Thu Dec 4 9:35am ET
Field Level Media
J.J. McCarthy is set to return to his starting role this week for the Minnesota Vikings.
His coach is trying to simplify things as much as possible for the struggling quarterback.
Minnesota (4-8) will find out whether its "less is more" approach can succeed when it squares off against the Washington Commanders (3-9) on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.
The matchup offers an opportunity for McCarthy to improve upon a flawed first season as the team's starter. He returned to practice as a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday after missing last week's game against the Seattle Seahawks because he was in the concussion protocol, which he cleared on Thursday.
The Vikings were shut out 26-0 as undrafted rookie Max Brosmer threw four interceptions in his first career start. Now the focus turns back to McCarthy, who has thrown six touchdowns and 10 interceptions in a half-dozen starts this season.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he is not as focused right now on topics such as improving McCarthy's footwork or refining his throwing motion.
"It's purely about decision-making at this point," O'Connell said. "I want him to have a clear head and a clear mind to just go play, but play with an understanding of, ‘The decisions that I make ... have to be of the utmost importance.' Because we learned our turnover number is where it is. It's not a winning formula.
"I don't want him overthinking or worrying about if the fundamentals need to be changed. Let's just make the throws. Let's just throw and catch. Let's just play with great rhythm and understanding of the plan."
As for Washington, coach Dan Quinn is staying tight-lipped about a potential return for Jayden Daniels.
Daniels missed the past three games with a dislocated left elbow, and he had not been cleared for contact when practice started this week. He did throw passes on a side field during Wednesday's practice and was a full participant on Thursday. Quinn said he would wait until at least Friday to determine Daniels' status for the weekend.
Veteran Marcus Mariota has taken on the starting role while Daniels has been sidelined. The 32-year-old has posted a 1-5 record as a starter this season, and he has thrown nine touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Commanders are coming off a 27-26 loss in overtime against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night. The game marked Washington's seventh straight loss, and the team will go for its first victory since Oct. 5 when it kicks off versus the Vikings.
Quinn said one reason for optimism was the improved play of the Commanders' offensive line. He praised right guard Sam Cosmi in particular for his development alongside right tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
"It might have been Sam's best game, so that was good," Quinn said after reviewing game film. "... It felt like him and Josh have felt more cohesive, and that continuity is helping because now they've been in that rhythm a good bit together."
The Vikings have won the past three matchups in the series. Washington is looking for its first win over the Vikings since 2016, and it is looking for its first victory in Minnesota since 2007 -- before the Vikings moved into U.S. Bank Stadium near the site of the old Metrodome.
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14
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
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (chest) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Dortch apparently suffered a chest injury in last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is firmly in danger of missing the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. In addition to Dortch, Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) looks iffy to play this weekend as well, which would leave Michael Wilson as the target hog once again in Arizona's passing game. Xavier Weaver and Andre Baccellia would be included in the starting lineup if both Dortch and Harrison are ruled out. Dortch is extremely hard to trust when he's the WR3 for the Cardinals, but he did deliver fantasy-relevant numbers in the two games that Harrison missed after having an appendectomy in Weeks 11 and 12, catching 12 of 15 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited practice participant with a hamstring injury, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Bryant was fully healthy on Wednesday, so this means that the 22-year-old likely suffered an injury in practice on Thursday. It's definitely something to watch for fantasy managers as the Broncos head into a rematch against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on the road this Sunday. Bryant has become much more involved in the offense in the last five games, and he had eight catches on 13 targets for 124 yards in the last two contests. In his first 12 NFL games, Bryant has recorded an 18-273-1 line as the WR3 for the Broncos behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. If Bryant is unable to play in Week 14, Franklin would become a much more attractive WR4/flex play in fantasy, with Marvin Mims Jr. also becoming a more attractive big-play threat in deeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has completely taken over the starting tight end role since the bye week. In back-to-back games, Fannin has played over 90% of the snaps, while veteran David Njoku has played under 50%. The rookie was able to find the endzone in Week 13, totaling 43 yards on four receptions against the San Francisco 49ers. As rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders enters the fold, Fannin has taken charge as the leading receiving option in the offense, leading the team in receptions and targets in back-to-back weeks. The Browns face the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. However, with a nice target share and connection with Sanders, Fannin is a TE1 in Week 14.
Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith (foot) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 4.
Fantasy Spin: Smith missed some practice time earlier this week but in on track to play in the Week 14 game. He struggled against the Denver Broncos earlier in the season and has thrown at least two touchdowns in only one of the last four games. Fantasy players should have better options available and can avoid Smith.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders LB Jamal Adams (knee), WR Alex Bachman (thumb), DE Maxx Crosby (knee), TE Michael Mayer (ankle) and WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. (concussion) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 4. OG Jordan Meredith (ankle) and OG Dylan Parham (back) were limited during practice. C Will Putnam (shoulder) and QB Geno Smith (foot) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints OT Taliese Fuaga (ankle), RB Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee), S Justin Reid (knee) and S Jonas Sanker (head) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 4. WR Chris Olave (back) was limited during practice.
From TheHuddle