Here's the Monday morning fantasy rundown:
Buccaneers -- Cameron Brate converted two targets into six yards, while O.J. Howard converted four targets into 52 yards. I've been warning about Brate on my podcast for the past 5-6 weeks. Howard is the Bucs' TE of the future; in fantasy, Brate should have been dropped or dealt before the trade deadline.
Falcons -- As I wrote yesterday morning, Julio Jones was due for a huge game against a bad Tampa Bay D. He came through big-time. No one likes erratic play out of their star players. But trust that Julio's best stretch of the season began yesterday.
Browns -- Corey Coleman was only mediocre as expected. In fairness, his four opponents this season have been Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Cincinnati. Unfortunately for him, Josh Gordon is due to return this week, further limiting the upside of a guy the Browns never should have burned the 15th overall pick on (in other words, a good receiver is the last thing a cellar-dwelling team with no good QBs needs).
Bengals -- This was the game we've been waiting for out of Joe Mixon. He's primed for RB1 production next season if he can maintain his bell-cow role. The 21-year-old has sky-high upside.
Dolphins -- A shoulder injury knocked out Damien Williams, giving Kenyan Drake the touches--and in all likelihood, the touchdown--some fantasy managers desperately needed to salvage an RB2 day. If Williams sits next week, Drake will be a must-start, 20+ touch RB2 at home against Denver.
Patriots -- Tom Brady owns Miami, and he lived up to expectations Sunday. After a pedestrian five games midseason, he's connected on 10 scores in his past three contests, reassuring the four people out there who questioned whether the 40-year-old was on the decline.
Titans -- Entering Week 12, the Colts defense was giving up more yards per pass attempt (8.3) than any other NFL team while yielding nearly twice as many passing TDs than interceptions produced. Marcus Mariota once again couldn't find his groove and finished the day as one of the week's worst fantasy QBs. He still hasn't exceeded 20 fantasy points on the season and will be an interesting sit/start question next week in a fantastic home matchup against Houston.
Colts -- Frank Gore picked up 19 touches compared to Marlon Mack's six and added his first touchdown since September. I've believed all this time Gore would give way to the rookie. This week, at least, Gore proved me seriously wrong.
Bills -- I hate to let the personal interfere with the fantasy. But I've got a soft spot for Tyrod Taylor, whose unceremonious removal as Buffalo's starter last week was superseded only by Nathan Peterman's unceremonious NFL debut. While Taylor proved unstartable in one-QB leagues yesterday, he did enough to help secure an impressive road win and keep their playoff hopes firmly alive--which means we'll see a lot more of Taylor during his remaining soft season-ending schedule.
Chiefs -- An embarrassing loss for a team that's lost five of six and, based on their remaining schedule, should lose at least one more, if not 2-3. I expected Kareem Hunt to regress after his crazy-good start to the year. But for much of the past seven weeks he's looked more like Spencer Ware's backup than a deserved bell-cow. Charcandrick West isn't the answer, so Kansas City needs Hunt to get going if they have any shot at a playoff run. Hunt is merely an RB2/3, depending on usage.
Panthers -- As expected, the highly ranked Cam Newton was not a QB1 this week. His 11-for-28 for 168 numbers were simply awful. But facing a dream Week 15-16 schedule, and armed with a sizable floor, Cam will find his groove when it counts most for fantasy managers. Also, Devin Funchess proved me wrong by catching seven passes for 108 yards. In fact, he was the only Panther wideout who caught a pass yesterday. And depending how bad Greg Olsen's injury is, Funchess suddenly looks like a weekly must-start option with WR1 upside.
Jets -- When Quincy Enunwa was lost for the season this summer, the prevailing notion was that someone else would step up. But really, did anyone expect Robby Anderson's midseason domination? Two more TDs Sunday give him six in his last five games. An incredible story, and one I didn't see coming until it was already here and lingering for weeks.
Bears -- This played out exactly as expected, with Jordan Howard giving way to a struggling passing game after Chicago fell behind big early. For Howard to get to the next level, he has to do what Todd Gurley did the past three seasons: step up his passing-game chops. Until then, there will be certain weeks when you simply don't want to start Howard.
Eagles -- I advised readers to go with Jay Ajayi, and instead LeGarrette Blount dominated the backfield. This one is hard to read, so I won't try. Either of these guys could help fantasy managers going forward. For now, it appears to be a hot-hand situation.
Seahawks -- Eddie Lacy converted 20 touches into 61 yards, including only 2.7 YPC. Thomas Rawls didn't see a touch. Once again, J.D. McKissic looked the most impressive, yet he mustered only eight touches. When will McKissic get more run? Hopefully when savvy and patient fantasy managers need him most.
49ers -- The Jimmy Garoppolo era has begun in San Francisco, and it started with a bang. Expect an improved offense, benefiting Carlos Hyde and Marquise Goodwin most.
Broncos -- Paxton Lynch hurt his ankle, but let's not kid ourselves: Trevor Siemian came in and exposed a Raiders defense that most of their opponents have exposed. But Paxton Lynch looked like he was playing an All-Pro team. Oakland secured its first interception of the season while limiting Lynch to 41 passing yards. There was enough ugliness here to keep Lynch sidelined for the rest of the year, and presumably much longer. Siemian, for all his limitations, should salvage the values of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.
Raiders -- Oakland won despite Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree combining for nine yards on one catch. That Derek Carr fared well without his two prime targets is great news for fantasy managers for two reasons: (1) Cooper is in the concussion protocol, while Crabtree could be suspended, and (2) Carr's terrific late-season schedule remains terrific, as other guys appear ready to step up.
Saints -- I very publicly warned that Mark Ingram would have a letdown performance (though I certainly didn't expect him to be as bad as he was). While Ingram isn't going anywhere (this season), Alvin Kamara played like an elite featured back who deserves more touches.
Rams -- Sammy Watkins came through as predicted, and Cooper Kupp also enjoyed a big day. Keep an eye on who Patrick Peterson reportedly will cover next week, and start the other guy with relative confidence.
Jaguars -- I've poo-poo'd Dede Westbrook's outlook for weeks, and I'm still not buying into him as a weekly starter. Blake Bortles has significant limitations, Marqise Lee won't always be swarmed by coverage, and the running game won't always be stymied. But credit goes to those who landed Westbrook, as his 10 targets led the team. It will be interesting to see if he can once again lead the team next week.
Cardinals -- How is Ricky Seals-Jones relevant? Seven catches for three scores these past two weeks. It's simply not sustainable--not with Blaine Gabbert at the helm. Maybe I'm behind the curve here, but I'm still not viewing him as startable in fantasy. The eventual drop-off will be steep and quick.
Packers -- I thought Pittsburgh would bottle up Jamaal Williams. Instead, the third man up for Green Bay put together a memorable rookie performance in the toughest of conditions. Still not sure what to make of him, especially with Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones expected to return at some point. For now, Williams is merely valuable as his team's sole backfield option.
Steelers -- Martavis Bryant came through, so I can breathe a sigh of relief after individually advising dozens of you to start him. But don't assume the old Bryant is back; JuJu Smith-Schuster will reclaim a meaningful role when he returns, and the offense isn't elite enough to support them and Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell.
Buccaneers -- Cameron Brate converted two targets into six yards, while O.J. Howard converted four targets into 52 yards. I've been warning about Brate on my podcast for the past 5-6 weeks. Howard is the Bucs' TE of the future; in fantasy, Brate should have been dropped or dealt before the trade deadline.
Falcons -- As I wrote yesterday morning, Julio Jones was due for a huge game against a bad Tampa Bay D. He came through big-time. No one likes erratic play out of their star players. But trust that Julio's best stretch of the season began yesterday.
Browns -- Corey Coleman was only mediocre as expected. In fairness, his four opponents this season have been Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Cincinnati. Unfortunately for him, Josh Gordon is due to return this week, further limiting the upside of a guy the Browns never should have burned the 15th overall pick on (in other words, a good receiver is the last thing a cellar-dwelling team with no good QBs needs).
Bengals -- This was the game we've been waiting for out of Joe Mixon. He's primed for RB1 production next season if he can maintain his bell-cow role. The 21-year-old has sky-high upside.
Dolphins -- A shoulder injury knocked out Damien Williams, giving Kenyan Drake the touches--and in all likelihood, the touchdown--some fantasy managers desperately needed to salvage an RB2 day. If Williams sits next week, Drake will be a must-start, 20+ touch RB2 at home against Denver.
Patriots -- Tom Brady owns Miami, and he lived up to expectations Sunday. After a pedestrian five games midseason, he's connected on 10 scores in his past three contests, reassuring the four people out there who questioned whether the 40-year-old was on the decline.
Titans -- Entering Week 12, the Colts defense was giving up more yards per pass attempt (8.3) than any other NFL team while yielding nearly twice as many passing TDs than interceptions produced. Marcus Mariota once again couldn't find his groove and finished the day as one of the week's worst fantasy QBs. He still hasn't exceeded 20 fantasy points on the season and will be an interesting sit/start question next week in a fantastic home matchup against Houston.
Colts -- Frank Gore picked up 19 touches compared to Marlon Mack's six and added his first touchdown since September. I've believed all this time Gore would give way to the rookie. This week, at least, Gore proved me seriously wrong.
Bills -- I hate to let the personal interfere with the fantasy. But I've got a soft spot for Tyrod Taylor, whose unceremonious removal as Buffalo's starter last week was superseded only by Nathan Peterman's unceremonious NFL debut. While Taylor proved unstartable in one-QB leagues yesterday, he did enough to help secure an impressive road win and keep their playoff hopes firmly alive--which means we'll see a lot more of Taylor during his remaining soft season-ending schedule.
Chiefs -- An embarrassing loss for a team that's lost five of six and, based on their remaining schedule, should lose at least one more, if not 2-3. I expected Kareem Hunt to regress after his crazy-good start to the year. But for much of the past seven weeks he's looked more like Spencer Ware's backup than a deserved bell-cow. Charcandrick West isn't the answer, so Kansas City needs Hunt to get going if they have any shot at a playoff run. Hunt is merely an RB2/3, depending on usage.
Panthers -- As expected, the highly ranked Cam Newton was not a QB1 this week. His 11-for-28 for 168 numbers were simply awful. But facing a dream Week 15-16 schedule, and armed with a sizable floor, Cam will find his groove when it counts most for fantasy managers. Also, Devin Funchess proved me wrong by catching seven passes for 108 yards. In fact, he was the only Panther wideout who caught a pass yesterday. And depending how bad Greg Olsen's injury is, Funchess suddenly looks like a weekly must-start option with WR1 upside.
Jets -- When Quincy Enunwa was lost for the season this summer, the prevailing notion was that someone else would step up. But really, did anyone expect Robby Anderson's midseason domination? Two more TDs Sunday give him six in his last five games. An incredible story, and one I didn't see coming until it was already here and lingering for weeks.
Bears -- This played out exactly as expected, with Jordan Howard giving way to a struggling passing game after Chicago fell behind big early. For Howard to get to the next level, he has to do what Todd Gurley did the past three seasons: step up his passing-game chops. Until then, there will be certain weeks when you simply don't want to start Howard.
Eagles -- I advised readers to go with Jay Ajayi, and instead LeGarrette Blount dominated the backfield. This one is hard to read, so I won't try. Either of these guys could help fantasy managers going forward. For now, it appears to be a hot-hand situation.
Seahawks -- Eddie Lacy converted 20 touches into 61 yards, including only 2.7 YPC. Thomas Rawls didn't see a touch. Once again, J.D. McKissic looked the most impressive, yet he mustered only eight touches. When will McKissic get more run? Hopefully when savvy and patient fantasy managers need him most.
49ers -- The Jimmy Garoppolo era has begun in San Francisco, and it started with a bang. Expect an improved offense, benefiting Carlos Hyde and Marquise Goodwin most.
Broncos -- Paxton Lynch hurt his ankle, but let's not kid ourselves: Trevor Siemian came in and exposed a Raiders defense that most of their opponents have exposed. But Paxton Lynch looked like he was playing an All-Pro team. Oakland secured its first interception of the season while limiting Lynch to 41 passing yards. There was enough ugliness here to keep Lynch sidelined for the rest of the year, and presumably much longer. Siemian, for all his limitations, should salvage the values of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.
Raiders -- Oakland won despite Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree combining for nine yards on one catch. That Derek Carr fared well without his two prime targets is great news for fantasy managers for two reasons: (1) Cooper is in the concussion protocol, while Crabtree could be suspended, and (2) Carr's terrific late-season schedule remains terrific, as other guys appear ready to step up.
Saints -- I very publicly warned that Mark Ingram would have a letdown performance (though I certainly didn't expect him to be as bad as he was). While Ingram isn't going anywhere (this season), Alvin Kamara played like an elite featured back who deserves more touches.
Rams -- Sammy Watkins came through as predicted, and Cooper Kupp also enjoyed a big day. Keep an eye on who Patrick Peterson reportedly will cover next week, and start the other guy with relative confidence.
Jaguars -- I've poo-poo'd Dede Westbrook's outlook for weeks, and I'm still not buying into him as a weekly starter. Blake Bortles has significant limitations, Marqise Lee won't always be swarmed by coverage, and the running game won't always be stymied. But credit goes to those who landed Westbrook, as his 10 targets led the team. It will be interesting to see if he can once again lead the team next week.
Cardinals -- How is Ricky Seals-Jones relevant? Seven catches for three scores these past two weeks. It's simply not sustainable--not with Blaine Gabbert at the helm. Maybe I'm behind the curve here, but I'm still not viewing him as startable in fantasy. The eventual drop-off will be steep and quick.
Packers -- I thought Pittsburgh would bottle up Jamaal Williams. Instead, the third man up for Green Bay put together a memorable rookie performance in the toughest of conditions. Still not sure what to make of him, especially with Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones expected to return at some point. For now, Williams is merely valuable as his team's sole backfield option.
Steelers -- Martavis Bryant came through, so I can breathe a sigh of relief after individually advising dozens of you to start him. But don't assume the old Bryant is back; JuJu Smith-Schuster will reclaim a meaningful role when he returns, and the offense isn't elite enough to support them and Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell.