The Baltimore Ravens suffered one of the most lopsided defeats in recent team history in Week 5: a 44-10 loss to the visiting Houston Texans.

They may have another tough matchup at home this week to bear without their star quarterback.

Lamar Jackson will not play in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams, per multiple reports. He did not practice all week and wasn’t likely to play Sunday at home due to his hamstring injury and the team will once again start backup Cooper Rush.

Jackson initially suffered this hamstring injury during Week 4 in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rush finished out that game and started last week against the Texans.

Rush completed 14 of 20 passes against Houston for 179 yards and had three interceptions. It was just the second time the career backup had thrown three interceptions; the first came back in October 2022. He and the rest of the Ravens’ offense will face a Rams defense that’s tied for ninth in turnovers this season, with seven.

Here’s what we know about Jackson’s potential return and the rest of the quarterback options for Baltimore.

When will Lamar Jackson return?

There’s no set timetable for Jackson’s return to the field for the Ravens, but his initial diagnosis was two to three weeks on the sideline. The team did not place him on injured reserve (IR), which would’ve required at least four weeks out of the lineup. That means he’ll likely be back sooner than four weeks from the initial injury.

Baltimore has its bye week after Sunday’s game against the Rams. Jackson could return to the lineup after that for Baltimore’s Week 8 matchup at home versus the Chicago Bears.

Ravens QB depth chart

Lamar Jackson (injured)
Cooper Rush
Tyler Huntley

Rush will make his second start of the season Sunday. Last year he went 4-4 as a starter for the Dallas Cowboys after starter Dak Prescott’s injury.

Huntley returned to the Ravens from the Cleveland Browns after training camp cuts and will likely be activated from the practice squad on Sunday to serve as the backup.

Only two teams are on bye this week – the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans – but the impact is still being felt. With injuries piling up across all positions, many fantasy football managers will be searching the free-agent pool for a streamer to get them through Week 6.

Most of the top options are usually scooped up during weekly waiver runs, but that’s not always the case. Some players fly under the radar, whether it’s because of name recognition, lack of long-term value or a poor matchup on paper. If you’re streaming, you don’t care about any of that. You just want production.

To help, here are 10 players and one defense you can stream to win Week 6.

*Streamers are players who are rostered in 50% or fewer of Yahoo! leagues.

Fantasy football streamers for Week 6

Quarterbacks

Brock Purdy and Lamar Jackson remain out, and now Kyler Murray could join them after missing practice all week with a foot injury.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

It hasn’t been a pretty season for Young, but if there’s any team that can make a quarterback look good, it’s the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys are allowing the second-most passing yards per game and have given up the second-most passing touchdowns. That makes them the worst fantasy defense against opposing quarterbacks.

Young should also get some help with Jalen Coker and Ja’Tavion Sanders expected to return from injury.

Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers

Jones has played well filling in for Purdy, finishing as a QB1 in two of his three starts.

This week he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who just allowed Sam Darnold to throw for 341 yards and four touchdowns. Tampa Bay, on the season, has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, making this a favorable matchup on the slate for Jones.

Running backs

Adding to the laundry list of injured running backs this season is Omarion Hampton.

Hassan Haskins, Los Angeles Chargers

Speaking of Hampton, Haskins is likely the next man up for the Chargers, and he gets a strong matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Streamer of the week in Week 5, Rico Dowdle, just gashed the Dolphins defense for 206 yards and a touchdown. Don’t expect Haskins to reach that level, as it was an outlier performance.

Haskins will also split work with Kimani Vidal, but this matchup should be enough for him to be a worthwhile streamer even in a 60/40 split.

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers

Haskins’ backfield mate for Week 6 is rostered in even fewer leagues than Haskins.

The matchup is favorable, and even if Haskins is the primary back, there should be enough opportunities for Vidal to produce against the weak Dolphins defense. Greg Roman, the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, confirmed that both backs will factor in significantly.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

It happened: Miller out-carried Alvin Kamara. That is not something anyone would have expected before the season, but here we are.

The matchup is tough against the New England Patriots run defense, which allows the fourth-fewest points to opposing running backs. However, volume is the key when looking for streamers, and Miller has it.

Wide receivers

Last week’s streamer, Darius Slayton, landed on the injury list with a hamstring issue. The 49ers receivers are still questionable to play, and now Chris Godwin is trending toward missing the game.

Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers

Bourne had a strong Week 5, catching 10 passes for 142 yards. Don’t expect a repeat performance, but he should see plenty of targets again with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall likely to miss time.

Even if one of those two returns, Bourne remains a viable option against the Buccaneers, who have allowed plenty of production to opposing receivers this season.

Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos

The Broncos and Franklin face the New York Jets in Week 6. The matchup looks worse on paper than it actually is, at least for everybody not named Courtland Sutton.

Sutton will likely be shadowed by Sauce Gardner, leaving the rest of the Broncos receivers to go against the Jets secondary that struggle.

The Jets rank 26th against WR2s and 29th against WR3s according to DVOA. That is excellent news for Franklin, who functions as the No. 2 receiver.

Sterling Shepard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Chris Godwin back on the injury list, Shepard should see a major increase in usage. In Week 3, when Godwin was inactive and Mike Evans was injured early, Shepard posted a 4-catch, 80-yard performance.

As a bonus, if Godwin misses, Tez Johnson could be a deeper league dart throw after a solid Week 5 showing.

Tight ends

Favorite streamer of the year Brenton Strange is now on IR, but other options are emerging.

Mason Taylor, New York Jets

What does Taylor need to do to be rostered in more leagues? Over the last three games, he has 25 targets and 18 receptions.

The matchup against the Broncos is not ideal, but few tight ends see this kind of usage. His 25 targets rank third behind only Jake Ferguson and Trey McBride, while 18 receptions rank second behind Ferguson. That is strong company.

AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks

Barner has been a touchdown machine this season, already scoring four times. Last week he upped his game, catching all seven of his targets.

Don’t expect that usage again, as his previous season high was three targets. Still, it is hard to ignore the red-zone role he is seeing.

Defense

This is another tough week for streaming defenses with top defenses all having great matchups. Of course, those defenses are highly rostered.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders have issues on defense, particularly in the secondary. Still, they remain a top-10 fantasy defense thanks to having the third-most sacks in the league.

The Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams have only allowed seven sacks in four games this season. However, as noted by A.J. Applegarth on The F6P Hour Podcast, Williams has been sacked six times in two games, both against top-10 teams in total sacks. Facing the Commanders, expect a few more, making them a strong streaming defense.

Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington has cautioned Big Ten presidents that a shift into private equity could lead to challenges for the universities. She urged them to proceed with caution in a letter sent Friday, Oct. 10.

Multiple reports indicate that the Big Ten may be negotiating to sell a stake in its athletic revenue stream to private investors, targeting a potential private capital investment of $2 billion. This sale could include media rights and other assets owned by equity investors.

In a letter addressed to the Big Ten Presidents, Cantwell stated this potential deal ‘May be counter to your university’s academic goals, may require the sale of university assets to a private investor, and may affect the tax-exempt purpose of those assets.”

In her letter, Cantwell mentions that she has learned the regents and trustees of Big Ten member institutions have not received a comprehensive briefing on the deal currently being considered. She raises concerns about whether the conference is being transparent regarding the long-term implications of this potential deal.

‘Your university’s media revenues currently are not taxed because they are considered ‘substantially related to’ your tax-exempt purpose,’ she wrote. ‘However, when a private, for-profit investor holds a stake in those revenues, it raises questions whether the revenue loses its connection to your institution’s educational purpose.’

The implications of these potential deals for the media rights of these institutions remain uncertain. However, Cantwell ended her letter by encouraging the universities to be transparent regarding what a potential deal and payout could involve. She reminded them that ‘the conference reports to you.’

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Week 7 is upon us, college football fans, and the Saturday slate is promising indeed.

The action centers as it often does around the Big Ten and the SEC, with both of those high-powered conferences featuring a pair of ranked matchups. Both leagues also have contests that could result in upsets. Our viewers’ guide will also highlight a couple of Big 12 contests that should be worthy of attention.

Of course, as we saw last week, surprises can come from anywhere, so keep an eye on the scoreboard and a hand on the remote in case a game not mentioned in this space suddenly gets interesting.

No. 7 Indiana at No. 2 Oregon

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

Why watch: With both teams coming off an open date, the anticipation for this perhaps unexpected top-10 clash has had a few extra days to build. The Ducks return home for their Big Ten showdown in three weeks. The Hoosiers weren’t quite as dominant at Iowa a week after crushing Illinois, but they got a taste of how to handle a tough road environment that could serve them well in Eugene. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza wasn’t at his best in Iowa City but delivered the winning play when needed. He’ll probably need to be sharper early on this week, although that’s easier said than done against LB Matayo Uiagalelei and the rest of the Ducks’ pass rushers. Oregon QB Dante Moore is taking full advantage of his arsenal, with four receivers with at least 15 catches. Hoosiers LBs Isaiah Jones and Louis Moore will lead the effort to disrupt him.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t. This Indiana team will be ready for the spotlight, and the Ducks aren’t going to get overwhelmed on their home field either. The defenses are too good for it to be a first-to-50 type of game, but there should still be plenty of action.

No. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Missouri

Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: Back in the top 10 and squarely in the SEC title hunt, the Crimson Tide hit the road to take on the unbeaten Tigers, whose non-conference win against Kansas last month might be more impressive than it appeared at the time. After keeping Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia in check, LB Justin Jefferson and the Crimson Tide defensive front now turns its attention to Missouri QB Beau Pribula. But he could prove harder to contain thanks to the presence of his backfield mate, RB Ahmad Hardy, who is averaging a hefty 7.1 yards per carry. Alabama QB Ty Simpson is quite capable of keeping up in a track meet, though he was intercepted for the first time last week. WR Jermie Bernard remains his most dependable weapon, and RB Jam Miller is rounding into form after battling an injury to start the season. LB Josiah Trotter has emerged as the defensive mainstay for the Tigers.

Why it could disappoint: Neither team gives the ball away much, so about the only way it could truly become a rout is if one team proves to be physically superior. Past versions of Alabama have done that, but this year’s squad has been pushed around at times. Mizzou hasn’t, but this is clearly its toughest test to date.

No. 6 Oklahoma vs. No. 19 Texas in Dallas

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: Both teams enter the Red River showdown with questions, although the struggling Longhorns undeniably have more of them. Texas is still looking for consistency on offense, as QB Arch Manning has been inaccurate and the ground game struggles to find holes. That’s a bad state of affairs as the Longhorns prepare to deal with DE Taylor Wein and the active Sooners’ defensive front. The Oklahoma offense appears likely to remain in the hands of backup QB Michael Hawkins, who got in a good tune-up start against lowly Kent State a week ago but now faces a much greater degree of difficulty. LB Anthony Hill Jr. and the Longhorns’ defense must be ready, however, in case John Mateer, officially listed as questionable, is able to return from hand surgery ahead of schedule for the Sooners.

Why it could disappoint: Even if Mateer plays, don’t expect a lot of offensive fireworks here. This is probably going to be a low-scoring affair, with either team likely to struggle to come back if the margin hits double digits.

No. 1 Ohio State at No. 17 Illinois

Time/TV: noon ET, Fox.

Why watch: To Illinois’s credit, the team got off the deck after what can only be described as a total beatdown at the hands of Indiana to win its next two games and stay in the Top 25. The next assignment for the Fighting Illini, however, might cause feelings of déjà vu if Ohio State continues to play like, well, Ohio State. Neither of the Buckeyes’ first two Big Ten opponents have reached the end zone thanks to next-level talents like DE Caden Curry and LB Sonny Styles. Illinois does have options, however, as QB Luke Altmyer has 12 scoring throws and RBs Ca’Lil Valentine and Kaden Feagin have combined for eight rushing TDs. But meanwhile, Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin has only gotten better, with WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate able to strike at any time. Illini DBs Matthew Bailey and Miles Scott are likely in for a busy afternoon.

Why it could disappoint: Like Minnesota a week ago, Illinois will need to be just about perfect to hang with the Buckeyes. The Illini have more experienced hands than the Gophers, but they’ve also already been on the short end of a blowout this year as mentioned above. Ohio State will do its best to eliminate any drama.

No. 15 Michigan at Southern California

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC.

Why watch: The Wolverines put their unblemished Big Ten record on the line as they venture to the west coast. The Trojans, already with a league loss on their ledger, are in need of a signature win to remain in the mix. Michigan QB Bryce Underwood remains a work in progress where his passing game is concerned, but he and RB Justice Haynes can break off big runs. The Trojans have been somewhat better in that area thanks to stoppers like LB Eric Gentry, but getting off the field on third down is still an issue. USC QB Jayden Maiava also gets solid ground support from RB Waymond Jordan, but not much gets by Wolverines LB Ernest Hausmann.

Why it could disappoint: Given the programs’ respective track records, one has to trust the Michigan defense more despite the long trip. It’s asking a lot of the Trojans to shut down the Wolverines’ ground game for four quarters.

Kansas at No. 10 Texas Tech

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox.

Why watch: The Red Raiders couldn’t have asked for a better start to their Big 12 campaign with a pair of decisive road wins in the bank. Up next is a visit from the Jayhawks, who are fresh off a road win at Central Florida and now look to make an even bigger splash. Texas Tech QB Behren Morton spreads the wealth among a deep array of targets, led by WRs Coy Eakin and Caleb Douglas. No matter where he goes with the ball, expect to find Jayhawks LB Trey Lathan somewhere in the vicinity. KU will counter with QB Jalon Daniels, who can show off his wheels at times but has let WR Emmanuel Henderson and TE Boden Groen do most of the work downfield. He’ll have to beware of Red Raiders DB Brice Pollock, who has already swiped three passes this season.

Why it could disappoint: The Jayhawks will have to improve on their 31.25% conversion rate on third down to control the clock and keep the Red Raiders’ high-flying attack off the field. IF it becomes a shootout, TTU’s depth at the ball-handling positions will win the night.

No. 23 Arizona State at Utah

Time/TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The day concludes with this throwback to #Pac12AfterDark as the Sun Devils and Utes now meet as Big 12 opponents in what could be a pivotal conference game. ASU prevailed in its first two conference contests by identical 27-24 scores, while Utah rebounded from the Texas Tech loss with a resounding road win against rebuilding West Virginia. The combination of QB Sam Leavitt to WR Jordyn Tyson remain the Sun Devils’ most frequent big-play threat, though ground support from RB Raleek Brown will also be needed. They’ll become well acquainted with Utah LB Johnathan Hall and DB Nate Ritchie. Utes QB Devon Dampier looks most often for WR Ryan Davis and TE Dallen Bentley. Opposing them will be ASU LBs Jordan Crook and Keyshaun Elliott.

Why it could disappoint: The Sun Devils have already been involved in three one-score games, so another close one wouldn’t be a surprise. The Utes probably won’t get swamped on their home turf a second time, but more explosive plays will be needed from the offense.

No. 9 Georgia at Auburn

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: Georgia got the bounce-back performance it needed last week after the Alabama loss. The Bulldogs now take to the road to face a rested and desperate Tigers’ squad that needs a positive result after dropping their first two SEC contests on the road by a total of 13 points. The defensive side of the ball has for the most part been sound for Auburn, and LB Xavier Atkins could again make life difficult for Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton. The Tigers’ offense has not performed well against SEC competition, as QB Jackson Arnold has been forced to scramble far too often. The good news for him is Georgia’s pass rush hasn’t been effective either, though LB Chris Cole brings heat on occasion from the second level.

Why it could disappoint: This is an old rivalry, so Georgia certainly isn’t going to take it lightly. If the Bulldogs decide to make this a statement game, there might not be anything the Tigers can do about it.

The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the New York Giants 34-17, marking their second loss in five days.
Players suggested the team’s offensive play-calling has become predictable to opponents.
The Eagles’ defense was hampered by injuries and had difficulty stopping the Giants’ rookie quarterback and running back.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Saquon Barkley ripped off his longest run of the season on the first snap of the game for 18 yards. His next attempt went for 13. Fast-forward 10 more attempts and three hours later, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year finished with 58 rushing yards and could not eclipse the 100-yard mark for the sixth time in six games this season. 

Oh, and the Philadelphia Eagles fell to the New York Giants 34-17 on ‘Thursday Night Football’ by being outplayed in all three phases of the game. Outcoached, too. 

What’s wrong with the defending Super Bowl champs? Maybe it’s an overreaction with their first two losses of the calendar year coming in the span of five days, but, it appears … plenty. 

The formerly potent rushing attack has gone lame. The tush push isn’t as automatic – it took four tries to go three yards and score a touchdown against the Giants. Injuries are mounting on defense.

At the risk of oversimplifying the issues, it was once again a ‘tale of two halves’ situation for the Eagles’ offense. They scored on three of their first four drives, the back half of that stretch being their two touchdown drives of the game. But the final possession of the first half, when the Eagles took over with 79 seconds remaining, was poorly managed and resulted in Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (24-for-33, one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown, one interception) sliding into the turf on third down and time expiring before he could get off the fourth-down snap.

The chart drive from the second half went: punt, punt, punt, interception, fumble. The Eagles had seven first downs across those five possessions.

During those first-half drives, the Eagles went up-tempo in a few instances and saw some success with it. That’s the one thing the offense can hang its hat on at present, left tackle Jordan Mailata said.

‘That’s something we’re really good at,’ he said. ‘The film says that.’

Defensively, the Eagles were without defensive lineman Jalen Carter, who was ruled out with a heel injury somewhat surprisingly before kickoff. Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell departed in the first half with a hamstring injury. The pass rush couldn’t bring down Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, making his third career start, behind the line of scrimmage (the Eagles recorded two sacks for a loss of one total yard). Another rookie, running back Cam Skattebo, gained 79 of his 98 rushing yards after contact according to Next Gen Stats, and refused to hit the turf himself. 

The biggest warning signs, originating in the second half of their collapse against the Denver Broncos this past Sunday, point to the other side of the ball. Wide receiver A.J. Brown pleaded the fifth, as he did his best under-oath testimony impression after the game by repeating ‘I do not recall’ regarding the much-publicized offensive meeting that took place this week (much to the chagrin of the players because it was publicized). But he didn’t spend ‘TNF’ in witness protection, at least, and he certainly can’t complain about the lack of targets. Hurts looked for him nine times, and the receiver caught six of those passes for 80 yards.

Barkley feasted on the Giants last season, going for 176 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in his lone game against his former team in 2024. Barkley has 178 yards over his past four games.  

The reason he didn’t have a second game against New York last year was because Barkley had already surpassed 2,000 rushing yards by the time their Week 18 matchup rolled around. He’s on pace – should he play all 18 games this year – for 975.

‘Last year, do you think we were predictable?’ Barkley said. ‘Everybody knew we were going to run the ball. We still got it off. I also think we got to get back to the attitude, the mindset of, not really giving a (expletive) what people are trying to do.’

One thing Hurts mentioned when discussing the run game was ‘making sure we’re in the right play.’

From the Eagles’ locker room, players such as right tackle Lane Johnson said they had clearly become predictable to the opposition. The Eagles’ lack of efficiency in both the run and pass game have made that difficult over the first third of the season.

‘You can game plan all you want,’ Johnson said, via The Athletic. ‘But when you get in the game, a lot of it is making adjustments.

‘Last two weeks, you kind of know what it is: You know when the pass is coming, you know when the run is coming. … Moving forward, we’ve got to do a better job of that.’

Head coach Nick Sirianni slightly pushed back against the accusations of predictability and cited the Eagles’ comeback victory against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, when they aired it out in the second half to make up the deficit. Of course, that victory required plenty of help with the special teams, a unit which Thursday allowed Giants returner Gunner Olszewski to steal precious yards of field position throughout the game. 

Sirianni said he believed there were ‘some good moments’ in the rushing attack against New York.

‘We know we have the guys upfront to be able to do that,’ he said. 

Sirianni added that the Eagles didn’t play or coach their ‘brand’ of football Thursday.

‘That’s not to our standard in all phases,’ he said, ‘and in coaching.’

The Eagles will use the extra days of rest before a Week 7 road game against the Minnesota Vikings as a mini-bye week for the coaches to conduct a self-diagnosis on these issues. 

There is plenty of time to regain championship form. Philadelphia will, at worst, be tied for first place in the NFC East one-third of the way through the season. 

But the past five quarters of play, from blowing their 17-3 fourth-quarter lead against Denver to turning in a dud against a division rival, have been assuredly alarming.

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is doubtful for the team’s upcoming game against Utah.
Coach Kenny Dillingham stated it would be a ‘mini miracle’ if Leavitt plays due to an ongoing, undisclosed injury.
Veteran quarterback Jeff Sims is expected to start in Leavitt’s place.

Arizona State football will be without the services of starting quarterback Sam Leavitt for their Big 12 matchup against Utah on Saturday, Oct. 11.

The No. 23 Sun Devils had a bye during Week 6, but Leavitt completed 27-of-39 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-24 win over TCU. However, Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham provided a grim update on his signal-caller on Friday, Oct. 10.

Leavitt has thrown for eight touchdowns and 1,039 yards this season, while completing 63.1% of his passes, leading Arizona State to a 4-1 start, including a 2-0 mark in Big 12 Conference play.

He led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship and to the College Football Playoff in 2024 in his first year as a starter after transferring from Michigan State.

Here’s the latest on Leavitt’s injury status:

Sam Leavitt injury updates

Dillingham provided a grim update on Leavitt’s status for Saturday’s game. Leavitt was confirmed out.

‘If he plays in the game, it will be a mini miracle,’ Dillingham said in his weekly radio appearance on Friday, Oct. 10. ‘I’ll be absolutely shocked. I think this is the best decision for him and the future season.’

After initially being listed as a ‘probable’ on the Oct. 9 Big 12 availability report on Wednesday, Oct. 8, Leavitt was downgraded to ‘doubtful’ on the Oct. 9 injury report.

Leavitt’s injury is undisclosed and is not known at this time. However, according to Dillingham, the injury has been an ongoing issue.

‘Sam’s been battling something going back to Baylor,’ Dillingham said. ‘He’s been fighting, fought through the TCU game. Sam does everything he possibly can to come back and play football games here. He’s the ultimate competitor.

‘This week, it just didn’t feel as good as we wanted it to, leaving Wednesday’s practice.’

However, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on Oct. 10 that Leavitt is expected to miss the matchup against the Utes.

In his stead, veteran Jeff Sims is expected to earn the start. Sims started one game for the Sun Devils in 2024, a 24-14 loss to Cincinnati last year. Sims has started 26 career collegiate games at Georgia Tech, Nebraska and Arizona State.

He started his career with Georgia Tech during the 2020 COVID-impacted season.

Sam Leavitt stats

Here’s a look at Levitt’s stats this season:

2025: 99-of-157 passing (63.1%) for 1,039 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions; 55 rushes for 281 yards and five touchdowns

University of California-Berkeley made former NFL coach Ron Rivera one of the highest-paid general managers in college football when it hired him last March, according to new compensation information released by school officials to USA TODAY Sports.

Rivera is set to earn $800,000 per year and will be eligible for up to $800,000 in additional performance-based incentives as Cal football’s general manager, UC Berkeley assistant vice chancellor for executive communications Dan Mogulof wrote in an email on Oct. 10. The exact terms between Cal and Rivera remain unknown and Mogoluf said the school would provide his full agreement ‘once the contract is signed and finalized.’

A university official previously told USA TODAY Sports in August, in response to an open records request for Rivera’s contract with Cal, the document serving as Rivera’s employment contract was still in draft form and exempt from disclosure.

Rivera’s $800,000 base salary ranks him tied for fifth among college football general managers and other top front official personnel at public universities in Power Four conferences, according to data compiled by USA TODAY Sports. Among those schools, only North Carolina, Alabama, Oregon and Ohio State will pay their general manager or top front office official more in total compensation in 2025 than Cal will pay Rivera. Rivera’s potential bonus is nearly $300,000 more than anyone else in a similar role at another public school.

The former Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers coach is taking on a wide-ranging role as the school’s first general manager. He has personnel responsibilities and hiring power within the football program similar to an NFL general manager, as well as more traditional fundraising duties tied to the university’s NIL and revenue sharing programs. The university statement announcing Rivera’s hiring, which came a few months after rival Stanford turned to alum Andrew Luck as its football general manager, noted Rivera reports only to Cal-Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons.

Rivera described the arrangement as ‘a working relationship’ with Cal football coach Justin Wilcox when he met with reporters in Berkeley for the first time last April. Rivera is empowered to provide Wilcox what he needs to coach the team, and his decision-making areas include player recruitment and retention and Wilcox’s coaching staff. When asked who had ‘ultimately authority’ within the football program, Rivera responded, ‘I do have that, other than the chancellor.’

‘One thing everybody has to understand is I do have the opportunity working with the Chancellor to make decisions on what is best for Cal football because my hands are in every facet of Cal football,’ Rivera emphasized.

Cal started the 2025 season with four wins in its first five games before a 45-21 loss to Duke in ACC play on Oct. 4. Wilcox is in his ninth season as the Bears coach and coming off consecutive 6-6 regular-season campaigns that ended with bowl game defeats.

If the 2025 NFL offseason didn’t have enough player movement for you, don’t worry. The NFL trade deadline is less than a month away.

Until Nov. 4, franchises across the league can make adjustments to their rosters via trade. We’ve already seen multiple moves since the start of the regular season. The Jacksonville Jaguars sent running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles after Week 1. Ahead of Week 6, the Cincinnati Bengals acquired a new starting quarterback from a divisional foe – the Cleveland Browns – and will start Joe Flacco this week against Green Bay.

One of the latest names included in trade rumors is New York Jets running back Breece Hall. The former second-round pick wasn’t drafted by the current regime in New York and is in the final year of his rookie contract.

If New York were to move on from their leading rusher, the team would save $3.4 million in cap space and only incur $934,049 in dead money this year, per OverTheCap. At 0-5, the team may be looking around for ways to get more value for the future. Trading Hall for future draft capital may be worthwhile for the Jets’ timetable.

Hall has heard the noise about it as well.

‘This is probably like my fifth month dealing with this now,’ he said today. ‘At this point, it is what it is and I want to be here, I love being a New York Jet… At the end of the day, I don’t control what goes on.’

Hall’s on pace for a career-high in rushing yards despite the team’s 0-5 start. Here are four teams that could make a move for him:

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals spent their resources on defense this offseason. Every draft pick and notable free agent signing went to that side of the ball with the hopes the offense would develop in Year 3 under coordinator Drew Petzig.

That hasn’t happened. Arizona ranks in the bottom 10 league-wide in points (23rd) and yards (26th). They’re 20th in expected points added (EPA) per play overall and 22nd in EPA per rush, per SumerSports.

They lost longtime starting running back James Conner for the season and backup Trey Benson is on injured reserve (IR). This team is last in the NFC West in Year 3 under Jonathan Gannon and his seat is heating up in the desert. A move for Hall could help the offense enough to cool it off.

Tennessee Titans

Tennessee’s woes on offense are well-known but rookie quarterback Cam Ward certainly isn’t part of that. He’s playing well given what’s happening around him on offense.

The team invested heavily in the skill positions during the draft with multiple picks at wide receiver and one at tight end. Hall would be an upgrade over the team’s current running back group featuring Tony Pollard as the lead back.

Pollard was most effective in a split role with Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas years ago. Acquiring Hall would improve the talent around Ward and ease the pressure on Pollard, giving him the chance to play more effectively.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh sits at 3-1 and atop the AFC North after their bye week likely feeling good about their chances to take the division crown in 2025. Baltimore is banged up on offense and missing Lamar Jackson, Cincinnati’s traded for Flacco to stay afloat until Joe Burrow returns and Cleveland just jettisoned Flacco and solidified rookie Dillon Gabriel as the starter.

The Steelers saw Hall average 5.6 yards per carry against them in Week 1. Pittsburgh had to rely on Kenneth Gainwell in Week 4 because starter Jaylen Warren was sidelined with injury. Neither are the type of dynamic back Hall can be at his best.

Why isn’t this Pittsburgh’s division for the taking? Hall would reunite with former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in his career.

Washington Commanders

Washington isn’t shy about making trades to upgrade the offense around franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. They did as much this offseason by making moves for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

This would be a move that will likely require Washington to dip into future draft years beyond 2026 to make it work given what they traded for Tunsil. That makes this a risky proposition.

But the team is currently relying on Jacory ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt in the backfield and a slew of current or soon-to-be players in their 30s in Terry McLaurin (30), Deebo Samuel (30 on Jan. 16) and Zach Ertz (35). This offense needs another younger, dynamic player if they want to compete in the playoffs once again. That could be Hall.