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 on Wednesday, as the team designated safety Julian Love, defensive tackle Jarran Reed and receiver Dareke Young to return from the injured reserve.
Love, a former Pro Bowl selection, hasn't played since Sept. 25, when he suffered a hamstring injury. Macdonald wasn't ready to commit to Love's return for the elite Seattle defense.
"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) was a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and is at risk of missing his third straight game. Defensive linemen Brandon Dorlus (groin) and David Onyemata (foot) also didn't participate in practice.
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14
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
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) remained a limited participant in Thursday's practice. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since he fractured his collarbone in Week 2, and he's also dealing with the lingering effects of a Jones fracture in his foot from the preseason. Reed had 45 receiving yards and one touchdown in the season opener, and he could re-establish himself as the Packers' No. 1 receiver when he returns to action. He'll face plenty of competition, though, as Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have been playing well lately. His exact return date remains unknown, as Reed is still on injured reserve and would need to be activated before he can play in a game. Once he does return, he should be viewed as a low-end WR3/flex in Green Bay's strong passing offense.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's Week 14 contest against the Detroit Lions. He had been dominant prior to his departure, catching six of eight targets for 121 yards. Concussions typically sideline players for more than a week, but given that the Cowboys have 10 days until their next game, there's a slight chance that Lamb could clear concussion protocol before Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. George Pickens will step up as the Cowboys' top receiver in his absence, ranking as a mid-to-high WR1 in fantasy football. Ryan Flournoy and Jake Ferguson should also earn more targets in Dallas' passing offense.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. This was a step backward after he had logged a full session on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status on Friday, as it appears he's trending in the wrong direction. In the event that he can't suit up this week, DeAndre Hopkins would likely operate as the Ravens' No. 2 receiver alongside Zay Flowers. At the moment, neither Bateman nor Hopkins is a reliable fantasy option in leagues with 12 or fewer teams.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. This was the Chargers' first practice session as they prepare for Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs, which means that Johnston will have two more opportunities to log a full session before the team publishes its final injury report of the week. Fantasy managers should check back over the next few days for updates, but at this point, it appears that Johnston has a decent chance to play. He's the overall WR30 in PPR leagues this year and is coming off a decent game in which he caught three passes for 23 yards and a touchdown. In his last contest against the Chiefs, he racked up five catches, 79 yards, and two touchdowns. He's a low-end WR3/flex option for this week.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (glute) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. This was the second consecutive day that Walker was limited. Although it's concerning to see him on the injury report once again, fantasy managers should feel optimistic given that he was able to get on the field in some capacity. If he practices in full on Friday, he should be able to enter the weekend without an injury designation. Otherwise, he could end up being labeled as "questionable." Either way, he's trending in the right direction for Sunday's Week 14 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Although Walker shares the backfield with Zach Charbonnet, he has posted double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in each of his last three games and remains a high-end RB2 this week. Atlanta has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (knee, shoulder) was a full participant in practice on Thursday. This was an improvement after he was limited the day before. Barring any sort of setback, Barner should remain a full participant in Friday's practice, which would put him on track to play in Sunday's Week 14 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The 23-year-old is the overall TE18 in PPR leagues this year, but his fantasy value could slip a little against a Falcons defense that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (foot) practiced in full on Thursday. This was an improvement for the veteran quarterback after he had logged a limited practice session on Wednesday. Assuming Smith remains a full participant on Friday, he should enter the weekend without any injury designation, leaving him on track to play in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos. In his last game against Denver, the 35-year-old had 143 passing yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, and six sacks. He has been sacked 25 times over his last four games and will remain outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks for Sunday's divisional battle.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. This was the second day in a row that Williams was listed as limited on the team's official injury report. It's refreshing to see the 25-year-old get on the field in any capacity, but ideally, he'll log a full session on Friday to avoid any sort of injury designation heading into the weekend. It's also possible that the Rams have reduced Williams' workload in practice to keep him healthy down the stretch. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur recently told ESPN's Dan Graziano that Los Angeles' decision to split touches between Williams and Blake Corum has kept Williams fresh, so we can expect that they'll continue to manage his practice and game workload going forward. Nevertheless, he remains an impactful pass-catching and touchdown threat out of the backfield, keeping him in the low-end RB1 tier for Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. According to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com, Adams said his left hamstring is "feeling good" and feels much better than he expected. As the Rams continue to prepare for Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals, it was refreshing to see Adams get on the field in some capacity after he missed practice on Wednesday. Ideally, he'll log a full practice on Friday and enter the weekend without an injury designation. However, if that doesn't happen, he's at least trending in the right direction. The veteran receiver has been dominant lately, extending his touchdown streak to six games last Sunday against the Panthers. During that six-game window, he has 293 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he ranks as the overall WR3 in PPR leagues. Assuming he plays this week, he'll continue to be a strong WR1 and should be started in all formats.
From RotoBaller