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.
Value Picks: Week 13
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins projects as a low-volume fantasy option for Week 13, despite an excellent matchup against a vulnerable New York Giants defense. The ninth-year pro has had a few nice outings this season in a high-flying Patriots' offense. However, quarterback Drake Maye's tendency to spread the ball around and the team's inclination toward a more run-heavy game script (46.83% [ninth-highest]) have left the veteran on the outside looking in at times. Through 12 contests, he's recorded more than two receptions on only four occasions, eclipsing 50 receiving yards thrice. Hollins has a decent role in an offense that gets the job done (26.5 points per game), although the lack of concentrated target share makes him an inconsistent fantasy asset. The 32-year-old lands as RotoBaller's PPR WR57 for his bout on Monday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
According to Mike Masala of USA Today, the Los Angeles Rams won't activate wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) ahead of Sunday's road outing with the Carolina Panthers. The Florida native has been shelved since injuring his hamstring in the team's Week 7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars abroad. Despite LA opening Atwell's 21-day practice window earlier this week -- and him logging three full practices -- he won't rejoin them against the hosting Panthers. For one more game, at least, teammates Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith will play behind snap leaders Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. When Atwell returns, he figures to slot back in ahead of Mumpfield and Smith in the hierarchy of the corps.
From RotoBaller
Per the team, Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani (hamstring) has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury picked up in last weekend's 30-24 win over the Tennessee Titans. The Boise State product will now miss at least the next four games, with his earliest return date coming for the team's outing against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. In a corresponding move, Seattle signed veteran RB Myles Gaskin from their practice squad to the active roster. While Gaskin may work intermittently in place of Holani, he'll still be a distant third option behind teammates Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in the Seahawks' backfield. Seattle's ground attack will get a dream matchup in Week 13 against a struggling Minnesota rush defense.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has been a decent fantasy contributor in two starts with the team, though he'll get another difficult matchup this Monday night against the New England Patriots. Hodgins was signed off the Steelers' practice squad a few weeks back, reuniting him with the Giants' organization. For one game, at least, it appears Hodgins has worked his way behind only Wan'Dale Robinson in terms of snap share, logging two more than Darius Slayton (52) upon the latter's return from a one-game absence. While the Oregon State product may have moved ahead of Slayton in the pecking order, fantasy managers may want to wait one more week before relying on him as a low-floor dart throw, considering a less-than-ideal outing with a tough Pats' defense. Hodgins is RotoBaller's PPR WR69 for his clash with New England.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier garnered double-digit carries in Week 12, rushing 12 times for 44 yards, and even received one target, which he caught for five yards. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who deployed him as a Flex option, the 25-year-old was unable to find the end zone as he'd done in three of the four previous weeks and seven times this season. The BYU product could see a similar workload in Week 13 in what should be a competitive contest versus the Jets, with the Falcons as three-point road favorites. New York has yielded the ninth-most half-point PPR points to opposing running backs this season, but in what projects to be a low-scoring affair, Allgeier will continue to be a risky RB3/Flex that, if he doesn't score, comes with a very low floor.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary is set for another stiff test in Week 13 when his team squares off with the hosting New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. The former Buffalo Bill has seen a heavier workload over the previous two games, as New York's pace of play shot up with quarterback Jameis Winston under center. That could remain true even with Jaxson Dart back in the fold, but the running game won't be afforded any favors against a staunch Patriots' defense. On the season, New England has allowed the second-fewest rush yards (87.7) and fantasy points per game to running backs (16.63). Singletary sports some low-end flex appeal either way if he can remain involved in the Giants' offense. However, fantasy managers should temper expectations against one of the league's stronger rush defenses. The 28-year-old is RotoBaller's PPR RB42 for this week's slate of action.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayer was unable to participate for the entire week due to an ankle injury he had sustained early in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns. The 24-year-old was quickly ruled out last week after injuring his ankle in the first half of the game. Mayers has shown flashes during a lost season for the Raiders and had seen 15 targets in his previous three games before this ankle injury. In Week 13, the Raiders' offense will continue to rely on Brock Bowers, Tre Tucker, and recently acquired Tyler Lockett to lead the passing attack. It is worth noting that this will be the first game this season in which Greg Olson takes over play-calling duties for the Raiders. Ian Thomas should see an increase in snaps and will serve as the Raiders' backup tight end to Bowers with Mayer sidelined.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson has ridden the fantasy roller coaster so far this season. Since Week 4, Johnson has been an inconsistent fantasy option, finishing inside the Top-12 five times and finishing outside the Top-20 four times. The 24-year-old will see a decent matchup heading into Week 13 against the New England Patriots. The Patriots' defense has allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards and the 10th most passing touchdowns this season. With a tough run defense, the Giants' offense could be forced to go to a pass-heavy game script early to sustain drives. This, along with Johnson's red zone presence against a struggling red zone passing defense, could work in his favor. It is worth noting that the Giants will be getting Jaxson Dart back after missing two games due to a concussion. The stars seem to be aligning for Johnson to be a viable TE2 with a good chance to score his first touchdown since Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers CB Asante Samuel Jr. was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of the Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills. He is in line to make his season debut with CBs Joey Porter Jr. (hip) and Darius Slay (concussion) on the mend.
From TheHuddle
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has taken control of the Giants' backfield. Tracy has had 39 carries for 150 rushing yards, along with seven catches for 119 yards on eight targets over his last two games. The 26-year-old has been maximizing his versatile skill set and is making a case to be a reliable running back for managers right before the fantasy playoffs. Heading into Week 13, Tracy will face a stout New England Patriots run defense. The Patriots have allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards and the fewest rushing touchdowns this season. However, Tracy should be more efficient per touch with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) being cleared from concussion protocol. Dart's dual-threat ability will force run defenders to pay more attention to him, freeing up bigger running lanes for Tracy. In a difficult matchup, Tracy is an RB3 that can be inserted into flex spots for fantasy managers against New England in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos TE Evan Engram is one of just two active tight ends for the team ahead of Week 13 against the Washington Commanders, with TE Adam Trautman as the other. FB Adam Prentice could be used more, or WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey could see some tight end-like snaps.
Fantasy Spin: Engram is an intriguing play for fantasy managers. He had four receptions last time out against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he has four or more catches in six of his past eight games. The Commanders are terrible against the pass, allowing an NFL-worst 9.7 yards per passing attempt. However, Engram hasn't scored since Oct. 5, and he remains more of a low-end TE2 in most fantasy formats.
From TheHuddle
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will officially make his return to the field after missing each of the last two games due to a concussion. Interim head coach Mike Kafka confirmed on Thursday that Dart has cleared concussion protocol. Given his injuries, the Giants may elect to change the gameplan with Dart. That means, Dart might not run the ball as much as he was earlier in the season. Regardless, fantasy managers should still be able to trust Dart who has been impressive with his arm through his first seven starts. He draws a tough matchup against the New England Patriots, but Dart remains a QB1 in fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is looking to make an impact after posting a few duds recently. Austin has been held to 36 receiving yards or fewer in each of his last three games. The 26-year-old has also seen his snap count decrease heavily over the last two contests. There is certainly some decent upside with Austin, but he's not getting the playing time to be fantasy relevant right now. It's tough to trust him as anything more than a low-end flex option for the upcoming Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) doesn't carry an injury designation into Monday's Week 13 matchup against the New England Patriots. Slayton was limited in practice this week due to a hamstring issue. However, it doesn't appear to be serious enough to hold him out of this Monday night contest. Slayton hasn't experienced a ton of success this season. Through nine games, Slayton has recorded 24 receptions for 366 yards and zero touchdowns. Due to the lack of options in this offense, Slayton still carries flex value for this upcoming contest.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (ankle) won't carry an injury designation into the Week 13 matchup against the New England Patriots. Robinson was limited in practice on Friday due to an ankle issue. It doesn't appear to be a serious issue as Robinson has been cleared for this Monday night contest. Robinson has stepped up in the absence of Malik Nabers (knee) lately. The 24-year-old has six receptions or more in three of his last four games. Quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) is set to return after missing two games. Fantasy managers should be able to count on Robinson as a high-end WR2 for Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) is not expected to be placed on the Reserve/Injured list due to the sprained ankle he suffered on Thanksgiving against the Green Bay Packers. He continues to be evaluated, and is considered week-to-week. The team has just one game in the next 16 days, coming on Dec. 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Fantasy Spin: It's possible St. Brown misses just a single game next Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys, potentially returning for fantasy managers in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams on the road. It's a tough pill to swallow, but all is not lost. He could still be able to help out in the fantasy playoffs.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make the second start of his career this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13, and if he continues to play well, he could earn more starts for the rest of the season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Browns are open to giving Sanders an "extended look for the rest of the season," just as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel got in the first half before suffering a concussion that opened the door for Sanders. Much of the Browns' decision will be determined by how Sanders plays, though. Although his numbers didn't jump off the page in his first start last weekend against the Raiders, Cleveland was impressed with his playmaking skills, aggressive downfield throws, and his ability to buy time and push the ball downfield. The Browns have also been impressed with Sanders' work ethic. The 23-year-old threw for 209 yards, one touchdown, and a pick in his first NFL start in Week 12. In Week 13 against a banged-up Niners defense, Sanders will be a QB3 in fantasy in what is expected to be inclement weather.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings have elevated quarterback John Wolford to the active roster ahead of their Week 13 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Wolford will be starting quarterback Max Brosmer's backup in Sunday's game, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The Vikings' quarterback room has been battling injuries all season, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) in and out of the lineup at various times and veteran quarterback Carson Wentz (shoulder) having season-ending surgery earlier this season for a torn labrum. Wolford had seen limited action early in his career, with a stint with the Los Angeles Rams. It has been some time since Wolford has taken a meaningful snap in a regular-season NFL game, but he could be called upon to play on Sunday against a tough Seattle defense.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers have promoted running back Jaret Patterson from the practice squad to their active roster ahead of Week 13's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. This move is likely to increase depth in a weakened Chargers backfield and support lead running back Kimani Vidal. Vidal has been the only healthy running back on the roster since fellow running backs Omarion Hampton (ankle), Najee Harris (Achilles), and Hassan Haskins (hamstring) have landed on injured reserve. Patterson has proven to be a capable change-of-pace running back in the NFL, having played for both the Chargers and the Washington Commanders. He will aim to relieve Vidal and share some of the workload in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has seen limited work in the offense over the last few weeks. Since Week 10, Smith has seen a combined seven targets and two rushing attempts. The 30-year-old has yet to be a consistent fantasy option and has only had two productive weeks this season. Entering Week 13, Smith will face a tough Buffalo Bills passing defense that has allowed the fewest receiving yards this season. However, the Bills' run defense has allowed the third-most rushing yards this season. The Steelers' offense may want to establish the run game early against a run-funnel Bills defense and take pressure off quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist), who is still battling a left wrist injury. Smith is difficult to trust for fantasy managers heading into Week 13 and is mainly an option in deep leagues.
From RotoBaller