Monday, November 23, 2020

Week 12 Fantasy Football TE Waiver-Wire Rankings

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some tight end waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 12 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by our preference to add.]

1. Jordan Reed, San Francisco 49ers (15%)

While the team is "hopeful" that Deebo Samuel will return in Week 12, Reed is still one of the team's top-three targets along with Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel. In the game before the bye, Reed had five catches for 62 yards on six targets. Given the landscape at the tight end position, a 62-yard scoreless outing was good enough to finish as fantasy's TE6 in Week 10.

With George Kittle (foot) likely out for the rest of the season, Reed will continue to operate as a high-end TE2/low-end TE1 the rest of the way as long as he can stay healthy. The next four opponents -- LAR, BUF, WAS and DAL -- are either neutral or favorable matchups for the tight end position.

2. Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers (46%)

Heading into Week 11, Tonyan had four quiet performances (4.8 fantasy points or less) in the previous five weeks. Despite a difficult matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11, Tonyan caught all five of his targets for 44 yards and a touchdown. Tonyan's remaining five games between now and Week 16 feature four teams -- Bears, Eagles, Panthers and Titans -- among the top 11 most-generous fantasy defenses.

3. Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys (21%)

Outside of studs at the position like Travis Kelce, Darren Waller and Mark Andrews, nobody is setting the world on fire. Neither is Schultz.

Over his past three games, however, Schultz has a minimum of four catches and six targets per outing. During that span, he has a total of 14 catches on 21 targets for 126 yards and a touchdown.

The Cowboys have two favorable (top-10) matchups over the next three weeks that includes Washington Football Team on Thursday and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14.

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Week 12 Fantasy Football WR Waiver-Wire Rankings

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some wide receiver waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 12 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by our preference to add.]

1. Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers (50%)

In Week 11 against the Detroit Lions, Samuel converted a season-high 10 targets into eight catches for 70 yards and a touchdown in addition to his four-yard carry. Heading into Monday Night Football, Samuel is the WR8 on the week with 17.4 fantasy points.

This performance was his third big game in the past four weeks. While there is still one more game to be played this week, Samuel has finished as a top-eight receiver in three of his past four games. During that four-game span, he has a total of 24 receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns and 10 carries for 44 yards and another score.

While it would be unrealistic to continue to expect weekly top-10 performances from Samuel, he's certainly a viable WR3/flex option with upside the rest of the way.

2. Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts (44%)

Pittman Jr. caught all three of his targets for 66 yards and a touchdown in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers. While the outcome (14.1 half-PPR fantasy points) was similar in terms of fantasy production to last week (15.7 points), the low volume is a small concern.

Pittman had a total of 15 targets over the previous two weeks, which corresponded to 17.5% and 22.22% target shares in Weeks 9 and 10, respectively. In Week 11, Pittman saw only 8.82% of the team's targets. Pittman was tied with two others for fifth on the team in targets as Philip Rivers spread the ball around.

In Week 12, the Colts will face the Tennessee Titans, which have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to the position this season. And in the first matchup against the Titans (Week 10), Pittman had 7/101 on eight targets and a 21-yard run.

3. Sterling Shepard, New York Giants (45%)

Before New York's Week 11 bye, Shepard had a minimum of six receptions in his previous four games. The volume of targets (32) and receptions (26) over that stretch are a major positive, but he hasn't parlayed that volume into as much production as fantasy owners would have liked. Shepard has 219 receiving yards (8.42 Y/R) over that span.

Even so, it's difficult to ignore that volume and there a streak of favorable matchups on deck against the Bengals, Seahawks, Cardinals and Browns -- all top-12 matchups -- over the next four weeks.

4. Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos (21%)

Patrick had five catches for 119 yards on eight targets in Week 11. Over his past seven games, Patrick has either 100-plus yards and/or a touchdown in five games. During that seven-game stretch, Patrick has finished as a top-36 fantasy wide receiver (WR3) or better in all but one game.

5. Jalen Regaor, Philadelphia Eagles (28%)

It was another solid, but not spectacular, performance for Reagor in Week 11 with four catches for 52 yards on five targets against the Cleveland Browns. Since returning in Week 8, Reagor has 11 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown on 18 targets. While we'd like to see more volume, something that may not happen with Zach Ertz possibly returning soon, but Reagor and the Eagles have a dream matchup in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks for fantasy owners feeling lucky.

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Week 12 Fantasy Football RB Waiver-Wire Rankings

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some running back waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 12 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by our preference to add.]

1. Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens (29%)

As much as I expected COVID-19 to lead to many surprise inactives throughout the season that would lead to a fantasy football version of the Wild, Wild West, that hasn't really materialized (yet). Perhaps it will in the final month-plus of the season as cases explode across the country, but so far, so good.

That said, Edwards gets a COVID-infused bump in workload as both J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram have been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list today and will miss Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The general rule with the team's backfield was the trio negating each other's fantasy relevance with a generally even workload split, although Dobbins handled 17 (73.9%) of the team's 23 backfield touches in Week 11.

As Garafolo says (or tweets), "all about the Gus Bus."

2. James White, New England Patriots (40%)

White had five carries for 19 yards and added six receptions for 64 yards on nine targets in Week 11 against the Houston Texans. White's workload (11 touches) was nearly as much as his previous four games combined (13).

Sony Michel was a healthy scratch as Damien Harris continued to handle the bulk of early-down work, but the versatile Rex Burkhead tore his ACL in Week 11. While neither Harris nor Michel are involved much as receivers, White should see his role expand as the team's primary pass-catching back going forward.

3. Frank Gore, New York Jets (10%)

Gore had 15 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown and added two catches for 10 yards in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. It's easy to root for Gore as a player in a real life, but he's generally a low-upside, uninspiring option in fantasy. That said, La'Mical Perine will "miss time" due to a high-ankle sprain. With the injury, Gore should have more opportunities to handle 15-20 touches like he did in Week 11.

It's possible that kind of volume pushes Gore into flex range, but he's had 14-plus carries in six games this season. Here are Gore's weekly finishes in those weeks: RB44 (Week 2), RB37 (Week 3), RB48 (Week 4), RB23 (Week 6), RB36 (Week 9) and WR11 (so far in Week 11).

4. Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks (46%)

Recovered from his hamstring injury and returning after a three-game absence, Hyde turned 16 touches into 95 scrimmage yards and a score against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. Pete Carroll has said that Chris Carson (foot) will play in Week 12 and that Rashaad Penny is a couple weeks away. Even if Carson is active in Week 12, Hyde is a high-end handcuff.

5. Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys (19%)

As the clear handcuff to Ezekiel Elliott, Pollard has received a larger workload over the past six weeks. During that span, Pollard has a minimum of eight touches in five games and has averaged 8.83 touches per game over that span. More efficent than Elliott, the second-year back from Memphis has 157 rushing yards (7.48 YPC) and three catches for 25 yards (8.33 Y/R) over the past three games.

At this point, the Cowboys are very much in the thick of things in the NFC Least. If the team falls out of contention for the division, however, Pollard could earn an even larger role towards the end of the season.

6. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams (30%)

Here's what I wrote in last week's Waiver Wire post:

Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown had eight touches each.) Akers now has at least nine carries in back-to-back games and the second-round pick has the talent to earn a larger role down the stretch. If you have the bench space, Akers is worth a stash.

While Akers and the Rams won't play until Monday Night to give us any potential additional clarity with the backfield, Akers remains worthy of a RB stash as we head down the stretch.

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Week 12 Fantasy Football QB Waiver-Wire Rankings

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some quarterback waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 12 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by our preference to add.]

1. Daniel Jones, New York Giants (28%)

A popular sleeper pick in the preseason, Jones has failed to live up to the hype. The second-year quarterback has thrown more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (eight) this season and has zero 300-yard passing games. Through 10 games, he has surpassed the 250-yard mark only twice -- 279 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 and 256 yards vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8.

Looking forward, there is reason for cautious optimism.

From a fantasy perspective, Jones has been more productive recently. In his four games before the team's Week 11 bye, Jones scored at least 18 fantasy points in three games. During that four-game span, he has finished as fantasy's weekly QB11, QB14, QB24 and QB8, respectively.

Much of his fantasy scoring has been derived from his rushing ability as he now has at least 64 rushing yards in three of his past five games. With 384 yards on the ground this season, Kyler Murray (619) and Lamar Jackson (575) are the only quarterbacks with more in 2020.

All four of his upcoming opponents -- Bengals, Seahawks, Cardinals and Browns -- rank amongst the 12th-most generous fantasy defenses to opposing quarterbacks this season.

2. Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (42%)

With Drew Brees placed on IR, it was Hill -- not Jameis Winston -- that drew the Week 11 start, the first of his career. From a fantasy and team (a win) perspective, it was a successful debut as a starter.

Hill threw for only 233 yards and no touchdowns, but he completed 78.3% of his pass attempts (18-of-23) for an average of 10.1 Y/A. If a deep touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders weren't negated by a holding penalty, it would have been an even more productive day for Hill.

That said, the dual-threat quarterback delivered for his fantasy owners by what he did as a rusher -- 10 carries for a team-high 51 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Heading into Monday Night Football, Hill's 24.42 fantasy points ranks third to only Deshaun Watson (31.36) and Justin Herbert (27.74).

With his floor and upside raised by his rushing ability, Hill will be a viable starter in Weeks 12 and 13 against the Denver Broncos and a rematch against the Atlanta Falcons, respectively. Brees is eligible to return in Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

3. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders (36%)

If you're looking for a one-week starter, you could certainly argue that Carr deserves to top this list as the Raiders will face the Falcons, who have allowed the most fantasy points to the position this season. Nearly as good, the Raiders will get to follow that up with another soft matchup against the New York Jets in Week 13.

Against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, Carr completed 23-of-31 for 275 yards, three touchdowns and an interception to score 22.6 fantasy points (seventh-most so far this week).

In his previous three games (all wins), it was low volume (25 pass attempts or less) and low production (165 yards or less). Before that, Carr threw multiple touchdowns in his previous five games, a span during which he had scored 20-plus fantasy points in four of those games.

Carr was listed as a "start" in our Week 11 Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em and he will likely be listed as a "start" again in Week 12.

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Saturday, November 21, 2020

Washington Football Team Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Washington Football Team rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 29.2 (29th)
  • Best ranking: 29th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 30th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for Washington in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 29

They played well offensively (464 yards and 34 first downs) but wasted too many opportunities against the Lions. Washington drove inside the Detroit 40 on four separate occasions in the first half but had just one field goal to show for it. Chase Young's roughing the passer penalty with 12 seconds left cost them a shot at overtime. They're still not out of it in the NFC East. Washington has a 14.9 percent chance to win the division.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 30

Alex Smith made some nice plays in his first start last week. The defense let them down against the Lions.

USA Today -- Rank: 29

Sunday provided pretty solid proof that QB Alex Smith isn't just an appreciated heartwarming story in 2020, but a man who can still play at a high level. The next benchmark will be getting his first win since 2018 -- perhaps Sunday against Cincinnati.

ESPN -- Rank: 29

What would they take back: Their stance on Dwayne Haskins Jr.

Washington was devoted to Haskins because of his talent and how he finished the 2019 campaign; he also was the team owner's selection in the previous draft. The incoming staff felt it could coax more from Haskins by challenging and supporting him, only to sour on him after 11 weeks and four starts. They were right to move on from his play, but they failed to pick up better backup options in the offseason. They needed to have Haskins compete against stiff competition, they but passed over other quarterbacks atop the draft to take Chase Young. Alex Smith is showing what a good quarterback can do in this offense, but it would have been nice to test Haskins earlier against better personnel. -- John Keim

NFL.com -- Rank: 29

Alex Smith is more than just a feel-good story now; he's back to being a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL, and he nearly had his Disney ending on Sunday in Detroit. Smith set career highs in completions (38) and passing yards (390), leading Washington back from a 21-point deficit in the second half. Matt Prater's 59-yard field goal at the gun stopped the screenplay in its tracks, but Smith has brought stability to the quarterback position for Ron Rivera. Don't expect to hear Dwayne Haskins' name uttered again this season unless Smith goes down with an injury. Even then, don't be so sure Haskins finds a way out of the dog house.

Previous update: Washington Football Team Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Denver Broncos Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Denver Broncos rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 24.4 (26th)
  • Best ranking: 22nd (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 25th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Broncos in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 28

Game-changing sequence late in the first half of their loss to the Raiders. Drew Lock scored on a 5-yard touchdown run that would've given the Broncos the lead, but it was called back for a holding penalty. Lock threw an interception -- one of four on the day -- on the next play. The Broncos are 3-6 and rank 31st in overall offense.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

Drew Lock looked ordinary at best against the Raiders, which is not a good thing for the long run. He has to quit turning it over.

USA Today -- Rank: 24

They better learn how to compete in AFC West after surrendering 110 points in their initial three-game swing through the division.

ESPN -- Rank: 23

What would they take back: Not picking up Garett Bolles' fifth-year option

Passing on Bolles' fifth-year option will cost Denver in the short term. Had the Broncos engaged Bolles' fifth-year option, he would have been paid slightly more than $11 million next season. While Bolles led the league in holding penalties during his first three seasons, he worked this past offseason to get stronger, and he has played with more composure as well as better hand technique. Some personnel executives believe he has played as well as any tackle in the league. The Broncos will face a decision, as well as competition for his services, when he is an unrestricted free agent in March. They'll need to cut a big check to keep him. -- Jeff Legwold

NFL.com -- Rank: 25

It is not too early to be worried about Drew Lock. The second-year quarterback's hot-and-cold sophomore season hit a nadir on Sunday with a four-interception meltdown against the rival Raiders in a 37-12 loss. Lock has thrown 10 interceptions in seven starts this year and continues to play recklessly with the football -- a cowboy style of football that doesn't quite sync up with his skill level. Lock is very young and still relatively inexperienced -- his game has clear mechanical flaws and his play could improve with good coaching and better decision-making. But will John Elway and the Broncos have the patience to live with the growing pains? Lock might need a strong finish in the final seven weeks to keep the faith.

Previous update: Denver Broncos Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Jacksonville Jaguars Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Jacksonville Jaguars rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 30.8 (31st)
  • Best ranking: 30th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 31st (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Jaguars in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 31

Give them credit for battling Green Bay and playing with enthusiasm. The Jaguars' last two losses have come by a total of six points. They get the Steelers in Week 11 and have the second-toughest remaining schedule, according to Football Outsiders.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 31

They played decent football at Green Bay, but didn't win. That's a good thing for draft position and it means some young players are getting better.

USA Today -- Rank: 30

They gave a good account of themselves at Green Bay against the NFC's current No. 1 seed. Next up for the Jags? Pittsburgh, the AFC's current No. 1 seed.

ESPN -- Rank: 31

What would they take back: Not trading up to draft Justin Herbert

The Jaguars might actually be a contender in the AFC South had they moved up to take Herbert, who has thrown for at least 264 yards in seven of his eight games and has 19 TD passes to six INTs. They would have had to give up their second first-round pick -- which they used on edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, who has one sack and two QB hits in nine games -- but they had the extra picks to put together a good deal. The Jaguars would have a young core of offensive players with RB James Robinson and WR DJ Chark Jr. around which to build and could be playing meaningful late-season games. -- Mike DiRocco

NFL.com -- Rank: 31

Give Doug Marrone credit: There's very little chance the coach will be around in Jacksonville beyond the 2020 season, but his players continue to fight. On Sunday, the Jaguars went back and forth with the Packers at Lambeau, even managing to take a lead in the fourth quarter. The Jags' defense was unable to hold, and Jake Luton couldn't provide a dramatic finish to save the day. James Robinson, meanwhile, wonders what could have been: He went over 100 yards from scrimmage for the fifth time this season, but he'll remember the two touchdowns wiped away by penalties. That's eight straight losses for the Jags, with the undefeated Steelers on deck.

Previous update: Jacksonville Jaguars Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Detroit Lions Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Detroit Lions rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 21.2 (20th)
  • Best ranking: 19th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 25th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Lions in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 25

It should've been obvious when D'Andre Swift scored in the third quarter that the Lions were going to blow their 24-3 lead. We just didn't know at the time exactly how they would do it. It didn't even take that long. Washington tied the game at 24 with 6:09 left, but Matt Prater hit a 59-yard game-winning field goal to give the Lions the eventual 30-27 victory as time ran out. Matthew Stafford, D'Andre Swift and the offense looked good. The defense got shredded and is officially the worst in the league, overtaking the Jaguars for the bottom spot.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 20

They are now 4-5 and still in the playoff race. Matt Patricia always seems to win a game just when it looks like his time is up.

USA Today -- Rank: 19

Nice to see rookie RB D'Andre Swift have a breakthrough game with 149 total yards ... but why did it take this long to start him?

ESPN -- Rank: 22

What would they take back: The fourth-quarter strategy against Chicago

The Lions were up 17 points in the season opener against the Bears before suffering a collapse, resulting in a 27-24 defeat after D'Andre Swift dropped a pass in the end zone on the Lions' final drive. The combination of Detroit's conservative offensive play in the fourth quarter, a decision to try a long field goal that backfired and the team's insistence on heavy man coverage turned a win into a loss and altered the immediate tenor of the season. -- Michael Rothstein

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

Listen, we don't know how the Lions are 4-5, either. It snuck up on all of us, so let's all just try to remain calm and see where this thing goes. Matt Prater's 59-yard field goal as time expired was the difference on Sunday in a 30-27 win over the Washington Football Team. It snapped a seven-game home losing streak for the Lions at Ford Field, a stretch that covered more than a calendar year. Did they blow a 21-point lead to one of pro football's least inspiring offenses? Yes. Have the Lions under Matt Patricia demonstrated repeatedly that they are allergic to extended success? Sure. But Detroit won't play another team that currently has a winning record until the middle of December. A path to relevance is there. Will they take it?

Previous update: Detroit Lions Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Cincinnati Bengals Week 11 NFL Power Rankings

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Cincinnati Bengals rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 26.2 (27th)
  • Best ranking: 23rd (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 27th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Bengals in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 23

This felt like watching a basketball game between varsity and eighth-graders in which the eighth-graders have trouble even getting the ball across half court. It felt like a surprise every time the Bengals completed a pass and didn't fumble against that Steelers defense. On 13 offensive drives, Cincinnati punted nine times, fumbled once and turned it over on downs once. The Bengals have been frisky for most of the season. Their losses to the Ravens and Steelers have been the exceptions.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 27

They just aren't good enough now to compete with the Steelers or the Ravens. That will come next year.

USA Today -- Rank: 27

The abuse rookie QB Joe Burrow has absorbed is concerning ... and unlikely to improve as he faces a gauntlet of teams that apply pressure.

ESPN -- Rank: 27

What would they take back: Giving A.J. Green the franchise tag

So far, this decision hasn't aged well at all. The Bengals were hopeful a healthy Green was going to still look like a seven-time Pro Bowler after he missed the 2019 season with an ankle injury. But so far, Green has been very shaky. In Sunday's loss to the Steelers, Green had no catches on five targets. Green is averaging a mere 35.1 yards per game. While he is still someone defenses must account for and helps open things up for rookie Tee Higgins, Green hasn't provided the production the Bengals wanted when they tagged him at $18.2 million. -- Ben Baby

NFL.com -- Rank: 27

The Bengals were Little Mac stepping into the ring against Mike Tyson on Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger carved up an injury-depleted Cincinnati secondary for 333 yards and four touchdowns, and Joe Burrow looked out of sorts playing against Pittsburgh's elite defense in a 36-10 loss. Through nine games, the Bengals have told us who they are: They can hang with, and occasionally defeat, middling opponents at or near their level … but they are not in the same weight class as the top teams. To wit: The Steelers and Ravens have beaten the Bengals by a combined score of 63-13. Burrow has imported hope to Cincinnati, but the real work has just begun.

+ Previous update: Cincinnati Bengals Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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New York Giants Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New York Giants rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 24.0 (25th)
  • Best ranking: 22nd (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 26th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Giants in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 26

Joe Judge and his staff completely out-coached Doug Pederson and the Eagles. Daniel Jones was 21-for-28 and averaged 8.7 YPA. He also ran for 64 yards. Among quarterbacks, only Murray and Jackson have run for more yards than Jones this season. And how good has cornerback James Bradberry been? Per Football Outsiders, the Giants ranked fourth against No. 1 wide receivers going into Sunday, and Bradberry made a couple of great plays against the Eagles.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 23

When Daniel Jones doesn't turn it over, they have a real chance to win games. The defense is getting better by the week.

USA Today -- Rank: 23

They have at least two sacks in their first 10 games for the first time in eight decades. Maybe more impressive, 15 defenders have registered in the sack department, though none has more than five.

ESPN -- Rank: 26

What would they take back: Evan Engram's drop versus Philly in Week 7

Let's go back to the Giants' first meeting with Philadelphia, when Engram let a win slip through his hands. The Giants had an 11-point lead with just under five minutes left. After the Eagles made it a one-score contest, the Giants had a chance to put the game away. All Engram had to do was catch a perfectly lofted Daniel Jones pass down the left sideline with just over two minutes remaining. If he made the catch, the Giants would be 4-1 in the NFC East, with sweeps of Philadelphia and Washington, and they'd be 4-6 overall and in prime position to win the division with cushion over the 2-6-1 Eagles. -- Jordan Raanan

NFL.com -- Rank: 22

Don't look now, but the Giants have morphed into the best team in their division over the past five weeks. Sure, that's not saying much when you're talking about the NFC East, but Big Blue is making undeniable progress in all phases under first-year coach Joe Judge. We saw it on display during Sunday's crisp 27-17 win over the Eagles, a victory that draws New York even in the win column with Philadelphia. Daniel Jones scored on a long TD run and didn't commit a turnover for the second consecutive game. The once-dormant running game exploded for 151 yards, and the defense is slowly turning into the team's strength, holding Carson Wentz without a touchdown while not allowing the Eagles to convert a single third down in nine tries.

Previous update: New York Giants Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Chicago Bears Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Chicago Bears rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 19.6 (19th)
  • Best ranking: 16th (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 23rd (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Bears in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 20

Their 149 total yards Monday night were the fourth fewest for any team in a game this season. Their 10 total first downs were tied for second fewest. The Bears now rank 30th in overall offense, ahead of only the Broncos and the Jets. They have lost four in a row and travel to Green Bay after the bye.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 19

The offense is so limited - no matter who calls the plays. They can't move the ball. Nick Foles isn't the answer and now he's hurt.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

Unfortunate to see QB Nick Foles go down Monday night ... while pondering ways a punchless offense might have actually just gotten irretrievably worse.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

What would they take back: Signing Robert Quinn

The Bears spent lavishly on the veteran defensive end to the tune of $30 million guaranteed. Quinn had one sack in eight games prior to Monday night. To make room for Quinn, the Bears released former first round-pick Leonard Floyd in the offseason. Floyd, who now plays for the Rams, recorded three sacks versus the Seahawks in Week 10, giving him seven sacks in nine games for Los Angeles. Talk about your all-time backfires. -- Jeff Dickerson

NFL.com -- Rank: 23

Nick Foles looked dejected and hopeless as he was carted off the field late in Monday night's loss to the Vikings. It was a sad image that neatly summed up the entire Bears experience after a fourth consecutive loss, this time a 19-13 setback against Minnesota. This latest defeat was especially frustrating, as Chicago got an especially strong performance out of its defense and more special teams mastery from Cordarrelle Patterson, but still couldn't get a win because the offense is completely overmatched. The Bears managed just six points and 149 yards of total offense in Bill Lazor's debut as play-caller. As for Foles, Matt Nagy said after the game that the quarterback suffered a leg or hip injury. Turning this offense over to Tyler Bray is the stuff of nightmares.

Previous update: Chicago Bears Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Week 11 Fantasy Football TE Start'em, Sit'em

The decision on which player to start, or sit, largely comes down to the options on your roster (and/or possibly the players available on your league's waiver wire).

As an example, Eric Ebron is listed below as a "start" for Week 11. And I'd certainly be comfortable going into Week 11 with him as my starting tight end.

Then again, Ebron may be a "sit" for your team.

In other words, if you own both Travis Kelce and Ebron, you should start Kelce and, in turn, bench Ebron.

For a more direct answer on whether we would start Player X over Player Y, check our Week 11 Fantasy Football Rankings. Instead of making those direct comparisons, the goal here is to highlight players that we like, or dislike, for the week.

Week 11 Fantasy Football TE Start'em

Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers (at JAX)

Like many others at the position, Ebron has been a TD-dependent play at tight end. In nine games this season, Ebron has finished as a top-12 fantasy tight end in each of the three games in which he's scored while finishing outside the top 12 in the other six games that he hasn't scored.

On a positive note, Ebron has a minimum of five targets in four consecutive games and in seven of his past eight games. Scoring in two of his past three games, he gets a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. The Jaguars have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season.

Jacksonville has allowed seven touchdowns on 37 receptions to opposing tight ends and that 18.92% TD% to the position is the highest in the NFL. Meanwhile, only the Seattle Seahawks (15.14) have allowed more Y/R to opposing tight ends this season than the Jaguars (14.08) entering the week.

In addition, the Steelers have one of the week's highest implied totals. Excluding Thursday Night Football, no team has a higher projected total than the Steelers although the line is currently off in the Kansas City Chiefs-Las Vegas Raiders game.

Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. NYJ)

Drafted to perform much better than he has, Henry enters Week 11 as the TE13 in half-PPR scoring. Henry began the season with three consecutive 5/50 performances and averaged nearly 70 yards per game (68.7) over that span. Since then, however, he has failed to reach the 40-yard mark in each of his past five games.

One positive for Henry is that he has a total of 20 targets and a minimum of six per game over the team's past three games. In addition, he has four catches in three of his past four games and two touchdowns over that same span.

Like with the entire team in a matchup against the winless New York Jets, Henry gets a boost in a matchup that the Chargers are expected to put up a lot of points. Meanwhile, Henry's matchup is favorable as the Jets have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to the position this season. Only three teams have allowed a higher TD% on TE receptions than the Jets (15.0%) this season.

Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team (vs. CIN)

Thomas had four catches for a season-high 66 yards on six targets in Week 10. The former quarterback now has both of his 60-yard games this season over his past three games. Even so, he has been steady throughout the year. Thomas has a minimum of four targets in every game and ranks ninth among the position in targets (52) this season.

Only the Atlanta Falcons have allowed more fantasy points to the position than the Cincinnati Bengals this season. Over their past five games, the Bengals have allowed three tight ends to finish as a weekly top-three performer.

Week 11 Fantasy Football TE Sit'em

Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers (at IND)

Few tight ends have as many weekly top-five performances this season as Tonyan (three). That said, the sleeper tight end has generally struggled over his past five games: TE26, TE28, TE5, TE44 and TE18, respectively.

With Davante Adams, there is a clear top dog as Aaron Rodgers' go-to receiver, but the team will likely get Allen Lazard back from IR this week. That alone doesn't make Tonyan a sit, but it will likely have the effect of spreading out the targets a little further.

In terms of matchups, the Indianapolis Colts have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. While the Colts have allowed their only two top-10 finishes to the position in their past three games, they have yet to allow a tight end catch a touchdown pass yet this season.

Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams (at TB)

Higbee was absolutely dominant last December -- not just as a tight end, but amongst all pass-catchers. Perhaps we can blame it on 2020 (like everything else), but the fifth-year tight end has failed to carry over that late-season momentum into this season.

On a positive note, Higbee's 56 yards in Week 6 and 60 yards in Week 10 mean that his two highest weekly yardage totals have come within the last three games that he has played. In addition, his six targets in Week 10 were a season high. Until we see more consistency, however, it's difficult to trust Higbee as our starting tight end in a matchup against a good Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense.

Trey Burton, Indianapolis Colts (vs. GB)

In the two games before and after the team's Week 7 bye, Burton scored a total of three touchdowns -- one receiving and two rushing. Over the past three weeks, however, Burton has only seven receptions for 39 yards combined. Given the low volume recently, the expected return of Jack Doyle (concussion) and the difficult matchup for the team (third-fewest FPA to TEs), Burton is a low-end TE2 for Week 11.

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Indianapolis Colts Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Indianapolis Colts rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 10.8 (12th)
  • Best ranking: 9th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 12th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Colts in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 9

That Thursday night performance against the Titans offered the best version of this Colts team. The offense drove inside the Tennessee 30 on its first seven possessions. All season, it's seemed like the Colts' offense has needed more juice. Nyheim Hines (115 yards from scrimmage) and Michael Pittman (122 yards) provided that in Week 10. And their defense and special teams provide an edge almost every week. The Colts are 6-3 with a plus-65 point differential.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 12

They impressed in beating the Titans at Tennessee. Philip Rivers got back on track in that game, which they needed. But this week he will have to be better with the Packers coming to town.

USA Today -- Rank: 10

A run game that should not have struggled so mightily behind this mauling O-line is finally picking it up, averaging 121.3 yards over the past three weeks ... a significant factor to Indy's rise to top of AFC South table.

ESPN -- Rank: 11

What would they take back: CB Xavier Rhodes caught peeking in Week 1

There are currently nine teams, including the Colts, with at least a 6-3 record in the AFC. Rhodes and the Colts might regret their Week 1 loss at woeful Jacksonville if they miss the playoffs or are out a playoff home game. About the only bad thing Rhodes -- who the Colts signed to a one-year contract -- has done this season is get caught peeking in the backfield on the Jaguars' go-ahead touchdown to Keelan Cole, as Rhodes was at least 10 yards behind Cole when the wideout caught it. -- Mike Wells

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

The Colts own the Titans. They've now won 20 of the last 24 games against their division rivals, and Thursday night's 34-17 conquest painted Indianapolis as the more balanced, better team. The game will be remembered for the Titans' special teams explosion (or was it a Colts implosion?): three huge plays -- shanked punt, blocked punt for touchdown, missed field-goal try -- which turned a nail-biter into a laugher in the span of 30 minutes. The Colts got a hugely encouraging performance from running back Nyheim Hines, who had 115 yards from scrimmage with two touchdowns. Marlon Mack's season-ending injury and the struggles of rookie Jonathan Taylor left a significant void in this offense -- perhaps Hines can become the answer in the backfield.

Previous update: Indianapolis Colts Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Cleveland Browns Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Cleveland Browns rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 15.4 (15th)
  • Best ranking: 14th (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 18th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Browns in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 18

Myles Garrett was terrific in their win against the Texans and leads the NFL with 9.5 sacks. Nick Chubb stepping out of bounds on his final 59-yard run was one of the wildest gambling moments of the weekend, given that the Browns were favored by 3.5 or 4 by kickoff and ended up not covering because Chubb didn't score. The Browns are 6-3 and will be favored the next two weeks against the Eagles and Jaguars.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

They can run it and run it and run it. That makes them weatherproof. But can they pass it well enough?

USA Today -- Rank: 15

RB Nick Chubb is money ... whether he's reviving the Cleveland ground game, costing his fantasy owners cash or vexing bettors.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

What would they take back: Not adding another pass-rusher

It's hard to fault the Browns for their mess at safety, considering second-round pick Grant Delpit was lost for the season with an Achilles injury in training camp. But given its ample cap space, Cleveland could've been more aggressive finding help for Myles Garrett, who is third in the league in pass rush win rate (no other Cleveland player is in the top 35). Whether it was being more aggressive in signing Jadeveon Clowney or Everson Griffen or trading for Yannick Ngakoue, the Browns probably could've done more to boost a defense that ranks just 24th in efficiency, even with Garrett. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 15

You can blame all the Todd Gurley shaming a few weeks back for Nick Chubb costing you a fantasy win (and maybe your house?) by going out of bounds at the 1-yard line on Sunday, but let's keep our eyes on the bigger picture: The Browns are 6-3, and Chubb's return from injury was a huge lift. Heavy rain and wind in Cleveland played a significant factor in Baker Mayfield's low yardage total against Houston, but we're also getting to the place where it's fair to wonder if the Browns quarterback will ever be a true impact player. We know Chubb is, and his pairing with Kareem Hunt produced 230 yards on the ground against the Texans. Add in the all-world game-wrecker on the other side in Myles Garrett, and there's reason to believe in, um, Believeland.

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Las Vegas Raiders Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Las Vegas Raiders rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 10.6 (11th)
  • Best ranking: 7th (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 14th (ESPN)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Raiders in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

They beat the Broncos 37-12, and the truth is it could've been a lot worse. Raiders receivers dropped a couple of downfield passes from Derek Carr, who played well once again. The Raiders rank fifth on offense and are efficient pretty much every week. The question is whether their defense has improved or just took advantage of a bad opponent. They'll look to sweep the Chiefs in Week 11. The Raiders' playoff chances are all the way up to 68.5 percent.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 7

They have won three straight games and appear to be on their way to the playoffs. The Chiefs will be a barometer to show just how good they are this week.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Time to show some love to a widely beleaguered defense displaying signs of life while allowing just 14.7 points per game over the last three weeks. Maintain something close to that level, and this team becomes a playoff factor.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

What would they take back: Drafting Lynn Bowden Jr. in Round 3

Taking the most versatile player in the draft at No. 80 overall seemed a stroke of genius at the time. But Bowden never played a snap with the Raiders after they traded him and a conditional sixth-round pick to the Dolphins for a fourth-round pick after training camp. GM Mike Mayock insisted it was purely a football decision, as the Raiders were trying to convert the WR/QB/KR into an NFL running back. It turned out to be a wasted pick in a third round in which the Raiders are currently 0-for-3. Bowden is gone, WR Bryan Edwards has been injured and LB Tanner Muse is on IR. -- Paul Gutierrez

NFL.com -- Rank: 8

The Raiders are getting pretty good at being the bully. Josh Jacobs played the role of the kid who dominates recess, clearing 100 yards rushing and scoring two touchdowns before the end of the third quarter on Sunday. Drew Lock looked like the child sulking over his stolen lunch money after a four-interception meltdown. The Raiders have beaten three straight AFC West rivals and will try to make it four when the Chiefs come to town on Sunday. It's a huge measuring-stick game for Las Vegas, which can announce itself as a legit AFC contender with a season sweep of the defending champs. The bully is about to meet the big man on campus. Flagpole. 3 o'clock.

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