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.

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The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13

Player Notes
Jalin Hyatt Dec 1 6:20pm CT
Jalin Hyatt

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is a healthy scratch for the Monday night game against the New England Patriots to close out Week 13 action, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. This will be just the second time all year, and the first since Week 8, that Hyatt will sit without dealing with an injury. The 24-year-old will be the odd-man out for a receiving corps that will roll with Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Gunner Olszewski, and Dalen Cambre as they look to upset the Pats in primetime. The Giants will head into their bye in Week 14, so the next chance Hyatt will have to play will be on Sunday, Dec. 14, against the division-rival Washington Commanders. Hyatt has not been very involved in New York's offense in his third year in the league, catching five of 13 targets for only 35 yards and no touchdowns in seven games.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Dec 1 6:10pm CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) dealt with some hamstring soreness in Sunday's surprising loss to the Carolina Panthers, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the injury isn't considered serious. Head coach Sean McVay said the team could limit some players in practice this week, so don't be surprised to see Adams on the injury report this week. However, the 32-year-old veteran touchdown machine should be fine to play in Week 14 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro wideout had two touchdowns for the second straight week in the loss to Carolina, coming down with four of his five targets for 58 yards. Adams has developed some insane chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford in his first year in L.A. and leads the NFL with 14 TD receptions in 12 starts. Keep him locked into all starting lineups for a plus matchup against the Cards this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Dec 1 6:00pm CT
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles wide receiver Keenan Allen recorded a modest four catches for 30 yards on five targets in the team's 31-14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen matched the team lead in receptions but provided little beyond sustaining drives. Over his last five games, he has only one red-zone target and saw fewer snaps as rookie Tre' Harris received more opportunities with the Chargers dominating on the ground. Justin Herbert's fractured non-throwing hand resulted in a more conservative game script (21 passes versus 43 rushes), further limiting Allen's upside. Heading into Week 14, the Philadelphia Eagles have shown vulnerabilities in back-to-back losses but still rank in the top 10 in pass defense, and Herbert's availability after surgery remains uncertain. If Trey Lance starts, all receivers' outlooks decline, although Allen's reliability might make him the backup's preferred safety valve. Nonetheless, expectations should stay low.

From RotoBaller

Jaret Patterson Dec 1 5:50pm CT
Jaret Patterson

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being signed to the active roster early last week, Patterson served as the primary back behind Kimani Vidal as the Chargers totaled 192 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patterson looked decisive and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season as the offense relied heavily on the ground game following Justin Herbert's hand injury. Looking ahead, rookie Omarion Hampton's return from IR is imminent after his 21-day practice window opened last week, which would move Patterson behind Hampton and Vidal. Next Monday night, the Bolts face a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has recently been vulnerable against the run. However, Patterson's fantasy value depends entirely on Hampton's availability in Week 14. If Hampton returns, Patterson might not even see the field. If he doesn't, Patterson will remain a depth piece with a few change-of-pace carries.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Dec 1 5:50pm CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that surgery isn't currently on the table for quarterback Kyler Murray (foot), according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "To my knowledge, not right now. That's as honest as I can answer it. I have not heard that. No," Gannon said. Murray is eligible to be activated from Injured Reserve, but the Cardinals will not open his 21-day practice window this week because he's simply not ready to return to practice following his foot sprain back in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 28-year-old will not return this week when the team faces the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, and it remains to be seen if he'll be in play for Week 15 versus the Houston Texans. The Cardinals have been non-committal on whether Murray will even take the starting QB job back from Jacoby Brissett, who has led a much more explosive offensive attack with Murray sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 1 5:40pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon compared wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s new heel injury to the one that cornerback Max Melton is dealing with, which caused him to miss the Week 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "Those are tricky," Gannon said. The head coach also said that Harrison is "going to see the doc later on here." The 23-year-old returned from a two-game absence following an appendectomy to post six catches for 69 yards on seven targets in Sunday's loss to Tampa, but now he could be looking at more missed time. Fantasy managers will need to watch the former first-rounder's practice status closely this week to see if he'll be able to play on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. If Harrison misses more time, it will open up Michael Wilson for heavy targets once again, with Greg Dortch also becoming flex-worthy as the WR2.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Dec 1 5:30pm CT
Quentin Johnston

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

Omarion Hampton Dec 1 5:30pm CT
Omarion Hampton

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

Elijah Moore Dec 1 5:20pm CT
Elijah Moore

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

MarShawn Lloyd Dec 1 5:10pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

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

Ladd McConkey Dec 1 5:10pm CT
Ladd McConkey

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

Jalen Hurts Dec 1 5:00pm CT
Jalen Hurts

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

George Pickens Dec 1 4:40pm CT
George Pickens

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

Brock Wright Dec 1 4:40pm CT
Brock Wright

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

Justin Herbert Dec 1 4:20pm CT
Justin Herbert

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

Kyler Murray Dec 1 4:10pm CT
Kyler Murray

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

Tyler Bass Dec 1 3:50pm CT
Tyler Bass

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

Sauce Gardner Dec 1 3:50pm CT
Sauce Gardner

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

Royce Freeman Dec 1 3:43pm CT
Royce Freeman

Free-agent RB Royce Freeman (Bears) was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad Monday, Dec. 1.

From TheHuddle

Kyren Williams Dec 1 3:40pm CT
Kyren Williams

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