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
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

Allen Lazard Nov 30 11:10am CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (neck) is officially active for the Week 13 game on Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. Lazard was listed as questionable to play this week due to a neck injury, but he's good to go and will serve as receiver depth for a weak Jets passing attack led by veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Even though Garrett Wilson (knee) is on Injured Reserve, Lazard has been quickly passed on the WR depth chart by newcomers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. The 29-year-old pass-catcher has not caught more than two passes in any of his seven games played in 2025, and he has just 54 receiving yards and one touchdown on eight catches. Lazard should be ignored in most fantasy football leagues against Atlanta on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 30 11:10am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (illness) is officially active for Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Harrison returns after missing the past two games after recovering from an appendectomy. The second-year wideout was listed as limited every day in practice this week, and he may see a reduced role in his return with the emergence of Michael Wilson, who has racked up an absurd 25 catches for 303 yards on 33 targets in Harrison's absence. Harrison can be viewed as a high-end WR3 for Sunday's matchup against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Nov 30 11:03am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (pectoral) is officially active for the Week 13 game.

Fantasy Spin: Waller is returning from the Reserve/Injured list and should have a role right away in the passing game. He will see a few targets during the game but probably can be avoided in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 30 11:00am CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) is officially active on Sunday versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. Okonkwo will continue to play through a nagging foot injury that he's dealt with since late October. The Titans will also be getting rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) back after he missed last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Ayomanor's return is not good news for Okonkwo, who has 35 receptions on 46 targets for 377 yards and no touchdowns on the season. Okonkwo shouldn't be viewed as much more than a TE3 in fantasy football as he continues to share snaps pretty evenly with rookie Gunnar Helm in one of the worst offenses in the NFL. He has gone over 50 receiving yards just three times in 11 games in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 30 11:00am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (knee) is officially active for Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Theo Mackie of AZCentral.com. Knight was a limited participant every day in practice this week, but there weren't any real doubts about his status for Sunday. He should be expected to lead the Arizona backfield in touches, with Michael Carter also playing a sizable role, as both Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) were ruled out. The 24-year-old has scored in back-to-back weeks, totaling 23 touches for 77 yards from scrimmage in that time. Knight projects as a low-end RB3/FLEX in Week 13 against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Nov 30 11:00am CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 13, is officially active for Sunday's game against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Ford will suit up this weekend, but fantasy managers are in some serious trouble if they are forced to play the 26-year-old in starting lineups. He was out-snapped by rookie Dylan Sampson in last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the No. 2 role behind rookie Quinshon Judkins, carrying the ball just once for a loss of three yards. Ford has seen exactly one rushing attempt in each of the last three games, and he hasn't had more than two carries in a game since Oct. 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. With both Judkins and Sampson healthy, Ford is unlikely to see much work out of Cleveland's backfield against San Fran in inclement weather conditions.

From RotoBaller

Braxton Berrios Nov 30 10:53am CT
Braxton Berrios

The Houston Texans have declared WR Braxton Berrios, LB Jamal Hill, OT Jarrett Kingston, OG Laken Tomlinson and QB Graham Mertz inactive for Week 13.

From TheHuddle

Darren Waller Nov 30 10:50am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral), who was activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday, is officially active for Sunday's contest against the visiting New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Waller is ready to return after missing four games due to a pectoral strain. The 33-year-old veteran's return will mean less playing time for Greg Dulcich, who had become a stash option for fantasy managers in deep leagues. Waller should become one of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's top targets in the passing game again with receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the year, but fantasy managers will want to be wary about starting him right away in his first game back. Waller has only played in four games in 2025 after coming out of retirement, so there's a good chance Miami will limit his snaps this Sunday. He should be stashed in most formats, though, after he had four touchdown receptions on 10 catches earlier this year.

From RotoBaller