49ers take advantage of Browns miscues in comfortable win

Sun Nov 30 4:17pm ET
Field Level Media

Brock Purdy passed for a touchdown and ran for another as the visiting San Francisco 49ers extended their winning streak to three games by beating the Cleveland Browns 26-8 Sunday.

Purdy completed 16 of 29 passes for 168 yards. Christian McCaffery added a 1-yard TD run for San Francisco (9-4), which also received two field goals from Matt Gay.

The Browns (3-9) fumbled the ball away twice, and San Francisco took advantage by scoring a touchdown following each turnover.

The 49ers led 7-0 after one quarter, 10-8 at halftime and 17-8 entering the final 15 minutes.

Cleveland quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his second NFL start and completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown.

San Francisco opened the scoring on McCaffrey's touchdown run with 8:12 remaining in the first quarter. The TD was set up by Skyy Moore's 66-yard punt return, which gave the 49ers possession on the Cleveland 16-yard line.

The Browns got on the scoreboard when Sanders tossed a 34-yard TD pass to Harold Fannin with 39 seconds left in the first half. Quinshon Judkins (23 carries for 91 yards) put the Browns up 8-7 by running in the two-point conversion after San Francisco was penalized for having too many men on the field.

San Francisco took a 10-8 lead on Gay's 25-yard field goal on the first half's final play.

The 49ers extended their lead to 17-8 on Purdy's 2-yard TD run with 1:29 left in the third quarter. The scoring drive began on the Cleveland 32-yard line after San Francisco recovered a Fannin fumble on a fourth-and-1 play.

San Francisco's third touchdown came after Gage Larvadain muffed a punt and the 49ers recovered the ball on the Cleveland 18. Six plays later Purdy connected with wide receiver Jauan Jennings for a 7-yard TD pass. The pass on the conversion attempt failed, leaving the 49ers with a 23-8 lead with 11:05 to play.

Gay's 31-yard field goal with 4:09 left finalized the scoring.

The 49ers converted 11 of 17 third down opportunities while the Browns were 3 of 15 on third and fourth down attempts.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Justin Herbert Dec 5 8:50pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden was being viewed as a league-winner when he was in the midst of a mid-season surge. He came out of nowhere and had four straight performances with 60 receiving yards or more. Since Week 10, though, Gadsden has been basically invisible on the field. During that span, he has six receptions for 81 yards and hasn't scored a touchdown. Another factor to consider is that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) recently underwent surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand. Herbert is hopeful to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, but it's unclear how much he will be impacted by the injury. The Chargers have a lot of mouths to feed and could lean on the running game more with rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) on track to make his first appearance since Week 5. Gadsden probably won't offer more than TE2 value in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 5 8:50pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been held below 50 receiving yards in five straight games but will hope to turn things around against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Baltimore has been vulnerable to receivers this season, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points, the third-most targets, the ninth-most receptions, and the eighth-most receiving touchdowns to the position. With Pittsburgh entering Sunday's divisional showdown as underdogs, quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) could be forced to throw often to keep pace in a game that may determine the AFC North front-runner. Despite his recent struggles, Metcalf remains the clear top option in the Steelers' passing game and will need to play a crucial role if they hope to compete. Fantasy managers can deploy Metcalf as a boom-or-bust WR3 or flex play this week.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 5 8:30pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs had a solid mid-season run where he was posting performances in the WR20 range. Now, Doubs appears to have taken a back seat in the receiving game with Christian Watson becoming quarterback Jordan Love's go-to target. Over the last four games, Doubs has finished with fewer than 50 receiving yards in three of them. Doubs managed to salvage his fantasy value with a touchdown during last week's Thanksgiving Day win over the Detroit Lions. Given his recent play, Doubs hasn't earned much faith from fantasy managers. The impending return of Jayden Reed (shoulder, foot) will make it even more difficult for Doubs to make an impact in Green Bay's crowded receiving room. For now, Doubs can be viewed as a low-end flex option for the Week 14 divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Golden Dec 5 8:20pm CT
Matthew Golden

Green Bay Packers rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 14 matchup versus the Chicago Bears. When healthy, Golden has been barely noticeable on the field. The rookie wideout has been held to under 30 receiving yards in three of his last four games. The return of Christian Watson has played a role in Golden's lack of production. It's not going to get better for Golden with fellow wideout Jayden Reed (shoulder, foot) nearing his return from Injured Reserve, possibly this Sunday. Golden played less than 40 percent of the offensive snaps in his last two games. Even if he returns to action this weekend, Golden isn't someone to trust in 12-team fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Dec 5 8:20pm CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell had just seven touches in last week's loss but will look to bounce back against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Despite the light workload in Week 13, Gainwell logged a 42% snap share and posted 25 receiving yards, good enough for third-most on the Steelers. His contributions in the passing game could be especially important on Sunday, as the Ravens surrender the seventh-most targets, ninth-most receptions, and eighth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs. With Pittsburgh lacking consistent playmakers and entering the week as underdogs, quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will need his weapons to step up in the short passing game. Gainwell fits that role well and profiles as a middling PPR flex option for fantasy managers in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Dec 5 8:10pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has scored in two consecutive contests and will look to keep that momentum going in a Week 14 road matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have been below average against the run this season, surrendering over 4.4 yards per carry and 11 rushing touchdowns. Baltimore has also struggled to contain pass-catching running backs, allowing the seventh-most targets, ninth-most receptions, and eighth-most receiving yards to the position. Warren hasn't been as consistently utilized through the air as he was early in the season, but he remains fully capable as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist). Even with Kenneth Gainwell emerging as a reliable weapon for Pittsburgh, Warren is still the team's primary runner and preferred option on early downs. Fantasy managers should treat Warren as a solid RB2 heading into Sunday.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Dec 5 8:00pm CT
John Metchie III

New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III broke a two-game touchdown streak in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons, although it wasn't a terrible day for the 25-year-old. Metchie went for only 19 yards on four catches, but he drew a season-high eight targets from quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Since being acquired in a trade with the Eagles, Metchie has quickly moved his way up to the top of the receiving depth chart in New York, with Garrett Wilson (knee) on Injured Reserve. In the last three weeks, Metchie has 13 catches on 18 targets for 129 yards and two touchdowns while playing at least 82% of the snaps. Fantasy managers who used him as a streamer in Week 13 were surely disappointed, but don't let that convince you to bench him this week against the Dolphins, who have allowed the eighth-most half-PPR points to wideouts in the last three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Dec 5 7:50pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has not had the second-year breakout that many were predicting back in training camp. Injuries have been a big issue yet again, as he didn't return from a PCL sprain in his knee until Week 11 after getting hurt in Week 4. In three games since his return, the 25-year-old former first-rounder has caught only five passes for 20 yards on nine targets. Overall, he's sporting a 25-347-0 line in seven games. It's not like he hasn't been on the field since his return, as he's played at least 75% of the snaps in all three games. Fantasy managers who have hung onto Pearsall will be hoping that the Niners will devise a plan to get him more involved when they come out of their Week 14 bye to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 14. Better days could be ahead, but Pearsall is likely to continue to struggle for a high target share in an offense that has plenty of mouths to feed between Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Dec 5 7:50pm CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller is a viable streaming option if you're desperate for a tight end solution this week, as he and the Dolphins visit the Jets. Waller played 47% of snaps last week in his return from the IR and hauled in two of his three targets for a team-leading 47 receiving yards. Waller played three full games before his pec injury and had 10 catches for four touchdowns and 117 receiving yards. The Dolphins haven't been throwing the ball very much in their recent offensive game plans, typically relying on De'Von Achance to do most of the work. However, since Waller showed upside earlier this season, he is worth a look if you need help at the position. He's the No. 11 TE in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, making him a fringe starter in standard-sized leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dont'e Thornton Jr. Dec 5 7:40pm CT
Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (concussion) did not practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Thornton will miss at least one game with the concussion that he suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The fourth-round pick out of Tennessee has had a forgettable first year in the league with eight catches on 25 targets (28% success rate) for 123 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games (seven starts). In his defense, the Raiders' offense has stalled more often than not, limiting his opportunities in a depth role. Thornton hasn't had more than one catch in a game this year since Sept. 21 against the Commanders. With Thornton out this weekend, it will give fellow rookie Jack Bech a chance for more playing time, although we aren't expecting much from him against the Broncos' stout defense.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Dec 5 7:40pm CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington is getting plenty of catches in his role as the team's second receiver, but he isn't turning those catches into big numbers, making him a high-risk play against the Jets. He has multiple catches in 10 straight games dating back to Week 3, and he has at least three catches in seven of his last eight. He hasn't hit 50 yards in any contest yet, though, and didn't find the end zone in either of his last two games. He has a decent PPR floor in the Dolphins' low-risk, dink and dunk passing game, but he doesn't have a high ceiling since he hasn't been able to break loose for any big plays. Washington is the WR52 in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, so he's only a desperation WR5 or flex play in the deepest of leagues.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 5 7:40pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is set to face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Rodgers struggled in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but this matchup is much more favorable on paper. Although the Ravens have improved defensively in recent weeks, they have still allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game to opposing signal-callers. Just last week, Joe Burrow accumulated 261 passing yards and two scores against Baltimore. Nonetheless, the Steelers' offensive woes remain a major concern. Rodgers hasn't thrown multiple touchdowns in a contest since Week 8 and has failed to eclipse 200 yards in three straight starts. As a result, it's difficult to rely on Rodgers as anything more than a low-end QB2 in superflex formats heading into Sunday's road bout.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Dec 5 7:20pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco returned in last week's Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday for the first time since Week 8 due to a knee injury. It wasn't a triumphant return for the 26-year-old, as he played a season-low 30% of the snaps and had a season-low three rushing attempts for 16 yards while grabbing both of his targets for an additional 17 yards. Pacheco played well ahead of rookie Brashard Smith, but it's clear that veteran Kareem Hunt has solidified his role as KC's preferred RB, even in goal-line situations. Fantasy managers can hold out hope that Pacheco is more involved in the coming weeks as he puts his knee injury in the rearview mirror, but at no point in 2025 has he looked deserving of a bigger workload. Pacheco has yet to top 60 rushing yards in nine games, and he should be left on benches in Week 14 against the Texans and their No. 1 defense.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 5 7:20pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) "had a good day" on Friday after suffering a concussion in the Thursday night loss to the Detroit Lions, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The head coach said the extra days going into the Week 15 game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 14, should help get him back. The 26-year-old hit his head hard on the turf while trying to make a catch in the third quarter and was quickly ruled out. The good news for fantasy managers is that he caught six of eight targets for a season-high 121 yards before getting hurt. There's no guarantee that Lamb will clear the league's concussion protocol in time to play next Sunday, but it definitely helps that he'll have extra time before that contest. With Lamb's status up in the air for next week, Ryan Flournoy, who had nine catches (13 targets) for 115 yards and a TD on Thursday, will be a top waiver-wire target in fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Dec 5 6:50pm CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a trendy late-round upside pick in fantasy drafts in the fall, with Washington's backfield plans unsettled. He became even more popular off the waiver wire early in the season after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder out of Arizona had double-digit rushing attempts in five of six games from Weeks 5-10, accumulating 298 yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries (3.9 yards per attempt). Bill has since fallen out of favor and has lost lead-back duties to Chris Rodriguez Jr. In the Sunday night overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, Croskey-Merritt played a season-low 14% of the snaps and had a season-low four carries for only 20 yards. He was also out-snapped by pass-catching back Jeremy McNichols. JCM is still rostered in just under 50% of Yahoo leagues, but in a three-back committee in Washington, he should be on benches entering Sunday's road matchup against Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Dec 5 6:50pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has trailed off a little bit in the last two games, with only three catches each against the Commanders and the Saints. The Dolphins' passing game has been very low-volume in the last few games as they rely heavily on De'Von Achane and the defense to win three straight. This week, Waddle has a good matchup against the Jets, who traded away Sauce Gardner and have allowed four receiver touchdowns in the last six weeks. Even in his down games, Waddle continues to lead the way in targets, so he still has potential upside if the game script calls for passing. He is the WR12 in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, making him a solid WR2 with WR1 upside if the Dolphins have to air it out a little more.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Dec 5 6:40pm CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson was a popular waiver-wire pickup after starting RB Josh Jacobs injured his knee in the Week 11 win over the New York Giants. Wilson took full advantage of Jacobs' absence in the team's Week 12 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, carrying the ball a season-high 28 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns while adding two receptions for 18 yards. Before that spike performance, the 26-year-old hadn't seen more than eight carries (Sept. 28) in a game behind Jacobs. In the win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday, with Jacobs back in action, Wilson saw just four carries for 14 yards and wasn't targeted through the air. The 26-year-old showed that he can be successful for fantasy managers in a lead-back role, but unless Jacobs misses time with an injury again, Wilson just cannot be trusted in starting fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Pat Bryant Dec 5 6:30pm CT
Pat Bryant

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Friday due to a hamstring injury, but he's been removed from the final Week 14 injury report and will play on Sunday versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, per Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Bryant and the 10-2 Broncos will be heading into a plus matchup this weekend on the road against a Raiders defense that has surrendered the seventh-most half-PPR points to the WR position per game. The 22-year-old third-rounder out of Illinois will still only be a low-upside WR4/5 for fantasy purposes as the Broncos' WR3 behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. Bryant has found the end zone once in his first 12 NFL games, and he had just one catch on two targets for 43 yards in the first game against Vegas back on Nov. 6. Bryant has cleared 50 receiving yards only once in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Ollie Gordon II Dec 5 6:30pm CT
Ollie Gordon II

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has been relegated to a minimal role recently, as the team gives more work to De'Von Achane. Gordon has gotten three carries or fewer in three of his last four games, and he only got 10 yards on his three carries against the Saints last week. He played 27% of snaps while Jaylen Wright played 10% of snaps and also had three carries, finishing with 16 yards. The rookie has shown a few glimpses of upside and scored a couple of touchdowns, but his role is so limited behind Achane that he is only a desperation play this week against the Jets. The Jets have been a great matchup for running backs this season, and especially recently, but it's uncertain if Gordon will get much work in Week 14. He's only the No. 48 RB in RotoBaller's rankings this week, so he can be left on the bench or waiver wire in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Woody Marks Dec 5 6:20pm CT
Woody Marks

Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks (ankle) was able to practice in full on Friday and has been cleared to play on Sunday night in a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road. Marks tweaked his ankle in the Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts but eventually returned to the game, and the 24-year-old's injury was never considered very serious, despite the fact that he did not practice on Wednesday. Marks was limited on Thursday. The fourth-rounder has become a much bigger part of the Texans' backfield plan since their Week 6 bye, and he has out-produced and out-touched veteran Nick Chubb. Since the team's bye, Marks has seen double-digit carries in every game and has a total of 349 rushing yards and one touchdown on 98 carries, adding 12 receptions for 92 yards and another score. The Chiefs have allowed the seventh-fewest half-PPR points per game to RBs this year, but Marks' volume alone vaults him into low-end RB2 territory, especially with quarterback C.J. Stroud now back from a concussion.

From RotoBaller