De’Von Achane leads Dolphins as they hold off Saints

Sun Nov 30 4:30pm ET
Field Level Media

De'Von Achane rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown, Riley Patterson kicked four field goals, and the host Miami Dolphins won their third straight game by holding off the New Orleans Saints 21-17 on Sunday afternoon.

Achane scored on a 29-yard run on the first possession of the game, and the Dolphins (5-7) never relinquished the lead despite a shaky performance by Tua Tagovailoa, who completed 12 of 23 passes for 157 yards, with an interception.

Rookie Tyler Shough passed for 239 yards and two touchdowns for the Saints (2-10).

On the first possession of the second half, the Saints drove 65 yards, the last 17 of which came on a touchdown pass from Shough to Chris Olave. Shough ran for a two-point conversion, New Orleans pulled to 16-8, and the score stayed that way through the end of the third quarter.

Patterson kicked a 33-yard field goal to increase the lead to 19-8 with 9:39 remaining. Charlie Smyth made a 56-yard field goal on his first attempt in a regular-season game to get the Saints back within eight points with 6:08 left.

New Orleans got the ball back at its 45 when it stopped Ollie Gordon II for a 1-yard loss and fourth down with 3:05 left.

Shough threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele with 1:17 left, giving the Saints a chance to tie with a two-point conversion. After a false-start penalty, Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted a Shough pass and returned it all the way for two points.

Vele recovered an onside kick and the Saints reached the Miami 36, but Shough was stopped for no gain on fourth-and-1 with 29 seconds left.

The Dolphins received the opening kickoff and drove 69 yards in six plays, the last of which was Achane's 29-yard TD run, and the 7-0 lead held up through the end of the first quarter.

Miami increased the lead to 10-0 when Patterson kicked a 39-yard field on the fourth play of the second quarter. Patterson added a 25-yard field goal, and after Rasul Douglas intercepted Shough, Patterson kicked a 48-yarder as time expired, giving the Dolphins a 16-0 lead.

The Dolphins outgained the Saints 298-294, but the visitors had the edge in first downs 20-16.

Vele led all pass catchers with eight receptions for 93 yards.

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Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13

Player Notes
Colby Parkinson Dec 2 4:00pm CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson's three-game touchdown streak came to an end in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers, but he's held steady as the team's top tight end over the past few weeks with Tyler Higbee (ankle) on Injured Reserve. Parkinson still tied for second on the team with receiver Davante Adams in targets during Sunday's game, recording four receptions for 27 yards on five targets. The 26-year-old trails only the Rams' big three of Puka Nacua, Adams, and Kyren Williams in snap share (61.3%) since Week 9 and has been productive in that time, totaling 16 receptions (18 targets) for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Parkinson is a touchdown-dependent fantasy option, but he's been a quality streamer in a potent Rams passing attack. He's a worthwhile waiver-wire addition ahead of Week 14's matchup against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Dec 2 3:40pm CT
Adam Thielen

Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The 35-year-old was traded to Minnesota from the Carolina Panthers before the start of the regular season, but things didn't pan out in his return to Minnesota, as he was ultimately released following Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks after being a healthy inactive for the first time this season in Week 13. Thielen recorded just eight receptions for 69 yards on 18 targets in 11 games with the Vikings, but he now lands with a Steelers team that needs help at the wide receiver position. D.K. Metcalf leads Pittsburgh with 605 receiving yards, but no other Pittsburgh pass-catcher is above 300 yards. Thielen could immediately slot in as the No. 2 wide receiver, but he isn't worth fantasy consideration at this time, outside of deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Dec 2 3:40pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle led the team with 67 receiving yards in their 26-8 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Kittle had five targets and tied for the team high with four catches on a day when quarterback Brock Purdy completed just 16 passes. Almost half of his yardage came on San Francisco's last snap of the first half, when Purdy hit Kittle on a 33-yard bomb that set up a chip-shot field goal for Matt Gay before halftime. Kittle finished outside of top-12 territory for the first time since Week 9, but is working on a four-game streak with at least four catches and 67 receiving yards. The 49ers are on bye in Week 14, but will see favorable matchups in the fantasy football playoffs with games against the Titans, Colts, and Bears.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Dec 2 3:30pm CT
Darius Slay

The Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Darius Slay have mutually agreed to part ways, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Slay wants to keep playing and will consider signing with other teams. The Steelers signed cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster in a corresponding move. Slay signed with the Steelers during the offseason, but it's been a poor season for the 34-year-old cornerback, who has allowed a league-high 126.7 passer rating in coverage, according to PFF. The veteran will likely draw interest and be picked up by a contending team in the coming days.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Dec 2 3:30pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey handled 20 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown in the team's 26-8 win over the Browns in Week 13. He also caught all four of his targets for 21 receiving yards. Sunday's game was just the third time this season that McCaffrey finished with fewer than 100 scrimmage yards, and his four targets were a season low. Still, the two-time All-Pro finished as a top-12 running back in PPR scoring for the twelfth time in 13 weeks. Fantasy football managers will have to do without McCaffrey's services in Week 14 while the 49ers are on bye. Those lucky enough to have sewn up a spot in the fantasy football playoffs get to look forward to a matchup against the Titans in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Michael Badgley Dec 2 3:10pm CT
Michael Badgley

The Indianapolis Colts waived kicker Michael Badgley on Tuesday after he missed his third extra point of the season in the Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. The Colts held kicker tryouts on Tuesday, so the move doesn't come as a huge surprise. The 30-year-old took over for the injured Spencer Shrader (knee) in Week 6 in Indy and will finish with 10 field goals made on 11 attempts (2-for-3 from 50-plus yards) and 18 extra points made on 21 attempts over seven games. Former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was among the kickers who tried out for the Colts on Tuesday, but it remains to be seen if he'll be signed. Fantasy managers will probably want to avoid Indy's placekicking situation as they head into a crucial divisional game this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 2 3:00pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle), who suffered a low-grade ankle sprain in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday, is up in the air for the Week 14 game this Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys. "I'm not sure right now, if I'm being honest. It's still up in the air. I'ma try to be out there for the guys, for my teammates, but I couldn't answer that question right now," St. Brown said when asked about his chances of playing against Dallas. The 26-year-old has yet to practice this week, leaving St. Brown on the wrong side of questionable for Week 14. Head coach Dan Campbell said that St. Brown will play if he's able to, but he'll likely have to practice on Wednesday to avoid being ruled out entirely. If St. Brown cannot go on Thursday, Jameson Williams could be in line for another massive target share, with rookie Isaac TeSlaa also in play as a touchdown-dependent flex in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Dec 2 2:20pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has six catches on 10 targets for 54 yards and no touchdowns in his first two games back from Injured Reserve. Gesicki caught four of six targets for a season-high 35 yards in his first game back in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots, and he followed that up with a two-catch, 19-yard game on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday in the win over the Baltimore Ravens. Fellow tight ends Tanner Hudson, Drew Sample, and Noah Fant all had one catch apiece, combining for 31 receiving yards. The 30-year-old Gesicki has yet to find the end zone in eight games played in 2025 in his second year in Cincy, and it's probably going to be difficult for him to produce every week with Hudson, Sample, and Fant all involved. That will especially be the case whenever receiver Tee Higgins returns from a concussion. Heading into Week 14 against the Bills, Gesicki should be considered a low-end TE2/high-end TE3 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Gunnar Helm Dec 2 2:10pm CT
Gunnar Helm

Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm led the team in targets for a second straight game in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. While his six catches on seven targets totaled only 23 yards, he has recently become a primary option in a Titans' passing game with no clear Alpha. His 12 receptions over the past two weeks trail only Trey McBride at the tight end position and are second only to Ashton Jeanty amongst all rookies. With favorable matchups in two out of three fantasy playoff games, Helm is a readily available waiver option that can be used as part of a streaming committee down the stretch, particularly in full-PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Dec 2 2:00pm CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch returned to Earth on Sunday after back-to-back games in which he caught at least six passes for over 50 yards and a score. Not coincidentally, these games coincided with the two-game absence of Marvin Harrison Jr. following the second-year wideout's emergency appendectomy. With Harrison back in the lineup for a Week 13 loss to the Buccaneers, Dortch caught only two passes for 14 yards. However, Harrison finished the game with a heel injury that now threatens to sideline him yet again. Fantasy managers need to monitor Arizona's injury report heading into their Week 14 matchup with the Rams, but should Harrison miss any time, Dortch enters back into the flex conversation, while Michael Wilson slots back in as the WR1 in a fantasy-friendly Cardinals offense.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Dec 2 1:50pm CT
Dawson Knox

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox was on the field for 53 offensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Steelers, a team-high amongst all non-QB skill position players. His four targets also tied for the team lead on a day in which Josh Allen attempted only 23 total passes. Unfortunately, Knox finished the day with only three catches for 28 yards. He has not scored a touchdown since Week 6, and despite playing the past three games with a combination of a benched Keon Coleman and an injured Dalton Kincaid, he has averaged 2.3 receptions for 22.7 yards. With Kincaid able to return to practice on a limited basis last week, there is an expectation that he could be back for the Bills' Week 14 matchup with the Bengals, officially closing the window on any streaming consideration for Knox.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Dec 2 1:40pm CT
Samaje Perine

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine returned to action on Thanksgiving after missing two games with an ankle injury, and he was given his largest workload of the season, carrying the ball 14 times and earning an additional two targets. While he ended the day with only 54 total yards and a fumble, his role in a rare positive game script against the Ravens was notable. With Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow back under center and looking like himself following a nine-game absence, the salting away of late leads could become more commonplace for Cincinnati. While Perine's standalone value is likely not enough to warrant flex consideration, he is a trusted veteran who can handle a heavy workload and would become a must-start should Chase Brown miss any time down the stretch.

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Dontayvion Wicks Dec 2 1:40pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is fresh off a Thanksgiving game in Week 13, where he was the WR3 for fantasy. Wicks put up his best game of the season, notching 94 yards on six receptions while bringing in two touchdowns in their win over the Lions. The Packers' pass-catching carousel seems to turn and turn, featuring different wide receivers heading up their production throughout the season. While Wicks has been on the field much more in recent weeks, a logjam is coming soon. Jayden Reed is poised to return to the Packers' lineup soon, as is Matthew Golden. Christian Watson has been excellent over the past several weeks, and Romeo Doubs remains a constant as well. Unfortunately, Wicks' Week 13 performance is likely the exception rather than the rule. Those in deep fantasy leagues may find Wicks useful as a flex option in the Packers' Week 14 game against Chicago, but typical 12-team formats may have more consistent fantasy options than Wicks this week.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 2 1:40pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs had an excellent stretch of fantasy viability from Week 4 to Week 9, with three games among the top-25 wide receivers. From Week 10 to now, Doubs has disappointed fantasy managers with lackluster production. He's averaged just 6.8 fantasy points per game in the four-game stretch starting in Week 10, and is averaging three receptions and 25 yards per game. Doubs has taken a backseat to not just the running game, but also Christian Watson, who has exceeded Doubs' production in recent weeks. With the impending return of Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden into the Packers' wide receiver rotation, Doubs' production could be a bit more sporadic. Against the Chicago Bears in Week 14, Doubs is still a low-end flex option, but one that's much harder to trust than in the middle of the season.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Dec 2 1:30pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) is likely to return in Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Hampton is expected to return to action on Monday night after missing the last seven games with a fracture in his ankle. The rookie first-rounder was listed as a limited participant every day in practice last week before ultimately being ruled out against the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie could be eased back into action after missing a significant amount of time. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman indicated that Hampton and second-year back Kimani Vidal could operate in a timeshare upon his return, which creates some uncertainty for his fantasy value in what will be a tough first matchup back against the Eagles. Hampton should still operate as the lead back, but it may not be in the workhorse role right away like we saw before his injury.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Dec 2 1:20pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hip) was carted off the field during the fourth quarter of Monday's blowout loss to the Patriots, but on Tuesday, the second-year back told reporters it was merely a hip contusion/stinger and that he is fine. Despite missing two games earlier this season with a shoulder injury, Tracy leads a banged-up Giants offense in rush attempts and yards, and had been enjoying his most productive three-game stretch of the season heading into Monday night. The Giants now face a Week 14 bye, so fantasy managers will need to wait an additional week for any official injury reports, but if healthy for Week 15, Tracy remains a low-ceiling flex candidate for the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Treylon Burks Dec 2 1:10pm CT
Treylon Burks

Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks returned in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos and delivered one of the highlight catches of the season. Burks hauled in a twisting, one-handed catch for a five-yard touchdown with the same hand that he had surgery on just two weeks ago, which forced him to miss Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. It ended up being the 25-year-old's only reception of the night on four targets, but it was a memorable one. Burks played a season-high 65.6% of the snaps against Denver and has made an impact in the three games he's played for the Commanders, recording five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. The former first-round pick in 2022 should continue to see his opportunities increase as he settles into the offense, but with top wideout Terry McLaurin back from injury, Burks still has more to prove before being considered as a legitimate fantasy football option.

From RotoBaller

Brock Wright Dec 2 12:50pm CT
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (neck) was a non-participant during Tuesday's practice session, according to Ben Raven of MLive.com. Wright remains out of practice for the second straight day and looks unlikely to suit up on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys. The 27-year-old is reportedly dealing with a trachea injury and could potentially be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Wright was the next man up for the Lions at tight end with Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Ross Dwelley is expected to be the team's top tight end moving forward after playing 75% of the snaps on Thanksgiving Day against the Green Bay Packers, with Anthony Firkser likely to mix in as well. Fantasy managers are better off steering clear of Detroit when looking for a tight end option this week.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Dec 2 12:40pm CT
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke highly of wide receiver Jameson Williams on Tuesday, praising his continued growth in the offense. "He's really growing. He just continues to grow and get better," said Campbell. Williams is ready to take on a larger role in the Lions' offense as the team deals with multiple injuries to their skill players, with Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) and Kalif Raymond (calf) both expected to miss time with injuries, and tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. The 24-year-old took advantage of St. Brown leaving early against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday, recording seven receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. Williams should be expected to lead the Lions in targets again on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys if St. Brown is ultimately ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Kalif Raymond Dec 2 12:30pm CT
Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that wide receiver Kalif Raymond (calf) is not expected to play on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Ben Raven of MLive.com. Raymond suffered an ankle injury during the Lions' Week 12 overtime win over the New York Giants and didn't suit up against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday. The 31-year-old wideout was a non-participant in Monday's practice session, and he's expected to miss his second consecutive game. Detroit is dealing with multiple injuries to its skill position group, with Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) also expected to miss time and tight end Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa should have more opportunities on Thursday night with Raymond and St. Brown sidelined, and he's made plays this season with three touchdowns on six receptions.

From RotoBaller