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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 14 | NFL: Week 14

NFL playoff standings, big picture entering Week 14

Tue Dec 3 1:05pm ET
Field Level Media

All eyes are on the NFC North pecking order with a Thursday showdown between the Lions and Packers in Detroit kicking off Week 14.

The Lions (11-1) already registered a win over Green Bay (9-3) at Lambeau Field and begin their second pass through the division with a 3-0 record in the North. The Vikings (10-2) sit between the teams in the standings, but there are tangible and desirous goals in play for Minnesota on Sunday.

With a win over the NFC South-leading Falcons, Minnesota would gain a game on the losing team Thursday and potentially push their former quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and Atlanta outside the playoff picture behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bucs (6-6) host the 2-10 Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

There's less drama in the AFC, where the division leaders have enough cushion to breathe and ample motivation to continue putting up victories with home-field advantage not yet decided.

Last week, the Bills (10-2) clinched the AFC East and the Chiefs (11-1) can clinch the West on Sunday by beating the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) in Kansas City.

Looming for the murky AFC wild-card picture are head-to-head matchups between the Denver Broncos and Chargers (Dec. 19) and Indianapolis Colts and Broncos (Dec. 15). And Baltimore's closing schedule is unusual, if not tricky, with a Saturday division game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 21) and a midweek, Christmas Day game pitting the Ravens and Texans in a 2024 playoff rematch.

The current playoff picture entering Week 14:

AFC Division Leaders

1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)

Up Next: vs. Chargers, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

2. Buffalo Bills (10-2)

Up Next: at L.A. Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)

Up Next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

4. Houston Texans (8-5)

Up Next: Bye Week

AFC Wild-Card Standings

5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)

Up Next: at Kansas City, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

6. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)

Up Next: Bye Week

7. Denver Broncos (8-5)

Up Next: Bye Week

8. Indianapolis Colts (6-7)

Up Next: Bye Week

9. Miami Dolphins (5-7)

Up Next: vs. N.Y. Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)

Up Next: at Dallas, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

11. Cleveland Browns (3-9)

Up Next: at Pittsburgh, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

12. New York Jets (3-9)

Up Next: at Miami, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

13. Tennessee Titans (3-9)

Up Next: vs. Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

The New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders have been eliminated.

NFC Division Leaders

1. Detroit Lions (11-1)

Up Next: vs. Green Bay, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)

Up Next: vs. Carolina, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

3. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)

Up Next: at Arizona, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)

Up Next: at Minnesota, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

NFC Wild-Card Standings

5. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)

Up Next: vs. Atlanta, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. Green Bay Packers (9-3)

Up Next: at Detroit, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

7. Washington Commanders (8-5)

Up Next: Bye Week

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)

Up Next: vs. Las Vegas, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Arizona Cardinals (6-6)

Up Next: vs. Seattle, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

10. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)

Up Next: vs. Buffalo, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

11. San Francisco 49ers (5-7)

Up Next: vs. Chicago, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

12. Dallas Cowboys (5-7)

Up Next: vs. Cincinnati, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

13. New Orleans Saints (4-8)

Up Next: at N.Y. Giants , Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

14. Chicago Bears (4-8)

Up Next: at San Francisco, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

15. Carolina Panthers (3-9)

Up Next: at Philadelphia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

The New York Giants have been eliminated.

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The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Player Notes
Marshon Lattimore Dec 3 12:00pm CT
Marshon Lattimore

Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) is expected to make his debut with the team following their bye in Week 14 to face his old team, the New Orleans Saints, in Week 15. The Commanders acquired Lattimore in a trade with the Saints on Nov. 5, but the 28-year-old defensive back has yet to play a snap in Washington due to a hamstring that has kept him out for five straight games with his new squad. The upcoming bye week will give Lattimore the extra rest needed to get his hamstring right, though, so the Commanders' secondary will be beefed up a bit more for their tilt against the Saints in Week 15. Before injuring his hamstring, Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, had 30 tackles (22 solo) and two pass breakups in seven starts for New Orleans. When he debuts with the Commanders, it will be his first action with another team than the Saints since debuting in 2017.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Dec 3 11:40am CT
Will Reichard

The Minnesota Vikings have opened rookie kicker Will Reichard's (quadriceps) 21-day practice window on Tuesday for him to return from Injured Reserve. Reichard will return to practice with the team this week, but it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be activated from IR to return to game action this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14. The 23-year-old has missed the minimum of four games while on IR, but he'll need to get through a full week of practice before the Vikings consider officially activating him by Saturday. John Parker Romo has filled in nicely as Minnesota's placekicker with Reichard out, making 11 of his 12 field-goal opportunities and seven of his eight extra-point attempts. Before his right-quad injury, Reichard made 14 of his 16 field goals (87.5%) and all 23 of his extra points to average 8.1 fantasy points per game in his first eight games in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Alex Highsmith Dec 3 11:40am CT
Alex Highsmith

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) is fully expected to play in Week 14 on Sunday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Highsmith has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but he should be back on the field this weekend for a ball-hawking Steelers defense against Browns quarterback Jameis Winston, who just threw for nearly 500 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions (two pick-sixes) in the Monday night loss to the Denver Broncos. The 27-year-old Highsmith has already missed six games in 2024 due to injury and will be a very shaky IDP fantasy play if he's back this Sunday. In six games, he has 19 tackles (11 solo), three sacks, four tackles for loss and 10 QB hits. The Steelers defense/special teams unit should be a must-start against Cleveland, regardless of Highsmith's status.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Dec 3 11:30am CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in the Week 13 win over the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Austin is now up in the air to be available to play in Week 14 when the team takes on the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old scored for the second straight week on Sunday against the Bengals before suffering his head injury, finishing with two catches for 29 yards. The previous week, he caught all three of his targets for 78 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Cleveland. If he's cleared by an independent neurologist later this week to play on Sunday, Austin will be a boom/bust WR4/flex, at best, for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. If Austin is out in Week 14, it will open up more snaps for Van Jefferson as the WR2 behind George Pickens in Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Charvarius Ward Dec 3 11:20am CT
Charvarius Ward

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Monday that All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams (ankle, personal), who has missed the last couple of games due to a left-ankle injury, spent much of last week grieving the loss of his son. Williams and his wife, Sondra, had a son, Trenton Jr., who was stillborn on Nov. 24. Cornerback Charvarius Ward and his wife also lost their one-year-old daughter due to heart problems this year, with Ward sitting out three games as a result. "He's been dealing with that and he's working through it. We're all just trying to be here for him through it all," Shanahan said about Williams. The 36-year-old is uncertain to play in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears this Sunday. After a Super Bowl appearance last year, the Niners just have never found their stride in 2024 and have dealt with injuries to key players, most notably running back Christian McCaffrey (knee).

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Dec 3 11:10am CT
Trevor Lawrence

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is being suspended three games for his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) in the Week 13 win on Sunday. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game after the hit on Lawrence, who was giving himself up on a slide in the middle of the field before Al-Shaair came in hard with a forearm to his helmet that left him concussed. Lawrence stayed on the ground before eventually being carted off, and he could miss the rest of the season because of his head injury. The 27-year-old Al-Shaair was also fined back in Week 2 for punching Bears running back Roschon Johnson, so it's not his first offense in 2024. He also had a late hit on Titans RB Tony Pollard out of bounds in Week 12. Al-Shaair is appealing the suspension, but if it is upheld, he won't be eligible to return until Week 18 against the Titans. Houston is on their bye in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 3 9:50am CT
Jameis Winston

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit entered Monday night's showdown against the Cleveland Browns as a top-five defense in the NFL, but they were throttled by Jameis Winston and company to the tune of 32 points and 552 yards of total offense. However, they somehow still managed to put up a week-winning performance for fantasy managers by picking Winston off three times and returning two of the interceptions for game-changing touchdowns. Cornerback Levi Wallace was torched by former Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy all night, but Nick Bonitto and Ja'Quan McMillian bailed the defense out with two pick-sixes on the evening. Bonitto also had one of the team's three sacks as he continues his breakout 2024 campaign. Denver's D should tighten up coming off their bye in Week 14, and their D/ST will be a must-start in fantasy in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Dec 3 9:40am CT
Wil Lutz

While Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz didn't go off like he did in the Week 12 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, he was still very solid for fantasy managers in the 41-32 victory over the visiting Cleveland Browns on Monday night in Week 13. Lutz stayed on point by making both of his field-goal attempts (long of 36 yards) and all five of his extra points for 11 total points on the evening in a game where both defenses looked gassed. With yet another strong performance on Monday night, Lutz now ranks third among all kickers in 2024 in overall fantasy points and has double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back contests. The Broncos will head on their bye in Week 14 before facing the Colts at home in Week 15, where Lutz should remain a top-10 option for fantasy managers at the kicking position. The 30-year-old has missed just three of 29 field-goal tries and made all of his 31 extra points.

From RotoBaller

Michael Burton Dec 3 9:10am CT
Michael Burton

Denver Broncos fullback Michael Burton surprisingly scored just the second touchdown of his career in Monday night's 41-32 shootout win over the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field in Denver. Burton had only one carry on the night, but he made it count, plunging into the end zone from one yard out for the Broncos' second rushing score of the evening in a game that featured big plays all night. It was the 32-year-old's sixth carry of the year in 13 games, and Burton has only run for five yards all season on his six carries. In addition to his six carries, Burton has caught all seven of his targets for 46 yards (6.6 yards per reception). Burton will continue to operate as Denver's fullback the rest of the season, but he's nowhere near the fantasy radar and mainly contributes on special teams.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Dec 3 9:10am CT
Devaughn Vele

The Monday night game between the Denver Broncos and visiting Cleveland Browns featured plenty of explosive plays on offense and defense, but rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele wasn't involved in any of them. Vele only caught one of his four targets for a 16-yard pickup early in the first half that set the Broncos up near the goal line. It was a disappointing outing for the 26-year-old seventh-rounder out of Utah after he had six receptions for a season-high 80 yards in last week's win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. He was looking like Denver's No. 2 behind Courtland Sutton in recent weeks, but his four targets on Monday night tied him for third on the team against Cleveland. Vele is going to stay involved in Denver's ascending offense, but with Josh Reynolds (hand) likely back after the Week 14 bye, he could have even more competition for targets for the final four games of the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Dec 3 6:00am CT
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught eight of his 14 targets for 111 yards in a wild 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 13's Monday night game. Moore finished second on the team in targets, behind only David Njoku, while posting his best yardage total of the season for the Browns. The veteran slot receiver has been reinvigorated since the Browns turned to Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback, elevating him to every-week WR3 status in fantasy leagues. He will now prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 3 6:00am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught nine of his 17 targets for 52 yards and two touchdowns in a 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 13's Monday night game. Njoku set a career-high with his 17 targets while scoring on eight and four-yard receptions in the first half. The veteran tight end now has caught 49 passes for 397 yards and four touchdowns in nine games this season. A locked-in TE1 in fantasy the rest of the way, Njoku will now prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Dec 3 6:00am CT
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made one of his two field-goal attempts and added three extra points in a 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 13's Monday night game. Hopkins' lone field goal came from 45 yards out while he misfired on a 47-yard attempt in the first quarter. The veteran kicker has struggled with his accuracy this season as he's hit just 16 of his 23 attempts through 12 games. Hopkins will look to bounce back in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. He made his lone attempt, a 34-yarder, back when these two teams met in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Dec 3 5:50am CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught nine of his 13 targets for 235 yards and a touchdown in a 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 13's Monday night game. Jeudy set a career-high in receiving yards while also setting an NFL record for the most receiving yards against a former team in the wild loss. The veteran wideout got things started early with a 44-yard reception on Cleveland's first drive. It could have been an even bigger game for Jeudy, who got wide-open in the second quarter and would have likely scored a touchdown if Jameis Winston hadn't badly overthrown him. Jeudy now ranks fifth in the NFL with 880 receiving yards after his huge performance on Monday night. Now an every-week must-start in fantasy, Jeudy will look to keep it rolling in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jeudy caught six passes for 85 yards back in Week 12 when these two teams met.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Dec 3 5:40am CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb carried the ball nine times for 21 yards while adding two catches for 24 yards and a touchdown in a 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 13's Monday night game. Chubb struggled to get much going on the ground in the high-scoring loss, which prompted the Browns to air it out in the second half. The veteran running back was fortunately able to salvage his fantasy outing with a five-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 31-31. Chubb has struggled on the ground in his six games, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry, but he has shown a nose for the end zone in scoring four all-purpose TDs. He will be a high-end RB3 in Week 14's road matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He scored twice back when these two teams faced off in Cleveland in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Dec 3 5:40am CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball nine times for 41 yards and added a 21-yard reception in a 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 13's Monday night game. While Nick Chubb struggled, Ford looked explosive, ripping off several long gains and averaging 4.6 yards per carry. It goes as his best performance on the ground since October 6 against the Washington Commanders. That being said, Cleveland is committed to running Chubb on early downs and near the goal line, which will limit Ford's ceiling in fantasy. He remains a solid handcuff option but doesn't hold much standalone value with Chubb healthy. Ford will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 3 5:30am CT
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston completed 34 of his 58 passes for 497 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions while adding 11 yards on three rushes in a 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 13's Monday night game. Winston gave fans a classic mixed bag performance as he set a personal and Browns team record with 497 passing yards but also threw two pick-sixes, including a back-breaking one with 1:48 left on the clock and his team needing just a field goal to take the lead. Winston threw two touchdown passes to David Njoku while finding Jerry Jeudy and Nick Chubb for his other two scores. The veteran quarterback has posted big numbers for the Browns this season, throwing for 1,763 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He will be a QB2 in fantasy in Week 14 when the Browns travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Michael Burton Dec 3 12:43am CT
Michael Burton

Denver Broncos FB Michael Burton had a 1-yard rushing touchdown in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns on his only touch.

From TheHuddle

Courtland Sutton Dec 3 12:43am CT
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton posted six receptions for 102 yards and a team-best nine targets in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns.

Fantasy Spin: Sutton has really jelled nicely with rookie QB Bo Nix, posting 70 or more yards in six consecutive games after getting blanked in New Orleans on Oct. 17. He has three touchdowns in the past four games, too. Sutton has emerged as a solid low-end WR1 in PPR leagues of 12 or more teams, while serving as a WR2 in most other formats. However, you need to reserve him for Week 14, as the Broncos are on a bye.

From TheHuddle

Javonte Williams Dec 3 12:10am CT
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams found the end zone on the ground for the second time in the last three weeks, but it came with minimal production in the 41-32 Monday night win over the visiting Cleveland Browns. In addition to the touchdown plunge at the goal line, Williams had only four carries for one yard and caught one of his two targets for just three yards. The story for the 24-year-old was similar to last week's win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, when he had 10 touches that netted four total yards. The five total touches were his second-fewest of the season in a night when both offenses seemingly couldn't be stopped. Additionally, teammate Jaleel McLaughlin led Denver's backfield for a second straight week. Williams continues to be inefficient when he touches the ball and cannot be trusted as much of an RB3/flex coming out of their Week 14 bye to face the Colts in Week 15.

From RotoBaller