Week 11 Results
New England (vs NY Jets) - 2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
This game wasn't as lopsided as it looked to be on paper. Justin Fields played poorly enough to get benched for Tyrod Taylor this week, but it wasn't because of taking too many sacks or a turnoverfest, so the Patriots D/ST wasn't a great play.
A Look Ahead: @CIN NYG BYE - Joe Flacco threw a pick-six last week, and there was at least one other throw that could have been one. With Ja'Marr Chase suspended for Week 12, we'll stick with the Patriots.
Atlanta (vs Carolina) - 5 sacks
This had the look of a fantasy D/ST bonanza when Bryce Young had to leave the game and the Falcons built a 21-6 first-half lead. Then, he returned to the game and rallied his team to an overtime victory, throwing for 448 yards along the way. The Falcons' pass rush delivered the now typical flurry of sacks, but otherwise the defense was humbled.
A Look Ahead: @NO @NYJ SEA - We'd rather have the Saints D/ST this week. As far as Week 13, let's see how the Falcons and Jets play this week first. It looked like the Falcons D/ST could be our choice for three straight weeks, but you should drop them instead.
Baltimore (at Cleveland) - 3 sacks, 1 INT
The Ravens' defense didn't let the Browns score an offensive touchdown and certainly humbled Shedeur Sanders in his NFL debut. But they didn't create a fantasy D/ST feeding frenzy because the Browns defense was up to the task against Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens actually had to rally from a 16-10 deficit in the fourth quarter to win.
A Look Ahead: NYJ CIN PIT - Despite the underwhelming Week 11 result, we'll consider sticking with the Ravens this week.
Minnesota (vs Chicago) - 2 sacks
The Vikings' defense allowed only one touchdown, didn't let Caleb Williams get comfortable, but never broke through for a big play to swing the game. That was at least in part because the Vikings trailed most of the contest when J.J. McCarthy couldn't get going until the fourth quarter again vs. Chicago in a callback to Week 1.
A Look Ahead: @GB @SEA WAS - We'll see if Jayden Daniels plays in Week 14. If not, we'll consider Minnesota.
Miami (vs Washington) - 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT
The Dolphins' defense played well, and Miami got their second straight win. But they didn't get up for playing Washington in Madrid the same way they got up for Buffalo at home in Miami.
A Look Ahead: BYE NO @NYJ - If the Saints' offense looks good against Atlanta, we might not consider the Dolphins again until Week 14.
Pittsburgh (vs Cincinnati) - 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 2 DEF TD
Joe Flacco looked his age against the Steelers in a departure from the air show he put on against them in Week 7. The Steelers scored on both of their takeaways, turning this into a blowout.
A Look Ahead: @CHI BUF @BAL - We probably won't stick with the Steelers D/ST against Chicago on the road, but it won't be a surprise if they have a good game. After that, circle a home game against Miami in Week 15.
Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda
Cleveland (vs Baltimore) - 5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 2 INT, 1 DEF TD
It's such a shame that Myles Garrett ended up with this franchise in this era. The Browns never let Lamar Jackson get comfortable and played more than well enough to win the game if their offense could have been merely functional. The Browns D/ST is worth playing no matter the matchup while Garrett is playing like this.
Week 12 Candidates
**Baltimore, Seattle, and New England are assumed to be rostered**