My mother has been visiting this previous week. As a result of Mama Loza by no means arrives with no mission, we have been scouting potential areas for a touchdown pad had been she to ever really retire. As she is somebody who has proudly held a job for the reason that age of 14 years outdated, the concept of “doing nothing” elicits an comprehensible quantity of pleasure in addition to anxiousness. She’s been remarkably (and uncharacteristically) weak when discussing the subject.
Our conversations have veered from the sensible (Chicago winters do a quantity on her sciatica) to the comical (the Italian beef joints in Los Angeles are decidedly “pathetic” and she or he has zero curiosity in making an attempt any of that vegan “nonsense”). But, one by line persists in every alternate. It has to do with the concept of a brand new chapter and the time obtainable with which it may be written.
This burgeoning episode shall be shorter than all of those who got here earlier than. That does not imply, nevertheless, that it could’t be dense with experiences and satisfaction. I’m grateful to have a dad or mum bored with merely evaporating into the abyss. Whereas it may be exhausting to take care of such a powerful spirit (she side-eyed the state of my extraordinarily “lived-in” couch solely twice) it is also deliciously refreshing.
My mother remains to be daydreaming, out loud even. That is inspiring. It jogs my memory to take full benefit of what is in entrance of me. And never in a “higher purge the closets” or “clear out the gutters” sort of means. However in a “make this rely” and “contact grass” kind of trend.
In fact the constraints and actuality of recent life do not enable for day by day YOLOs. That does not imply, although, that one cannot lean into the glimmers. Whether or not that is crafting a monetary plan to slowly and finally buy a farm within the nation (filthy with rescued donkeys and a pair of Highland cows), take a private day to binge “The Mandalorian,” or throw warning to the wind and consider in a Rome Odunze bounce-back … we have now the facility to make intentional decisions, no matter scope.
Davis Mills definitely did not let the clock power a give up in Week 10. Regardless of being stuffed on the purpose line quite a few occasions, TreVeyon Henderson refused to go quietly within the remaining moments of final Sunday’s contest. And Ladd McConkey did something however extinguish his midseason hearth in prime time.
Whereas the clock is at all times ticking, participant motion can be continuously shifting. The very fact is maintaining with the whole lot may be tiresome. The emotions evoked from nailing a hunch, nevertheless, normally show well worth the funding. So, let’s use the time at our avail and squeeze it for all of the juice potential.
Details to tell your Week 11 emotions
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans: Mills put forth a heroic effort versus Jacksonville final Sunday. With Nico Collins unlocked, Dalton Schultz proving greater than succesful and Woody Marks rising, Stroud has no excuse however to comply with swimsuit in Week 11. Unbelievably, Stroud has recorded only a single sport of over 250 passing yards. He has, nevertheless, made up for these underwhelming numbers by way of sneaky speeding output, averaging 24 yards on the bottom per sport (QB9, behind Jalen Hurts, who’s averaging 26 speeding YPG). His legs determine to churn once more this weekend, particularly when noting that the Titans’ protection has allowed the third-most speeding yards (121) to QBs.
Talking of Tennessee, on paper the staff seems competent versus the move, holding all however one staff underneath 250 passing yards in an outing. These stats appear skewed by sport script, nevertheless, as opposing offenses typically flip to the run after establishing a snug lead. Extra telling is the truth that the Titans have gifted opposing quarterbacks with seven passing scores over the previous three outings. Moreover, Stroud managed 18 fantasy factors versus Tennessee when the groups squared off earlier in 2025. As such, ought to he clear concussion protocol, and stories do point out that he’s trending towards a begin, Stroud deserves a beginning inexperienced gentle heading into this weekend’s motion. That stated, had been he to be held out, I might really feel extra assured streaming Marcus Mariota (at Miami) or Jacoby Brissett (versus an injury-riddled 49ers protection) than counting on Davis Mills to drag off one other miracle.
Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens: My socials have understandably been usually flooded with frustrations over and questions on Henry. The digital sport’s most celebrated anomaly continues to carry out effectively above common, registering 4.8 YPC (RB15) and touching the ball 20 or extra occasions over his previous 4 performances. His fantasy numbers, nevertheless, have underwhelmed, particularly given what buyers have come to count on. Henry hasn’t cleared 20 fantasy factors for the reason that season’s first sport. Furthermore, he is averaged a disenchanting 14.5 FPTS for the reason that Ravens’ Week 7 bye and simply 12.25 fantasy factors since Lamar Jackson returned to the sector.
It is tough to think about a direct uptick given Henry’s matchup at Cleveland in Week 11. The Browns’ protection has allowed a paltry 3.7 yards per carry (third fewest of any staff). Moreover, Cleveland is the one staff within the NFL to power extra operating again fumbles than RB speeding scores allowed. It is not solely shocking, then, to (re)uncover that Henry put forth his lowest statistical effort when dealing with the Browns again in Week 2. In that effort, the King managed a season-low 2.1 yards per carry and solely 23 speeding yards. Whereas I do anticipate a major bounce-back from these totals (Breece Corridor definitely examined Cleveland’s mettle in Week 10), Henry ought to be considered as extra of a strong RB2 (reasonably than a surefire RB1) come Sunday.
Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Minnesota Vikings: Jones’ whole of 69 scrimmage yards on 12 touches in Week 10 does not stand out as league-winning, however his utilization within the sport does encourage optimism. That is primarily as a consequence of the truth that he out-touched Jordan Mason. Not solely did Jones handle 12 touches to Mason’s 5, however he additionally outsnapped his backfield mate by a margin 72% to 23% (recording a snap share above 55% for the primary time all season). Moreover, Jones ran 28 routes to Mason’s seven and (I am burying the lede right here) recorded 5 pink zone snaps to Mason’s three (which was believed to be Mason’s best enchantment). The trouble might be written off as an aberration, however I believe it indicators a probably constructive turning level for the 30-year-old vet.
Jones does not require a plethora of speeding makes an attempt to supply, so long as he is lively within the passing sport and having his quantity known as close to the purpose line. Maybe that prepare of thought invitations too many asterisks for optimum confidence, however that is the operating again panorama in 2025. Moreover, Jones’ matchup versus the Bears units him up to reach Week 11. Chicago’s protection is permitting an eye-popping 5.2 yards per carry to rushers. Moreover, solely the Falcons and Bengals have allowed extra receiving scores to RBs up to now this season. Contemplate Jones a rock-solid RB2 in Minneapolis.
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Why Jameson Williams is a must-start fantasy WR in Week 11
Liz Loza breaks down why Jameson Williams’ latest efficiency in opposition to the Commanders makes him a fantasy starter in Week 11.
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions: The Jamo coaster continues! Fantasy managers who leaned into the dynamic wideout’s upside had been handsomely rewarded in Week 10. Williams feasted on the Commanders’ beneficiant secondary, changing six of seven balls for a season-high 119 receiving yards and one TD, which resulted in a spectacular 23.9 FPTS (WR2) this previous Sunday. Whereas the 24-year-old’s boom-or-bust potential has change into lore amongst digital followers, Williams’ inventory appears to be night out for the higher.
Not solely has he discovered the top zone in three of his previous 4 outings, however a profitable change in play-caller might be a harbinger of issues to return. Offensive coordinator John Morton admitted to having “failed” Williams heading into Week 9. On the heels of the Lions’ 3-point loss to the Vikings, head coach Dan Campbell promptly took over the playcalling duties and Williams took off. Apparently, Williams managed a ten.2-yard aDOT in each of his outings after the staff’s Week 8 bye, permitting for a rise in catchable targets and higher fantasy worth.
With Detroit working to carry on to the division’s prime spot and given a diffusion of simply 2.5 factors, Williams figures to stay prominently featured. Whereas the matchup at Philadelphia figures to be difficult, particularly given the Eagles’ defensive additions (what a distinction maker Jaelan Phillips has been), Williams continues to supply high-end flex enchantment. He is a ceiling begin for managers needing a lift because the fantasy playoffs loom close to.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers: There’s rather a lot to love about McMillan’s fantasy profile. He is an alpha within the making, rating twelfth at his place in whole targets (77). But, he is averaging an underwhelming 12 fantasy factors per contest (WR33). His digital output turns into much more irritating when one notes that the rookie falls among the many prime 10 gamers on the place in pink zone alternatives however has managed simply two journeys to the top zone (each of which occurred versus Dallas in Week 6). Managers rightly assumed McMillan’s potential could be hampered by the staff’s lack of expertise underneath middle. Nonetheless, the disparity between McMillan’s quantity and manufacturing continues to depart a mark.
A troublesome matchup at Atlanta does not determine to offer a balm. Jeff Ulbrich’s retooled unit has usually shut down quarterbacks, giving up a median of simply 162 passing yards per sport (to all positions). That strain has, in flip, cratered passing effectivity, conserving sign callers to simply 9.3 wide-receiver-specific completions per contest (second-fewest within the NFL). That does not bode effectively for Bryce Younger or, by extension, McMillan.
To circumnavigate this conundrum, the Panthers are more likely to lean closely on Rico Dowdle and the bottom sport. The sport script ought to, in fact, maintain McMillan busy, however on condition that the Falcons have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy factors to wideouts, expectations want to remain in verify. If any of Carolina’s pass-catchers are going to make a press release, it figures to be McMillan. Nonetheless, low-end WR2 fantasy numbers are most likely his ceiling in Week 11.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns: Is Cleveland’s passing sport one to be trusted? No. Does that imply Jeudy is with out fantasy worth? No. Jeudy discovered the top zone for the primary time in Week 10 (the latest earlier time he had recorded a spike was Week 14 of final 12 months). Whereas we all know higher than to chase touchdowns, there does seem like an emphasis on getting the ball into Jeudy’s arms. Popping out of the Browns’ Week 9 bye, Jeudy collected six grabs for 78 receiving yards (each season highs) in addition to the aforementioned rating. He additionally drew 12 appears to be like in that very same outing. That is important as a result of, previous to final Sunday, Dillon Gabriel had focused a large receiver on solely 41% of his passes (second-lowest within the league).
Admittedly, a 6-78-1 stat line on 12 alternatives is way from environment friendly. Nonetheless, that kind of quantity gives Jeudy a flex-able flooring, significantly in a good matchup versus the Ravens. Baltimore’s protection has improved, however the unit has nonetheless given up the sixth-most receptions and the sixth-most receiving yards to WRs over the previous 4 weeks. Furthermore, over the previous three outings, wideouts dealing with the Ravens have registered greater than 200 yards per sport (regardless of Baltimore dealing with Caleb Williams, Tua Tagovailoa and J.J. McCarthy). Rolling out Jeudy as a WR3 for fantasy functions definitely comes with its dangers, however at the very least the arrow seems to be pointing up.
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Why Theo Johnson’s fantasy outlook might be dismal in Week 11
Daniel Dopp and Discipline Yates talk about what the uncertainty across the Giants’ quarterback state of affairs in Week 11 means for Theo Johnson.
Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders: Bowers posted 40 extra fantasy factors in Week 9 than he did in Week 10. Discuss a comedown. It is not a lot that Bowers’ ceiling is capped, however reasonably that his flooring stays close to the basement because of the presence of Geno Smith and the overall underwhelm of Vegas’ offense. Whereas it is disconcerting that the rookie drew a measly three targets, it is price noting the problem of the matchup in Week 10. In spite of everything, Denver has allowed only one tight finish to prime 15 fantasy factors all season (Theo Johnson in Week 7).
The schedule eases up significantly this go round, nevertheless. Bowers is about to face the Cowboys in Week 11. Dallas has allowed the third-most passing yards per sport. The final time the ‘Boys had been on the sector, Trey McBride posted a 5-55-1 stat line (16.5 FPTs) with Jacoby Brissett underneath middle. Given Bowers’ distinguished function within the offense, a bounce-back is all however assured. Keep affected person.
Bonus: Jonnu Smith, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers: Dalton Schultz paid off mightily in Week 10. Tyler Higbee, nevertheless, flopped. As such, I really feel compelled to supply up one other dart throw for the steamers within the crowd. Pat Freiermuth may play spoiler to Smith (as Colby Parkinson did to Higbee final Sunday). But, Smith ranks third on the Steelers (behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III) in routes run and second in whole targets (38). His matchup versus the Bengals is simple. Cincinnati has allowed probably the most fantasy factors and a whopping 12 TDs to the place. Smith is out there in 83% of ESPN Fantasy leagues.