Matthew Stafford, surging Rams take aim at Panthers

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."

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
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

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

Keon Coleman Nov 30 3:20pm CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is active on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time since Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins. Coleman was a healthy inactive for the past two games for disciplinary reasons after being late to a team meeting. The 22-year-old has had a disappointing sophomore season so far, recording 32 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns on 49 targets in nine games. Ideally, the Bills taking action and sitting Coleman down for two games will lead to better days for him. He gets a great opportunity on Sunday against a Steelers defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Nov 30 3:10pm CT
Adam Thielen

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen is a healthy inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Vikings acquired Thielen and a 5th-round pick for a 4th and 5th-round pick before the start of the regular season, but the veteran has not made an impact, recording just eight catches for 69 yards on 18 targets in 11 games. The 35-year-old hasn't played more than 14 snaps in a game this Week 3 and for the first time this season, Thielen will be inactive despite being healthy. Jailen Nailor and rookie Tai Felton will likely see increases in opportunities in Week 13 against the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Sampson Nov 30 2:50pm CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Sampson was originally questionable to return, but has now been downgraded after injuring his calf. The rookie fourth-rounder had four carries for 23 yards before exiting, and the Browns will hope for positive news on Monday regarding the injury. Jerome Ford will slot in as the primary backup to Quinshon Judkins and should see more work on pass downs if Sampson misses time.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Nov 30 2:40pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kincaid will now miss his third consecutive game since injuring his hamstring in Buffalo's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old tight end was able to practice in limited capacity on Thursday and Friday this week, which suggested he had a chance to return on Sunday, but it seems he still needs more time. The 2023 first-round pick has strong production in the eight games he's played this season, recording 29 receptions for 448 yards and four touchdowns on 36 targets, averaging 12.2 PPR points per game. Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes will operate as the Bills' primary tight ends again in Week 13 with Kincaid sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Sampson Nov 30 2:30pm CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a calf injury. Sampson handled four carries for 23 yards before leaving the game. The rookie fourth-rounder broke out in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders with a 66-yard receiving touchdown, finishing with seven carries for 23 yards and two receptions (three targets) for 59 yards. Sampson has been operating as the No. 2 back behind Quinshon Judkins, but Jerome Ford will slide in as the primary backup with the rookie sidelined. More information should come out about the severity of Sampson's injury soon.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Nov 30 2:20pm CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans due to a hip injury. Washington recorded one reception for 26 yards on three targets before exiting. The 23-year-old wideout has emerged as a reliable weapon for Jacksonville and an impactful waiver wire add for fantasy managers. Since playing a full-time role in Week 7, he's recorded 22 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets. Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. figure to see bumps in targets with Washington sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Nov 30 2:10pm CT
Sauce Gardner

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

Kyren Williams Nov 30 2:00pm CT
Kyren Williams

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

Kyren Williams Nov 30 1:40pm CT
Kyren Williams

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

Parker Washington Nov 30 1:30pm CT
Parker Washington

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

Trevon Diggs Nov 30 1:20pm CT
Trevon Diggs

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

Woody Marks Nov 30 1:20pm CT
Woody Marks

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

Sauce Gardner Nov 30 1:00pm CT
Sauce Gardner

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

Woody Marks Nov 30 12:50pm CT
Woody Marks

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

Sauce Gardner Nov 30 12:40pm CT
Sauce Gardner

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

Kyler Murray Nov 30 12:10pm CT
Kyler Murray

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

Bucky Irving Nov 30 11:30am CT
Bucky Irving

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

Keon Coleman Nov 30 11:30am CT
Keon Coleman

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