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."

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The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13

Player Notes
Drake Maye Dec 1 11:20pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns while adding six carries for 12 yards on the ground in Monday night's 33-15 win over the New York Giants. Maye continued his MVP-caliber season with his sixth performance this season where he completed at least 75% of his passes with two or more touchdown passes, which ties Matt Ryan's 2016 MVP season for the third most in NFL history, according to ESPN Insights. The 23-year-old signal-caller threw both touchdowns in the first half, including another beautiful deep ball to rookie receiver Kyle Williams for a 33-yard score in the second quarter before throttling down in the second half. Maye has taken the leap into stardom in his second season and is right in the thick of the MVP conversation as New England heads into their Week 14 bye.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Dec 1 10:10pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip) was carted off the field after suffering a hip injury during his team's Week 13 matchup against the New England Patriots on Monday night. Dan Salomone of Giants.com reports that Tracy Jr. is officially questionable to return. The 26-year-old back recorded 10 carries for 36 yards and one catch for -3 yards before being forced to exit the game. If he's unable to return, veteran running back Devin Singletary would be in line to handle most of New York's backfield work for the remainder of Week 13. While the exact nature of Tracy Jr.'s injury is unclear, an extended absence for Tracy Jr. would be a major loss for the Giants. With rookie running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) on Injured Reserve, Singletary would be the last back standing in New York and could be in line for a significant workload increase going forward.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Dec 1 9:50pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Across 12 games this season, Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has recorded 51 catches for 505 yards and three touchdowns on 74 targets. While the 21-year-old's numbers do not jump off the page, he's emerged as a consistent piece of the Browns' offense. Entering Week 14, Fannin Jr. has earned at least five targets in seven consecutive games and 10 out of 12 total games this season. Fannin Jr. has also earned 11 targets across the two contests since Shedeur Sanders took over the starting quarterback job in Cleveland, the highest number of any Browns pass-catcher. The overall struggles of his team's offense limit Fannin Jr.'s upside. Still, he provides a solid production floor as a low-end starting tight end option in PPR fantasy leagues. Heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Fannin Jr. should be a waiver-wire target in PPR leagues with 12 or more teams.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Dec 1 9:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz had a huge game in Week 13, recording 10 catches for 106 yards on 13 targets in an overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Across 12 games this season, the 35-year-old has hauled in 49 catches for 493 yards and four touchdowns on 70 targets. It's worth noting that Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota attempted 50 passes in Week 13, a level of pass volume that is highly unlikely to repeat in future weeks. However, Washington could be getting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) back as soon as Week 14, which would be a boost for Ertz. All four of Ertz's four touchdown receptions this season have come in the six games Daniels has been healthy for. The Commanders will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. In leagues where he is available on the waiver wire, Ertz could be a solid streaming option for fantasy managers to target at the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Dec 1 9:40pm CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) returned from a pectoral injury that caused him to miss more than a month in Week 13, recording two catches for 47 yards on three targets against the New Orleans Saints. Waller has appeared in just five games this season due to multiple injuries, but he's recorded four touchdown catches in that span. The Dolphins limited Waller to a 47% snap share in Week 13, which is a trend that may continue given the 33-year-old's extensive injury history. However, Waller has proven to be a red-zone target for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which gives him streamer appeal for fantasy managers at the tight end position. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Waller could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a streamer or injury replacement heading into a Week 14 matchup against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Dec 1 9:30pm CT
Devaughn Vele

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele had a monster game in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, recording eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. The 27-year-old has now earned 15 targets over his last two games played and emerged as the clear WR2 in New Orleans alongside star wideout Chris Olave. In three games since former Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, Vele has played 87%, 89%, and 88% of New Orleans' offensive snaps. Vele has proven to be a moderately productive player when given the opportunity. Across 24 career NFL games, he's hauled in 58 receptions for 659 yards and five touchdowns on 83 targets. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Vele is worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Dec 1 9:20pm CT
Brenton Strange

Across two games since returning from a hip injury that forced him to miss nearly two months, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has recorded eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. The 24-year-old has emerged as one of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence's most-trusted weapons in 2025. Strange has earned at least five targets in four out of the six full games he's played this season. The Jaguars have also shown a willingness to play Strange a heavy snap share, as he played 84% of the team's offensive snaps in their Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans. While the Jaguars have a pair of capable target earners in wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr., wideout Parker Washington (hip) went down with a hip injury in Week 13 that could cause him to miss time. As a result, Strange could be in line for a target bump. He should be a waiver wire target in all fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.

From RotoBaller

Terrion Arnold Dec 1 9:10pm CT
Terrion Arnold

Detroit Lions defensive back Terrion Arnold (shoulder) is done for the season after being placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. Arnold is set to undergo shoulder surgery after suffering an injury during the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers. He made his return to the field last week following a two-game absence due to a concussion. The 22-year-old will now end his sophomore campaign with 31 tackles and one interception in eight games. Khalil Dorsey and Amik Robertson could see more snaps with Arnold sidelined for the rest of the regular season for the Lions' defense.

From RotoBaller

Abdul Carter Dec 1 9:10pm CT
Abdul Carter

New York Giants rookie defensive end Abdul Carter was benched to begin Monday's game versus the New England Patriots. The team is calling Carter's absence on the first drive a coach's decision. This was likely due to Carter missing some type of team activity (most likely a meeting) last week. Carter did eventually make it onto the field and recorded a sack. This isn't the first time that Carter has been benched by the Giants. Interim head coach Mike Kafka is trying to make a statement in a lost season. The Giants were already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention at 2-10 before the kickoff on Monday night. Carter was the third overall pick back in April out of Penn State.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Juszczyk Dec 1 9:00pm CT
Kyle Juszczyk

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (rib) was forced to exit during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. After further evaluation, Juszczyk was diagnosed with a rib fracture. Luckily for San Francisco, Juszczyk will get a week off to rest with the team on a bye in Week 14. Following that, the 49ers will re-evaluate the 34-year-old ahead of their Week 15 matchup versus the Tennessee Titans. There's a chance that Juszczyk won't miss any time, which would be good news for San Fran's offense. As mostly a blocking asset, Juszczyk is not fantasy relevant.

From RotoBaller

Kalif Raymond Dec 1 9:00pm CT
Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) was a non-participant during Monday's practice session. Raymond suffered an ankle injury in the Week 12 win over the New York Giants and was unable to suit up for last week's contest versus the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day. The fact that Raymond remains out of practice to begin the week isn't a good sign ahead of the Thursday night contest versus the Dallas Cowboys. Rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa stepped up during their Thanksgiving loss, hauling in both his targets for 35 yards and a touchdown. The 23-year-old figures to once again have a larger role in the offense if Raymond is unable to play in Week 14, especially with top wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) also up in the air to play in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance Dec 1 8:40pm CT
Trey Lance

Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Trey Lance will receive first-team practice reps in goal-line situations this week. This is a result of starting quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) needing surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand following Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert had a metacarpal fracture in his left hand but still plans to play in Week 14 versus the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night. The fact that Lance is doing goal-line work could be a hint that the Chargers might use him in goal-line situations, with Herbert probably being unable to take snaps under center next week. If Herbert plays in Week 14, he'll be more of a low-end QB1 option in fantasy football while going up against a strong Eagles pass rush.

From RotoBaller

Eddy Pineiro Dec 1 8:40pm CT
Eddy Pineiro

San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) is expected to return to action following the team's bye in Week 14. Pineiro has missed each of the last two games due to a hamstring issue. Luckily, head coach Kyle Shanahan believes Pineiro will be ready to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 15. Pineiro has been a great addition to the 49ers roster this season. The 30-year-old has made all 22 of his field-goal attempts while connecting on 18 of 22 extra-point kicks. Matt Gay has been kicking for the 49ers over the last two games, but his services will likely no longer be needed once Pineiro returns.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 1 7:10pm CT
Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Monday that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) had successful surgery on Monday to stabilize a metacarpal fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand that he suffered in Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert's return to play is considered day-to-day, and his status for next Monday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles will be determined later in the week. The Chargers are optimistic that Herbert will be able to play in Week 14, although he'll likely be wearing a protective glove and will probably take snaps out of the shotgun formation if he plays. A porous offensive line has led to plenty of bumps and bruises for Herbert this year, and he might have even less time to throw if he plays in Week 14 against a strong Eagles' defensive line. Herbert will be more of a low-end QB2 in fantasy if he's active next Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Dec 1 6:40pm CT
Joshua Karty

The Los Angeles Rams signed kicker Joshua Karty back to their practice squad on Monday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Karty was waived last Friday by the Rams after being benched for rookie Harrison Mevis, but the 23-year-old will now return to the practice squad as an insurance option for now. In his second year in the NFL, Karty has struggled, going 10-for-15 on his field-goal tries and 23-for-26 on his extra-point opportunities through eight games. Mevis, meanwhile, has gone a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals and 17-for-17 on extra points with the Rams in his first four games. The 23-year-old has been money so far and has jumped onto the fantasy radar quickly at the kicking position because of the high-octane offense in L.A., but they don't often have to settle for field goals, which also limits his upside.

From RotoBaller

Jalin Hyatt Dec 1 6:20pm CT
Jalin Hyatt

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is a healthy scratch for the Monday night game against the New England Patriots to close out Week 13 action, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. This will be just the second time all year, and the first since Week 8, that Hyatt will sit without dealing with an injury. The 24-year-old will be the odd-man out for a receiving corps that will roll with Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Gunner Olszewski, and Dalen Cambre as they look to upset the Pats in primetime. The Giants will head into their bye in Week 14, so the next chance Hyatt will have to play will be on Sunday, Dec. 14, against the division-rival Washington Commanders. Hyatt has not been very involved in New York's offense in his third year in the league, catching five of 13 targets for only 35 yards and no touchdowns in seven games.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Dec 1 6:10pm CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) dealt with some hamstring soreness in Sunday's surprising loss to the Carolina Panthers, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the injury isn't considered serious. Head coach Sean McVay said the team could limit some players in practice this week, so don't be surprised to see Adams on the injury report this week. However, the 32-year-old veteran touchdown machine should be fine to play in Week 14 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro wideout had two touchdowns for the second straight week in the loss to Carolina, coming down with four of his five targets for 58 yards. Adams has developed some insane chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford in his first year in L.A. and leads the NFL with 14 TD receptions in 12 starts. Keep him locked into all starting lineups for a plus matchup against the Cards this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Dec 1 6:00pm CT
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles wide receiver Keenan Allen recorded a modest four catches for 30 yards on five targets in the team's 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen matched the team lead in receptions but provided little beyond sustaining drives. Over his last five games, he has only one red-zone target and saw fewer snaps as rookie Tre' Harris received more opportunities with the Chargers dominating on the ground. Justin Herbert's fractured non-throwing hand resulted in a more conservative game script (21 passes versus 43 rushes), further limiting Allen's upside. Heading into Week 14, the Philadelphia Eagles have shown vulnerabilities in back-to-back losses but still rank in the top 10 in pass defense, and Herbert's availability after surgery remains uncertain. If Trey Lance starts, all receivers' outlooks decline, although Allen's reliability might make him the backup's preferred safety valve. Nonetheless, expectations should stay low.

From RotoBaller

Jaret Patterson Dec 1 5:50pm CT
Jaret Patterson

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being signed to the active roster early last week, Patterson served as the primary back behind Kimani Vidal as the Chargers totaled 192 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patterson looked decisive and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season as the offense relied heavily on the ground game following Justin Herbert's hand injury. Looking ahead, rookie Omarion Hampton's return from IR is imminent after his 21-day practice window opened last week, which would move Patterson behind Hampton and Vidal. Next Monday night, the Bolts face a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has recently been vulnerable against the run. However, Patterson's fantasy value depends entirely on Hampton's availability in Week 14. If Hampton returns, Patterson might not even see the field. If he doesn't, Patterson will remain a depth piece with a few change-of-pace carries.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Dec 1 5:50pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that surgery isn't currently on the table for quarterback Kyler Murray (foot), according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "To my knowledge, not right now. That's as honest as I can answer it. I have not heard that. No," Gannon said. Murray is eligible to be activated from Injured Reserve, but the Cardinals will not open his 21-day practice window this week because he's simply not ready to return to practice following his foot sprain back in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 28-year-old will not return this week when the team faces the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, and it remains to be seen if he'll be in play for Week 15 versus the Houston Texans. The Cardinals have been non-committal on whether Murray will even take the starting QB job back from Jacoby Brissett, who has led a much more explosive offensive attack with Murray sidelined.

From RotoBaller