Joe Burrow makes successful return as Bengals end Ravens' win streak

Fri Nov 28 12:01am ET
Field Level Media

Joe Burrow passed for 261 yards and two touchdowns in his first appearance since Week 2 and the Cincinnati Bengals forced five turnovers while stunning the host Baltimore Ravens 32-14 on Thursday night.

Burrow missed nine games with a turf toe injury that required surgery but was in top form in the AFC North battle. He completed 24 of 46 passes as the Bengals (4-8) snapped a four-game losing streak and won for just the second time in 10 games.

Cincinnati's Tanner Hudson and Andrei Iosivas caught touchdown passes while Ja'Marr Chase had seven receptions for 110 yards. Evan McPherson kicked a career-high six field goals, Cedric Johnson recovered two fumbles and Demetrius Knight Jr. made a key fourth-quarter interception.

Lamar Jackson completed 17 of 32 passes for 246 yards and one interception while losing two fumbles for the Ravens (6-6), who had a five-game winning streak halted. Baltimore's Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell each rushed for a score.

Cincinnati led by five at halftime before Hudson made a stellar 14-yard scoring catch as the Bengals took a 19-7 advantage with 7:22 remaining in the third quarter.

Baltimore responded with an 18-yard scoring run by Mitchell to get back within five with 3:59 left in the third.

Cincinnati answered with Burrow's 29-yard touchdown pass to Iosivas to make it 26-14 with 15 seconds left in the period.

Baltimore committed its fourth turnover on its next drive. Jackson's pass was deflected by Myles Murphy, and Knight picked it off at the Cincinnati 8-yard line and returned it 39 yards.

McPherson added a 52-yard field goal to give the Bengals a 15-point lead with 9:25 to play.

Cincinnati forced turnover No. 5 when Jalen Davis knocked the ball loose from Zay Flowers and DJ Turner II recovered with 4:12 to play. That set up McPherson's 41-yarder with 1:06 left.

McPherson kicked a 31-yard field goal in the opening quarter and added boots of 42, 24 and 33 in the second as the Bengals led 12-7 at halftime. Cincinnati recovered three Baltimore lost fumbles in the half.

Henry scored on a 28-yard run in the first quarter for the Ravens. The scamper allowed him to pass legendary Jim Brown (12,312) for 12th place on the all-time career rushing list. Henry rushed for 60 yards overall and has 12,354 career yards.

Baltimore led 7-6 when Jackson teamed up with Isaiah Likely on a 43-yard pass play. However, Jordan Battle knocked the ball out of Likely's hands at the 1, and the ball went out of the end zone for a Cincinnati touchback with 8:22 left in the half.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Kyle Monangai Dec 4 9:50am CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has been a nice surprise for fantasy managers this season. In his last seven games, Monangai has averaged 15 attempts for 79.8 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 13.2 PPR points per game during that stretch. While the rookie has transcended the Bears' rushing attack, he did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, which could end his four-game streak of rushing touchdowns. The Bears played on Friday, so Monangai not being ready to practice five days later is concerning for his Week 14 outlook. The Bears face the division rival Green Bay Packers in Week 14, and with cold and snowy conditions possible, Monangai's power running style will be crucial this weekend. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be important to monitor in determining Monangai's availability in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 4 9:50am CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud returned from his concussion last week against the Colts and led his team to a fourth straight win. After starting 0-3, Stroud's Texans are 7-5 and pushing for a playoff spot. In his return, he completed 22 of 35 passes for 276 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. In his nine games, he has racked up 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions. In their recent charge, though, the team has relied more heavily on the passing game, and Stroud has aired it out with 35+ pass attempts in each of his last three full games. He and the Texans face another critical matchup this week on Sunday Night Football against the Chiefs. It should be a great game, and Stroud and the Texans have favorable home matchups against the Cardinals and Raiders after Sunday night's road showdown. Stroud is a fringe option in single-QB leagues and a strong second QB in dual-QB leagues, as he tries to guide his team back to the postseason again this season.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Dec 4 9:40am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has become a vital contributor to the Colts' offense over the last few weeks. While the Colts have lost three of their last four games, they've been in tough, hard-fought matchups against the Texans, Chiefs, Steelers, and Falcons. In those four competitive games, Pierce has totaled 27 targets and hauled in 15 catches for a total of 303 yards and two touchdowns. He had a season-high 115 yards against the Steelers in that stretch and has produced at least 65+ yards in seven of his last nine contests. As the Colts look to push for a playoff spot in the next few weeks, Pierce should continue to be heavily involved, and he brings a very high ceiling since he has emerged as the team's primary deep threat, posting an ADOT of 19.8 yards, which is the highest of any receiver in the NFL with more than 35 targets.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Dec 4 9:30am CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has been a key contributor to his team's passing game all season, and he'll remain a strong starting option in all formats on Thursday Night Football, as the Cowboys roll into the Motor City. Ferguson has maintained consistent volume in the passing game eve with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb putting up great numbers on the outside. Ferguson has at least four catches in each of his last four games and has totaled 162 receiving yards and a touchdown in those four contests. He is up to seven touchdowns on the season, and he remains a very strong starting option against the Lions' defense, which ranks in the middle of the pack against tight ends this season. In a neutral matchup, Ferguson's volume makes him the No. 4 TE this week in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, so he can be started with confidence in almost all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Dec 4 9:30am CT
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey continues to be one of the best fantasy kickers on the board this week, when the Cowboys roll into Detroit to take on the Lions. He converted all three of his field goal attempts last week and both of his extra points as well. He has made 22-of-24 field goals overall and 37-of-38 extra point attempts this season. He is 6-for-8 from 50+ yards and has knocked through a pair of field goals over 60 yards. If he gets the chances, he usually delivers, and playing indoors at Ford Field, the weather won't be an issue this Thursday. In RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, Aubrey is the No. 2 option at the position, so start him with confidence this week.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Dec 4 9:20am CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins veteran tight end Darren Waller made his return in Week 13, hauling in two of three targets for 47 yards in the 21-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Waller came back in Week 13, after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 7 that forced him to the injured reserve. The former Raiders' star was limited to just 47% of the snaps in his return, while backups Julian Hill played 58%, and Greg Dulcich played 37%. Waller faces a New York Jets defense in Week 14, which has allowed the third-most touchdowns to tight ends this season, with seven scores against them. Waller should see an expanded workload in Week 14, and is a low-end TE1 that could be relied on with injuries and bye weeks affecting other tight ends across the league.

From RotoBaller

KaVontae Turpin Dec 4 9:20am CT
KaVontae Turpin

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (shoulder) has been able to put in full practices this week after being banged up and battling illness in the last few weeks, so he should be ready for his usual workload this Thursday against the Lions. Turpin typically plays about 25% of snaps for the Cowboys and gets a few targets each game. He has totaled 19 catches for 260 yards and a touchdown in his 10 games this season, while also taking 12 carries for 63 yards. He had a season-high 33 rushing yards in the Cowboys' Thanksgiving win last week and caught both his targets for 28 receiving yards. With so many options in Dallas's passing game, Turpin is not a great option in most standard-sized leagues, but his big-play potential does give him a high ceiling if he breaks free for a big play. He's the No. 79 WR in RotBaller's Week 14 rankings, so he is best left on the bench in standard-sized leagues, although he is involved enough to be on the radar for DFS action as a bargain option.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Dec 4 9:10am CT
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has an opportunity to handle the workload in Week 14. Last week, starting back Aaron Jones Sr. exited early after suffering a shoulder injury on a play he fumbled. Jones has dealt with a shoulder injury earlier in the season and was limited in practice on Wednesday. Mason has been very efficient with his limited workload this season, averaging 6.6 yards per carry in the last four games. In the games that Jones did not play earlier in the season due to a hamstring injury, Mason averaged over 70 rushing yards and had four touchdowns in those four games. The former 49er broke out in 2024 as a handcuff to Christian McCaffrey, and he has shown that same ability in Minnesota. If Jones is unable to play in Week 14 against the Washington Commanders, Mason would be a must-start in fantasy this week.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Dec 4 9:10am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight had his most productive game of the season in Week 13, totaling 98 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Injuries have decimated the Cardinals' running back room, including starter James Conner (leg), primary backup Trey Benson (knee), and Emari Demercado (ankle), which has forced Knight to step up. With Benson still not practicing ahead of Week 14's game against the Los Angeles Rams, Knight may have to carry the workload again. A tough matchup is on deck for the Cardinals, as they face a Rams defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Benson's status, as Knight could be a solid FLEX play despite the tough matchup in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Dec 4 12:20am CT
George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has already posted career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (1,142), and touchdowns in 12 games this season. Pickens has been a seamless fit in his first year with the Cowboys and has formed one of the most dynamic wide receiver duos in the league with CeeDee Lamb. The 24-year-old was limited in practice on Monday with calf and knee injuries, but he has been cleared from the injury report and is all set to play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. It's a dream matchup for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, as Detroit has played man coverage at a league-high 42.8% clip this season. Pickens has arguably been the best receiver against man coverage this season, leading all players by a wide margin with 463 yards against man, per Fantasy Points Data. In a matchup featuring the highest projected point total of the week, Pickens profiles as one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 4 12:10am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is coming off his best game of the year on Thanksgiving Day against the Kansas City Chiefs, posting seven receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Lamb has had some frustrating drops this season, but he is still one of the best weekly fantasy football options at wide receiver. His 112 yards in Week 13 matched a season high and was his first 100-yard outing since Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. The star wideout has been overshadowed at times by George Pickens, who has had a fantastic first season in Dallas, but there is plenty of passing volume with quarterback Dak Prescott at the helm for both receivers to be high-end fantasy options every week. Lamb is ranked as RotoBaller's WR2 in PPR leagues for Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the second-most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller

Malik Davis Dec 3 11:50pm CT
Malik Davis

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis had his best game of the season last week against the Chiefs on Thanksgiving, handling three carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Davis ripped off a 43-yard touchdown during the second quarter, showing impressive burst and explosiveness. That marked the longest rushing touchdown of the season for the Cowboys, and Davis' speed is a nice complement to the bruising running style of starter Javonte Williams. The 27-year-old Davis has been up and down from the practice squad for Dallas this season, but he has been active for each of the past six games and has firmly established himself as the No. 2 running back over rookie Jaydon Blue. He could work his way into more touches against the Lions on Thursday night after an impressive Week 13 performance. However, Davis still profiles as a handcuff option for now and should remain on benches in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Dec 3 11:40pm CT
Javonte Williams

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams hasn't been as efficient a runner in recent games, but he still has one of the biggest workloads among RBs. In Weeks 1-7, Williams recorded 111 carries for 592 yards (5.2 yards per tote ) and six touchdowns while adding 23 receptions (32 targets) for 85 yards and a touchdown as a receiver, ranking as the RB7 in PPR points per game (19.0). Over the past five games, the 25-year-old has still been solid, but not quite as dynamic, with 87 carries for 363 yards (4.2 YPC) and two touchdowns to go with eight receptions (10 targets) for 43 yards and a touchdown. He still ranks as the RB20 with 13.3 PPR points per game in that span, which fantasy managers will take if that is considered his floor. Williams should be in line for a big workload again Thursday night versus the Detroit Lions in a game featuring the highest projected point total of the week. The Lions' defense has been stingy against the run, but Williams' body of work this year has made him matchup-proof.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Dec 3 11:30pm CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level this season and has been one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy football. During the Cowboys' current three-game win streak, Prescott leads the league with eight passing touchdowns and is second with 942 passing yards. He ranks as the QB1 with 24.7 fantasy points per game during that time as well, and Josh Allen is the only other QB above 22 points per game. The 32-year-old signal-caller has arguably the best wide receiver duo in football in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, which has helped fuel his big season. Prescott profiles as a top-three option in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions in a game with the highest projected point total of the week. The Lions have played man coverage at a league-high 42.8% clip this season, which Prescott has feasted against with the third-most passing yards (916) in the league, per Fantasy Points Data. He ranks as RotoBaller's QB2 for Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Dec 3 10:13pm CT
Darius Slay

The Philadelphia Eagles put in a waiver claim for CB Darius Slay, but the Buffalo Bills had priority.

From TheHuddle

Kenneth Walker III Dec 3 10:10pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (glute) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons. Walker has been on the injury report for the past few weeks with a "glute" injury, but it hasn't affected his game status or role in the Seahawks' offense. Walker has totaled 180 touches for 908 yards in 12 games, but has only added four touchdowns this season, which has generated the majority of the headlines in this backfield. Walker and third-year back Zach Charbonnet have been an RB by committee this season, and while Walker has been far more efficient this season, Charbonnet has scored eight touches. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be key, but Walker will continue to fight through injury and be the lead back for this Seahawks run game.

From RotoBaller

Chimere Dike Dec 3 9:40pm CT
Chimere Dike

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike (quad) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday as the Titans prepare to face the Cleveland Browns. Dike played his normal snap share in Week 13, so his being limited in practice indicates it's due to rest and not actual injury. While the fourth-round pick has been a contributing factor in the receiving game, he has really been special as a return man in 2025. Dike currently leads the NFL in kick return yards (1282), punt return yards (361), and touchdowns (2). With the season-ending injury to receiver Calvin Ridley, Dike has played 79% and 76% of the snaps in the past two weeks. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will be key in determining Dike's status, but he's looking likely to play against the Browns.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 3 9:40pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. St. Brown suffered a low ankle sprain in Detroit's Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers and was a non-participant in practice this week as a result. However, with the Lions' season basically hanging in the balance, it's possible St. Brown may try to give it a go against Dallas. It's unlikely that the 26-year-old would be at full strength, but St. Brown would be hard for fantasy managers to move away from if he's active. Across 12 games this season, he's recorded 75 catches for 884 yards and nine touchdowns on 108 targets. Heading into Week 13, St. Brown had earned double-digit targets in five out of his last six outings. If active, St. Brown remains a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Dec 3 9:40pm CT
Darius Slay

The Buffalo Bills have officially claimed veteran cornerback Darius Slay off of waivers. Slay began his season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but after being listed as a healthy scratch in Week 13, he asked for his release, and it was granted. The Bills were among multiple teams to place acclaim for the veteran corner, including Slay's former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Slay will look to chase a championship with the Bills and will likely add a veteran presence to an already solid room. Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, and rookie Maxwell Hairston will continue to start, with Slay offering some upside as a depth piece.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Dec 3 9:30pm CT
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end A.J. Barner (knee/shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Barner was a full-go in Week 13's dominant victory over the Minnesota Vikings, so his reason for being a limited participant on Wednesday indicates it was likely due to rest. The second-year tight end has been a major part of the Seahawks' passing attack, totaling 372 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. After the selection of Elijah Arroyo, fantasy managers speculated that he would take over as the team's TE1. However, Barner has been too good to overtake in the rotation, playing 79% of the snaps this season. Thursday and Friday's practice reports will determine whether or not he plays in Week 14, when the Seahawks face the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller