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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Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
Devaughn Vele Nov 30 8:30pm CT
Devaughn Vele

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele had a breakout game in his team's Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins, recording eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. Vele was acquired by New Orleans from the Denver Broncos before the start of the 2025 season. He spent most of the early portion of the year buried on the team's depth chart, recording just five targets over his first six games. However, New Orleans traded away wideout Rashid Shaheed at the trade deadline and released veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks in late November. In recent weeks, Vele appears to be ascending into his team's WR2 role alongside Chris Olave. He's now recorded 23 targets over his last five games, including consecutive weeks with at least seven targets. Given his emergent role in New Orleans, Vele could be worth a look on the waiver wire in deeper fantasy leagues heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Brock Bowers Nov 30 8:20pm CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was one of the lone bright spots from his team's 31-14 Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, hauling in four catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns on four targets. The 22-year-old has now recorded 49 receptions for 573 yards and five scores on 68 targets across nine games this season. In the team's first game with Greg Olson calling plays instead of Chip Kelly, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith attempted just 23 passes, his fewest in a game since Week 7. The diminished pass volume is a big reason why Bowers saw just four targets, which is his second-fewest in any game this season. However, Las Vegas ran for just 31 yards against Los Angeles, so they may be forced to turn to the air more frequently in the coming weeks. As long as Bowers stays healthy, he profiles as a must-start tight end heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

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Justin Herbert Nov 30 7:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) could be in jeopardy of missing some time after suffering an injury on Sunday. According to Adam Schefter, Herbert suffered a fractured left hand during the Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The team is uncertain if Herbert is going to miss any action right now. The 27-year-old is set to undergo surgery on Monday, so the team will give a better timetable throughout the week. Herbert completed 15-of-20 passing attempts for 151 yards with two touchdowns and one interception during Sunday's win. However, this could be the last time fantasy managers get to use Herbert with the playoffs looming. At the moment, Trey Lance is the backup, so he figures to start if Herbert sits out during the Week 14 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers will need to check back throughout the week for more updates on his status.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Nov 30 6:50pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal bounced back in a big way during Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. In Week 11, Vidal posted a season-low 13 yards in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 24-year-old came ready to play out of the bye week this weekend. His biggest play of the game came in the third quarter when he rushed 59 yards for a score to give his team the lead. Vidal ended this game with a season-high 126 rushing yards on 25 attempts with one touchdown in the win. It remains to be seen how the workload is going to be split up once Omarion Hampton (ankle) returns to the mix. Fantasy managers will need to check back throughout the week to see how that situation shakes out ahead of Week 14.

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Devon Achane Nov 30 6:40pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane came ready to play during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. He started off the game with a 29-yard touchdown run on the opening drive. Achane continued to run over the Saints defense all game long. He finished the game with 134 rushing yards on 22 attempts with one touchdown in the win. He failed to haul in a reception for the first time this season, but that didn't seem to impact his fantasy value. Achane has rushed for over 100 yards in each of his last three games. He'll look to keep that streak alive against the New York Jets in Week 14.

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Jordan Addison Nov 30 6:30pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison ended Sunday's shutout loss at Seattle with five catches for 36 yards on a team-best 10 targets. At the end of the day, it was yet another horrific showing from the Minnesota offense, which started undrafted rookie Max Brosmer at quarterback. The rookie threw four interceptions, including one for a touchdown, as the Vikings were shut out for the first time since 2007. Addison, for his part, had multiple drops but cobbled together a few late catches from a day in which the Vikings gained only 162 yards. Addison may see another quarterback change next week if J.J. McCarthy (concussion) can return, though managers can't be faulted for not trusting the Vikings' offense ahead of a Week 14 game against Washington.

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T.J. Hockenson Nov 30 6:20pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson led the team in receiving by catching all six targets for 59 yards in a 26-0 loss Sunday in Seattle. The veteran tight end was one of the very few bright spots for Minnesota, which turned over the ball five times and gained 162 total yards with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer starting at quarterback. Minnesota has now lost four straight games during which it has scored only 42 total points. The Vikings could see another change at quarterback if starter J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is deemed fit to play, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to trust anything about this offense ahead of a Week 14 game against Washington.

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Dont'e Thornton Jr. Nov 30 6:20pm CT
Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Thornton was forced to make an exit in the fourth quarter due to a head injury. The Raiders have ruled out Thornton for the rest of the game due to a possible concussion. Before exiting, Thornton hauled in one of his two targets for 11 yards. His absence should mean more snaps for Jack Bech and Alex Bachman down the final stretch of this game.

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Max Brosmer Nov 30 6:10pm CT
Max Brosmer

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer had a forgettable first NFL start, throwing four interceptions in a disastrous 26-0 loss at Seattle. The undrafted rookie on the road against one of the NFL's top defenses went as expected, as Brosmer finished 19-for-30 passing for 126 yards and threw an awful pick-six in the first half that gave Seattle a double-digit lead it held for the rest of the day. From a fantasy perspective, playing Brosmer was a huge risk that came up totally empty. Star receiver Justin Jefferson finished with two catches and four yards receiving, while the offense gained only 162 total yards. Whether Brosmer plays again will be determined by starter J.J. McCarthy (concussion), who would need to clear protocol to return for a Week 14 game against Washington.

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Chuba Hubbard Nov 30 6:10pm CT
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard hasn't given fantasy managers much value outside of the first few weeks of the season. That changed this weekend as Hubbard posted a strong performance against the Los Angeles Rams. Hubbard took a screen pass for a 35-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The 26-year-old continued having success throughout the game as tied his season-high with 17 rushing attempts. Hubbard rushed for a season-high 83 yards on those 17 attempts, while hauling in two receptions for 41 yards and one score in the win. This was a nice performance from Hubbard, but he continues to split up the backfield duties with Rico Dowdle who saw 18 carries on Sunday. We'll see where Hubbard is placed on the depth chart after the team comes out of their bye week in Week 15.

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Jacoby Brissett Nov 30 6:00pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett posted another strong performance during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brissett continues to look impressive under center with his third straight game with over 300 passing yards. The 32-year-old completed 29-of-40 passing attempts for 301 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the loss. Brissett had a chance to take his team down the field for a game-tying score, but was unable to succeed. It seems highly unlikely that Kyler Murray (foot) is going to be back next week. Given his success, Brissett should be under center once again versus the Los Angeles Rams next weekend.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Nov 30 6:00pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Playing alongside an undrafted rookie at quarterback, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught just two of six targets for four yards in a 26-0 loss on Sunday at Seattle. Jefferson had negative receiving yardage until late in the fourth quarter as Minnesota looked woeful yet again, this time behind first-time starting quarterback Max Brosmer. The rookie tossed four interceptions, including one for a touchdown, as Minnesota gained only 162 total yards on the day. The Vikings have scored just 42 total points the past four weeks, making the prospect of starting any player on this offense -- even one as good as Jefferson -- a tough sell at the moment. Minnesota will return home to play Washington in Week 14.

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Davante Adams Nov 30 5:50pm CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams somehow was able to almost match his epic two-touchdown performance from last week. The 32-year-old continued his dominance by hauling in a four-yard touchdown in the first quarter. It didn't take him long as he scored his second touchdown of the game with a seven-yard score in the second quarter. This is now back-to-back two-touchdown games for Adams, who leads the league with 14 touchdowns this season. He finished this game with four receptions for 58 yards and two scores in the loss to the Carolina Panthers. Adams will look to extend his six-game touchdown streak against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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