers backfield against the Rams on Thursday Night Football. Guerendo’s official status will be out tomorrow, but the tenor of the Kyle Shanahan saying they’d evaluate him and this DNP are pointing to him missing Week 15. He’ll need a Wednesday turnaround to get to the questionable line.

“I thought for the most part we did some good things out there, I still believe [Cooper Rush] gives us our best chance,” Jones added. Lance is counting down the final days of his rookie contract. He’ll probably get another backup job somewhere next year, and he’s still only 25, but it’s hard to spin “not being able to beat out Cooper Rush” as a positive on the open market.