Bengals' goal vs. Bills amid faint playoff hopes: 'Take care of business'

Thu Dec 4 9:49am ET
Field Level Media

Joe Burrow has never been short on confidence.

So perhaps it's no surprise that the brash quarterback is looking at what he hopes is a smooth path ahead for the Cincinnati Bengals (4-8), as opposed to the rocky road they've traveled.

Burrow will look to keep the Bengals' faint postseason aspirations alive on Sunday when they visit reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (8-4) in Orchard Park, N.Y.

"We have everything in front of us," Burrow said on Wednesday. "We just got to go take care of business."

Burrow, 28, has done precisely that when the weather gets cold. The two-time Pro Bowl selection boasts a sterling 13-3 record in December and January.

Wearing a steel-plated shoe in his return from a turf toe injury, Burrow threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns in Cincinnati's 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving. The win, coupled with the Steelers' 26-7 loss to the Bills last Sunday, moved the Bengals within two games of co-leading Baltimore (6-6) and Pittsburgh (6-6).

Trusted target Ja'Marr Chase had seven catches for 110 yards last week, marking the sixth time in his past seven games that he has at least six receptions.

Running back Chase Brown also had seven catches and reached triple digits in scrimmage yards for the sixth straight game after totaling 113 (78 rushing, 35 receiving) against the Ravens.

The Bengals boast a potent offense when all the key cogs are in play, and wide receiver Tee Higgins could return to action following a one-game absence -- provided he moves past concussion protocol.

Higgins was limited in practice on Wednesday, while star defensive end Trey Hendrickson did not participate in the session due to a hip/pelvis injury. Coach Zac Taylor said Monday that Hendrickson is considered doubtful to play against the Bills.

Wide receiver Andrei Iosivas and tight end Tanner Hudson each recorded a touchdown reception last week for Cincinnati, however Burrow admitted it likely won't come easy this week against Buffalo's top-ranked pass defense (163.2 yards per game).

"They're well coached, they make it difficult," Burrow said of the Bills. "They give you a lot of different looks in the secondary. They try to make everything look the same and they've got good players that have been there for a while. Most of their guys have been in that scheme for several years now."

Buffalo benefited from a 23-0 run in the second half to pummel Pittsburgh last week to keep hold of the final wild-card spot in the AFC.

Allen threw for a touchdown and rushed for another, with the latter score -- his 76th on the ground -- allowing him to surpass Cam Newton for the most all-time by a quarterback.

Now, the calendar has flipped to December, and Allen owns a 12-1 record in that month over the past three years.

"I don't know the statistics or anything like that," Allen said, when asked about his gaudy mark in the month. "I'm assuming we've done a good job of protecting the football. Especially games at home, being able to use cadence. Making sure that we're able to communicate well."

James Cook III headlines the Bills' top-ranked rushing attack. He rolled up 177 scrimmage yards (144 rushing, 33 receiving) last week.

Defensive end Joey Bosa (hamstring/wrist), linebacker Terrel Bernard (elbow) and wide receiver Josh Palmer (ankle) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Offensive tackles Spencer Brown (shoulder) and Dion Dawkins (concussion) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring/knee) were limited in the session.

-Field Level Media

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Deshaun Watson Dec 5 3:20pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has been ruled out for Week 14's game against the Tennessee Titans, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN reports. The Browns opened up Watson's 21-day practice window earlier this week, but the 30-year-old signal-caller is not expected to play this year. Watson tore his Achilles tendon in Week 7 last season and then underwent surgery shortly after to repair it. He subsequently re-ruptured his Achilles during his recovery and was forced to undergo a second surgery on Jan. 9. Watson is expected to remain on Cleveland's roster next season unless the Browns want to take on a dead salary of over $80 million in 2026, and no team would be willing to trade for him at this point. Rookie Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback again for the Browns in Week 14 against the Titans and has a chance to remain the starter for the rest of the season if he plays well enough.

From RotoBaller

Tutu Atwell Dec 5 3:20pm CT
Tutu Atwell

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) will not be activated off Injured Reserve for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Nate Atkinsof The Athletic. The 26-year-old wideout has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the Rams' Week 7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The Rams opened Atwell's 21-day practice window last week, and while he's been a full participant for every practice, his return will wait at least another week. Teammates Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, and Konata Mumpfield will continue to split reps behind the Rams' star wide receiver duo of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Atwell's next chance to return to the field will be for a Week 15 showdown against the Detroit Lions in L.A.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Dec 5 3:20pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is coming off one of his better games of the season in Week 13 and looks to continue that momentum when the Packers host the Bears in a divisional showdown in Week 14. Love was QB2 overall last week in the Packers' win over the Lions, throwing for 234 yards and four touchdowns. Even with Chicago returning Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon to their secondary, it's a secondary that can be thrown on. Add the weapons that the Packers may get back with Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden, who are both questionable for Week 14, and the Packers have a wealth of options for Love to throw to. Consider Love a fringe QB1 fantasy option when the Packers host the Bears in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 5 3:00pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has been cleared from the injury report and is good to go for Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Njoku was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday but will play in Week 14 despite managing a knee injury. The 29-year-old tight end hasn't had much production in recent weeks, recording just five receptions (six targets) for 32 yards and one touchdown over the past four games. The veteran has played behind impressive rookie Harold Fannin Jr. and isn't a trustworthy fantasy option with his current role in the Browns' low-scoring offense. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for a potential streaming option in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) practiced without a non-contact jersey on Friday, a positive sign for his chances to play on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kris Rihm of ESPN reports. Hampton said on Thursday that he feels great and is ready to get back on the field, but the decision is ultimately up to the doctors. The rookie first-rounder has been sidelined since Week 5 when he suffered a fractured ankle, and it's a great sign to see the rookie first-rounder shed the non-contact jersey in practice. Hampton is trending toward being activated off Injured Reserve and playing in Week 14 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, though he's likely to operate in a timeshare with Kimani Vidal in his first game back. He projects as RB3/FLEX option if he is active on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Jordan Mason

Running back Jordan Mason of the Minnesota Vikings enters a Week 14 game with some lineup appeal as an RB3/flex candidate with the Washington Commanders coming to U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings have struggled immensely in recent weeks, but could see a reprieve in the form of a lowly ranked Commanders defense. Through 13 weeks, Washington is allowing scoring drives on nearly 49% of opposing possessions -- the worst rate in the NFL -- and ranks 29th overall against half-PPR running backs. That could line up well for Mason, who may see more work if Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) sees any issues with his lingering injury, though it bears mentioning that Jones does not carry an injury designation despite leaving last week's loss at Seattle. Minnesota will see the return of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) and likely will lean on the running game to aid the struggling passing attack. Relying on any Viking at the moment comes with risk, but the setting is good enough to consider playing Mason in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Aaron Jones

Running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) of the Minnesota Vikings does not have an injury designation when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14, but he should be considered a risky flex option for fantasy lineups. The veteran has drawn more playing time than backfield mate Jordan Mason, but departed last week's loss at Seattle and did not return after re-aggravating his previous AC joint ailment that also knocked him out of Week 9's game at Detroit. The Vikings surely will want to lean on the running game against a Commanders defense that ranks 29th against half-PPR running backs to help their floundering passing offense, which could present opportunities for both backs. While the matchup is excellent, managers will have to consider that the shoulder is a lingering issue Jones will have to deal with, and the Vikings haven't exactly inspired much confidence in recent weeks.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Dec 5 2:50pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is back in the lineup and facing one of the NFL's worst defenses in the Washington Commanders, but should be considered a volatile QB2 option for fantasy lineups. The second-year quarterback picked up two huge NFC North road wins earlier this season, but has once again missed significant time due to injuries and mostly struggled when available. McCarthy has 10 interceptions and a 54.1% completion percentage in his six starts, though Washington's defense has had its own issues. The Commanders have allowed scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL and rank in the bottom five against fantasy quarterbacks, and McCarthy has shown flashes of mobility with 120 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 23 carries. Managers approaching the fantasy playoffs in Superflex formats will have to evaluate McCarthy against their other options, but there is some hope that a talented Minnesota offense can finally turn a corner against a bad defense at home.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Jalen Nailor

After the Minnesota Vikings' offensive struggles reached a new low in Week 13, wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be considered a high-risk option when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14. The Commanders' defense has been hugely ineffective this season, and it enters this week having allowed the highest percentage of scoring drives in the league. In the past month, however, Minnesota has been even worse. The offense's turnover rate has ballooned to over 17% of their possessions, and they've scored 42 points in their past 16 quarters. Nailor had a career-best day with quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Week 10, but caught just one pass on three targets combined during the next three games. The matchup this week is great, but starting Nailor should be considered a desperation play, given his low volume in what has been a bad offense.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Jordan Addison

The Minnesota Vikings will take on the struggling defense of the Washington Commanders in Week 14, which brings both potential and risk for wide receiver Jordan Addison. Washington is allowing opposing offenses to score on nearly 49% of possessions, which is the worst mark in the league, but the Vikings have been the most hapless offense in the NFL over the past month. Minnesota scored 42 points in its past four games, including the franchise's first shutout loss in 18 years last week at Seattle. Despite playing more than 90% of the team's offensive snaps in every one of those four games, Addison has just 10 total catches to show for it. Addison is a talented receiver with a great matchup, but the Vikings have been so awful on offense recently that even their best players have disappointed in fantasy lineups. The setting is good enough this week to consider Addison for a flex spot, but he's a wild card due to Minnesota's volatility.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of the Week 14 game against Washington will be asking themselves what will happen when a very movable object meets an even more stoppable force. The Commanders' defense ranks a lowly 28th against half-PPR receivers, but calling the Vikings "inept" recently doesn't even begin to describe it. Minnesota is now turning over the ball on more than 17% of its possessions, scoring on fewer than one-third of them, and is coming off the franchise's first shutout defeat in 18 years last week at Seattle. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is slated to return after Max Brosmer's four-interception debacle last week, which could slightly help the superstar receiver, who is on track for career-low rates of catches, yards, and touchdowns. The Vikings have been so volatile that Jefferson should be considered a WR2, but he ultimately remains an All-Pro receiver facing a bad defense this week, giving some hope for a bounce-back game.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Dec 5 2:30pm CT
Will Reichard

The 2025 season has been the same story for Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard: he's been excellent when the team has needed him, but a major regression on offense has made him an average fantasy play most weeks. More than 17% of the Vikings' drives have ended in turnovers, far and away the worst rate in the NFL, and the offense is now scoring on fewer than a third of its possessions overall. Naturally, the second-year kicker has been unpredictable alongside an offense that is struggling to stay on the field. Reichard has eight makes from beyond 50 yards this year and is a terrific 21-for-23 on field goal attempts, but starting him in Week 14 will be contingent on the Minnesota offense breaking its slump against the Washington Commanders. However, against a Washington defense allowing scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL, there is some hope for Reichard, albeit with risk involved.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 5 2:30pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) has been cleared from the injury report and will suit up on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, according to the team's official website. Jones was limited on Wednesday and Thursday after exiting early during the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13 due to a shoulder injury, but he is good to go in Week 14. The 31-year-old running back struggled to find running lanes against Seattle's stout defense, handling six carries for just three yards, but he was productive as a receiver with four receptions (four targets) for 22 yards before leaving. Jones has continued to play ahead of Jordan Mason since returning in Week 8, and he'll get a favorable matchup in Week 14 against a Commanders defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing running backs. Another plus for Jones is that quarterback J.J. McCarthy is back this week following a one-game absence due to a concussion.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Dec 5 2:30pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Tight end T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings has a strong matchup against a bad Washington Commanders defense in Week 14, but fantasy managers should consider him a TE2 option due to the team's continued struggles on offense. The Commanders allow scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL, but the Vikings are turning over the ball at the highest rate, which has been a major contributor to the team scoring on fewer than 32% of its possessions. Hockenson is coming off his best game of the year with six catches for 59 yards at Seattle, but Minnesota will experience yet another quarterback change now that starter J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is back. Even when the Vikings' offense is at its best, the veteran tight end is the team's third option behind receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, so managers may want to reserve Hockenson only for formats that start more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 5 2:20pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is officially listed as questionable for Week 14's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave was held out of Wednesday's practice before being a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, a similar progression to last week when he was ultimately able to suit up against the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old didn't seem affected by the injury last week, posting his normal route share and recording four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in the loss to Miami. He is trending toward playing through the injury again and profiles as a top-10 wide receiver option for Sunday's matchup against the division-rival Buccaneers. In the first meeting with Tampa on Oct. 26, Olave had eight catches on 12 targets for 63 yards.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Dec 5 2:10pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 14 divisional matchup with the Buccaneers. Kamara was held out of practice with ankle and knee injuries and will now miss his second consecutive game. After a slow start in a Week 13 loss to the Dolphins, sixth-round rookie Devin Neal finished with 47 rushing yards on 14 carries while adding three catches for another 22 yards. He showed good decisiveness and burst, but struggled to find any space behind a banged-up and overmatched offensive line, evidenced by almost 94% of his rushing yardage coming after contact. Tampa Bay has been uncharacteristically soft against the run this season, so Neal remains a low-end RB2/flex play, especially in PPR formats, having earned 10 targets over the past two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Dec 5 1:50pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) will not participate in the team's Week 14 matchup with the Packers, as he has been ruled out with a foot injury that has held him out of practice all week. Odunze has run hot and cold this season, and he is coming off a rough Black Friday outing that saw him catch only two of six targets for eight yards. His absence should lead to increased looks for veteran DJ Moore and rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland, all of whom have fallen victim to the Bears' hot hand rotation at times throughout the year. The Packers defense has been one of the stingiest fantasy matchups across all positions, but in a game that could decide the top spot in the NFC South, a healthy 44.5 point over/under should lead to scoring opportunities across the board.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Dec 5 1:40pm CT
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) has been ruled out for the team's Week 14 matchup with the Seahawks. This marks the third straight game that London will miss after spraining his PCL in a Week 11 loss to the Panthers. In the previous two games played without their top pass catcher, both with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, no Falcons wide receiver has topped three receptions in either game. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. and running back Bijan Robinson have led the team in targets over that span, with nine and seven, respectively. If the Seahawks are susceptible anywhere defensively, it has been against the tight end position, keeping Pitts in the streaming conversation. Though even with a higher spot in the pecking order, he has averaged only 7.6 half-PPR points per game over the past two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Dec 5 1:20pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is set to play on Sunday in a divisional clash with the Steelers. Jackson did not participate in Thursday's practice, but according to head coach John Harbaugh, he will be under center in a game for the top spot in the AFC North. Jackson missed time earlier this season with a hamstring issue, and since returning, he has been hampered by an ankle injury that has left him looking out of sorts. His QB8 finish in Week 9 marked the last time he's landed inside the top 12 at the position, while he's finished as QB24 or lower for three straight weeks. He was close to completing multiple big plays in a Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals, and had any of them stood, fantasy managers might feel better about his prospects moving forward. As it stands, Jackson projects as RotoBaller's QB11 against a Steelers defense that has been one of the most generous to opposing quarterbacks all season long.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Dec 5 1:13pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy had nine catches for 115 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Flournoy hadn't done much since his 6/114 game against the Jets earlier this year, so this was good to see. CeeDee Lamb exited the game with a concussion in the third quarter and Flournoy stepped up to lead the team with 13 targets as Dallas tried to come back. Flournoy's ultimate dynasty value lies in what Dallas does with George Pickens this off-season. If Pickens is back, his ceiling is capped. If he can somehow make his way to being the WR2 on the team, he'd make for an interesting asset. Regardless, Flournoy is simply a deep roster stash at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy