Nobody has a more stacked lineup of fantasy analysts and NFL team reporters than ESPN. It's the rare "backfield by committee" that is actually a good thing for fantasy football managers.
Every Tuesday, Mike Triplett will ask our NFL Nation reporters a series of burning questions about the weekend's biggest stories to help inform you for your waiver-wire pickups and other roster decisions.
This week's roundup includes strong endorsements on behalf of new QB1 Cam Newton, temporary RB1 AJ Dillon and possible future RB1 D'Onta Foreman, among others.
It's time to begin our weekly trip around the league, so fasten your seat belts and get ready to tour the NFL Nation!
Carolina Panthers
Do you expect Cam Newton to be an immediate starting option in fantasy leagues in Week 11? What will his return mean for the fantasy value of Robby Anderson?
Newton outscored a few fantasy veterans on Sunday with two touchdowns on only eight plays, so yes, he'll make an immediate impact. He'll be used in the red zone, just as he was against Arizona. Plus, he's determined to prove himself as a passer again.
The impact on Anderson was already evident Sunday. He had four catches on six targets for 37 yards and a touchdown. That's by no means great, but considering that Anderson had only four catches for 16 yards and no touchdowns in his previous three games combined, I'd say that's notable. The fact that Newton brought Anderson into his postgame news conference also could be a hint to the chemistry they're developing. -- David Newton
Seattle Seahawks
How soon can fantasy managers expect to start Russell Wilson again with confidence?
I'd wait another week if you've got a viable alternative. Wilson said his surgically repaired finger wasn't the issue on Sunday as he struggled in his first game back, even though his lousy numbers and some errant throws might lead one to assume that it was. If rust from his month-long absence and/or the cold weather in Green Bay were factors on Sunday, neither should be as much of an issue this week at home against Arizona. However, the Cardinals are still a tough defense that often gives Seattle trouble. The Seahawks will play a much less formidable defense the following week when they face Washington, which will be without pass-rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat. -- Brady Henderson
Green Bay Packers
Do you expect AJ Dillon to get a full RB1 workload for as long as Aaron Jones is sidelined?
Yes, and he's certainly ready for it -- both as a runner and receiver. Remember when no one thought he could catch the ball out of the backfield? Well, take a look at that 50-yard catch-and-run against the Seahawks on Sunday. After the game, Aaron Rodgers said of Dillon, "He's improved in all the areas that he needed to to become a complete back." -- Rob Demovsky
Washington
I know I ask you about Antonio Gibson every two weeks or so, but he got 24 of the team's 30 RB carries on Sunday. This has to be a good sign for both his health and his role going forward, right?
Yes, but with a caveat. Gibson said last week that his shin was feeling better and he noticed a difference in his ability to change directions. He also showed good power in breaking some tackles or helping to move the pile. The fact that Washington held a lead the entire game allowed them to stick with the run and get Gibson that many carries. What helps matters is that he has become better in short-yardage situations, which resulted in two touchdowns on Sunday. However, with other health issues, a big key for Washington will be controlling the play and playing good defense. All in all, this should mean more carries for Gibson -- at least for as long as his shin holds out. -- John Keim
Tennessee Titans
Could D'Onta Foreman emerge as the Titans' lead back after showing the most impressive flashes two weeks in a row?
Absolutely. Foreman has been the Titans' best runner in both of the past two games. He also showed that he can catch the ball and pick up yards as well. Foreman's skill set gives the Titans a blend of Adrian Peterson and Jeremy McNichols, since he can run with some power and also be an option in the passing game on third downs. -- Turron Davenport
Kansas City Chiefs
Has Darrel Williams done enough as the Chiefs' RB1 to keep the role even when Clyde Edwards-Helaire comes back?
Whenever Edwards-Helaire is back and at full strength, the job is his -- although Williams might have earned a bigger role with his play over the past few weeks. However, it might take some time before Edwards-Helaire is ready for a full-time role again. So in the interim, the Chiefs will ride with Williams. That makes him a fantasy play worth considering in the short term. -- Adam Teicher
Atlanta Falcons
Would either Mike Davis or Wayne Gallman be worth a pickup for fantasy managers in a bind for as long as Cordarrelle Patterson is sidelined?
This is a situation to avoid. Neither Gallman nor Davis has been productive from a fantasy standpoint. While someone will need to take some carries if Patterson is out, this is simply a situation to steer way clear from this week, if at all possible. -- Michael Rothstein
Jacksonville Jaguars
Has TE Dan Arnold become a Jaguars pass-catcher who we can actually trust for consistent production?
Yes. Since he joined the Jaguars prior to the Week 4 game at Cincinnati, Arnold leads the team in targets (40), catches (27), receiving yards (315) and YAC (151). Over the past three games alone, he has 17 catches on 24 targets. Jacksonville's wide receivers are unable to get consistent separation and drop too many passes -- nine total, including four by Jamal Agnew. Arnold seems to have QB Trevor Lawrence's trust. -- Michael DiRocco