Player news from trusted outlets

NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Sam Darnold's Four-Interception Outing Revives 'Ghosts' Narrative Against Rams

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold struggled significantly in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams, throwing four interceptions—matching a career high—and finishing with a 45.5 passer rating in the 21-19 loss. This performance evoked his infamous 'seeing ghosts' quote from 2019. Despite playing at a near-MVP level for much of the season, Darnold completed 29 of 44 passes for 279 yards with no touchdowns. This follows a challenging playoff game last season with the Minnesota Vikings against the Rams, where he was sacked nine times. The Rams' defense, by dropping into coverage, blurred his reads. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who previously resuscitated Darnold's career, might be reconsidering his quarterback plans given Darnold's recent struggles and the team's commitment to JJ McCarthy. The Seahawks are set to face the Rams again on December 18.

Jared Goff Endures Career-Worst Performance Against Dominant Eagles Defense

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jared Goff faced a formidable Philadelphia Eagles defense on Sunday night, enduring one of the toughest games of his career as the Detroit Lions fell 16-9. Goff completed a season-low 38% of his throws, struggling significantly under pressure. He was pressured 20 times and absorbed seven quarterback hits, resulting in an abysmal 0-of-12 passing record while under duress, his second-most such incompletions in a single game. The Eagles' defensive strategy, including multiple batted passes from Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, notably disrupted Goff's mindset and passing rhythm. The normally high-powered Lions offense, led by Goff, also failed on all five fourth-down attempts, contributing to their low scoring output.

Dalton Schultz Delivers Productive Performance for Texans in Week 11 Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dalton Schultz had a productive outing in the Texans' 16-13 win over the Titans, securing six of nine targets for 51 yards. This performance follows his re-signing with the Texans on a three-year, $36 million contract this March, after foregoing top free-agent tight end opportunities. His first year in Houston mirrored his last three seasons in Dallas, averaging 59 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns in 15 appearances. Despite C.J. Stroud's preference for downfield passes, Schultz remains a reliable fantasy option as potentially the fourth option in Houston's passing game behind Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell. He has a long track record of success, including setting career highs with 808 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021 with the Cowboys, where he was a key cog in their offense.

Cam Ward Shows Mixed Performance in Titans' Week 11 Loss, Faces Short-Handed Offense

AutoDraft Pro AI

Rookie quarterback Cam Ward had a mixed performance in the Titans' 16-13 loss to the Texans, completing 24 of 37 passes for 194 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, adding 33 rushing yards on three attempts. He also lost a fumble. Ward connected with Van Jefferson for a game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but his earlier fumble led to a Texans field goal. The 23-year-old, who signed a four-year, $48.84 million contract in May 2025, faced a talented Texans defense and lost key receivers Calvin Ridley (season-ending fibula injury) and Chimere Dike (chest contusion) during the game. He now faces another challenging matchup against the Seahawks in Week 12 with a depleted pass-catching corps.

David Njoku Limited to Single Catch in Browns' Loss to Baltimore

AutoDraft Pro AI

David Njoku recorded just one catch on two targets for seven yards in the Browns' 23-16 loss to Baltimore. This follows a career-best seventh season where he caught 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns on 123 targets, with a significant surge in production late in the season under Joe Flacco. Njoku, who will be 28 in 2024, holds a firm starting role and has shown chemistry with Deshaun Watson. His 123 targets last year ranked third among tight ends, and his 18 red-zone targets were also third-most. Despite a quiet Sunday, his track record of durability and high usage, including a four-year, $56.75 million contract extension in 2022, positions him as a high-floor tight end, with the potential for a breakout season if he can scale up his 2021 rate stats with more volume.

Shedeur Sanders' Debut Reveals Development Needs, Browns Prioritize Dillon Gabriel

AutoDraft Pro AI

Shedeur Sanders made his regular season debut for the Cleveland Browns, looking like a fifth-round rookie quarterback pressed into action without first-team practice reps. In two quarters against the Ravens, Sanders completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards with one interception and no offensive points, contributing to a 23-16 loss. Critics noted his tendencies to take sacks, run backward, and hold the ball too long. While a 30-yard touchdown pass was broken up and a fumble recovered, his performance confirmed the coaching staff's initial plan to develop Dillon Gabriel as the starter, with Joe Flacco as backup. Coach Stefanski confirmed Gabriel will remain the starter once he clears concussion protocol, indicating Sanders' role would be temporary if Gabriel is out for Week 12. The Browns are not currently grooming Sanders as a long-term starter, but a strong performance with full first-team reps could change the narrative.

Nick Chubb Sees Smallest Role of Season in Texans' Win, Career Context Discussed

AutoDraft Pro AI

Nick Chubb had his smallest role of the season, rushing three times for 17 yards and failing to catch either of his two targets in the Texans' 16-13 win over the Titans. This limited usage comes after a season-ending knee injury that involved ACL, MCL, and meniscus tears, an injury that would be career-ending for many backs. Despite a similar multi-ligament tear in 2015 at Georgia from which he made an excellent recovery, Chubb is now 28 and faces a battle to return to his normal standards. He accepted a pay cut from Cleveland this offseason, with the Browns adding D'Onta Foreman to a backfield that includes Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong, indicating the team hopes for his recovery but isn't solely counting on it. Chubb, arguably the league's best pure runner with a 5.2 YPC career average, has historically had his fantasy upside limited by other backs drawing targets.

Harold Fannin Continues to Play Through Hamstring Issue, Outproduces Njoku

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin, a 21-year-old third-round rookie, recorded two receptions on five targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Ravens. Despite a lingering hamstring issue that limits him during practice, Fannin has not missed any game action. He outproduced veteran starter David Njoku, who had only one catch for seven yards on two targets. Fannin, who signed a four-year, $6.74 million contract in May 2025, has 42 receptions for 396 yards and two touchdowns on 58 targets in the 2025 season. His value in deep leagues is expected to continue in Week 11 against the Raiders, regardless of starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel's (concussion) status.

Woody Marks Leads Texans Backfield Despite Subdued Performance

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks, a 24-year-old, had a subdued showing in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Titans, rushing 18 times for 44 yards and catching his only target for seven yards. Despite finding running room difficult against a typically generous Titans defense, Marks operated as the clear lead option, significantly out-touching Nick Chubb, who only garnered three carries. Marks, who signed a four-year, $5.2 million contract in May 2025, has 81 carries for 304 yards and two rushing touchdowns, along with 183 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in 2025. He has an encouraging outlook for a Week 12 Thursday night home matchup against the Bills' porous front seven.

Xavier Worthy's Struggles Continue, Fantasy Value Dwindles for Chiefs Receiver

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy struggled again in the loss to the Broncos, recording three receptions for 25 yards on five targets, being outproduced by Hollywood Brown (four catches, 40 yards). Worthy has not finished higher than PPR WR20 in any week this season and hasn't topped WR40 since teammate Rashee Rice returned from suspension, making him unstartable in fantasy. Despite playing a full complement of snaps (53, tied with Rice) and leading the WR unit with 36 routes, his lack of production, especially compared to Brown's 30 snaps, is concerning. The Chiefs' offense scored only 19 points against a stout Broncos defense, but Worthy's poor performance extends to easier matchups. He should be benched, and cutting him is advisable in shallow leagues, though deeper leagues might hold him for two upcoming positive matchups before considering a full cut.

Rashee Rice's Return from Suspension Coincides with Worthy's Decline

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice's return from suspension has coincided with a significant drop in production for teammate Xavier Worthy, who hasn't finished higher than PPR WR20 or topped WR40 since Rice's return. In the recent loss to the Broncos, Rice played 53 snaps, tying with Worthy for the most among Chiefs wide receivers. While the article primarily focuses on Worthy's struggles, Rice's presence and snap count indicate his established role in the offense post-suspension.

Joe Flacco Struggles Against Steelers, Bengals Offense Stalls

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco had a disappointing performance against the Steelers on Sunday, throwing for 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception, as the Bengals' offense managed only 12 points. This output will likely place Flacco outside the top-15 quarterbacks for the week, a significant drop after he had been a top-seven QB in every Bengals game this season. The article suggests that the luster has worn off a bit for Flacco, with the expectation that Joe Burrow's return by Week 14 will provide a much-needed boost to the passing attack, potentially making Burrow a league-winner during the fantasy playoffs.

Davis Mills Delivers Solid Performance in Second Start for Houston Texans

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills completed 26 of 41 passes for 274 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, adding 14 rushing yards on two attempts in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Titans. This solid showing comes in his second start. The 25-year-old, a 2021 third-round pick, previously started 26 games in 2021-22 and made six appearances as the No. 2 QB last season, though Case Keenum started when C.J. Stroud was out. Mills will likely need to win the backup job over the 36-year-old Keenum. While he lacks elite arm strength, he has fared well throwing deep in the past. Despite prior struggles with inconsistency and red-zone futility, the Texans' improved roster offers a better situation if he finds the field.

Rachaad White Out-snapped but Out-produced by Teammate Sean Tucker

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White had a less productive outing compared to teammate Sean Tucker, despite playing more snaps. White recorded 10 carries for 51 yards and no touchdowns. He played 43 snaps, compared to Tucker's 31, and also ran more routes (22 to 9). White was targeted three times, catching two passes for 11 yards and no touchdowns. This performance saw him outrushed by Tucker, highlighting a shift in backfield production for the game.

Sean Tucker Dominates for Buccaneers, But Long-Term Outlook Remains Uncertain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker delivered a dominant fantasy performance, rushing 19 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching both of his targets for 34 yards and another score. He outrushed teammate Rachaad White, despite playing fewer snaps (31 to White's 43). Tucker's snap count was up significantly from the previous week, and he received 63.6% of the backfield touches when on the field. However, this success is likely not sustainable long-term, as he had a similar breakout in Week 6 last year followed by minimal production. With Bucky Irving expected to return next week, Tucker is projected to revert to a third-string role. Despite this impressive outing, the difficult remaining schedule and a tough matchup against the Rams next week make him primarily a bench stash.

DeVonta Smith Struggles on Sunday Night, Future Role Under New OC Kellen Moore Examined

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith had a forgettable performance on Sunday Night Football, catching just one pass for eight yards on five targets in the 16-9 win over the Lions. This comes after a 2023 season where his target share dropped from 27.0% to 22.9%, despite posting a solid 81 receptions for 1,066 yards and seven touchdowns. The 25-year-old, a 2021 10th overall pick, has shown capability in beating press coverage and making contested catches. While his aDOT dropped with A.J. Brown taking more deep looks, his YPT remained steady. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is expected to keep running backs involved but also tends to be WR-friendly, potentially benefiting Smith. Despite the recent struggles, his age, talent, and rapport with Jalen Hurts make him a relatively safe fantasy pick. Smith had a strong rookie year and a career-high 95 catches for 1,196 yards in 2022, but his volume declined late in his rookie season when the Eagles became run-heavy.

Dallas Goedert's Modest Performance on Sunday Night Raises Volume Concerns

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert was held to two receptions on five targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 16-9 win over Detroit. This performance follows a 2023 season where he set a career high with 59 catches but saw his yards per catch and yards after catch decline, resulting in his fewest total yards since 2020. Despite consistent touchdown and reception numbers over his five NFL seasons, his efficiency has varied. With dual-threat running back Saquon Barkley joining the offense, Goedert's target share, already behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, may further decrease. Historically, Goedert has shown capability, especially after Zach Ertz's departure, but his role as the third option in a Jalen Hurts-led offense, which also features a strong running game, could limit his volume despite potential for improved efficiency under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

Jameson Williams Continues Strong Play, Secures Long-Term Extension with Lions

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, a 24-year-old, recorded four receptions on seven targets for 88 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 16-9 loss to the Eagles, adding one rush for nine yards. He accounted for Detroit's only touchdown with a 40-yard score, featuring significant yardage after the catch, and also contributed long gains of 27 and 19 yards. This performance marks his third-highest yardage total of the season. Since head coach Dan Campbell took over offensive playcalling, Williams has accumulated 10 catches for 207 yards and two touchdowns in two games. In September 2025, Williams signed a three-year, $83 million contract extension with $67 million guaranteed. For the 2025 season, he has 27 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns on 41 targets, averaging 17.6 yards per catch.

A.J. Brown Garners 11 Targets on Sunday Night, Eagles Offense Under New Coordinator

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown finished with seven receptions on 11 targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 16-9 win over Detroit. While he holds the two largest single-season receiving yardage totals in Eagles franchise history, his 2023 production was heavily front-loaded before the team's late-season collapse and his absence from the playoff loss due to a knee injury. Brown, who signed a three-year extension in April, enters his age-27 season under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Moore is expected to involve DeVonta Smith more, potentially at the expense of other players rather than Brown's share. Known for his dominant physical skills and YAC ability, Brown has consistently commanded respect from opponents. Despite past injury concerns and playing in run-first offenses, his talent, age, and rapport with Jalen Hurts make him a safe fantasy option, though his volume might not always match other top-tier receivers.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Held to Low Production Despite High Targets in Lions' Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown recorded a modest two receptions on 12 targets for 42 yards in Sunday's 16-9 loss to the Eagles. This performance is an anomaly for St. Brown, who has consistently increased his production since being drafted in 2021, finishing last year in the top 5 league-wide for catches, yards, targets, and touchdowns. Known as one of the most effective short-area receivers, he accounted for 29.9% of targets in 2023 and excelled from both the slot and perimeter. Despite his 4.51 speed, he's more of a possession/YAC receiver, leading WRs in YAC for two consecutive years. With Jared Goff and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson returning, his situational stability is high, and he's projected for another 100-catch season if healthy, even with Jameson Williams' potential emergence.