NFL Player News

Woolen has missed two straight weeks with an ankle injury, though his limited practice to start the week bodes well for his Week 8 return. Fellow cornerbacks Tre Brown (ankle) and Nehemiah Pritchett (ankle) did not practice, keeping the secondary thin to begin the week.

Mooney looked no worse for the wear after tweaking his hamstring in Week 11, but he was held under 30 yards receiving for the second consecutive contest as Kirk Cousins’ struggles grew more concerning. It’s Cousins that has Mooney falling further down the WR3 ranks headed into a Week 14 matchup with the Vikings. The Vikes actually allow a healthy amount of receiver production, but they are going to eat Cousins alive if he continues to show as little arm strength and athleticism as he did on Sunday against the Chargers.

Corum rotated into the game on the Rams’ second possession, getting the Rams’ first backfield carries of the game. He showed burst, averaging 5.3 yards per carry against a weak Saints run defense. In true Sean McVay fashion, Kyren Williams carried the load the rest of the game while Corum was hardly seen outside of the second possession. Nevertheless, Corum has shown he can be efficient when given chances. He continues to rank as as a high-value handcuff the rest of the season.

Williams curiously did not see the first running back touches of the game, with Blake Corum rotating in on the second possession and seeing first carries against the Saints. However, Williams still proved to be the lead back, totaling 16 touches and a score with an efficient 6.9 yards per carry. He had less of the backfield share on the day, but fantasy managers should not be concerned just yet over Williams’ workload. Late season usage may lead to more breaks for him, but the high leverage carries still go Williams’ way and he will rank as a back-end RB1 against the Bills in Week 14.

Stafford and the Rams offense got off to a molasses-like slow start against the Saints. Having completed just 4-of-10 passes in the first half, Stafford had an improved second half, tossing both of his touchdowns with under 16 minutes left in the game. He connected with Demarcus Robinson and Puka Nacua for short-yardage scores and showed his usual, collected self as the Rams scored all of their 21 points in the second half to win. A tough Bills matchup is on the horizon for Week 14; Stafford will be in the QB2 ranks for fantasy.

Carr had an inefficient day, struggling to push the ball downfield in an increasingly banged-up Saints offense. He averaged five yards per attempt, with a flurry of short completions to Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. His sole touchdown pass was the longest completion of the day, connecting on a 28-yard score to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The Saints had a chance to tie on 4th-and-3 late in the fourth quarter but Carr was hit on a throw and the ball fell incomplete to seal the game for the Rams. He’s not the most exciting fantasy play, but Carr will be a top-20 quarterback option Week 14 against the Giants.

Active for the first time since Week 8 after being sidelined with a groin injury, Fant posted his standard 2024 statline. Fant at least has a floor, but it has been accompanied by zero ceiling this season. He’s an “if you have to” option in the TE18-24 range.

Ray’s injury was not immediately apparent. He remained down after a run play for some time and his stride appeared labored as he exited the field. Ray is notably playing with a large, round cast encompassing his right hand.

Lockett has now been held to 20-or-fewer yards in four of his past five appearances. Long one of the league’s ageless wonders, Lockett has now fallen miles behind DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for targets relevance. Lockett is waiver wire fodder for the season’s stretch run.

The 49ers remain shorthanded, most notably along the edges of both lines with Trent Williams and Nick Bosa out. The 49ers head to the east coast in desperate need of a win after the Seahawks secured a victory and with the Rams leading late in their Week 13 game.