Thu Nov 27 9:49am ET
Field Level Media
The Miami Dolphins are finally headed in a positive direction.
The Dolphins (4-7) were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL when they lost seven of their first nine games.
But then they routed the Buffalo Bills 30-13 on Nov. 9, beat the Washington Commanders 16-13 in overtime in Madrid and now come off their bye week looking for a third consecutive win when they host the New Orleans Saints (2-9) on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla.
"The only way that you start a season with more losses than wins and then win games after that is guys learn, guys don't quit and guys are focused on the right stuff," Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said. "I think we've learned a lot in all of that."
The Dolphins have won consecutive games for the first time this season, but McDaniel said continued improvement will remain a week-to-week challenge.
"What lessons have we learned that we are going to apply to the Saints?" he said. "That will be the story for the remainder of the season. How well we focus on each individual opponent will have a direct correlation on our won-loss record."
McDaniel said the leadership and focus on improvement from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been "absolutely necessary and monumental for our team."
"The whole team has to keep moving with confidence in one direction," McDaniel said. "I think our team's growth in confidence and growth in style of play is a direct reflection and can be attributed to what Tua is doing."
What running back De'Von Achane has done has been important, as well. Achane, who had 120 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards against the Commanders, is averaging 115.5 yards from scrimmage.
New Orleans has a similar dual-threat running back in Alvin Kamara, but he will be out against the Dolphins because of a lingering sore ankle and a knee injury that knocked him out of a 24-10 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.
The absence of Kamara could further weaken an offense that didn't score a touchdown against the Falcons and hasn't reached the 20-point mark in any of the past six games.
"That's not the formula," said head coach Kellen Moore, who's also the offensive play caller. "We have to run the ball consistently well on first and second down and get in more favorable third downs. We have to finish drives with touchdowns. That's the most important factor. We've had moments. It's just about consistency, which will determine our ability to sustain it over the course of a game."
The Saints are last in the NFL in percentage of touchdowns scored in the red zone. They made three trips into the red zone against Atlanta and came away with a total of three points.
"You're not going to win when you don't score any touchdowns with the opportunities that you have," rookie quarterback Tyler Shough said. "Scoring is difficult and when you have an opportunity it becomes even more important to take advantage. It leaves a sour taste in your mouth when you can't finish."
The offense's failures were exacerbated by Blake Grupe missing two of three field-goal attempts, leading to his release Tuesday.
New Orleans signed Cade York to the practice roster, joining Charlie Smyth, who has yet to kick in an NFL game, in a competition to see which kicker will be active Sunday.
In addition to Kamara's injury, leading wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is questionable after missing practice Thursday and being a limited participant Friday. Rookie running back Devin Neal (ankle), who is Kamara's primary backup, and starting right tackle Taliese Fuaga (ankle), were limited in practice Wednesday but both are set to play.
For the Dolphins, tight end Darren Waller (pectoral), offensive tackle Austin Jackson (toe), defensive tackle Benito Jones (ankle) and cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle) are all considered questionable. Miami activated Waller and Jackson off injured reserve on Saturday.
Value Picks: Week 13
Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren (illness) is expected to play on Sunday against the Houston Texans, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Warren is listed as questionable as he battled a stomach virus, but all indications are that the rookie will be able to go for a key divisional game. The 23-year-old has excelled in his first 11 games in the NFL, securing 55 of his 74 targets for 662 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 13.3 PPR points per game. He will likely be relied on heavily again in Week 13 against the Texans and should be started in all fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson is riding a three-game touchdown streak and has recorded 10 receptions (11 targets) for 96 yards over that span as the team's top tight end. With Tyler Higbee (ankle) on Injured Reserve, Parkinson has taken over as the top tight end in a potent Rams offense. He has firmly established himself as a relevant option for fantasy, totaling the third most PPR points among tight ends in the last three games. The 26-year-old should be considered as a streamer again in Week 13 against a Carolina Panthers defense that has allowed the second-most receiving yards to opposing tight ends this season.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will play in Week 13's game versus the Buffalo Bills, even though he has at least three fractures in his left wrist, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Fantasy Spin: Despite these injuries, Rodgers was a full participant in the Steelers' final two practice sessions held during the week. He can be avoided in most leagues but can still be a starting option in two-quarterback fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez went 3-for-3 on field goals last week, including nailing one from 56 yards out, and is now 6-for-6 in three games as the team's place kicker. The 30-year-old is also perfect on extra points, going 6-for-6 over the three-game stretch. The team's third kicker this season has appeared to have brought some stability to the position, and will look to stay perfect on the road against the Jets in Week 13. He could have to deal with light rain in East Rutherford, but in a game with a low expected total (39.5) with the potential for stalled drives, Gonzalez could see a couple opportunities to convert field goals. Even so, the Arizona State product projects well outside the top 12, so there could be better options available in games with higher totals and/or being played indoors.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has operated as part of a committee in recent weeks after not having a major role early in the season. The third-year back holds a narrow lead in rush attempts over rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the past three games, recording 33 carries for 160 yards and two touchdowns compared to Croskey-Merritt with 32 rushes for 96 yards and no touchdowns. Rodriguez is the better fit down near the goal line with his ability to fight through tackles and consistently gain positive yardage. His upside for fantasy is capped a bit by his lack of involvement in the pass game, as Jeremy McNichols has handled that role for the bulk of the season, but Rodriguez holds weekly touchdown upside and should lead Washington's backfield in carries for the remainder of the season. However, it's a tough Week 13 matchup against a Denver Broncos defense that is allowing a league-best 3.6 yards per carry this season.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (pectoral) will play in Week 13's game against the New Orleans Saints, according to multiple sources.
Fantasy Spin: Waller was activated from the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Nov. 29, and will see his first game action this afternoon since Week 7. He had scored four touchdowns in his first three contests before being sidelined with a pectoral strain but should be viewed as a risky fantasy option in his first appearance following a long layoff.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike hauled in his second touchdown of the season in last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, finishing with five receptions for 44 yards on seven targets. His seven targets were tied for the team lead with rookie tight end Gunnar Helm. Since Week 7, Dike has emerged as a legitimate threat as a receiver for the Titans, leading the team with 19 receptions for 226 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets, averaging 10.7 PPR points per game in that five-game span. The rookie fourth-rounder has been dynamic with the ball in his hands, including as a return man, where he leads the league in all-purpose yards and with two punt return touchdowns. With rookie quarterback Cameron Ward also showing positive signs lately, Dike has flex appeal in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and ranks as RotoBaller's WR44 in PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III has performed well since being acquired at the trade deadline from the Philadelphia Eagles. Excluding his first game in New York where he only played eight offensive snaps, Metchie has recorded nine receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 10 targets while playing 84.5% of the snaps. The 25-year-old has more than doubled the next closest Jets pass catcher in receiving yards in the past two games, with fellow trade acquisition Adonai Mitchell the next closest at 52 yards. With Garrett Wilson (knee) on Injured Reserve, Metchie has the runway to lead the Jets' passing attack over the next few weeks. The offense was more functional last week with Tyrod Taylor under center, though it's still not a good offensive environment. Metchie has flex value in deeper leagues for Week 13 versus the Atlanta Falcons, ranking as RotoBaller's WR49 in PPR leagues.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Haason Reddick (ankle, knee) is expected to play in Week 13's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to a source. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging two limited practice sessions and one full session during the week.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) has been sidelined since Week 7 after suffering a broken collarbone during their loss to the Detroit Lions. Evans was expected to miss most of the remainder of the season with the injury, but head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week that he is on track to return before the end of the regular season. The veteran is eligible to have his practice window opened, but that hasn't happened just yet. Evans collected 14 receptions (32 targets) for 140 yards and a touchdown in the four games before going down and should reclaim his role as Tampa Bay's No. 1 wideout if he can return at some point. It's still unclear when Evans will return, but he is worth adding and stashing in leagues where he was dropped as more information comes out about his status.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks elevated S Quandre Diggs from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Nov. 29.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange hauled in all five of his targets for a career-high 93 yards in his return from injury in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals. It was encouraging to see Strange return to a full snap share and look healthy after being sidelined since Week 5 due to a hip injury. The third-year tight end has been solid in six games of action this season, averaging 4.2 receptions for 49.5 receiving yards on 4.8 targets per game. Strange will have more competition for targets on Sunday against the Titans with Brian Thomas Jr. returning, but he still projects as a solid option. Strange ranks as RotoBaller's TE12 in PPR leagues for Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal gave fantasy managers a dud during the Week 11 loss over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Vidal rushed the ball five times for 13 yards in the defeat. To be fair, the Chargers were getting blown out, so they basically had to abandon the rushing game. Vidal should return to his workhorse workload with Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) both sidelined in Week 13. He'll draw a favorable matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders defense this weekend. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable plugging Vidal in as a RB2 for this Week 13 matchup.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) has been activated off the injured reserve ahead of the Week 13 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Waller is ready to return to action after being sidelined since suffering a pectoral injury in Week 6. When healthy, Waller was a viable asset with four touchdowns over his first three games with the team. The expectation is that Waller will return to being a red-zone threat for the team this weekend. There is no word of the Dolphins easing Waller back into action. That being said, Waller should be a full-go and viewed as high-end TE2 for Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin was recently re-signed to the practice squad earlier in the week. Now, Gaskin will be signed to the active roster ahead of the Week 13 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The Seahawks are in need of another running back with George Holani (hamstring) heading to the injured reserve. Gaskin hasn't actually seen a rushing attempt since the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old will serve as a depth option behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was cleared by a spine specialist this week. That means, McMillan should be able to begin practicing as early as this upcoming week. The 23-year-old has been sidelined all season due to multiple broken bones in his neck. The hope is that McMillan will be able to contribute to this Bucs roster at some point. Once his practice window is opened, the Bucs will have 21 days to activate McMillan before he goes back to the injured reserve. It's unclear at the moment how much time he's going to need to get ready to play again. For now, McMillan isn't anything more than a possible deep league stash or dynasty hold.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) is set to start against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. Rodgers plans to suit up despite having multiple broken bones in his left (non-throwing) wrist. He sat out last week's game which forced Mason Rudolph into the starting role against the Chicago Bears. It appears Rodgers is feeling good enough to play after a week to rest. The injury shouldn't impact his throwing ability, but Rodgers isn't a great fantasy option anyway. He should be viewed on the lower end of QB2s for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte carries a high ceiling and low floor into Monday Night Football against the New York Giants in Week 13. Boutte has repeatedly shown that he's capable of big games, strengthening his rapport with Drake Maye deep downfield. However, he has also turned in plenty of duds, including last week's performance that saw him catch just two passes for 15 yards despite an impressive 80% snap share. Part of last week's quiet outing could be attributed to the tight end position; both Boutte and Stefon Diggs had just two catches while Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper feasted against the Cincinnati Bengals, combining for 10 catches, 154 yards, and a touchdown. With slightly less motivation to get the ball to his tight ends this week, Maye could look Boutte's way more often, especially against a Giants defense allowing the third-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. The 23-year-old certainly isn't the safest option, but he's worth the risk as a WR3/flex in deeper leagues. Boutte ranks as the overall WR52 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings for Week 13.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry feasted last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, catching seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. However, he might not find as much success against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 13. Henry exploded last week thanks to the Bengals being historically terrible against tight ends. The Giants' defense is much better, allowing the 12th-fewest receiving yards and 11th-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025. As a result, Henry will come back down to earth and is a longshot to replicate last week's performance. The veteran tight end had seven consecutive games with single-digit fantasy points before breaking out against the Giants, so managers shouldn't be surprised if he returns to that level of production in Week 13. As it stands, Henry ranks as the overall TE9 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy football rankings.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has a favorable matchup against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 13, but he's not a dependable fantasy starter as long as TreVeyon Henderson remains healthy. Stevenson returned from a three-week injury absence last Sunday and found himself relegated to the backup role; he played just 31% of the offensive snaps and logged a measly 10 scrimmage yards on seven touches. Henderson was far more productive and efficient on his 65% snap share and 21 touches. The rookie has officially taken over as the primary ball carrier in New England, leaving Stevenson stuck in a depth role. If he were more efficient, Stevenson would be a candidate to carve out standalone value in games with favorable matchups. However, he has just 3.19 yards per carry this year, including just 1.95 yards per carry over his last two games. With a small workload, Stevenson's inefficiency makes it nearly impossible for him to carve out any sort of production or fantasy value. The Giants have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025, but he ranks as the RB44 in RotoBaller's Week 13 rankings and can be benched in most leagues.
From RotoBaller