Thu Nov 27 10:33am ET
Field Level Media
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen understands the reality at hand.
Buffalo (7-4) faces a tough test against the host Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) on Sunday afternoon. The game carries significant implications for both teams as they try to boost their playoff hopes.
Some players might deflect the importance of the matchup. Allen isn't one of them.
"Extremely high sense of urgency," Allen said with the Bills three back of the Patriots in the AFC East. "We understand where we're at. We have full confidence in ourselves, but ultimately it comes down to executing on game days."
Buffalo is coming off a 23-19 loss against the Houston Texans in a primetime Thursday night contest. It was the fourth loss in the past seven games for the Bills, who still have aspirations of competing for a championship but first must secure a postseason berth.
Allen has tried to do his part. The reigning NFL MVP has completed 69.7% of his passes for 2,709 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 11 starts, and he has posted a passer rating of 101.6.
Dealing with a right elbow injury that landed him on the injury report to begin the week, Allen was sacked eight times by the Texans. The 29-year-old signal-caller said he and the Bills have plenty of reasons to stay positive.
"We've had some good, had some bad, throughout the year," Allen said. "I think there'd be a lot of teams that are wishing that they were 7-4 in a spot that we are. So it's also about that opportunity in front of us of hey, let's go out, let's play as hard as we can, let's put our best foot forward and try to get a victory on Sunday. That's ultimately what it comes down to."
The Steelers will try to spoil Allen's hopes.
Pittsburgh has alternated wins and losses throughout the past four weeks. The Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 34-12 on Nov. 16 but are coming off a 31-28 loss on the road against the Chicago Bears last week.
Aaron Rodgers will start at quarterback against the Bills, the team confirmed Friday. Rodgers sat out last week because of a wrist injury, and Mason Rudolph completed 24 of 31 passes for 171 yards with one touchdown and one interception in his absence.
"He was a full participant today with no designation for the game," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said about Rodgers on Friday. "So, it's all systems go."
Rodgers has led the Steelers to victories in six of his 10 starts this season.
Jaylen Warren leads the Steelers with 604 rushing yards, and DK Metcalf is tops in the passing game with 573 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 42 catches.
James Cook has rushed for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns for the Bills, and Khalil Shakir has caught 54 passes for 564 yards and three scores.
Wideout Brandin Cooks joined the Bills this week as a free-agent signing.
"Bringing a guy like him in, being a veteran presence for our room, he's come in here and he's already basically learned our playbook," Allen said. "The way that he carries himself, the way that he is in meetings, already it's very apparent that he is a true professional. ...
"We appreciate him coming here and, hopefully, helping us out."
Buffalo will be without several key starters Sunday. Left tackle Dion Dawkins (concussion), right tackle Spencer Brown (shoulder), linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) and receiver Curtis Samuel (elbow/knee) have been ruled out. Receiver Josh Palmer (ankle) and tight end Dalton Kinkaid (hamstring) are listed as questionable. Offensive lineman Tylan Grable, out with a concussion since August, was activated from injured reserve on Saturday.
For Pittsburgh, offensive tackle Broderick Jones (neck) and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) have been ruled out. The Steelers placed Jones, who was hurt against the Bears, on injured reserve on Saturday, with Andrus Peat expected to start in his place at left tackle. The team also elevated cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who was signed on Nov. 12, from the practice squad for Sunday's game.
Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston rebounded from his Week 11 goose egg by scoring in the opening drive, helping the Bolts beat the Las Vegas Raiders 31-14. Johnston finished with three catches for 23 yards and a touchdown. It was encouraging to see him involved early in the red zone, but the passing game took a hit after Justin Herbert injured his hand, and the Chargers relied heavily on the ground game to dominate the Raiders. Next Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles enter with a top-10 secondary despite recent struggles. If Herbert, who is scheduled for surgery today, can't play, the entire passing attack could suffer as backup Trey Lance would step in. Philly just allowed 281 rushing yards to Chicago, so the Chargers could again lean on the run. With QB uncertainty and a tough matchup, expectations for all Chargers wide receivers, including Johnston, should be lowered.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) has already resumed practicing with the team and could make his return for a Monday night showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. "We opened his window, and we certainly wouldn't have done that 21-day window if he wasn't close. I feel like he's been on track, and we'll let the week play out again," head coach Jim Harbaugh said when asked about Hampton's timeline for a return. The 22-year-old was limited in practice last week, and he might need a full practice this week to be cleared to play next Monday for the first time since he fractured his ankle in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. The North Carolina product could split backfield duties with Kimani Vidal upon his return, but eventually, Hampton should be the Bolts' clear lead back. Hampton should not be on the waiver wire in any fantasy football leagues.
From RotoBaller
Veteran free-agent wide receiver Elijah Moore visited the Denver Broncos on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Moore became the odd-man out last week and was waived by the Buffalo Bills after the team signed veteran wideout Brandin Cooks. The 25-year-old played in nine games with Buffalo this year and caught nine passes for 112 yards on 17 targets while adding six carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. Landing in Denver wouldn't exactly be the ideal spot to suddenly put Moore back on the fantasy radar for the remainder of 2025. The Broncos already have a pretty crowded WR room that includes Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, rookie Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., and Lil'Jordan Humphrey. Moore remains off the fantasy radar for now.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers are opening the 21-day practice window for running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) this week, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. It means that Lloyd can return from Injured Reserve at any time. The 24-year-old former third-round pick out of USC in 2024 hasn't played all year due to a hamstring injury that he suffered in the preseason in August. The Packers had high hopes for Lloyd in their backfield when they drafted the 5-foot-9, 220-pounder, but injuries have limited him to just one game since he entered the league. Lloyd worked on his body during the time off, but it remains to be seen when he'll make his 2025 debut. He will most likely be eased into Green Bay's backfield alongside Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks behind starter Josh Jacobs, but he could be a valuable, explosive change-of-pace weapon in the postseason if he's healthy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught four passes for 39 yards and one touchdown, leading the team with six targets during their 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. With Justin Herbert managing a fractured non-throwing hand sustained early in the game, the Chargers relied heavily on the run game. They kept most throws short behind PFF's league-worst offensive line, limiting big-play opportunities for all Bolts' receivers. Still, McConkey's continued involvement in the red zone is encouraging. Next Monday night, a top-10 secondary from the Philadelphia Eagles awaits, and Herbert's status remains uncertain. If Trey Lance starts, all pass catchers could see reduced production. However, Philly's defense has been notably vulnerable to slot receivers, giving McConkey a potential upside as the most natural fit to exploit their weakness.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has run the ball at a much lower clip this year than in previous seasons, and that could continue to be the case in 2025. "We're always thinking about how to protect Jalen and make sure that he is healthy for the long haul. Different plans have different reasons of why you run different things, and like I said, we will do everything we need to do to help this offense get rolling," head coach Nick Sirianni said when asked if Hurts' rushing attempts are down because he doesn't want to do it as much. Through 12 games this year, Hurts has 84 rushing attempts for 329 yards and eight TDs. In comparison, he ran the ball 150 times for 630 yards and 14 rushing scores in 15 regular-season games in 2024. Philly is near the bottom of the league with 108.5 rushing yards per game this year, but it sounds like they will continue to limit Hurts' rushing opportunities as they prioritize his health. Despite not having as many rushing opportunities, Hurts has been the QB5 in overall fantasy points thanks to 27 total touchdowns (19 passing, eight rushing).
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (calf, knee) was listed as limited on the team's practice report on Monday with calf and knee injuries, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. It's the second straight week that Pickens has been on Dallas' injury report with multiple injuries. The 24-year-old was working through calf and knee ailments last week, too, but he was ultimately cleared for the Thanksgiving Day win over the Kansas City Chiefs and caught six of a season-high 13 targets for 88 receiving yards. He took a back seat to teammate CeeDee Lamb in that one, but he could easily bounce back for better production this Thursday night against a Lions defense that hasn't stopped much of anything in recent weeks. Fantasy managers should have Pickens locked into starting lineups in Week 14 for what should be a high-scoring affair.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (neck) remains sidelined for Monday's practice, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. Wright missed the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday with a tracheal injury and is looking at an extended absence. The 27-year-old is highly doubtful to suit up on Thursday night in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys and could be in danger of missing the rest of the regular season. The Lions are very thin at the TE position, with Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Ross Dwelley saw a noticeable increase with a 75% snap share last Thursday, but both he and Anthony Firkser combined for two catches and seven yards. Even with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) potentially missing time, fantasy managers are better off avoiding both Dwelley and Firkser at the TE position.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) is undergoing surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand on Monday, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Specifically, Herbert is having a metacarpal fracture fixed in his left hand, but the current plan is for the 27-year-old to be available to start next Monday against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. Herbert injured his hand early in Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but he missed just nine plays in the first half before returning to finish with 151 yards passing, two touchdowns, and an interception on 20 attempts. We'll likely see Herbert wearing a protective glove on his left hand next Monday while also operating more out of the shotgun. Fantasy managers should probably be more worried about Herbert's lack of protection from his offensive line in the upcoming matchup against Philly's strong defensive front.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that the team will not open quarterback Kyler Murray's (foot) 21-day practice window this week, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Murray is eligible to come off Injured Reserve, but he's just not ready yet. The 28-year-old will not play in Week 14 against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, and his next chance to play won't come until Sunday, Dec. 14, versus the hosting Houston Texans. Veteran Jacoby Brissett has elevated Arizona's offense since Murray suffered a foot sprain in Week 5, so even when Murray is cleared from his injury, Brissett could remain as the starting QB for the rest of the season. Murray's injury and poor performance before he got hurt raise plenty of questions about his long-term future in the desert going into the offseason.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (groin, hip) underwent surgery on his groin/hip and will not kick again this season, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Bass will end up missing the entire 2025 season and will close out the year on Injured Reserve. Veteran Matt Prater has been filling in for Bass all year in Buffalo and has made 17 of his 19 field-goal attempts (89.5%) and 34 of his 37 extra-point tries in 12 games played. In fantasy football, Prater has been the No. 14 kicker in terms of overall points, and he'll definitely be in play for the upcoming Week 14 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and their generous defense. Bass signed a four-year contract extension with Buffalo in 2023, so he should be back with the team next year if he's recovered from his injuries.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts are not considering putting All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) on Injured Reserve at the moment, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Head coach Shane Steichen said that Gardner did not damage his Achilles in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans, but his calf injury is expected to sideline him for an undetermined length of time. If the 25-year-old defensive back went on IR, he'd be required to miss at least four games. Overall, it's good news for Gardner, but the Colts are prepared for him to miss some time, potentially several weeks. In his three games in Indy since being acquired in a trade from the New York Jets, Gardner has 13 tackles (11 solo) and two pass breakups. The Colts' secondary will be more vulnerable this weekend for a huge divisional contest against the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent RB Royce Freeman (Bears) was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad Monday, Dec. 1.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that running back Kyren Williams' ankle was "pretty good" on Monday after he had an injury scare in Sunday's upset loss to the Carolina Panthers, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Williams hurt his ankle in the second quarter on Sunday but returned following halftime and finished with 13 rushing attempts for 72 yards and a touchdown while playing 67% of the snaps. Backup Blake Corum finished with seven carries for 81 yards and a touchdown while playing 33% of the snaps. Williams said the scar tissue from previous injuries made it easier for him to deal with on Sunday. It sounds like the 25-year-old should be just fine for Week 14 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, although Corum could take on a larger workload as the Rams look to keep Williams healthy and fresh for a postseason run.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) did not participate in practice Monday, Dec. 1.
Fantasy Spin: There is a chance that St. Brown will not be available after suffering the injury in the last game, so fantasy players can check on his status later in the week. He is a weekly starting option in leagues when healthy, but players will need other options ready in case he is not able to play.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has not been cleared for contact, and he does not expect to make a final decision on the QB's Week 14 status until Friday, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Quinn added that Daniels is going through "functional movements" this week as the next step for his return to action following a gruesome dislocation of his left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 9. The second-year signal-caller has a chance to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, but his status still seems very much up in the air, and with the Commanders well out of the playoff picture, it doesn't make sense for the organization to rush their franchise QB back. We'll have a better idea of Daniels' Week 14 status later this week, but we wouldn't be surprised if Marcus Mariota makes another start this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that even though wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) is back at practice, he has to be given medical clearance to play, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "The plan is to see where he's at by the end of the week," LaFleur said. Reed has been back at practice for over a week now, but he's still up in the air to be officially activated from Injured Reserve to play in a big Week 14 divisional game against the Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old is recovering from a broken foot that required surgery and a broken collarbone that he suffered back in Week 2. Reed should have a key role eventually in Green Bay's offense, and his nose for the end zone (18 total touchdowns through two-plus seasons) makes him a stash candidate in fantasy football leagues. However, expect Reed to be eased back into the Packers' offense when he's finally activated.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Monday that the team expects to get Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn (concussion) back after their Week 14 bye, according to David Newton of ESPN. Horn suffered a concussion in Week 12 and did not suit up for a surprising Week 13 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The 26-year-old defensive back will have an extra week to rest during the team's bye, though, and the team is hoping he'll be ready to return in Week 15 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Getting Horn back will be a massive boost to the Panthers' defense, as he's played at a Pro Bowl level in 2025 with 25 tackles (15 solo), a career-high five interceptions, and six pass breakups in 12 starts. The Panthers' defense/special teams unit will be a popular streaming option in Week 15 in the first week of the fantasy playoffs in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (hip, pelvis) is considered doubtful for the Week 14 game, according to head coach Zac Taylor.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on Monday that defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) remains week-to-week and is doubtful to play in Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, per ESPN's Ben Baby. Hendrickson aggravated a hip injury in the Week 8 loss to the New York Jets and has missed the last four games. The 30-year-old All-Pro pass-rusher is on track to miss a fifth straight game, and it's fair to wonder if he'll end up having season-ending surgery on his hip instead of waiting until the offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler has been a huge disappointment for fantasy managers in IDP formats this year after he had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in both 2023 and 2024. Hendrickson has played in seven games in 2025 and has 16 tackles (11 solo), four sacks, eight QB hits, and a forced fumble.
From RotoBaller