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

Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
Aaron Jones Nov 30 5:40pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) is currently listed as questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Jones landed awkwardly on his shoulder during a three-yard catch in the third quarter. This is not good news, considering Jones was on the injury report with a shoulder issue. Given the box score, Jones is unlikely to return with this game being a blowout. Jordan Mason would see increased chances if Jones is unable to play. If he doesn't return, Jones will finish with six rushing attempts for three yards, while hauling in four passes for 22 additional yards through the air.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Nov 30 5:30pm CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor made his second straight start versus the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13. Taylor was held in check during the first half with less than 40 passing yards at half. The 36-year-old was able to turn it around in the second half, which included a 52-yard touchdown to Adonai Mitchell. Taylor led his team down the field and scored a game-tying touchdown with under a minute remaining. After that, Taylor was able to get the Jets offense in position for a field goal to win the game. He completed 19-of-33 passing attempts for 172 yards with one touchdown. Taylor also rushed the ball eight times for 44 yards and an additional touchdown on the ground. Given his success, Taylor figures to remain the starter for next week's matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Nov 30 5:30pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers continued his recent success with another solid performance during Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. It was unclear if Meyers' role in the offense could be reduced with Brian Thomas Jr. back in the mix this weekend. Clearly not, Meyers hauled in all six of his targets for 90 yards and scored a touchdown in the win. Over the last three games, Meyers has finished with 50 receiving yards or more and scored two touchdowns. He'll remain fantasy relevant for next week's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 30 5:20pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence did a much better job of securing the football during Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. Last week, Lawrence threw three interceptions in what ended up being a win over the Arizona Cardinals. Lawrence avoided the same mistakes this weekend as he completed 16-of-27 passing attempts for 229 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the win. This marked the first time since Week 7 that Lawrence has gotten through a game without an interception. He has five touchdowns over his last two games and will look to keep the good times rolling in a tough divisional matchup against the Indianapolis Colts next week.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Nov 30 5:10pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell posted the best game of his young career in Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons, totaling eight receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. The second-year wideout recorded a career high in targets, receptions, and yards, and scored his first career touchdown in his third game with the Jets since being acquired at this year's trade deadline. The 2024 second-rounder has flashed the ability and upside at times in his young career, but was buried behind multiple good players in Indianapolis and had some frustrating moments, which ultimately led to him being traded away. The 23-year-old broke out on Sunday against the Falcons and looks like a strong addition to a Jets offense that desperately needs playmakers alongside star wideout Garrett Wilson, who is on injured reserve with a knee injury. Mitchell will be a hot waiver add this week, and he has the upside to be an impactful player down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Nov 30 5:03pm CT
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk was not targeted in a Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Fantasy Spin: It's been a down season for Kirk, who has played in just eight games due to injury and hasn't been able to find a connection with either Houston quarterback.

From TheHuddle

Bryce Young Nov 30 5:00pm CT
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young led his team to a big upset win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, completing 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns to go with five carries for 23 yards. Young bounced back after a disappointing game last Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, consistently showing up in the biggest moments of the game. His first touchdown came on a swing pass to Chuba Hubbard on third down that Hubbard turned into a 35-yard score, while both of his other touchdowns came on pivotal fourth downs on beautiful throws. The Panthers leaned into the run more with 35 total running back carries after just nine last week in San Francisco to help put Young in more favorable situations. The third-year signal caller hasn't been consistent game to game, but he's delivered in some big spots and helped lead the Panthers to a massive upset win over arguably the best team in football in the Rams. Young and the Panthers will ride this momentum into their Week 14 bye before three big divisional games in the final four weeks.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Nov 30 4:53pm CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans RB Nick Chubb ran nine times for 34 yards and a touchdown in a Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Fantasy Spin: Chubb, who scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter, continues to lose carries to Woody Marks each week. The 34 yards was his fewest sine 16 at Seattle on Oct. 20. He's only worth rostering as a deep back-up in case of multiple injuries.

From TheHuddle

Bijan Robinson Nov 30 4:50pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson went off on Sunday against the New York Jets despite the 27-24 loss, recording 23 carries for 142 yards and a touchdown along with five receptions (seven targets) for 51 yards as a receiver. Robinson was excellent once again and was the engine of Atlanta's offense in this game, accounting for 191 of 389 total yards of offense for the Falcons. It marks the second-most total yards in a game this season for the superstar running back, only trailing his 238-yard performance back in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. The 23-year-old is one of the best receiving backs in football and has six games this season with at least five receptions, with Sunday being his first since Week 9 against the Patriots. Robinson remains one of the top running backs in fantasy, but faces a tough matchup in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Nov 30 4:43pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku caught two passes for four yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13. He was targeted two times during the game.

Fantasy Spin: Njoku has become smaller part of the passing game as the season has gone on and has only 11 receiving yards in the last three games. He can be avoided in fantasy leagues unless Harold Fannin Jr. suffers an injury at some point.

From TheHuddle

Taysom Hill Nov 30 4:43pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints TE/QB Taysom Hill had just a single 2-yard rush and a 5-yard reception on his lone target in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins.

From TheHuddle

Brock Wright Nov 30 4:30pm CT
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell referred to tight end Brock Wright's injury as a "trachea" and said that it could be a long-term issue, according to Dave Birkett of Detroit Free Press. Campbell said that the team is still sending out scans for other opinions, but it's not good news for the 27-year-old tight end. Wright suffered what was initially described as a neck injury during Detroit's Week 12 overtime win over the New York Giants and missed their Week 13 game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. Wright hasn't been a big receiving threat with just 14 receptions (22 targets) for 108 yards and two touchdowns this season, but he was the team's top tight end after Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve. Ross Dwelley and Anthony Firsker are next up on the depth chart for Detroit's options at tight end moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Zaire Franklin Nov 30 4:23pm CT
Zaire Franklin

Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin made 13 tackles - five solo - in a Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans.

From TheHuddle

Shedeur Sanders Nov 30 4:20pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start again next week against the Tennessee Titans, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Sanders completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown while adding one carry for six yards in Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He took only one sack last week against the Raiders, but he took three sacks for a loss of 34 yards in this one. The rookie fifth-rounder from Colorado played decently in his second career start despite the loss, finding fellow rookie Harold Fannin Jr. for a 34-yard touchdown near the end of the first half. Sanders has earned another opportunity to start next week against Tennessee and potentially for the foreseeable future.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Nov 30 3:53pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

San Francisco 49ers WR Demarcus Robinson was targeted one time during the Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns but finished with zero receptions. He also rushed for six yards on one carry during the game.

From TheHuddle

Mike Evans Nov 30 3:50pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) is trending in the right direction after suffering a broken collarbone in Week 7 against the Lions and could return in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Head coach Todd Bowles said that he expects the veteran wideout to be back before the end of the regular season, and could have his practice window opened as soon as next week. Rapoport added that a better determination of Evans' status will be based on medical scans that will come in the next few days. It was initially reported that Evans would be expected to miss the remainder of the regular season, but he's made great progress in his recovery and is on track to return before the season concludes. Evans should re-assume his role as Tampa Bay's No. 1 option upon returning and should be a priority add and stash if he is available on waiver wires.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Juszczyk Nov 30 3:43pm CT
Kyle Juszczyk

San Francisco 49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk caught two passes for 27 yards against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. He was targeted two times during the game.

From TheHuddle

Davante Adams Nov 30 3:33pm CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams WR Davante Adams registered four receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns on five targets in Week 13 against the Carolina Panthers.

Fantasy Spin: Adams has 11 touchdowns in the past six games, and he has four games with multiple touchdowns this season. Needless to say, he has re-emerged as a legit WR1 in all fantasy leagues after struggling in his time with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets. It's amazing what being in an NFL-caliber offense with solid coaching and a good quarterback can do to unlock a player's abilities.

From TheHuddle

George Kittle Nov 30 3:33pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle caught four passes for 67 yards against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. He was targeted five times during the game.

Fantasy Spin: Kittle continues to be a reliable target for 49ers and has posted at least 65 yards in each of his last four games. He is a weekly starting option in all leagues when he plays, but fantasy players will need another option next week with the 49ers on a bye.

From TheHuddle

Josh Palmer Nov 30 3:30pm CT
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an ankle injury. Palmer returned from injury in Week 12 against the Houston Texans, recording two catches (four targets) for 21 yards, but entered Week 13 listed as questionable and will ultimately not suit up. The 26-year-old hasn't made a big impact since signing with the Bills in the offseason, totaling 18 receptions for 272 yards and no touchdowns on 29 targets in eight games. Keon Coleman and Brandin Cooks are both active on Sunday against Pittsburgh and should factor into the passing game along with Khalik Shakir with Palmer sidelined.

From RotoBaller