It is exhausting to consider we’re by way of ten weeks of the NFL season, and there is clearly loads of fantasy soccer to digest and focus on as we head into the weekend of video games following the Baltimore Ravens’ 34-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. .
Each Tuesday and Saturday throughout the season, ESPN fantasy analyst Eric Moody will ask our NFL Nation reporters essentially the most urgent questions main as much as the weekend and what to consider the fallout after the video games are performed. Who is prepared for a giant efficiency, who might be affected by accidents and which roles might change? This is what our crew needed to say about among the greatest storylines heading into Week 11.
Ought to fantasy managers really feel snug enjoying Justin Fields in his first sport towards the Lions?
Fields is just not injured and can play totally towards the Lions, in all probability with solely a taped proper thumb. That is the longest stretch of video games the quarterback says he has missed since highschool, and it is clear the 24-year-old is doing all the pieces he can to get again underneath middle. Earlier than he was injured, Fields was top-of-the-line deep-ball pitchers within the league. He accomplished 13 of 26 cross makes an attempt of 20 or extra yards for 332 yards, 6 touchdowns and no interceptions. It is pure to count on that Fields ought to knock off some rust as a passer after lacking Chicago’s previous 4 video games, however fantasy managers ought to really feel good figuring out how a lot of a risk the quarterback can pose together with his legs and what issues Detroit’s protection can have had relating to a brand new run. QB – Lamar Jackson – earlier this season. –Courtney Cronin
Do you count on Tyjae Spears to proceed to get extra work whereas Derrick Henry struggles?
Spears is averaging 11.6 touches per sport. The rookie again will see increasingly touches because of the offensive line struggles that consequence within the Titans persistently being behind the chains. Henry solely has 20 or extra carries in three of 9 video games this season, so it is clear Spears has decreased his workload. The Titans have been transferring towards a extra passing assault this season underneath offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. They’re throwing the ball 30.2 occasions per sport this season, a rise of slightly below 4 makes an attempt from final 12 months. That bodes effectively for Spears, particularly on third downs, the place his pass-catching skill makes him Tennessee’s most suitable choice at working again. –Turron Davenport
What can we count on from the Browns’ ability gamers with Deshaun Watson out for the season?
Probably not a lot totally different from what we have seen. Keep in mind, Watson missed 4 video games this 12 months as a result of a shoulder damage earlier than the most recent shoulder damage, a fracture, ended his season. The Browns will nonetheless discover a solution to get Amari Cooper the ball. Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt will stay viable fantasy working backs (Ford for the yards, Hunt for the short-yardage touchdowns). Tight finish David Njoku is able to large performs, however is just not persistently goal-oriented. Aside from that there is not a lot to make use of in fantasy. However that is nothing new for Cleveland. — Jake Trotter
How will Pat Freiermuth’s return have an effect on the Steelers’ passing sport?
Even earlier than his damage, Freiermuth was much less concerned within the Steelers’ offense than he was a 12 months in the past. In 2022, Freiermuth averaged greater than six targets per sport. In 4 video games this season, Freiermuth was focused 4 occasions in three video games and simply as soon as within the Week 2 win towards the Browns. Whereas Freiermuth, who has two touchdowns, ought to present a lift to the offense within the pink zone, his inclusion will not dramatically change an offense that appears allergic to throwing to the center of the sector. –Brooke Pryor