49ers focused on limiting damage by Browns' Myles Garrett

Thu Nov 27 10:11am ET
Field Level Media

Two defenses coming off impressive performances set their targets on history-defying young quarterbacks when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.

Brock Purdy will be looking for a third consecutive victory, while Shedeur Sanders will be seeking to deliver the Browns their first winning streak of the season when the former low-round draft choices go head-to-head for the first time.

The start will be the 41st for Purdy, the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 draft. He already ranks fourth all-time in touchdown passes among seventh-round picks with 72. That is 71 more than Sanders, the rookie fifth-rounder who notched his first last Sunday in a 24-10 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is impressed with Sanders, Cleveland's third different starting QB this season.

"You could tell how important it is to him and how much work he's going to put into it," Saleh said. "A guy who's as good as gifted as he is, both physically and mentally, and with the confidence he has, you just know he's going to get better."

Purdy suffered his first career defeat as a starter after 10 straight wins bridging his rookie and second seasons when he was sacked three times and intercepted once in the 49ers' most recent trip to Cleveland, a 19-17 loss in Week 6 of the 2023 campaign.

Now 25 and in his fourth NFL season, he was able to overcome three interceptions when the 49ers (8-4) rode a stingy defense to a 20-9 home win over the Carolina Panthers on Monday night. Purdy was not sacked in the game.

Six days later, he'll have to deal with one of the top defenses in the league. Having held the Raiders to 268 total yards while sacking Geno Smith 10 times, the Browns (3-8) entered the week ranked second in the NFL in yards allowed (273.0) and sacks (42.0).

Myles Garrett was credited with three of the sacks and also forced two fumbles. He had six hits on Smith in all.

"He's the best in the league," Purdy assured reporters this week. "I can't be holding onto the ball too long."

Having recorded four sacks on Baltimore's Lamar Jackson in Week 11, Garrett will be attempting to become the first in the NFL since 1982 (when the stat was first recorded) to register three or more sacks in three straight games.

The San Francisco defense dominated Monday's win over the Panthers. Led by Bryce Huff, who helped pressure Bryce Young into a 169-yard performance, and Ji'Ayir Brown, who intercepted Young twice, the 49ers held an opponent to under 10 points for the first time since a 34-3 win at Jacksonville in November of 2023.

They'll take aim this week at Sanders, who earned a second start after throwing for 209 yards and just one interception against the Raiders.

The son of former 49ers star Deion Sanders expects better of himself this week.

"I'm never comfortable in a situation I'm in," the 23-year-old said. "I always want to exceed expectations, and I always want to grow in each and every week."

The matchup of Purdy and Sanders is the first this season between quarterbacks taken in the fifth round or later.

The 49ers watched the New Orleans Saints' Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round pick in 2024, burn them for three TD passes in Week 2, but that was against former first-rounder Mac Jones, who was subbing for an injured Purdy.

San Francisco will turn to Matt Gay at kicker for the second straight game as Eddy Pineiro was once again ruled out with a right hamstring injury. The 49ers also listed defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) and linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) as out.

The Browns won't have tight end Brenden Bates (ankle), defensive end Alex Wright (quadricep) or defensive tackle Adin Huntington (quadricep). Running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is questionable.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 30 11:00am CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) is officially active on Sunday versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. Okonkwo will continue to play through a nagging foot injury that he's dealt with since late October. The Titans will also be getting rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) back after he missed last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Ayomanor's return is not good news for Okonkwo, who has 35 receptions on 46 targets for 377 yards and no touchdowns on the season. Okonkwo shouldn't be viewed as much more than a TE3 in fantasy football as he continues to share snaps pretty evenly with rookie Gunnar Helm in one of the worst offenses in the NFL. He has gone over 50 receiving yards just three times in 11 games in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 30 11:00am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (knee) is officially active for Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Theo Mackie of AZCentral.com. Knight was a limited participant every day in practice this week, but there weren't any real doubts about his status for Sunday. He should be expected to lead the Arizona backfield in touches, with Michael Carter also playing a sizable role, as both Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) were ruled out. The 24-year-old has scored in back-to-back weeks, totaling 23 touches for 77 yards from scrimmage in that time. Knight projects as a low-end RB3/FLEX in Week 13 against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Nov 30 11:00am CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 13, is officially active for Sunday's game against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Ford will suit up this weekend, but fantasy managers are in some serious trouble if they are forced to play the 26-year-old in starting lineups. He was out-snapped by rookie Dylan Sampson in last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the No. 2 role behind rookie Quinshon Judkins, carrying the ball just once for a loss of three yards. Ford has seen exactly one rushing attempt in each of the last three games, and he hasn't had more than two carries in a game since Oct. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. With both Judkins and Sampson healthy, Ford is unlikely to see much work out of Cleveland's backfield against San Fran in inclement weather conditions.

From RotoBaller

Braxton Berrios Nov 30 10:53am CT
Braxton Berrios

The Houston Texans have declared WR Braxton Berrios, LB Jamal Hill, OT Jarrett Kingston, OG Laken Tomlinson and QB Graham Mertz inactive for Week 13.

From TheHuddle

Darren Waller Nov 30 10:50am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral), who was activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday, is officially active for Sunday's contest against the visiting New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Waller is ready to return after missing four games due to a pectoral strain. The 33-year-old veteran's return will mean less playing time for Greg Dulcich, who had become a stash option for fantasy managers in deep leagues. Waller should become one of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's top targets in the passing game again with receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the year, but fantasy managers will want to be wary about starting him right away in his first game back. Waller has only played in four games in 2025 after coming out of retirement, so there's a good chance Miami will limit his snaps this Sunday. He should be stashed in most formats, though, after he had four touchdown receptions on 10 catches earlier this year.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Nov 30 10:50am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is officially active for Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Olave was dealing with back spasms earlier in the week and missed Thursday's practice, but was expected to still suit up and is now officially active. The 25-year-old has had a strong season so far, recording 69 receptions for 734 yards and four touchdowns on 108 targets in 11 games. Olave ranks as RotoBaller's WR18 in PPR leagues for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Nov 30 10:50am CT
Elic Ayomanor

As expected, Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) is active for Sunday's divisional clash against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. A hamstring injury caused Ayomanor to miss the first game of his career in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but he'll be back this weekend. The 22-year-old will be in play as a low-end WR4/flex for fantasy managers in his return. Remember, Calvin Ridley (leg) will miss the rest of the year with a broken fibula. The fourth-rounder will get his opportunities to close out his first season in the NFL, but his ceiling is on the low side in one of the worst offenses in football. Through his first 10 games, Ayomanor has a 28-334-2 line on 59 targets. His return will make fellow rookie Chimere Dike a little less attractive as a deep-league flex option. Ayomanor has gone over 50 receiving yards just once in his last eight games, and he hasn't scored since Sept. 21 against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 30 10:43am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is active for Week 13's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Fantasy Spin: Mayfield had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging one limited practice session and one full session during the week. He has thrown multiple touchdowns just once in his last five games and will not be playing at 100 percent this afternoon, so he should be viewed as a somewhat risky QB2 option in fantasy leagues for now.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Warren Nov 30 10:40am CT
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren (illness) is officially active for the Week 13 divisional clash on Sunday against the visiting Houston Texans, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Warren was a late addition to this week's injury report on Saturday and was listed as questionable due to an illness. The 23-year-old might not be 100% himself for Sunday's game, but fantasy managers need to leave him in their starting lineups as one of the team's top pass-catchers in 2025. Warren enters Week 13 action with 55 receptions for 662 yards and three touchdowns on 74 targets. He is second on the team in both catches and targets, and leads the Colts in receiving yards through 12 weeks. Although the matchup isn't great against the No. 1 defense in the NFL, Warren is still firmly inside the top 10 at the TE position in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Nov 30 10:30am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) was ruled out for Week 13 against the Denver Broncos, but has a chance to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. After dislocating his left elbow in Washington's Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Daniels was a limited participant every day in practice this week and will have an opportunity to return after missing just four games. Daniels has expressed the desire to return to action despite the Commanders' 3-8 record and after dealing with knee and hamstring injuries earlier in the year. Marcus Mariota will continue filling in as Washington's starter until Daniels is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 30 10:30am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) has been cleared to play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the future Hall of Fame signal-caller will be playing through at least three fractures in his left (non-throwing) wrist. Rodgers' main wrist fracture was non-displaced, though, which means he was able to avoid surgery. He will be back on the field in Week 13 after sitting out the team's Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears. Rapoport reports that Rodgers has gained even more respect in Pittsburgh because of how he's handled this injury. Rodgers' left-wrist fractures shouldn't really affect him throwing the football, but he could have difficulty taking snaps under center on Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider him a low-end QB2/high-end QB3 against the visiting Bills.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Nov 30 10:20am CT
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins earned a season high of nine targets in last week's win over the Buffalo Bills, recording four receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown. Higgins could have had a much bigger day, but just narrowly missed on a few passes from quarterback Davis Mills. The rookie has emerged as a legitimate No. 2 option for Houston opposite Nico Collins, securing at least four catches in five of the last seven games. Higgins will look to continue his promising production in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts, with C.J. Stroud (concussion) making his return after missing the last three games. With his expanding role and growing target share, Higgins is a viable flex option in 12-team leagues for Week 13 and beyond.

From RotoBaller

Talanoa Hufanga Nov 30 10:20am CT
Talanoa Hufanga

Denver Broncos defensive back Talanoa Hufanga (illness) is under the weather and is now considered questionable to play in Week 13 against the hosting Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football due to an illness, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Hufanga could be a game-time decision for the late game on Sunday evening. The 25-year-old has managed to stay healthy in 2025 in his first year in Denver and is having a fine season, recording 76 tackles (44 solo), nine pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 11 starts, putting him in play in IDP fantasy formats. However, he could miss the team's first game coming out of their bye week, which would leave the Broncos' secondary a little bit more vulnerable. Still, Denver's defense/special teams unit should be considered a must-start in fantasy against backup quarterback Marcus Mariota and Washington.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Nov 30 10:10am CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney scored his first touchdown of the season in Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, hauling in all three targets for 74 yards. It was also Mooney's most receiving yards in a game this season as he took advantage of star wide receiver Drake London (knee) being sidelined. With London ruled out again for Week 13, Mooney should be in line to lead the Atlanta passing attack again versus the New York Jets. The 28-year-old has a solid rapport with quarterback Kirk Cousins and should be able to exploit a Jets defense that traded away its two best defenders at the deadline. Mooney ranks as RotoBaller's WR32 in PPR formats for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Warren Nov 30 9:40am CT
Tyler Warren

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

Colby Parkinson Nov 30 9:40am CT
Colby Parkinson

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

Aaron Rodgers Nov 30 9:23am CT
Aaron Rodgers

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

Zane Gonzalez Nov 30 9:20am CT
Zane Gonzalez

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

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Nov 30 9:20am CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

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

Darren Waller Nov 30 9:03am CT
Darren Waller

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