What We Learned This Week
On a mucky, wet Sunday afternoon in Tennessee, the Texans defense stood tall against Ryan Tannehill’s Titans’ offense. Over the course of four quarters, the Houston defense produced two sacks, secured four interceptions, and recovered a fumble in their win on the road. Next up on the schedule, the Texans host the Jets, which could mean back-to-back solid weeks for Houston. The Texans IDP players of Week 11 include Desmond King, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Zach Cunningham, and Terrance Mitchell.
Going into Thursday Night Football, many fantasy owners were expecting New England’s defense to stifle the injury-depleted Falcons offense. After the game, those owners were vindicated, as New England shut out Atlanta in their own building. By the end of the game, the Patriots’ defenders caused four interceptions, scored a touchdown, and pestered Matt Ryan to the tune of four sacks. Kyle Van Noy, Kyle Dugger, Davon Godchaux, and Devin McCourty led the way for New England.
In Kansas City, the Chiefs’ defense earned their paychecks on Sunday. At the end of the day, the KC defense took over against the Dak Prescott-led Cowboys offense, racking up five sacks, registering two interceptions, and recovering a fumble. The Chiefs’ top defenders were Chris Jones, L’Jarius Sneed, and Charvarius Ward.
Top Player Performances
Kyle Van Noy – LB –NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
As mentioned above, Van Noy had himself a masterpiece of a game Week 11. The eight-year veteran contributed eight total tackles, two TFLs, two sacks, an interception, scored a touchdown, and defended a pass in his performance. Van Noy is an inconsistent option in most IDP formats, but he’s a solid asset in BestBall leagues.
Chris Jones – DT – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Jones put on a show for the Chiefs faithful in Week 11. It seemed like the Mississippi State alum was a man possessed on Sunday. In his matchup with Dallas, Jones wrangled five total tackles, two tackles for loss, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, defended a pass, and recorded 3.5 sacks. As a 27-year-old starting defensive lineman, Jones can be relied on to be a starting DL in all IDP formats.
Robert Quinn – LB – Chicago Bears
As the 14th pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Quinn continues to make splash plays in the NFL at age 31. Week 11 was exceptional, as the veteran North Carolina product put up five total tackles, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and 3.5 sacks on Sunday. If you invested in Quinn this year, it’s nice to see the defender has produced a total of 10 sacks in the Bears’ 10 games this season.
Notable Injuries
Chris Jackson – CB – TENNESSEE TITANS
Jackson, a second-year defensive back, has had a few solid performances for the Titans so far this season. Unfortunately, Jackson injured his foot on Sunday and had to go on the IR for at least three weeks. Tennessee signed veteran Buster Skrine on Tuesday, who could be a nice addition for an IDP title run if you are in a pinch at DB.
Da’Shawn Hand – DE – DETROIT LIONS
Hand suffered a groin injury on Sunday against the Browns which has landed the big defensive lineman on the IR. The Alabama star, who recently returned to action after missing the first half of the season, was slated for a 70% snap share prior to the injury. While Hand is out, Nick Williams will likely be asked to take on more snaps.
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