Falcons, Kirk Cousins prepare for 'challenging' Seahawks defense

Thu Dec 4 9:04am ET
Field Level Media

Raheem Morris and Mike Macdonald were hired by their respective franchises within a week of each other in the head coaching cycle in January 2024.

Since then, the Falcons and Seattle Seahawks have taken vastly different paths to Sunday's meeting in Atlanta.

Morris' Falcons (4-8) have dropped six of their past seven games and are closing in on their eighth straight season of missing the playoffs. Atlanta is 6-14 in its past 20 games, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is out for the season with a partially torn ACL and the team is coming off a 27-24 loss to the lowly New York Jets.

The road only gets tougher for the Falcons, who face the NFL's second-best run defense (88.8 yards allowed per game) and third-best scoring defense (18.1 points per game) in Seattle.

"They are challenging on almost every single level," Morris said of the Seahawks defense. "They're playing with a lot of confidence up front and across the board. They will be a really good challenge for our football team."

Since Penix's injury on Nov. 16, Kirk Cousins has thrown for 433 total yards, three touchdowns and an interception in starts against the New Orleans Saints and Jets.

As the franchise nears an offseason full of question marks, Morris wants to see Cousins finish strong over the final five games.

"Obviously winning would be No. 1," Morris said. "I think he's gone out the last two weeks and operated at a very high level. Not turning the football over, keeping our offense moving, being able to create down the field with our passing game. I think Kirk's done a nice job of stepping in and taking over that leadership role."

Seattle (9-3), meanwhile, has gone 19-10 since hiring Macdonald prior to the 2024 season and currently sits tied with the Los Angeles Rams atop the competitive NFC West. The San Francisco 49ers are a half-game behind at 9-4.

The Seahawks have won six of their past seven games and are coming off a 26-0 romp over the Minnesota Vikings -- their first shutout since September 2015.

Hoping to avoid a trap game with his team a road favorite in Atlanta, Macdonald isn't worried about winning the division quite yet.

"All right, whatever. Let's go beat Atlanta," Macdonald said. "You've got to look at each team independently to understand how they operate. ... (Atlanta's defense) does a really good job. They're an aggressive unit. They play hard and do a really good job of affecting the quarterback."

Sam Darnold threw for a season-low 128 yards last time out and the Seahawks totaled just 219 yards. Seattle held Minnesota to 162 yards, sacking and intercepting Max Brosmer four times each.

"To be able to play with a defense like this is unbelievable," Darnold said. "I don't take it for granted for one day."

Seattle had a significant injury update this week, as the team designated safety Julian Love, defensive tackle Jarran Reed and receiver Dareke Young to return from the injured reserve. All three returned to full practice participation by Friday. Love and Reed appear poised to return with no game status designations while Young (quadricep) and defensive end Rylie Mills (knee) are out.

Love, a former Pro Bowl selection, hasn't played since Sept. 25, when he suffered a hamstring injury.

"We have a plan for him this week in terms of how he practices," Macdonald said. "We feel great about where he's at. If everything goes perfectly to plan, when you've been out that long, you've got to have a ramp-up time back into it."

For Atlanta, leading receiver Drake London (knee) will miss his third straight game after not practicing all week. Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus (groin) and safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring) will also be out for Sunday's game. Offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom and defensive tackle David Onyemata are both questionable with foot injuries.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Tyrod Taylor Dec 6 12:10am CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor picked up his first win of the season in last weekend's home clash with the Falcons and will look to keep the team in playoff contention with a matchup against the Miami Dolphins on tap this Sunday. The Virginia Tech product has been a serviceable signal-caller for New York over the previous two weeks, moving the offense at a moderately improved clip compared to his predecessor, Justin Fields (knee). Taylor will get a Dolphins' pass defense in Week 14 that doesn't yield much yardage, although they're a favorable spot for QBs, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the position (18.98). With new teammates Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III emerging in the Jets' aerial attack, the veteran boasts modest appeal as a back-end streaming option. Still, he's better suited to superflex formats given his low ceiling. Taylor is RotoBaller's QB20 for this weekend's outing.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 5 11:50pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave caught four of seven targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in the Week 13 loss to the Dolphins. He battled back spasms throughout the week but was ultimately able to play, and the injury has continued to limit him this week in practice. Officially listed as questionable for Week 14 against Tampa Bay, Olave would be the clear top option in a New Orleans offense operating without Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee). He ranks second in the league with 115 targets this season and has recorded 21 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns over four games with Tyler Shough under center. If he plays, Olave projects as a WR1 in a pass-heavy matchup against a Buccaneers defense giving up the fourth-most passing yards per game.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Dec 5 11:50pm CT
Devaughn Vele

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele caught all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown in the Week 13 loss to the Dolphins. He has emerged as the Saints' top receiver behind Chris Olave, recording 15 targets over his last two games and playing at least 87% of snaps in each contest since Rashid Shaheed's departure. Olave (back) is questionable to face Tampa Bay, and if he is unable to play, Vele would step in as the top wideout in what should be a pass-heavy offense against a Buccaneers defense allowing the fourth-most passing yards in the league. If Olave suits up, Vele becomes a more volatile WR3/WR4.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Dec 5 11:50pm CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson brought in five of nine targets for 39 yards in the Week 13 loss to the Dolphins. The nine targets were a team-high and his most since Week 2. He will look to build on this momentum in a matchup against the Buccaneers, where he had five receptions for 53 yards earlier in the season. The Saints will be shorthanded for the contest, with running back Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) ruled out and receiver Chris Olave (back) questionable to play. Through four games with Tyler Shough under center, Johnson has recorded an 18-202-2 stat line. Even if Olave suits up, Johnson will operate as a TE1 in what should be a pass-heavy offense against a Buccaneers team allowing 247.5 passing yards per game.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Dec 5 11:40pm CT
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen hasn't been as productive in recent games. It's been a tale of two halves for the veteran, as he has just one game of over 50 receiving yards since his 11-catch, 119-yard touchdown performance in Week 7 against the Colts. Over that five-game stretch, the 33-year-old ranks as just the WR65, averaging 6.9 PPR points per game. In the first seven weeks of the season, Allen turned back the clock and recorded 44 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns on 65 targets, ranking as the WR7 in total PPR points. Rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden has stepped on a lot of Allen's production of late, and the Chargers have mixed in rookie Tre' Harris more as the season has gone along. Allen's floor for receptions isn't as high as it was earlier in the season, which makes him tough to trust in fantasy football. Especially with quarterback Justin Herbert dealing with a fracture in his left hand, Allen is best left on benches in Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Jerry Jeudy Dec 5 11:30pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has had a disappointing second season with the team after breaking out for 1,229 yards last year. The 26-year-old finished sixth in the league in receiving yards last season as Cleveland's WR1, finishing as the WR12 in total PPR points. The former Denver Bronco has been unable to replicate that production this season, largely due to a poor offensive environment while working with two different rookie quarterbacks. He is tied for the league lead with nine drops this season. The passer rating on Jeudy's targets this season is just 38.6, which ranks 193rd out of 195 qualified pass-catchers. Jeudy's production hasn't gotten any better as the Browns transitioned from rookie Dillon Gabriel to rookie Shedeur Sanders, beginning in Week 12. He remains a low-end flex play in Week 14 against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Devin Neal Dec 5 11:30pm CT
Devin Neal

New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal rushed 14 times for 47 yards and caught all three of his targets for 22 yards in the Week 13 loss to the Dolphins. He will retain the lead-back role against the Buccaneers with Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) set to miss his second straight contest. There is a clear path to high volume for the rookie, with Evan Hull the only other back to see touches in Week 13 and Taysom Hill recording just one carry. Still, the Saints' offense has done little to support any running back this season, ranking 30th in yards per attempt and recording the fewest rushing touchdowns in the league. Neal will be in the back-end RB2/Flex ranks against the Buccaneers, who are allowing just 97.4 rushing yards per game, sixth-best in the league.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Dec 5 11:20pm CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten broke out in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers, tallying a season-high 15 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown. The rookie fourth-rounder left the game early with an ankle injury, but Tuten was outcarrying Travis Etienne Jr. 15 to 12 before exiting. Tuten also played a season-high 42.9% of the snaps in the first three quarters. Fantasy managers hoped that this was the beginning of a second-half breakout for the dynamic running back, but Tuten hasn't seen the same usage in the past two weeks. His snap share has dipped back to 26.3%, just marginally above his season average of 22.7%. The 23-year-old also hasn't been as efficient in the past two games, totaling 36 yards on 16 touches, but he has still earned some goal-line usage and was able to punch in a touchdown last week against the Tennessee Titans. His role hasn't quite expanded yet, and he remains firmly behind Etienne. Tuten holds low-end flex value in Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Shough Dec 5 11:20pm CT
Tyler Shough

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough completed 26 of 38 passes for 239 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the Week 13 loss to the Dolphins. He also added six carries for 18 yards and lost a fumble. Shough is averaging 40.5 pass attempts per game over his last two contests, and with the Saints unable to establish a consistent rushing attack, he'll be forced to continue airing it out. As a starter, Shough is averaging 235 passing yards per game with a 5:3 TD:INT ratio. With Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) ruled out, additional volume could once again be on the table in the passing game when the Saints travel to Tampa Bay in Week 14 to face a Buccaneers defense allowing 247.5 passing yards per game, fourth-most in the NFL. Shough will rank as a QB2 for the contest.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Dec 5 10:40pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison got off to a hot start after returning from suspension in Week 4. In four games with veteran Carson Wentz at quarterback, Addison recorded 21 receptions for 309 yards and two touchdowns on 29 targets, ranking as the WR12 with 16.0 PPR points per game. Since Week 9, however, the poor combination of QBs J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer has significantly limited Addison's production, as he's hauled in just 12 of his 33 targets for 139 yards and a touchdown. The 23-year-old wideout has two games with at least 10 targets during that span, and he's caught just seven of them for 84 yards. It's been a frustrating season for Addison and the Vikings' pass-catchers, and it has made it a very tough offense to trust in fantasy football. McCarthy is set to return as the starting quarterback in Week 14 after missing last week due to a concussion. It's a solid matchup for Addison against the Washington Commanders, but he remains a low-end flex play until we see more stability from McCarthy.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 5 10:30pm CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) has been sidelined since Week 4 after suffering a knee injury and being placed on Injured Reserve. Benson was a non-participant every day in practice this week, marking five missed sessions in a row, and was officially ruled out for Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. The second-year back hasn't practiced since last Wednesday, and time is running out for him to return this season. The Florida State product was in line for a workhorse role after James Conner (foot) went down for the season in Week 3, but Benson's opportunity has been derailed by a nagging knee injury that required surgery. He played well in the four games he suited up for this year, recording 29 carries for 160 yards while adding 13 receptions (16 targets) for 64 yards. Benson is still a good stash, as he would be the Cardinals' lead back if he returns, but that's still an unknown as of now. Arizona will continue to rely on the combination of Bam Knightand Michael Carterin Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Dec 5 9:50pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell converted his lone extra-point try in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was his second consecutive game without a field goal attempt, but fantasy managers should not be discouraged heading into a Week 14 clash with the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. This is an extremely favorable matchup on paper, as Baltimore has surrendered the most made field goals and the most fantasy points to opposing kickers this season. While Pittsburgh's offensive struggles could cap Boswell's ceiling, the stakes of this matchup should ensure the Steelers stay aggressive to generate scoring opportunities with the AFC North title on the line. The 34-year-old is likely to have an important role on Sunday and thus can remain locked into starting fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Darius Cooper Dec 5 9:30pm CT
Darius Cooper

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper achieved his second-highest snap percentage of the season last week against the Bears, seeing 24.1% of offensive plays. This is the first time in his career that he's played over 20% in consecutive games. Unfortunately, Cooper came back down to earth after his two-catch outing against the Cowboys, and was unable to record any stats against Chicago. It is interesting to see the undrafted rookie get some more opportunities, and with fellow WR Jahan Dotson (toe) being limited at the last two practices, Cooper's number could be called even more this week against the Chargers. However, he'll still be behind star wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and he has a lot more work to do to prove himself as a consistent option on this offense. Cooper is still not ready to be rostered in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Dec 5 9:30pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert tallied fewer than 30 yards for the third straight game in last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. Goedert's scoreless streak has now extended to four games, and he has totaled just 11 targets since Week 11. His recent woes may continue on Monday night as Philly travels to Los Angeles to meet the Chargers, who allow the sixth-least amount of fantasy points to tight ends this season. At this point, Goedert has betrayed what trust is left in him several times. If all of his touchdowns on the season were wiped off the board, he'd have one, arguably two strong showings under his belt. Especially when faced with a strong defense, he should be considered a low-end TE2 in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Dec 5 9:30pm CT
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott missed multiple kicks in a single game for the first time this season against the Chicago Bears, with one of those being his first missed extra point this year. Elliott is tied for the fewest made field goals in the league, hitting just 12 through 13 weeks. This week, Philly plays a Chargers defense that allows 21 points per game, which is the 11th-fewest in the league. With the Eagles recent struggles on offense and Elliott coming off of his worst performance yet, it's best to seek out another kicker for Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Washington Dec 5 9:20pm CT
Darnell Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington led the team in receiving yards last week and should remain involved against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. While the Ravens have been solid against opposing tight ends this season, Washington's blend of size and athleticism may be important for Pittsburgh to keep pace with its division rival. The third-year pro has emerged as a reliable option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) and leads all Steelers tight ends in yards after catch and red zone targets. That said, projecting usage remains tricky with Washington sharing snaps alongside Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth. He's not a viable option in most redraft formats, but desperate fantasy managers in deeper leagues can consider streaming him in this AFC North clash.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Dec 5 9:20pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has now gone four straight games without a touchdown, which is his longest scoring drought since 2021. Barkley has also seen a dip in usage over the last couple of weeks, averaging 11.5 carries in his last two outings compared to the 20 he was averaging in Weeks 7-11. Although, this could be chalked up to Philly having to play from behind in their recent back-to-back losses. In Week 14, Barkley faces off against a Chargers defense that allows 106.9 rushing yards per game and has given up 14 touchdowns on the ground through 12 games. It's no daunting matchup, and the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is due for a boom game. As long as the Eagles don't find themselves in too big of a hole in this contest-which they shouldn't-bank on Barkley to find his footing again despite the rough patch. He's a low-end RB1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Dec 5 9:20pm CT
Tank Bigsby

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby only saw the field for one play in last week's loss to the Bears, getting out-snapped by fellow RB Will Shipley. Granted, Shipley himself only got four snaps on offense. Philly had to rely more on the passing game against Chicago due to trailing for over three full quarters, leaving even Saquon Barkley with a light workload. It wasn't a great game to be a backup in this backfield, but Bigsby has shown that he's probably the guy to turn to when Barkley needs relieving going forward. Expect him to see some more action this week against the Chargers, but still not enough to warrant a fantasy start.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Dec 5 9:20pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had his best performance of the season last week, lighting up the Bears with 10 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns. His heavy involvement was in large part thanks to Jalen Hurts throwing 34 passes-his third-most in a game this year. Brown will likely have a tougher time this week as Philly visits the Chargers. Los Angeles boasts one of the best pass defenses in the league, giving up just 12 receiving touchdowns this season-tied for the second-fewest in the NFL. They also allow the second-fewest fantasy points to WRs this year. However, Brown has really hit his stride lately, accumulating a mouth-watering 33 targets over his last three outings, which makes it tough to doubt him now. It'll be a challenge, but slot him in as a high-end WR2 in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Dec 5 9:20pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith failed to impress last week against the Bears, finishing with a mediocre five catches for 48 yards on eight targets. He and A.J. Brown both racked up a hefty majority of looks from Jalen Hurts, but while Brown turned those into a dominant showing, Smith fell behind on the stat sheet. Another problem is that Smith has now matched his longest scoreless streak of the season, going three straight games without finding the end zone. In Week 14 he's up against a Chargers defense allowing just 168.3 passing yards per game-good for second-best in the league. Philly already totes a lackluster passing game-averaging 196.3 yards per game-so there may not be enough to go around for Smith and Brown, not to mention the other weapons on the Eagles offense. It's a scary week to rely on him, so Smith should hover around a low-end WR2/FLEX spot versus Los Angeles.

From RotoBaller