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.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14
Chicago Bears LB Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder), RB Kyle Monangai (ankle), WR Rome Odunze (foot) and CB Tyrique Stevenson (hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3. LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring, hand) was limited during practice. DT Andrew Billings (concussion), CB Jaylon Johnson (groin), DE Dominique Robinson (concussion) and LB Noah Sewell (elbow) fully participated in practice. The Bears did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the report is an estimation.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (neck) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Wright was a non-participant every day in practice this week and isn't expected to return anytime soon after head coach Dan Campbell revealed his injury involves his trachea, and that it could be a long-term issue. The 27-year-old was expected to serve as the Lions' top tight end after Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve, but Wright may miss the remainder of the season. Ross Dwelley stepped up and played the majority of snaps in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers with Anthony Firkser mixing in, and both figure to split the reps on Thursday night against the Cowboys. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help at the TE position.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys. The 31-year-old hasn't practiced since suffering an ankle injury during Detroit's overtime win over the New York Giants in Week 12 and will miss his third consecutive game. The Lions have multiple injuries at wide receiver and tight end, with star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) questionable for Thursday, as well as tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) facing extended absences. Rookie third-rounder Isaac TeSlaa is expected to see an increase in opportunities with Detroit's injuries piling up, and he's flashed upside in limited action, with three of his six receptions this season going for touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Parker Washington (hip), OT Walker Little (concussion), DE Travon Walker (knee) and S Andrew Wingard (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3. OT Chuma Edoga (calf), OG Patrick Mekari (concussion), DT Arik Armstead (hand), DE Danny Striggow (knee), LB Devin Lloyd (chest), LB Foyesade Oluokun (hamstring), P Logan Cooke (shoulder) and LS Ross Matiscik (back) were limited during practice. CB Jourdan Lewis (neck) and S Eric Murray (neck) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) is listed as questionable for Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Fantasy Spin: The team has been silent about his exact chances of playing, but he has been limited in practice. Wait for inactives but have a backup plan in case he is ruled out.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to play on Thursday night against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. St. Brown missed the first two practices on a short week, and he admitted on Tuesday that he's unsure if he'll be able to play in Week 14 after he suffered a low-ankle sprain early in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday. The 26-year-old figures to be a game-time decision on Thursday evening. Normally a must-start in fantasy football lineups when healthy, he'll be a much more volatile option if he's active, even in a great matchup against Dallas. St. Brown will most likely be less than 100% if he's active, and Detroit could use him as a decoy. Rookie Isaac TeSlaa and Tom Kennedy will see more playing time behind Jameson Williams if St. Brown is ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Wednesday that rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) is "on track and looking good" to come off Injured Reserve and play on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, per Omar Ruiz of NFL Network. "He's ramping up," Harbaugh said when asked about his confidence level on whether Hampton will play on Monday. The 22-year-old from North Carolina has been out since Week 5 due to a fracture in his ankle, but he's trending toward playing in Week 14. It's perfect timing with the fantasy football playoffs starting in most leagues next week. However, Hampton still isn't a lock to play on Monday, and if he does, the Chargers are expected to have a shared backfield with Hampton and Kimani Vidal to ease Hampton back into the fold. The Chargers hold their first official practice of the week on Thursday, so check back to see what Hampton's participation is.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) will not practice on Wednesday during the team's walkthrough, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Herbert had surgery to fix a broken bone in his left (non-throwing) hand on Monday, and the Chargers are not ready to say whether he will be able to play on Monday Night Football in Week 14 versus the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. The Bolts won't hold their first official practice of the week until Thursday. Herbert said he plans on playing through his broken hand, although he's probably not going to see much practice time this week. With a tough matchup looming against Philly and the injury to boot, Herbert is trending as more of a QB2 for fantasy managers this week if he's active. Backup Trey Lance, who will see first-team goal-line reps this week in practice, would make his first start of the year if Herbert isn't cleared.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) has been cleared from the injury report and will play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Pickens was listed as a limited participant on Monday with multiple injuries, but he was upgraded to full on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has excelled in his first season in Dallas, recording 73 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns on 105 targets in 12 games. He is one of just three wide receivers to already clear 1,000 yards, along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua. Pickens again profiles as an elite fantasy football option in a matchup with the highest projected point total of the week versus the Lions on Thursday night.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys OT Tyler Guyton (ankle) did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 14 against the Detroit Lions. CB Trevon Diggs (knee) was limited in practice all week and has been ruled out. DE Jadeveon Clowney (hamstring) and S Malik Hooker (back) were limited in practice on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and are listed as questionable. OT Hakeem Adeniji (knee), CB DaRon Bland (foot, wrist), CB Caelen Carson (hamstrings), DE Dante Fowler (shoulder), James Houston (foot, ankle), DL Osa Odighizuwa (elbow), WR George Pickens (calf, knee), WR KaVontae Turpin (shoulder), and S Donovan Wilson (neck) practiced in full on Wednesday and no longer appear on the injury report.
From TheHuddle
Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (foot) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Marks exited early during Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts due to a foot injury, but he was eventually able to return and finished with 19 carries for 64 yards while adding one reception (one target) for three yards as a receiver. It's not a great sign that the rookie missed practice to open the week, but he'll have two more opportunities to practice before Sunday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Marks has served as the Texans' workhorse over the last four games, playing 67.1% of the snaps while averaging 18 touches per game. The USC product hasn't been dynamic with the increased workload, though, averaging just 9.4 PPR points per game during that time. Marks' status will continue to be monitored as the week goes along. If he's limited or out in Week 14, veteran Nick Chubb would see an elevated workload.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) returned to practice on Wednesday, according to Dani Sureck of AZCardinals.com. Demercado missed the past two games due to a high-ankle sprain, but he is trending in the right direction to suit up in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. With Trey Benson (knee) still on Injured Reserve and seemingly not making much progress after missing Wednesday's practice, Demercado could have a key role if he his able to return on Sunday. Bam Knight and Michael Carter have split the backfield duties in his absence, but Demercado has been their most dynamic back, averaging 7.8 yards per tote on 31 carries this season. We should know more about Demercado's status for Sunday in the next two days.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills LB Terrel Bernard (elbow), DE Joey Bosa (hamstring, wrist) and WR Joshua Palmer (ankle, knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3. OT Spencer Brown (shoulder), OT Dion Dawkins (concussion) and TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring, knee) were limited during practice. LS Reid Ferguson (neck), FB Reggie Gilliam (knee), TE Jackson Hawes (back) and DT T.J. Sanders (wrist) fully participated in practice. The Bills only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so the report is an estimation.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks WR Dareke Young (quadriceps), DT Jarran Reed (thumb, wrist) and S Julian Love (hamstring) had their 21-day practice windows opened Wednesday, Dec. 3.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard had the most touches and his highest snap share (59.4%) in a game since Week 8 in the team's Week 13 win over the Los Angeles Rams, totaling 17 carries for 83 yards while adding two receptions (two targets) for 41 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Dave Canales has found the right balance between Rico Dowdle and Hubbard, using Hubbard as the third-down back while leaning on Dowdle for early downs. "We've been using Chuba primarily as our third-down back, and then he gets series as we go," said Canales. The head coach added that, especially with how good Hubbard has looked in the past few weeks, they are "making sure that he's a weapon for us in different ways." Hubbard should continue to be a big factor for the Panthers down the stretch and is firmly back on fantasy radars. The 26-year-old projects as a viable flex option when Carolina comes out of their Week 14 bye to face the division-rival New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard in last week's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, as Hubbard finished with 17 carries for 83 yards while also catching two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had 18 rushing attempts for 58 yards and added two receptions for 21 yards. It was the first time the Panthers had two RBs each record at least 75 scrimmage yards in a game since Dec. 24 of 2022. "And for Rico, you know, giving him the lion's share of some of those first and second down, those early series and all that is a great way to just get him the ball," head coach Dave Canales said. With Hubbard getting his legs back under him after missing some time with injury, the Panthers appear to be reaching a more effective, balanced approach between the two RBs, with Dowdle becoming the early-down back, and Hubbard working more on passing downs.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee), who remains on Injured Reserve, is not practicing on Wednesday, according to The Arizona Republic's Theo Mackie. Benson had his 21-day practice window opened two weeks ago, but this will be his third straight missed practice since last week, which doesn't bode well for him making his return in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. The 23-year-old second-year back has been sidelined since Week 4 after undergoing knee surgery. Benson figures to be Arizona's lead back when he finally returns, which makes him stash-worthy in all fantasy football leagues, but he'll also be a pretty shaky play in his first game back. If Benson makes it back onto the practice field this week and gets clear to play this weekend, fantasy managers should expect him to be eased back into the offense alongside Bam Knight.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) is not practicing on Wednesday, according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. Harrison made his return in last Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after missing two games following an appendectomy, but he picked up a heel injury late in the game and is now in danger of missing more time. It's extremely frustrating for Harrison's fantasy managers, especially since he had a solid game with six catches for 69 yards on seven targets in his return. The 23-year-old former first-rounder still has two more days to return to practice, but a DNP to start the week is an ominous sign. Fantasy managers need to have a backup plan at the ready. If Harrison misses another game in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, Michael Wilson would be in line for another massive workload in what will likely be a pass-heavy game script against L.A.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings are opening the 21-day practice window for running back Ty Chandler (knee) on Wednesday, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. While Chandler isn't guaranteed to come off Injured Reserve to play in Week 14 against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, it's notable after Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury in the blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Chandler, 27, suffered a knee injury in the season-opener against the Chicago Bears and has been out ever since. When he's ready to return, he'll provide the Vikings with RB depth, but his biggest contributions will most likely come as a return man on special teams. In his third year in the league in 2024, Chandler had 56 rushing attempts for 182 yards (3.3 yards per tote) and no touchdowns, adding six catches for 42 yards in 17 regular-season games.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) will be limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Higgins is making progress from a concussion that kept him from playing in the Thanksgiving Day win over the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday, but he's still in the league's concussion protocol and needs to check a few more boxes before he can be cleared to return this Sunday to face the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals got Ja'Marr Chase back from a one-game suspension last week, and they could have both of their star receivers this weekend against a banged-up Bills defense. If Higgins is able to get the green light to play in Week 14, it would push Andrei Iosivas back to WR3 duties and make him avoidable as a flex play in most fantasy football leagues. The 26-year-old Higgins is a must-start when active, as he's caught 40 passes for 575 yards and seven touchdowns this year on 70 targets.
From RotoBaller