Falcons' fading hopes in Kirk Cousins' hands as team visits Jets

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.

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The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13

Player Notes
Jacoby Brissett Dec 2 10:00am CT
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has delivered multiple standout fantasy performances since becoming the team's starter in Week 6 while filling in for an injured Kyler Murray (foot). Brissett is averaging 312.6 passing yards on 43 attempts per game with 14 total touchdowns and four interceptions during that time. His 43 passes per game would be the highest in the league if he qualified. The high passing volume has made the 32-year-old signal-caller a strong streaming option, as he's cleared 300 yards passing in three straight games. Brissett draws a tougher matchup in Week 14, however, against a Los Angeles Rams defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

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Josh Downs Dec 2 9:50am CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has struggled lately, recording just five catches for 57 yards on 13 targets over the past three games. The 24-year-old hasn't been a major factor in the Colts' passing attack, taking a back seat to the team's other primary weapons. Downs mostly operates out of the slot, limiting him to three-wide receiver sets. The former 2022 third-round pick is still a useful player in deeper PPR leagues, but it's tough to trust him in 12-team leagues. He's totaled 40 receptions (59 targets) for 370 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games this season, averaging 8.5 PPR points. Downs at least has a more favorable Week 14 matchup against the Jaguars after facing the elite Texans defense last week.

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Brandon Aiyuk Dec 2 9:30am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) has yet to be physically cleared to return from a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus suffered in Week 7 last season, and it remains to be seen if he will. The 49ers reportedly voided guarantees in Aiyuk's four-year contract extension, which could lead to Aiyuk not suiting up for the 49ers this season. The Washington Commanders are one team to watch for if Aiyuk becomes available, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The 27-year-old Aiyuk is close with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former teammate at Arizona State. In addition, general manager Adam Peters was on staff when the 49ers drafted and extended Aiyuk, so he has a good understanding of Aiyuk as a player and person. Aiyuk, when healthy, is still an excellent player. He recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets in his last full season in 2023. Aiyuk would draw interest from multiple teams if he reaches free agency, and Washington is expected to be one of the top suitors.

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Tre Tucker Dec 2 9:10am CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker only had three catches for 20 yards in Week 13 against the Chargers, but he still served as the team's No. 1 wide receiver, playing 96% of snaps. No other receiver played more than 56% of snaps, and Tucker's three targets were behind only RB Ashton Jeanty's and TE Brock Bowers' target totals. Tucker had been even busier in the previous two weeks, drawing 18 targets in those two games from Geno Smith. He has multiple catches in each of his 12 games this season, totaling 44 catches for 550 yards and five touchdowns. The third-year receiver should stay very involved as the Raiders' top wide receiver moving forward, but he has tough matchups in Week 14 against the Broncos and Week 16 against the Texans. He does have potential upside, but will remain unreliable since the Raiders' offense has been scuffling so badly in recent weeks.

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Chimere Dike Dec 2 9:00am CT
Chimere Dike

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike has shown lots of big-play potential this season on both special teams and as a receiver. The fourth-round pick has a pair of punt return touchdowns and a pair of receiving scores this season and has hauled in 12 of his 17 targets for a total of 361 yards. With Calvin Ridley (fibula) done for the season, Dike and fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor should continue to get plenty of opportunities to work with Cam Ward. Dike has at least three targets in eight straight games and has been involved as a rusher. His big-play potential makes him a high-risk option in a flex spot, but he does bring upside if you're searching for receiver depth on the waiver wire. In Week 14, he faces the Browns before a more favorable matchup against the 49ers in Week 15.

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Isaac TeSlaa Dec 2 8:50am CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa caught both of his two targets for 35 yards and one touchdown in the Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Packers. The third-round rookie could be lined up for even more work in the next few weeks since both Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and Kalif Raymond (ankle) are battling injuries, which could move him up to second on the depth chart behind only Jameson Williams. With tight end Sam LaPorta (back) already out as well, the Lions will need pass-catchers to step up in Week 14's Thursday Night Football matchup with the Cowboys, who have been a great matchup for receivers this season. Even though he only has six catches for 100 yards this season, TeSlaa has three touchdowns, and in an expanded role, he's a high-risk option that you can plug straight into a flex spot as a strong streaming option in Week 14 if Raymond and St. Brown are sidelined.

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Andrei Iosivas Dec 2 8:40am CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has gotten extra playing time the last two weeks with Ja'Marr Chase (suspension) and Tee Higgins (concussion) missing time. Iosivas had four catches for 61 yards against the Patriots without Chase, but he only managed one catch for 29 yards against the Ravens. He still had a solid fantasy day, though, since his 29-yard catch went for a touchdown. With Higgins still in the concussion protocol as the week of preparation begins for the Bengals' trip to Buffalo, Iosivas could be in an expanded role again this week. If Higgins is out again, Iosivas will be a high-risk flex play with good upside since he should be set for more targets once again as Joe Burrow settles in and the Bengals try to make a late playoff push. Until Higgins is cleared, Iosivas still has solid fantasy value and potential.

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Devin Singletary Dec 2 8:30am CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary had 12 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots on Monday Night Football and added three catches for 34 more yards. He played 28 snaps (51%) compared to 27 for Tyrone Tracy Jr. (49%), who took some big hits and was ultimately carted to the locker room. Tracy has been banged up, and the Giants will likely be careful with him going forward, leaving more work potentially for Singletary. The Giants are on a bye in Week 14, but they have favorable matchups against the Commanders and Raiders in two of their next three contests. After getting double-digit carries in three straight games and scoring three touchdowns in that span, Singletary is definitely a low-end flex option in those favorable matchups following the bye.

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Luther Burden III Dec 2 8:20am CT
Luther Burden III

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has at least three catches in four straight games and has at least five targets in each of his last three. He led the team with four catches in their Black Friday win over the Eagles on a windy day in Philadelphia. While his yardage totals have been mediocre, the second-round rookie from Missouri is getting enough looks to eventually show off his big-play potential. Burden is clearly operating as the team's third receiver behind Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, playing over 50% of snaps the last two weeks ahead of Olamide Zaccheaus. Burden will remain a risky flex play against Green Bay in Week 14 with so many other options in the offense, but if you are looking for receiver depth, he's one of the top widely available options.

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Kayshon Boutte Dec 2 12:20am CT
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte posted four catches for 35 yards and a touchdown on five targets in Monday night's win over the New York Giants. Boutte finished the game tied with tight end Hunter Henry for the team lead in receptions and continued his breakout campaign. The 23-year-old has emerged as a legitimate threat for New England in his third season, recording 29 receptions (38 targets) for 481 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns in 11 games. He's developed a great connection with breakout quarterback Drake Maye on downfield targets and ranks third in the league among wide receivers with 16.6 yards per reception. Boutte should remain a viable flex option in fantasy football following New England's Week 14 bye, when the Patriots take on the division-rival Buffalo Bills.

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Darius Slayton Dec 2 12:10am CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton hauled in two of his three targets for 41 yards and his first touchdown of the season in Monday night's loss to the New England Patriots. Slayton led the Giants in receiving in the game and found the end zone for the first time since Week 17 of last season. The 28-year-old hasn't been a huge factor for the Giants this season, totaling 26 receptions for 407 yards and one touchdown on 39 targets in 10 games. He's operated as the No. 3 option in the passing game behind Wan'Dale Robinson and tight end Theo Johnson in recent weeks and has returned fringe flex value in fantasy football. Slayton and the Giants head into their Week 14 bye before facing the Washington Commanders in Week 15.

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Jaxson Dart Dec 2 12:00am CT
Jaxson Dart

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart returned in Week 13 against the New England Patriots after missing the past two games due to a concussion, completing 17 of 24 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown while adding four rushes for 20 yards on the ground. Dart wasn't as active as a runner in his first game back from injury, with the four carries being his fewest in a game as a starter. He still took a huge hit on a scramble on the Giants' second drive of the game, but he managed to avoid any big collisions from that point forward. Despite the blowout loss on Monday night, the 22-year-old has been impressive in eight starts this season, completing 63.6% of his passes for 1,556 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions to go with 61 carries for 337 yards and seven touchdowns as a runner. Dart will get a chance to regroup during the team's bye in Week 14. The first-rounder will next take the field in Week 15 against the division-rival Commanders, the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues.

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Devin Singletary Dec 1 11:40pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary handled 12 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions (three targets) for 34 yards in Monday night's loss to the New England Patriots. Singletary led the Giants in rushing and finished second on the team in receiving as he eclipsed 100 yards from scrimmage for the first time this season. The veteran running back could be in line to lead New York's backfield moving forward, too, after Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip) was carted off the field in the fourth quarter after suffering a hip injury. The severity of Tracy's injury is currently unclear, but it would be another big loss to a Giants team that has already lost rookie running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) for the season. Singletary had an impressive 22-yard rushing touchdown in Monday night's game against the Patriots and would be in line for a workhorse role if Tracy ends up missing time. The Giants are on a bye in Week 14, though, which will give Tracy extra time to recover.

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Drake Maye Dec 1 11:20pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns while adding six carries for 12 yards on the ground in Monday night's 33-15 win over the New York Giants. Maye continued his MVP-caliber season with his sixth performance this season where he completed at least 75% of his passes with two or more touchdown passes, which ties Matt Ryan's 2016 MVP season for the third most in NFL history, according to ESPN Insights. The 23-year-old signal-caller threw both touchdowns in the first half, including another beautiful deep ball to rookie receiver Kyle Williams for a 33-yard score in the second quarter before throttling down in the second half. Maye has taken the leap into stardom in his second season and is right in the thick of the MVP conversation as New England heads into their Week 14 bye.

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Tyrone Tracy Jr. Dec 1 10:10pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip) was carted off the field after suffering a hip injury during his team's Week 13 matchup against the New England Patriots on Monday night. Dan Salomone of Giants.com reports that Tracy Jr. is officially questionable to return. The 26-year-old back recorded 10 carries for 36 yards and one catch for -3 yards before being forced to exit the game. If he's unable to return, veteran running back Devin Singletary would be in line to handle most of New York's backfield work for the remainder of Week 13. While the exact nature of Tracy Jr.'s injury is unclear, an extended absence for Tracy Jr. would be a major loss for the Giants. With rookie running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) on Injured Reserve, Singletary would be the last back standing in New York and could be in line for a significant workload increase going forward.

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Harold Fannin Jr. Dec 1 9:50pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Across 12 games this season, Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has recorded 51 catches for 505 yards and three touchdowns on 74 targets. While the 21-year-old's numbers do not jump off the page, he's emerged as a consistent piece of the Browns' offense. Entering Week 14, Fannin Jr. has earned at least five targets in seven consecutive games and 10 out of 12 total games this season. Fannin Jr. has also earned 11 targets across the two contests since Shedeur Sanders took over the starting quarterback job in Cleveland, the highest number of any Browns pass-catcher. The overall struggles of his team's offense limit Fannin Jr.'s upside. Still, he provides a solid production floor as a low-end starting tight end option in PPR fantasy leagues. Heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Fannin Jr. should be a waiver-wire target in PPR leagues with 12 or more teams.

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Zach Ertz Dec 1 9:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz had a huge game in Week 13, recording 10 catches for 106 yards on 13 targets in an overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Across 12 games this season, the 35-year-old has hauled in 49 catches for 493 yards and four touchdowns on 70 targets. It's worth noting that Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota attempted 50 passes in Week 13, a level of pass volume that is highly unlikely to repeat in future weeks. However, Washington could be getting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) back as soon as Week 14, which would be a boost for Ertz. All four of Ertz's four touchdown receptions this season have come in the six games Daniels has been healthy for. The Commanders will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. In leagues where he is available on the waiver wire, Ertz could be a solid streaming option for fantasy managers to target at the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Dec 1 9:40pm CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) returned from a pectoral injury that caused him to miss more than a month in Week 13, recording two catches for 47 yards on three targets against the New Orleans Saints. Waller has appeared in just five games this season due to multiple injuries, but he's recorded four touchdown catches in that span. The Dolphins limited Waller to a 47% snap share in Week 13, which is a trend that may continue given the 33-year-old's extensive injury history. However, Waller has proven to be a red-zone target for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which gives him streamer appeal for fantasy managers at the tight end position. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Waller could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a streamer or injury replacement heading into a Week 14 matchup against the New York Jets.

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Devaughn Vele Dec 1 9:30pm CT
Devaughn Vele

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele had a monster game in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, recording eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. The 27-year-old has now earned 15 targets over his last two games played and emerged as the clear WR2 in New Orleans alongside star wideout Chris Olave. In three games since former Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, Vele has played 87%, 89%, and 88% of New Orleans' offensive snaps. Vele has proven to be a moderately productive player when given the opportunity. Across 24 career NFL games, he's hauled in 58 receptions for 659 yards and five touchdowns on 83 targets. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Vele is worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Brenton Strange Dec 1 9:20pm CT
Brenton Strange

Across two games since returning from a hip injury that forced him to miss nearly two months, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has recorded eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. The 24-year-old has emerged as one of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence's most-trusted weapons in 2025. Strange has earned at least five targets in four out of the six full games he's played this season. The Jaguars have also shown a willingness to play Strange a heavy snap share, as he played 84% of the team's offensive snaps in their Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans. While the Jaguars have a pair of capable target earners in wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr., wideout Parker Washington (hip) went down with a hip injury in Week 13 that could cause him to miss time. As a result, Strange could be in line for a target bump. He should be a waiver wire target in all fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.

From RotoBaller