Chargers, Raiders both trying to fix painful pass-protection issues

Thu Nov 27 10:55am ET
Field Level Media

After an extra week to think about a dreadful defeat that has complicated their playoff outlook, the Los Angeles Chargers can savor a matchup with the reeling Las Vegas Chargers on Sunday at Inglewood, Calif.

From there, the road becomes far less predictable.

When last on the field, the Chargers (7-4) were blasted 35-6 by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 16 thanks to a disastrous offensive showing. A bye week gave Los Angeles a chance to sort out its issues while looking ahead to the Raiders (2-9).

But once November gives way to December, the schedule ramps up in intensity. If the season ended before Sunday's games, the Chargers would own the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs -- but their hold could be tenuous as next month opens with consecutive games against last season's Super Bowl foes: the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

The season closes with some resurgent teams in the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos.

It only figures to get more difficult for Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert, who has been sacked 35 times. That's fourth-most in the NFL. Against the Jaguars, he threw for a career-low 81 yards passing, took two sacks and needed to be checked for a concussion late in the first half.

With the offense going nowhere at Jacksonville, head coach Jim Harbaugh turned the fourth quarter over to backup quarterback Trey Lance.

It was Harbaugh's worst loss in two seasons with the Chargers.

"It's been the same stuff that we've said week after week," Herbert said about what was discussed post-bye week. "I have to do a better job of not turning the ball over, not taking those sacks. I think when we're in rhythm and moving the ball, I think we play pretty well."

The offensive line play has been a disaster for Los Angeles and improvements will be difficult with starting tackle Joe Alt out for the season.

The Raiders won't offer the Chargers any sympathy for their offensive issues. Las Vegas fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns in the first step toward fixing a group that is third-worst in the NFL with 268.9 total yards per game, next to last with 79.5 rushing yards per game and tied for last in scoring at 15.0 points per game.

Like the Chargers, the Raiders' offensive line will be out to prove itself.

Las Vegas quarterback Geno Smith is one of three players who has been sacked more than Herbert, with his 41 sacks second most in the NFL. He was dropped 10 times against the Browns.

"I try my best to not look at the rush, but to feel the rush," Smith said. "But when you're facing a great defensive line, similar to the Browns, you have got to speed up the process. Those are the things that I tried to do last week. Obviously, it wasn't good enough."

Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has 604 yards to lead a rushing attack that has delivered below expectations. He has scored four touchdowns on the ground and another four in the air on 37 receptions.

Since a 12-catch, 127-yard, three-TD day against the Jaguars on Nov. 2, tight end Brock Bowers has 14 receptions for 158 yards and no TDs over his last three games.

Each of those efforts ended in a Las Vegas defeat as the Raiders are mired in a five-game losing streak.

The Chargers opened the 21-day practice window for rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) on Wednesday, but he will not play on Sunday.

The Raiders will be without tight end Michael Mayer (ankle), while running back Zamir White (illness), offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (ankle), defensive tackle Adam Butler (illness) and cornerback Danny Holmes (illness) are questionable.

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The Paur Report

Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
Keon Coleman Nov 30 3:20pm CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is active on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time since Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins. Coleman was a healthy inactive for the past two games for disciplinary reasons after being late to a team meeting. The 22-year-old has had a disappointing sophomore season so far, recording 32 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns on 49 targets in nine games. Ideally, the Bills taking action and sitting Coleman down for two games will lead to better days for him. He gets a great opportunity on Sunday against a Steelers defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Nov 30 3:10pm CT
Adam Thielen

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen is a healthy inactive for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Vikings acquired Thielen and a 5th-round pick for a 4th and 5th-round pick before the start of the regular season, but the veteran has not made an impact, recording just eight catches for 69 yards on 18 targets in 11 games. The 35-year-old hasn't played more than 14 snaps in a game this Week 3 and for the first time this season, Thielen will be inactive despite being healthy. Jailen Nailor and rookie Tai Felton will likely see increases in opportunities in Week 13 against the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Sampson Nov 30 2:50pm CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Sampson was originally questionable to return, but has now been downgraded after injuring his calf. The rookie fourth-rounder had four carries for 23 yards before exiting, and the Browns will hope for positive news on Monday regarding the injury. Jerome Ford will slot in as the primary backup to Quinshon Judkins and should see more work on pass downs if Sampson misses time.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Nov 30 2:40pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kincaid will now miss his third consecutive game since injuring his hamstring in Buffalo's Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old tight end was able to practice in limited capacity on Thursday and Friday this week, which suggested he had a chance to return on Sunday, but it seems he still needs more time. The 2023 first-round pick has strong production in the eight games he's played this season, recording 29 receptions for 448 yards and four touchdowns on 36 targets, averaging 12.2 PPR points per game. Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes will operate as the Bills' primary tight ends again in Week 13 with Kincaid sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Sampson Nov 30 2:30pm CT
Dylan Sampson

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a calf injury. Sampson handled four carries for 23 yards before leaving the game. The rookie fourth-rounder broke out in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders with a 66-yard receiving touchdown, finishing with seven carries for 23 yards and two receptions (three targets) for 59 yards. Sampson has been operating as the No. 2 back behind Quinshon Judkins, but Jerome Ford will slide in as the primary backup with the rookie sidelined. More information should come out about the severity of Sampson's injury soon.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Nov 30 2:20pm CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans due to a hip injury. Washington recorded one reception for 26 yards on three targets before exiting. The 23-year-old wideout has emerged as a reliable weapon for Jacksonville and an impactful waiver wire add for fantasy managers. Since playing a full-time role in Week 7, he's recorded 22 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets. Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. figure to see bumps in targets with Washington sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Nov 30 2:10pm CT
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) was helped to the locker room during the first half of his team's Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans and quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Gardner is "believed to have suffered a calf strain," but that he will "have more tests." Pelissero also reports that "Gardner's Achilles appears intact, so there's optimism he avoided a major injury." It seems Gardner and the Colts may have avoided the worst-case scenario, but more information should be released in the coming days. With Gardner sidelined, Mekhi Blackmon will likely take over at cornerback for Indianapolis.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Nov 30 2:00pm CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (ankle) has returned to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers after briefly exiting the game due to an ankle injury. Williams subbed himself out late in the first half and was officially deemed questionable to return. However, Williams was back on the field for Los Angeles' first offensive series of the second half. The ankle issue may lead the Rams to give more work to running back Blake Corum for the remainder of Week 13. However, it's obviously a positive sign that Williams was able to return to the game.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Nov 30 1:40pm CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (leg) is "headed to the locker room two minutes before halftime" in his team's Week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Grosbard reports that Rams trainers were examining Williams' right leg. The 25-year-old recorded seven carries for 39 yards before exiting the game. If he's unable to return, Rams running back Blake Corum would likely handle the vast majority of the team's backfield work for the remainder of Week 13. Corum recorded five carries for 41 yards and a touchdown in the first half against Carolina. Fantasy managers should check back as more information is released around the exact nature of Williams' injury.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Nov 30 1:30pm CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hip) is questionable to return to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Tennessee Titans due to a hip injury. The 23-year-old recorded one catch for 23 yards on three targets before exiting the game. If Washington is unable to return, Jaguars wideouts Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr., as well as tight end Brenton Strange, could see an increase in targets for the remainder of Week 13. Depth wide receivers Tim Patrick and Austin Trammell would also likely see an uptick in playing time. Washington has earned at least seven targets in four out of his last five games heading into Week 13, so his absence would be a blow to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Nov 30 1:20pm CT
Trevon Diggs

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (concussion, knee) has had his Injured Reserve return window opened and is practicing on Sunday, per ESPN's Todd Archer. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously said Diggs is on track to play in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since Week 6 due to a knee injury and a concussion. Diggs is a two-time Pro-Bowler and former All-Pro, but he's battled myriad injuries in recent years. Since the start of the 2023 season, Diggs has played just 19 games. His return will further fortify a Cowboys defense that is significantly improved since making a few notable additions at the trade deadline. Across 64 career games, Diggs has recorded 20 interceptions and 194 solo tackles.

From RotoBaller

Woody Marks Nov 30 1:20pm CT
Woody Marks

Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (foot) has returned to his team's Week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts after briefly exiting the game in the first half due to a foot injury. Marks has been emerging as the lead back in Houston in recent weeks, recording at least 16 touches in three straight games heading into Week 13. Now that he's back, he should be expected to lead the Texans' backfield in touches for the remainder of Week 13. More information should come out about the exact nature of Marks' foot issue after the game, but it's obviously a positive sign that he was able to return against Indianapolis.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Nov 30 1:00pm CT
Sauce Gardner

The Indianapolis Colts quickly ruled out cornerback Sauce Gardner (knee) from returning to Sunday's game against the Houston Texans after he was helped to the locker room with an injury to his left knee. The Colts, who acquired Gardner in a trade earlier this year, will have to hope for good news in the next day or so regarding Gardner's long-term prognosis. For fantasy purposes, the Indianapolis defense figures to be far less attractive without its top cornerback, while IDP managers may have to call an audible if Gardner misses time.

From RotoBaller

Woody Marks Nov 30 12:50pm CT
Woody Marks

The Houston Texans listed running back Woody Marks (foot) as questionable to return to Sunday's game against their AFC South rival, the Indianapolis Colts, due to a foot injury. The rookie from USC has been a solid depth piece for fantasy managers who weathered sporadic playing time during the beginning of the season, as Marks entered Week 13 having drawn 10-plus carries in six straight games and rising to running back No. 30 in half-PPR formats. If Marks were to miss any time because of the injury, veteran Nick Chubb figures to be the team's top option with Dare Ogunbowale working behind him.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Nov 30 12:40pm CT
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (knee) headed to the locker room during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans with an apparent injury to his left knee. Indianapolis has been a top-10 fantasy defense so far this season, and the team sought to bolster its standing atop the AFC South by acquiring the All-Pro corner in a trade with the New York Jets earlier this season. The Colts have a tougher schedule in the fantasy playoffs as it is, so managers playing defense roulette may want to keep an eye on Gardner's status, as he's their first choice to match against opposing No. 1 receivers.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Nov 30 12:10pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is eligible to return from Injured Reserve in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, but he is not quite fully recovered from a mid-foot sprain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions to go with 29 rushes for 173 yards and a rushing touchdown in the first five games as Arizona's starter. Jacoby Brissett has performed well in Murray's absence and set an NFL record 47 completions in Arizona's Week 11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Brissett has elevated Michael Wilson's game and helped send Trey McBride to another level as the top fantasy scoring tight end in the league. It remains to be seen if Murray will reclaim the starting job when he is fully healthy.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Nov 30 11:30am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Irving has been sidelined since Week 4 after dealing with multiple injuries, but will make his return in Week 13. The second-year back is expected to play in a limited role on Sunday after missing a significant amount of time, with Sean Tucker and Rachaad White both playing a role as Irving is eased back into action. Irving produced at a high level in the four games before going down, totaling 71 carries for 237 yards along with 19 receptions (19 targets) for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Irving ranks as RotoBaller's RB25 in PPR leagues for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Nov 30 11:30am CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receivers Keon Coleman and Brandin Cooks, who was signed this week, are both expected to play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Coleman has missed the team's last two games for disciplinary reasons after he was late to a team meeting. The 22-year-old former second-rounder has failed to take the next step in 2025 in his sophomore season, catching 32 of his 49 targets for 330 yards and three touchdowns in nine games played. However, his two-game benching may light a fire under him for the remainder of the season, and he'll have a juicy matchup to exploit in his return on Sunday against a Steelers defense that has allowed the second-most half-PPR points to receivers this year. Cooks, meanwhile, will provide another deep threat for Buffalo's passing game, although he figures to have limited volume as he learns a new offense.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Nov 30 11:20am CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Mayfield is reportedly expected to wear some tape with protective padding on his injured left shoulder after suffering the injury during Tampa Bay's Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old looked good throwing in practice this week and could take advantage of a vulnerable Arizona defense as long as the shoulder injury doesn't limit him too much. Mayfield ranks as RotoBaller's QB19 for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Dyami Brown Nov 30 11:20am CT
Dyami Brown

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown is a healthy inactive for the team's Week 13 contest on the road against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Brown failed to take advantage in recent weeks with both rookie Travis Hunter (knee) and Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) out, and he hasn't had more than one target in three straight games. Thomas is making his return this weekend, which will push Brown off the game-day roster. The 26-year-old just hasn't been able to find enough playing time in 2025 in his first year in Jacksonville, and he enters Week 13 action with only 19 receptions on 36 targets for 219 yards and one touchdown. The acquisition of Jakobi Meyers at this year's trade deadline has not helped Brown's cause. He should be on the waiver wire in most redraft fantasy football leagues.

From RotoBaller