Potential elimination game awaits limping Lions, climbing Cowboys

Tue Dec 2 6:37pm ET
Field Level Media

There is a playoff atmosphere around Detroit as the Lions prepare to play the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field on Thursday night.

It's a mixture of excitement and doom surrounding the second consecutive weekday game for teams on the periphery of the NFL playoff picture when kickoff time arrives.

"You can't worry about the other teams that are out there, the other teams that are in front of you or what it looks like in the NFC. Just can't," Lions coach Dan Campbell said. "And it doesn't matter. And shoot you win out, you might not get in. You don't know. Maybe it only takes 11 (wins) to get in. I don't know. But I know this: we've got to win this one."

Must-win is the scenario for Dallas, too, even after three straight wins to get to 6-5-1. The Cowboys beat the Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day, following up wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders.

"It's a lot of good momentum, but it don't mean nothing if we don't go out and handle business," said defensive lineman Kenny Clark of the Cowboys' second-half push. "We gotta wash all that away, what we did. It's week-to-week, and we got to just keep on proving ourselves, and getting ourselves out of the hole."

Detroit (7-5) is in this predicament after losing three of its last five, including a key 31-24 home defeat to NFC North rival Green Bay on Thanksgiving Day. One factor working in the Lions' favor is that they haven't suffered back-to-back defeats since October 2022.

The status of top wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown may not be determined until pre-game warmups. Brown suffered an ankle sprain during the first quarter against the Packers when an offensive lineman rolled up on his leg. Brown has a team-leading 75 receptions, 884 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

"I know this, if he can play, he'll play," Campbell said.

Considering the Cowboys' explosive passing attack, Brown's availability could be crucial. Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw four touchdown passes against Detroit's banged-up secondary. Making things worse for the Lions is that cornerback Terrion Arnold was placed on injured reserve and ballhawking safety Kerby Joseph (knee) remains sidelined.

"We need all three units to step up for us and play big," Campbell said. "They're hot right now, they're playing really good football, they've got a lot of confidence."

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is on a proverbial heater, throwing eight touchdown passes and averaging 314 passing yards during the team's current three-game winning streak. The pick your poison combination of receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is presenting major headaches for defensive coordinators.

They combined for 13 receptions, 200 yards and a touchdown in Dallas' 31-28 Thanksgiving Day win over Kansas City. And no team is giving quarterbacks more time to throw than the Lions (2.99 seconds), according to Next Gen Stats.

Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has been double- and triple-teamed of late, leaving Detroit defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to mix up his pass-rush plans.

"When your name is called, if you draw a one-on-one, you have to win in this league if you want to be around," Sheppard said. "And it's just simple as that."

In the past two games, opposing quarterbacks have seven touchdown passes and 600 total passing yards.

"I don't think we've affected the quarterback to play any style," Sheppard said.

The Lions embarrassed the Cowboys, 47-9, on Dallas' home field last season, adding another element to Thursday's contest. Lamb had 13 receptions for 227 yards and a touchdown against the Lions in 2023.

"We got the better of them and they got the best end of us last year, and that was not a pretty game," Prescott said of the recent rivalry. "I'm definitely looking forward to just getting back out there, going to Detroit, having the group that we have and having to communicate in such a tough environment. But understanding we got to play physical. It's going to be a four-quarter fight."

With some upgrades at the trade deadline, the Cowboys defense has also shown improvement during the streak. Dallas still has plenty of work to do to stay in the postseason race, but sees only one team -- the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) -- with a winning record the rest of the regular season.

"It's going to be physical, it's going to be long, it's going to be hard," Lamb said. "It's a playoff game essentially. You've got the atmosphere, we're playing away, I don't think it gets any better especially with everyone in the whole world understanding the situation as far as us all wanting to be in the playoffs. It's going to be fun. It's going to be a good one."

Starting offensive tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, who are dealing with shoulder injuries, were among the Lions who didn't practice on Tuesday. Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton (ankle) and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (hamstring) missed the Cowboys' practice on Tuesday. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Clowney's gameday status will come down to whether he can fully stretch out without discomfort in pregame Thursday. He had two sacks against Kansas City.

Dallas is 3-4-1 in conference games and the Lions are 4-4, making Thursday even more important because of the tiebreaker rules. A head-to-head tiebreaker could become a factor in determining wild-card entries in the NFC. Dallas already lost to the Panthers (7-6) and Bears (9-3), while Detroit beat the Buccaneers (7-5) and lost to the Eagles and split two games against Green Bay.

The Lions have alternated wins and losses since Week 5. Detroit still has regular-season games against Chicago and the Los Angeles Rams (9-3), the teams currently vying for the top seed in the NFC.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Omarion Hampton Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) practiced without a non-contact jersey on Friday, a positive sign for his chances to play on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kris Rihm of ESPN reports. Hampton said on Thursday that he feels great and is ready to get back on the field, but the decision is ultimately up to the doctors. The rookie first-rounder has been sidelined since Week 5 when he suffered a fractured ankle, and it's a great sign to see the rookie first-rounder shed the non-contact jersey in practice. Hampton is trending toward being activated off Injured Reserve and playing in Week 14 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, though he's likely to operate in a timeshare with Kimani Vidal in his first game back. He projects as RB3/FLEX option if he is active on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Jordan Mason

Running back Jordan Mason of the Minnesota Vikings enters a Week 14 game with some lineup appeal as an RB3/flex candidate with the Washington Commanders coming to U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings have struggled immensely in recent weeks, but could see a reprieve in the form of a lowly ranked Commanders defense. Through 13 weeks, Washington is allowing scoring drives on nearly 49% of opposing possessions -- the worst rate in the NFL -- and ranks 29th overall against half-PPR running backs. That could line up well for Mason, who may see more work if Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) sees any issues with his lingering injury, though it bears mentioning that Jones does not carry an injury designation despite leaving last week's loss at Seattle. Minnesota will see the return of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) and likely will lean on the running game to aid the struggling passing attack. Relying on any Viking at the moment comes with risk, but the setting is good enough to consider playing Mason in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Aaron Jones

Running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) of the Minnesota Vikings does not have an injury designation when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14, but he should be considered a risky flex option for fantasy lineups. The veteran has drawn more playing time than backfield mate Jordan Mason, but departed last week's loss at Seattle and did not return after re-aggravating his previous AC joint ailment that also knocked him out of Week 9's game at Detroit. The Vikings surely will want to lean on the running game against a Commanders defense that ranks 29th against half-PPR running backs to help their floundering passing offense, which could present opportunities for both backs. While the matchup is excellent, managers will have to consider that the shoulder is a lingering issue Jones will have to deal with, and the Vikings haven't exactly inspired much confidence in recent weeks.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Dec 5 2:50pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is back in the lineup and facing one of the NFL's worst defenses in the Washington Commanders, but should be considered a volatile QB2 option for fantasy lineups. The second-year quarterback picked up two huge NFC North road wins earlier this season, but has once again missed significant time due to injuries and mostly struggled when available. McCarthy has 10 interceptions and a 54.1% completion percentage in his six starts, though Washington's defense has had its own issues. The Commanders have allowed scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL and rank in the bottom five against fantasy quarterbacks, and McCarthy has shown flashes of mobility with 120 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 23 carries. Managers approaching the fantasy playoffs in Superflex formats will have to evaluate McCarthy against their other options, but there is some hope that a talented Minnesota offense can finally turn a corner against a bad defense at home.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Jalen Nailor

After the Minnesota Vikings' offensive struggles reached a new low in Week 13, wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be considered a high-risk option when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14. The Commanders' defense has been hugely ineffective this season, and it enters this week having allowed the highest percentage of scoring drives in the league. In the past month, however, Minnesota has been even worse. The offense's turnover rate has ballooned to over 17% of their possessions, and they've scored 42 points in their past 16 quarters. Nailor had a career-best day with quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Week 10, but caught just one pass on three targets combined during the next three games. The matchup this week is great, but starting Nailor should be considered a desperation play, given his low volume in what has been a bad offense.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Jordan Addison

The Minnesota Vikings will take on the struggling defense of the Washington Commanders in Week 14, which brings both potential and risk for wide receiver Jordan Addison. Washington is allowing opposing offenses to score on nearly 49% of possessions, which is the worst mark in the league, but the Vikings have been the most hapless offense in the NFL over the past month. Minnesota scored 42 points in its past four games, including the franchise's first shutout loss in 18 years last week at Seattle. Despite playing more than 90% of the team's offensive snaps in every one of those four games, Addison has just 10 total catches to show for it. Addison is a talented receiver with a great matchup, but the Vikings have been so awful on offense recently that even their best players have disappointed in fantasy lineups. The setting is good enough this week to consider Addison for a flex spot, but he's a wild card due to Minnesota's volatility.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of the Week 14 game against Washington will be asking themselves what will happen when a very movable object meets an even more stoppable force. The Commanders' defense ranks a lowly 28th against half-PPR receivers, but calling the Vikings "inept" recently doesn't even begin to describe it. Minnesota is now turning over the ball on more than 17% of its possessions, scoring on fewer than one-third of them, and is coming off the franchise's first shutout defeat in 18 years last week at Seattle. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is slated to return after Max Brosmer's four-interception debacle last week, which could slightly help the superstar receiver, who is on track for career-low rates of catches, yards, and touchdowns. The Vikings have been so volatile that Jefferson should be considered a WR2, but he ultimately remains an All-Pro receiver facing a bad defense this week, giving some hope for a bounce-back game.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Dec 5 2:30pm CT
Will Reichard

The 2025 season has been the same story for Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard: he's been excellent when the team has needed him, but a major regression on offense has made him an average fantasy play most weeks. More than 17% of the Vikings' drives have ended in turnovers, far and away the worst rate in the NFL, and the offense is now scoring on fewer than a third of its possessions overall. Naturally, the second-year kicker has been unpredictable alongside an offense that is struggling to stay on the field. Reichard has eight makes from beyond 50 yards this year and is a terrific 21-for-23 on field goal attempts, but starting him in Week 14 will be contingent on the Minnesota offense breaking its slump against the Washington Commanders. However, against a Washington defense allowing scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL, there is some hope for Reichard, albeit with risk involved.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 5 2:30pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) has been cleared from the injury report and will suit up on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, according to the team's official website. Jones was limited on Wednesday and Thursday after exiting early during the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13 due to a shoulder injury, but he is good to go in Week 14. The 31-year-old running back struggled to find running lanes against Seattle's stout defense, handling six carries for just three yards, but he was productive as a receiver with four receptions (four targets) for 22 yards before leaving. Jones has continued to play ahead of Jordan Mason since returning in Week 8, and he'll get a favorable matchup in Week 14 against a Commanders defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing running backs. Another plus for Jones is that quarterback J.J. McCarthy is back this week following a one-game absence due to a concussion.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Dec 5 2:30pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Tight end T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings has a strong matchup against a bad Washington Commanders defense in Week 14, but fantasy managers should consider him a TE2 option due to the team's continued struggles on offense. The Commanders allow scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL, but the Vikings are turning over the ball at the highest rate, which has been a major contributor to the team scoring on fewer than 32% of its possessions. Hockenson is coming off his best game of the year with six catches for 59 yards at Seattle, but Minnesota will experience yet another quarterback change now that starter J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is back. Even when the Vikings' offense is at its best, the veteran tight end is the team's third option behind receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, so managers may want to reserve Hockenson only for formats that start more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 5 2:20pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is officially listed as questionable for Week 14's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave was held out of Wednesday's practice before being a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, a similar progression to last week when he was ultimately able to suit up against the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old didn't seem affected by the injury last week, posting his normal route share and recording four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in the loss to Miami. He is trending toward playing through the injury again and profiles as a top-10 wide receiver option for Sunday's matchup against the division-rival Buccaneers. In the first meeting with Tampa on Oct. 26, Olave had eight catches on 12 targets for 63 yards.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Dec 5 2:10pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 14 divisional matchup with the Buccaneers. Kamara was held out of practice with ankle and knee injuries and will now miss his second consecutive game. After a slow start in a Week 13 loss to the Dolphins, sixth-round rookie Devin Neal finished with 47 rushing yards on 14 carries while adding three catches for another 22 yards. He showed good decisiveness and burst, but struggled to find any space behind a banged-up and overmatched offensive line, evidenced by almost 94% of his rushing yardage coming after contact. Tampa Bay has been uncharacteristically soft against the run this season, so Neal remains a low-end RB2/flex play, especially in PPR formats, having earned 10 targets over the past two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Dec 5 1:50pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) will not participate in the team's Week 14 matchup with the Packers, as he has been ruled out with a foot injury that has held him out of practice all week. Odunze has run hot and cold this season, and he is coming off a rough Black Friday outing that saw him catch only two of six targets for eight yards. His absence should lead to increased looks for veteran DJ Moore and rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland, all of whom have fallen victim to the Bears' hot hand rotation at times throughout the year. The Packers defense has been one of the stingiest fantasy matchups across all positions, but in a game that could decide the top spot in the NFC South, a healthy 44.5 point over/under should lead to scoring opportunities across the board.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 5 1:40pm CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) has been ruled out for the team's Week 14 matchup with the Seahawks. This marks the third straight game that London will miss after spraining his PCL in a Week 11 loss to the Panthers. In the previous two games played without their top pass catcher, both with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, no Falcons wide receiver has topped three receptions in either game. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. and running back Bijan Robinson have led the team in targets over that span, with nine and seven, respectively. If the Seahawks are susceptible anywhere defensively, it has been against the tight end position, keeping Pitts in the streaming conversation. Though even with a higher spot in the pecking order, he has averaged only 7.6 half-PPR points per game over the past two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Dec 5 1:20pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is set to play on Sunday in a divisional clash with the Steelers. Jackson did not participate in Thursday's practice, but according to head coach John Harbaugh, he will be under center in a game for the top spot in the AFC North. Jackson missed time earlier this season with a hamstring issue, and since returning, he has been hampered by an ankle injury that has left him looking out of sorts. His QB8 finish in Week 9 marked the last time he's landed inside the top 12 at the position, while he's finished as QB24 or lower for three straight weeks. He was close to completing multiple big plays in a Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals, and had any of them stood, fantasy managers might feel better about his prospects moving forward. As it stands, Jackson projects as RotoBaller's QB11 against a Steelers defense that has been one of the most generous to opposing quarterbacks all season long.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 5 1:13pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy had nine catches for 115 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Flournoy hadn't done much since his 6/114 game against the Jets earlier this year, so this was good to see. CeeDee Lamb exited the game with a concussion in the third quarter and Flournoy stepped up to lead the team with 13 targets as Dallas tried to come back. Flournoy's ultimate dynasty value lies in what Dallas does with George Pickens this off-season. If Pickens is back, his ceiling is capped. If he can somehow make his way to being the WR2 on the team, he'd make for an interesting asset. Regardless, Flournoy is simply a deep roster stash at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jahmyr Gibbs Dec 5 1:13pm CT
Jahmyr Gibbs

Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 43 rushing yards, seven catches, 77 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a win against Dallas. Dynasty Analysis: Gibbs certainly made the most of his 19 touches. One of the most efficient and deadly players this season, he just continues to put up monster performances. While his fantasy day could have actually been even better with more yards, his receiving prowess gives him an extraordinary floor. He'll be a top option for the playoffs every week and is a near untouchable dynasty asset.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dylan Sampson Dec 5 12:50pm CT
Dylan Sampson

The Cleveland Browns have listed rookie running back Dylan Sampson (calf) as questionable to play this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. Sampson didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but a return to the practice field on Friday gives him a chance of suiting up this weekend. The 21-year-old injured his calf in Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers and never returned. If the first-round RB isn't cleared to face the Titans this Sunday, Jerome Ford would see more playing time as the backup to rookie Quinshon Judkins in a favorable matchup. Still, with Judkins seeing the majority of backfield work for the Browns, Ford wouldn't be expected to have enough volume to make him a realistic flex play in 12-team fantasy leagues. Sampson has averaged just 2.7 yards per carry in his first 12 NFL games, running for 112 yards and no TDs on 42 rushing attempts.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Dec 5 12:40pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring, knee) will be listed as questionable to play this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14, according to head coach Sean McDermott. The head coach said he needs to see Kincaid be "functional" to play. Kincaid has not played since injuring his hamstring in Week 10. The 26-year-old was close to suiting up for last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but a knee injury was added this week, and he was seen wearing a brace on his left leg during Thursday's practice. He could be a game-time decision on Sunday. If Kincaid can return in Week 14, he'll immediately be back in the TE1 picture in fantasy football. Before his hamstring injury, the former first-rounder had 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. Kincaid ranks as the TE8 with 10.4 half-PPR fantasy points per game in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Dec 5 12:30pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) said again on Thursday that he feels great and is eager to get back on the field, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. "If it's up to me. I'll always play, but I got to wait for the doc. Whatever they say goes," Hampton said. The 22-year-old North Carolina alum resumed practicing last week for the first time since fracturing his ankle in Week 5. Hampton was limited in the first practice this week on Thursday, but he's trending toward coming off Injured Reserve and playing on Monday night versus the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers who have been stashing the explosive rookie back all this time have to be excited for his impending return, but against a tough Eagles defense and in a potential timeshare with Kimani Vidal in his first game back, Hampton profiles as more of an RB3/flex if he's active in Week 14.

From RotoBaller