The Giants might have lost the game on Thursday night, but we just might have gained a TE1 and a feature running back in the process. Both Isaiah Likely and Cam Skattebo had huge box scores, but here is the question to which fantasy managers would like to know the answer: which of the two performances is more sustainable?
Likely had been one of the standouts at tight end this season, but his production with J.J. McCarthy wasn't as prolific. Even last week, Likely scored a touchdown. But it happened when Jameis Winston was at quarterback. That all changed this week.
Likely was targeted 11 times which he turned into nine receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown -- which is a huge development. Brock Bowers and Trey McBride are clearly the two best tight ends going. But Likely is now just behind them as a must-start moving forward.
What about Skattebo? He was great in this game, rushing for 78 yards and a pair of touchdowns. I'm just not 100% sold on him being an every-down back -- and the Giants weren't either, having kicked the tires on Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson. That would have been a pretty bold strategy. I mean, giving up a couple of draft picks to win the NFC East only to be eliminated in the first round by one of the NFC North teams?
This game felt more like a circumstance of matchup, weather and some good fortune. It's not something that can be sustainable for the rest of the season. The Giants have the Jaguars and 49ers in two of the next three weeks.
Here are a few more notes from Thursday night:
J.J. McCarthy did look pretty good in stretches, but what was he doing in that final drive? The Commanders brought the house and McCarthy heaved a ball that should have been intercepted but he got away with it. Then the Commanders ran the same defense and McCarthy launched another 50-50 ball that was intercepted, sealing the game. Again, two rough matchups in the next three weeks should leave him on the waiver wire.
Chig Okonkwo had eight targets, which was great. But he finished with under 10 points, which was not. I had high hopes for him, but the chemistry with Jayden Daniels just isn't there. You might need him during "Bye-mageddon" (check out my column on that), but his value is very limited.
Rachaad White had 47 yards on 11 carries -- but 18 came on one play. That's 29 yards on the 10 other attempts. I can't believe the Commanders have put so little around Daniels. Stefon Diggs is the only other Commander who needs to be started every week.
--Adam Rank
Cowboys backup RB returns to action
Israel Abanikanda is set to get his first work in a regular season game since his rookie year in 2023 with the New York Jets (22 carries, 70 yards, seven catches, 43 yards) with Tyler Goodson out with a knee injury.
"I'm just ready to ball," he said. "Ready to ball out with my teammates and get this done."
Brian Schottenheimer has confidence in Abanikanda as the backup to Javonte Williams.
"This is a guy with explosive speed," he said. "When you get this guy into open space, he's a big man that can run really, really fast. And that was evident from our time with him in training camp, preseason and certainly going back to his Pitt film, but he has done a really good job and he's ready to go."
-- Todd Archer, NFL Nation Cowboys reporter
Ravens trot out new kicker
Riley Patterson will be the Ravens' kicker for their Monday night game against the Chargers, special teams coordinator Anthony Levine said. The Ravens signed Patterson to their 53-man roster on Wednesday, but they then added Harrison Mevis to the practice squad. Patterson has made 86.6% of his career field goal attempts, eighth best in NFL history (minimum 100 attempts).
-- Jamison Hensley, NFL Nation Ravens reporter
Nov 12: Still have trade deadline adrenaline? Check out these 12 players in fantasy
The NFL trade deadline is behind us, but fantasy managers have quite some time to make trades in their leagues. Here are some players to target before your deadline:
Jonah Coleman was listed as a trade target when I wrote this up a few weeks ago and is even more so one now. He has firmly taken over the Broncos' backfield, playing 82% of the snaps last week, and has topped 18 fantasy points in his last two. Denver being on bye creates a trading opportunity, as the Broncos have the second-best remaining fantasy RB schedule.
Chase Brown has been a big fantasy disappointment. He has averaged 11 carries per game since Week 3. In fact, the Bengals have scored 26 touchdowns since the start of Week 2, and none have gone to Brown! He has a tough matchup this week and his fantasy manager may be looking to get him out of their lineup. Offer to help by taking Brown off his hands. The Bengals have the fifth-best remaining RB schedule. The Bengals put up so many points that Brown is worth a second-half dice role.
Travis Etienne Jr. has not played since Week 3, meaning fantasy managers with him are either struggling to get by or have found a replacement option. Either way, it creates a trading opportunity. The Saints have the fourth-best remaining fantasy RB schedule and are very much so in the divisional race. Expect Etienne to handle a lot of volume once he is back.
Ollie Gordon II has scored less than eight fantasy points in two straight, making now the time to try and trade for him. He still has averaged 19.5 carries in his last four games and has the best remaining fantasy RB schedule, with a fantastic matchup this week against the Colts.
Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland have become the focal point of the Bears' passing attack since Caleb Williams returned in Week 6. Loveland leads the Bears with a 26% target share in that span, while Burden is second with 25%. Burden has averaged 20.1 fantasy PPG in that span, while Loveland has averaged 14.8 fantasy PPG. Plus, the Bears have the fourth-best receiver and second-best tight end fantasy schedule remaining. You're not getting a discount, but it's still worth it.
Parker Washington has been up and down for fantasy this season, but he is more a victim of circumstances than anything. He leads the Jaguars in target and air yard share, as well as red zone target share. The issue is, the Jags often do not have to throw much. That can still be a problem, but it is worth taking a shot on the talent given the upcoming schedule. The Jags have the best remaining fantasy WR schedule.
Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have largely disappointed, but help is on the way in the form of both Kirk Cousins and a favorable schedule. The Vikings have the fifth-best remaining fantasy WR schedule. Jefferson averaged 98 receiving yards per game during his time with Cousins, while Addison was a WR3.
Carnell Tate has a 26% target share and 44% air yard share, both of which are team highs. He will always be a bit up and down due to his offense but he has been better as of late, with 9.9 fantasy points or more in four of his past five games. Plus, the Titans have the seventh-best remaining schedule for WRs.
Hunter Henry has been playing well with 11-plus points in four of six games. He has a fantastic matchup this week against the Lions, who have allowed the most yards, TDs and fantasy PPG to tight ends. He has the fourth-best remaining schedule for fantasy tight ends.
Dalton Kincaid has been up and down this season. Still, he is tied to a great QB and offense and has the 10th-best remaining fantasy schedule for TEs.
-- Michael F. Florio
Nov. 11: These are the five most-traded players in fantasy football
The NFL's trade deadline is in the rearview, but we fantasy football managers are much more fortunate: Our deadline is still three weeks away, arriving at noon ET on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
As we evaluate prospective deals to improve our own teams, let's take a look at the players that ESPN fantasy managers are most frequently dealing to see what insights might be gleaned. Here are the five players involved in the most trades in ESPN leagues so far this Week 10, including all deals that were accepted or rejected.
1. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings: By far the most-traded player, 54% more than the next-closest player, Jefferson's elevated trade interest probably has something to do with his new (old?) quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Cousins' familiarity with Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell's offensive scheme should allow him to reacclimate quickly, and bear in mind that Jefferson's most productive season (2022, 21.7 fantasy points per game) came with Cousins under center. Jefferson's favorable remaining schedule also supports a strong finish, and it should come as no surprise that trade offers including him have been met with a rejection nearly three-quarters of the time (even though he's the most-traded overall!). He's a go-get-him trade target.
2. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts: By not being traded before Tuesday's deadline, his fantasy stock plummeted to the point he's being frequently shopped. It's an understandable reaction, considering his Colts collapsed offensively over the final seven weeks of last season, during which time they had similar offensive efficiency and EPA metrics to what they've had so far in 2026 (if not slightly better than this year's). In those seven games, Taylor's fantasy production dropped by more than half (27.4 points per game the first 11 weeks, 12.6 the final seven) despite his averaging more rushing attempts and nearly as many touches per game, and he was the No. 18 running back. That seems like a fair barometer for hisrest-of-2026 value, meaning that if you can get better value in trade, make the deal.
3. Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: Interesting ... are Washington's fantasy managers frustrated by both his inconsistency and the Jaguars' bevy of receivers? Granted, his next three games are ones in which his Jaguars could entirely control the game script, just as their past two, but on the whole they have the No. 1 remaining schedule for wide receivers. And let's not forget how thoroughly dominating this offense was over the second half of 2025, during which time Washington was the No. 12 fantasy wide receiver. I'd firmly want to be on the "trading for" side of any of his deals.
4. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders: His declining usage the past two weeks has surely led to his being heavily shopped. Jeanty went from scoring 17.4 fantasy points per game with a 69% snap rate and 48% rushing share in the season's first seven weeks, to 8.7, 50% and 17% respectively in the past two. Now his Raiders will be breaking in a rookie quarterback -- granted, a plenty talented one in Fernando Mendoza -- but an untested one nonetheless. Considering we're probably at his seasonal valuation low point, Jeanty isn't someone I'd swiftly trade. Mendoza could prove competent or better, the Raiders have a generally favorable remaining running back schedule (13th, albeit with a bye remaining). Also, backup Mike Washington Jr. effectively flopped as Jeanty's stand-in the past two weeks. Any trade return would need to be a better-than-mid-range-RB2 valuation.
5. Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals: He has been one of the most disappointing running backs thus far, as Brown's performance has led to the Bengals shifting to an all-out air attack in recent weeks. His yards after contact have plummeted, 1.79 per attempt, after 1.93 in 2024 and 2.12 in 2025, and his average speed at the line of scrimmage has dropped by nearly 2 mph. Any pro-Brown trade advice is a difficult case, but there's this: Brown averaged nearly eight more fantasy points per game in the second half of 2024-25 (20.4) than he did during the first half (12.9). That "second-half player" case makes him a worthwhile trade target, for the right valuation (mid-to-high-range RB2).
The next five: Derrick Henry, George Pickens, Nico Collins, Ollie Gordon II, Chris Olave.
-- Tristan H. Cockcroft
Nov. 10: Malik Willis placed on IR
The Miami Dolphins placed Willis on the IR Tuesday due to a groin injury, and he will miss a minimum of four games.
Willis has averaged 13.1 fantasy PPG while throwing 1,396 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions. He has run for 232 yards and three touchdowns. While he disappointed in fantasy last week against the Detroit Lions, he was trending upwards having thrown five of his six touchdown passes in the past four games.
With Willis out, that leaves Kyle McCord as the Dolphins starter. Not only will that be his first career start, McCord has not thrown a pass in the NFL. Willis was a potential streaming option due to the matchup, but that does not apply to McCord.
Additionally, fantasy managers should avoid the Dolphins pass catchers. Malik Washington had been a safe-floor flex option with Willis while Caleb Douglas has flashed his upside at times. Both could be benched -- or even dropped if you have a roster crunch -- until we see that they can produce with McCord. Ollie Gordon II is the only Dolphin that should be started in fantasy football for the time being. Gordon has averaged 13.2 fantasy PPG since Week 3 and the Dolphins have the second-best remaining fantasy RB schedule.
The Indianapolis Colts D/ST has struggled to find any sort of fantasy success this season, but are in play as a streaming option this week due to the matchup.
-- Michael F. Florio
Nov. 10: Cook helps Bills overcome tough Vikings defense
Despite a valiant effort by the Minnesota Vikings' defense, the Buffalo Bills' offense won out on Monday night. James Cook III was the lone standout performance, rushing 31 times for 107 yards and a touchdown. Only Jahmyr Gibbs has run for more yards against the Vikings this season. Cook finished with 16.7 fantasy points, enough to be the RB8 for the week. His 31 carries are the second most in any game in Cook's career.
Josh Allen had his worst fantasy night of the season, finishing with only 12.86 fantasy points. He threw for just 234 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He also ran the ball six times for 15 yards. That was actually the most fantasy points any QB has scored against the Vikings since Jordan Love in Week 1 (19.48). Allen has a bounceback opportunity next week against the New York Jets.
Other notes from Monday's game
Buffalo's pass catchers were largely held in check. DJ Moore saw only five targets, catching three for 25 yards. In his four full games this season he has a 26% target share and a 41% air-yard share, averaging 14.3 fantasy PPG.
Dalton Kincaid caught all three of his targets for 28 yards. He has a rebound opportunity next week against the Jets, who have allowed the fourth-most TE yards.
Khalil Shakir led the Bills with four catches for 58 yards. He's a "safe floor" option who can be used in deeper leagues or as an injury/bye week replacement.
Minnesota's offense was a slog all night. Carson Wentz struggled to make competitive throws all night long, finishing just 8-of-25 for 81 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He also lost a fumble. Wentz was replaced by Max Brosmer for the Vikings' final drive, with the team down by three scores.
Justin Jefferson did see 11 targets, but was able to reel in only three of them for 58 yards. He has now finished with single-digit fantasy points in four of his last six games. He's averaging a career-low 56.1 receiving yards per game. It's not his fault, but the team's QB play has dragged him into "boom or bust" WR3 territory! Fantasy managers have to be hoping the Vikings trade for a quarterback.
Given the current state of the Vikings' passing attack, fantasy managers cannot trust either T.J. Hockenson or Jordan Addison. Hockenson finished with 33 yards, while Addison had 28.
Jordan Mason led the Vikings with 48% of the team's snaps, Aaron Jones saw 35%. Mason turned eight opportunities into 42 yards, while Jones had six touches for 21 yards. Neither has reached seven fantasy points in the three games since Mason's return. Both can be benched until we see them produce.
-- Michael F. Florio
Nov. 9: Nacua likely headed to IR
Puka Nacua is likely to be placed on the IR due to MCL and PCL sprains.
There is no replacing Nacua on the Rams roster or on fantasy waiver wire. Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell will be the Rams' top receivers. With Davante Adams also on the IR, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Rams trade for a wide receiver before tomorrow's NFL trade deadline.
If they do not, expect the tight ends and running backs to be more involved. Tyler Higbee should be added off waiver wires. Also, Terrance Ferguson was set to return last week before suffering a hamstring injury. He should see a lot of volume if and when he is able to return.
This likely means running back Kyren Williams will see even more targets. Both he and Blake Corum should be started next week against the Cardinals.
For those in need of waiver wire targets, check out Eric Karabell's Week 9 waiver wire article.
-- Michael F. Florio
Nov. 9: Cardinals lose Wilson for the season, await word on Minshew
Michael Wilson is out for the season due to a neck injury, the team announced Monday. Wilson had established himself as the Cardinals' WR1 and as someone fantasy managers could trust on a weekly basis, but he can now be dropped when waivers run this week. Arizona is extremely thin at receiver after losing both Wilson and Kendrick Bourne to the IR and having traded away Marvin Harrison Jr.
Devin Duvernay, Simi Fehoko and Reggie Virgil are the receivers still on the active roster. Zay Jones, James Proche II and Shedrick Jackson are on their practice squad. This likely means more targets and even more defensive attention for Trey McBride. He is the lone Cardinal that is a must-start fantasy option. In fact, with Jeremiyah Love on IR and Jacoby Brissett traded, he is the only Cardinals skill position starter from Week 1 that is currently playing for Arizona. Fantasy managers in need of a Wilson replacement should look for outside options. Eric Karabell's waiver wire article has you covered!
Gardner Minshew II is feared to have suffered a torn UCL in his throwing arm, per Ian Rapoport. He would miss the rest of the season if so. That would leave third-round rookie Carson Beck, their 3rd-rounpd pick, in line to start the rest of the way for the Cardinals.
-- Michael F. Florio