Thu Nov 14 4:07am ET
Field Level Media
Revenge might be best served in the playoffs, but the Buffalo Bills are in position to score a few points toward redemption when they welcome the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
The Bills (8-2) appear to be the greatest impediment standing in the way of the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs becoming the first NFL team to go undefeated in the regular season since the New England Patriots in 2007.
History and hyperbole are plentiful as the Chiefs (9-0) land in Buffalo for what is being framed as the marquee game of Week 11 and potentially the 2024 regular season.
Based on recent matchups between these rivals, the final minutes are likely to be worth the wait yet again in this storybook series. The Chiefs have come from behind eight times this season, while the Bills have won three teams when trailing at the half.
It's just the fifth time since 1970 that NFL teams with eight or more wins meet in Week 11 or sooner. The home team won each of the previous four matchups.
Kansas City is attempting to become the first team to go undefeated in a 17-game regular season.
It's tough to discern where the momentum stands even with the Chiefs entering the game undefeated.
They needed a last-second blocked field goal to knock off the Denver Broncos last week, sparking Mahomes to send a warning to his teammates.
"I mean, you're playing the best. The best of the best. That's what you want in this league," he said of facing Josh Allen and the Bills. "I've been able to go up against Josh a multitude of times, and every single game it seems like it comes down to the very end. He is a guy that competes and has that fire. I think you can see that fire that he plays with and that kind of goes through his entire team."
Buffalo, which has won five consecutive wins overall, has claimed the past three regular-season games in the series, all of which were played in Kansas City. And the Bills can still tap into a revenge factor. The eventual repeat Super Bowl champion Chiefs eliminated the Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs 27-24 at Buffalo in January.
Despite owning good individual stats against Kansas City, Allen is focusing on the bottom line.
"I know we haven't beat them in the playoffs," he said on Wednesday, "so that's the only thing that really matters."
The matchup features two of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL: two-time MVP Mahomes and the decorated but overshadowed Allen.
Their offenses have been getting the job done in different ways. Although Mahomes has just three more touchdowns (12) than interceptions, Kansas City hangs onto the ball thanks to a league-leading third-down conversion rate (52 percent).
The Bills are tied for third in points per game (29) -- the Chiefs average 24.3 -- and Allen didn't throw two picks in a game until a win over the Indianapolis Colts last week.
Buffalo leads the NFL in turnover margin at plus-13. And the Bills bring a respectable defense of their own. The group is allowing just 19.3 points per game and has 19 takeaways, the latter figure ranking second in the league.
Red-zone defense figures to be paramount against a Chiefs offense that keys off Mahomes' dynamic decision-making and threat to run or unleash brazen throws.
Buffalo allows touchdowns on just 47.2 percent of red-zone incursions (eighth in the NFL), while the Chiefs have scored on 53.6 percent of the time (13th).
The Kansas City defense, meanwhile, allows just 17.9 points per game (tied for fifth best) and is fourth in yards allowed (289.9).
"I think they do a great job switching the looks that they're giving," Allen said. "Obviously, we know Chris Jones is a game-wrecker, one of the best if not the best interior D linemen in the game right now. You pair that up with some of their DBs and linebackers and they're flying all over the field. ... We're going to have our hands full."
Allen is tied for fourth in the NFL with 17 touchdown passes. All four of his interceptions this season have come in the past three games.
"He's doing a great job with the ball," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He's using everybody and he's not forcing anything in there, obviously, so I think he's doing great with his decision-making."
However, Allen's decimated receiving corps will present another difficult scenario against Kansas City. Rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) will be absent on Sunday, and wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) is questionable.
Buffalo outside linebacker Matt Milano (biceps) also was ruled out, while right tackle Spencer Brown (ankle) was listed as questionable.
Kansas City will be without kicker Harrison Butker, who underwent left knee surgery on Friday. He landed on injured reserve, with the Chiefs adding Spencer Shrader of the New York Jets' practice squad as a replacement.
The Chiefs had some encouraging injury news this week with defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) returning to practice. Neither will play on Sunday, though. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is expected to return.
After Sunday, the Chiefs finish the regular season with the Panthers, Raiders, Chargers, Browns, Texans, Steelers and Broncos. Those teams have averaged four wins so far this season. Only the Chargers, Texans and Steelers currently have a winning record. Kansas City beat the Chargers 17-10 in Los Angeles on Sept. 29.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 14
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft continued his fine fantasy season as he got into the end zone in the Packers' 34-31 loss to the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions in Week 14. Kraft caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Love in the third quarter; his only touchdown pass of the night. With only 20 passing attempts, there wasn't much volume to be had by the Packers' pass-catchers, but Kraft reeled 3-of-5 targets for 41 yards. Next up for the Packers is a date with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15 where Kraft should be considered a low-end TE1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was solid but unspectacular in the Packers' 34-31 loss to the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions in Week 14. Wicks had extended playing time thanks to Romeo Doubs (concussion) being ruled out and was moderately productive, bringing in 4-of-5 targets for 49 receiving yards. Two of his receptions in back-to-back plays of 28 and 12 yards directly led to great field position where the Packers eventually settled for a game-tying field goal. The Packers will head west to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in Week 15 and if Doubs remains out, Wicks will be a low-end flex option for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson posted his second 100-yard game in the last four contests as the Packers lost 34-31 to the Detroit Lions. Watson led the Packers with seven targets and caught four passes for 114 yards, pacing the Packers on the receiving end of things. After losing a fumble at the end of the first quarter, Watson made a few long catches, including a 59-yard reception in the third quarter. With Romeo Doubs (concussion) out for Week 14, Watson got some extended playing time and took advantage with a big game on not a ton of volume. Depending on the health of Doubs, Watson will once again be a boom-or-bust fantasy flex when the Packers head west to Seattle to face the Seahawks in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs provided most of the Packers' scoring as he was a massive part of the Packers' game plan in their eventual 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions. Jacobs was solid on the ground, piling up 66 yards on the ground on 18 rushing attempts, but he scored three times to highlight Jacobs' stellar performance. Pacing the Packers' offense as the closer to three of their four touchdown drives, Jacobs plunged in a one-yard score in the second quarter, a six-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and a four-yard plunge. Jacobs almost had a fourth touchdown through the air as well, if not for an offensive pass interference penalty. Week 14 was Jacobs' second three-touchdown game in the last three games, so Jacobs is clearly a must-start fantasy option at running back heading into Week 15's tilt against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was a bit of a disappointment in the Packers' 34-31 last-second loss to the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions in Week 14. Love only had 20 pass attempts, completing 12-of-20 pass attempts for 206 yards and a single touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft in the beginning of the third quarter. On the ground, Love also added 23 yards on the ground, most of that coming from an eight-yard scramble in the first drive and then a 14-yard scramble in the second quarter. Without much in the way of passing volume, it would have taken extreme efficiency for Love to thrive from a fantasy perspective. He'll look to improve in Week 15, where he and the Packers will travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Consider Love a back-end fantasy QB1 for that matchup.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was nowhere to be found in the Packers' 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 14. Coming into this matchup with the Lions, Reed was expected to have an excellent game against Detroit, who has been vulnerable as they have given up the most receiving yards to opposing slot wide receivers this season. All the Lions did was completely blank Reed from the stat sheet, as Reed only registered one target and reeled in zero catches on the night. Week 14's game was a disappointing outcome for Reed and the Packers, who only had only 24 dropbacks and just 20 pass attempts. The Packers will have a long week to think about this loss as they'll take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, where Reed will be a volatile fantasy WR3 who will no doubt look to bounce back from this goose-egg.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie safety Evan Williams (concussion) suffered a concussion on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival Detroit Lions and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. Williams suffered the concussion in the first half and will not be allowed to come back into the game in the second half. That will make things more difficult for the Packers' defense the rest of the way against one of the best offenses in football. Williams, who was a fourth-round pick this year, came into Thursday's game with 45 tackles (28 solo), an interception, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in his first 11 games (four starts). Javon Bullard will see more playing time for however long Williams remains out. The good news for Williams is he'll have extra time to try and clear the league's concussion protocol before Green Bay's next game on Dec. 15 against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (head) suffered a head injury on Thursday night against the division-rival Green Bay Packers and was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion before eventually being ruled out for the rest of the contest in the second half. The Lions defense can ill-afford any more injuries to their defensive line. All-Pro pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) is already out for the year, and the Lions were also missing three other defensive linemen due to injury coming into the Week 14 game. For the rest of the game on Thursday evening, the Lions will be forced to test their depth with Brodric Martin and Myles Adams. The good news is McNeill will have extra time to recover before the Lions face the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 on Sunday, Dec. 15.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) practiced in full during Thursday's session. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about Mayfield's status after back-to-back full practice sessions to begin the week. Mayfield briefly exited during last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. Afterwards, head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield was dealing with some soreness, but it's going to take more than that to get him off the field. Fantasy managers should go ahead and plug in Mayfield as a QB1 for Sunday's plus matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (Achilles) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. Mooney was back on the practice field here after sitting out on Wednesday due to rest purposes. The 27-year-old has been dealing with an Achilles issue, but it doesn't appear to be something that is going to hold him out of action. Fantasy managers should expect Mooney to be ready for the Week 14 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Mooney has five receptions for 47 yards over his last two games. He should be considered a WR3 for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (ankle, wrist) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This is now back-to-back full practice sessions for Oliver ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Oliver appears to be on track to return from a two-game absence on Sunday. However, his fantasy value is likely going to be limited with T.J. Hockenson back in the fold. The expectation is that Oliver will serve as the No. 2 tight end, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect Oliver to be a viable fantasy option. He could see a few targets, but probably won't be enough to warrant keeping him rostered in most fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (quad) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This is good news after Reichard was designated to return from the injured reserve on Wednesday. He has missed each of the last four games due to a strained quad. Reichard has been able to get in back-to-back full practice sessions which puts him in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. This season, Reichard has connected on 14-of-16 field goal attempts and all of his extra points tries. He'll be worth looking at as a streaming option, assuming he's active for Sunday's game.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers added Laviska Shenault Jr. to their practice squad on Thursday. Shenault was waived by the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, so it didn't take him long to find a new home. The former second-round pick was been quiet this season with five receptions for 36 yards in 11 games. He hasn't done much in the league since his first two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was likely just a move to add experienced depth to their roster. In a corresponding move, fellow wideout Dez Fitzpatrick has been cut from the practice squad. The former fourth-round pick has five receptions for 49 yards over the course of his first three professional seasons. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as depth going forward.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle, calf) was downgraded to a non-participant in Thursday's practice after being limited the day before. Not only is a mid-week downgrade bad news for Walker, but these are both new injuries for him this year after previous battling through an oblique ailment earlier in 2024. Fantasy managers that have the 24-year-old rostered should be looking to add Zach Charbonnet if he's available on the waiver wire just in case Walker cannot get the green light to play against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in the desert in Week 14. In the two game that Charbonnet started in Weeks 2 and 3 with Walker unavailable, he had 32 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns as Seattle's lead back. The volume increase alone would make Charbonnet at least an RB2 in fantasy if Walker is out this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant for the team's practice on Thursday after he was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Metcalf recently missed some time with a knee injury, but it's his shoulder that is bothering him now. The 26-year-old missed the first two practices last week with his shoulder ailment but returned to practice on Friday and was active for the Week 13 win over the New York Jets, catching four of nine targets for 66 yards. Mid-week downgrades usually aren't good news, but fantasy managers should feel better about the fact that Metcalf missed two practices a week ago and still played. If he returns to practice on Friday, there's a good chance he'll have a shot to play on Sunday versus the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. If Metcalf can't play, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett would see more targets.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 5.
Fantasy Spin: Stafford's injury should not limit his play this week against the Buffalo Bills. He has been playing well recently with eight touchdowns in his last three games and could be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in some deeper leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 5.
Fantasy Spin: Head coach Sean McVay indicated that Higbee likely will need more time before returning to the lineup, so fantasy players should not count on him playing this week.
From TheHuddle
The Detroit Lions have declared OG Kayode Awosika, DL D.J. Reader, DT Levi Onwuzurike, OT Taylor Decker, CB Emmanuel Moseley, OT Giovanni Manu and DE Josh Paschal inactive for Week 14.
From TheHuddle
The Green Bay Packers have declared CB Jaire Alexander, WR Romeo Doubs, LB Edgerrin Cooper, CB Corey Ballentine and C Jacob Monk inactive for Week 14.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (non-injury) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 5.
Fantasy Spin: Kupp has been productive since returning from injury but was held to only 17 yards last week. He should see plenty of targets this week and can be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle