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.
Value Picks: Week 13
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
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
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs let down his fantasy managers last Sunday, catching just two passes for 20 yards as he finished with his first single-digit fantasy performance (PPR) since Week 6. He still has a solid 61 catches, 679 yards, and three touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR17 this season, which is impressive considering that he has played only 54.6% of the offensive snaps. Despite his smaller snap share, Diggs typically takes advantage of every opportunity presented to him. Therefore, even if he continues to play fewer than 60% of the snaps on Monday night against the New York Giants, he can still be a fringe top-12 receiver in fantasy football. Fortunately for Diggs, the Giants have allowed the third-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. Just last week, they surrendered nine catches, 149 yards, and one touchdown to Amon-Ra St. Brown. With such an enticing matchup headed his way, Diggs ranks as the overall WR13 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings for Week 13.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been the fifth-highest-scoring quarterback in fantasy football this season, and he'll look to build on his impressive year against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 13. Maye continues to play at a high level, albeit perhaps not quite as sensational as earlier in the year. Over his last four games, he has 1,104 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, three interceptions, and one lost fumble, as well as 57 rushing yards. Through 13 weeks this year, he has 23 total touchdowns and eight turnovers. Maye has a chance to explode in a favorable matchup this Monday. Although the Giants do have NFC sack leader Brian Burns, New York is also allowing the second-most fantasy points and the most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Maye ranks as the overall QB2 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson cemented himself as the team's lead back while fending off Rhamondre Stevenson last Sunday, and in doing so, he also strengthened his position as a low-end RB1 in fantasy football. Henderson continues to find himself in the must-start range ahead of Monday Night Football against the New York Giants in Week 13. The rookie played 65% of the snaps last week, holding Stevenson to just seven touches for 10 yards. Meanwhile, Henderson had 18 carries for 66 rushing yards, plus three catches for an additional 15 receiving yards. The Ohio State product didn't find the end zone, but he did have five touchdowns over his previous two games. In four games since taking over as the Patriots' primary ball carrier, he is the third-highest-scoring running back in PPR leagues. He'll have a great chance to strengthen his fantasy value this week against the Giants, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Henderson ranks as the overall RB9 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy football rankings.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) is expected to be available for Week 13's meeting with their division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Okonkwo has had trouble shaking a foot issue he's dealt with since Week 9, although it hasn't stopped him from suiting up once since then. Even after logging a DNP in the middle of the week, the fourth-year pro is on track to play in Sunday's home matchup. Tennessee anticipates getting wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) back from a one-game absence, so targets will be even more attenuated in a subpar Tennessee scheme. Ayomanor's return, coupled with fellow tight end Gunnar Helm's recent uptick in involvement, lowers Okonkwo's floor further, making him a stream to avoid for fantasy managers despite the juicy matchup.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans anticipate wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) suiting up for Week 13's outing against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Stanford alum was unable to play in last weekend's 30-24 loss to the Seahawks, but it appears he'll only miss one game despite not logging a full practice. Ayomanor hasn't stood out in a struggling Tennessee attack in 2025. Still, there's some hope for the unit down the stretch with rookie QB Cameron Ward playing better of late. Jacksonville boasts the best unit in terms of rushing yards allowed per game (83.8), but they're beatable through the air, and are by no means a scary matchup for fantasy wideouts. Ayomanor would be a boost to the passing game if he can play, though he'll be tough to trust for fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (knee) is on track to be active for Sunday's clash with the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news. Knight has dealt with injuries for a few weeks now, first with an ankle issue, and now his ailing knee, which kept him limited at practice this week leading up to the game. If he plays, the 24-year-old is likely to assume a similar role as in the previous few contests, splitting time with backfield mate Michael Carter while Emari Demercado (ankle) misses another outing. For what it's worth, Carter has out-snapped Knight in two straight games, although the latter has out-touched the former, keeping his fantasy value afloat with scores on the ground. Fortunately, Tampa Bay's defense has been kind to fantasy running backs.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (illness) is expected to be active for Sunday's road clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former fourth-overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft has been held out of Arizona's last two contests as he recovered from an appendectomy. After returning to practice this week on a limited basis for the first time since his surgery, the sentiment seems to be that he'll play, despite garnering a questionable tag ahead of Week 13's outing. If Harrison Jr. does indeed suit up, teammate Michael Wilson figures to see a considerable dip in targets, while Greg Dortch would go back to a minimal role in the offense. That is, if the 23-year-old is suitable for his usual allotment of snaps.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) should be active for Week 13's game with the visiting Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Irving hasn't made an appearance since Week 4 while dealing with multiple injuries, but he'll hopefully make his return on Sunday when his team squares off with the Cardinals at home. It's unclear in what capacity the 23-year-old will operate, considering it's his first in-game action in two months. However, there's reason to believe he could boast a significant workload if all goes well. For now, owners can expect Irving to work in tandem with backfield mates Sean Tucker and Rachaad White until the Oregon product is back up to speed. Fortunately, he'll be eased back in against a middle-of-the-road Cardinals' rush defense if he's healthy enough to play.
From RotoBaller
Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the New Orleans Saints anticipate wide receiver Chris Olave (back) to suit up for Sunday's road tilt with the Miami Dolphins. The fourth-year pro was forced from practice earlier in the week after dealing with back spasms that eventually made him miss Thursday's session altogether. However, Olave appears on track to play despite the inconvenience. In the case that he might be limited during the game, fantasy managers can expect teammates Kevin Austin Jr. and Mason Tipton to pick up more snaps behind Devaughn Vele. Otherwise, Olave projects as a strong WR2 option, even against a Dolphins' defense that's been less-than-favorable to fantasy wideouts.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins projects as a low-volume fantasy option for Week 13, despite an excellent matchup against a vulnerable New York Giants defense. The ninth-year pro has had a few nice outings this season in a high-flying Patriots' offense. However, quarterback Drake Maye's tendency to spread the ball around and the team's inclination toward a more run-heavy game script (46.83% [ninth-highest]) have left the veteran on the outside looking in at times. Through 12 contests, he's recorded more than two receptions on only four occasions, eclipsing 50 receiving yards thrice. Hollins has a decent role in an offense that gets the job done (26.5 points per game), although the lack of concentrated target share makes him an inconsistent fantasy asset. The 32-year-old lands as RotoBaller's PPR WR57 for his bout on Monday Night Football.
From RotoBaller