Jaguars visit Titans looking to build home-stretch momentum

Thu Nov 27 10:28am ET
Field Level Media

With six weeks left in the regular season, the Jacksonville Jaguars currently are positioned to make the playoffs in head coach Liam Coen's first season.

The Jaguars are one of three AFC teams with a 7-4 record that occupy the three wild-card spots entering Week 13. Jacksonville is in sixth entering this week, behind the Los Angeles Chargers but ahead of the Buffalo Bills on a conference win percentage tiebreaker.

Jacksonville's final six games are a mixed bag in terms of opposition. Three of the games are against teams with two or fewer wins, while the other three are versus teams with eight or more wins.

But it starts on what appears to be the easier side this weekend when the Jaguars take on the Tennessee Titans (1-10) Sunday in Nashville, the first of two matchups between these division opponents over the next six weeks.

Four of Jacksonville's final six games are against AFC South rivals, including a pair of games against Indianapolis (8-3), which currently leads the Jaguars by one game.

Coen isn't shying away from discussing the big picture right now with his team.

"It's a huge opportunity for us," he said. "... It comes down to taking advantage of these opportunities and making the most of them."

After a stretch of three losses in four games, Jacksonville has won its last two to restore some balance, including a 27-24 overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals last week.

A big part of that surge has been an uptick in pass-rush success. Coen challenged his defense, which had eight sacks through the first seven games, to make a bigger impact. The Jaguars responded with 13 sacks in four games since their bye week, including a season-high six last week.

Tennessee carries a six-game overall losing streak and a 10-game home losing streak into this contest. After falling behind Seattle 23-3 last week, the Titans ended the game on a 21-7 run to cut the final deficit to 30-24.

Although the team was down two of its top three receivers against the Seahawks, Cam Ward turned in one of his better performances of the season. The rookie quarterback completed 28 of 42 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown with a team-high 37 rushing yards and his first career rushing TD.

Chimere Dike, a rookie bright spot for the Titans, scored a pair of second-half touchdowns against Seattle. He returned a punt 90 yards for his second punt-return TD of the season and caught his second touchdown pass of the season in the fourth quarter.

He leads the league in kick-return yards (1,206) and in yards per punt return (23.8).

The trend of losses hasn't changed for Tennessee, but the last few weeks have been much more competitive. After six of the Titans' first seven losses were by 10-plus points -- including four by 18-plus points -- their last three have all one-score losses.

"There's a burning desire week-in and week-out to win," said Titans interim coach Mike McCoy, who was previously Jacksonville's QBs coach from 2022-24. "... We've got to consistently do our jobs better and see what happens then when you play your best football for 60 minutes."

Jacksonville receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, has been cleared to return after practicing fully Thursday and Friday. The Jaguars ruled out offensive linemen Patrick Mekari (concussion) and Chuma Edoga (calf) as well as defensive end Travon Walker (knee).

The Jaguars opened safety Eric Murray's 21-day practice window this week as he returns from a neck injury. He was limited each day in practice but was also ruled out for Sunday.

Tennessee has a litany of injuries, with center Lloyd Cushenberry (foot), defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (concussion), cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles) and safety Kendell Brooks (concussion) all sidelined for Sunday. Rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring), tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot), tackle Dan Moore (knee) and safety Xavier Woods (hamstring) are all questionable.

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Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From TheHuddle

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.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Nov 30 4:53pm CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans RB Nick Chubb ran nine times for 34 yards and a touchdown in a Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Fantasy Spin: Chubb, who scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter, continues to lose carries to Woody Marks each week. The 34 yards was his fewest sine 16 at Seattle on Oct. 20. He's only worth rostering as a deep back-up in case of multiple injuries.

From TheHuddle

Bijan Robinson Nov 30 4:50pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson went off on Sunday against the New York Jets despite the 27-24 loss, recording 23 carries for 142 yards and a touchdown along with five receptions (seven targets) for 51 yards as a receiver. Robinson was excellent once again and was the engine of Atlanta's offense in this game, accounting for 191 of 389 total yards of offense for the Falcons. It marks the second-most total yards in a game this season for the superstar running back, only trailing his 238-yard performance back in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. The 23-year-old is one of the best receiving backs in football and has six games this season with at least five receptions, with Sunday being his first since Week 9 against the Patriots. Robinson remains one of the top running backs in fantasy, but faces a tough matchup in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Nov 30 4:43pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku caught two passes for four yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13. He was targeted two times during the game.

Fantasy Spin: Njoku has become smaller part of the passing game as the season has gone on and has only 11 receiving yards in the last three games. He can be avoided in fantasy leagues unless Harold Fannin Jr. suffers an injury at some point.

From TheHuddle

Taysom Hill Nov 30 4:43pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints TE/QB Taysom Hill had just a single 2-yard rush and a 5-yard reception on his lone target in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins.

From TheHuddle

Brock Wright Nov 30 4:30pm CT
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell referred to tight end Brock Wright's injury as a "trachea" and said that it could be a long-term issue, according to Dave Birkett of Detroit Free Press. Campbell said that the team is still sending out scans for other opinions, but it's not good news for the 27-year-old tight end. Wright suffered what was initially described as a neck injury during Detroit's Week 12 overtime win over the New York Giants and missed their Week 13 game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. Wright hasn't been a big receiving threat with just 14 receptions (22 targets) for 108 yards and two touchdowns this season, but he was the team's top tight end after Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve. Ross Dwelley and Anthony Firsker are next up on the depth chart for Detroit's options at tight end moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Zaire Franklin Nov 30 4:23pm CT
Zaire Franklin

Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin made 13 tackles - five solo - in a Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans.

From TheHuddle