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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
Jalen Coker Nov 28 1:20pm CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) and Jalen Coker (quadriceps) were both sidelined for a second consecutive practice on Thursday. We previously heard that neither Sanders nor Coker is expected to play in Week 13, so it's no surprise that both were listed as non-participants Thursday. Sanders could be looking at a multi-week absence after an awkward injury landed him in the hospital for precautionary measures last Sunday. Tommy Tremble will start at tight end in his absence. Meanwhile, Coker, who hasn't played since the other side of the Panthers' bye in Week 10, will likely be replaced in the lineup by a combination of Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, and David Moore.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Nov 28 1:20pm CT
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will face the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday in Week 13. Mahomes is coming off his best performance of the year against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12. The Panthers held their own against Kansas City despite being massive underdogs, allowing Mahomes to pass for 269 yards and three touchdowns. The 29-year-old will look to build on that performance in Week 13 against the Raiders, who rank 25th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season. Mahomes is ranked QB9 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a low-end QB1 option this week. Given his recent performance and advantageous matchup, fantasy managers should be encouraged to start Mahomes.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Nov 28 1:20pm CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13. Kelce had an average performance by his standards, but he was a bit underwhelming compared to his fantasy expectations in a great matchup. The 35-year-old star finished the contest with six catches for 62 yards against the Panthers. Kelce will look to eclipse that performance this week against the Raiders, who rank 30th in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season. Kelce will have a better chance to explode if Las Vegas can stay competitive, but he should see significant volume regardless of the game script. Kelce is ranked TE2 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him a top tight-end option. Fantasy managers should have no worries at tight end with Kelce in their lineup.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Nov 28 12:30pm CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (hip) has been removed from the final injury report despite logging another limited practice on Thursday. Tucker was limited all week long, but the Raiders have evidently decided he's healthy enough to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday without any sort of limitations or injury designation. The 23-year-old is coming off one of his best games of the season in which he caught seven passes for 82 yards. Tucker has low-end WR3/FLEX appeal in deeper fantasy leagues during Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Nov 28 12:30pm CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) returned to practice on Thursday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. While it's unclear whether Hall was a limited or full participant, the bottom line is that he was able to get back on the field, which is good news for the Jets and Hall's fantasy managers. He exploded for one of his best games of the season back in Week 11, rushing 16 times for 78 yards on the ground, catching seven passes for 43 receiving yards, and scoring a touchdown. If active this week versus Seattle, he'll rank as a solid RB1 option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Shrader Nov 28 12:20pm CT
Spencer Shrader

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Spencer Shrader (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He did not practice at all this week. Shrader has gone 3-for-3 on field goals and 6-for-6 on extra points through two games with Kansas City. The Chiefs have activated Matthew Wright from the practice squad to handle kicking duties in Shrader's absence. Given Kansas City's scoring tendencies and favorable matchup against the Raiders, Wright instantly becomes an intriguing top-12 option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Nov 28 12:10pm CT
Gardner Minshew II

The Las Vegas Raiders have placed quarterback Gardner Minshew II (collarbone) on injured reserve. Given that Minshew has already been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season, this is merely a procedural move. He finishes his age-28 campaign having completed 203 of 306 passes for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also took 29 sacks and lost four fumbles. It's been a sloppy year under center for the Raiders, who have given snaps to Minshew, Aidan O'Connell, and Desmond Ridder. Moving forward, Vegas intends to start O'Connell, whom they activated from injured reserve on Thursday. However, he's expected to be on a short leash with Ridder waiting in the wing.

From RotoBaller

Sincere McCormick Nov 28 12:10pm CT
Sincere McCormick

The Las Vegas Raiders have elevated running back Sincere McCormick from the practice squad and signed wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. to the active roster ahead of Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs. McCormick operated as Ameer Abdullah's backup last week, rushing five times for 33 yards (6.6 yards per carry). He could be active as the No. 2 option again this Friday if Alexander Mattison (ankle) isn't able to suit up. McCormick is off the fantasy radar in most fantasy leagues. Meanwhile, Marshall has played in just one game this season, suiting up for the Raiders last week against Denver. He played 11 percent of the offensive snaps but did not register a target. Marshall is off the fantasy radar in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Nov 28 12:00pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (quadricep) has been ruled out for Week 13 after missing three consecutive practices. White, who has been sidelined since Week 11, has just 213 scrimmage yards and one touchdown through eight games this season. Fellow running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) is questionable this week but would draw the start if active. Otherwise, we'll see another week of Ameer Abdullah leading the Las Vegas backfield. Whichever running back starts for the Raiders is worth deploying as an RB3 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Nov 28 12:00pm CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) is questionable to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. He has been limited in practice all week long. Mattison missed last Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, but his ability to practice in a limited capacity this week does leave the door open for him to suit up against the Chiefs. Fellow running back Zamir White (quadricep) has already been ruled out, so Mattison would essentially have the backfield all to himself if he's healthy enough to play. Otherwise, if Mattison is ruled out, Ameer Abdullah would draw his second consecutive start. Whichever running back starts for the Raiders in Week 13 will be a solid RB3/FLEX play in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Nov 28 12:00pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially activated quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) from injured reserve. The team previously confirmed that O'Connell, who was a full participant in practice this week, will start on Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old spent the minimum four games on injured reserve and now makes his return for a late-November divisional battle, taking over for Gardner Minshew (collarbone). Fantasy managers should view O'Connell as a high-end QB3. Members of his supporting cast on the fantasy radar include Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, and Alexander Mattison (ankle).

From RotoBaller

Tommy DeVito Nov 28 11:20am CT
Tommy DeVito

New York Giants quarterback Tommy Devito (forearm) is expected to be inactive for Thursday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Drew Lock will start at quarterback in DeVito's absence. The Giants are suddenly onto their third quarterback in three weeks, rotating through Daniel Jones (now with the Minnesota Vikings), DeVito, and Lock. Although there have been numerous conflicting reports about DeVito's injury status, fantasy managers can appreciate that we now have some clarification from Schefter. Assuming Lock is confirmed as the starter, he'll rank as a fantasy QB3 while keeping Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the WR2 and RB2 tiers, respectively.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 28 11:10am CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to play on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco has been trending in the right direction over the last couple of weeks and is now ready to make his return during Friday's divisional battle. Pacheco should be heavily involved in Week 13, but he might still share some touches with Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine. From a fantasy perspective, Pacheco ranks as an RB2 versus Las Vegas' soft run defense.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Nov 28 11:00am CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (shoulder), Alec Pierce (foot) and Ashton Dulin (ankle) all missed practice for a second straight day on Thursday. Downs is fighting an uphill battle to play in Week 13 versus the New England Patriots after injuring his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions, but the Colts could also be without Pierce and Dulin unless they are able to return to practice on Friday in some capacity. Michael Pittman Jr. (back) remains listed on the injury report, but he's practicing in full this week. If one or both of Downs and/or Pierce sit out against the Pats, Pittman would be in line for a heavy target share, while rookie Adonai Mitchell would also see an increase in usage, putting him in place as a more palatable WR4/flex option in fantasy. Pierce leads the NFL in yards per catch (23.3) and will be a WR4/flex with upside if he's active and Downs is out.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Nov 28 10:10am CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (shoulder) is officially active for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice Wednesday. Montgomery has been a major threat this season, tallying 873 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns en route to ranking as this season's overall RB11 in fantasy football. Fantasy managers should confidently start Montgomery, who scored a Week 13 touchdown in each of his first five seasons and will look to extend that streak to six on Thursday against his old team.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Nov 28 10:10am CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is officially active for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice Wednesday. St. Brown has nine touchdowns over his last nine games, and he has tallied 71 catches and 747 yards en route to ranking as the overall WR2 in fantasy football this season. He should continue to be started in all fantasy leagues. Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is officially active for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice Wednesday. St. Brown has nine touchdowns over his last nine games, and he has tallied 71 catches and 747 yards en route to ranking as the overall WR2 in fantasy football this season. He should continue to be started in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Nov 28 8:53am CT
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns QB Jameis Winston said he would love to re-sign with the Browns in the offseason.

Fantasy Spin: Winston is the QB14 over the last five weeks (four games), and he has certainly rejuvenated his stock. He'll remain a matchup play in fantasy the rest of the way. He has a tough draw against the Denver Broncos Monday night. Denver is one of the better teams against QBs the last five weeks.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Higbee Nov 28 1:23am CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee (knee) was designated to return from the Reserve/Injured list on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

From TheHuddle

Wan'Dale Robinson Nov 28 12:40am CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson enters the Week 13 Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys after a quiet Week 12, where he caught all five of his targets for 47 yards in a 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Averaging 8.04 FPPG this season, Robinson has been a reliable short-yardage option with 441 yards and two touchdowns on 61 receptions but a modest 7.2 yards per catch. The Cowboys rank 21st against fantasy wide receivers and have allowed 15 passing touchdowns this year, creating opportunities for Robinson to contribute. While Dallas' 18th-ranked pass defense allows 214.9 yards per game, Robinson should stay on the bench for fantasy managers, especially with the question marks at quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Graham Gano Nov 28 12:40am CT
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano enters the Week 13 Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys with limited opportunities in his return from an early-season injury. In Week 12's 30-7 loss to Tampa Bay, Gano did not attempt a field goal, marking his second game back since Week 2. This season, he has made three of four field goals (75% accuracy) with a long of 50 yards. While the Cowboys allow the second-most points per game (29), potentially boosting Gano's opportunities, the Giants' offensive struggles could cap his upside. Fantasy managers should temper expectations, as Gano remains a risky option given his limited workload and the Giants' inconsistency in reaching scoring range.

From RotoBaller