Steelers visit Lamar Jackson, Ravens with first place in AFC North on line

Thu Dec 4 9:24am ET
Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers were fast out of the gates before their success rate plummeted, while the Baltimore Ravens had a chilly start before heating up.

Now the bitter rivals find themselves in the same spot -- a 6-6 record, tied atop the AFC North -- entering Sunday's showdown in Baltimore.

The Ravens were a shaky 1-5 before their bye and then rattled off five straight victories. The last four came after Lamar Jackson's return to health, but then Baltimore was soundly beaten 32-14 by the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving.

Pittsburgh was 4-1 before sliding downward. The Steelers were shamed 26-7 at home by the Buffalo Bills last Sunday for their fifth setback in seven games.

Adding to the importance level is that the two teams meet again in Pittsburgh in Week 18.

Their most recent clash came in the AFC wild-card round of last season's playoffs when the host Ravens beat the Steelers 28-14. Derrick Henry rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns.

In this meeting, Baltimore is interested in getting its offensive back on track. The Ravens possessed the ball for just 21-plus minutes and committed five turnovers (four fumbles, one interception) in the stunning loss to Cincinnati.

Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, committed three of the turnovers and hasn't thrown a TD pass in the past three games.

"I do think you're going to have an off-day sometimes," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "That's not something that you take lightly, for sure. Listen, Lamar doesn't take it lightly more than anybody. No player on this team takes it lightly."

Henry is 69 yards away from becoming the fourth player in NFL history with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in seven seasons. Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson did it eight times while Emmitt Smith and Adrian Peterson each did it seven times.

Pittsburgh is coming off a sluggish effort in which it gained a season-low 166 yards against the Bills. The Steelers also allowed a season-worst 249 rushing yards.

Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers isn't overly concerned about the poor showing.

"The difference between a great performance and a subpar performance is very thin most of the time," Rodgers said. "It's just little details in the play or the execution, so I think that's part of it. When you have a great game, it's never as good as you think it was, and when you struggle as an offense, personally, it's never as bad as you think it was."

Rodgers is dealing with a broken left wrist sustained Nov. 16 against the Bengals. The injury caused him to miss a loss to the Chicago Bears and he struggled throughout against the Bills.

Rodgers was a season-worst 10-of-21 passing for a season-low 117 yards.

Rodgers said the injury is getting better, but he didn't participate in practice on Wednesday before participating in full on Thursday and Friday.

"It's definitely healing," Rodgers said. "I appreciate the extra day off. I love to practice, so I hate missing practice, but, dealing with what I'm dealing with, it helps to get another day without any pounding on the bones in there."

The Steelers claimed receiver Adam Thielen off waivers. The 35-year-old has 693 career receptions in 12 seasons.

Meanwhile, Baltimore gave tight end Mark Andrews a three-year extension worth a reported $39.3 million on Wednesday. Andrews is the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (473), receiving yards (5,862) and touchdown catches (56).

"I just feel incredibly blessed ... to be a part of such an amazing organization throughout these last eight years," Andrews said.

Jackson (ankle) and cornerback Nate Wiggins (foot) came off the injury report Friday and are "good to go," Harbaugh said. Jackson practiced in full on Friday.

Jackson said a teammate stepped on his ankle in practice Wednesday. He sat out Thursday as a precaution. Jackson said he didn't spend much time thinking "what else could go wrong on Wednesday."

"Probably at the moment, but you have to put that aside and lock in," Jackson said.

Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington (Achilles) and outside linebacker Tavius Robinson (foot) were ruled out on Friday.

Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) will miss his second straight game. Safety Kyle Dugger (hand) and offensive tackle Calvin Anderson (knee) were ruled out Friday.

The Steelers have won eight of the past 10 regular-season meetings between the teams.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Nick Folk Dec 6 12:50am CT
Nick Folk

New York Jets placekicker Nick Folk should continue to be a reliable option in Week 14's home matchup with the Miami Dolphins. Folk has been superb when called upon in 2025, missing all but one of his field goal tries (22-of-23) and connecting on each of his 18 extra-point attempts. Even at the age of 41, the veteran's leg is no worse for wear, drilling six kicks of 50-plus yards, including last weekend's 56-yard game-winner. Unfortunately, New York's (lack of) scoring offense has held him back from being amongst the league leaders in points. Still, he'll get an opportunity to be a viable fantasy asset in Sunday's outing with the visiting Dolphins. The Jets have moved the ball better with quarterback Tyrod Taylor at the helm, and Miami's defense has softened in recent weeks. If New York can continue trending positively, Folk may see a modest uptick in scoring down the stretch. He'll land as RotoBaller's K19 in this week's ranks.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Dec 6 12:40am CT
John Metchie III

New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III's production took a step back in Week 13, but he'll still be on the fantasy radar for his team's matchup with the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium this Sunday. Metchie III drew a season-high eight targets in last weekend's 27-24 win over Atlanta, although he could only churn out 19 yards (four receptions) while dealing with drops. In spite of the poor performance, the 25-year-old has seen at least seven targets in back-to-back outings, and figures to be heavily involved again as New York attempts to remain in playoff contention. While it's unclear if teammate Adonai Mitchell's superior target share from last week is a trend, rookie tight end Mason Taylor has taken a backseat to the wideouts with Tyrod Taylor at the helm. Metchie III's upside is slightly capped, but fantasy managers can trust him as a low-end PPR option for at least one more week with Garrett Wilson (knee) still tending to an injury. The former Philadelphia Eagle is RotoBaller's PPR WR51 ahead of Week 14's outing.

From RotoBaller

Mason Taylor Dec 6 12:40am CT
Mason Taylor

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor has taken a step back in the team's offensive attack and is nothing more than a low-floor dart throw at the position for this weekend's outing with the visiting Miami Dolphins. The integration of wide receivers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell into the Jets' scheme has caused Taylor's opportunities to dial back significantly over the back half of the season. While quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been somewhat of a boon to New York's game plan, the added target threats have diminished the rookie's floor and ceiling. In addition, teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) could return as early as next Sunday, further dropping the rookie in the passing game hierarchy. Taylor's long-term outlook remains solid, but owners can look elsewhere for help at the position ahead of the fantasy playoffs. He'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR TE26 for Week 14's matchup.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Dec 6 12:30am CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is coming off his best game as a pro in Week 13's defeat of the Falcons, but will face a more challenging test this Sunday in their division-rival Miami Dolphins. Mitchell was a force in last weekend's victory, pacing all Jets' pass-catchers in yards (102), receptions (eight), and targets (12) - all personal-bests. He also punched in the first touchdown of his 28-game career. It was a stellar performance for the second-year pro, who can hopefully build off it with some stability under center. Miami has been a favorable matchup for opposing quarterbacks, although their back-end has graded well this season, limiting fantasy wideouts to the ninth-fewest points per outing (28.11). That said, Mitchell has been a menace on out-breaking patterns, and the Dolphins haven't been as formidable on D over the past few weeks. The former Texas Longhorn is RotoBaller's PPR WR32 for Sunday's bout.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Dec 6 12:20am CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall is slated for another superb matchup in Week 14 when his team squares off with the visiting Miami Dolphins. Hall hasn't been the most efficient of rushers since New York's Week 9 bye (3.61 yards per carry [70 rushes]). However, he's the PPR RB14 over that stretch in terms of points per game (14.4). He'll get a dream outing against a porous Dolphins' rush defense this weekend that's afforded opposing ground games the fourth-most yards per contest (137.5). Hall's involvement in the passing attack took a step back in Week 13, but he should see more work there on Sunday, as the Dolphins give up a good amount of receptions to RBs (57). The Iowa State alum ranks as RotoBaller's RB9 in PPR formats ahead of this weekend's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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