Texans squeeze past Colts 20-16, tighten AFC South race
Sun Nov 30 4:27pm ET
Field Level Media
All of a sudden, there is a race in the AFC South after the Houston Texans won their fourth consecutive game 20-16 on the road against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon.
With quarterback C.J. Stroud back in the lineup, the two-time defending South champion Texans (7-5) got back in the division race and bumped the Colts (8-4) down a rung and into second place behind the Jaguars.
Stroud completed 22 of 35 passes for 276 yards and one interception and Nico Collins caught five passes for 98 yards and ran for a score. Stroud was 9-of-13 passing in the second half, including 3 of 3 on third down.
Houston's defense held the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense to under 20 points for the first time this season and kept Colts running back Jonathan Taylor out of the end zone. Taylor had 85 rushing yards and 36 yards receiving.
The Colts were stopped on seven of 10 third-down attempts.
Taylor was dropped for a 5-yard loss and the Colts had to settle for Michael Badgley's 42-yard field goal, tightening Houston's lead to 20-16 in the fourth quarter.
Stroud hit Collins for 29 yards to start the ensuing drive, which ended with the Colts' defense stopping the Texans on three consecutive run plays -- Woody Marks on second-and-1 and tight end Cade Stover on successive direct snaps -- from the Colts' 17. The turnover on downs put the ball back in Jones' hands with 4:45 remaining.
Taylor moved the chains on two first-down carries on the drive. Jones found Alec Pierce for 22 yards over the middle before Taylor's tote for 11 yards and a 1-yard loss brought the two-minute warning.
On 3rd-and-9, Jones evaded the blitz and floated a pass to Josh Downs in the right flat, but his second drop of the game and Michael Badgley's missed extra point off the left upright in the second quarter set up a make-or-break fourth down with 1:49 to play. Jones fired high and wide to Michael Pittman Jr.
Jones completed 14 of 27 passes with 201 yards and two touchdowns. Pierce had a team-high 78 receiving yards on four catches.
Playing with a left leg injury -- reportedly a hairline fracture in his fibula -- Jones' mobility was limited. He took multiple direct shots, including a shot on the left leg with 12 minutes left in the game that was ruled roughing the passer on Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr.
Houston regained the lead with 12:38 to play. A run fake up the gut froze the Colts' defense and Stroud flipped the ball to Collins looping from the right side of the formation to win a race to the front-left corner of the end zone. Ka'imi Fairbairn's extra point appeared to sail wide to the left, but officials deemed the PAT good and the Texans took a 20-13 lead.
Jones found his touch and the Colts tied the game at 13-13 with 2:51 left in the third quarter on a 12-yard TD pass to rookie tight end Tyler Warren. The score came one play after a 32-yard pass interference flag on Texans safety Caden Bullock placed the ball in the red zone.
On the previous possession, Houston trekked to the Colts' 14 but Indianapolis stuffed Nick Chubb for no gain and Adetomiwa Adebawore sacked a backpedaling Stroud on third down to limit the Texans to Fairbairn's 43-yard field goal on fourth-and-21.
Chubb bullied his way into the end zone and shoved Colts safety Cam Bynum out of his path for 4-yard touchdown and a 10-6 lead for the Texans in the second quarter. The touchdown answered Jones' 19-yard TD pass to Pierce.
Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner watched the final three quarters of the game from the sideline with his left foot in a boot. He was helped off the field on Indianapolis' second defensive snap and ruled out with a calf injury.
Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair spent time in the medical tent for a concussion test and treatment for a foot injury in the fourth quarter but was back on the field after the two-minute warning.
The Colts play at Houston to end the regular season in January. Indianapolis visits Jacksonville next week. The Jaguars throttled Tennessee on Sunday to improve to 8-4.
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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14
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
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
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
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
Across 12 games this season, Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has connected on 16 of 20 field goal attempts and converted a league-leading 40 extra-point tries. The 26-year-old has also done some of his best work in recent weeks, knocking in all seven of his field goal attempts over his last four games. In Week 14, Bates and the Lions will host the Dallas Cowboys in a game that appears to have shootout potential. Through 13 weeks, both Detroit and Dallas rank in the top five in points per game among all NFL teams. If both offenses hold to form, there could be plenty of opportunities for Bates to put points on the board. The game will also be played indoors at Detroit's Ford Field, which removes any potential weather concerns. Bates profiles as a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh stated that running back Kimani Vidal has played like a #1 back this season. Harbaugh stated that "the proof is in the pudding" and "it warms the cockles of the heart. "After the injury to Omarion Hampton (ankle) that knocked him out for the past eight weeks, Vidal has stepped up and anchored the Chargers' rushing attack. Since Week 6, Vidal ranks 11th in the NFL in rushing yards and rushing attempts, and has averaged 13.5 PPR points per game. He was a huge part of why they were able to defeat the Raiders in Week 13, totaling 137 yards and a touchdown on 26 total attempts. With Hampton set to return in Week 14 when the Chargers host the Philadelphia Eagles, Vidal will still be a part of the rotation, but will lose the majority of his fantasy value with the rookie back.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy has spent most of the 2025 season buried on the Lions' practice squad. However, he was pressed into action in Week 13 due to injuries to Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and Kalif Raymond (ankle) and recorded four catches for 36 yards on four targets against the Green Bay Packers. With Raymond ruled out and St. Brown officially questionable for Detroit's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, Kennedy could spend another week as the team's primary slot receiver. Dallas represents a favorable matchup for opposing passing games on paper, as they currently rank last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Kennedy's production upside is limited, and it's also likely entirely dependent on St. Brown's status. If St. Brown is active, Kennedy should fall off the radar of fantasy managers. However, if St. Brown is ruled out, Kennedy could be a desperation deep-league flex option in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Golden has only been able to play in one of the last four games due to shoulder and wrist injuries. The rookie wideout hasn't been able to practice in full over the last two weeks. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his availability in practice over the next two days. When healthy, Golden has been disappointing with 24 receptions for 286 receiving yards in his first nine NFL games. There should be better streaming options available in most 12-team fantasy football formats ahead of Week 14. At best, Golden is a low-end flex option in deep leagues for the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears. The likelihood of Golden making a fantasy impact down the stretch is only going to get tougher once Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) returns from Injured Reserve, possibly this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa recorded two catches for 35 yards and his third touchdown grab of the season in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. TeSlaa has struggled to earn a consistent role in the Lions' offense for most of the year, but his playing time spiked against Green Bay after injuries to Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and Kalif Raymond (ankle). Raymond will remain sidelined for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, while St. Brown is officially listed as questionable. Particularly if St. Brown is out, TeSlaa should see another game with a heavy snap share against Dallas. Additionally, the Cowboys profile as a favorable matchup on paper. Through 13 weeks, Dallas currently ranks last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Pending St. Brown's final injury status, TeSlaa could be a deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 14 against the Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams had one of the most productive games of his career in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, recording seven catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. After Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) went down early in the game with an ankle injury, Williams stepped up as the team's WR1. St. Brown is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, but he was a non-participant in practice all week. Even if St. Brown can play, he'll likely be somewhat limited, and the Lions will still be without star tight end Sam LaPorta (back) and depth wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle). All things considered, there's a solid chance that Williams will be the go-to target once again for Lions quarterback Jared Goff against the Cowboys. On paper, Dallas is a favorable matchup, as they currently rank last in the NFL in both passing yards (3,234) and passing touchdowns (28) allowed. Williams profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was a limited participant in practice during Wednesday's session. Wicks appears to have suffered a minor ankle injury during his epic Thanksgiving Day performance. He hauled in six of his seven targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Detroit Lions. Wicks has been basically a non-factor all season long outside his big performance last week. Especially with Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) getting close to returning from Injured Reserve, Wicks' Week 13 performance could very well end up being an outlier in 2025. Rookie Matthew Golden (wrist) returning will also negatively impact Wicks' target share down the stretch. Despite last week's standout performance, Wicks should be considered a boom/bust WR4/flex for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (chest) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Dortch joined fellow wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) on the injury report to begin Week 14. The 27-year-old gave fantasy managers a dud last week after two straight strong performances when Harrison was sidelined following an appendectomy. Dortch hauled in 12 receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns while Harrison missed two games due to injury. Last week, Dortch was held to two receptions for 14 yards with Harrison back on the field. If Dortch and Harrison are unable to play in Week 14, Xavier Weaver figures to see increased playing time. The second-year wideout has been a non-factor in fantasy leagues to this point. If both Dortch and Harrison are out, Michael Wilson will likely handle as many targets as he can.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Sampson is currently considered day-to-day after suffering a calf injury during Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The rookie back has rushed for 46 yards on 11 carries over his last two games. He did haul in a touchdown as a receiver over that span, but Sampson has mainly been a non-factor in fantasy football, with fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins seeing most of the backfield work. His absence in Week 14 would mean increased playing time for Jerome Fordand possibly Raheim Sanders. Judkins is the only fantasy-relevant back in Cleveland at the moment.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Jacobs sat out the Week 12 victory over the Minnesota Vikings with a knee contusion, but he returned last week for the Thanksgiving Day win against the Detroit Lions. It appears Jacobs is still dealing with lingering effects from his knee injury. He looked solid in Week 13, when he rushed for 83 yards on 17 attempts against Detroit. Jacobs being limited to begin the week is likely just the team being overly cautious. The 27-year-old should be viewed as a high-end RB1 for the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery recorded 48 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in Week 13, breaking his three-game scoreless streak. However, Montgomery earned just eight carries, marking the third straight game in which he's failed to reach double-digit rush attempts. In Week 14, Montgomery will square off against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has been playing much better against the run in recent weeks. Over their last three games, the Cowboys have allowed an average of just 69 rushing yards per contest. With the Lions leaning heavily on star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery has played fewer than 39% of Detroit's offensive snaps in four of his last five games. As long as that workload split persists, Montgomery profiles as a touchdown-dependent flex option for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been special so far this season, recording 1,416 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns on 226 touches across 12 games. Since Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties in Week 10, Gibbs is averaging 21 touches per game. With star Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) officially questionable to play in Week 14 due to an ankle injury, Gibbs could be in for a heavy workload as both a rusher and receiver against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. For the season, the Dallas defense ranks 27th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.7). However, the Cowboys have been better of late, allowing opponents to an average of 69 rushing yards per game over the last three weeks. Still, the Lions appear likely to force-feed Gibbs touches against Dallas. He profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Across 12 games this season, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has completed 69.8% of his pass attempts for 3,025 yards, 25 touchdowns, and five interceptions. However, his supporting cast in Detroit is as depleted as it's been all season heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions will be without tight ends Brock Wright (neck) and Sam LaPorta (back), as well as wide receiver Kalif Raymond (ankle). Most importantly, star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) did not practice all week and is questionable to play against Dallas due to the low ankle sprain he suffered in Week 13. On paper, the Cowboys look like a favorable matchup for Goff. Through 13 weeks, Dallas has allowed the most passing yards (3,234) and touchdowns (28) of any NFL team. The Cowboys have been better in the second half of the season, but they still allowed four touchdown passes in Week 13 to the Kansas City Chiefs. While his outlook would obviously be improved if St. Brown is active, Goff profiles as a solid fantasy QB1 in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice ahead of their divisional clash against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite being limited on Wednesday, head coach Sean McVay expects Williams to be ready to play in Week 14. The Rams have featured a committee much more in 2025 than in previous years, and Williams' workload has been limited. The fourth-year running back has eclipsed 15 carries in just one of his last nine games, and second-year back Blake Corum has been efficient this season. Williams faces a Cardinals run defense that has struggled in recent weeks and has allowed double-digit fantasy points to every starting running back they've faced this season. If Williams is good to go this week, he is a high-end RB2 in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks DT Johnathan Hankins (back) was removed from the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list with an non-injury settlement Wednesday, Dec. 3.
From TheHuddle
