Let's dive right into it: the most notable fantasy storyline for each Sunday team. As we get deeper into the season, injuries begin to have an outsized impact, because we're no longer thinking long term. Instead, any multi-week injury could effectively render a player worthless if we're desperately trying to reach the fantasy playoffs. So a lot of these storylines are injury-related.
Browns -- Dorian Thompson-Robinson was adequate given his inexperience. He also needed 43 throws to muster 165 yards. There's no assurance that he'll be able to feed more than two receivers, and even that might be optimistic. Be prepared if you're leaning on Amari Cooper.
Steelers -- If they hadn't been 6-3 entering this game, Kenny Pickett might have been benched. While Cleveland's D deserves a ton of credit, Pickett now has 13 passing TDs and 13 interceptions . . . for his career. If their offense sputters in Cincy next week, I'm wondering if Mitch Trubisky could make another appearance. Sounds drastic and perhaps unrealistic. But Pittsburgh doesn't have much room for error if they lose in Week 12.
Lions -- Jahmyr Gibbs now has 11 targets in the two games since David Montgomery returned. The rookie's floor is sky-high, and his ceiling remains near-elite.
Bears -- If the injured D'Onta Foreman misses time, Roschon Johnson could be the biggest winner. Ultra-patient managers could finally have a plug-and-play RB after so many weeks of what-if's.
Packers -- Aaron Jones. Ugh. An unkind season turned brutal, and with the Packers playing on a short week, we might not see him again until Week 13 at the earliest. Managers with AJ Dillon have to hope that the longtime 1B running back can deliver major volume if Jones is sidelined.
Chargers -- I'm not sure what to highlight here, because Donald Parham and Stone Smartt are not exactly inspiring waiver adds. But Justin Herbert was my primary QB target on draft day, and he's currently the QB3 in points per game despite missing a 50+ or more of his top playmakers for a majority of games. It's incredible to wonder how good he could have been if Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, and Joshua Palmer had played all 10 games.
Dolphins -- De'Von Achane is like that guy who shows up at a party, tells the funniest story that you know you'll remember the rest of your life, leaves to go to another party, then comes back at the end of the night, and you can't wait to hear what he's going to say, and he tells the worst story that you know you'll remember the rest of your life for all the worst reasons.
Raiders -- Vegas actually had several chances to win this one. Aidan O'Connell is playing admirably given his lack of experience. And Davante Adams is once again looking like a trustworthy weekly starter.
Commanders -- Chris Rodriguez played great as Brian Robinson's backup, but the rookie also lost a fumble. If Antonio Gibson remains out -- and assuming Rodriguez is still in good spot despite the fumble -- then the rookie could be a nice add.
Giants -- Still stunned at how Saquon Barkley and Tommy DeVito defied logic and dominated. Well, the Giants' D (five forced turnovers) were a major help. But as long as this team can move the ball through the air -- if this game wasn't a fluke -- then Barkley's ceiling can remain high.
Panthers -- Not much to say about Carolina, as both of their RBs found holes to run through. Because of limited TD opportunities, Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders remain benchable in most leagues.
Cowboys -- Tony Pollard looked great. Dallas limited him to 16 touches. He's playing again on Thursday. Rico Dowdle's 10 touches shouldn't scare away managers. Pollard should be ready to roll big-time in a few days against Washington.
Jaguars -- It was Calvin Ridley's turn. He and Christian Kirk rarely post great numbers in the same week.
Titans -- In seven losses this season, Derrick Henry has earned (in chronological order) 15 carries, then 11, 13, 12, 17, 11, and now 10. There's not enough offense to generate goal-line looks, and he's no longer dominant enough to carry his offense downfield.
Texans -- Devin Singletary did it again. Whenever Dameon Pierce returns, he's not getting his old job back.
Cardinals -- I finally dropped Michael Wilson yesterday morning. It helped that he was out for this game. But there's too much unpredictability in this passing offense -- too many mouths and not enough pop (yet?) from Kyler Murray.
49ers -- The box score says it all. Four guys caught passes. Only four. And three of them scored. This is one of the NFL's top-heaviest offenses, which makes things easier for managers with sit/start dilemmas.
Buccaneers -- Among the top-12 RBs in fantasy points per game last season, Joe Mixon had the worst YPC mark (3.9). This year, Rachaad White is the RB11 with 3.3 YPC. Why? He's #3 in the league with 41 catches and #2 with 354 receiving yards. Dynasty leaguers should recognize he'll probably have to compete for the starting job next summer, because surely Tampa Bay will try to upgrade.
Bills -- If you predicted Khalil Shakir and Ty Johnson would lead all Bills in receiving yards, congratulations. Notably, Gabe Davis had zero targets. It might have something to do with his inability to grab a red-zone target last year, leading to an interception. But it also might be a continuation of what we've seen the past month. Touchdowns kept him afloat in four of the first five weeks. He's now close to droppable in 12-team leagues.
Jets -- Do you believe Aaron Rodgers when he says he'll return soon? I don't. Maybe that's not fair. But the way I see it, Rodgers is trying to will his team to hang in there and remain in the playoff race -- to believe in themselves for just a few more weeks . . . and if all goes well, to keep believing into January, when Rodgers's return is more realistic. Yesterday's outcome hardened my stance. Zach Wilson is a disaster, and Tim Boyle isn't any better. The 4-6 Jets almost certainly will lose to Miami next week, putting them as many as three games out of the final Wild Card spot and that much closer to elimination. Optimally, Breece Hall or Garrett Wilson will be startable next weekend. But possibly neither of them, and almost certainly not both of them.
Rams -- Cooper Kupp's injury opens the door for Puka Nacua if Kupp sits in Week 12. There's no Plan B in this receiver corps, especially with Tutu Atwell and Tyler Higbee underwhelming.
Seahawks -- Kenneth Walker's Week 12 status for Thursday's game -- and the weeks beyond -- is obviously huge. Zach Charbonnet might be the biggest waiver add in 10-team leagues, and he could get monster usage if Walker sits.
Broncos -- Samaje Perine has caught almost everything thrown to him, and Denver is now somehow 5-5 with a legit shot at the postseason. Watch for Perine to continue getting PPR love.
Vikings -- My opponent this week had Saquon, Ridley, and Ty Chandler. I didn't expect Chandler to outperform T.J. Hockenson (who I have), but so it goes. Chandler looks the part of a 1A running back. And with Alexander Mattison losing a fumble, it's quite possible that Chandler will get more looks next Monday night in a great matchup against the Bears.