Thu Nov 14 3:25am ET
Field Level Media
Week 11 arrived and with it the start of the AFC North schedule for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As luck would have it, the Steelers open division play with a showdown for first place when they host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Pittsburgh certainly has confidence with seven wins in the past eight meetings with Baltimore.
The Ravens (7-3) are 2-1 against AFC North opponents and looking to unseat first-place Pittsburgh (7-2).
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin isn't the least bit concerned about a schedule that calls for the Steelers to play four straight division opponents and six of eight against the AFC North to end the regular season.
"I don't care," Tomlin said on Wednesday. "I'll play them whenever they schedule us. We've got no control over the schedule. Our goal is to beat everybody, but specifically week to week, we get singly focused on this week's opponent, and so I'd be making it up if I told you I cared about the schedule of when we face people. I don't."
After the tussle with the Ravens, Pittsburgh goes on the road to play the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals before hosting the Browns.
The Steelers have thrived no matter the opponent in recent weeks, winning four straight games and averaging 30.8 points during the span.
Russell Wilson has been the starter for the past three victories, including a 28-27 road win over the Washington Commanders last week.
Baltimore swept two division shootouts against the Bengals -- including a 35-34 home win last week -- and lost to the Browns.
While some pointed to a "soft" schedule as fuel for the Steelers' fast start, Baltimore began the season with losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.
The Ravens have won seven of their past eight games with a red-hot offense scoring 28 or more points in all but one contest while averaging 34.4 during that stretch.
Lamar Jackson-led Baltimore tops the NFL in both scoring offense (31.8 points per game) and total offense (440.2 yards per game). The Steelers are in second in scoring defense (16.2).
Pittsburgh linebacker Patrick Queen spent the previous four seasons as Jackson's teammate. Now he has to figure out how to slow him down.
"He wants to win," Queen said of Jackson. "He'll do whatever it takes to win, and he knows what it takes. So just from my perspective, just going against him, just being able not to tackle him in practice, finally get a chance to actually tackle him, that should be fun.
"He's just a great competitor, he's a great athlete. He can do whatever he wants on the field as we all know. So for me, it's just going against the best."
There is one mark Jackson isn't highly fond of: He is 1-3 all-time as a starting quarterback against the Steelers. Jackson is highly motivated to reverse the trend.
"It's a new year, I'm looking forward to the game," Jackson said. "I'm just focused right now, I'm having fun. I hate everybody in the league -- well, every team in the league -- when I'm going against them."
Whereas the Ravens are introducing Derrick Henry to the division rivalry, this will be the first time the Steelers deploy Wilson at quarterback against Baltimore.
Henry leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,120), rushing touchdowns (12) and yards per carry (6.09).
Pittsburgh acquired Wilson after he was released by the Denver Broncos in the offseason.
"They're a very good offense. Russ brings a lot to the table, kind of playing the way he plays," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Wilson. "We're getting ready to play our best defensive game on Sunday."
Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet (calf) was the lone Baltimore player to miss practice Friday, and he is out for the game. Defensive tackle Travis Jones (ankle) was limited Friday and is questionable. Star safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle) and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (illness) returned to full practice Friday and have no game designation.
Steelers standout linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) was injured against the Commanders and is ruled out for Week 11, as is cornerback C.J. Henderson (neck).
Tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) did not practice all week and is listed as doubtful. Running back Jaylen Warren (back) and cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) are listed as questionable, though Trice was able to practice in full Friday while Warren was limited.
Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 13
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (rib) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's Week 13 contest against the Tennessee Titans. He has since been taken to the locker room and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had caught three of four targets for 27 yards through the air. Brown has been the Commanders' de facto No. 2 wide receiver this season, and his absence will lead to additional opportunities for Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, and Luke McCaffrey.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee) caught nine of 11 targets for 117 yards before exiting during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. McConkey was seen limping repeatedly throughout the game, and the injury evidently worsened enough that the rookie needed to depart the contest in the final quarter. The Chargers listed McConkey as questionable to return, but he ultimately stayed on the sideline for the rest of the game. He has been one of the NFL's most productive rookie receivers this season, catching 58 passes for 815 yards and four touchdowns. He'll rank as a WR2 in Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs, but only if he's healthy enough to play. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on the Chargers' injury reports next week.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (shoulder) has returned to Sunday's Week 13 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He missed roughly six minutes of game time as the Texans evaluated his injury, listed him as questionable, and cleared him to return. He'll look to build on his four-catch, 39-yard effort over the final 16-plus minutes of Sunday's game, but his role could be reduced if the Texans adopt a run-heavy approach with a 10-point lead over the Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (head) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was initially listed as questionable upon exiting midway through Sunday's game. Austin finishes the contest with two catches for 29 yards and one touchdown. He has effectively served as the Steelers' No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens this season, amassing 22 catches, 383 yards, and four touchdowns through 12 games. Fantasy managers should monitor the Steelers' injury reports next week to get more information on Austin's potential availability for Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. In the meantime, Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek should see additional opportunities in the passing game with Austin sidelined.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (shoulder) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is officially questionable to return. Schultz landed hard on his shoulder after hurdling over a defender, and he hasn't been on the field since. At the time of his departure, he had caught four of his five targets for 39 yards. Cade Stover will step up as the Texans' primary tight end until Schultz can return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (thigh) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had made three tackles, bringing his season total to 34. The Jaguars suddenly find themselves shorthanded at cornerback with Campbell sidelined and Jarrian Jones ejected. As a result, Montaric Brown should earn more defensive snaps until Campbell can return.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) was seen at practice on Sunday after suffering a concussion last week against the 49ers. This is a good sign in terms of his availability for their Week 14 matchup against the Detroit Lions. So far this season, Doubs has amassed 34 receptions for 483 yards and two touchdowns. If he's able to suit up, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed will have to split some more targets between the three of them.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (coach's decision) and linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring, neck) are both inactive for Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mitchell is a healthy scratch after he was not listed on the injury report. Rasheen Ali is expected to operate as the Ravens' No. 3 receiver in his absence. On the defensive side, Van Noy's absence was expected after the Ravens listed him as doubtful on their final injury report. He will miss his second consecutive game, creating additional defensive opportunities for Tavius Robinson.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) is officially active for Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after logging a full practice on Friday. The 29-year-old has just 124 rushing yards, 21 receiving yards, and one touchdown this season. He's listed as the Saints' No. 2 running back but could actually be third in the pecking order behind both Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. Williams should be left on fantasy waivers in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee, foot) is officially active for Week 13 against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. Wirfs returns from a one-game absence and will be tasked with protecting Baker Mayfield's blindside in this divisional battle on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (head) is being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return on Sunday. The speedy wideout took a few big hits but didn't have to leave the game until the third quarter. Van Jefferson and Mike Williams will have to step up alongside George Pickens to fill in the gap. The backfield could get more involved in the passing game as well.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Smith went through a thorough pregame workout, and although it was reported that he wanted to play, the Eagles will ultimately hold him out Sunday. Smith's absence should lead to additional opportunities for A.J. Brown, Dallas Goedert, and Jahan Dotson in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
Correcting a previous report, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram actually remained in the game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Engram was flagged for retaliating against Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for delivering a dirty hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence that knocked him out of the game. Engram was not, however, ejected from the game. Al-Shaair and cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected instead. Quarterback Mac Jones will be under center while Engram tries to get some revenge in the scoring department.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (head/concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. As he tried to slide for a first down, Azeez Al-Shaair delivered a cheap shot straight to Lawrence's head. The Jaguars retaliated for the dirty hit while Lawrence had to be carted off the field and will be tested for a concussion. Mac Jones has taken over under center for the rest of the game.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been ejected after he retaliated against Aziz Al-Shaair for a dirty hit on Trevor Lawrence. Al-Shaair delivered a big hit straight to Lawrence's head when he slid for a first down. Engram went after the linebacker and was later ejected for fighting and Lawrence had to be carted off the field. That means he'll finish the game with one catch for three yards, and Brenton Strange will step up as the next tight end.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are pleased with the recent progression of quarterback Bryce Young. As a result, Carolina isn't expected to select a quarterback "early" in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old struggled to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Although he still has a long way to go, he has at least thrown for over 224 yards in two of his previous four appearances. With that in mind, Young's job is far from secure. But as long as he continues to show improvement, it appears he'll remain under center. Still, the signal-caller has work to do before earning a consistent spot in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free-agent safety Jamal Adams will sign with the Lions. He'll be added to the practice squad. However, Schefter indicated that there's an "idea he'll be elevated to Detroit's roster." The multi-time Pro Bowler agreed to a contract with the Titans in July. But he played sparingly in Tennessee and was released in October. Adams has appeared in 83 regular-season games for the Jets, Seahawks, and Titans throughout his career, totaling 498 tackles with 21.5 sacks and four interceptions. Granted, he is no longer the player he once was. Still, his presence will at least add another veteran voice for a team looking to win a Super Bowl.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark is officially active for Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons. This is noteworthy given that Chark missed the early portion of the season due to a hip injury and has been a healthy scratch on numerous occasions since being activated from injured reserve. In fact, he has only been on the field for one offensive snap this season and has failed to log a target. Moving forward, he remains buried behind Ladd McConkey, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, and Jalen Reagor on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This was widely expected given that he entered the weekend listed as doubtful. Highsmith is now set to miss his third consecutive game and sixth game this season. Through the six contests for which he has been healthy, the 27-year-old has 19 tackles and three sacks. He'll be replaced by Nick Herbig on the defensive side of the ball.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 13 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing all three practices leading up to this weekend. Wilson had previously appeared in all 11 games this season, totaling 104 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Joe Bachie should earn more defensive snaps for the duration of Wilson's absence.
From RotoBaller