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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Player Notes
Malik Davis Dec 3 11:50pm CT
Malik Davis

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis had his best game of the season last week against the Chiefs on Thanksgiving, handling three carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Davis ripped off a 43-yard touchdown during the second quarter, showing impressive burst and explosiveness. That marked the longest rushing touchdown of the season for the Cowboys, and Davis' speed is a nice complement to the bruising running style of starter Javonte Williams. The 27-year-old Davis has been up and down from the practice squad for Dallas this season, but he has been active for each of the past six games and has firmly established himself as the No. 2 running back over rookie Jaydon Blue. He could work his way into more touches against the Lions on Thursday night after an impressive Week 13 performance. However, Davis still profiles as a handcuff option for now and should remain on benches in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Dec 3 11:40pm CT
Javonte Williams

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams hasn't been as efficient a runner in recent games, but he still has one of the biggest workloads among RBs. In Weeks 1-7, Williams recorded 111 carries for 592 yards (5.2 yards per tote ) and six touchdowns while adding 23 receptions (32 targets) for 85 yards and a touchdown as a receiver, ranking as the RB7 in PPR points per game (19.0). Over the past five games, the 25-year-old has still been solid, but not quite as dynamic, with 87 carries for 363 yards (4.2 YPC) and two touchdowns to go with eight receptions (10 targets) for 43 yards and a touchdown. He still ranks as the RB20 with 13.3 PPR points per game in that span, which fantasy managers will take if that is considered his floor. Williams should be in line for a big workload again Thursday night versus the Detroit Lions in a game featuring the highest projected point total of the week. The Lions' defense has been stingy against the run, but Williams' body of work this year has made him matchup-proof.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Dec 3 11:30pm CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level this season and has been one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy football. During the Cowboys' current three-game win streak, Prescott leads the league with eight passing touchdowns and is second with 942 passing yards. He ranks as the QB1 with 24.7 fantasy points per game during that time as well, and Josh Allen is the only other QB above 22 points per game. The 32-year-old signal-caller has arguably the best wide receiver duo in football in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, which has helped fuel his big season. Prescott profiles as a top-three option in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions in a game with the highest projected point total of the week. The Lions have played man coverage at a league-high 42.8% clip this season, which Prescott has feasted against with the third-most passing yards (916) in the league, per Fantasy Points Data. He ranks as RotoBaller's QB2 for Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 3 10:10pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (glute) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons. Walker has been on the injury report for the past few weeks with a "glute" injury, but it hasn't affected his game status or role in the Seahawks' offense. Walker has totaled 180 touches for 908 yards in 12 games, but has only added four touchdowns this season, which has generated the majority of the headlines in this backfield. Walker and third-year back Zach Charbonnet have been an RB by committee this season, and while Walker has been far more efficient this season, Charbonnet has scored eight touches. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be key, but Walker will continue to fight through injury and be the lead back for this Seahawks run game.

From RotoBaller

Chimere Dike Dec 3 9:40pm CT
Chimere Dike

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike (quad) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday as the Titans prepare to face the Cleveland Browns. Dike played his normal snap share in Week 13, so his being limited in practice indicates it's due to rest and not actual injury. While the fourth-round pick has been a contributing factor in the receiving game, he has really been special as a return man in 2025. Dike currently leads the NFL in kick return yards (1282), punt return yards (361), and touchdowns (2). With the season-ending injury to receiver Calvin Ridley, Dike has played 79% and 76% of the snaps in the past two weeks. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be key in determining Dike's status, but he's looking likely to play against the Browns.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 3 9:40pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. St. Brown suffered a low ankle sprain in Detroit's Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers and was a non-participant in practice this week as a result. However, with the Lions' season basically hanging in the balance, it's possible St. Brown may try to give it a go against Dallas. It's unlikely that the 26-year-old would be at full strength, but St. Brown would be hard for fantasy managers to move away from if he's active. Across 12 games this season, he's recorded 75 catches for 884 yards and nine touchdowns on 108 targets. Heading into Week 13, St. Brown had earned double-digit targets in five out of his last six outings. If active, St. Brown remains a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Dec 3 9:40pm CT
Darius Slay

The Buffalo Bills have officially claimed veteran cornerback Darius Slay off of waivers. Slay began his season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but after being listed as a healthy scratch in Week 13, he asked for his release, and it was granted. The Bills were among multiple teams to place acclaim for the veteran corner, including Slay's former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Slay will look to chase a championship with the Bills and will likely add a veteran presence to an already solid room. Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, and rookie Maxwell Hairston will continue to start, with Slay offering some upside as a depth piece.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Dec 3 9:30pm CT
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end A.J. Barner (knee/shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Barner was a full-go in Week 13's dominant victory over the Minnesota Vikings, so his reason for being a limited participant on Wednesday indicates it was likely due to rest. The second-year tight end has been a major part of the Seahawks' passing attack, totaling 372 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. After the selection of Elijah Arroyo, fantasy managers speculated that he would take over as the team's TE1. However, Barner has been too good to overtake in the rotation, playing 79% of the snaps this season. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will determine whether or not he plays in Week 14, when the Seahawks face the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Jake Bates Dec 3 9:30pm CT
Jake Bates

Across 12 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has connected on 16 of 20 field goal attempts and converted a league-leading 40 extra-point tries. The 26-year-old has also done some of his best work in recent weeks, knocking in all seven of his field goal attempts over his last four games. In Week 14, Bates and the Lions will host the Dallas Cowboys in a game that appears to have shootout potential. Through 13 weeks, both Detroit and Dallas rank in the top five in points per game among all NFL teams. If both offenses hold to form, there could be plenty of opportunities for Bates to put points on the board. The game will also be played indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, which removes any potential weather concerns. Bates profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Dec 3 9:20pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh stated that running back Kimani Vidal has played like a #1 back this season. Harbaugh stated that "the proof is in the pudding" and "it warms the cockles of the heart. "After the injury to Omarion Hampton (ankle) that knocked him out for the past eight weeks, Vidal has stepped up and anchored the Chargers' rushing attack. Since Week 6, Vidal ranks 11th in the NFL in rushing yards and rushing attempts, and has averaged 13.5 PPR points per game. He was a huge part of why they were able to defeat the Raiders in Week 13, totaling 137 yards and a touchdown on 26 total attempts. With Hampton set to return in Week 14 when the Chargers host the Philadelphia Eagles, Vidal will still be a part of the rotation, but will lose the majority of his fantasy value with the rookie back.

From RotoBaller

Tom Kennedy Dec 3 9:20pm CT
Tom Kennedy

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy has spent most of the 2025 season buried on the Lions' practice squad. However, he was pressed into action in Week 13 due to injuries to Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and Kalif Raymond (ankle) and recorded four catches for 36 yards on four targets against the Green Bay Packers. With Raymond ruled out and St. Brown officially questionable for Detroit's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Kennedy could spend another week as the team's primary slot receiver. Dallas represents a favorable matchup for opposing passing games on paper, as they currently rank last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Kennedy's production upside is limited, and it's also likely entirely dependent on St. Brown's status. If St. Brown is active, Kennedy should fall off the radar of fantasy managers. However, if St. Brown is ruled out, Kennedy could be a desperation deep-league flex option in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Golden Dec 3 9:10pm CT
Matthew Golden

Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Golden has only been able to play in one of the last four games due to shoulder and wrist injuries. The rookie wideout hasn't been able to practice in full over the last two weeks. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his availability in practice over the next two days. When healthy, Golden has been disappointing with 24 receptions for 286 receiving yards in his first nine NFL games. There should be better streaming options available in most 12-team fantasy football formats ahead of Week 14. At best, Golden is a low-end flex option in deep leagues for the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears. The likelihood of Golden making a fantasy impact down the stretch is only going to get tougher once Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) returns from Injured Reserve, possibly this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Isaac TeSlaa Dec 3 9:10pm CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa recorded two catches for 35 yards and his third touchdown grab of the season in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. TeSlaa has struggled to earn a consistent role in the Lions' offense for most of the year, but his playing time spiked against Green Bay after injuries to Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and Kalif Raymond (ankle). Raymond will remain sidelined for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, while St. Brown is officially listed as questionable. Particularly if St. Brown is out, TeSlaa should see another game with a heavy snap share against Dallas. Additionally, the Cowboys profile as a favorable matchup on paper. Through 13 weeks, Dallas currently ranks last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Pending St. Brown's final injury status, TeSlaa could be a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 14 against the Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Dec 3 9:00pm CT
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams had one of the most productive games of his career in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, recording seven catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. After Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) went down early in the game with an ankle injury, Williams stepped up as the team's WR1. St. Brown is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, but he was a non-participant in practice all week. Even if St. Brown can play, he'll likely be somewhat limited, and the Lions will still be without star tight end Sam LaPorta (back) and depth wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle). All things considered, there's a solid chance that Williams will be the go-to target once again for Lions quarterback Jared Goff against the Cowboys. On paper, Dallas is a favorable matchup, as they currently rank last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Williams profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Dec 3 9:00pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was a limited participant in practice during Wednesday's session. Wicks appears to have suffered a minor ankle injury during his epic Thanksgiving Day performance. He hauled in six of his seven targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Detroit Lions. Wicks has been basically a non-factor all season long outside his big performance last week. Especially with Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) getting close to returning from Injured Reserve, Wicks' Week 13 performance could very well end up being an outlier in 2025. Rookie Matthew Golden (wrist) returning will also negatively impact Wicks' target share down the stretch. Despite last week's standout performance, Wicks should be considered a boom/bust WR4/flex for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Dec 3 8:50pm CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (chest) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Dortch joined fellow wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) on the injury report to begin Week 14. The 27-year-old gave fantasy managers a dud last week after two straight strong performances when Harrison was sidelined following an appendectomy. Dortch hauled in 12 receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns while Harrison missed two games due to injury. Last week, Dortch was held to two receptions for 14 yards with Harrison back on the field. If Dortch and Harrison are unable to play in Week 14, Xavier Weaver figures to see increased playing time. The second-year wideout has been a non-factor in fantasy leagues to this point. If both Dortch and Harrison are out, Michael Wilson will likely handle as many targets as he can.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Sampson Dec 3 8:50pm CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Sampson is currently considered day-to-day after suffering a calf injury during Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie back has rushed for 46 yards on 11 carries over his last two games. He did haul in a touchdown as a receiver over that span, but Sampson has mainly been a non-factor in fantasy football, with fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins seeing most of the backfield work. His absence in Week 14 would mean increased playing time for Jerome Fordand possibly Raheim Sanders. Judkins is the only fantasy-relevant back in Cleveland at the moment.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 3 8:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Jacobs sat out the Week 12 victory over the Minnesota Vikings with a knee contusion, but he returned last week for the Thanksgiving Day win against the Detroit Lions. It appears Jacobs is still dealing with lingering effects from his knee injury. He looked solid in Week 13, when he rushed for 83 yards on 17 attempts against Detroit. Jacobs being limited to begin the week is likely just the team being overly cautious. The 27-year-old should be viewed as a high-end RB1 for the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Dec 3 8:50pm CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery recorded 48 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in Week 13, breaking his three-game scoreless streak. However, Montgomery earned just eight carries, marking the third straight game in which he's failed to reach double-digit rush attempts. In Week 14, Montgomery will square off against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has been playing much better against the run in recent weeks. Over their last three games, the Cowboys have allowed an average of just 69 rushing yards per contest. With the Lions leaning heavily on star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery has played fewer than 39% of Detroit's offensive snaps in four of his last five games. As long as that workload split persists, Montgomery profiles as a touchdown-dependent flex option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 3 8:50pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Reed has been listed as a limited participant in every practice since having his practice window opened on Nov. 21. The 25-year-old still needs to receive medical clearance in order to be activated from Injured Reserve. He has been sidelined since breaking his collarbone back in Week 2. Reed is also recovering from surgery to fix a broken bone in his foot. If he's activated from IR and active this weekend, Reed would most likely see limited snaps against the Chicago Bears. He's worth a stash for fantasy managers willing to hold him on the bench until he's back to full health.

From RotoBaller