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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 13 | NFL: Week 13

Raheem Morris, Falcons not overreacting to 3-game slide

Mon Dec 2 4:55pm ET
Field Level Media

A month ago, a postseason return for the first time since 2017 looked well on its way for the Atlanta Falcons.

Following a Nov. 3 home win over the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta sat at 6-3 with a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South race. Fast forward a month, and the Falcons have lost three in a row and are tied with Tampa Bay atop the division standings.

Of the three losses, Sunday's was arguably the toughest to swallow for Atlanta fans. The Falcons' much-maligned defensive front, which had mustered an NFL-worst 10 sacks heading into Week 13, brought Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert down five times in the backfield.

However, Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins threw four interceptions, including the eventual game-losing pick-6 to Tarheeb Still with 1:39 left in the third quarter. In the Falcons' 17-13 home defeat, Atlanta outgained Los Angeles 350-187, but couldn't get out of its own way.

In Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a large group of Falcons fans were calling for the mid-game benching of Cousins, who tied his career high with the four picks. The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in last year's NFL draft just a month after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Despite Cousins' struggles, first-year head coach Raheem Morris plans to stand pat.

"(Sunday) was Kirk's worst game or second-worst game in his career having a four-pick day," Morris said in Monday's press conference. "But I feel good about Kirk, just who he is and the faith that he has in his ability and the faith that he has to come back and lead this football team.

"... (Cousins) is really accountable. When things go wrong and it's something that he feels he should have done better, he'll be the first to tell you. This guy has carried us all year and has put us in this position."

Penix, speaking to reporters Monday, said he will be ready whenever his name is called but added "it's not up to me" to say he should step in as QB1.

"He's a vet," Penix said of Cousins. "He's been in a lot of different situations, so I have no doubt that he's going to bounce back from this and he's going to be great this weekend and for the rest of the season."

Cousins, who hasn't thrown a touchdown since the Nov. 3 victory, will try to rebound this Sunday in Minnesota against a Vikings team with whom he spent the 2018-23 seasons.

Atlanta still controls its destiny in the NFC South after sweeping Tampa Bay.

For the Atlanta pass rush that Morris said "showed a glimpse of what you'd like to see every week," Arnold Ebiketie tallied two sacks, while David Onyemata, Kaden Elliss and Kentavius Street each recorded a solo sack. Looking to help create momentum for the home stretch of the regular season, Morris said he expects rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) to return from the injured reserve.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13

Player Notes
Christian McCaffrey Dec 2 4:00pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) is dealing with a PCL injury after getting hurt in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills and is facing a six-week recovery, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey was officially placed on Injured Reserve on Monday, and he will miss at least the rest of the regular season. The Niners have work to do just to get into the postseason, so we've most likely seen the last of CMC in 2024. In addition to McCaffrey, Jordan Mason (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain on Sunday night and will miss at least the next four games. It means that rookie Isaac Guerendo should become San Fran's top back moving forward, making him a priority waiver-wire addition this week. It was a disastrous 2024 campaign for the 28-year-old McCaffrey after winning Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. He finishes with 50 carries for 202 yards and no TDs in four games.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Dec 2 4:00pm CT
Jordan Mason

The San Francisco 49ers placed running back Jordan Mason (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Monday after he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills. It means that Mason will miss at least the next four games and won't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. With fantasy championships typically coming in Week 17, managers now won't have a reason to hold onto Mason in single-year leagues. Christian McCaffrey (knee) also suffered a PCL injury in the snow on Sunday night and is facing a six-week recovery, so his season is likely over. It all means that fantasy managers in need at RB should make rookie Isaac Guerendo their top waiver-wire priority heading into Week 14. Guerendo should now lead San Fran's backfield, with Patrick Taylor also getting involved.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Dec 2 3:50pm CT
Dallas Goedert

After undergoing an MRI exam on Monday, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) is considered week-to-week moving forward, according to a league source. Depending on his recovery, Goedert could be a candidate to land on short-term Injured Reserve, which would keep him out for at least four games, but his knee injury isn't season-ending. Earlier in the day, it was reported that Goedert's knee injury wasn't deemed serious, with the Eagles hoping for just a sprain. If Goedert were to land on IR, he wouldn't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants, which would do fantasy managers no good with championship matchups typically coming in Week 17. For however long Goedert is sidelined, it will make Grant Calcaterra an intriguing TE2 sleeper in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Dec 2 3:20pm CT
Sauce Gardner

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner's (hamstring) status for next Sunday's divisional clash against the Miami Dolphins is up in the air due to a hamstring injury. Evidently, the team will see how he responds later in the week and "should know more." about his potential to play, too. Gardner picked up the injury during the Jets' 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Fowler also noted that the 24-year-old had missed just one game since being drafted fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft -- an incredible run of consistency for the young corner. For now, monitor his practice status this week. If the Cincinnati product can't suit up, Qwan'tez Stiggers projects to see an uptick in snap share again for the road matchup.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Dec 2 3:13pm CT
Taysom Hill

Dynasty | Saints tight end and quarterback Taysom Hill is out for the season with a torn ACL. Dynasty Analysis: As expected. This really did look like the most realistic outcome after Hill went down yesterday. The team acknowledged as much yesterday in the post-game news conference, making this not much of a surprise. Hill still has one year left on his contract, but this injury is going to cloud his future greatly in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jalen Coker Dec 2 3:00pm CT
Jalen Coker

Per head coach Dave Canales, the Carolina Panthers are hoping to get wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) back in the lineup for next Sunday's meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. Steve Reed of The Associated Press reported the news. Both players missed all of last week's practices before being promptly ruled out for Week 13's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, they could potentially be available for a bout with a tough Eagles squad that's been stout against opponent's pass attacks this season. Philadelphia has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, so it's challenging to project either player for a meaningful fantasy day. Still, their practice participation leading up to Week 14 will be telling of their status for Sunday. Keep an eye out for Wednesday's report.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 2 2:40pm CT
Romeo Doubs

According to head coach Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) could play against the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football. "He has progressed to the point where he could possibly play vs. Detroit on Thursday." Rob Demovsky of ESPN notes that Doubs is still in the league's protocol, so he's not out of the woods just yet. Still, it's excellent news for the 24-year-old who has practiced for the second straight day. The Nevada product leads all Packers' receivers in snaps despite missing two complete games. If he can suit up, he'd be a boon against a Detroit defense exploitable by fantasy wide receivers, serving up the fourth-most points to the position (39.9). If he can't, expect teammate Dontayvion Wicks to fill in for him again, as he played a substantial 89% of snaps in their Thanksgiving win over the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Dec 2 2:20pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Per Kainani Stevens of the team, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder, concussion) has had no decisions made about "if/when he will return this season." It's concerning news for Lawrence, who lasted only 19 snaps before exiting Sunday's outing after an unnecessary late blow to the head. That's on top of the shoulder surgery he's potentially still due for despite stating that he wants to play the rest of this season. It's truly a mess of a situation. With the 25-year-old still in the league's protocol, he may miss Week 14's matchup against the Tennessee Titans. If he does, teammate Mac Jones projects to serve in his stead again. Watch for news on Lawrence over the next few days ahead of the team's road tilt.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Dec 2 12:30pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren has made it clear that the organization will retain general manager Ryan Poles after firing head coach Matt Eberflus following the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions on Friday, the first time in the history of the franchise the Bears have fired a head coach midseason. "Ryan Poles is the general manager of the Chicago Bears, and he will remain the general manager of the Chicago Bears," Warren said. Not only will Poles not get the axe, but he will run point on the Bears searching for their next head coach. The move to fire Eberflus came after the team's sixth straight loss to drop them to 4-8 and in last place in the NFC North division. The Bears cannot afford another failure at head coach after they just selected quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 2 12:20pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is unsure if wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) will be ready to roll for a Week 15 showdown against the Denver Broncos after the bye in Week 14. Downs injured his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Buffalo Bills and was unable to play in the Week 13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. It's telling that the Colts are unsure if Downs will be ready, even with the benefit of a bye this week. It was another low-volume passing game for quarterback Anthony Richardson against New England, as he attempted only 24 passes. Michael Pittman Jr. unsurprisingly led the team with only 42 receiving yards. Alec Pierce had only two catches for 16 yards but did find the end zone for a crucial TD, while rookie Adonai Mitchell couldn't convert on his two targets. Downs should be stashed in most fantasy leagues, but he might not be able to return until Week 16 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Dec 2 12:00pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said he thinks quarterback Baker Mayfield (leg) will be fine for Week 14 against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders after he was cleated in the back of his right leg in the second half of the Week 13 overtime victory over the division-rival Carolina Panthers. However, Mayfield's practice status for the week is up in the air. Mayfield had a mild limp after Sunday's game but said he'd be OK moving forward. Our guess is he could miss some practice time this week but will ultimately play on Sunday in a plus matchup against Vegas. The 29-year-old ended up missing only two snaps due to the leg injury and finished 21-for-33 passing for 235 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against Carolina. We'll keep a close eye on Mayfield's status this week, but he should have low-end QB1 upside if he faces the Raiders in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Dec 2 11:50am CT
Taysom Hill

Tests on Monday confirmed that New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (knee) suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, according to a source. Hill suffered the devastating knee injury in the second half against LA and had to be carted off the field and into the locker room. Before going down, the 34-year-old veteran carried the ball five times for 10 yards and caught five of his seven targets for 37 yards through the air. The loss of Hill, the Saints' most multi-faceted weapon on offense by far, is a major blow for the offense down the stretch. Obviously, he can be dumped in single-year fantasy leagues. With Hill out the rest of the way, running backs Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams will most likely see more targets. Tight end Juwan Johnson, who had a season-high-tying five catches on Sunday, should also see more looks through the air.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Dec 2 11:50am CT
Dawson Knox

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox led the team with 56 receiving yards on only two catches (two targets) in the 35-10 blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers at Orchard Park on a snowy Sunday night. Players on both sides of the ball looked like they were on ice skates during a snowstorm that basically lasted the entire game. While Knox was only targeted twice, he made the most of his work and was the only Buffalo player to go over 30 receiving yards in a run-heavy game script. The 28-year-old's season-high 56 yards also came with second-year TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) missing his second straight game due to injury. In the last two weeks with Kincaid sidelined, Kincaid's production has gone up, catching six of eight targets for 96 receiving yards. Knox's Week 14 fantasy value will all depend on whether Kincaid is able to return.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Dec 2 11:30am CT
John Metchie III

Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III was barely involved in the 23-20 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, catching both of his targets for 16 receiving yards, which ranked fifth on the team. Although Metchie operated as the No. 3 receiver behind Nico Collins and Tank Dell, the production was a bit disappointing, considering that Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder) was inactive for this contest. In addition to Collins and Dell, tight end Dalton Schultz was more involved than Metchie as well. The 24-year-old was mainly worth looking at as a flex option in deeper fantasy leagues when Collins was on Injured Reserve earlier this season. Now that Collins is back, it's going to be tough for Metchie to stand out in the box score. Since a 74-yard, one-TD performance on Nov. 10 against the Lions, Metchie only has six catches on eight targets for 55 scoreless yards in three games.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Dec 2 11:20am CT
Trevor Lawrence

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is expected to be suspended by the league for the hit he delivered in the Week 13 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday that left quarterback Trevor Lawrence (head) concussed. It was a pretty clear cheap shot with Lawrence already giving himself up in the middle of the field on a slide. Lawrence's arms stiffened up after the hit, and it was pretty obvious that he suffered a pretty serious concussion on the play. The former first overall pick stayed down on the ground as trainers came to examine him before eventually being carted off the field. Before being ejected from Sunday's game, Al-Shaair had five tackles on 19 defensive snaps. It remains to be seen how long the 27-year-old will be suspended, but Houston's defense will most likely be without him when they face the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 after their Week 14 bye.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Dec 2 11:20am CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki didn't find the end zone in the 44-38 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, but he was efficient with the opportunities he was given, catching all five of his targets on the day for 53 receiving yards, which was third on the team behind receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Fellow TE Tanner Hudson was also efficient, catching all four of his targets for 28 yards on Sunday. The 29-year-old Gesicki entered the TE1 ranks in fantasy earlier this year, but that was mainly because Higgins had missed time due to injuries. Sunday was a reminder that Gesicki can still get involved with Higgins on the field, but his upside is surely limited when Cincy has their top two wideouts available. Since his two-TD performance on Nov. 3 against the Raiders, Gesicki has nine receptions for 83 yards and no scores the last three contests.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 2 11:10am CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said he still thinks veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers gives the team the best chance to win, and the organization will stick with him as the starter for a Week 14 contest in Miami against the division-rival Dolphins this Sunday. "We have great belief in Aaron and we think he gives us the best opportunity to win," Ulbrich said. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer came up short yet again in a 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13, dropping the Jets to 3-9 on the year. Through 12 games in his second year in New York, Rodgers ranks as the QB19 with 2,627 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 419 pass attempts. He's sporting a career-low 6.3 yards per attempt, and things haven't gotten much better for the Jets' offense since acquiring receiver Davante Adams. Rodgers will be a QB2 once again against Miami in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 2 11:10am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hip) suffered a hip injury during a kickoff return in the overtime win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers on Sunday and was laboring as he walked to the locker room after the game. However, Irving said he feels much better on Monday and downplayed the injury, so he should be able to play in Week 14 in a great matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 22-year-old only saw one touch on the team's last three drives of the game, but he had already done plenty of damage for his fantasy managers on the day, finishing with 25 carries for a career-best 152 yards and a touchdown. He also added three catches for 33 yards. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker continue to get their touches in Tampa's backfield, but Irving has averaged at least 5.5 yards per carry in the last three games and has been the Bucs' best RB all year.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Dec 2 11:10am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. returned to stellar form in Week 13 against the Houston Texans. He finished with 76 yards and a touchdown on four receptions. The rookie was third on the team in receptions behind Evan Engram and Parker Washington who combined for 13 catches, but was second on the team in targets and yards. BTJ was outshined by Parker Washington, but his big-play ability allowed him to still have an efficient outing. What was extra reassuring for fantasy managers is most of his stats came after Trevor Lawrence left with a concussion and Mac Jones took over, who BTJ struggled to produce with in Weeks 10 and 11. The Jaguars face the Tennessee Titans next week, where BTJ will look to continue his awesome rookie campaign.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Dec 2 10:50am CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington surpassed 100 yards receiving in Week 13 against the Houston Texans. With Gabe Davis and Christian Kirk out due to injury, Washington was the clear next man up heading into this game. He took advantage of the opportunity, producing 103 yards on six receptions and leading the team in targets with 12. While it isn't surprising Washington had his best game of the season, it is surprising he played this well given he had increased opportunities earlier in the season that he didn't take advantage of. It's especially impressive given Trevor Lawrence left early with a concussion and Mac Jones took over. The Jaguars face the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, where Washington will look to build on this momentum, no matter who is under center.

From RotoBaller