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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
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

Marshon Lattimore Nov 27 12:20pm CT
Marshon Lattimore

Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), who has yet to make his team debut after being acquired in a trade with New Orleans, is on track to practice on Wednesday. It has been a long road for the four-time Pro Bowler, but Commanders head coach Dan Quinn told media that the team is "pumped to get him back on the field" ahead of Washington's Week 13 game against Tennessee. The Commanders have dropped three straight and fallen behind Philadelphia in the NFC East, but still find themselves within range of the playoffs. Lattimore's status for Sunday will be something to watch, especially with Washington off next week.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Nov 27 12:00pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) will miss the first practice of Week 13 preparation on Wednesday. Unsurprisingly, Ekeler will not be out there with the rest of the team on Wednesday after suffering a concussion late in the Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The 29-year-old has several more days to clear the league's concussion protocol, but as things stand now, fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting Ekeler to face the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) was also injured on Sunday, but he will practice on Wednesday. Jeremy McNichols was a popular waiver-wire pickup this week with both Robinson and Ekeler injured, as he'd be line to serve as the team's lead back if neither RB is active. Chris Rodriguez Jr. would also have a role if both B-Rob and Ekeler cannot go against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Nov 27 11:50am CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) will put in a limited practice on Wednesday as the team comes out of their bye week. Coleman missed the team's last two games in Weeks 10 and 11 before Buffalo had their bye in Week 12. A return to a limited practice on Wednesday is a good sign for Coleman, but it's no guarantee that he'll return for a Sunday night showdown in Buffalo against the visiting San Francisco 49ers in Week 13. With Coleman sitting out the last two games, both veterans Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins were more involved in the passing attack behind Amari Cooper and Khalil Shakir. If Coleman gets cleared to play this weekend, he'll rejoin three-receiver sets next to Cooper and Shakir and be a nice red-zone weapon for quarterback Josh Allen. Coleman has 22 catches for 417 yards and three TDs on 36 targets in his first nine NFL games.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Nov 27 11:50am CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) will practice on Wednesday despite suffering an ankle injury in the Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, according to head coach Dan Quinn. It's good news, and signs were pointing in this direction when the Commanders didn't sign either James Robinson or Boston Scott after working them out on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Austin Ekeler didn't practice on Wednesday after suffering a concussion late in Sunday's contest. The 25-year-old Robinson is still in wait-and-see mode for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, but he looks more likely to suit up in Week 13 than Ekeler does right now. If B-Rob plays and Ekeler doesn't, he'll have clear RB2 upside for fantasy managers. Jeremy McNichols figures to be in line for an expanded role this weekend if one or both of Robinson and/or Ekeler don't play.

From RotoBaller

Tommy DeVito Nov 27 11:40am CT
Tommy DeVito

Updating a previous report, New York Giants quarterback Tommy Devito (forearm) is considered a long shot to be able to play on Thanksgiving on Thursday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys after sitting out Wednesday's walkthrough practice, according to a source. It puts backup Drew Lock in line to start his first game of the year after the Giants waived Daniel Jones last Friday. DeVito is dealing with a right-forearm injury and is undergoing further evaluation. DeVito predictably fell flat leading the offense in the 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12, so if Lock is an improvement in Week 13 versus Dallas, he could take over the starting gig for the G-Men the rest of the way in 2024. The 28-year-old Lock completed his only pass attempt for three yards last Sunday against Tampa and will now be in play as a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues this week against Dallas.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Nov 27 11:40am CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) won't practice on Wednesday. Kincaid suffered a knee injury in the Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts and then didn't play in the Week 11 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming out of the Week 12 bye, it's not a good sign that Kincaid is still absent from practice, but the 25-year-old second-year TE still has two more days of practice this week. For now, though, he should be considered questionable to suit up in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. And if Kincaid is questionable on Friday's final injury report, it will mean fantasy managers might have to make a tough decision on him this week. If Kincaid misses a second straight game, Dawson Knox will have TE1 upside yet again. He caught four of a season-high six targets for 40 yards in Week 11 with Kincaid sidelined.

From RotoBaller