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FFL: Week 12 | NFL: Week 12

Raheem Morris praises Kirk Cousins, team effort in Falcons' first win in 6 weeks

Mon Nov 24 5:09pm ET
Field Level Media

For the first time in six weeks, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris had a reason to smile in his weekly Monday press conference.

Atlanta (4-7) snapped a five-game losing streak with a 24-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, despite the absence of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and leading receiver Drake London. Penix suffered a season-ending partially torn ACL against the Carolina Panthers last week, while London exited that day with a sprained PCL and missed his first game of the year.

Veteran Kirk Cousins threw for 199 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the win Sunday, after serving in a backup role for the majority of the first 11 weeks.

"It's absolutely outstanding," Morris said Monday of Cousins' leadership skills. "It was the whole reason, the purpose of being so adamant about having Kirk be a part of this football team. You're talking about a great guy, a great human. A guy that we brought in here to be a starter. ... His number was called and he was able to go out there and execute for us and get a win."

The win kept Atlanta's slim postseason hopes alive, with ESPN giving the Falcons a 1.5% chance of ending their seven-year playoff drought.

For Morris, putting an end to the franchise's longest losing skid in five years was a step in the right direction, even in a disappointing season.

"Really fired up about the tape," Morris said. "Really fired up about the guys and what they were able to do and accomplish as a team. It was a big-time team win for us and I was proud of the guys."

Likely needing to win out to have an opportunity to earn a playoff spot, the Falcons will face the lowly New York Jets (2-9) on Sunday, a matchup with history between the two head coaches.

"I was an intern with the Jets when (current head coach) Aaron Glenn was the starting cornerback, so I know Aaron well," Morris said. "I've obviously been able to stay in contact with Aaron over the years and watched his coaching career grow. He's been up there forming a young football team that's ready to come out and play. He's got some really good football players, so we'll go up there and try to find a way to win."

Morris didn't give an update on London's availability for Week 13, but addressed the importance of keeping Penix and rookie cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. -- who tore his Achilles in practice on Friday -- in the loop.

"You definitely want to keep those guys fresh," Morris said. "You want to keep those guys within the game plans. You definitely want to keep those guys knowing exactly what's going on."

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Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 12

Player Notes
Jonathan Taylor Nov 24 4:13pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Dynasty | Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had 58 rushing yards, two catches, and eight receiving yards in a loss to the Chiefs. Dynasty Analysis: The Chiefs sold out to stop Taylor and did about as well as you could in this one. It was a buzzkill for dynasty managers who have been in position to win just about every week as Taylor has been this year's fantasy MVP. This does nothing to stop that notion and just reinforces that everyone is human. His ADP and ranking aren't going anywhere.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Caleb Williams Nov 24 4:13pm ET
Caleb Williams

Dynasty | Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 19-of-35 passes for 239 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against Pittsburgh. Dynasty Analysis: Williams still has a ways to go in terms of his accuracy and completion percentage but it's also hard to argue the fact he has just four interceptions on the season. While not a truly elite option quite yet, Williams is quickly showing the Bears made a good investment by taking him first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His ADP and ranking are still rising as he's quickly becoming a top fantasy asset.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Drake Maye Nov 24 4:13pm ET
Drake Maye

Dynasty | Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson had 66 rushing yards, three catches, and 15 receiving yards in a win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: He didn't score and that was disappointing. However, the real story here is the fact he had 18 carries and Rhamondre Stevenson only had six upon his return. In short, Henderson looks to have taken over the Patriots backfield and that's huge news for the stretch run. With Drake Maye and New England playing so well (10-2), it's fair to say Henderson could be a league winner this year. If you bought low, congratulations. If you didn't, it's too late.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jonathan Taylor Nov 24 4:13pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Dynasty | Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 219 rushing yards, 11 catches, 45 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns in a win over the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: There are few running backs in the league who rip off runs of 15 yards on a weekly basis. Gibbs AVERAGED as much this week as his 14.6 yards per carry average, well, carried him to one of the biggest fantasy football performances in recent memory. A one-man wrecking crew of a runner, Gibbs remains a top dynasty asset and at least gained some ground on Jonathan Taylor to be this year's MVP.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Malik Nabers Nov 24 4:13pm ET
Malik Nabers

Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson had nine catches for 156 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Lions. Dynasty Analysis: The Giants have been bad this year (2-10) but Robinson continues to have a breakout year after the unfortunate season-ending injury to Malik Nabers. Now with 66 catches for 794 yards and three touchdowns, he has a legitimate chance to post more than 1,200 yards and get close to his career high of 93 catches from last season. Making the most of his contract year, his ADP and ranking continue to rise as it looks like he's poised to cash in this off-season. He's a sneaky good buy at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chris Godwin Nov 24 4:10pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Chris Godwin came out of Sunday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams fine, and the plan is to "ramp up his usage" for the next game in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Godwin played on Sunday night for the first time since fracturing his fibula back in Week 5. The 29-year-old pass-catcher was eased in, playing only 36% of the offensive snaps while catching two of his four targets for just nine yards. It's good news for his fantasy managers that his role will grow moving forward, but the problem is that starting quarterback Baker Mayfield might have to miss time with an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. The Bucs have a good matchup upcoming against Arizona, but Godwin will be tough to trust in fantasy on Sunday if Mayfield is out.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Nov 24 4:00pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) is back at practice on Monday, coming out of the team's bye week, according to head coach Dan Quinn. It's good news for McLaurin, but it doesn't guarantee that he'll be ready to return for the first time since Week 8 in Sunday night's matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. If the 30-year-old veteran can return this week, not only might he be on a limited snap count, but he'd be taking passes from backup quarterback Marcus Mariota in one of the worst matchups possible versus Denver's elite defense. McLaurin had his fifth straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2024, but he's battled injuries in 2025 and has only suited up for four games, catching 13 of 21 targets for 203 yards and one touchdown. Deebo Samuel Sr. will continue to operate as the team's WR1 if McLaurin isn't cleared by Sunday night.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Nov 24 3:40pm ET
Noah Brown

The Washington Commanders announced on Monday that they opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Noah Brown (groin, knee). Brown hasn't played since Week 2, but he's now eligible to officially be activated from Injured Reserve. Whether the 29-year-old is cleared to play on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos in Week 13 will depend on how much he's able to do in practice this week. There is an opportunity in Washington's receiving corps with Luke McCaffrey (collarbone) on IR and with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) not having played since Week 8. However, it could still take Brown another several weeks to work himself back into game shape after his long layoff. Before his injuries, the former seventh-round pick had caught just three passes for 36 yards and no touchdowns in two games. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues can continue to ignore Brown for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Max Brosmer Nov 24 3:30pm ET
Max Brosmer

If Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) isn't cleared from the league's concussion protocol in time, rookie undrafted free-agent QB Max Brosmer would make the start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in Week 13, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That would make Seattle's defense/special teams unit a must-start in all fantasy formats. Brosmer has seen action in four games in his first year in the NFL, going 5-for-8 for 42 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 24-year-old Minnesota product should handle first-team reps in practice early in the week with McCarthy still in the concussion protocol. McCarthy has really struggled as the starter under center in 2025 after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, but Brosmer could be a downgrade for the Vikings' offense if he's forced into action this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Nov 24 3:20pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) is considered a long shot to play on Sunday Night Football in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos after he was evaluated coming out of the team's bye week, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. However, Daniels has made progress from a dislocated left elbow and will return to practice this week. The 24-year-old second-year signal-caller suffered a gruesome dislocation of his left elbow back in the Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but luckily, he did not suffer any ligament damage or broken bones. Daniels probably won't play against Denver, but if he continues to make progress, he may be in consideration to start in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. After an impressive rookie season in which he led Washington to the NFC Championship game, Daniels hasn't been able to stay healthy in 2025, as he also missed several games earlier this year with a knee sprain.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Nov 24 3:20pm ET
Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that the ankle injury that rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) picked up late in Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns isn't severe, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Jeanty should have a chance to play in Week 13 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, but fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the 21-year-old's practice status this week. Jeanty struggled on the ground yet again in Week 12 against a strong Browns defense, but he still managed to go over 100 scrimmage yards and scored a touchdown on 25 touches. If healthy, Jeanty will continue to be the Raiders' clear RB1, but his fantasy upside is limited behind a bad offensive line in an offense that is averaging just 15 points per game, which is tied for last in the NFL. Raheem Mostert, Zamir White, and Dylan Laube could share backfield touches if Jeanty were to miss time.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Nov 24 3:10pm ET
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol after last seeing action in a Week 9 loss to the Broncos. The Texans have won three straight contests with Davis Mills under center, but head coach DeMeco Ryans made it clear on Monday that Stroud will reclaim the starting position once he clears protocol. There was optimism in the building that he could have returned in Week 12, had it not been for a short week of preparation to face the Bills on Thursday night; however, he will still need to progress through protocol this week to have a shot at starting against the Colts on Sunday. Texans number one receiver Nico Collins had turned in stellar fantasy performances in Mills' first two starts, but in a Thursday night win propelled by the team's smothering defense, he caught only three passes for 55 yards and was kept out of the endzone. The Colts represent a plus matchup in Week 13, making Collins a must-start regardless of the team's quarterback situation, while a healthy Stroud re-enters the streaming conversation.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Nov 24 3:00pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) has spent the season on Injured Reserve after breaking several bones in his neck and suffering a severe sprain in a scary-looking preseason fall, but according to head coach Todd Bowles, the belief is that he could return to action before the end of the regular season. As a rookie in 2024, McMillan came on strong down the stretch, finishing the season with more than 500 receiving yards, while his eight touchdown grabs trailed only Mike Evans amongst Buccaneers pass catchers. In 2025, the team has again struggled to maintain a healthy receiving corps, and with quarterback Baker Mayfield exiting Sunday night's loss to the Rams with a sprained AC joint, the team has lost its division lead over the Carolina Panthers after a third straight loss. If the Buccaneers hope to have any success down the stretch and into the playoffs, a return to health from some of their absent stars feels like a necessity.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Nov 24 2:40pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) has been rehabbing to get back onto the field, and according to head coach Todd Bowles, his return is expected to come before the end of the regular season. While Bowles was unable to provide an exact date, he pointed to the work being done by both Evans and second-year receiver Jalen McMillan as the team enters the stretch run of the season. Evans was placed on IR after exiting a Week 7 loss to the Lions with a concussion and broken collarbone. At the time, the team was 5-2, but after losing three straight games, they have fallen to 6-5, and in a season defined by injury, quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) was unable to finish Sunday night's game after spraining an AC joint on an end-of-half Hail Mary attempt. With the Buccaneers now holding the same record as the Carolina Panthers atop the division, a return to health is critical to their playoff chances.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Nov 24 2:20pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) has entered the league's concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following a Week 12 loss to the Packers. McCarthy was evaluated on Sunday night by the team's training staff and doctors, who then made the decision to place him into protocol. The Vikings will travel to Seattle for a Week 14 matchup with the Seahawks, and McCarthy will now need to clear protocol if the team hopes to have him available. Should he miss any time, the Vikings will turn to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. On the surface, this would seem to be a blow to the fantasy value of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the rest of the Vikings offense, but with McCarthy averaging fewer than 155 passing yards per game in six starts, while throwing 10 interceptions to only six touchdowns, any dip should be negligible. Fantasy managers should continue to trot out their underperforming stud receiver based on talent alone.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Nov 24 2:00pm ET
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor will remain the team's starting QB, according to Dennis Waszak Jr. "I thought he did a really good job for us. So, looking forward to seeing how he's going to operate moving forward -- because I know you guys want to ask me that question," head coach Aaron Glenn said on Monday. In his second start of the year, Taylor went 17-for-28 passing for a season-high 222 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 23-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The 36-year-old also added five carries for 19 yards. Although Taylor couldn't help the Jets win, he did improve the passing game slightly and will continue to make starts with Justin Fields sitting on the bench. Taylor brings a low ceiling in fantasy football, though, as a QB2/3 as he heads into a Week 13 meeting with the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Nov 24 1:50pm ET
Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns have named rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders as their starter for their Week 13 game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel (head) has cleared the concussion protocol, but the Browns will stick with Sanders after he impressed with 209 passing yards and a touchdown in Sunday's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Cleveland previously said that Gabriel would return to the starting role when he was cleared of his concussion, but the Browns will go back on that statement after they liked what they saw from Sanders in Week 12. The 23-year-old went 11-for-20 passing and also threw an interception, so it's not like he went off. He'll have a solid matchup against a banged-up 49ers defense in his second career start, but he should still be viewed as a low-end QB2 option in fantasy in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Dillon Gabriel Nov 24 1:50pm ET
Dillon Gabriel

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel (head) has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, according to Camryn Justice of WEWS. The Browns previously said that Gabriel would return to the starting role under center when he was cleared of his concussion, but that won't be the case, as they have named fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders as the starter for Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers after he led the team to their third win of the year in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. If Sanders continues to play well, the 24-year-old Gabriel could finish out his first year in the NFL in a backup role. Sanders didn't play exceptionally well in his first career start, but he did help the Browns stretch the field, something that Gabriel could not do. In eight games (six starts), Gabriel completed 59.2% of his passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two picks while averaging just 117.1 passing yards per game.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Nov 24 1:40pm ET
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on Monday that All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) will not play on Thursday in the Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Hendrickson will miss a fourth straight contest after aggravating a hip injury in the Week 8 loss to the New York Jets. The Bengals' defense/special teams will continue to be a unit to avoid in fantasy football, especially against the Ravens offense. The 30-year-old Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks a year ago, but he's only played in seven games so far in 2025 and has four sacks, 16 tackles (11 solo), eight QB hits, and a forced fumble for the Bengals. His next chance to return will be in a Week 14 game versus the Buffalo Bills on the road on Sunday, Dec. 7.

From RotoBaller

Tahj Brooks Nov 24 1:40pm ET
Tahj Brooks

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has ruled out rookie running back Tahj Brooks (concussion) for this Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Brooks suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, and on a short week, the 23-year-old won't be able to clear the league's concussion protocol. Veteran Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games due to injury and might not be available this week, either, so the Bengals' backfield could be extremely thin behind Chase Brown this week versus Baltimore. If Perine ends up missing a third straight game, expect Gary Brightwell to operate as Cincy's RB2 behind Brown on Turkey Day. Brooks has only nine rushing attempts in 11 games this year for 28 rushing yards.

From RotoBaller