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.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Dontayvion Wicks Dec 4 12:00pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) had by far his best game of the season in last Thursday's Thanksgiving Day win over the Detroit Lions, catching six of his seven targets for a season-high 94 yards and his first two touchdowns of the year. The 24-year-old injured his calf in Week 7 and missed Weeks 8 and 9. He's now listed on Green Bay's Week 14 injury report with an ankle injury, and he was limited in Wednesday's practice. It's something to keep an eye on for fantasy managers who are considering streaming Wicks as a WR4/flex against a Bears defense that has allowed the eighth-most half-PPR points to opposing WRs. Wicks will be very boom/bust as he looks for a second straight big game. Keep in mind that Wicks had not gone over 44 receiving yards in a game this year before his outburst last Thursday. Additionally, both Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) and rookie Matthew Golden (wrist) may be active in Week 14, which would mean more competition for targets for Wicks.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Dec 4 11:50am CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) is back at practice on Thursday, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. It's good news for Washington, who was unable to practice on Wednesday after picking up a hip injury in Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans. The 23-year-old isn't out of the woods just yet, but he'll at least have a chance to play this weekend for a huge divisional matchup against the visiting Indianapolis Colts. The former sixth-rounder caught only one pass for 26 yards in Week 13, a week after going for five catches, 71 yards, and a TD in the Week 12 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. Washington has had a couple of very nice games for fantasy managers this year and has developed solid chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but his fantasy ceiling will be lower now that Brian Thomas Jr. has returned from an ankle sprain. If Washington cannot play against Indy, Tim Patrick is expected to serve as the team's WR3 behind Thomas and Jakobi Meyers.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Dec 4 11:40am CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has been a disappointment for fantasy managers in 2025 while playing in just five games due to a nagging quad injury. The 30-year-old wideout aggravated his quad injury back in Week 8 and finally made his return in Sunday night's overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite a tough matchup with last year's Defensive Player of the Year, cornerback Patrick Surtain, McLaurin had his best game of the season, catching seven of his 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. He did it while playing just over half of the offensive snaps. It also came with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota running the offense. Three of his seven grabs went for over 15 yards, signaling that Scary Terry might be back when it matters the most in fantasy. McLaurin heads into another tough matchup on the road against the Vikings in Week 14 -- they've allowed the second-fewest half-PPR points to WRs this year -- but he has WR2 upside as Washington's clear WR1.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Dec 4 11:30am CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson got a late start to the 2025 season following a torn ACL that he suffered in the regular-season finale last year. Watson made his debut in the Week 8 win over the Green Bay Packers and caught all four of his targets for a season-high 85 yards. It was a statement that the 26-year-old was back and immediately on the fantasy football radar. He had exactly four targets in each of the next two games, too, before slowly seeing his role grow in the last three contests. Watson has 13 receptions on 22 targets for 175 yards and three TDs in the last three games, culminating in a four-catch, 80-yard, one-TD performance in the Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions last Thursday. He had a season-high 10 targets in that one and is the WR10 in half-PPR scoring over the last three weeks. Jayden Reed's (foot, shoulder) impending return from IR could make life more difficult for Watson the rest of the way, but heading into a Week 14 divisional game against the Bears, Watson has clear WR2 upside for his big-play ability (17.3 yards per catch).

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Dec 4 11:20am CT
Jalen McMillan

Per Pewter Report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was spotted at practice for a second straight day, although in what capacity he participated had not been divulged. McMillan and veteran Mike Evans (clavicle) each came back from their respective injuries to log a limited practice on Wednesday. While there's likely still a few boxes to be checked regarding their return to in-game action, it's excellent news for the Buccaneers, as their offense is working back to full health. In a loaded WR corps, it's difficult to predict what kind of role McMillan will assume upon his activation. That said, he was productive down the stretch of his rookie season, notching four straight five-catch games, with greater than 50 receiving yards in each. He's on the radar in deep leagues for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 4 11:20am CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) had surgery on Monday for a metacarpal fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand, in which a plate and screws were put in to stabilize the fracture. Herbert did not practice on Wednesday, but he's expected to be on the field either Thursday or Friday, and he told reporters that he plans to play in Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said he's optimistic that Herbert will be available this week. Ultimately, the 27-year-old's status will depend on how much swelling there is in his surgically repaired hand. If Herbert does play, he might not take any snaps under center at all, and he's likely to play with a protective glove on. Fantasy managers will have a better idea of Herbert's status by Saturday. If he plays, Herbert will be more of a high-end QB2 in fantasy against an Eagles defense that has allowed only 12 passing TDs this year, which is tied for second-fewest in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 4 11:10am CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (clavicle) was seen practicing with the team on Thursday, according to Pewter Report. His status during the session has not yet been detailed. The veteran made his way back to the practice field this week as Tampa Bay gears up for a home clash with the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. Evans hasn't suited up for in-game action since sustaining a fracture in his clavicle back in Week 7, although it appears he's inching closer toward being activated from IR. While the capacity in which he practiced hadn't been divulged, it's encouraging to see him out there for a second straight day. If the 32-year-old is unable to suit up for Week 14's outing with New Orleans, teammates Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., and Tez Johnson would continue operating in 11 personnel, with Sterling Shepard mixing in as the fourth option.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 4 11:00am CT
Jayden Reed

With Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) getting closer to a return from injury, now is an excellent time for fantasy managers to stash the third-year pro if they have room on the bottom of their benches. Reed fractured his clavicle in the early portion of the season and has missed the ensuing ten games while he recovers from surgery. The 25-year-old has been a practice participant for nearly two weeks now, although he's yet to log anything more than a limited session. There will likely be a significant ramp-up period; however, Reed has been a touchdown machine over the previous two seasons and has shown himself to be efficient on limited touches. Even with a dearth of talent in the team's WR room, Reed is worthy of consideration if available, as he could slot back into a premier role in the passing game when fully healthy.

From RotoBaller

Malik Davis Dec 4 10:40am CT
Malik Davis

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis has steadily accounted for a larger share of the backfield touches over the previous few weeks, supplanting rookie rusher Jaydon Blue as the handcuff to own behind starter Javonte Williams. Davis didn't get his first snaps with the team until Week 7's win over the Commanders, although he's since been an effective runner. While he hasn't eclipsed four touches in a given outing, the 27-year-old's efficiency has improved each week. If he can continue boasting more work, Davis may present some standalone fantasy value down the stretch. However, fantasy managers can't trust him as such just yet, considering Williams has dominated backfield opportunities for the entirety of 2025. Davis is a nice speculative stash in deep leagues, and a must-own for those carrying Williams this late in the campaign.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Dec 4 10:20am CT
Jayden Daniels

While the Washington Commanders have not yet cleared quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) for contact, there's hope that he'll be able to suit up for Sunday's road outing with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite suffering a gruesome elbow injury back in Week 9, the LSU product has steadily progressed. Daniels has only been able to practice in a limited capacity since returning to the team, and will likely need to log a full session before being cleared to play. However, it's encouraging that the Commanders haven't ruled him out for this weekend's clash, leaving the door open for a return to action. If the second-year pro fails to be active for another contest, veteran Marcus Mariota will again lead the charge against a floundering Minnesota squad. Mariota has been serviceable in the former's stead, but would still be only a low-end streaming option for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Dec 4 10:10am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (leg) looked much better in his second game back from a fibula fracture in Week 13, hauling in three of five targets for 78 yards in the 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Godwin suffered a gruesome leg injury in 2024, which affected his early-season play in 2025. The veteran receiver took some time to recover and get back to his normal self before the playoffs, and it paid off in Week 13. With injuries ravaging the Buccaneers' receiving corps, including Godwin, Mike Evans, and Jalen McMillan, the door is open for Godwin to have a role in fantasy lineups this week. The Buccaneers face the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, who Godwin has tormented in his NFL career. In Godwin's last six games against the Saints, he's averaged 95 receiving yards and 20.9 PPR fantasy points per game. With an improved target share moving forward, Godwin is shaping up to be a starting option in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Dec 4 10:00am CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has completely taken over the starting tight end role since the bye week. In back-to-back games, Fannin has played over 90% of the snaps, while veteran David Njoku has played under 50%. The rookie was able to find the endzone in Week 13, totaling 43 yards on four receptions against the San Francisco 49ers. As rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders enters the fold, Fannin has taken charge as the leading receiving option in the offense, leading the team in receptions and targets in back-to-back weeks. The Browns face the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. However, with a nice target share and connection with Sanders, Fannin is a TE1 in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 4 10:00am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was back in action after a 10-week absence, but he looked as strong as ever while throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bengals to a Thanksgiving night win over the Ravens. Burrow looked sharp for the most part and moved around well, while delivering the ball accurately and avoiding any re-aggravation of his toe injury. He and the Bengals will have to win out to have a shot at the playoffs, but Joe Cool looks ready to resume his regular role as one of the top fantasy quarterbacks in the league. Burrow and the Bengals will battle the Bills in Buffalo this week before a rematch with the Ravens. He's a strong option for fantasy lineups, since he'll need to be aggressive, and the Bengals' defense has regularly put the offense in a place where it needs to put up plenty of points this season.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Dec 4 10:00am CT
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins has quietly built a fantasy starting role in recent weeks. In the past four games, Higgins has hauled in 20 of 28 targets for 200 yards and two touchdowns, including his career high in yardage in Week 13 with C.J. Stroud back under center. While star receiver Nico Collins will continue to handle the bulk of the targets in Houston, Higgins has been a sturdy option as well. The Texans face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, who just allowed big games to George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb in Week 13. Higgins is a low-end starting option against the defending AFC champions.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Dec 4 9:50am CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has been a nice surprise for fantasy managers this season. In his last seven games, Monangai has averaged 15 attempts for 79.8 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 13.2 PPR points per game during that stretch. While the rookie has transcended the Bears' rushing attack, he did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, which could end his four-game streak of rushing touchdowns. The Bears played on Friday, so Monangai not being ready to practice five days later is concerning for his Week 14 outlook. The Bears face the division rival Green Bay Packers in Week 14, and with cold and snowy conditions possible, Monangai's power running style will be crucial this weekend. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be important to monitor in determining Monangai's availability in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 4 9:50am CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud returned from his concussion last week against the Colts and led his team to a fourth straight win. After starting 0-3, Stroud's Texans are 7-5 and pushing for a playoff spot. In his return, he completed 22 of 35 passes for 276 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. In his nine games, he has racked up 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions. In their recent charge, though, the team has relied more heavily on the passing game, and Stroud has aired it out with 35+ pass attempts in each of his last three full games. He and the Texans face another critical matchup this week on Sunday Night Football against the Chiefs. It should be a great game, and Stroud and the Texans have favorable home matchups against the Cardinals and Raiders after Sunday night's road showdown. Stroud is a fringe option in single-QB leagues and a strong second QB in dual-QB leagues, as he tries to guide his team back to the postseason again this season.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Dec 4 9:40am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has become a vital contributor to the Colts' offense over the last few weeks. While the Colts have lost three of their last four games, they've been in tough, hard-fought matchups against the Texans, Chiefs, Steelers, and Falcons. In those four competitive games, Pierce has totaled 27 targets and hauled in 15 catches for a total of 303 yards and two touchdowns. He had a season-high 115 yards against the Steelers in that stretch and has produced at least 65+ yards in seven of his last nine contests. As the Colts look to push for a playoff spot in the next few weeks, Pierce should continue to be heavily involved, and he brings a very high ceiling since he has emerged as the team's primary deep threat, posting an ADOT of 19.8 yards, which is the highest of any receiver in the NFL with more than 35 targets.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Dec 4 9:30am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has been a key contributor to his team's passing game all season, and he'll remain a strong starting option in all formats on Thursday Night Football, as the Cowboys roll into the Motor City. Ferguson has maintained consistent volume in the passing game eve with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb putting up great numbers on the outside. Ferguson has at least four catches in each of his last four games and has totaled 162 receiving yards and a touchdown in those four contests. He is up to seven touchdowns on the season, and he remains a very strong starting option against the Lions' defense, which ranks in the middle of the pack against tight ends this season. In a neutral matchup, Ferguson's volume makes him the No. 4 TE this week in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, so he can be started with confidence in almost all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Dec 4 9:30am CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey continues to be one of the best fantasy kickers on the board this week, when the Cowboys roll into Detroit to take on the Lions. He converted all three of his field goal attempts last week and both of his extra points as well. He has made 22-of-24 field goals overall and 37-of-38 extra point attempts this season. He is 6-for-8 from 50+ yards and has knocked through a pair of field goals over 60 yards. If he gets the chances, he usually delivers, and playing indoors at Ford Field, the weather won't be an issue this Thursday. In RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, Aubrey is the No. 2 option at the position, so start him with confidence this week.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Dec 4 9:20am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins veteran tight end Darren Waller made his return in Week 13, hauling in two of three targets for 47 yards in the 21-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Waller came back in Week 13, after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 7 that forced him to the injured reserve. The former Raiders' star was limited to just 47% of the snaps in his return, while backups Julian Hill played 58%, and Greg Dulcich played 37%. Waller faces a New York Jets defense in Week 14, which has allowed the third-most touchdowns to tight ends this season, with seven scores against them. Waller should see an expanded workload in Week 14, and is a low-end TE1 that could be relied on with injuries and bye weeks affecting other tight ends across the league.

From RotoBaller