Thu Nov 27 10:01am ET
Field Level Media
Desperate for a win to keep their slim postseason hopes alive, the Atlanta Falcons will look to extend their recent success against the New York Jets on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
Atlanta (4-7), which has won three straight road games against the Jets dating back to 2009, snapped a five-game losing streak last week with a 24-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
As the team watched its playoff chances continue to dwindle, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins took over for the injured Michael Penix Jr., who suffered a season-ending partially torn ACL on Nov. 16.
Cousins, who was given $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints. The 37-year-old is eager to prolong his second chance under center on Sunday.
"Now you've got to stack them," Cousins said of earning his first win of the year. "That's always a challenge, can you stack them? That's where we find ourselves now."
The team will prepare for New York quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who's faced Atlanta once as a member of the Buffalo Bills in 2017 -- when coach Raheem Morris was an assistant for the Falcons. Taylor has thrown for four touchdowns and four interceptions in four games -- including two starts -- this season.
"Tyrod's been around for a long time," Morris said. "He does a nice job of delivering the football out of his hands, getting it to different people. He knows how to do that. He's done that for a while. He's always been a master of the offense. He's been in this league as a backup for a lot of years. He's done a great job of learning multiple offenses, really being able to train people, becoming that extra coach on the grass. When he's had his opportunities to play, he's played well."
New York (2-9) has been playing for 2026 for the majority of the season. The Jets have dropped their last two games and are slated to miss the postseason for the 15th straight year.
When asked about the team being better off losing to obtain a more favorable draft pick, New York coach Aaron Glenn cited former head coach Herm Edwards' iconic 2002 rant.
"I'm going to give a line that you guys have heard before. You play the game to win," Glenn said. "It's not in a coach or player's mentality to go out there and lose games. We're not built that way. ... Any time we step on the grass, we're trying to improve."
Taylor is facing Atlanta defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who served in the same role for the Jets before becoming New York's interim head coach for the final 12 games of 2024.
"Coach Ulbrich has those guys flying to the football, as his defenses have always done. Looking forward to the matchup, the challenge that they pose for us this weekend," Taylor said. "It's always a chess match when you're going against the defensive coordinator. My mindset is just executing our game plan and doing it to the best of my ability each and every play, and putting the guys in the right position to go out and score points and take advantage of sustaining drives."
Atlanta will be without leading receiver Drake London (knee) for the second game in a row and the team also ruled out linebackers Josh Woods (hamstring) and Malik Verdon (shoulder). Starting right guard Chris Lindstrom (foot) is questionable.
For New York, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (foot) and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (hip) are questionable.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) upgraded to a full practice on Tuesday, according to Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas. Pickens is on the injury report for the second straight week with multiple injuries and was listed as limited on Monday. The 24-year-old was removed from last week's injury report and played 74% of the offensive snaps in the win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday, hauling in six of a season-high 13 targets for 88 yards. Pickens has taken off with his move to Dallas and currently is the WR2 in half-PPR scoring through 13 weeks with 73 receptions on 105 targets for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games. He's tied for seventh among all wideouts (with Justin Jefferson) in targets (105), is tied for fifth in receptions (with Chris Olave and Wan'Dale Robinson), and is second in the NFL in receiving yards. Pickens should be active on Thursday and is a must-start against the Detroit Lions in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts signed former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe to their practice squad on Tuesday, a source told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Grupe was recently cut by the Saints, but he'll latch on with another team quickly after impressing the Colts during a workout on Tuesday. The 27-year-old will be replacing Michael Badgley, who was waived on Tuesday after missing his third extra point of the season in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans. In addition to Grupe, the Colts also worked out kickers Justin Tucker and Maddux Trujillo. Grupe, 27, will be Indy's placekicker this weekend for a crucial divisional battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before getting cut by the Saints, he went 18-for-26 on field goals and 15-for-15 on his extra-point tries in 11 games. Fantasy managers should be looking elsewhere for a more reliable kicking option in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor's playing time in the offense has remained steady, but he hasn't been a big factor in the passing game lately. Since scoring his first touchdown of the season in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the rookie has recorded just 10 receptions for 76 yards on 15 targets in four games. The Jets' poor offensive environment limits his fantasy upside, and he's been overshadowed by the team's trade-deadline acquisitions of receivers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. The rookie second-rounder still has intriguing upside for the long term, but he will be tough to trust in fantasy lineups with the playoffs approaching in Week 15 in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was held to two catches for 14 yards on three targets in the team's 26-8 win over the Browns on Sunday. He now has five catches on nine targets for 20 yards since returning from his PCL injury in Week 11. High winds in Cleveland limited the effectiveness of the 49ers' passing attack, as quarterback Brock Purdy completed just 16 of his 29 pass attempts in the game. Jauan Jennings, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey accounted for half of the team's targets, leaving Pearsall once again the odd man out. The 49ers get a bye in Week 14, but Pearsall may be worth a stash. In Weeks 15 through 17, Pearsall will see favorable matchups against the Titans, Colts, and Bears, which could lead to a boon in production over the fantasy football playoffs.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings caught four of a team-high six targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in the team's 26-8 win over the Browns in Week 13. With Sunday's trip to the end zone, Jennings now has a touchdown reception in four of the 49ers' last five games. The 28-year-old has ranked first or second in team targets in every game going back to Week 7, though that has not equated to fantasy success. Jennings has had 45 receiving yards or fewer during that stretch, his recent spate of touchdowns salvaging otherwise mediocre production. The 49ers are on bye in Week 14, but Jennings will have a chance to step things up against some generous opponents in the fantasy football playoffs. In Weeks 15 through 17, San Francisco faces the Titans, Colts, and Bears, all of which rank in the top ten in points allowed to opposing wide receivers.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor completed 19 of 33 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown while adding eight carries for 44 yards and a rushing score in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Taylor led the Jets to their third win of the season in his second straight start in place of Justin Fields. He found receiver Adonai Mitchell for a 52-yard touchdown en route to a career day for the second-year wideout. The 36-year-old Taylor has performed well and figures to remain the team's starter going forward. His rushing ability gives him a decent floor for fantasy production, and he's produced the ninth-most fantasy points among quarterbacks in the past two games. Taylor could be worth adding and plugging in as a streamer for Week 14 against the Miami Dolphins in two-QB fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson's three-game touchdown streak came to an end in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers, but he's held steady as the team's top tight end over the past few weeks with Tyler Higbee (ankle) on Injured Reserve. Parkinson still tied for second on the team with receiver Davante Adams in targets during Sunday's game, recording four receptions for 27 yards on five targets. The 26-year-old trails only the Rams' big three of Puka Nacua, Adams, and Kyren Williams in snap share (61.3%) since Week 9 and has been productive in that time, totaling 16 receptions (18 targets) for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Parkinson is a touchdown-dependent fantasy option, but he's been a quality streamer in a potent Rams passing attack. He's a worthwhile waiver-wire addition ahead of Week 14's matchup against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The 35-year-old was traded to Minnesota from the Carolina Panthers before the start of the regular season, but things didn't pan out in his return to Minnesota, as he was ultimately released following Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks after being a healthy inactive for the first time this season in Week 13. Thielen recorded just eight receptions for 69 yards on 18 targets in 11 games with the Vikings, but he now lands with a Steelers team that needs help at the wide receiver position. D.K. Metcalf leads Pittsburgh with 605 receiving yards, but no other Pittsburgh pass-catcher is above 300 yards. Thielen could immediately slot in as the No. 2 wide receiver, but he isn't worth fantasy consideration at this time, outside of deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle led the team with 67 receiving yards in their 26-8 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Kittle had five targets and tied for the team high with four catches on a day when quarterback Brock Purdy completed just 16 passes. Almost half of his yardage came on San Francisco's last snap of the first half, when Purdy hit Kittle on a 33-yard bomb that set up a chip-shot field goal for Matt Gay before halftime. Kittle finished outside of top-12 territory for the first time since Week 9, but is working on a four-game streak with at least four catches and 67 receiving yards. The 49ers are on bye in Week 14, but will see favorable matchups in the fantasy football playoffs with games against the Titans, Colts, and Bears.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Darius Slay have mutually agreed to part ways, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Slay wants to keep playing and will consider signing with other teams. The Steelers signed cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster in a corresponding move. Slay signed with the Steelers during the offseason, but it's been a poor season for the 34-year-old cornerback, who has allowed a league-high 126.7 passer rating in coverage, according to PFF. The veteran will likely draw interest and be picked up by a contending team in the coming days.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey handled 20 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown in the team's 26-8 win over the Browns in Week 13. He also caught all four of his targets for 21 receiving yards. Sunday's game was just the third time this season that McCaffrey finished with fewer than 100 scrimmage yards, and his four targets were a season low. Still, the two-time All-Pro finished as a top-12 running back in PPR scoring for the twelfth time in 13 weeks. Fantasy football managers will have to do without McCaffrey's services in Week 14 while the 49ers are on bye. Those lucky enough to have sewn up a spot in the fantasy football playoffs get to look forward to a matchup against the Titans in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts waived kicker Michael Badgley on Tuesday after he missed his third extra point of the season in the Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. The Colts held kicker tryouts on Tuesday, so the move doesn't come as a huge surprise. The 30-year-old took over for the injured Spencer Shrader (knee) in Week 6 in Indy and will finish with 10 field goals made on 11 attempts (2-for-3 from 50-plus yards) and 18 extra points made on 21 attempts over seven games. Former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was among the kickers who tried out for the Colts on Tuesday, but it remains to be seen if he'll be signed. Fantasy managers will probably want to avoid Indy's placekicking situation as they head into a crucial divisional game this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), who suffered a low-grade ankle sprain in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday, is up in the air for the Week 14 game this Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys. "I'm not sure right now, if I'm being honest. It's still up in the air. I'ma try to be out there for the guys, for my teammates, but I couldn't answer that question right now," St. Brown said when asked about his chances of playing against Dallas. The 26-year-old has yet to practice this week, leaving St. Brown on the wrong side of questionable for Week 14. Head coach Dan Campbell said that St. Brown will play if he's able to, but he'll likely have to practice on Wednesday to avoid being ruled out entirely. If St. Brown cannot go on Thursday, Jameson Williams could be in line for another massive target share, with rookie Isaac TeSlaa also in play as a touchdown-dependent flex in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has six catches on 10 targets for 54 yards and no touchdowns in his first two games back from Injured Reserve. Gesicki caught four of six targets for a season-high 35 yards in his first game back in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots, and he followed that up with a two-catch, 19-yard game on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday in the win over the Baltimore Ravens. Fellow tight ends Tanner Hudson, Drew Sample, and Noah Fant all had one catch apiece, combining for 31 receiving yards. The 30-year-old Gesicki has yet to find the end zone in eight games played in 2025 in his second year in Cincy, and it's probably going to be difficult for him to produce every week with Hudson, Sample, and Fant all involved. That will especially be the case whenever receiver Tee Higgins returns from a concussion. Heading into Week 14 against the Bills, Gesicki should be considered a low-end TE2/high-end TE3 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm led the team in targets for a second straight game in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. While his six catches on seven targets totaled only 23 yards, he has recently become a primary option in a Titans' passing game with no clear Alpha. His 12 receptions over the past two weeks trail only Trey McBride at the tight end position and are second only to Ashton Jeanty amongst all rookies. With favorable matchups in two out of three fantasy playoff games, Helm is a readily available waiver option that can be used as part of a streaming committee down the stretch, particularly in full-PPR leagues.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch returned to Earth on Sunday after back-to-back games in which he caught at least six passes for over 50 yards and a score. Not coincidentally, these games coincided with the two-game absence of Marvin Harrison Jr. following the second-year wideout's emergency appendectomy. With Harrison back in the lineup for a Week 13 loss to the Buccaneers, Dortch caught only two passes for 14 yards. However, Harrison finished the game with a heel injury that now threatens to sideline him yet again. Fantasy managers need to monitor Arizona's injury report heading into their Week 14 matchup with the Rams, but should Harrison miss any time, Dortch enters back into the flex conversation, while Michael Wilson slots back in as the WR1 in a fantasy-friendly Cardinals offense.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox was on the field for 53 offensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Steelers, a team-high amongst all non-QB skill position players. His four targets also tied for the team lead on a day in which Josh Allen attempted only 23 total passes. Unfortunately, Knox finished the day with only three catches for 28 yards. He has not scored a touchdown since Week 6, and despite playing the past three games with a combination of a benched Keon Coleman and an injured Dalton Kincaid, he has averaged 2.3 receptions for 22.7 yards. With Kincaid able to return to practice on a limited basis last week, there is an expectation that he could be back for the Bills' Week 14 matchup with the Bengals, officially closing the window on any streaming consideration for Knox.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine returned to action on Thanksgiving after missing two games with an ankle injury, and he was given his largest workload of the season, carrying the ball 14 times and earning an additional two targets. While he ended the day with only 54 total yards and a fumble, his role in a rare positive game script against the Ravens was notable. With Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow back under center and looking like himself following a nine-game absence, the salting away of late leads could become more commonplace for Cincinnati. While Perine's standalone value is likely not enough to warrant flex consideration, he is a trusted veteran who can handle a heavy workload and would become a must-start should Chase Brown miss any time down the stretch.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is fresh off a Thanksgiving game in Week 13, where he was the WR3 for fantasy. Wicks put up his best game of the season, notching 94 yards on six receptions while bringing in two touchdowns in their win over the Lions. The Packers' pass-catching carousel seems to turn and turn, featuring different wide receivers heading up their production throughout the season. While Wicks has been on the field much more in recent weeks, a logjam is coming soon. Jayden Reed is poised to return to the Packers' lineup soon, as is Matthew Golden. Christian Watson has been excellent over the past several weeks, and Romeo Doubs remains a constant as well. Unfortunately, Wicks' Week 13 performance is likely the exception rather than the rule. Those in deep fantasy leagues may find Wicks useful as a flex option in the Packers' Week 14 game against Chicago, but typical 12-team formats may have more consistent fantasy options than Wicks this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs had an excellent stretch of fantasy viability from Week 4 to Week 9, with three games among the top-25 wide receivers. From Week 10 to now, Doubs has disappointed fantasy managers with lackluster production. He's averaged just 6.8 fantasy points per game in the four-game stretch starting in Week 10, and is averaging three receptions and 25 yards per game. Doubs has taken a backseat to not just the running game, but also Christian Watson, who has exceeded Doubs' production in recent weeks. With the impending return of Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden into the Packers' wide receiver rotation, Doubs' production could be a bit more sporadic. Against the Chicago Bears in Week 14, Doubs is still a low-end flex option, but one that's much harder to trust than in the middle of the season.
From RotoBaller