Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow may return for the team’s Thanksgiving game despite recovering from a turf toe injury.
The Bengals have a 3-8 record and less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs this season.
Several of the team’s other key players, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are also injured or unavailable.

If you’re a proud member of Generation X, then maybe you used to catch the old “G.I. Joe” cartoon series after school. If so, then naturally you remember each episode ending with some concisely packaged life lesson with the tagline, ‘Knowing is half the battle.”

Joe Burrow isn’t old enough to have gleaned such wisdom from his faux military namesake. And, unfortunately, the injured Cincinnati Bengals superstar is employed by an organization known for its disproportionate focus on said battle – quite often at the expense of managing the war at large. But any hopes that a team on a downward spiral would prioritize its quarterback’s long-term health and embrace the need for a full-scale retreat in order to consolidate for a well-planned counterattack − in 2026 − were put on hold Monday.

‘I anticipate him playing, but we’ll continue to work through the week. I’m not going to declare that definitively,’ head coach Zac Taylor said of Burrow’s outlook for the team’s Week 13 game at Baltimore on Thanksgiving night. ‘He’s done everything he could, he put himself in position to do his best to play yesterday.

‘He looks like he’s in good shape right now to be ready to go.’

But should Joe Burrow suit up for the Bengals in 2025?

A quick refresher.

Burrow, the best player the Bengals have had since Hall of Fame left tackle Anthony Munoz retired nearly a quarter-century ago, suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2 that required surgery and was expected to keep him out until at least December. However he practiced fully last Wednesday and Thursday, fueling hope he might return over the weekend. But the Bengals chose not to activate Burrow and wound up losing a valiant, 26-20 fight Sunday to the New England Patriots, owners of the NFL’s best record at 10-2.

The Bengals should take the moral victory when it presents itself – I know, there are no moral victories in the NFL – and have the moral backbone to fully shut Burrow down rather than let him back on the field at what Taylor admits is less than 100%.

Cincinnati is now a 3-8 football team. It’s two games up on the Tennessee Titans for the league’s worst record but what feels like a more distant three behind the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, co-leaders of the AFC North … and four back of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, who are all 7-4 and currently occupy the AFC’s three wild-card positions.

‘Everything is still there in front of us,’ said Burrow. ‘Very rare that our division looks like this, but it does this year. And so, I think we’ll be at least in it until the end.’

(Incidentally, that’s how he felt two weeks ago, when Cincinnati was 3-6.)

By the end of Sunday’s game with New England, the Bengals were without, arguably, their four best players – but certainly their four best-paid players. Burrow, whose five-year contract pays him an average of $55 million annually was in street clothes along with pass rusher Trey Hendrickson ($29 million in 2025), who’s played 23 snaps in one appearance since Oct. 12 while he deals with a hip injury. No. 1 wideout Ja’Marr Chase, whose new extension averages $40.3 million annually, was suspended Sunday for spitting on Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey a week earlier. No. 2 wideout Tee Higgins ($28.8 million average annual salary) left the field on a cart after suffering a scary-looking concussion.

If playing is half the battle … well, no more than half those guys will dress Thursday against the Ravens. Taylor ruled Hendrickson and Higgins out Monday.

‘Are they gonna play Joe Burrow?’ NBC “Sunday Night Football” analyst and former Bengals wideout Cris Collinsworth wondered after Week 12’s Rams-Bucs game.

‘I mean he’s back practicing, and he kinda makes a lot of the decisions there. You know? And you know Ja’Marr Chase is not gonna be too happy after having to sit out one. I mean, if they can beat the Ravens twice, right? It’s a really interesting decision. I’ll just say that. It would be hard for me to take the franchise quarterback and risk him.

“But they might.’

The Bengals apparently will roll those dice.

Cincy is still a deeply flawed team, even when Burrow and Chase cook

Yet what are the realistic expectations of this team even when deploying Burrow and Chase, perhaps the league’s best receiver, against the surging Ravens when they won’t have Higgins available to penalize double-team brackets against Chase? Can an offense led by an 80% Burrow (maybe?) sufficiently post the requisitely ridiculous numbers Cincy would likely need to keep pace given its league-worst defense’s propensity to disintegrate … if it even shows up at all?

It was little more than a year ago, when he was close to full health, that Burrow roasted the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium for 428 yards and four touchdowns through the air – 264 of those yards and three of the scores going to Chase. Baltimore still won 35-34.

The best-case scenario for the Bengals’ upcoming date in Charm City? Burrow is able to operate heavily from the shotgun, limiting the amount of stress he has to put on the surgically repaired toe while dropping back or pivoting on handoffs. He gets exceptional protection from an offensive line that historically never protects him exceptionally. He’s somehow able to execute a balanced attack with help from running back Chase Brown, who’s averaged nearly 85 rushing yards over the past five games, while not forced into a deep deficit by his D – a circumstance that would allow the Ravens to tee off on him while testing what’s sure to be limited mobility.

‘It’s the NFL. You can’t go out there with kid gloves on,’ said Taylor, putting much of Burrow’s preservation … on Burrow.

‘Some things are gonna happen naturally, and it’ll be in his hands to take care of it if he’s out there.’

Let’s say Burrow navigates an inherently fraught situation, and the Bengals snap their four-game skid – and that matters further improve with a loss by the Steelers to the Buffalo Bills next Sunday. What then? Cincy would still be two games behind Pittsburgh and Baltimore for the divisional lead, and that gap wouldn’t shrink after Week 14, when the Ravens host the Steelers.

Burrow would risk health for long-shot playoff odds, not much more

According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, the Bengals, who currently rank 12th overall in the 16-team AFC, presently have less than a 1% chance to make the playoffs – a season after what was essentially a healthier, hotter version of this outfit finished 9-8 and a game out of the postseason field. NGS hasn’t provided any odds as to whether Burrow will suffer another major injury if he returns, but we do know that he’s missed 23 of 94 potential regular-season games to this point in his six-year career – meaning, in a purely historical context, he’s available to play about 75% of the time. What’s the point of further exposing the already compromised face of the franchise on a cratering squad? Are fans really going to show up only to wince at every hit he absorbs?

We know Burrow, to his credit, has campaigned to play in what’s likely an ill-fated attempt to buck his odds and the team’s. The man who triggered LSU to the 2019 championship − those (Bayou) Bengals might have been the best college football team ever, with their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at the helm − and then led the Ohio River Bengals to Super Bowl 56 two years later has never lacked accountability or been short on confidence.

Or hubris.

Asked about Cincinnati’s championship window after the Bengals lost the 2022 AFC championship game, Burrow said, “The window is my whole career.’

That’s precisely the type of guy you protect from himself, especially since the Stripes haven’t neared that window since that statement was made − even as the team has heavily invested its resources in Burrow, Chase and Higgins − largely at the QB’s direction.

‘It’s exciting to have him back,’ Taylor said of Burrow while stating the team has maintained a good energy during his absence. ‘But obviously when you have one of the greatest players in the world coming back, that’s another boost on top of that.

‘It’ll be exciting to watch him go out there and play, and I’m sure it’s energy for everybody involved.’

Let’s just hope it doesn’t instantly devolve into negative energy that will need to be bled off when the correct tack is almost certainly shielding Burrow from full-speed game action until next summer.

In this case, “G.I. Joe” should stand for “Guaranteed IR, Joe” – knowing half the battle is putting you in the best spot − the shelf − to ultimately capitalize on that championship window.

Hopefully your employers reach that inevitable conclusion sooner than later … even if it takes until Black Friday.

The College Football Playoff and ESPN will take more time to determine whether the field expands or stays put for 2026.

The two sides announced on Monday, Nov. 24 they have agreed to extend the deadline to determine the future format from Dec. 1 to Jan. 23, 2026. The move allows both parties to continue discussions on ‘future playoff models, scheduling details, media considerations, and long-term strategy.’

‘While no change to the current format is definite, this extension will allow the (CFP) Management Committee additional time to evaluate the second year of the expanded playoff and ensure any potential modifications are carefully considered, fully vetted, and in the best interests of student-athletes, schools, and fans,’ CFP executive director Rich Clark said in a statement.

The playoff field expanded to 12 teams for 2024 and will be in place this season, but the current debate is whether to expand it for the next season, and by how much.

There has been speculation that the CFP would increase 16 teams in the 2026 season. However, there wasn’t universal support on how the at-large teams would be selected. The Big 12, ACC and SEC favored the top five conference champions getting automatic bids, with the 11 remaining spots filled via at-large selection.

The Big Ten favored a model where 13 of the 16 spots would be determined by automatic bids − with its conference and the SEC getting four spots each. In August, the Big Ten reportedly floated the idea of a 24-team playoff that is still being pushed.

As a result, not every conference has been aligned on whether to expand.

“The move to 16 should be a priority for all of us in conference leadership,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told reporters on Nov. 15.

With the new deadline to determine expansion, it gives those in power nearly two months to determine it. The Jan. 23 deadline also comes after the national championship game on Jan. 19.

If the size of expansion and how its determined can’t be agreed upon, the playoff would likely stay at 12 teams. The current format has playoff spots determined by the five highest ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams.

MIAMI — A return for Anthony Davis appears imminent.

Though the Dallas Mavericks forward-center was downgraded to doubtful and then ruled out ahead of the team’s game on Monday, Nov. 24 against the Miami Heat, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd provided an update that points to his eventual return.

Davis has been dealing with a lower left leg injury and has missed the last 13 Mavericks games headed into Monday night. He had been dealing with an injury described as bilateral Achilles tendinopathy before he aggravated it on Wednesday, Oct. 29, during a game against the Indiana Pacers. Prior to exiting the game, Davis grabbed at his lower left leg, near his Achilles.

He did not return and has missed nearly a month with the ailment.

Here’s everything you need to know about Anthony Davis’ injury:

Anthony Davis injury update

Although the Mavericks had listed it as the Achilles injury, the team later changed the diagnosis to a calf strain, which is a tricky injury to manage.

The Mavericks, though, are planning to work Davis back to practice this week.

“He continues to get better,” Kidd told reporters prior to tipoff. “He’s working to get back. We’re anticipating him at practice this week, so any time you have a calf strain, you have to be cautious, but he has worked extremely hard. The next step is practice Wednesday, and we’ll see what happens after that.”

ESPN also reported that there was a disagreement between Davis’ personal medical staff and Mavericks director of health and performance Johann Bilsborough prior to the team’s Saturday, Nov. 8 game against the Wizards. According to the report, Bilsborough expressed concern about risking a more serious injury if Davis was rushed back too soon. Dumont, then, sided with Bilsborough.

Dallas Mavericks upcoming schedule

The Mavericks opened a four-game road trip on Monday night against Miami.

Dallas then will travel out west to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Friday, Nov. 28. Davis is with the team during this roadtrip, and took his place on the bench Monday night, in street clothes.

The Mavericks then play the Clippers (Saturday, Nov. 29) and Nuggets (Monday, Dec. 1), before heading back home to host the Heat (Wednesday, Dec. 3).

Boxer Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is accused of assaulting a former girlfriend in a Miami-area strip club, according to a civil lawsuit.
Surveillance video and a club manager’s incident report support the woman’s allegations of battery, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.
Davis’s scheduled exhibition fight against Jake Paul was canceled following the lawsuit and an active police investigation.
A judge granted a temporary restraining order against Davis, but legal proceedings are stalled as authorities have been unable to serve him with a summons.

Surveillance video and an incident report compiled by a manager of a Miami-area strip club detail allegations that boxing star Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis assaulted and forcibly removed a former girlfriend from the club in late October.

An exhibition fight between Davis and Jake Paul scheduled for Nov. 14 was canceled on Nov. 3, four days after the woman filed a civil lawsuit with the 11th Judicial Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County claiming Davis committed battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress against her.

USA TODAY obtained a copy of the manager’s incident report and, during a FaceTime call, viewed surveillance video that Richard Wolfe, one of the woman’s attorneys, said he obtained from the parent company of the Miami Gardens club through a subpoena.

Artagus Lane, a manager at Tootsie’s Cabaret, said he was working at the club during the alleged attack and later reviewed video from the club’s camera system. He said he documented what he saw for an incident report he filed with Tootsie’s Cabaret.

A copy of the club incident report obtained by USA TODAY Sports lists Lane as the person filing it and in part states, ‘Mr. Davis could be seen making gestures that gave the impression (the woman) was being forced to leave with him … Mr. Davis continued being physical by grabbing her by the neck and hair.’

Lane also said he interviewed the woman, who works as a VIP waitress at Tootsie’s Cabaret. Her name is being withheld because USA TODAY does not generally publish the identities of victims of domestic violence.

The woman said she and Davis, 31, had an intimate relationship for five months before the alleged attack took place Oct. 27. The woman also is 31, according to the club incident report Lane said he completed.

“I know she was shooken up and I just want to ensure her that her safety and everything,’’ Lane said.

Ravone Littlejohn, a representative of Davis, declined to comment to USA TODAY Sports. Davis has not commented on the allegations publicly and efforts to reach him directly were unsuccessful.

A spokesperson for Davis on Nov. 24 said the boxer will address the matter in a documentary that will be released after Thanksgiving. The spokesperson, who identified herself only as Sade, said the boxer is in Baltimore, his hometown, hosting a Thanksgiving drive at Davis’ gym, the Uptown Boxing Center.

The matter involving Davis and the alleged incident in Florida is an ‘active case,” according to the Miami Gardens Police Department. No associated criminal charges had been filed as of Nov. 24.

Strip club incident report details allegations against ‘Tank’ Davis

At 3:51 a.m. on Oct. 27, a manager at Tootsie’s Cabaret heard that one of the staff members “may have been assaulted,’ according to a copy of the incident report. A review of video footage revealed an incident did occur, according to the report.

Video footage showed a light-skinned Black man wearing a white shirt and joggers, later identified as Davis, among club patrons, according to the report. Upon seeing the woman, the man approached her and grabbed her behind her head by the hair. The woman was working her shift as a VIP waitress and Davis forced her to walk toward the stairway that leads to the kitchen, the report states.

During a Facetime call, Wolfe, the attorney, allowed USA TODAY Sports to view a copy of the video he said he obtained by subpoena from RCI Hospitality Holdings Inc., the parent company of Tootsie’s Cabaret. Gary Fishman, a spokesman for RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc., said the company would not comment on the matter.

Lane’s report provided a detailed account of the video.

“(The woman) could be seen via camera footage begging for Mr. Davis to stop …,’ Lane wrote. “… Once by the stairway you can see Mr. Davis grabbing (the woman) and pushing her by the head, and grabbing her hair in an aggressive manner (shaking it and pulling it back and forth), down the first flight of stairs.’

According to the report, another woman witnessed the incident and was trying to alert a club employee to what was happening. The struggle continued as Davis forced the woman to walk down the stairs and through the kitchen.

“(The woman) begged Mr. Davis not to put his hands on her in front of the staff while walking through the kitchen,’ Lane wrote. “After they passed through the kitchen Mr. Davis continued being physical with (her) as she was trying to figure a way to get away from him.’

Eventually, Davis and the woman entered the club’s garage, according to the report, which states the woman told Davis to get the keys to his vehicle from the valet.

 “… and once he walked ahead, (the woman) took the chance to run back into the club,’ according to the report.

Later, in the manager’s office, the woman explained the details of the incident, also listed in Lane’s report.

‘(The woman) was a bit shaking (sic) up and crying from the incident while explaining,’ Lane wrote. ‘(The woman) stated that she and Mr. Davis are acquaintances who has had issues similar to this at another club recently.”

There were no visible injuries after the alleged attack at Tootsie’s Cabaret and the woman declined medical treatment. She declined to press charges and said she needed to think about it, according to the report.

Lane’s report filed with Tootsie’s Cabaret states, ‘(The woman) said she was a bit scared for what he might do to her outside of work cause he saw her out one night at a night club and choked her out prior to her employment.”

Wolfe, one of the woman’s attorneys, said the woman pressed charges with the Miami Gardens Police Department the same day the civil lawsuit was filed.

Civil matter against Davis stalled by summons delays

When the woman filed her lawsuit, according to court records, she also filed a petition for an injunction, also known as a restraining order.

A judge granted the woman a temporary injunction against Davis and a hearing for the permanent injunction was set for Nov. 12. However, the hearing was rescheduled for Dec. 9 because Davis was not served a summons for the injunction, said Eugenio Carral, director of the Family Courts Department in Miami-Dade County.

Davis must be served a summons before a judge can rule on the petition for injunction, Carral said. He said the temporary injunction typically stays in place for only 120 days before the judge dismisses it if there has been no service on the respondent.

A judge has extended the temporary restraining order in the woman’s lawsuit, according to Carral. He said copies of the new temporary injunction have been sent to both law enforcement offices in Broward County, Florida, and Clark County, Nevada, to attempt service on Davis again.

The docket in the civil case does not show Davis has been served, according to Carral, who said Davis must be served by law enforcement because the allegations constitute a domestic violence case.

Wolfe, one of the woman’s attorneys, said his law firm has tried to serve Davis, too. He said a process server representing his firm had tried unsuccessfully three times. Wolfe shared emails exchanged between his firm and On Demand Process Service in Miami, indicating the call box at Davis’ home does not list Davis’ name.

Davis resides at a home in Southwest Ranches, Florida, according to the woman’s lawsuit. The listed owner of the home is SWR Prime LLC, according to property records.

Davis is on probation from a 2023 hit-and-run case in Baltimore, Maryland, in which he pleaded guilty to multiple traffic offenses. In March, Davis admitted he left the state without permission and his probation was extended by 18 months, according to The Baltimore Banner.

The Cincinnati Bengals star receiver has returned from a one-game suspension that came after he spit on Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, in Week 11. Chase and Ramsey were involved in an on-field altercation, which saw the Steelers’ defender earn an ejection from the contest.

While Chase wasn’t initially punished, he received a suspension from the league just one day later.

Now as the Bengals get ready to play on a short week, Chase took to social media and sent a message to his team, fans, the Bengals organization, the Steelers organization and the NFL community.

Here is his apology, in its entirety:

‘Please know I am speaking from my heart when I say I take full responsibility for my actions during last Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh.

What I did was wrong. The circumstances don’t matter. My passion for the game is no excuse. There’s zero place in our sport – or in life – for that level of disrespect.

I want to personally apologize to everyone within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I let my emotions in the moment get the better of me. I can only hope and trust you know none of it represents who I am – not as a competitor, teammate, or person.

I also want to apologize to my coaches, teammates, and organization for not meeting my own standards as a leader of this team.

This has been a tough season with some incredibly hard losses. We’ve all been frustrated. But instead of stepping up with calm, class, and leadership, I let you down. My having to sit out yesterday’s game makes my actions even more inexcusable. I won’t let it happen again.

Finally, I want to apologize to my fans.

I do not take anyone who wears my jersey for granted. I do not take my position as a role model lightly. As someone who strives to lead with character and authenticity, I should have taken immediate accountability for what happened.

I am committed to earning back your respect – not just with words, but with my actions, day after day, on and off the field.

I promise to keep learning from this and to set a higher standard for myself moving forward.

With respect,

Ja’Marr Chase’

The Bengals will now look to turn the page as they try to turn their season around on Thanksgiving against the Baltimore Ravens.

Joe Burrow is set to make his return and start at quarterback and now he’ll get Chase back in the fold too.

Week 12 of the 2025 fantasy football season was another banner week for the script writers.

With ‘Monday Night Football’ pending, two of the top four quarterbacks are Jameis Winston and Cam Ward. Winston has 10.5 more fantasy points than the QB6 (Caleb Williams). The gap between Jahmyr Gibbs and the overall RB2 (24.4 half-PPR points) would be enough to rank as the RB3 on the week. Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor, Kyren Williams and Saquon Barkley all failed to record double-digit fantasy points. At wideout, the season’s overall WR1, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, finds himself in line to finish as the weekly WR1 for the first time this season. Additionally, after another monster performance, Cowboys’ George Pickens ranks as the WR2 in total points. Finally, for the third time since Week 7, a tight end facing the Bengals finds himself inside the top two at the position. In fact, Hunter Henry has outscored the next closest tight end by 8.1 fantasy points.

Here’s a look at Week 13 fantasy football rankings. Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception) and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format. Scroll to the bottom to view the complete rankings.

Our team at USA TODAY Sports has you covered with plenty of content to help with your Week 13 waiver wire and roster decisions. Looking for up-to-date player news? We’ve got it. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our content:

Waiver wire and trades: 8 players to add | 6 players to drop | 8 buy low, sell high candidates

Please note: These rankings will change significantly as the week goes on. Check back on Sunday morning for final updates.

(The risers and sleepers sections will focus on players available in at least half of Yahoo leagues. All snap and target data from PFF.)

Week 13 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Risers and sleepers

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (49% rostered) – After a rough start to the season, Lawrence has rebounded nicely as a fantasy contributor. Failing to reach 12 fantasy points in three of his first four outings, the 26-year-old has eclipsed 16 in six of his last seven. He’ll be a top streamer against a Titans defense that’s allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks since Week 7.
Titans QB Cam Ward (7%) – After failing to surpass 13 fantasy points in any of his first seven starts, Ward has now done so in three of his last four games. For the first time all season, the rookie showcased a ceiling in Week 12, dropping 23.9 fantasy points on a tough Seahawks defense. Ward will be an intriguing deep league streaming option against a Jaguars defense that’s ceding the fifth-most fantasy points to the position in 2025.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders (6%) – Sanders was far from electric in his first career start, but he showed enough to make him an interesting dart throw in Week 13. The Browns will be going up against the 49ers, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to signal-callers since Week 5 (with their MNF matchup pending).
Other QB streaming options to consider – Falcons QB Kirk Cousins (8%), Jets QB Tyrod Taylor (3%).

Week 13 fantasy football running back rankings: Risers and sleepers

Saints RB Devin Neal (3%) – Veteran Alvin Kamara suffered an MCL sprain in Week 12, which puts Neal in line for a featured role this week. The rookie played 86% of snaps after Kamara went down on Sunday. Neal’s first start will come against a Dolphins defense that’s allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. (16%) – Prior to the Commanders’ Week 12 bye, Rodriguez appeared to have taken over the lead role in the backfield. The 26-year-old led all Washington backs in snaps (30), routes (9), and opportunities (16). The Broncos are no cakewalk, but they have allowed eight running backs to reach double-digit half-PPR points through 11 games.
Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier (44%) – Allgeier’s usage has been all over the place this season, but the one constant has been his usage in wins. In Atlanta’s four victories, the 25-year-old has averaged 14.3 touches and 10 half-PPR points. Luckily, Allgeier gets a Week 13 matchup with the Jets, and the Falcons are currently favored to win.
Other RB streaming options to consider – Giants RB Devin Singletary (25%), Bhayshul Tuten (48%), Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin (1%), Dolphins RB Ollie Gordon II (8%), Cardinals RB Michael Carter (6%)

Week 13 fantasy football wide receiver rankings: Risers and sleepers

Packers WRs Jayden Reed (36%) and Christian Watson (48%) – It wasn’t too long ago that Jayden Reed was a highly sought-after fantasy asset. Over the final nine weeks of his rookie season, Reed ranked as the overall WR9 despite missing a game to injury. The 25-year-old could return for a mouthwatering Thanksgiving matchup versus the Lions, and Green Bay has one of the friendliest playoff schedules in fantasy. On the other side is Christian Watson, who has seen his role increase since returning from injury. In Week 12, Watson led the team in snaps (49), routes (22), targets (7), and receiving (49 yards). Both could be high-upside flex plays against a Detroit defense that’s ceded the fifth-most fantasy points to receivers since Week 5.
Jaguars WR Parker Washington (40%) – Since Travis Hunter’s injury coming out of the Week 8 bye, Washington ranks as the WR12 in fantasy points while accumulating at least seven targets in three of the four contests. The 23-year-old’s seven red zone targets is tied for fourth-most at the position during that stretch. In Week 12, Washington tied for the team lead in snaps (52), routes (32), and targets (6). Washington will be a WR3 against a Titans secondary that’s surrendered the third-most fantasy points to wideouts since Week 7.
Titans WR Chimere Dike (14%) – With Calvin Ridley out for the year and rookie Elic Ayomanor banged up, Dike has had to step up as the team’s de facto WR1 a number of times this season, and he’s performed admirably. After totaling 18.9 half-PPR points in Week 12, Dike has now garnered at least 12.9 in three of his last five games. He was the team’s clear WR1 against Seattle, leading the way in routes (47) and targets (7).
Texans WR Jayden Higgins (22%) – Higgins is starting to emerge from the pack as Houston’s WR2. After failing to play more than 44% of snaps in any of his first four outings, the rookie has seen a snap share of at least 56% in six of his last seven games. Higgins’ usage has risen as well, as he’s amassed at least seven targets in four of his last five games. He’ll be on the streaming radar this week against a Colts team that’s allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to the position since Week 2.
Other WR streaming options to consider – Bears WR Luther Burden III (11%), Cardinals WR Greg Dortch (9%), Buccaneers WR Tez Johnson (28%), Jets WR John Metchie III (1%), Texans WR Christian Kirk (14%), Bengals WR Andrei Iosivas (20%)

Week 13 fantasy football tight end rankings: Risers and sleepers

Bears TE Colston Loveland (43%) – With MNF pending, Loveland currently ranks as the TE2 on the week. The rookie has totaled at least 49 yards in four straight games, and he has scored three times during that stretch. While the Eagles are the second-toughest matchups for tight ends in 2025, Loevland is still worth grabbing given the lack of depth at the position.
Jaguars TE Brenton Strange (13%) – In his first game back from injury, Strange didn’t miss a beat, finishing third among Jacksonville skill position players in snaps (44), routes (25), and targets (5). The 24-year-old caught all five of his targets for a team-leading 93 receiving yards, which were second-most at the position in Week 12.
Dolphins TE Darren Waller (20%) – In his three fully healthy games this season, Waller averaged 13.6 half-PPR points, a number that was topped by only three tight ends during that stretch. With the veteran set to return to practice, he’s worth adding in all leagues where he happens to be available.

Week 13 fantasy football rankings: PPR, half-PPR and standard

The USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll is out with a new-look top five heading into a big week of holiday tournaments. But the top-ranked team has already had a taste of the fun.

Purdue retains the No. 1 spot after a successful trip to the Bahamas. The Boilermakers received 23 of 31 first-place votes to stay ahead of second-ranked Houston. The Cougars were picked first by two voters this week.

Arizona, with some of the most noteworthy wins in the first month of the campaign, moves up a couple of positions to No. 3. The Wildcats also claimed five first-place votes, thanks to a true road win at Connecticut last week in addition to earlier victories against Florida and UCLA. The last top vote this week goes to Duke, which holds the overall No. 4 position. Louisville moves up a spot to round out the top five as UConn slips two places to No. 7 behind still unscathed Michigan. Florida, Alabama and Gonzaga complete the top 10.

TOP 25: USA TODAY Sports men’s college basketball poll

Michigan State continues its upward trajectory, climbing six positions to No. 12 after a strong showing in the Champions Classic. Illinois heads in the opposite direction despite just a single loss to Alabama, tumbling six spots to No. 14. Kentucky also drops five places after its loss to Michigan State.

North Carolina State debuts in the poll at No. 22, and Auburn nudges back into the No. 25 slot. Wisconsin and Kansas are the week’s dropouts.