Thu Nov 14 8:36am ET
Field Level Media
The presence of two top quarterbacks in Inglewood, Calif., is at least part of the reason why the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals were hand-picked to face each other in prime time and on national television Sunday night.
Flexed into the late Sunday window, the Chargers (6-3) are on a three-game winning streak behind Justin Herbert and are pointed toward the playoffs just past the midway point of the schedule.
The Bengals (4-6) still have work to do to move into playoff eligibility behind Joe Burrow, but they are just one game out of the final AFC postseason spot despite a sub-.500 record.
Perhaps more than a clash of quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2020 draft, Sunday's meeting is about the Bengals' elite offense against the Chargers' much-improved defense that still is trying to prove it is as good as the numbers suggest.
The Bengals average 27 points per game, fifth in the NFL. The Chargers have allowed an NFL-best 13.1 points per game, but a relatively easy schedule has created skeptics. Their current winning streak has come against the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans, whom they got past 27-17 last Sunday.
The Chargers finally have been able to develop an identity, something new head coach Jim Harbaugh said he was searching for into the first month of the season.
"I know what our guys are now," Harbaugh said this week. "... They're going to play as hard as they can, as fast as they can, as long as they can. Big challenge (on Sunday). I know our guys are not afraid of any challenge, any new challenge, and they're going to attack it."
Herbert had just 164 yards passing and a touchdown in Sunday's victory, while the Chargers' defense recorded seven sacks, even as star outside linebacker Khalil Mack (groin) was limited to four plays. Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu each had two sacks.
The Chargers' 31 total sacks are tied for fourth in the NFL heading into Week 11.
Los Angeles enters the game with cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring) as questionable, though Mack did not practice all week and it is unclear if he will play.
The Bengals enter with the fourth-best passing offense in the NFL at an average of 254.8 yards per game. Burrow's 2,672 passing yards lead the NFL, while his 24 TD passes are tied for the top spot.
Still, his four TD passes in Week 10 were not enough as the Baltimore Ravens pulled out a 35-34 victory in another prime-time game on Nov. 7.
The mini-bye game gave Cincinnati ample time to prepare for another member of the Harbaugh family. After the loss to brother John Harbaugh's Ravens, it's now time for Jim Harbaugh's Chargers.
"They're going to run the ball well, get into manageable third downs, they're not going turn it over, keep everything in front on defense and try to shorten the game," Burrow said of the Chargers while referencing a similarity to the Ravens. "We have to find ways to take our opportunities down the field."
Ja'Marr Chase had 11 receptions for 264 yards against the Ravens, including three touchdowns. His final TD catch came with 38 seconds remaining to bring Cincinnati within one, but a two-point conversion failed.
"We're just trying to find wins at this point," Burrow said. "You'd like one to turn into two to turn into three. But the only way you can do that is to focus on the day to day."
Burrow is one of four Cincinnati players whose status is listed as unspecified. Dealing with right wrist and left biceps injuries, he did practice in full Friday. Of the other players listed as unspecified, guard Alex Cappa (illness) and linebacker Logan Wilson (quadricep) practiced in full Friday while wide receiver Tee Higgins (quad) was limited.
Wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin) will miss the game after failing to practice all week, while linebacker Joe Bachie (hip), who also missed practice all week, is listed as doubtful. Offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (knee/fibula), defensive end Trey Hendrickson (knee/illness/rest) and defensive tackle B.J. Hill (knee) are questionable.
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