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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Sunday, November 16, 2025

J.J. McCarthy Struggles Passing in Vikings Loss, Unable to Rely on Rushing Upside

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Chicago Bears, managing just 150 passing yards with one touchdown and two interceptions on 16 of 32 attempts against a Bears defense missing top cornerback Jaylon Johnson. This was his fourth game with under 160 passing yards in five outings this season, bringing his total to six touchdown passes versus eight interceptions. For the first time this season, McCarthy registered no carries, having previously averaged 27.5 rushing yards per game with two rushing touchdowns across his first four appearances. His fantasy value has often relied on his rushing upside, with 32.6% of his fantasy points coming from the run. Despite throwing for only 74 yards for most of the game, he led a late drive, more than doubling his passing yards, and threw a 15-yard touchdown to Jordan Addison to briefly give the Vikings a 17-16 lead with 50 seconds remaining. He will need significant improvement in his passing game and is considered a bad fantasy bet for the next two weeks at Green Bay and Seattle.

Eddy Pineiro Exits Game with Hamstring Injury After Perfect Kicking Start

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San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals due to a right hamstring injury. Pineiro has been exceptional for the 49ers since taking over in Week 2, successfully drilling all 22 of his field goal attempts prior to this injury.

Emeka Egbuka Records Five Receptions in Buccaneers' Loss to Bills

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Emeka Egbuka recorded five receptions on nine targets for 40 receiving yards in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 44-32 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. He finished with team-high reception and target totals, and was second in receiving yards. Egbuka faced heavy attention from the Bills' defense due to the ongoing absences of Mike Evans (IR, collarbone/concussion), Chris Godwin (fibula), and Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot), contributing to his second sub-50-yard game in the last three. The rookie is expected to maintain an elevated role in Week 12 against the Rams.

Colby Parkinson Scores Touchdown for Rams Against Seahawks

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Colby Parkinson caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford, extending the Los Angeles Rams' lead over the Seattle Seahawks to 21-12 in the fourth quarter. This score came after an interception by Sam Darnold, which Kam Kinchens returned to the Seattle 25-yard line. Parkinson found his way through the defense for the score. The Rams had been struggling offensively prior to this touchdown.

Darnell Mooney Plays Season-High Snaps, Could See Increased Role if London Misses Time

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney played a season-high 61 snaps (92.4%) and drew seven targets in Sunday's Week 11 loss to Carolina, but made little impact, catching three balls for 34 yards. This was his second consecutive game with seven-plus targets and the first time he topped 20 receiving yards since Week 7. Mooney is having a tough year after a 64-reception, 992-yard, five-touchdown season on 106 targets last year, only topping 50 receiving yards once this season. However, if teammate Drake London misses time due to a knee injury sustained in the same game, Mooney would be positioned as Atlanta's top wide receiver, making him a potential Week 12 waiver wire target and a WR4/flex option for the Falcons' upcoming game against New Orleans.

James Cook Racks Up Over 100 Total Yards in Bills' Victory

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James Cook rushed for 48 yards on 16 carries and caught all three of his targets for 66 receiving yards in the Buffalo Bills' 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This performance included a 25-yard touchdown reception, marking his best receiving yardage total of the season. Despite facing a tough Buccaneers front, Cook was able to salvage his fantasy day through his receiving contributions. The Bills face a challenging matchup against the Texans defense in Week 12.

Giants Rookie Abdul Carter Benched for Opening Series Due to Mid-Week Mistake

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New York Giants first-round pick Abdul Carter was benched for the opening defensive series of Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to a mid-week incident. Interim head coach Mike Kafka confirmed it was a "coach's decision" and kept further details in-house, though Carter admitted making a "mistake during the week that was detrimental to the team." Expected to start in place of the injured Kayvon Thibodeaux, Carter did not play any of the first six defensive snaps. After the initial series, he played the remaining 45 defensive snaps, recording one tackle, one quarterback hit, and two quarterback hurries, with Kafka praising his effort. Veteran teammates Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence confirmed the matter was handled professionally. Carter, drafted third overall out of Penn State, has had a limited impact in his first season, with just 0.5 sacks.

Aaron Jones Gets 19 Touches in Vikings' Loss to Bears

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Aaron Jones handled 19 touches in the Minnesota Vikings' 19-17 loss to the Chicago Bears, rushing for 70 yards on 16 carries and catching three of six targets for 11 yards. Jones has been increasingly dominating the backfield work for the Vikings. Despite approaching age 30 and facing durability challenges, Jones remains explosive when healthy. He is expected to play more snaps in Minnesota than he did in Green Bay, with weaker options behind him. While his days of leading the league in touchdowns may be over, he could remain an RB2 option. The Vikings face tough matchups against Green Bay and Seattle in the coming weeks.

Jordan Mason Scores Touchdown but Aaron Jones Leads Vikings Backfield

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Jordan Mason scored a 16-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter of the Minnesota Vikings' loss to the Bears. However, Aaron Jones continued to dominate the backfield work for the second straight week. Mason finished with 45 yards on six rushes and had no targets in the passing game. Jones recorded 70 rushing yards on 16 carries and added three receptions for 11 yards on six targets. Jones played significantly more snaps (37 to Mason's 9) and routes (18 to Mason's 3). This indicates Jones is increasingly taking over the primary role in the Vikings' backfield, despite Mason's touchdown.

Nico Collins Paces Texans Pass Catchers with TD in Win Over Titans

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Nico Collins led the Houston Texans' pass catchers in their 16-13 win over the Tennessee Titans, bringing in nine of 10 targets for 92 yards and a touchdown. Collins has been a consistent performer, exploding for 428 yards and three touchdowns in the first four weeks of 2023 before tailing off slightly. Despite missing games due to calf injuries, he reached 80 yards in eight of 13 games played, finishing third among WRs in yards per target (11.9) and yards per route (3.29) in 2023. His 2024 fantasy projection is less certain due to the Texans' trade for Stefon Diggs, adding competition for C.J. Stroud's targets alongside Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, and Joe Mixon.

D'Andre Swift Leads Bears Run Game to Comeback Win, Calls for Dominance to Avoid Close Games

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was named the LFG Player of the Game after leading his team's run game to a 19-17 comeback victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Swift rushed for 90 yards on 4.3 yards per carry, contributing to the Bears' 136 total rushing yards. He was instrumental in the game-winning drive, with a seven-yard run setting up Cairo Santos' 48-yard field goal. Despite the win, Swift expressed frustration with the team's tendency for close games, stating they need to "capitalize off turnovers and go ahead and dominate for four quarters." This was the Bears' sixth one-score game this season, with all three wins in their current streak coming by narrow margins. Since their bye week, the Bears' run game has been a major factor in their turnaround, accumulating 917 yards at 5.9 YPC, with Swift contributing 357 yards on 6.3 YPC in his four games during that stretch.

Bijan Robinson Scores Two Touchdowns in Falcons' Overtime Loss to Panthers

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Bijan Robinson had a productive outing in the Atlanta Falcons' 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, rushing for 104 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries, and securing four of five targets for 39 receiving yards. Despite the loss, Robinson's performance included significant yardage and multiple scores. He has been a workhorse for the Falcons, averaging 19.8 touches per game. The team's new coaching staff and the arrival of Kirk Cousins at quarterback are expected to potentially increase Robinson's efficiency and fantasy value, especially if his rushing workload increases. He also remains a strong pass-catching option, with potential for improvement in that area.

Kenneth Gainwell Shines with Two Receiving Touchdowns Amidst Increased Role in Steelers' Offense

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On November 16, 2025, Kenneth Gainwell delivered a strong performance in the Steelers' 34-12 win over the Bengals, rushing nine times for 24 yards and catching seven of eight targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns. This follows an October 8th report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler indicating he earned more touches in the Steelers' offense, having previously delivered 99 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries as the lead back in Week 4 when Jaylen Warren was sidelined. While Warren is expected to retain his starting spot, Gainwell is slated for significant involvement. His 2025 advanced stats include a 17.3% broken tackle rate and 85.3% catch rate. Earlier in November, he had two receptions for four yards against the Chargers (Nov 10) and four receptions for 35 yards against the Colts (Nov 3). In October, he recorded 31 rushing yards and four receiving yards against Green Bay (Oct 27), 14 rushing yards, one receiving yard, and 88 kickoff return yards against the Bengals (Oct 16), and 22 rushing yards with 14 receiving yards on six catches against the Browns (Oct 12). Historically, Gainwell, who signed a one-year, $1.79 million contract with the Steelers in March 2025, has been valued for his receiving ability despite inconsistent results, with a career 5.2 YPT. Maurice Jones-Drew of NFL.com also projected in July 2025 that Gainwell is set for a career year and could lead the Steelers' backfield production, especially after Najee Harris's departure to the Chargers.

Elic Ayomanor Poised for Expanded Role After Week 11 Injuries to Titans Receivers

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Rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor recorded two receptions on six targets for 11 yards in the Titans' 16-13 loss to the Texans on November 16, 2025. Despite dealing with a hamstring issue during the game, he was able to finish the contest. His continued presence on the field is particularly crucial as the Titans lost both Calvin Ridley (leg, ruled out for the season) and Chimere Dike (concussion, potentially sidelined for Week 12). Ayomanor is now in line for an expanded role moving forward. While he has not yet exceeded four receptions or 56 yards in any single game this season, his current 2025 season totals across nine appearances stand at 24 receptions on 46 targets for 264 yards and three touchdowns. He signed a four-year, $4.87 million contract with the Titans in May 2025.

Tom Brady Names D’Andre Swift LFG Player of the Game After Bears' Comeback Win

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Tom Brady awarded Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift with the LFG Player of the Game title following the Bears' comeback victory against the Minnesota Vikings on November 16, 2025.

Jameis Winston Shows Life in First Giants Start, Leads Touchdown Drives

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Jameis Winston made his first start of the 2025 season for the New York Giants in Week 11, a narrow 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on November 16, 2025. With Jaxson Dart (concussion) sidelined, Winston, who arrived this past offseason, led two first-half touchdown drives, including one to open the game, and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season in the third quarter to give the Giants a brief lead. He finished 19-of-29 for 201 yards, one interception, and one lost fumble, adding three carries for 10 yards and a rushing score. Although the Giants dropped to 3-9, their offense showed more life with Winston at the helm. His performance was mostly efficient until the final 40 seconds, when he threw a pick and fumbled on a Hail Mary attempt. Winston was named the starter by interim coach Mike Kafka on November 12, two days after head coach Brian Daboll was fired, following Russell Wilson's start to the year and Dart taking over in Week 5.

Mason Rudolph Steps Up with Touchdown Pass After Aaron Rodgers' Injury in Steelers' Victory

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Mason Rudolph stepped in at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of their 34-12 victory over the Bengals on November 16, 2025, after Aaron Rodgers left the game with a left wrist injury. Rudolph performed efficiently, completing 12-of-16 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, helping the Steelers improve their record to 6-4. The team is scheduled to play in Chicago next Sunday.

Emanuel Wilson Steps Up as Lead Back for Packers After Josh Jacobs' Injury

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Emanuel Wilson took on the lead running back role for the Green Bay Packers after Josh Jacobs exited with a knee injury during their 27-20 win over the Giants on November 16, 2025. Wilson rushed 11 times for 40 yards, caught his only target for nine yards, and also secured a two-point conversion pass. He out-carried Chris Brooks 11 to 0 after Jacobs' departure. Wilson, who signed a one-year contract with the Packers in April 2025, is now looking at a strong role if Jacobs misses more time, despite facing tough matchups against the Vikings and Lions in the next two weeks, followed by a favorable draw against the Bears. His 2025 advanced stats include a 92.9% positive run rate. Earlier in the season, he had minimal touches, including one rush for two yards and one reception for two yards against the Eagles (Nov 12), and six carries for 16 yards with one reception for one yard against the Panthers (Nov 3). In October, he broke out with 11 rushes for 61 yards and three receptions for 26 yards against the Steelers (Oct 26). In August 2025, his chances of making the 53-man roster improved due to a hamstring injury to MarShawn Lloyd, having posted 502 rushing yards as Jacobs' primary backup in 2024.

Jaylen Warren Exits Steelers' Win with Knee Injury After Productive Outing

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Jaylen Warren, who signed a two-year contract with the Steelers in September 2025, rushed 10 times for 62 yards and caught both of his targets for five yards in Pittsburgh's 34-12 victory over the Bengals on November 16, 2025. However, he played only one snap after sustaining a knee injury in the third quarter, according to Alan Saunders of Pittsburgh Steelers Now. His 2025 advanced stats show a 21.2% broken tackle rate and 88.5% catch rate. Earlier in the season, he had 14 rushes for 70 yards and 21 receiving yards against the Chargers (Nov 9), and punched in two scores with 31 rushing yards and minus-2 receiving yards against the Colts (Nov 2). In October, he recorded 62 rushing yards and 11 receiving yards against Green Bay (Oct 26), broke out with 127 rushing yards and 31 receiving yards against the Bengals (Oct 16), and had 52 rushing yards with 11 receiving yards against the Browns (Oct 12). Maurice Jones-Drew of NFL.com projected in July 2025 that Warren is set for a career year and will likely lead Pittsburgh's backfield production, especially after Najee Harris's departure, noting Warren's three-down skill set. His career high is 1,154 scrimmage yards, achieved in the 2023 regular season.

Joe Burrow Progressing from Turf Toe, Possible Return in Weeks 13 or 14

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, sidelined since Week 2 with a turf toe injury, returned to limited practice last week, participating in 7-on-7 drills. The plan for the upcoming week is for him to throw 11-on-11 against the scout team. While there is no definitive return date, Week 13 against the Ravens or Week 14 against the Bills are possibilities, according to CBS Sports' Melanie Collins on November 16, 2025. Burrow stated that his return depends on "a lot of variables," primarily how his toe feels, and acknowledged the significance of potentially returning in Baltimore, the site of his 2023 season-ending injury. Since Burrow's injury, the Bengals have gone 1-7, with Joe Flacco taking over at quarterback after Jack Browning's 0-3 start. Burrow, the 2020 top overall pick, led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021 and was within a game of it in 2022. In 2023, he won NFL Comeback Player of the Year for a second time, leading the league with 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns.