Thu Nov 27 10:23am ET
Field Level Media
The Los Angeles Rams are the hottest team in the NFC, but Carolina is among the conference's teams with the most to prove.
The Rams visit the Panthers for Sunday afternoon's game in Charlotte, N.C.
Los Angeles (9-2) has won six games in a row and holds a one-game edge on Seattle in the NFC West. The Rams have their longest winning streak in seven years.
The Panthers (6-6) had a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the NFC South last week, but they lost 20-9 to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Carolina sits only a half-game behind Tampa Bay as it tries to snap a two-game homefield skid before going into a bye week.
"They're hungry to get back to work," Panthers coach Dave Canales said. "They're hungry for another opportunity to play against a formidable opponent. ... They're all high-stakes games, especially now at this point in the season."
So having come up short in that high-profile opportunity, the only way for the Panthers to gain redemption will be with a strong performance against one of the league's top teams.
"It just boils down to execution," Panthers quarterback Bryce Young said. "You've got to be able to turn the page, good or bad."
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown for 30 touchdowns with two interceptions.
"He's distributing the ball well to a bunch of different wide receivers," Canales said. "He's getting the ball out fast. He has a group that he really trusts."
Davante Adams' nine TD receptions in a five-game span ties a Rams record.
It's a rare quick turnaround for the Panthers, with a Monday night game and cross-country trip home.
"The good part of it is, at this point of the season, we know what we're doing," Canales said of the truncated preparation time. "We know the concepts."
Unfortunately, Carolina will be without cornerback Jaycee Horn, who is coming off a two-interception performance on Monday night. However, he sat out the second half in concussion protocol and is one of five Panthers who will not play on Sunday. Linebacker Claudin Cherelus also is in the protocol and has been declared out for the game along with center Cade Mays (ankle), linebacker Christian Rozeboom (hip, hamstring) and guard Chandler Zavala (calf).
Further complicating the Panthers' issues in the secondary is the absence of safety Tre'von Moehrig, who was suspended one game for striking San Francisco's Jauan Jennings in the groin area Monday night. Carolina lost cornerback Corey Thornton for the rest of the season because he sustained a broken leg Monday.
The Panthers brought on cornerback Robert Rochell off Dallas' practice squad and added cornerback David Long Jr. to their practice squad.
"They've got to come help us out," Canales said. "They've got to contribute."
The Rams had good news on their injury updates with receiver Tutu Atwell and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon expected to come off injured reserve to play this week, coach Sean McVay said.
"Our offensive coaching staff have done a really good job of highlighting a bunch of different people, and getting Tutu back into the mix is going to be another opportunity for them to do that," McVay said.
Even with Rams linebacker Byron Young (knee) out of Wednesday's practice, he should play Sunday, McVay said. Tight end Nick Vannett was signed off the practice squad.
There could be familiarity between the teams as ex-Rams safeties/secondary coach Ejiro Evero is Carolina's defensive coordinator.
Los Angeles has allowed a league-low 16.3 points per game. The Panthers have had single-digit point totals in each of their last three losses.
Young is very much aware of the pass rush that the Rams unleash.
"Individually, they do a great job of creating 1-on-1s, winning those 1-on-1s," he said. "They've been able to do that all year. It's going to be a great challenge for us."
Value Picks: Week 13
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) was helped to the locker room during the first half of his team's Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans and quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Gardner is "believed to have suffered a calf strain," but that he will "have more tests." Pelissero also reports that "Gardner's Achilles appears intact, so there's optimism he avoided a major injury." It seems Gardner and the Colts may have avoided the worst-case scenario, but more information should be released in the coming days. With Gardner sidelined, Mekhi Blackmon will likely take over at cornerback for Indianapolis.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (ankle) has returned to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers after briefly exiting the game due to an ankle injury. Williams subbed himself out late in the first half and was officially deemed questionable to return. However, Williams was back on the field for Los Angeles' first offensive series of the second half. The ankle issue may lead the Rams to give more work to running back Blake Corum for the remainder of Week 13. However, it's obviously a positive sign that Williams was able to return to the game.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (leg) is "headed to the locker room two minutes before halftime" in his team's Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Grosbard reports that Rams trainers were examining Williams' right leg. The 25-year-old recorded seven carries for 39 yards before exiting the game. If he's unable to return, Rams running back Blake Corum would likely handle the vast majority of the team's backfield work for the remainder of Week 13. Corum recorded five carries for 41 yards and a touchdown in the first half against Carolina. Fantasy managers should check back as more information is released around the exact nature of Williams' injury.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) is questionable to return to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Tennessee Titans due to a hip injury. The 23-year-old recorded one catch for 23 yards on three targets before exiting the game. If Washington is unable to return, Jaguars wideouts Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr., as well as tight end Brenton Strange, could see an increase in targets for the remainder of Week 13. Depth wide receivers Tim Patrick and Austin Trammell would also likely see an uptick in playing time. Washington has earned at least seven targets in four out of his last five games heading into Week 13, so his absence would be a blow to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (concussion, knee) has had his Injured Reserve return window opened and is practicing on Sunday, per ESPN's Todd Archer. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously said Diggs is on track to play in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since Week 6 due to a knee injury and a concussion. Diggs is a two-time Pro-Bowler and former All-Pro, but he's battled myriad injuries in recent years. Since the start of the 2023 season, Diggs has played just 19 games. His return will further fortify a Cowboys defense that is significantly improved since making a few notable additions at the trade deadline. Across 64 career games, Diggs has recorded 20 interceptions and 194 solo tackles.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (foot) has returned to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts after briefly exiting the game in the first half due to a foot injury. Marks has been emerging as the lead back in Houston in recent weeks, recording at least 16 touches in three straight games heading into Week 13. Now that he's back, he should be expected to lead the Texans' backfield in touches for the remainder of Week 13. More information should come out about the exact nature of Marks' foot issue after the game, but it's obviously a positive sign that he was able to return against Indianapolis.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts quickly ruled out cornerback Sauce Gardner (knee) from returning to Sunday's game against the Houston Texans after he was helped to the locker room with an injury to his left knee. The Colts, who acquired Gardner in a trade earlier this year, will have to hope for good news in the next day or so regarding Gardner's long-term prognosis. For fantasy purposes, the Indianapolis defense figures to be far less attractive without its top cornerback, while IDP managers may have to call an audible if Gardner misses time.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans listed running back Woody Marks (foot) as questionable to return to Sunday's game against their AFC South rival, the Indianapolis Colts, due to a foot injury. The rookie from USC has been a solid depth piece for fantasy managers who weathered sporadic playing time during the beginning of the season, as Marks entered Week 13 having drawn 10-plus carries in six straight games and rising to running back No. 30 in half-PPR formats. If Marks were to miss any time because of the injury, veteran Nick Chubb figures to be the team's top option with Dare Ogunbowale working behind him.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (knee) headed to the locker room during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans with an apparent injury to his left knee. Indianapolis has been a top-10 fantasy defense so far this season, and the team sought to bolster its standing atop the AFC South by acquiring the All-Pro corner in a trade with the New York Jets earlier this season. The Colts have a tougher schedule in the fantasy playoffs as it is, so managers playing defense roulette may want to keep an eye on Gardner's status, as he's their first choice to match against opposing No. 1 receivers.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is eligible to return from Injured Reserve in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, but he is not quite fully recovered from a mid-foot sprain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions to go with 29 rushes for 173 yards and a rushing touchdown in the first five games as Arizona's starter. Jacoby Brissett has performed well in Murray's absence and set an NFL record 47 completions in Arizona's Week 11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Brissett has elevated Michael Wilson's game and helped send Trey McBride to another level as the top fantasy scoring tight end in the league. It remains to be seen if Murray will reclaim the starting job when he is fully healthy.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Irving has been sidelined since Week 4 after dealing with multiple injuries, but will make his return in Week 13. The second-year back is expected to play in a limited role on Sunday after missing a significant amount of time, with Sean Tucker and Rachaad White both playing a role as Irving is eased back into action. Irving produced at a high level in the four games before going down, totaling 71 carries for 237 yards along with 19 receptions (19 targets) for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Irving ranks as RotoBaller's RB25 in PPR leagues for Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receivers Keon Coleman and Brandin Cooks, who was signed this week, are both expected to play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Coleman has missed the team's last two games for disciplinary reasons after he was late to a team meeting. The 22-year-old former second-rounder has failed to take the next step in 2025 in his sophomore season, catching 32 of his 49 targets for 330 yards and three touchdowns in nine games played. However, his two-game benching may light a fire under him for the remainder of the season, and he'll have a juicy matchup to exploit in his return on Sunday against a Steelers defense that has allowed the second-most half-PPR points to receivers this year. Cooks, meanwhile, will provide another deep threat for Buffalo's passing game, although he figures to have limited volume as he learns a new offense.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Mayfield is reportedly expected to wear some tape with protective padding on his injured left shoulder after suffering the injury during Tampa Bay's Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old looked good throwing in practice this week and could take advantage of a vulnerable Arizona defense as long as the shoulder injury doesn't limit him too much. Mayfield ranks as RotoBaller's QB19 for Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown is a healthy inactive for the team's Week 13 contest on the road against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Brown failed to take advantage in recent weeks with both rookie Travis Hunter (knee) and Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) out, and he hasn't had more than one target in three straight games. Thomas is making his return this weekend, which will push Brown off the game-day roster. The 26-year-old just hasn't been able to find enough playing time in 2025 in his first year in Jacksonville, and he enters Week 13 action with only 19 receptions on 36 targets for 219 yards and one touchdown. The acquisition of Jakobi Meyers at this year's trade deadline has not helped Brown's cause. He should be on the waiver wire in most redraft fantasy football leagues.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (neck) is officially active for the Week 13 game on Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. Lazard was listed as questionable to play this week due to a neck injury, but he's good to go and will serve as receiver depth for a weak Jets passing attack led by veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Even though Garrett Wilson (knee) is on Injured Reserve, Lazard has been quickly passed on the WR depth chart by newcomers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. The 29-year-old pass-catcher has not caught more than two passes in any of his seven games played in 2025, and he has just 54 receiving yards and one touchdown on eight catches. Lazard should be ignored in most fantasy football leagues against Atlanta on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (illness) is officially active for Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Harrison returns after missing the past two games after recovering from an appendectomy. The second-year wideout was listed as limited every day in practice this week, and he may see a reduced role in his return with the emergence of Michael Wilson, who has racked up an absurd 25 catches for 303 yards on 33 targets in Harrison's absence. Harrison can be viewed as a high-end WR3 for Sunday's matchup against the Bucs.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (pectoral) is officially active for the Week 13 game.
Fantasy Spin: Waller is returning from the Reserve/Injured list and should have a role right away in the passing game. He will see a few targets during the game but probably can be avoided in most leagues.
From TheHuddle
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
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
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