This article is part of our Depth Chart Watch series.
Cardinals QB -- Drew Stanton actually delivered a fairly competent game against the Lions -- who entered action as the league's third-best pass defense -- on Sunday, going 21-for-32 for 306 yards, two touchdowns (both to Michael Floyd in the first quarter) and two picks. And hey, the Cards won. That'll offer a solid helping of job security for Stanton, who should continue to hold off Logan Thomas with Carson Palmer (knee) done for the season.
Cardinals WR -- While it'd be nice to say that Michael Floyd's two touchdowns Sunday represent some kind of resurgence for him -- and those few fantasy owners who started him won't be complaining -- Floyd's 42-yard and 12-yard grabs in the first quarter against the Lions turned out to be his only catches of the day on five targets. John Brown was more productive with his own five looks (five catches, 69 yards). Meanwhile, Larry Fitzgerald had his worst game in weeks, catching just two of four for 33 yards. He missed some action with a knee injury that may be to his MCL and is slated for an MRI on Monday.
Falcons RB -- Steven Jackson on Sunday: 17 carries for 41 yards. Another typically poor performance against what's been a rough Carolina defense, another tiresome couple of sentences about how bad Jackson is now. Devonta Freeman was more efficient, but still only touched the ball six times (well, it's an improvement), while Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith made little in the way of results with their limited work. Are we ever going to see a change here?
Bills QB -- Not only was Kyle Orton unimpressive on Thursday, but he also suffered a toe injury, which could harm his availability for Week 12 against the Jets. It could be that this opens the door for the return of EJ Manuel to the starting role, although it sounds like Buffalo will stick with Orton as long as he's good to go.
Bills RB -- It looks like Fred Jackson's super-quick "healing" has finally caught up to him. He rushed back from his groin ailment in Week 10, aggravated it, and was not available for Thursday's game in Miami. However, Jackson's expected to be back in again Sunday versus the Jets. Both Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown rushed pretty unimpressively against the Dolphins, though at least Brown proved useful in the pass game, catching seven of his game-high 10 targets for 57 yards.
Bills WR -- Sammy Watkins continues to be limited by his groin ailment, as he managed just three catches on seven targets for 32 yards Thursday against Miami. However, the extra healing time between games should be an asset for him, helping him get healthy for this week and beyond. Chris Hogan turned out to be the beneficiary of Kyle Orton looking away from Watkins this time, as he caught seven of nine passes for a team-high 74 yards. Robert Woods caught only two of his five targets for 15 -- ugly.
Panthers RB -- DeAngelo Williams got a slightly bigger share of the time Sunday, rushing 10 times for 41 yards (and losing three on his only reception) while Jonathan Stewart ran seven times for 24 yards and caught three balls for 15. So that's 38 total yards for DeAngelo and 39 for Stewart. The two of them put together don't even add up to one fantasy-relevant back at this point.
Bears WR -- Brandon Marshall's ankle didn't stop him from collecting seven catches for 90 yards and two scores Sunday, and he made it through healthy. Alshon Jeffery dominated the targets, though, with 16 to Marshall's nine.
Bengals RB -- With Giovani Bernard (hip) still unavailable, Jeremy Hill was the man again Sunday, and he compiled 27 carries for 152 yards, plus a 13-yard reception. Rex Burkhead figured into some passing-game work, catching three of three for 36 yards. Bernard is supposed to be progressing well and sounds like he should be back in time for Week 12 in Houston.
Bengals WR -- A.J. Green returned with a vengeance Sunday, catching six of eight passes for 127 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans. Finally, the normal Green is back. Meanwhile, Mohamed Sanu caught only three of his six targets for 23 yards. James Wright (one target, one eight-yard catch) was the only other wideout targeted.
Browns QB -- Now here's an interesting case. Brian Hoyer threw for 330 yards and a touchdown (and an interception) on Sunday, which sounds pretty decent. Until you find out that he did it by going a miserable 20-for-50 -- twenty out of freakin' fifty! I'm not sure what the NFL record is for incomplete passes in a game (I tried to research it and found precious little information) but this might very well be it. Incidentally, if anyone can dig up the record for most incomplete passes in a game, I will personally mail him or her one (1) shiny new penny.
Browns RB -- In Week 11, it was Isaiah Crowell who led the Cleveland backfield, but he didn't do it in very impressive fashion. He gained 35 yards on his one good run of the day, and otherwise managed 26 rushing yards on 13 carries. With 30 receiving yards making for 91 in total, he almost put forth a decent fantasy effort, but ruined it with a fumble. Meanwhile, Terrance West carried only five times, producing 12 yards, and Ben Tate managed to lose nine yards on his own two rushes. Truly a nightmare -- and quite the opposite of the prior week's rushing fiesta.
Browns WR -- Taylor Gabriel returned to heavy use Sunday against the Texans, matching Andrew Hawkins' 13 targets and gaining 92 yards despite catching only five of them. For his part, Hawkins caught just six from the inaccurate Hoyer. With all that volume, seven balls even went in the direction of Miles Austin, who nonetheless delivered a very Miles Austin-like three catches for 31 yards. But never fear, Browns fans -- you're finally getting back the man himself. Josh Gordon is set to return in Week 12.
Browns TE -- While Gary Barnidge was more heavily targeted than Jim Dray with Jordan Cameron (concussion) out again, it was Dray who produced more, racking up 46 yards on his two catches (two targets) while Barnidge caught an 11-yarder among five targets. It's been rumored that Cameron might miss the remainder of the season, which would leave the Browns with these two schmoes at tight end for the duration.
Broncos RB -- Despite seeing just nine carries -- which was nine more than any other Denver running back -- for a modest 29 yards, C.J. Anderson had himself a fantasy-friendly day Sunday, as he again proved his utility in the pass game, catching eight balls for 86 yards. Peyton Manning attempted 54 passes, so there were plenty of targets to go around, but Anderson has been heavily involved in the pass game for two straight weeks -- a situation that could and should persist no matter who else gets healthy here. On that note, Montee Ball unsurprisingly aggravated his groin injury Sunday and could be out long-term. Ronnie Hillman (foot) is already in danger of missing the rest of the year, and Anderson's been better than him in the pass game anyway. This has the look of a late-season fantasy legend in progress.
Broncos WR -- Emmanuel Sanders had another big game in his role as No. 1A receiver to Demaryius Thomas's No. 1 on Sunday, but he suffered a concussion and thus appears likely to miss at least a week or two. This is brutal break for Sanders owners, who've been getting star-type production from him. The greatest beneficiary here is Thomas, who should get even more attention from Peyton Manning. One or both of the Wes Welker-Andre Caldwell duo should benefit, too, but it's hard to say which. Caldwell's never been worth much and Welker has simply been invisible all year, limited in his productivity by back issues following a season-opening suspension. Still, PPR owners are obliged to pick up Welker just in case he becomes himself again.
Broncos TE -- Julius Thomas hurt his ankle right at the start of Sunday's game, but his X-rays came back negative and he sounds as though he's avoided a high-ankle sprain. If I had to guess, he plays through it in Week 12 against Miami, but if you want to hedge your bets, you can do so with Jacob Tamme, who saw nine targets (though he caught just four for 31 yards) in relief duty against the Rams.
Lions RB -- Reggie Bush apparently aggravated his ankle issue by playing in Week 10, which knocked him out for Sunday's game. That left the rushing work to Joique Bell, who actually produced a rare efficient game, delivering 115 total yards on 14 rushes and three catches. Bell's an unreliable fantasy asset, but he has been getting very consistent touches. Theo Riddick served in a junior version of Bush's role, but disappointed even his PPR owners, with three catches (on six targets) for just 24 yards and only two rushing yards.
Lions WR -- Calvin Johnson (and the rest of the Detroit offense) got quieted by Arizona impressively on Sunday, with Megatron limited to just five catches for 59 yards despite 11 targets. But far more noteworthy is the vanishing act pulled by Golden Tate, who was targeted only twice (though he caught both for 41 yards). Tate hadn't been targeted fewer than nine times in any of the past six weeks, and his season low in targets prior to Week 11 was six. So this represents quite an about-face for the Detroit offense.
Lions TE -- Eric Ebron was back in there Sunday, though he was used solely for short stuff, catching all four of his targets for 22 yards. Brandon Pettigrew didn't play and Joseph Fauria went unused in the pass game.
Texans QB -- Ryan Mallett looked more than competent in his first NFL start Sunday, completing 20 out of 30 passes for 211 yards, two touchdowns and a pick. He showed himself to be strong-armed and capable of making a variety of throws, and could have had a better day still if not for some fine plays by the Cleveland pass defense.
Texans RB -- Arian Foster's groin ailment ended up keeping him out for Week 11, so I hope you listened to my advice and held Alfred Blue. The Texans leaned heavily on Blue, handing him the ball 36 times, and he delivered 156 yards. I had to guess, Foster will be back next week, but Blue is a rest-of-year hold with his upside in the common instance of Foster injuries.
Colts RB -- Ahmad Bradshaw suffered a leg injury Sunday, and it doesn't look great. That leaves the Colts with the simply awful Trent Richardson, who's truly mastered the art of running in place -- he gained no yards on seven rushes Sunday. I'm going to quietly pick up Dan Herron; you should too.
Colts TE -- Dwayne Allen had to check out before halftime Sunday due to an ankle injury, and he did so without a single pass having been thrown his way. That left just Coby Fleener, and he exploded, racking up 144 yards by catching all seven passes thrown his way by Andrew Luck. We'll have to see what happens with Allen, but it's worth noting regardless that Fleener's use has been ratcheted up dramatically over the last two weeks, as he's seen 19 targets and accumulated 223 yards and a touchdown in that span.
Jaguars WR -- Cecil Shorts should see his usage ramp way up going forward, as Allen Robinson (foot fracture) is done for the year and Allen Hurns has a concussion now. I'll be looking for Marqise Lee to emerge in that No. 2 receiver role, but this seems mostly good for Shorts, who will be the main focus of the Jags' pass game coming out of the bye.
Dolphins RB -- Lamar Miller (shoulder) looked healthy enough on Thursday, dominating the touches and racking up close to 100 total yards. Those hoping for LaMichael James to get his chance were disappointed, as Daniel Thomas handled backup duties.
Vikings RB -- With Adrian Peterson's situation still unresolved, the Vikes went to war with Jerick McKinnon as their lead back again Sunday, but McKinnon had a fairly quiet day in limited work. He rushed just eight times (to Matt Asiata's one) for 38 yards and handled four of seven pass targets for another 20. It's theoretically possible Peterson could be back in time for Week 12, but it's not looking great right now.
Vikings WR -- The 28-year-old rookie Charles Johnson broke out Sunday with six catches on seven targets for 86 yards, assuming a dramatically expanded role that further marginalized Cordarrelle Patterson and Greg Jennings. A 2013 seventh-round pick by the Packers, he ended up on the Browns last year, but didn't play for them due to a torn ACL, and now he's with Minnesota. He tied with McKinnon to lead the Vikings in looks from Teddy Bridgewater on Sunday.
Vikings TE -- Kyle Rudolph (groin) returned in Week 11, but was only used on a limited basis and ended up seeing exactly zero pass targets. Chase Ford and Rhett Ellison split those few looks, with Ellison's seven-yard touchdown grab (his only catch of the day) highlighting the Vikes' lack of production at the position Sunday. Rudolph will see a bigger role next week, one would imagine.
Patriots RB -- Because Bill Belichick clearly hates fantasy football, Jonas Gray made Shane Vereen owners spitting mad by going ahead and running for 199 yards and four flippin' touchdowns on a ridiculous 38 carries Sunday evening. Vereen ran the ball one time. One. He gained 18 yards. He also caught all four of his pass targets for another 59 yards. Five touches for perhaps New England's finest non-Gronk playmaker -- brutality. Anyway, you'll all be running out to pick up Gray, and I don't blame you, although Belichick is notoriously untrustworthy with this stuff.
Saints WR -- While Marques Colston collected eight pass targets in Week 11, his four catches for 56 yards won't set anyone's heart aflame. And yet he was Drew Brees' most productive receiver in the loss to the Bengals. Kenny Stills ended up with the most fantasy value thanks to his touchdown grab. His catch rate this year has been excellent, and he caught all four targets Sunday.
Giants RB -- Rashad Jennings was quiet in his return from a knee injury Sunday, rushing for just 59 yards on 18 carries and turning seven pass targets into only four catches and eight receiving yards. Andre Williams was totally banished into his backup role right away, and he should stay there while Jennings sees pretty much all the touches out of the Giants' backfield. Things should get easier for him moving forward, as the upcoming schedule features a host of poor run defenses.
Raiders RB -- While the Oakland offense has been a source of near-endless misery this year, Latavius Murray provided a spark of light in the darkness Sunday, more than doubling up Darren McFadden's rushing total (43 to 21) in half the carries (four against eight). Murray also caught three passes, albeit for a negligible 16 yards. I don't know if the Raiders plan to ramp up his workload in the late stages of the season to see what they have here, but they really ought to. McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew are horror shows.
Eagles QB -- Mark Sanchez's second start with the Eagles did not quite go so well as the first. The Sanchize managed a fantasy-relevant 346 yards and two scores, but completed less than 60 percent of his passes and turned the ball over four times (split evenly between picks and fumbles). All in all, it was a game that brought back not-so-fond memories in Jets fans like me. If Nick Foles heals up from his collarbone injury in time, there could certainly be some debate over who should start in the season's final weeks, but Sanchez is established as the main guy for now.
Eagles WR -- Jordan Matthews has seen his usage take a huge leap since the switch to Sanchez, and he's caught a combined 12 passes for 245 yards and three scores in two weeks with Marky Mark at the helm. This duo bonded on the second-team unit in the preseason, and they've got great chemistry right now. Matthews is the Eagles' true No. 2 receiver at this point, and he's outproducing Jeremy Maclin, although Maclin had a fine outing himself Sunday.
Chargers RB -- While Ryan Mathews (knee) did indeed return in Week 11, he had his workload limited to 16 carries -- though he was productive, gaining 70 yards -- while Branden Oliver got 13 rushes of his own, though he produced a miserable 36 yards. With Mathews having gotten through this one healthy, expect him to ramp up into the 20-plus-carry range by next week, with Oliver banished almost entirely to passing-game work.
Chargers WR -- I don't think anyone has ever been as simultaneously oft-targeted and unproductive as Keenan Allen has been this year. While that may be an exaggeration, it's also 100 percent true. After turning 13 targets into a superbly mediocre eight catches for 63 yards Sunday, Allen has now had the ball thrown his way 45 times in the last four games. And yet he hasn't so much as cleared 80 yards since the end of September.
Seahawks RB -- Marshawn Lynch suffered a knee injury Sunday, but didn't miss too much time and still produced a big stat line, as he has been. Nonetheless, Lynch is banged up in a lot of different places right now, and it may be worth snagging Robert Turbin and/or Christine Michael as an insurance policy.
Seahawks WR -- Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin both saw nine targets Sunday, but neither produced that much -- Kearse caught five for 54 yards, while Baldwin caught six for 45 yards and had his fantasy day bailed out by a seven-yard TD grab. Paul Richardson (four targets) was the only other wideout who even got a look from Russell Wilson.
Seahawks TE -- Seattle deployed three tight ends Sunday against the Chiefs, with Luke Willson's three catches for 51 yards leading the way. But it was ex-Chief Tony Moeaki who got into the end zone on a one-yard catch -- his only reception of the day. Cooper Helfet saw three targets too, though he only produced a two-yard catch. Willson's the only one who's borderline ownable here.
Rams QB -- Remember when Austin Davis was being compared to Drew Brees? Yeah, about that. Shaun Hill reclaimed the starting job in St. Louis on Sunday, going 20-for-29 for 220 yards, a touchdown and a stunning win over Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Davis had thrown five picks against three touchdowns over the last three games, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the Rams roll with Hill the rest of the way even if he has a bad game here and there.
Rams RB -- Tre Mason did just what you want your running back to do when nursing a lead, which is take the ball plenty of times and grind out plenty of yards. He only averaged 3.9 yards per carry, but with the Rams largely playing a ball-possession game, that was enough. And fantasy owners will enjoy those 113 rush yards. Benny Cunningham still functioned more in the pass game, catching all four targets for 31 yards. Zac Stacy: unused.
Rams WR -- Good morning, Kenny Britt. Quiet all season, Britt blew up for 128 yards (albeit with nearly half of them coming on one 63-yard touchdown) on four catches. He was also targeted seven times -- his most since way back on Sept. 21 against the Cowboys. No one else did much.
Buccaneers QB -- Josh McCown overcame an early fumble Sunday to end up with a solid game -- 288 yards and two touchdowns on just 23 pass attempts. That'll keep Mike Glennon glued to the bench for at least another week, and one must think that the Bucs won't be quick to switch back to Glennon unless McCown becomes totally unwatchable.
Buccaneers RB -- While Charles Sims emerged as the most-used back in the Tampa offense in Week 11, the meager 44 total yards he produced on 13 carries and three receptions just made everyone miss Doug Martin. For his part, Bobby Rainey touched the ball all of five times, gaining four yards and failing to catch his only pass target. It sounds like Martin could be back in Week 12, and also like Sims will occupy the backup role whenever the Muscle Hamster is ready to return.
Titans TE -- Delanie Walker (concussion) is questionable for Monday night's game, with Chase Coffman likely first in line to assume his duties at tight end if needed.
Redskins TE -- Jordan Reed hit the sidelines again Sunday, suffering a hamstring injury. That puts Niles Paul back on the fantasy radar, as he produced pretty steadily in Reed's absence earlier this year. Paul was fairly quiet Sunday, but pretty much all of Washington's receivers were.
