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Playoff-clinching scenarios for Bills, Chiefs and Lions

Wed Nov 27 11:39am ET
Field Level Media

Buffalo, Kansas City and Detroit have a chance to punch their playoff tickets in Week 13.

The Bills (9-2) have the least complicated scenario. They can clinch the AFC East by beating the San Francisco 49ers at home on Sunday night, paired with a loss Thursday night by the division rival Miami Dolphins (5-6) at Green Bay.

The Chiefs (10-1) can clinch a playoff berth with a victory on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders plus one of three other outcomes: a Miami loss or tie on Thursday; a loss by the AFC West rival Denver Broncos (7-5) Monday against Cleveland; or a loss by the division rival Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) Sunday at Atlanta plus a Denver tie.

Two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City can also clinch with a tie against Las Vegas and a Miami loss.

The NFC North-leading Lions (10-1) have six potential pathways, each of them requiring a win on Thursday at home against the division rival Chicago Bears.

The Lions would also need a San Francisco loss or tie plus one of the following scenarios:

--Arizona loss or tie plus Seattle loss plus Tampa Bay loss or tie

--Arizona loss plus Seattle tie plus Tampa Bay loss or tie

--Arizona loss or tie plus Seattle loss plus Washington loss or tie plus Atlanta loss

--Arizona loss or tie plus Seattle loss plus Washington loss plus Atlanta tie

--Arizona loss plus Seattle tie plus Washington loss or tie plus Atlanta loss

--Arizona loss plus Seattle tie plus Washington loss plus Atlanta tie

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13

Player Notes
Amon-Ra St. Brown Nov 27 3:20pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday afternoon's divisional tilt against the Chicago Bears. After bringing in six of his seven targets for 62 yards last weekend, the star wideout popped up on the injury report on Monday with a knee injury. St. Brown sat out during Monday's practice and was able to improve his status each day and capped off the week with a full session on Wednesday. However, the Lions still opted to list the USC product as questionable. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status ahead of Thursday's kickoff but seeing him practice in full on Wednesday is a promising sign. After scoring just 4.3 PPR points in the season opener, St. Brown has gone on to average a stellar 19.9 PPR points per game since Week 2 and should always be viewed as a reliable WR1 in all matchups.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Nov 27 3:10pm CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday's divisional match against the Chicago Bears. Montgomery sustained this shoulder injury during last weekend's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran RB opened the week as a non-participant during practice but was able to upgrade his stats each day and logged a full session earlier on Wednesday. Despite this, the team is still listing Montgomery as questionable. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status ahead of kickoff but seeing him return to practice in full participation today is a positive sign. If the 27-year-old is unable to suit up Thursday afternoon, sophomore running back Jahmyr Gibbs would see a heavy workload and have RB1 upside this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Nov 27 3:10pm CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is a speculative play in Week 13 as he faces a daunting matchup against the Detroit Lions' elite run defense. Even with some injuries, Detroit's run defense is one of the toughest in the league, ranking fifth in rush yards allowed and second in points allowed. The Bears' backfield rotation continues to limit Johnson's workload, making him a risky play for fantasy managers. However, Johnson has shown enough upside to warrant attention in deeper leagues or as a sleeper pick. In limited action last week, he demonstrated his goal-line potential, rushing twice for 2 yards and a touchdown. This was his second consecutive week with a goal-line score, reinforcing that the role is firmly his. While Johnson remains a desperate running back play, his clear goal-line role gives him touchdown upside, making him worth considering as a flex or deep-league option in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Nov 27 3:10pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a solid WR3 option in Week 13 as he faces an advantageous matchup against the Detroit Lions. While the Lions' defense ranks second in points allowed, they are vulnerable against the pass, ranking 25th in pass yards allowed. Moore will look to build on his momentum from Week 12 when he posted seven receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown in a tough loss to the Minnesota Vikings. His touchdown came on a well-executed screen pass, showcasing his ability to make big plays in space. With the Bears likely playing from behind in this game, Moore should see plenty of targets as the team looks to exploit Detroit's weak pass defense. He's a solid flex play this week with significant upside, particularly in a matchup that could see the Bears forced into a pass-heavy game script.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Nov 27 3:10pm CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen will look to continue his strong play in Week 13 as he faces an advantageous matchup against the Detroit Lions secondary. While the Lions' defense ranks second in points allowed, they have struggled against the pass, ranking 25th in pass yards allowed. Allen has been a crucial part of the Bears ' offense lately, with a solid performance in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikingswhere he hauled in nine receptions for 86 yards and led the team with 15 targets. Keeping him on your bench will be hard if he continues to see the volume he did last week. With the Bears likely needing to throw early and often in a high-scoring game, Allen should see plenty of opportunities. He's a solid flex play this week, with the potential for a strong performance if the Bears' offense stays in pass-heavy mode.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Nov 27 2:40pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Wednesday that running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is "working through something with his knee" and "will miss some time." It was reported earlier that Dobbins will miss the Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday due to an MCL sprain he suffered in Monday night's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but this makes it sound like he could miss more time beyond Week 13. If that's the case, expect rookie Kimani Vidal to factor in a Bolts backfield that will also include Gus Edwards and Hassan Haskins. Edwards will likely see the bulk of the backfield touches this weekend, although he's more of a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex that doesn't factor into the passing game. Vidal and Haskins will likely fight for change-of-pace work behind Edwards. Dobbins deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats for now.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Nov 27 2:30pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) has been ruled out for the Thursday night contest against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13. Doubs suffered a concussion in the Week 12 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, making it unrealistic for him to play on Thanksgiving night on such a short turnaround. Now that he's officially out, Doubs will hope to make progress in the league's concussion protocol in order to suit up for next Thursday night's divisional tilt against the Detroit Lions. With Doubs out against Miami, it will make all of receivers Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks more attractive in starting fantasy lineups in Week 13. Malik Heath, who caught a TD pass in the win over the Niners, also figures to see more opportunities as the No. 4 for Green Bay. Tight end Tucker Kraft will also have a higher ceiling as a TE1.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Nov 27 2:20pm CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Wednesday that rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) is unlikely to play in Week 13 on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coker also missed last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, so the 23-year-old is trending toward missing a second straight game after not practicing on Wednesday. He will now hope to get his quad right for a Week 14 game on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. With rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) also unlikely to play this weekend, it will mean that Adam Thielen, rookie Xavier Legette and David Moore will start once again in three-receiver sets. Moore easily had his best game against the Chiefs last Sunday with Coker on the sidelines, catching six of 10 targets for 81 yards and his first touchdown of 2024.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Nov 27 2:20pm CT
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Wednesday that rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) is unlikely to play in Week 13 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. It hardly comes as a surprise after Sanders suffered a scary head/neck injury last Sunday in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that required a trip to the hospital. The 21-year-old was quickly released from the hospital, though, and avoided a serious injury. He was seen at practice on Wednesday but did not participate and will most likely be inactive in Week 13. Depending on how Sanders recovers from the injury, he might not be available next week, either, to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. It's bad timing, as the rookie TE was beginning to see a bigger role as Carolina's top pass-catching tight end. Tommy Tremble will receive more opportunities this weekend against Tampa.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Nov 27 2:10pm CT
Caleb Williams

This Thursday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option as he faces the Detroit Lions. After a strong performance in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings, where he completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, Williams will look to build on that momentum. While the Lions defense ranks second in points allowed, they've been vulnerable against the pass, ranking 25th in pass yards allowed. Williams has looked increasingly comfortable in recent weeks, especially since the Bears switched offensive coordinators, which has sparked the offense. Given the Lions' potent offense, the Bears will likely be forced into a pass-heavy game script, giving Williams plenty of opportunities to accumulate fantasy points. While he remains a risky start, his high upside makes him a strong option if you're looking for a quarterback who can deliver a big performance.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Nov 27 2:10pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift shapes up as a risky flex option in Week 13 as he faces one of the most formidable run defenses in the NFL in the Detroit Lions. Despite some injuries, Detroit's rush defense remains formidable, ranking fifth in rush yards allowed and second in points allowed. Swift had a down performance in Week 12, rushing 13 times for just 30 yards and failing to generate the big plays that have been key to his fantasy value in recent weeks. To make matters worse for Swift, fellow running back Roschon Johnson has been taking over goal-line duties, leaving Swift in more of a boom-or-bust role. If he doesn't hit a home run, he could be in for another disappointing performance, especially against a defense as stout as Detroit's. Given the matchup, Swift is downgraded to a flex play this week, with his best chance of delivering value coming from finding the end zone on a big play against his old team.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Nov 27 2:00pm CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) will be limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Purdy was unable to play in the Week 12 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to right-shoulder soreness, but he did feel good while doing some light throwing on Monday. It's a good sign that he's practicing early in the week, although he may need to upgrade to a full practice later this week to avoid a questionable designation for the Sunday night contest against the Buffalo Bills. Backup Brandon Allen couldn't get much going in a spot start last Sunday, going 17-for-29 for 199 yards with a touchdown and interception. All of San Fran's offensive skill players would benefit from Purdy's return. If Purdy is more of a game-time decision this week, it will make life very difficult for fantasy managers with the Niners not playing until Sunday night. Check back later in the week for more on Purdy's status.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Allen Nov 27 2:00pm CT
Brandon Allen

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) will not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Both Bosa and Williams were held out of the blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 12, and it's a bad sign that neither of them are able to practice to begin Week 13 preparation against the Buffalo Bills. The 27-year-old Bosa is a must-start in IDP fantasy leagues when he's active as one of the most dominant pass-rushers in the NFL, but he could be on a snap count on Sunday night against Buffalo if he's able to return to game action. The four-time Pro Bowler has seven sacks and 24 solo tackles through 10 starts in 2024. Williams' absence last week against Green Bay made life even more difficult on backup quarterback Brandon Allen, who was making a spot start in place of the injured Brock Purdy (shoulder).

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Nov 27 1:50pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) will start for the team in Week 13 on Friday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. "We feel good about Aidan. He has that laser eye focus right now, good opportunity for him," Pierce said. The Raiders will activate O'Connell from Injured Reserve before Friday's game after Gardner Minshew II suffered a season-ending broken collarbone in the Week 12 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday. O'Connell's 21-day practice window was opened on Tuesday, and he was able to put in a full session, clearing the way for him to become the team's starter the rest of the way in another lost season. The 26-year-old former fourth-rounder last year out of Purdue was a mediocre game manager in his first 11 NFL games a year ago and lost the starting gig to Minshew in training camp. He'll be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues now that he's back and starting in a tough matchup against KC.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 27 1:50pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) said that surgery isn't being ruled out during or after the season for his AC joint sprain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. However, Lawrence said he wants to play the rest of the season. He obviously would be ruled out for the rest of the year if he undergoes surgery before the end of the season. The good news is that after missing each of the team's last two games, the former first overall pick out of Clemson was able to return to practice on Wednesday coming out of the bye week. The 25-year-old is scheduled to take most of the first-team reps on Wednesday, which means he could be in line to return to start in Week 13 against the division-rival Houston Texans. Mac Jones and the Jags offense looked anemic without Lawrence the last two games, so his return this weekend would be great news for the entire Jacksonville offense.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Nov 27 1:30pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) remains out of the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Smith was unable to practice all of last week and was inactive for the Sunday night win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. A DNP to begin Week 13 preparation for Sunday's game versus the Baltimore Ravens isn't a good sign that the 26-year-old is trending in the right direction to suit up this weekend. Smith still has two more chances to return to the practice field this week, though, and we'll keep a close eye on his status for fantasy managers. In the win over the Rams, A.J. Brown predictably led the Eagles in catches (six), targets (seven) and receiving yards (109) and scored the lone receiving touchdown. Jahan Dotson caught his only target for a four-yard gain. Tight end Dallas Goedert and running back Saquon Barkley caught four passes apiece.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 27 1:20pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) will return in Week 13 to play this Friday in a divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders as long as he doesn't suffer a setback before then, according to head coach Andy Reid. Pacheco was close to returning from Injured Reserve in the Week 12 win over the Carolina Panthers, but the Chiefs chose to hold him out for one more week. The 25-year-old put in his first full practice on Tuesday, though, since fracturing his right ankle way back on Sept. 15. Pacheco was KC's clear-cut lead back before the injury, but there's a chance he'll split touches with Kareem Hunt in the backfield in his first game back on Black Friday, which would make him a volatile option for fantasy managers. Pacheco was a must-start fantasy RB before his injury and he had 34 carries for 135 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and one TD in two games before his injury in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Nov 27 1:10pm CT
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) was present on Wednesday but did not take part in practice with the rest of the team after suffering a scary head/neck injury in the Week 12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Sanders was placed on a backboard after landing directly on his head before being carted off and taken to a local hospital. The 21-year-old was released from the hospital in short order, though, and thankfully avoided a serious injury. He still has two more days to get back on the practice field, but it seems likely that Carolina will exercise caution with Sanders, making him more unlikely to be available to play in Week 13 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Sanders is ruled out for this weekend's game, expect Tommy Tremble to see more targets in the passing game, which would make him more attractive as a TE2 sleeper in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Hicks Nov 27 12:50pm CT
Elijah Hicks

The Chicago Bears will be without safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) and reserve offensive lineman Ryan Bates (concussion) during their Thanksgiving Day game at Detroit, according to the club's final Week 13 injury report. The third-year safety also did not play last week in Chicago's overtime loss to Minnesota. Hicks has 32 total tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries in his past six games, but didn't practice at all this week. Chicago will take on San Francisco in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Nov 27 12:40pm CT
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (back) does not appear on the team's official injury report prior to their Thanksgiving Day clash against the Dallas Cowboys. The rookie from Penn State has been more involved as the season progressed, catching his first NFL touchdown in Week 9 and drawing six targets in each of his past three games. He should continue to play the majority of snaps for New York, which is likely to see yet another quarterback change with Tommy Devito (forearm) unlikely to play. Quarterback Drew Lock would be in line to start if DeVito cannot play.

From RotoBaller