Well that was some day, capped by an almost unreal collapse. In recent weeks I've posted the most notable fantasy impacts of each Sunday game on the Pro Football Network website. Today let's focus it here on the blog:
Bills vs. Colts -- Coming off a surprisingly effective performance in Week 10, former NFL starter Matt Breida led all Bills in carries (and ground production) with a 5-51 rushing line and one catch for 16 yards. Last week seemed like a fluke. This week might have been, too, since the game got out of hand by the second half. But it's something to monitor. And Jonathan Taylor: simply wow. 15 TDs in his last eight games. One of the greatest fantasy performances in history, and one of the greatest half-seasons in history (232.3 fantasy points during those eight games).
Bears vs. Ravens -- Chicago couldn't capitalize against the shorthanded Ravens. Most notably, Justin Fields' injury somehow opened the door for Darnell Mooney, courtesy of Andy Dalton. That's not exactly how we might interpret it. But it's fair to wonder if Fields could have done better. I'm all in on Fields developing into a QB1. But if his rib injury keeps him sidelined, it will be interesting to see if Dalton can revive his standing. And Devonta Freeman led Baltimore's backfield, meaning he's the only Raven RB to start with even semi-confidence in Week 12.
Browns vs. Lions -- I thought Cleveland would roll over Detroit. More than that: I would have bet big money on their -11.5 point spread if I were a gambler (truthfully, the most I ever gamble is $1). So I escaped financial ruin, and the Browns escaped what would have been (possibly) the most embarrassing loss of the 2021 NFL season. Jarvis Landry led all receivers with eight targets, so keep that in your back pocket. And for Detroit, D'Andre Swift proved me wrong with a big run that turned an otherwise middling fantasy day into a brilliant one. Is he matchup-proof? It's starting to look that way.
Titans vs. Texans -- Three of my starters departed early yesterday with injuries, which is not a recipe for winning my league. One of them was A.J. Brown (chest). If he's forced to sit in Week 12, I will get upset for at least 24 hours, and more importantly for the fantasy universe, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could be an intriguing streamer. Oh, and where did Dontrell Hilliard come from? He's been looming as the #4 RB, but I never expected him to elevate to the lead-back role. Something to watch closely, obviously. And not much to say about Houston, except Rex Burkhead might be their #1 RB, which isn't saying much.
Vikings vs. Packers -- Nothing notable for Minnesota. Their Big 3 all came through. Perhaps most interestingly, after a great start to the season, K.J. Osborn has faded into the background. And Marques Valdes-Scantling seized the opportunity for Green Bay, leading all Packers with 10 targets. He's legit in the right matchup. Don't overpay for him, but he's sure more reliable than Randall Cobb and the injured Allen Lazard.
Jets vs. Dolphins -- Michael Carter looked terrific before exiting with an ankle injury. If he's sidelined for his next game, Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson could form a non-interesting tandem. And break up the Fins! Three straight wins with the Panthers and Giants on deck. Salvon Ahmed was an interesting scratch and Myles Gaskin earned the most carries he's had all year (23). He keeps doing better than I think he will, and it's time for me to let go of my misconceptions.
Eagles vs. Saints -- Jordan Howard hurt his knee and Miles Sanders looked sharp in his return despite losing a fumble. Philly had 50--yes, 50--carries yesterday. And Mark Ingram did better than I anticipated, while Tony Jones was almost non-existant in his return. Ingram is playing incredibly. Will be interesting to see how heavily Alvin Kamara is utilized (i.e. the Saints might not over-work him) when he returns.
Panthers vs. Washington -- If you picked up Cam Newton 10 days ago, once again, congratulations. I'm continuing to kick myself for (a) believing in him, but (b) not following through on my belief and picking him up, because I thought I was just fine with Kyler Murray. And while Antonio Gibson lost a fumble, he appears to be healthy again and doing what Antonio Gibson normally does. Not a good fantasy output, but at least he's pretty safe to start as an RB3+.
Jaguars vs. 49ers -- San Francisco dominated time of possession, and the Jags never had a chance. I publicly pushed Marvin Jones as a Week 11 flyer, and at one points he caught four straight balls from Trevor Lawrence. But there wans't much more before or after. Very odd. He remains a highly underutilized weapon. And Jeff Wilson didn't come through as many of us had hoped, and Trey Sermon looked a little better. We'll see how things shake out in Week 12.
Raiders vs. Bengals -- "Trust in Darren Waller" I kept telling people this past week, even though my opponent was starting him, and I didn't want Waller to do well. The fact is, teams adjust, and talent usually wins in the end. Waller will get his points by the time this season is in the books. And Joe Mixon, folks. Joe Mixon. This one I'll celebrate. Those of you who received my rankings know that he was my RB5 vs. an RB13 ADP. It was one of my boldest predictions, especially when you consider no expert was recommending drafting him in the first round. He's now the RB4 with seven weeks to go.
Chiefs vs. Cowboys -- Clyde Edwards-Helaire looked like the lead back in his return. I was shocked, thinking Darrel Williams would go toe-to-toe, especially given CEH's long layoff and Williams' dynamic play in his absence. And CeeDee Lamb's head injury could keep him out this Thursday. Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson could join Dalton Schultz as Dak Prescott's top three receivers on Thanksigiving.
Seahawks vs. Cardinals -- I've warned many of you against starting Alex Collins every week. One week I was wrong. Every other week he's flopped. I doubt he'll remain the clear-cut starter for much longer. And Zach Ertz came through for the shorthanded Cardinals. He's had a resurgence this year, and Arizona turned out to be an ideal fantasy landing spot.
Chargers vs. Steelers -- My opponent knows I wanted to trade for Justin Herbert this week. He wouldn't budge. He wins (he didn't actually win his matchup, but still, he kept Herbert). Few QBs have his upside. And Ben Roethlisberger finally had a performance to be proud of. Might be short-lived, but he hasn't been able to feed Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool in the same game very often.
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Bills vs. Colts -- Coming off a surprisingly effective performance in Week 10, former NFL starter Matt Breida led all Bills in carries (and ground production) with a 5-51 rushing line and one catch for 16 yards. Last week seemed like a fluke. This week might have been, too, since the game got out of hand by the second half. But it's something to monitor. And Jonathan Taylor: simply wow. 15 TDs in his last eight games. One of the greatest fantasy performances in history, and one of the greatest half-seasons in history (232.3 fantasy points during those eight games).
Bears vs. Ravens -- Chicago couldn't capitalize against the shorthanded Ravens. Most notably, Justin Fields' injury somehow opened the door for Darnell Mooney, courtesy of Andy Dalton. That's not exactly how we might interpret it. But it's fair to wonder if Fields could have done better. I'm all in on Fields developing into a QB1. But if his rib injury keeps him sidelined, it will be interesting to see if Dalton can revive his standing. And Devonta Freeman led Baltimore's backfield, meaning he's the only Raven RB to start with even semi-confidence in Week 12.
Browns vs. Lions -- I thought Cleveland would roll over Detroit. More than that: I would have bet big money on their -11.5 point spread if I were a gambler (truthfully, the most I ever gamble is $1). So I escaped financial ruin, and the Browns escaped what would have been (possibly) the most embarrassing loss of the 2021 NFL season. Jarvis Landry led all receivers with eight targets, so keep that in your back pocket. And for Detroit, D'Andre Swift proved me wrong with a big run that turned an otherwise middling fantasy day into a brilliant one. Is he matchup-proof? It's starting to look that way.
Titans vs. Texans -- Three of my starters departed early yesterday with injuries, which is not a recipe for winning my league. One of them was A.J. Brown (chest). If he's forced to sit in Week 12, I will get upset for at least 24 hours, and more importantly for the fantasy universe, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could be an intriguing streamer. Oh, and where did Dontrell Hilliard come from? He's been looming as the #4 RB, but I never expected him to elevate to the lead-back role. Something to watch closely, obviously. And not much to say about Houston, except Rex Burkhead might be their #1 RB, which isn't saying much.
Vikings vs. Packers -- Nothing notable for Minnesota. Their Big 3 all came through. Perhaps most interestingly, after a great start to the season, K.J. Osborn has faded into the background. And Marques Valdes-Scantling seized the opportunity for Green Bay, leading all Packers with 10 targets. He's legit in the right matchup. Don't overpay for him, but he's sure more reliable than Randall Cobb and the injured Allen Lazard.
Jets vs. Dolphins -- Michael Carter looked terrific before exiting with an ankle injury. If he's sidelined for his next game, Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson could form a non-interesting tandem. And break up the Fins! Three straight wins with the Panthers and Giants on deck. Salvon Ahmed was an interesting scratch and Myles Gaskin earned the most carries he's had all year (23). He keeps doing better than I think he will, and it's time for me to let go of my misconceptions.
Eagles vs. Saints -- Jordan Howard hurt his knee and Miles Sanders looked sharp in his return despite losing a fumble. Philly had 50--yes, 50--carries yesterday. And Mark Ingram did better than I anticipated, while Tony Jones was almost non-existant in his return. Ingram is playing incredibly. Will be interesting to see how heavily Alvin Kamara is utilized (i.e. the Saints might not over-work him) when he returns.
Panthers vs. Washington -- If you picked up Cam Newton 10 days ago, once again, congratulations. I'm continuing to kick myself for (a) believing in him, but (b) not following through on my belief and picking him up, because I thought I was just fine with Kyler Murray. And while Antonio Gibson lost a fumble, he appears to be healthy again and doing what Antonio Gibson normally does. Not a good fantasy output, but at least he's pretty safe to start as an RB3+.
Jaguars vs. 49ers -- San Francisco dominated time of possession, and the Jags never had a chance. I publicly pushed Marvin Jones as a Week 11 flyer, and at one points he caught four straight balls from Trevor Lawrence. But there wans't much more before or after. Very odd. He remains a highly underutilized weapon. And Jeff Wilson didn't come through as many of us had hoped, and Trey Sermon looked a little better. We'll see how things shake out in Week 12.
Raiders vs. Bengals -- "Trust in Darren Waller" I kept telling people this past week, even though my opponent was starting him, and I didn't want Waller to do well. The fact is, teams adjust, and talent usually wins in the end. Waller will get his points by the time this season is in the books. And Joe Mixon, folks. Joe Mixon. This one I'll celebrate. Those of you who received my rankings know that he was my RB5 vs. an RB13 ADP. It was one of my boldest predictions, especially when you consider no expert was recommending drafting him in the first round. He's now the RB4 with seven weeks to go.
Chiefs vs. Cowboys -- Clyde Edwards-Helaire looked like the lead back in his return. I was shocked, thinking Darrel Williams would go toe-to-toe, especially given CEH's long layoff and Williams' dynamic play in his absence. And CeeDee Lamb's head injury could keep him out this Thursday. Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson could join Dalton Schultz as Dak Prescott's top three receivers on Thanksigiving.
Seahawks vs. Cardinals -- I've warned many of you against starting Alex Collins every week. One week I was wrong. Every other week he's flopped. I doubt he'll remain the clear-cut starter for much longer. And Zach Ertz came through for the shorthanded Cardinals. He's had a resurgence this year, and Arizona turned out to be an ideal fantasy landing spot.
Chargers vs. Steelers -- My opponent knows I wanted to trade for Justin Herbert this week. He wouldn't budge. He wins (he didn't actually win his matchup, but still, he kept Herbert). Few QBs have his upside. And Ben Roethlisberger finally had a performance to be proud of. Might be short-lived, but he hasn't been able to feed Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool in the same game very often.
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- PFN fantasy site -- www.profootballnetwork.com/fantasy-football/
- PFN fantasy podcast -- podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-mood-for-fantasy-football/id1580114372
- Free fantasy advice newsletter -- www.getrevue.co/profile/pfnfantasy