Thu Nov 27 8:50am ET
Field Level Media
Hold the coronation of the Indianapolis Colts. The two-time defending AFC South champions might have something to say in the matter.
Houston hits Indiana's capital city with a three-game winning streak and a healthy quarterback, momentum the Texans plot to put to good use in closing the gap in the division. The Colts (8-3) are back in their comfort zone in Indianapolis on Sunday with two losses -- at Pittsburgh and at Kansas City -- that dented their lofty conference standing following a 7-1 start.
The Texans (6-5) have taken three consecutive meetings from the Colts by a combined nine points. Houston began the season 0-3, but has its season back on track thanks to a toothy defense.
Now C.J. Stroud will join the party. The star quarterback and his teammate, nickelback Jalen Pitre, cleared concussion protocol on Friday and are set to play in this pivotal game.
Stroud was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Barring a setback before Sunday, he'll be on the field for a fifth time opposite Indianapolis. Stroud is 3-1 in four games against the Colts.
"Picking up where we left off," Texans wide receiver Nico Collins said Wednesday after Stroud returned to the lead of the QB rotation at practice. "Going out there and being himself. He looked good out there. Excited to get back."
With Stroud out, the Texans took down Buffalo (23-19), Tennessee (16-13) and Jacksonville (36-29) the past three weeks with backup Davis Mills at quarterback. Even with the November to remember in progress for Houston, the Jaguars (7-4) separate the Colts and Texans in the South standings. Indianapolis, which last won the division in 2014 behind third-year quarterback Andrew Luck, is in Jacksonville next week.
The Sunday game will be the first of two meetings between the Texans and Colts, who also square off in the regular-season finale Jan. 4 in Houston.
The Texans lead the NFL in total defense (264.3 yards per game) and rank second in scoring defense (16.5 points per game). But Buffalo averaged 4.9 yards per carry and rushed for 143 yards last week, when Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 70.5% of his passes but was sacked eight times.
Ryans said the Bills went away from the script most teams follow to block the Texans' attacking front seven with a seven-man blocking scheme -- incorporating multiple tight ends or a fullback -- and rolled the dice with one-on-one matchups across the field.
This is the first look for Ryans and the Texans at the Daniel Jones-led Indianapolis offense, one with a functional run-pass option foundation designed to isolate second-level defenders and freeze linemen committed to contain. The former Giants first-round pick supplanted the purported QB of the future -- Anthony Richardson, drafted two picks after Stroud in 2023 -- and has accounted for 22 of the Colts' 40 touchdowns this season. He also has 10 turnovers in 11 games.
Even at home, it's a high-stakes, high-pressure environment for Jones against the Houston edge rushing duo of defensive ends Danielle Hunter (11 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.5), the player drafted between Stroud and Richardson. Hunter and Anderson are the first pair of teammates with 10-plus sacks in the first 11 games of a season since 2019.
Jones (fibula) was limited Wednesday and practiced fully Thursday and Friday. NFL Network reported that Jones has a broken fibula, but head coach Shane Steichen said he's "good to go." He'll need protection from his offensive line.
"We have a lot of confidence and trust in our guys up front, our tackles," Jones said. "Regardless of who you've got, you try to chip them, you try to help when you can. It's my job to get the ball out on time."
None of the Texans are asking for an introduction to MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor, Jones' partner in the Colts' backfield. He leads the NFL with 17 touchdowns (15 rushing scores) and has produced big numbers in eight career matchups with Houston: 1,067 total yards (133.4 per game) and 10 TDs (nine rushing). He registered the NFL's fastest speed on a scoring play this season -- touching 22.38 mph on a 43-yard reception in Week 2 -- per Next Gen Stats.
"They have smart players. But they have athletic players," Taylor said. "If we let that front run wild, it's going to be a long Sunday."
Taylor is running for history on Sunday.
With two TDs he can become the fifth running back in NFL history to reach 75 touchdowns from scrimmage -- non-passing TDs -- in fewer than 80 games. The others to accomplish the feat: Jim Brown and LaDainian Tomlinson (both 72 games), Emmitt Smith (77) and Todd Gurley (78).
The Texans ruled out linebacker Jamal Hill and cornerback Ajani Carter, both with hamstring injuries. The Colts had just one player ruled out, linebacker Jaylon Charles (ankle).
Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward, who just returned last week after missing five games while in concussion protocol, reappeared on Friday's injury report (groin) as a limited participant.
Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell scored for the first time this year in last Thursday's Thanksgiving Day loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Mitchell was extremely efficient with his limited opportunities on Turkey Day, taking two carries for 19 yards and a touchdown while picking up 12 receiving yards on his two receptions (three targets). The 23-year-old third-year back only played 13% of the offensive snaps as Baltimore's RB3, though, behind Rasheen Ali (48% snap share) and Derrick Henry (40%). Mitchell had a nice 18-yard touchdown scamper against the Bengals and has intriguing explosiveness out of the backfield, but right now he's stuck as the No. 3 option in the Ravens' backfield, making him a hard sell for a roster spot in 12-team fantasy leagues. He has added value in leagues that include return yardage on special teams. Mitchell had 91 return yards on three kickoffs in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II has pretty much worked as the backup in Miami all year behind workhorse De'Von Achane, totaling 53 carries for 174 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in 12 games in his first year in the NFL. Gordon has added six catches on eight targets for 30 yards and another TD. The 21-year-old 6-foot-2, 225-pound back had as many carries (three) as Jaylen Wright in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints, though, gaining just 10 yards. He was not targeted in the passing attack for the third game in a row. Achane continues to see the lion's share of the backfield touches, as he had 22 rushing attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown. Gordon gives Miami's offense a unique mix of size and speed at the RB position, but he just has not seen enough volume to be worth rostering in 12-team redraft fantasy football leagues. He's rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues.
From RotoBaller
In the lowest-scoring offense (14.2 points per game) in the league, Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has a low ceiling and low floor for fantasy managers, and he should only be rostered in point-per-reception leagues. In the Week 13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Spears had two rushing attempts for a loss of one yard, but he salvaged his fantasy day by catching all six of his targets for 25 yards through the air. The 24-year-old's six catches were tied for the team lead, and his six targets were second on the team. Since returning from Injured Reserve due to a high-ankle sprain, Spears has a very modest 39 carries for 158 yards and one touchdown while adding 28 receptions for 173 yards on 30 targets in eight games. Fantasy managers cannot count on him to produce on the ground -- he's had more than five carries in a game only twice in eight games. Spears has had at least five targets in each of the last three games, though, which makes him a low-upside RB3/flex in deep PPR leagues going into a tough Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 21 of his 33 passes for 234 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Jets. The 37-year-old looked Kyle Pitts Sr.'s way most often (eight targets), which has been the case in each of his three starts this season, but again spread the ball around, with seven different receivers earning two or more targets, and he also foundDavid Sills V for a touchdown pass for the second straight week. The veteran QB draws a tough matchup in Week 14 as the Falcons host the Seahawks in Atlanta, a defense that has been in the bottom third in terms of fantasypoints allowedto opposing quarterbacks. It will at least be a home matchup, and there is still a chance that the team's No. 1 receiver, Drake London (knee), will return for Sunday's contest. Even so, Cousins figures to be in the lower end of the QB2 ranks in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Across 11 games since being acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles, running back Tank Bigsby has recorded just 18 carries for 164 yards. As long as star Eagles running back Saquon Barkley remains healthy, there appears to be a firm ceiling on Bigsby's playing time and opportunity for touches. The 24-year-old has logged double-digit offensive snaps in just one game this season. However, Bigsby's average of 9.1 rushing yards per attempt is a clear indicator of his significant production upside if Barkley were to suffer an injury. In a larger, 168-carry sample size across 16 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, Bigsby averaged 4.6 yards per attempt and scored seven rushing touchdowns. Bigsby's never provided much production as a receiver, so fellow Eagles back Will Shipley would likely handle passing-downs work even if Barkley were to go down. Still, Bigsby is a high-end handcuff option who is worth rostering in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
From RotoBaller
Across 13 games this season, San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. has recorded 72 carries for 328 yards and two touchdowns. While the 26-year-old has been productive when given the opportunity in his first season in San Francisco, his playing time upside is capped by the presence of superstar 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Robinson Jr. has yet to play more than 18 offensive snaps or log double-digit carries in any game this season. However, as the fantasy playoffs approach, Robinson Jr. could be worth rostering as a premium handcuff option. He's averaging a career-best 4.6 yards per rush attempt this season and would immediately profile as a starting fantasy running back if McCaffrey were to miss time due to injury. In leagues with 12 or more teams, Robinson Jr. could be worth rostering and stashing through San Francisco's Week 14 bye.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson posted modest production in his team's Week 13 loss to the New England Patriots, recording just three catches for 29 yards. However, the 24-year-old tied his single-game season-high with eight targets. Across the last five games he's played with Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Johnson has hauled in 19 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson also rarely leaves the field in New York, playing at least 89% of the Giants' offensive snaps in three out of the last four weeks. With the Giants on their bye week in Week 14, fantasy managers desperate for a win may be forced to drop Johnson. In leagues with 12 or more teams, Johnson could be worth targeting on the waiver wire and stashing through his bye week, given his favorable Week 15 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
From RotoBaller
After starting the season as the lead running back for the Houston Texans, Nick Chubb has now ceded the RB1 role to Texans rookie back Woody Marks (foot). Still, Chubb gets his share of touches each week for Houston and scored his third rushing touchdown of the season in the team's Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Perhaps most importantly for Chubb's production outlook, Marks briefly left the game against Indianapolis with a foot injury. While the 24-year-old was able to return and finish the contest, there's a chance the injury could linger and lead Houston to limit Marks' touches in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Chubb's upside is limited, but he's logged six games with double-digit rush attempts this season and could find the end zone against the Chiefs. In deeper fantasy leagues, Chubb could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 14.
From RotoBaller
In his first game action of the 2025 season, Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy recorded four catches for 36 yards on four targets in his team's Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Kennedy was signed off the practice squad leading into Week 13 to replace Lions wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle), and then forced into a more prominent role when star Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) exited the game early due to an ankle injury. Both Raymond and St. Brown are uncertain to play in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, which could mean another week with significant playing time for Kennedy. Outside of wide receiver Jameson Williams and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the injury-plagued Lions are desperate for pass-catching talent. Across 25 career NFL games, Kennedy has recorded 18 receptions for 231 yards on 30 targets. In deep fantasy leagues, he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire in case Raymond and St. Brown remain sidelined in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Across 12 games this season, Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant has recorded just 18 catches for 273 yards and a touchdown on 32 targets. However, the 22-year-old has played some of his best football in recent weeks. Over his last three games, Bryant has recorded nine catches for 167 yards on 15 targets. Bryant has earned at least six targets in each of the last two weeks, and he played a season-high 70% of Denver's offensive snaps in the team's Week 13 win over the Washington Commanders. While Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin are relatively established as the top two wide receivers in Denver, it appears Bryant is carving out a role down the stretch of the season. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Bryant is worth targeting on the waiver wire and stashing through Denver's Week 14 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys DE Jadeveon Clowney (hamstring), OT Tyler Guyton (ankle) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 2. OT Hakeem Adeniji (knee), CB Trevon Diggs (knee), and S Malik Hooker (back) were limited participants. CB DaRon Bland (foot, wrist), CB Caelen Carson (hamstring), DE Dante Fowler (shoulder), DE James Houston (foot, ankle), DT Osa Odighizuwa (elbow), WR George Pickens (calf, knee), WR KaVontae Turpin (shoulder) and S Donovan Wilson (neck) practiced in full on Friday and no longer appear on the injury report.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions OT Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest), S Kerby Joseph (knee), WR Kalif Raymond (ankle), OT Penei Sewell (shoulder) WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), TE Brock Wright (neck) and TE Shane Zylstra (knee) did not practice on Tuesday, Dec. 2. OG Kayode Awosika (foot), DB Brian Branch (toe, ankle), C Graham Glasgow (knee) and RB Sione Vaki (thumb) were limited in practice.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell saw just five carries for 20 yards and secured two of his three targets for 25 yards in a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. After delivering two straight performances as a fantasy RB1, Gainwell logged his lowest snap share since Week 9 and ceded both targets and goal-line work to Jaylen Warren. Though Gainwell should remain involved down the stretch, it's clear that Pittsburgh prioritizes Warren as its primary ballcarrier. In Week 14, Gainwell will face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, who have held running backs to the sixth-fewest fantasy points per contest and the 10th-fewest yards per carry over the past eight weeks. The game script could make Gainwell a necessary check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but fantasy managers should view him as a risky flex play on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf caught three of his five targets for 32 yards in a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. While he managed to find the end zone in Week 12, Metcalf has now gone five consecutive games without surpassing 50 receiving yards. Pittsburgh's offense has been incredibly ineffective lately, especially through the air, making it hard to rely on any of its pass-catchers. Metcalf remains the only Steelers wideout worth rostering for fantasy purposes, but he is far from a must-start at this point. The Baltimore Ravens, who have tightened up defensively over the past eight weeks, are on tap for Week 14. Fantasy managers in need of a safe floor should explore other options, but Metcalf's explosiveness and talent still give him enough upside to profile as a WR3 or flex play.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Fantasy Spin: This isn't good news for fantasy managers who roster St. Brown. The star didn't practice Monday after spraining his ankle in Week 13 against Green Bay. However, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell said that he isn't ready to rule out the Pro Bowler yet for Thursday's game against Dallas. This situation needs close monitoring with an eye down the depth chart for the next man up.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled 10 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for nine yards on four targets in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. In a game where almost everything went wrong for Pittsburgh, Warren was one of the lone bright spots. He gave the Steelers a 7-0 lead in the second quarter with a goal-line score, marking his fifth total touchdown of the season. In Week 14, he'll face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, who have been strong against the run over the past eight weeks. Given how poorly Pittsburgh's offense has played lately, it's unlikely Warren delivers any league-winning performances down the stretch, but he's been good enough individually to remain in lineups as a steady RB2.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph (knee) intends to return to the field this season despite being sidelined since Week 6 due to a nagging knee injury, multiple sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Joseph's injury is not considered career-altering, as some have speculated. The 25-year-old will seek treatment on his knee in the offseason, but he's hoping to be back on the field in the coming weeks. The Lions never put Joseph on Injured Reserve, and he was able to return to practice on Monday for the first time since his injury. He isn't going to be active this Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys, but it's possible he could return for a Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams. A reeling Lions defense would really benefit from the return of Joseph, who was a first-team All-Pro in 2024 when he had a career-high nine interceptions.
From RotoBaller
AtlantaFalcons wide receiver David Sills V hauled in two of his four targets for 15 yards and a touchdownin Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Jets. It was the second consecutive week in which the 29-year-old secured a touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins. Surely fantasy managers who were desperate enough to deploy Sills were happy with the results, but there may not be much room for this hot stretch to run with such low volume being directed at the veteran and with the potential for Drake London (knee) to return in Week 14 against the Seahawks. Interested managers may consider picking up the 6-foot-3 wideout off the waiver wire, then monitor practice reports for the rest of the week, and if London returns, cut bait with Sills. Seattle has been tough against the pass this season, but it's at least a home matchup in Atlanta on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier has been a headache all season long for fantasy managers. Allgeier is the backup to Bijan Robinson, but he continues to vulture touchdowns in goal-line situations. For example, Allgeier rushed eight times for 20 yards and a touchdown during last week's loss to the New York Jets. His touchdown plunge came from just one yard out after Robinson was held to no gain on the play before. This has been a theme all season long, as Allgeier has eight rushing touchdowns, but only 344 yards on the ground. That being said, Allgeier will remain a touchdown-dependent option ahead of the team's Week 14 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. It's a tough matchup for Allgeier against an elite Seahawks run defense (they allow the second-fewest rushing yards per game), so fantasy managers in 12-team formats should be able to find someone that isn't so reliant on TDs.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has earned a bigger role in the offense ever since his 118-yard performance in Week 9. Since then, Loveland has finished with 40 receiving yards in every game but one. Last week, Loveland saw six targets, which was the second-highest total of the year during the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 21-year-old figures to remain a consistent part of the passing game ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Loveland is on the TE1/2 borderline in fantasy football as he sees more involvement in Chicago's passing game, but he faces a difficult matchup this weekend. Green Bay has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to TEs in the last three games.
From RotoBaller