Broncos bring 8-game winning streak into clash with Commanders
Thu Nov 27 11:06am ET
Field Level Media
Two teams coming out of their bye week in opposite directions meet in prime time on Sunday when the Denver Broncos visit the Washington Commanders in Landover, Md.
Denver (9-2) has won eight straight and holds the second seed in the AFC behind the New England Patriots (10-2) and ahead of the Indianapolis Colts (8-3).
The Broncos play the Commanders and Raiders before finishing with a difficult four-game stretch that includes the Packers, Jaguars, Chiefs and Chargers.
Wide receiver Troy Franklin said Denver is taking a week-by-week approach.
"If you get too far ahead of yourself, things can possibly fall apart," Franklin said. "So, you've just got to be where your feet are and everything else will just take care of itself."
Washington (3-8) has dropped six straight games, including a 16-13 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins before its bye.
For Denver, coming off a 22-19 win against Kansas City, coach Sean Payton would like to see improvement in two areas.
"The penalties stand out if you said, 'What's the low-hanging fruit that you have to clean up to improve your chances of getting the best possible seed?'" Payton said. "Then, secondly, is harping on the plus-minus turnover (margin), giveaway-takeaway. We (were plus-one) last week, and that meant a lot."
Denver has committed a league-high 93 penalties for 883 yards, and is minus-3 in turnover ratio, with only nine takeaways.
Offensively the teams are not far apart statistically. The Broncos are 14th in the league on offense, averaging 335.3 yards per game, and the Commanders are ranked 17th with 330.2 yards.
The disparity is greater on defense. Denver boasts the third-toughest defense to gain yards and score against, allowing 274.4 yards and 17.5 points per game. Washington is allowing 387.0 yards (31st) and 26.9 points (28th).
"I liked the intensity that I saw, especially down in some of the red zone stuff," coach Dan Quinn said of the defense against Miami. "I liked the communication to limit the explosive plays. That's a few of the things I want to see. And heading into this game that's going to be an important piece for us, to make sure ... right spot, right location, really nailing your job not most of the time, every time."
Kicker Jake Moody, signed off the Bears' practice squad, will make his Commanders debut. Washington released Matt Gay after he missed two field goals (51 and 56 yards) against Miami. He had made only 4 of 9 kicks from 50-plus yards.
Washington may soon get some injured players back. Jayden Daniels (elbow) returned to practice Wednesday, although fellow quarterback Marcus Mariota will make his sixth start on Sunday.
Commanders safety Will Harris (ankle) could return for the first time since he was injured in Week 3. Wide receiver Noah Brown (groin/knee) is out, but Terry McLaurin (quad) will be in action for only the second time in nine games.
Washington ruled out defensive end Drake Jackson (knee).
For the Broncos, inside linebacker Alex Singleton (illness) and cornerback Pat Surtain (pec) are expected to be back in action. Singleton missed one game after undergoing successful testicular cancer surgery, and Surtain missed three games.
Denver will be without tight end Nate Adkins (knee), while linebacker Jonah Elliss (hamstring) was listed as questionable.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 13
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 13
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Value Picks: Week 13
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 13
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13
- Brandi Carlile, Coco Jones, Charlie Puth to perform at Super Bowl pregame
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert breaks bone in non-throwing hand vs. Raiders
- NFL roundup: Panthers stymie Matthew Stafford, end Rams' streak
- Rams QB Matthew Stafford sets TD pass streak record
- Colts CB Sauce Gardner leaves game vs. Texans with leg injury
- Steelers starting LT Broderick Jones (neck) placed on injured reserve
- Dolphins activate TE Darren Waller, OL Austin Jackson off IR
- Rams activate CB Ahkello Witherspoon from injured reserve
- Giants DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder) out vs. Patriots
- Colts rookie TE Tyler Warren (illness) questionable vs. Texans
- C Frank Ragnow fails physical, will not rejoin Lions
- Jets' Kris Boyd back in hospital due to 'health issues' from shooting
- Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist) cleared to return vs. Bills
- Giants QB Jaxson Dart to start vs. Patriots
- Packers DL Devonte Wyatt (ankle) to miss rest of season
- Bucs QB Baker Mayfield practices, expects to play Sunday
- Bills starting OTs Dion Dawkins, Spencer Brown out vs. Steelers
- Rams waive benched K Joshua Karty
- Week 13 NFL Capsules
- Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown nursing low-ankle sprain
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 13: Joe Burrow, Christian Watson, and More Tough Calls
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL DFS Week 13 Main Slate Game-by-Game Breakdown
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 14: Blake Corum, Jaken Coker and More Adds
- Fantasy Life: One Thing We Learned From Every Week 13 Sunday Game: Bucky Irving, Davante Adams and More
- Fantasy Life: Important Notes For An Ugly Week 13 Slate
- Fantasy Life: Track All Of Your Week 13 Fantasy Matchups In Real Time ... In One Place!
- Fantasy Life: Bucky Irving Week 13 Injury Update: Will His Return Have a Fantasy Football Impact?
- Fantasy Life: Will the Giants Break Their Losing Streak? Plus More Burning Fantasy Football Questions
The Paur Report
Value Picks: Week 13
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 28 of 50 passes for 294 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while adding 10 carries for 55 yards in a 27-26 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. Mariota attempted a career-high 50 passes as Washington ran 85 total plays in the game and played well for the most part. The veteran connected with Treylon Burks for a five-yard touchdown on an unbelievable one-handed catch in the third quarter, then found Terry McLaurin for a three-yard touchdown in overtime to bring Washington within one point of the Broncos, but they ultimately failed the two-point conversion to win the game. Still, it was an encouraging outing for Mariota and the Washington offense against an elite Denver defense. Mariota could make another start next week against the Minnesota Vikings if Jayden Daniels (elbow) is unable to return.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce collected four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown on five targets in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans. Pierce led the Colts in receiving and had an impressive contested touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone for the Colts' first touchdown of the day, but it was an otherwise tough day offensively against an elite Houston defense. The 25-year-old has had a breakout season in his fourth year, totaling 33 receptions for 689 yards and two touchdowns on 59 targets in 10 games this season. For the second straight season, Pierce is currently leading the league in yards per reception, averaging 20.9 in 2025. In a crowded Colts pass-catcher room, Pierce has emerged as a reliable fantasy option and projects favorably again in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills leaned heavily on running back James Cook in their 26-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Cook handled a career high 32 carries for 144 yards to go along with three receptions (three targets) for a team leading 33 receiving yards. The 26-year-old did it all for the Bills in a much-needed bounce-back win, and he continues to have an outstanding season after receiving a four-year, $48 million contract extension in the offseason. Cook has seen more work as a receiver lately as well, recording 14 receptions (14 targets) for 136 yards and a touchdown in his last four games. In the first eight games, he totaled 13 receptions (15 targets) for 100 yards and no touchdowns as a receiver. Cook will remain one of the best running backs in fantasy in a dream matchup next week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty had 31 rushing yards, six catches and 30 receiving yards in a loss to the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: There's really not much left to say here. Jeanty is in the midst of a lost season as the Raiders are now 2-10 and look like they have the worst offense in the league. The Pete Carroll and Geno Smith combination has backfired in epic proportions and they simply can't move the ball. At this point, dynasty managers are simply hoping Jeanty finishes the season healthy because he just isn't going to produce numbers this year. He could be a buy low this off-season.
Dynasty | Chargers running back Kimani Vidal had 126 rushing yards, one catch, 11 receiving yards and a touchdown in a blowout win over the Raiders. Dynasty Analysis: Vidal had hit a bit of a cold stretch but a game against the Raiders proved to be just what the doctor ordered here. Vidal has been a huge surprise this year and while Omarion Hampton is expected back at some point, he should stay on dynasty rosters as a player who likely won't be completely phased out upon his return.
Seattle Seahawks WR Cooper Kupp caught three of his four targets for 24 yards in a 26-0 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
Fantasy Spin: Kupp has been held under 25 receiving yards in three straight games, and he has been held to three catches or less in six straight. With the Seattle passing attack revolving around Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kupp hasn't been left with much. At best, Kupp is a WR5.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders WR Tyler Lockett converted his only target for an 11-yard reception in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Fantasy Spin: Lockett has been having quite the resurgence in the three previous games, averaging 4.0 receptions and 46.3 receiving yards per game, but this looked more like the Tennessee version of Lockett. He should only be trusted as a WR5 or WR6 heading into Week 14 against the Denver Broncos.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold completed 14 of his 26 passes for 128 yards in a 26-0 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13. He also lost a fumble.
Fantasy Spin: With the Seahawks controlling the game over a hapless Minnesota offense, Darnold didn't have to do much heavy lifting. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, the dominant defensive effort led to rough statistical numbers for Darnold and company. Expect a much better showing from Darnold against Atlanta in Week 14.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 16-of-25 passes for 149 yards and an interception in a blowout loss to the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: Sanders wasn't terrible in this one but he wasn't great, either. He should continue to get an extended look as the 3-9 Browns look to be headed nowhere. However, we just haven't seen anything thus far to indicate he's the future of the franchise. He's still a hold in dynasty leagues but it's getting weaker by the day.
Dynasty | Titans quarterback Cam Ward completed 24-of-38 passes for 141 yards in a loss to the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: His completion percentage looks just fine until you do the math and realize that's good for just 3.7 yards per attempt. Amazingly, Ward has just seven touchdown passes in 12 NFL starts. While he does have just six interceptions, he just hasn't been able to do anything remotely dynamic. Much of the blame falls on the franchise as they are simply void of talent. However, Ward may need to do something over the next few weeks to make certain the team that looks like it may well again have the top overall draft pick sticks by his side.
Dynasty | Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough completed 26-of-38 passes for 239 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in a loss to Miami. Dynasty Analysis: Shough's numbers don't look bad but you also need to take them with a grain of salt. Much of his damage came as the Saints were attempting to put together a furious comeback. Shough has been fine since taking over and has shown a few bright spots here and there. However, it really looks like New Orleans is headed for a top-5 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and it would be shocking to see them stick with Shough long-term.
Dynasty | Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had 142 rushing yards, five catches, 51 receiving yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: Robinson did his part but the Falcons were upset, regardless. Tyler Allgeier sniped another touchdown from him but Robinson has done more than enough to post an elite-level RB1 season so far this year. Now just five yards away from 1,000 on the season, Robinson has a chance to break his career-high of 1,456 rushing yards set last season. His ADP and ranking are more than secure.
Dynasty | Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 21-of-33 passes for 234 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in a loss to the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: Cousins has been fine since taking over for Michael Penix but is also doing nothing to make anyone believe turning to Penix this season was a mistake in the first place. Now 37 and looking like a backup-level player or below-average starter at best, his dynasty value is just about cooked.
Dynasty | Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in a win over Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Mitchell was famously traded in the Sauce Gardner deal after fumbling away his opportunity with the Colts earlier this season. Now in New York, it looks like he's at least trying to take advantage of a second chance. While this is just one game, it should be enough for Mitchell to get a few more targets moving forward. He's still hanging on to a dynasty roster spot after all.
Las Vegas Raiders RB Raheem Mostert ran once for six yards in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and he was not targeted in the passing game.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) broke a bone in his left hand during his team's Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and is scheduled to undergo a procedure on Monday. However, Herbert said he is "treating it as if I'm playing" when asked about his status for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. On the bright side, Herbert will have an extra day of rest as the Chargers play the Eagles on Monday Night Football. However, Herbert will almost certainly be compromised to some degree if he's able to play at all against Philadelphia. Herbert completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against Las Vegas. If he ends up not being able to play against the Eagles, backup quarterback Trey Lance would be in line to make the start. Even if Herbert is active, fantasy managers in single-QB formats may want to look elsewhere at the quarterback position in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) was forced to exit early from his team's Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans after suffering a calf strain. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports that Gardner's injury has "been described as a mild calf strain" and that it will "likely sideline him for a couple of weeks." Gardner's injury initially looked as though it could be potentially season-ending, so the diagnosis is a positive one overall. Still, Indianapolis has lost three out of its last four games and may now be without its star cornerback for crucial games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks over the next two weeks. Entering Week 13, Pro Football Focus had graded Gardner as the 12th-best corner in the NFL out of 108 qualified players at the position for his work this season. If all goes according to plan, it appears Gardner may be on track to return in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith completed 18-of-23 passes for 165 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers, while running twice for minus-6 yards.
Fantasy Spin: Smith had just his second multiple touchdown game in the past eight starts. He cannot be trusted as anything more than a low-end QB2 in most fantasy leagues at this point.
From TheHuddle
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride continued his run of dominant play in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. The 26-year-old has now hauled in 88 receptions for 879 yards and eight touchdowns on 118 targets across 12 games played this season. McBride's numbers have been particularly eye-popping since quarterback Jacoby Brissett took over for the injured Kyler Murray (foot) in Arizona. Across Brissett's seven starts, McBride is averaging 8.4 receptions and 86.3 receiving yards on 10.9 targets per game. He's also scored seven touchdowns in that span. As long as McBride remains healthy, he profiles as the number one tight end in fantasy football. Arizona will host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers LB Denzel Perryman was good for seven total stops, including six of the solo variety, with one tackle for loss in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From TheHuddle
