NFL Player News

The Texans will be one the road against the Ravens on Saturday afternoon and then, regardless of outcome, Slowik will conduct three virtual interviews the next day. He has already interviewed for the head coach openings with the Titans and Panthers, so he has step-for-step with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the most sought-after candidate on the market. While Slowik has done tremendous work with the Texans offense, 2023 was his first and only season as an NFL coordinator, so there is a question of whether or not he’s ready to make a big jump to head coach.

Gainwell didn’t get a ton of touches with Saquon Barkley once again dominating the backfield — and with good reason — but he made the most of those attempts. The tailback was the only other player to have a carry outside of Barkley and Jalen Hurts, so it’s obvious he’s the clear preferred No. 2 option to Will Shipley right now. That should continue to be the case in Week 12 against the Rams, but it’s hard to see enough volume for fantasy relevance.

Smith did have a drop that hurt his yardage total — and obviously his reception mark — but even if he brought that pass in, it wasn’t a great game for the 26-year-old. It’s worth noting that he was dealing with a hamstring issue and playing on short rest, so that probably didn’t help. He’s picked up just 43 yards in the last two games, however, and will try and get going against the Rams in Week 12.

Goedert did have a fumble on a long 32-yard catch, but it bounced into the arms of an Eagle to avoid disaster. Outside of that it was mostly short targets for the tight end, but enough volume to come away satisfied with the effort for all but the pickiest of fantasy players. He’ll again be on the TE1 precipice against the Rams in Week 12.

Ertz scored a touchdown with less than a minute left that meant (essentially) nothing to the outcome but certainly helped fantasy managers. He also added a terrific catch on a two-point conversion where the 34-year-old showed he can still play with the young folks. The touchdown was just the second of the year, but based on the last two weeks, it appears he’s becoming a more important part of the Washington offense. He’s a TE2 against the Cowboys in Week 12.

Most of Brown’s catches didn’t go for much yardage, but his fantasy night was “saved” with a 25-yard connection with Jalen Hurts. The wideout has picked up exactly five catches in 5-of-7 games while going for at least 60 yards in all but one of those contests, so you get the idea of what the floor with Brown is. You can do a lot worse. Brown should be considered a WR1 for the Week 12 matchup against the Rams.

McLaurin did not haul in his lone reception until the fourth quarter. His two targets tonight were one less than John Bates. This was obviously the worst game of the season for the 29-year-old, but it’s worth pointing out that this is now two-of-three weeks he’s caught fewer than two passes. This Washington passing game certainly has upside with Jayden Daniels, but the floor is pretty scary. No pun intended. McLaurin remains a WR2 against the Cowboys for Week 11, but there’s more risk than anticipated.

Ekeler was Jayden Daniels’ top target on a night where the Commanders couldn’t push the ball downfield. He also ran twice for seven yards. The eight catches are double his season high, but fantasy managers are well aware that the 29-year-old is capable of helping in the passing game. He’s a volatile RB2 for Week 12 against the Cowboys.

Robinson looked fine after missing the previous two weeks with a hamstring injury; particularly on an 18-yard touchdown run up the middle. There wasn’t much more in terms of big plays and he added just one catch for nine yards, but all things considered a (relatively) successful return for the 25-year-old tailback. Robinson will hope to find more rushing room in Week 12 against the Cowboys.

Hurts really struggled in the first half while throwing nine incompletions, and he was evaluated for a concussion before halftime. He was a much more effective for the final 30 minutes, and while he didn’t find the end zone via air, his tush was pushed in for a one-yard rushing score. Hurts will remain a QB1 when the Eagles take on the Rams on Sunday Night Football in Week 12.

Daniels was seen on the sideline dealing with a cut on his throwing hand, and it’s possible it had an effect on his ability to get the ball down field. It certainly didn’t help, anyway. The speedy signal-caller added just 18 yards on the ground on his seven attempts. He flat-out couldn’t get the ball to the Washington wideouts; almost literally with just four receptions by the Commanders’ wide receivers and just one of those in the first half. Daniels did deal with pressure, but no matter the reason, this was a disappointing effort. He and the Commanders will take on the Cowboys in Week 12.