NFL Nation Fantasy Update – What to expect from Justin Fields, Pat Freiermuth

It’s hard to believe we’ve completed 10 weeks of the NFL season, and of course there’s plenty to digest and discuss in fantasy football as we head into game weekend after the Baltimore Ravens’ 34-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. .

Every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the season, ESPN fantasy analyst Eric Moody will ask our NFL Nation reporters the most pressing questions heading into the weekend and what to make of the fallout after the games. Who is ready for a big performance, who is affected by injuries and what roles could change? Here’s what our team had to say about some of the biggest storylines from Week 11.

Should fantasy managers feel comfortable against Justin Fields in his first game against the Lions?

Fields carries no injury designation and will be complete against the Lions, likely with only a recorded right thumb. This is the longest stretch of games the quarterback says he’s missed since high school, and it’s clear the 24-year-old is eager to get back under center. Before his injury, Fields was one of the best deep ball throwers in the league, completing 13 of 26 pass attempts of 20 yards or more for 332 yards, 6 touchdowns and no interceptions. It’s natural to expect that Fields will have to shake off some rust as a passer after missing Chicago’s last four games, but fantasy managers should feel good knowing how good the quarterback can be being a threat with his legs and the problems Detroit’s defense had in containing another run. QB – Lamar Jackson – earlier this season. -Courtney Cronin

Do you think Tyjae Spears will continue to get more work while Derrick Henry is struggling?

Spears averages 11.6 touches per game. The rookie guard will continue to receive more touches due to the offensive line’s struggles that have the Titans constantly behind the chains. Henry has only had 20 or more carries in three of nine games this season, so it’s clear that Spears has reduced his workload. The Titans have shifted more toward a passing attack this season under offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. They’re throwing the ball 30.2 times per game this season, an increase of just under four attempts from last year. This bodes well for Spears, especially on third downs, where his pass-catching ability makes him Tennessee’s best option at running back. -Turron Davenport

What can we expect from the Browns’ talent players now that Deshaun Watson is out for the season?

Potentially, it’s not much different from what we’ve seen. Remember, Watson missed four games this year with a shoulder strain before the latest shoulder injury, a fracture, ended his season. The Browns will always find a way to get Amari Cooper the ball. Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt will remain viable fantasy running backs (Ford because of the yards, Hunt because of the short yardage touchdowns). Tight end David Njoku is capable of big plays but is not consistently targeted. Beyond that, there’s not much to use in fantasy. But for Cleveland, this is nothing new. –Jake Trotter

How will Pat Freiermuth’s return impact the Steelers passing game?

Even before his injury, Freiermuth was less involved in the Steelers offense than he was a year ago. In 2022, Freiermuth averaged over six targets per game. In four games this season, Freiermuth has been targeted four times in three games and just once in the Week 2 win over the Browns. Although Freiermuth, who has two touchdowns, should bolster the red zone offense, his inclusion won’t drastically change an offense that seems allergic to throws to the middle of the field. -Brooke Prior