Go here for this week's Rushing Matchups.
Top 5 Passing Matchups
Tennessee vs Jacksonville
Will Levis is showing steady improvement as the Titans' starting quarterback, balancing average performances with moments of brilliance. His last four games have included two outings with passer ratings above 120 (127.4 and 123.3), showcasing his ability to deliver downfield strikes. Even his lower-rated games (84.7 and 84.5) reflect a significant step up from his early-season struggles. Levis' knack for hitting deep passes off play action is becoming a hallmark of his game, with recent touchdown throws of 98, 38, 70, and 27 yards. Heading into a matchup with Jacksonville's porous pass defense, Levis is positioned for a potential season-best performance. While Calvin Ridley is still considered the top wideout, Nick Westbrook-Ikhene has emerged as a dynamic red-zone threat, scoring eight touchdowns over the last eight games. With a 19% target share in his last four games, Westbrook-Ikhene is proving a reliable option in this offense.
The Jaguars' pass defense has descended to the bottom of the league, allowing an average of 286 yards per game through the air. It's hard to imagine how much worse these numbers could look if not for garbage-time scenarios suppressing opponents' volume. In a Week 11 loss to Detroit, Jared Goff and Hendon Hooker combined for a staggering 449 yards and four touchdowns on just 33 pass attempts while building a commanding lead. Jacksonville's defensive struggles stem from issues across the board, from coaching deficiencies to a lack of cohesion among their young players. While the pass rush has slightly improved, it remains a non-factor, ranking 31st in the league in pressure rate. In the secondary, Tyson Campbell and Jarrion Jones are promising young cornerbacks but have struggled to elevate a unit that is badly in need of reinforcements. Veteran Ronald Darby has been ineffective, further exposing a defense that gets little help from its safeties. Andre Cisco excels in run support but lacks impact in deep coverage, while Darnell Savage has been a liability when working in the slot. Tight ends have also repeatedly exploited Jacksonville, with six players topping 50 receiving yards over the last six games. Against this backdrop, Levis and the Titans' passing game have a prime opportunity to exploit the Jaguars' vulnerabilities, particularly with Westbrook-Ikhene and Tennessee's tight ends looking like major threats in this matchup.
Las Vegas at Tampa Bay
Aidan O'Connell seems to be finding his groove in his audition as the Raiders' long-term quarterback. Fresh off his best performance as a pro, O'Connell completed 23 of 35 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns against a strong Chiefs defense. It's possible that the month sidelined by injury offered time for reflection and growth. Most notably, O'Connell has demonstrated the wisdom to lean heavily on Brock Bowers, who has solidified himself as the Raiders' offensive centerpiece. Bowers leads the league with 84 receptions, including a commanding 34% target share over the last three weeks. His production leaves no doubt that he's the face of this offense, consistently dominating in the short and intermediate areas. Jakobi Meyers has also thrived in this possession role, posting 16 catches for 218 yards across the past two games. Both Bowers and Meyers should see heavy usage down the stretch, especially in favorable matchups like this week's clash with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay's defense has struggled mightily underneath, particularly against tight ends, setting up Bowers for another big game.
The Buccaneers' pass defense has been a consistent liability, ranking 30th in yardage allowed. Their secondary functions as a "funnel" unit, with solid boundary cornerbacks forcing action over the middle, where they're often outmatched. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is a versatile playmaker but doesn't provide the deep help this unit desperately needs. Speedy receivers like Darnell Mooney and Rashod Bateman have routinely exploited coverage lapses downfield, while tight ends have been particularly productive against this group. Over the last eight games, six tight ends have eclipsed 50 receiving yards, including Carolina's Tommy Tremble, who posted 5 catches for 77 yards last week. Tampa Bay's struggles were on full display against the Panthers in Week 13, when Bryce Young threw for 298 yards and nearly orchestrated an upset. Young consistently moved the chains with his mobility and short-area accuracy, while Adam Thielen torched the Buccaneers for 8 catches, 99 yards, and a touchdown. The prospect of facing Bowers, arguably the league's most dynamic tight end, must be daunting for this unit. O'Connell's growing rapport with Bowers and Meyers should make it easy for the Raiders to exploit the soft middle of this defense, setting the stage for a productive day through the air.
Dallas vs Cincinnati
Dallas' air attack enters Week 14 battered, with Dak Prescott on IR and CeeDee Lamb uncertain to play. However, these injuries aren't likely to shift the Cowboys away from their pass-heavy tendencies, especially with a favorable matchup on tap. Cooper Rush has shown a willingness to air it out, evidenced by his Thanksgiving performance where he continued throwing at a high clip even after Lamb exited with a shoulder injury. Over the past three weeks, Dallas has maintained the league's 12th-highest dropback rate, a trend that should continue regardless of who takes the field. Lamb, the unquestioned alpha of this offense with a 28% target share, has consistently produced when healthy. He's surpassed 60 receiving yards in 9 of 11 full games this season and will likely suit up despite the shoulder sprain, given his track record of playing through injuries. Should Lamb be limited or unavailable, KaVontae Turpin could see an increased role. The speedster was targeted five times on Thanksgiving, offering a more efficient alternative to Brandin Cooks, who struggled mightily, turning seven targets into just 16 yards last week. Regardless of the personnel, Dallas' passing attack benefits greatly from facing one of the league's most exploitable secondaries.
The Bengals' pass defense has been a significant liability in 2024, contributing to the derailment of what was otherwise shaping up to be a stellar season for Joe Burrow. Following a softer midseason slate of quarterbacks, this unit has been shredded over the last three weeks. Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert combined for over 580 yards and six touchdowns, and Russell Wilson torched them last week for a season-high 414 yards and three scores. This secondary, aside from reliable slot corner Mike Hilton, is struggling mightily. New Week 13 starters Josh Newton and Jordan Battle were exposed by the Steelers, with George Pickens making easy work of the downfield coverage. The issues extend beyond just wideouts, as tight ends have also found success against this group. Six tight ends have surpassed 55 receiving yards in the past eight games, including season-best performances from Pat Freiermuth (68 yards, 1 touchdown) and Charlie Kolar (64 yards, 1 touchdown). Once a strength of the team, the Bengals' secondary is now a glaring weakness, offering a prime opportunity for the Cowboys to move the ball through the air, even with backup players at key positions.
Atlanta at Minnesota
Kirk Cousins enters Week 14 with a chance to bounce back after a rough outing against the Chargers. While Cousins has faded statistically in recent weeks, last week's performance stands out as an outlier, especially when considering his earlier consistency. From Weeks 5–8, he completed 70% of his throws at an impressive 8.3 yards per attempt, with 13 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. A return to form is plausible, particularly given the "revenge game" narrative against his former team, the Vikings. One major area of improvement for Cousins is his red-zone efficiency, which has been a glaring weakness over the last three weeks. During that span, he's completed just 1 of 6 passes for 5 yards and an interception inside the 20-yard line. Those numbers are unsustainably poor and likely to progress positively, even marginally. If he can clean up his red-zone production, Cousins' stat line could look far more appealing. This matchup also provides an opportunity for Atlanta's weapons, such as Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts, to shine in favorable one-on-one battles downfield. Play-action and winnable matchups against the Vikings' aggressive pass rush could ease pressure on Cousins and open up the field for his playmakers.
While highly productive in certain areas, the Minnesota pass defense remains vulnerable to big plays. On paper, this unit has the tools to win a Super Bowl, led by a pass rush that ranks second in pressure rate and fourth in sacks. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel have been dominant disruptors, and the Vikings blitz at a league-high 33% of dropbacks. However, this heavy reliance on blitzing often leaves exploitable holes over the middle and downfield. Seven of Minnesota's 12 opponents have thrown for 275+ yards, and miscommunication in the secondary has led to explosive plays, such as Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's 98-yard touchdown in Week 11. The Vikings' secondary faces further challenges, as top cornerback Stephon Gilmore is uncertain for Sunday. Without him, Minnesota would lean on Shaq Griffin and Fabian Moreau, both replacement-level options who can be targeted in coverage. Veteran safety Harrison Smith, while still a savvy playmaker, has shown signs of decline at 35. These factors create a path for Cousins to post strong numbers, particularly if this turns into a shootout where he can capitalize on volume and find his weapons in advantageous matchups.
Pittsburgh vs Cleveland
Russell Wilson might not be perfect at this stage of his career, but he's proving to be a great fit for the current Steelers offense. His ability to generate chunk plays and hit on long touchdowns adds an element of explosiveness, particularly in favorable matchups like this week's. Wilson has thrown for 260+ yards in four of his six starts, including a massive 414-yard, three-touchdown outing against the Bengals last week. While Pittsburgh's passing game is largely spread out—six players topped 30 receiving yards last week, including three running backs—downfield weapon George Pickens remains the focal point. Pickens has commanded a 28% target share and has posted 74+ yards in five of his last six games. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin III adds an intriguing element of speed and big-play potential, though he's been a low-volume option with just 11 catches over the past five weeks. Despite that, he's managed to turn three of those into touchdowns.
The Browns' pass defense is in a precarious spot after a brutal two-month stretch against a gauntlet of quality quarterbacks. Since Week 6, Cleveland has allowed opposing passers to average 8.9 yards per attempt (worst in the NFL) and 264 yards per game (31st). This comes despite an excellent Myles Garrett-led pass rush, which is often neutralized by a porous secondary. Coverage breakdowns have been frequent, and the lack of talent on the back end is glaring. While Denzel Ward remains a standout cornerback, the rest of the unit has struggled mightily. Martin Emerson Jr has been a liability in coverage, and the Browns have already allowed nine different wideouts to eclipse 80 yards, including a 100-yard duo last week. Adding to their woes is the uncertain status of rising safety Grant Delpit, who's dealing with a head injury. Delpit's absence would further weaken an already shaky group and make them even more vulnerable to deep shots and splash plays. Two weeks ago, Wilson threw for 270 yards in a snowy version of this matchup, and with the Steelers clicking offensively, another strong performance is well within reach. Look for Wilson to continue leaning on Pickens while testing the Browns' compromised secondary with his downfield arm.
Bottom 5 Passing Matchups
Green Bay at Detroit
Jordan Love and the Packers feature a balanced, efficient offense that generally performs well but faces challenges in certain matchups, like this week against a near-dominant divisional rival. The Packers' offense operates as a low-volume unit, leaning heavily on touchdowns for production. From last year through Week 7 of this season, Love boasted an impressive 6.2% touchdown rate, trailing only elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. During that stretch, he averaged 18.5 fantasy points per game. However, over the last five weeks, Love has thrown just five touchdown passes, resulting in a reduced average of 12.7 points per game. The Packers drop back to pass on just 49.3% of their plays, the fourth-lowest rate in the league, making touchdowns essential for fantasy value. Love's receiving corps is another complication, with no player commanding more than 17% of the targets. Romeo Doubs' potential absence due to concussion protocol could simplify the target share somewhat, but overall, it remains difficult to project big games for any individual receiver in this crowded offense.
On the other side of the ball, the Detroit defense has stepped up significantly despite a rash of injuries. Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson remains sidelined, and replacement Za'Darius Smith has been limited by minor injuries. Top cornerback Carlton Davis missed last week, and the Lions have juggled personnel at linebacker and nickel positions. Even so, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's aggressive scheme has pressured opposing offenses into inefficiency. Over the last six weeks, Detroit ranks among the top two defenses in the league in limiting yardage per throw. Davis is expected to return this week, bolstering an already impressive young secondary. Rookie Terrion Arnold has shown flashes of brilliance despite allowing a few big plays, while safety Brian Branch has emerged as a star, excelling in slot coverage. Branch has tallied 26 pass breakups and seven interceptions through just 26 NFL games, showcasing his playmaking ability. The Lions' defense is aggressive and opportunistic, capable of smothering opponents and creating chaos. While Jamal Adams, a recent signing, will likely see limited time in coverage, his versatility could help fill gaps created by injuries at linebacker. Altogether, this matchup poses significant challenges for the Packers' low-volume passing attack.
LA Rams vs Buffalo
Matthew Stafford and the Rams head into a challenging Week 14 matchup against Buffalo, making their typically strong fantasy plays—Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp—a bit murkier. The Rams' offense is built around a polished short-passing game and a balanced attack rather than explosive downfield strikes. Stafford ranks 22nd of 35 qualifying quarterbacks in air yards per throw, and both Nacua and Kupp thrive in near-the-line situations, prioritizing high-percentage completions over deep shots. While this approach gives them excellent floors in most matchups, it could limit their ceilings against Buffalo's smothering defense. The Rams occasionally mix in deep-ball plays to speedsters like Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson, but those opportunities are hard to predict. Without a consistent downfield presence, this game will likely feature trench battles and quick, underneath passes. That makes Stafford, typically a mid-tier option, a lower-end fantasy play this week, as he's unlikely to find many opportunities for big plays.
Buffalo's pass defense has regained its dominant form, resembling the elite unit of a few years ago. Over their last six games, they've held five opponents under 235 passing yards, with the lone exception being Joe Flacco in a game of pure rally mode. The Bills are a funnel-type defense that's comfortable allowing short completions while shutting down deeper plays. They blitz at one of the league's lowest rates, forcing opposing quarterbacks into safe, low-impact throws. This strategy has resulted in opponents completing 69% of their passes (26th in the league) but for just 8.9 yards per completion (2nd). Buffalo's secondary is tight and cohesive, with all five starters playing nearly every snap. Rising star Christian Benford anchors the cornerback group, while Taron Johnson excels in the slot, limiting yards after the catch. This well-rounded secondary has effectively neutralized top wideouts all season. Notable examples include Deebo Samuel Sr. (20 yards), DeAndre Hopkins (29), and Jaylen Waddle (-4), who were all taken out of their game plans.
Carolina at Philadelphia
Bryce Young seems to be finding his footing as the Panthers' quarterback, showing signs of progress after a rough start to the season. Over the past two weeks, Young has thrown for 561 yards, delivering two of the best performances of his career and keeping Carolina competitive against tough opponents. He's displaying more mobility, a better grasp of the offense, and flashes of the playmaking instincts that made him the top pick in the draft. However, Week 14 presents a daunting challenge as Young and the Panthers face the Eagles' smothering defense, one of the most dominant units in the league. Young's connection with veteran receiver Adam Thielen has been a bright spot. Thielen has caught 11 passes over the past two games and continues to serve as a reliable target, particularly on short and intermediate routes. However, Thielen is no longer the downfield threat he once was, and Carolina's young pass-catchers like Xavier Leggette and Jalen Coker are still developing. With limited weapons and a bare-bones passing game, the Panthers will likely rely heavily on schemed plays, including quick passes, play action, and rollouts. The goal will likely be to avoid turnovers and keep the game within reach, leaning on running back Chuba Hubbard to carry much of the offensive load.
The Eagles' pass defense is performing at an elite level, reminiscent of their 2022 Super Bowl run. They've allowed just 5.0 net yards per attempt on the season and an astonishing 4.2 over the past eight weeks. This stretch has come against several top-tier quarterbacks, yet the Eagles haven't allowed a 250-yard passer since Week 4. Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has been a revelation, playing nearly every snap while allowing just three completions of 25+ yards. Fellow rookie Cooper DeJean has excelled in the slot, offering tight coverage and a knack for disrupting plays. With so few weaknesses in the Eagles' secondary, opposing offenses have tried to target tight ends and underneath routes, but with little success. Last week, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely managed just 105 yards combined on 15 targets. Similar struggles have plagued tight ends like Zach Ertz, Evan Engram, and Jake Ferguson in recent matchups.
Jacksonville at Tennessee
The Jaguars' offense has struggled all season, and the absence of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence only exacerbates their issues. Lawrence, despite his pedigree, had been producing average or below-average numbers across the board before being placed on injured reserve. Now the Jaguars are left with Mac Jones under center, a quarterback who has consistently struggled to push the ball downfield or capitalize on opportunities. Jones' limitations were evident in last week's near-upset against the Texans, where he missed two open touchdown throws that could have changed the game. His adjusted net yardage rate—a metric factoring in sacks, touchdowns, and interceptions—sits below those of struggling quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson and Spencer Rattler. While Jones' game-management skills occasionally keep the offense afloat, his inability to stretch the field severely caps the unit's upside. The Jaguars' receiving corps has shown some life despite inconsistent quarterback play. Last week, Brian Thomas Jr. posted 76 yards and a touchdown, while Parker Washington delivered a 103-yard, one-touchdown performance, leading the team in targets with 12. However, relying on such contributions from this group is risky, given the instability at quarterback. Tight end Evan Engram has been the most reliable option in the passing game, drawing 34 targets over the last four games. Yet, even Engram has struggled to produce, failing to surpass 50 yards in a game since Week 6. With Jones under center, it's challenging to envision this offense generating much beyond sporadic underneath completions.
The Titans' defense, meanwhile, remains a model of resilience and consistency. Through 12 games, only MVP frontrunner Josh Allen has managed to throw for more than 250 yards against this unit. While game flow has occasionally limited opponents' passing volume, the Titans rank second in the NFL in yards allowed per throw, trailing only the Eagles. Their ability to suffocate passing attacks has been impressive, even amid numerous injuries. Slot specialist Roger McCreary may be sidelined this week, but the Titans have shown remarkable depth. Darrell Baker Jr., a preseason waiver pickup, has performed admirably in place of L'Jarius Sneed, who has missed most of the year. Safety Amani Hooker anchors the secondary, excelling as a ballhawk and a downfield defender, ensuring that big-play opportunities remain scarce for opposing offenses.
Arizona vs Seattle
Kyler Murray's resurgence in 2024 has been an exciting development for the Cardinals, hinting at a promising future for their franchise quarterback. However, Murray's success has been noticeably tied to game script. The Cardinals are 5-1 when Murray attempts 30 passes or fewer, allowing them to dictate the pace, but just 1-5 when he's forced into high-volume passing situations. Last week highlighted this disparity, as Murray threw two costly fourth-quarter interceptions in a failed comeback attempt. While his rushing ability always makes him a viable fantasy option, this week's matchup against a stingy Seattle defense significantly caps his upside. The same goes for his primary targets, Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. Together, they've accounted for 49% of Murray's targets, making them reliable options based on volume alone. Harrison brings an electric playmaking ability, and McBride has emerged as a dependable outlet in the passing game. However, in a game where the Cardinals are likely to face tight coverage and limited opportunities, both receivers' ceilings appear limited. This is especially true against a Seahawks defense that has come into its own.
The Seattle defense has been quietly establishing itself as one of the NFL's best over the second half of the season. Since midseason, they've allowed just 5.5 yards per throw, the lowest mark in the league over that span. Coach Mike Macdonald has crafted a cohesive, four-man secondary that's shown steady improvement in both coverage and playmaking ability. Devon Witherspoon has seamlessly transitioned into a versatile role, excelling both on the outside and in the slot. Across from him, Riq Woolen continues to develop into a corner capable of shutting down opposing wideouts, albeit with occasional inconsistency. Coby Bryant, converted from cornerback to full-time safety, has added another layer of impact to this young and dynamic secondary. While they're not immune to an occasional off day, the Seahawks' defensive backfield is gaining cohesion and confidence with each game. Their ability to force opponents into grinding out yardage while limiting big plays makes them a tough test for the Cardinals' offense. This matchup will likely require Murray and his weapons to play mistake-free football to find much success against this steadily improving unit.
