When a running back or receiver goes down, the impact is more isolated. "Next man up" and that sort of thing. The offense might take a hit, but not the kind of hit that really hurts managers. But when a quarterback goes down, it can ravage a team. And yesterday we witnessed how some teams have capable backups, while others clearly don't. Some of the biggest stories coming out of yesterday--as we approach the fantasy playoffs--concern weekly fantasy starters who might no longer be weekly fantasy starters because of injured QBs.
As always, here's the most notable fantasy impact for each Sunday team:
Browns vs. Eagles -- In the three games since Odell Beckham, Jr.'s season-ending injury, Baker Mayfield is 36-for-64 for 458 scoreless yards. While we can blame bad weather, it might be that OBJ was far more important to Mayfield than the numbers reflected. And Carson Wentz reached a new level of "rock bottom," though head coach Doug Pederson reportedly "never considered" benching his supposed franchise QB. As long as Wentz keeps struggling, the now-crowded receiver corps won't produce more than one or two streamable options per game.
Saints vs. Falcons -- Taysom Hill exceeded my expectations despite a painfully slow start. He's a boon for savvy managers who plugged him into their TE slot. Now the biggest question is whether he'll remain TE-eligible in Week 12. And even without Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans contained Atlanta's nearly unstoppable offense. Todd Gurley had his fifth straight outing with 3.3 YPC or less. And keep an eye on Julio Jones's hamstring injury heading into Week 12.
Washington vs. Bengals -- Antonio Gibson did it again and is on pace for 1,187 total yards and 13 touchdowns. And Joe Burrow: devastating. Ryan Finley was atrocious in his place, collecting more sacks (four) than completions (three). Tyler Boyd has been a WR1, while Tee Higgins has been a top-30 WR. Throw all that out the window now.
Panthers vs. Lions -- P.J. Walker looked capable in his spot start. If Teddy Bridgewater isn't ready next week, it's fair to believe Mike Davis (or Christian McCaffrey), Robby Anderson, and D.J. Moore will be just fine. As for Detroit, what an awful day for Matthew Stafford and my "bold" pick Kerryon Johnson. Maybe Stafford was slowed by his thumb injury. Assuming no setbacks, I love Detroit bouncing back on Thanksgiving, with or without Kenny Golladay.
Jaguars vs. Steelers -- Jake Luton has regressed in his two contests since his solid debut. While Pittsburgh is as tough as they come, Luton simply doesn't look ready. Deep-leaguers would be wise to grab Gardner Minshew if he's available. And JuJu Smith-Schuster's toe injury is the biggest news for the 10-0 Steelers, while Benny Snell getting a punch-in is another reminder James Conner isn't quite the bellcow managers thought they were drafting. That said, Conner did better than I expected. His biggest downside right now is inconsistent volume.
Ravens vs. Titans -- J.K. Dobbins rewarded patient managers. Baltimore drafted him in the second round for a reason. And credit to those who ignored my warning (two straight weeks) about A.J. Brown. But remember: with four minutes left in the fourth he had one catch for 12 scoreless yards. While points are points--and those who started him deserve those points--in three of the last four weeks he's been Tennessee's #2 receiver behind Corey Davis. #2 receivers on run-heavy teams (the Titans are near the league bottom in pass attempts) are simply risky.
Texans vs. Patriots -- With injuries to Kenny Stills and Randall Cobb, very deep leaguers might want to snag Keke Coutee, who would be the #3 wideout in a pass-friendly offense if Stills and Cobb miss time. Oh, and David Johnson's starting job appears safe. For New England, Rex Burkhead's injury could open the door for Sony Michel--or it could simply increase the usage of Damien Harris and James White.
Broncos vs. Dolphins -- Melvin Gordon stepped up, to my surprise. Of course, Phillip Lindsay did, too, and I continue to prefer Lindsay as the more talented back. But Gordon isn't budging. And Miami mercifully brought back Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Chargers vs. Jets -- Why is Kalen Ballage still starting? Is Joshua Kelley really that bad? And Denzel Mims and Breshad Perriman have definitely had an impact on the previously invincible Jamison Crowder.
Colts vs. Packers -- I've been preaching patience with Jonathan Taylor. Yesterday that patience paid off for some of you. He's a legit talent and unquestionably the best back in Indy. And Aaron Jones had only 10 carries. Yes, he hit his fantasy numbers. But he's averaging only 12 carries in his last four games, though his receptions are keeping his floor high.
Vikings vs. Cowboys -- An ugly loss for Minnesota. And Kirk Cousins has thrown eight touchdowns in his last three games and gets Carolina and Jacksonville next. For Dallas, a huge win in Andy Dalton's "return." Three Cowboy receivers were well fed, which bodes well for next week's make-or-break matchup against Washington.
Raiders vs. Chiefs -- Derek Carr jumps into the top 16 QBs and is within striking distance of the top 12. He's now hit 19+ points in half his games and gets the Falcons and Jets up next. And Can any Vegas wideout be at least a remotely reliable fantasy option? And Clyde Edwards-Helaire dominated while out-touching Le'Veon Bell 15-8. He'll remain the 1A as long as he's healthy.