Titans fight Browns to escape Land of the Lost
Thu Dec 4 5:15am ET
Field Level Media
Draft talk is top of mind for the Tennessee Titans as they touch down in Cleveland with a 1-17 record in their past 18 games and with an active seven-game losing streak.
Even at 3-9, the Cleveland Browns enter the Sunday visit from the Titans mathematically eligible for the AFC playoffs. However, the Browns are only 3-15 during the same stretch, a revolving door of losses that still hasn't netted a franchise quarterback.
While Tennessee (1-11) can drag Cleveland into the ranks of the eliminated with a victory, the Titans should know they will have to befuddle Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders on their own. The rookie, one of two quarterbacks selected by the Browns in the 2025 draft, has pledged to stay disciplined during his third career start.
"Sometimes, I look for the big play, you know? And I do that when I feel like I'm pressing," Sanders said, "when I feel like we need to get a spark. ... So that's something I review within myself, and I know in those situations, I can't do that at certain times."
Cleveland's fifth-round pick in April, Sanders has passed for a touchdown in each of his first two starts, a road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders and a home loss to San Francisco in Week 13. After starting 8-for-11 against the 49ers, including a 34-yard touchdown toss to Harold Fannin Jr. that sparked the Browns to a second-quarter lead, he led an attack that managed just 76 yards in the final two quarters.
Sanders admitted he still is working to build trust with his wide receivers as he navigates what is "not a traditional situation" -- joining the lineup at midseason. Thus far, running back Dylan Sampson has the highest receiving output for the Browns during Sanders' time as starter: 59 yards against Las Vegas.
If the 2026 NFL Draft order were set using the current standings, the Titans would hold the top pick again. The New York Giants (2-11), the New Orleans Saints (2-10) and the Raiders (2-10) and are still in the running and separate Tennessee from a stack of three-loss teams: the Browns, Jets, Commanders and Cardinals. Arizona is the only team to lose to the Titans this season.
Tennessee also is seeking to develop a rhythm behind a rookie QB, albeit the top overall selection in April. Cam Ward led the Titans' offense to only a first-quarter Joey Slye field goal last week before the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars scored the final 25 points of the game.
Ward finished 24-for-38 for 141 yards with zero touchdowns and interceptions.
The Titans had lost each of their previous three games by one score.
"Anytime you're out there, you're competing and trying to win, and I've seen a lot of competitiveness from our group," Titans left guard Peter Skoronski said. "Guys are still hungry just to win a game. It's been awhile, unfortunately."
The 22-point loss to the Jaguars last week was misleading considering Tennessee held Jacksonville to 272 total yards and 3-of-13 success on third downs and locked down running lanes to the tune of 70 yards on 27 carries (2.6-yard average). A defense that has notched three sacks or more in five of the past six games while limiting missed tackles has kept Tennessee afloat.
"You watch these boys hunt on a daily basis," Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said. "No matter the score, no matter the situation, they come to play."
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has recorded at least one sack in six consecutive games to extend his career-best total to 19, four sacks shy of breaking the league single-season record of 22.5.
Tennessee offensive coordinator Nick Holz spoke about embracing the challenge of facing Garrett and leaning on the experience of left tackle Dan Moore Jr., who opposed the Browns for four seasons as a member of the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Titans in 2025.
"You always want to measure yourself against the best, you know what I mean? We'll see how we measure up," Holz said. "It's going to be a great challenge. And he's not the only good player on their defense."
Three of the Titans' four total wins the past two seasons came on the road.
Cleveland has won two in a row in the series with Tennessee, including a 27-3 home win in Week 3 of 2023.
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The Paur Report
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson went off in a two-game stretch across Weeks 11 and 12, recording 25 catches for 303 yards on 33 targets. Wilson's production was buoyed by the absence of Cardinals WR1 Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel), who missed those games after undergoing an appendectomy. Harrison Jr. returned to the field in Week 13, and Wilson recorded just three catches for 36 yards on seven targets. However, Harrison Jr. has yet to practice this week heading into the team's Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams due to a heel injury. If Harrison Jr. goes back on the shelf, Wilson could re-emerge as Arizona's lead wide receiver. The Cardinals are averaging 48.6 pass attempts per game over the last three weeks, so Wilson could be a good bet to see double-digit targets and profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver for as long as Harrison Jr. is sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been one of the most consistently productive backs in the NFL so far this season, recording 1,016 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games. The 26-year-old has recorded at least 15 touches in 10 out of 12 contests and scored four touchdowns over the last four weeks. Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten has played a role as the team's RB2 and looked like he might be pushing Etienne Jr. for playing time when he recorded 15 carries in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, in the two weeks since that game, Etienne Jr. has out-touched Tuten 31 to 16 and out-snapped him 71 to 31. Etienne Jr. appears to still have a firm grasp on the RB1 role in Jacksonville and profiles as a high-end fantasy RB2 heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (calf) got off to a slow start to the 2025 season, averaging just 50.6 scrimmage yards per game over his first six contests. However, the 25-year-old has taken off ever since Week 7, topping 100 scrimmage yards in each of his last six games. Over the last three weeks in particular, Brown is averaging 22.3 touches and 123.3 scrimmage yards per game. Finding the end zone remains a struggle for Brown, as he's scored just two touchdowns on the season. With Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow back in the fold and Cincinnati's offense as a whole trending upward, Brown should have more red zone chances in the coming weeks. It's worth noting that Brown is listed on the Bengals' injury report with a calf injury heading into the team's Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but he's been a full practice participant and appears likely to play. As long as Brown is on the field, he profiles as a must-start fantasy running back.
From RotoBaller
Across 12 games this season, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has recorded 629 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 144 touches. While the 30-year-old's season-long numbers don't jump off the page, Hunt's work in recent weeks is more notable. He's earned double-digit touches in five straight games and scored five touchdowns in that span. Hunt saw a boost in playing time throughout November due to a knee injury to fellow Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco. Still, in Pacheco's first game back in Week 13, Hunt remained the clear lead rusher and out-touched Pacheco 15 to five. Even if Kansas City works towards a more even split between the two backs as Pacheco gets healthier, Hunt has proven to be the team's trusted option at the goal-line. Hunt has earned 34 red zone snaps so far this season, compared to just 15 for Pacheco. Hunt profiles as a low-end fantasy RB2 heading into Kansas City's Week 14 matchup against the Houston Texans.
From RotoBaller
Since taking over for the injured Kyler Murray (foot) in Week 6, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been consistently productive. Across seven starts, the 32-year-old has completed 67.8% of his pass attempts for 2,188 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Brissett has thrown for at least 250 yards in every start and topped 300 yards passing in three straight games heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Arizona's pass-happy approach buoys Brissett's production. He's averaging 43 pass attempts per start overall and 48.6 per game over the last three weeks. Arizona figures to be chasing points once again on Sunday against the Rams, which could lead to another high-volume day for Brissett. Additionally, Murray's return timeline remains murky, as the team has not yet opened his 21-day Injured Reserve activation window. Brissett profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1 for as long as he remains the starter in Arizona.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. had a fantastic Week 13 with 82 receiving yards on eight targets, and is looking to continue that production in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks, who have been vulnerable to the tight end position, allowing the fifth most fantasy points to tight ends. What's most encouraging for Pitts is that his targets went up in Week 13 to eight, compared to the last three games, where he only saw a combined 13 targets. With Kirk Cousins now under center for the second straight week in Week 13 and more acclimated to the offense, the rapport between Pitts and Cousins showed in Week 13. The last time Cousins played two games in a row was in 2024, before Michael Penix Jr. took over as the team's QB1 in Week 16 of that season. Based on the trend and matchup, Pitts' stock is on the rise heading into the final weeks of the fantasy football season. Rotoballer ranks him as the TE7 for Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks had a spectacular grab in Week 13 on Monday Night Football against the Denver Broncos, where he "Mossed" the defensive cornerback and delivered a highlight reel that now puts him on the radar for fantasy football. Although the catch was spectacular, Burks still has quite a bit to prove: he hauled in only one of his four receptions in that game, played only 66 percent of the snaps, and has yet to have a game with more than 58 receiving yards. Additionally, the Commanders are getting healthy at the wide receiver position, as Terry McLaurin played in Week 14 and looked really good, earning 14 targets and catching seven of them for 96 yards and a touchdown. The former first-round pick in 2022 (Burks) should continue to see his opportunities increase as he settles into the offense, but from a fantasy perspective, he should remain on the waiver wire in re-draft formats.
From RotoBaller
NFL Insider Tom Pelissero reported that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) was a full participant in practice on Thursday and is tracking to return in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. Important to note, head coach Dan Quinn said earlier in the week that he was not cleared for contact, and it's unclear at this point whether that clearance has been granted. Still, full participation on Thursday is a big step in the right direction. Although nothing is official about his return, the news is very encouraging for Daniel's fantasy owners, as we saw in 2024, Daniel provides high upside at the quarterback position, primarily due to his rushing upside. Although the news is encouraging to a young star getting back on the field, fantasy managers should temper expectations given that he hasn't played much in 2025. When he returns, and considering the Commanders are out of playoff contention (3-9), it's likely the coaching staff will want him to limit his rushing so that he doesn't take as many hits. Regardless, Daniels should provide QB1 value once he returns and should be inserted into most lineups. Marcus Mariota has filled in admirably for Daniels in his absence, but if Daniels suits up, Mariota can be dropped to waivers.
From RotoBaller
NFL Insider Tom Pelissero reported that Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) was not only limited in practice on Thursday, but mentioned that Herbert's goal is to play on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles and that he is trending in the right direction to do so after undergoing surgery to stabilize a fracture in his left hand on Monday. For now, it appears he needs the swelling to go down and a few more obstacles to overcome, but fantasy managers who were worried about Herbert's availability for Monday night after seeing the injury in Week 13 should view Pelissero's report as encouraging news. The Eagles rank middle-of-the-pack against opposing quarterbacks, but one thing Herbert has done a lot this season is use his legs. With the injury to his hand and his efforts to prevent re-injury or take additional hits, it's possible Herbert does not run as much, limiting some of his upside for Week 14. Combined with the tough matchup, fantasy managers may want to consider other options if available. Regardless, Herbert still provides low-end QB1 fantasy value leading up to Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 25 of his 34 pass attempts for 309 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions during Thursday's Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He took one sack and lost two rushing yards on a pair of kneels. Although the veteran quarterback didn't have the flashiest day throwing into the end zone, he still orchestrated eight different scoring drives and helped propel Detroit to a key victory that will massively boost their playoff odds. Goff has just two turnovers over his last six games, and he has at least 255 passing yards in each of those six contests. Next week, he'll head west for a revenge game against his old team, the Los Angeles Rams. Los Angeles has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025, but Goff's impressive play keeps him in the low-end QB1 tier for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams converted nine targets into seven catches for 96 receiving yards during Thursday's Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Each of those three statistics either tied or singlehandedly set team-highs in the Detroit victory. Williams capitalized on increased opportunities to produce with Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) less than 100 percent. St. Brown was still heavily involved, but Williams had more targets and yards than his talented receiver teammate, and the two tied for playing time with 57 snaps. The 24-year-old has now posted at least 16.6 fantasy points (PPR) in five of his last six games, with the lone exception being a zero-catch dud in Week 12. During that six-week span, he ranks as the overall WR12 in fantasy points per game, as well as the WR1 in total fantasy points. Even if St. Brown is back to 100 percent next week against the Los Angeles Rams, Williams should still be viewed as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver and a must-start in all leagues.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery had six carries for 60 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown during Thursday's Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also converted his lone target into a 13-yard reception. The highlight of Montgomery's outing was a 35-yard rushing touchdown that extended Detroit's lead to multiple possessions in the second quarter. Although Jahmyr Gibbs, who had 120 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on Thursday, remains the primary running back in the Lions' offense, Montgomery has been able to maintain a fantasy-relevant role of his own. He has double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in four of his last six games, as well as a touchdown in three of those six. The veteran should continue to be viewed as a high-end RB3/flex heading into Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams, who have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott completed 31 of his 47 pass attempts for 376 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions during Thursday's Week 14 loss against the Detroit Lions. He also rushed for 14 yards and took five sacks. The veteran quarterback may have salvaged his fantasy performance with the touchdown and high yardage total, but he also played a major role in Dallas' defeat, as he had two turnovers and the Cowboys lost by two possessions. This was his third different two-interception game of the season, and he has now been picked off four times over his last three games. He'll look to clean things up ahead of Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings, who have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy caught nine of his 13 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's Week 14 loss against the Detroit Lions. Flournoy had a steady role from the start of the game, but he carved out an even larger target share after teammate CeeDee Lamb (concussion) exited and was ruled out in the third quarter. The second-year receiver from Southeast Missouri State had the best game of his young career, but it's not the first time he's put himself on the fantasy radar. Earlier in the year, when Lamb missed time with an ankle injury, Flournoy generated some fantasy buzz as a low-end WR3/flex. He should return to the WR3/flex tier in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams if Lamb is inactive and Flournoy is tasked with operating as the No. 2 receiver alongside George Pickens.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 12 carries for 43 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns during Thursday's Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He also caught all seven of his targets for an additional 77 receiving yards. The 24-year-old's explosive season continues, as he has now recorded three-touchdown performances in three of the last five weeks. He's a top-three running back in PPR scoring this year with a whopping 58 catches so far. He also has 16 touchdowns and over 1,500 scrimmage yards. David Montgomery remains a factor in Detroit, but clearly, this backfield belongs to Gibbs. He should continue to be viewed as a high-end RB1 going forward, even in non-PPR leagues. He'll look to build on his success in 10 days against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist) remained limited for a second consecutive day on Thursday. The rookie has consistently appeared on the injury report for most of his first NFL season, and this latest ailment has put his status in doubt for Week 14 against the Chicago Bears. Golden, who has 24 catches for 286 yards and zero touchdowns, ranks as the WR82 in PPR leagues this season. Even with Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder), and Savion Williams (foot) all injured, Golden could struggle to carve out significant volume once again this week. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues despite Chicago allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (calf) was limited in practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday. Lloyd is currently on injured reserve but was designated to return earlier this week. He can now practice for up to three weeks before being activated. At the end of that three-week period, the Packers must decide whether to activate him or shut him down for the rest of the year. Thursday's practice status indicates that he's trending in the right direction, but might not be ready to suit up in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears. If that's the case, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks will remain the depth running back options behind Josh Jacobs (knee). Lloyd can be stashed in deeper dynasty leagues, but he's not on the redraft radar.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (ankle) was injured late in the second half of Thursday night's 44-30 win over the visiting Dallas Cowboys and was listed as questionable to return, according to the team. Branch was carted to the locker room. Before leaving, the 24-year-old safety had six tackles (three solo) and a fumble recovery. It's unclear what the severity of Branch's ankle injury is, but the good news is that Detroit will have extra time before their Week 15 contest on Sunday, Dec. 14, against the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions' defense stepped up in Thursday night's win over Dallas against a top offense, especially with a secondary that is banged up -- Kerby Joseph (knee) was out, and Thomas Harper (concussion) was injured in the game. If Branch isn't ready by next weekend, the Lions could have serious problems against another top offense in the Rams.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice. He has now been limited on back-to-back days. The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout game on Thanksgiving in which he caught six of seven targets for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Wicks isn't alone on the injury report, as fellow wide receivers Matthew Golden (wrist), Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder), and Savion Williams (foot) are all banged-up, too. He can be benched in leagues with 14 or fewer teams ahead of Week 14 against the Chicago Bears, despite Chicago allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) remained limited during Thursday's practice. This was the second day in a row that he logged a limited session. Although his appearance on the injury report is less than ideal, managers should feel optimistic that he has been able to get on the field in some capacity. Jacobs has been the overall RB8 in PPR leagues this year with 731 rushing yards, 245 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. Assuming he's active this week, he should be started in all leagues as he takes on a Chicago Bears defense allowing the 15th-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025.
From RotoBaller
