Quarterback play has been everywhere within the NFL season, certainly driving fantasy soccer managers to think about throwing their telephones towards the wall with the accuracy of Patrick Mah … err … the accuracy of Russell Wils … err … the accuracy of Matthew Staf … err … you get the image.
Absolutely managers of Patrick Mahomes hope he has relocated his mojo after a three-week stretch previous to final Sunday by which he posted a complete of 32.18 factors. You learn that accurately. He promptly topped these three video games in a single outing towards the Raiders, although, racking up 36.24 factors with 406 passing yards and 5 touchdowns.
Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford managers might be eagerly awaiting related bouncebacks. The Seahawks QB had considered one of his worst days as a professional on Sunday, going 20-of-40 for 161 yards with two interceptions for five.64 fantasy factors in a loss at Inexperienced Bay. Stafford additionally had a fantasy clunker, posting simply 9.82 factors with two interceptions in a loss at San Francisco.
Naturally, ESPN fantasy sports activities researcher Kyle Soppe, who’s answerable for our 32 questions, had a query about Wilson. He in all probability would have about Stafford, too, however the Rams are on a bye this week, together with the Broncos. So do not search for them under.
However do search for questions in regards to the run video games in Kansas Metropolis, Miami and the NFC North. Let’s go.
AFC EAST
What is going on on with Emmanuel Sanders these days?
The Payments have been at all times going to unfold the ball round. That is what makes the numerous gamers on Buffalo’s offense powerful fantasy choices. Sanders performed his fewest snaps of the season final week vs. the Jets (60.3%) due to the kind of performs the Payments have been operating and the success of receiver Gabriel Davis. General, Sanders remains to be being focused by quarterback Josh Allen and can stay a part of this offense, however as coordinator Brian Daboll tinkers to search out probably the most success, there’ll proceed to be up-and-down days. Davis’ pace and up to date success would possibly lead him to having an even bigger function. — Alaina Getzenberg
Myles Gaskin appears to be “the man,” however his manufacturing is spotty. Will they continue to be dedicated to him?
Merely put — there is not any different choice however to maintain feeding Gaskin. Salvon Ahmed is the one different wholesome operating again who may realistically see touches out of Miami’s backfield, however he hasn’t been as efficient as Gaskin this season. Till Malcolm Brown is activated from injured reserve, proceed to play Gaskin — understanding that he’ll offer you an added bonus in PPR leagues. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
1:11
Mike Clay deems Dolphins operating again Myles Gaskin a should begin towards a struggling Jets run protection in Week 11.
True or false: The Patriots have a backfield with two good gamers … neither of whom goes to be dependable in fantasy transferring ahead.
True. The best way the Patriots employed Damien Harris (25 snaps) and Rhamondre Stevenson (22) in Thursday evening’s win over the Falcons now signifies the employees plans to go collection by collection with them. That was what it was Thursday for the primary time – one collection for Harris, then Stevenson, then Harris, then Stevenson. It’s at all times attainable they might journey a sizzling hand because the season progresses, however that is not the way in which it appears proper now. — Mike Reiss
Which WR do you assume is the best choice on this offense transferring ahead?
Rookie Elijah Moore will get a slight edge over Corey Davis. Moore’s function has expanded in latest weeks; he has 17 receptions and 4 touchdowns (three receiving, one speeding) prior to now 4 video games. The one concern with Moore is that he did not have a lot manufacturing with Zach Wilson, who probably returns to the lineup subsequent week, however that in all probability was a byproduct of early-season rising pains. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
A strong evening from Rashod Bateman: Do you assume he can produce at this degree persistently for the remainder of the yr?
It undoubtedly appears that means, particularly with the moment chemistry between Bateman and Lamar Jackson. Bateman is seemingly catching every part in his grasp and turning brief passes into first downs. The schedule is favorable as nicely. Three of the Ravens’ subsequent 4 video games are towards defenses which can be among the many six worst in yards allowed to extensive receivers. — Jamison Hensley
1:04
Mike Clay outlines why he is excessive on Rashod Bateman and Marquise Brown towards the Bears in Week 11.
Tee Higgins‘ yardage was on the uptick earlier than the bye: Do you assume he is the clear-cut WR2 and a weekly fantasy flex choice?
Proper now, he actually seems to be the WR2 on the roster. As rookie Ja’Marr Chase continues to warrant extra defensive consideration, that ought to depart Higgins in lots of favorable one-on-one matchups. Higgins hasn’t capitalized on each alternative to date, however he is slowly discovering his rhythm with QB Joe Burrow and may warrant a excessive sufficient goal share to be thought-about a flex choice in PPR leagues. — Ben Child
Does Nick Chubb have job safety, or is that this a backfield committee when he returns?
Chubb is the man when he returns on Sunday. Kareem Hunt will resume his backup function as soon as he is again from the calf harm, getting spot carries and catches within the passing sport. And D’Ernest Johnson has in all probability earned a chance to get a collection or two transferring ahead. However with out query, Chubb will stay Cleveland’s lead again. — Jake Trotter
Something to the Ray-Ray McCloud quantity on Sunday, or only a situational taking place?
At this level, McCloud’s utilization is an aberration, not the beginning of a sample. Proper place, proper time. He has good chemistry with Mason Rudolph, and he benefited from the harm to Chase Claypool additional lowering the out there Steelers extensive receivers. The Steelers wish to see him be an even bigger issue within the receiving sport, however it’s nonetheless unlikely the sport towards the Lions turns into McCloud’s new norm. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
If there’s one participant not named Brandin Cooks who fantasy managers ought to have on their radar from this crew, who’s it?
Nico Collins. Though he had solely three catches for 25 yards in Week 9, the rookie receiver is Houston’s finest receiving risk behind Cooks. Collins is averaging 12.7 yards per reception this season and with elevated consideration on Cooks, Collins may have some affect catches, particularly on Sunday towards a Tennessee protection that’s permitting a mean of 267.9 passing yards per sport, which ranks twenty seventh within the NFL. — Sarah Barshop
Do you assume the Colts are keen to present Jonathan Taylor this form of quantity transferring ahead?
The Colts will give Taylor as a lot of a workload as he can deal with, which seems to be limitless. Because it was identified on the primary episode of “Laborious Knocks” on Nov. 17, Taylor by no means tires out. The Week 10 sport towards Jacksonville was the primary time this season that Taylor had greater than 20 carries to associate with six receptions. Coach Frank Reich mentioned earlier this season that Taylor has reached the purpose the place he has earned no less than 20 carries a sport. — Mike Wells
Is Dan Arnold probably the most dependable pass-catcher on this offense?
Completely. Arnold has 17 catches on 24 targets over the previous three video games and he leads the crew in targets (40), catches (27), receiving yards (315) and yards after catch (151) since he joined the Jaguars earlier than their Week 4 sport at Cincinnati. The Jaguars’ extensive receivers are unable to get constant separation and drop too many passes (9 by WRs alone, together with 4 by Jamal Agnew), and it would not be shocking if Arnold finally ends up because the Jaguars’ main receiver at season’s finish. — Michael DiRocco
2:02
Area Yates and Matthew Berry study the fantasy success of Elijah Moore, Dan Arnold, and Rashod Bateman.
Is D’Onta Foreman value a speculative add, or is that this backfield going to be muddied so long as Derrick Henry is sidelined?
It might be clever to keep away from all Titans operating backs. Their roles are nonetheless being labored out with nobody rising because the function again after two video games. Foreman has proven that he might be an choice catching the ball out of the backfield along with operating the ball, however his manufacturing remains to be not value including him. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
101 receiving yards for Darrel Williams: What does the backfield utilization appear like in KC when Clyde Edwards-Helaire returns?
Not a lot totally different than it did earlier than Edwards-Helaire left the lineup, almost definitely. Williams will rotate in, as he did earlier than, and play quite a bit on third downs, as earlier than. Jerick McKinnon will get a couple of snaps. However anticipate Edwards-Helaire to be the featured again, maybe after a ramp-up interval of a sport or two as a result of he missed a substantial period of time. — Adam Teicher
1:45
Stephania Bell breaks down Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s potential return from harm and Mike Clay debates if fantasy managers ought to play the RB if he does certainly return.
Bryan Edwards made some huge performs on Sunday evening: Is he value a fantasy roster spot the remainder of the way in which? What do you consider his outlook past 2021?
Edwards is likely to be the epitome of a Growth-Bust man … from a pure Fantasy standpoint. So relying on how a lot of a risk-taker Fantasy managers are, there it’s. Sure he had a pleasant sport in a blowout loss to the Chiefs. However he was invisible with zero catches on 4 targets in an in depth loss the week earlier than on the Giants. Wanting ahead, he is a strong WR2 for Fantasy functions, although Hunter Renfrow is likely to be probably the most artistic receiver Derek Carr has ever performed with, the quarterback mentioned this week, and he isn’t WR1, both. Purchaser beware, certainly. — Paul Gutierrez
The highest WR on this offense the remainder of the way in which is …
Keenan Allen by far. He is probably the most dependable, has one of the best fingers, and he has already caught 65 passes for 698 yards, usually in powerful protection. Justin Herbert trusts him. — Shelley Smith
NFC EAST
How did you assume Michael Gallup seemed in his return, and which Cowboys receiver scores probably the most factors the remainder of the way in which?
He did not appear like a man who missed seven video games with a calf pressure. He completed with three catches for 42 yards though one drop that might have been an enormous play barely altered what may have been an enormous day. The affect that Gallup has, nonetheless, impacts CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys transfer their receivers round however they will get Lamb favorable matchups within the slot or outdoors and he had two touchdowns and 94 yards whereas sitting out a superb portion of the second half with an arm harm. If I needed to say who scores probably the most factors the remainder of the way in which, go along with Lamb, however Gallup and Amari Cooper — who’s out the next two games — can have their huge days too. — Todd Archer
What number of touches per week do you assume we are able to realistically depend on from Saquon Barkley?
It is a difficult query with each Barkley (ankle) and Devontae Booker (hip) coping with accidents. Assuming each play — which appears probably — 15 touches appears cheap for Barkley. It is exhausting to challenge rather more. Coach Joe Choose is on document saying Booker has earned enjoying time and, realistically, how a lot are the Giants going to run the ball towards Tampa Bay’s second-ranked run protection? The mix ought to maintain Barkley’s involvement down from his pre-injury function, no less than for this week. — Jordan Raanan
DeVonta Smith went seven video games with no rating, however he has had no drawback the previous two weeks. Are we seeing sustainable progress or only a good run for a participant who might be inconsistent?
Three touchdowns over two weeks will not essentially be the norm, however the progress in Smith’s sport is actual. So is the improved play of quarterback Jalen Hurts over the previous three video games. Now that Smith is comfy, and the chemistry with Hurts is sound, I anticipate Smith to be a gradual drive the remainder of the way in which. — Tim McManus
1:00
Area Yates and Matthew Berry focus on the upside and consistency of DeVonta Smith.
We would been concentrating on this protection for weeks after which it restricted the Bucs. Was Week 10 an indication of issues to return or a one-time, high-end efficiency?
I do not assume it was a one-week factor because the protection has slowly been enjoying higher — it has allowed a mean of 283.3 yards prior to now three video games vs. Inexperienced Bay, Denver and Tampa Bay. The secondary has improved, thanks partially to utilizing a heavy dose of three-safety units with Landon Collins enjoying throughout — within the field, within the center and wherever he is wanted. And within the subsequent two weeks they face offenses, Carolina and Seattle, that rank within the backside third in each yards and factors. There are nonetheless holes, nonetheless, that trigger concern: They will not have finish Chase Young for the remainder of the season or Montez Sweat for an additional three to 5 weeks. Their linebackers stay inconsistent. However as a gaggle the protection is enjoying higher. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
David Montgomery was a league winner late final season: Do you assume one of the best is but to return this season from Chicago’s lead again?
That depends upon the Bears. Montgomery is a confirmed operating again who usually lacks the required touches to be an incredible fantasy participant. When Chicago commits to Montgomery, the third-year rusher can simply break 100 yards and rating touchdowns. However the Bears typically drift away from Montgomery all through the course of a sport. In concept, Montgomery — now a few weeks again from a knee harm — may very well be primed for an enormous sport versus Baltimore. Nonetheless, with the Bears, you simply by no means really know. — Jeff Dickerson
1:43
Matthew Berry explains why he is so excessive on Bears operating again David Montgomery towards the Ravens.
Do you assume this run-heavy strategy is what Detroit needs to do in shut video games, or was D’Andre Swift‘s heavy workload matchup-driven?
It was a combination of each. The Lions knew that the climate situations in Pittsburgh would not be very best, in 39-degree climate with heavy showers, and quarterback Jared Goff was enjoying with an indirect harm in order that they needed to depend on the run-heavy strategy over passing. Shifting ahead, the receivers nonetheless have not proved themselves sufficient to shut video games, so I really feel like one of the best strategy in these late conditions is to depend on Swift and the bottom sport. It makes complete sense. — Eric Woodyard
Give us an NFL comparability for AJ Dillon and an overview of what you assume his utilization will appear like whereas Aaron Jones is out.
Dillon shouldn’t be Derrick Henry, however he performs like Henry. At 6-0 and practically 250 kilos, he is an influence again in probably the most conventional sense. However he additionally confirmed his receiver expertise with that 50-yarder final week. He is RB1 till Jones comes again, and he ought to get 75-80% of the snaps. — Rob Demovsky
Tyler Conklin appears to be trending upward by way of utilization. He has a 35-353-3 stat line by means of 9 video games. Would you go over or underneath in every of these classes (catches, yards, touchdowns) for the remaining eight video games?
I might take the over, however barely contemplating that is proper across the stat line I might anticipate for Conklin over the ultimate eight video games. The Vikings face the Packers twice and the Rams in December, two groups that have not been nice in protecting tight ends, so these must be video games the place the Vikings look to their TE1 usually. Conklin is turning into a sure-thing for Kirk Cousins within the crimson zone with eight targets and 5 catches contained in the 20-yard line to associate with three touchdowns, in order that’s probably the world the place his manufacturing might be most prevalent the following eight video games. — Courtney Cronin
NFC SOUTH
Is it time to cease chasing the upside we thought Kyle Pitts would have and time to start out evaluating if he is a fantasy starter on a week-to-week foundation?
It is a difficult query. The dearth of clear choices at tight finish league-wide nonetheless makes Pitts a lovely choice, however the considered making him an immediate plug-and-play is probably going not practical till Atlanta has Cordarrelle Patterson again. Possibly even not then, both. He is nonetheless getting good quantity — 5 or extra targets each week since Week 3 — however the manufacturing hasn’t been there on a week-over-week foundation. That must be anticipated because it occurs to all rookie tight ends and his season numbers are nonetheless good (43 catches, 635 yards), however he hasn’t gotten into the top zone in america but. So be slightly cautious, however do not hand over on him fully. — Michael Rothstein
If this offense shifts to Cam Newton, do you assume DJ Moore can work out issues or will his latest struggles proceed?
Positively. Newton’s presence already has had an affect on Robby Anderson, who scored a landing final week. Moore was considered one of Newton’s favourite targets outdoors of Christian McCaffrey his first time round, and after a full week of apply ought to turn into that once more. — David Newton
Mark Ingram II was featured with Alvin Kamara out. When Kamara returns, what do you anticipate the contact distribution to appear like?
I nonetheless anticipate Kamara to be the clear No. 1 and Ingram to be the clear No. 2, although Kamara once more will not play this weekend. So I would not fear about this turning right into a timeshare based mostly on efficiency. But it surely’s attainable the Saints may again off Kamara’s workload slightly extra within the wake of his minor knee harm to ensure he stays recent for the complete season — particularly within the brief time period. — Mike Triplett
0:54
Area Yates explains that if Alvin Kamara performs, he must be a starter in fantasy, and if not, Mark Ingram II ought to get the nod.
Solely three targets for Mike Evans with Antonio Brown out. Ought to we be involved about his quantity transferring ahead, even in a pass-heavy offense?
It’s regarding, however that is why whoever is in that third-receiver spot has to win. Evans confirmed final week that he is nonetheless able to scoring with out Brown — hauling in a stunning 40-yard landing cross — and the Giants’ secondary is fairly weak. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
It has been ugly not too long ago, however do you assume this offense might be clicking as soon as it will get per week off in Week 12? In that case, is Christian Kirk a fantasy difference-maker down the stretch?
I do not assume it has as a lot to do with the break day because it does with who’s — or is not — on the sphere. The Cardinals’ offensive points are a direct correlation to not having quarterback Kyler Murray or extensive receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Will break day assist the Playing cards relaxation and get refreshed? Certain. However will getting these two again assist extra? Sure. — Josh Weinfuss
Ten carries for Jeff Wilson Jr. in his season debut in a blowout. What number of carries do you assume we are able to rely on him taking off of Elijah Mitchell‘s plate within the coming weeks?
Wilson is clearly the No. 2 again, which, after all, means he is at all times a play away from turning into the starter. These 10 carries towards the Rams got here as a part of a plan to attempt to get to 40-plus speeding makes an attempt in that sport. It is not practical to assume they will be at 40-plus each week, although, and Mitchell remains to be the person. However Wilson’s expertise and third-down capacity undoubtedly imply he’ll be a distinguished a part of the combo each week. Mitchell has additionally had a bent to get banged up, which hasn’t slowed him a lot however is one thing else to observe provided that Wilson is the following man up if Mitchell misses time. — Nick Wagoner
2:15
Matthew Berry gives contingency plans for fantasy managers who’ve Elijah Mitchell on their roster.
Rusty return or one thing extra within the underwhelming Week 10 efficiency from Russell Wilson (and particularly the inefficiencies to Tyler Lockett)?
Wilson was adamant that his surgically repaired finger felt advantageous towards the Packers and that he merely made the improper choices on his two interceptions. However that does not clarify his 20-of-40 end and a few uncharacteristically errant throws that he missed, other than the 2 picks. Wilson had by no means missed an NFL sport in nine-plus seasons earlier than his finger harm sidelined him for a month, so rust very nicely may have been an element together with the chilly climate in Inexperienced Bay. Neither must be as a lot of a problem Sunday towards the Cardinals in Seattle, although he’s dealing with one other powerful protection. — Brady Henderson