Fantasy football buzz: Weather could play a big factor in Browns-Steelers game

Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.

Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.

Key links: Fantasy depth charts

Nov. 21: "Thursday Night Football" will be played under winter weather advisory

A lot of a key players around the league are on a bye this week, but that's not the only challenging storyline in fantasy football in Week 12 -- Thursday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns has some serious weather in the forecast.

Rain is expected at the start and end of the game in Cleveland, while wind gusts of over 20 mph are also expected.

All this should make fantasy managers think twice before starting a quarterback or kicker from this game. But that could be easier said than done. Steelers veteran Chris Boswell leads all kickers with 133.7 fantasy points this season and entered the week as our No. 5 ranked at the position.

Meanwhile, the Steelers' defense is our No. 2-ranked D/ST of the week in what should be a low-scoring game.

For running backs, while weather is not as big a factor, only Najee Harris ranks in the top 20 at the position this week, with Jaylen Warren and Nick Chubb as borderline flex options.

Nov. 20: Injury updates

Stephania Bell: Here are a couple of updates on players who suffered injuries in Week 11, as well as a few players to keep an eye on heading into this week's action.

Week 11 fallout

Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Mooney left Sunday's game early with a hamstring injury. Originally listed as questionable to return, Mooney was ultimately ruled out after playing roughly 50% of the offensive snaps. While the injury was not considered to be serious, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the bye in Week 12 comes at a perfect time for Mooney. We have seen athletes with mild hamstring injuries return after just one missed game (see: 49ers tight end George Kittle in Week 3). With the timing of the Falcons' bye, perhaps Mooney will be able to avoid any lost time.

Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys: Ferguson suffered a concussion in the first half of the Week 11 Monday night game and coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Tuesday Ferguson would be "hard pressed" to be able to return for this week's matchup with the Commanders. While progression through the concussion protocol is criterion-based and not time-dependent, it is rare for a player to recover within a week ... and the Cowboys are operating on a shortened timeline after playing Monday night. Although he hasn't officially been ruled out, it is likely Ferguson will miss this week.

Things to watch for in Week 12

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Evans aggravated a hamstring ailment in full view of the "Monday Night Football" audience in Week 7 as he dragged a defender into the end zone while attempting to make a catch. It was clear he was going to miss some time, but how much was uncertain. As time passed, there was optimism Evans might be able to return following the Buccaneers' Week 11 bye. To that end, Evans was on the practice field during the portion open to the media for Monday's bonus practice. If Evans can continue to make strides throughout the week, there's a chance he will be back in uniform on Sunday against the Giants.

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers: The long-awaited NFL debut of the Panthers' 2024 second-round draft pick might happen in Week 12. The Panthers have stayed true to bringing Brooks back gradually from his right ACL reconstruction, and the performance of Chuba Hubbard has made that easy to do. Still, the final test for any athlete post-injury is return to play, and it's particularly important for a rookie to get some professional-level reps under his belt. Expect the slow and gradual progression of Brooks to continue as he is eased into competition.

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers: Kittle missed this past Sunday's game against the Seahawks due to hamstring "irritation" he experienced following the Week 10 game. Earlier this season, Kittle missed one game for similar reasons, and when he did return, he played the bulk of the offensive snaps while posting four catches, one of those for a touchdown. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated he expected Kittle to practice Wednesday, and if he tolerates the work well this week, Kittle could return Sunday when the Niners travel to Green Bay.

Nov. 18: Giants bench Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New York Giants are moving on from Jones, who has scored 12.2 fantasy points or less in six of 10 games this season. Instead of tabbing backup Drew Lock as his replacement, the team is expected to start third-stringer DeVito on Sunday at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Last season, following injuries to Jones and backup Tyrod Taylor, DeVito went 3-3 as a starter for the Giants but wasn't worthy of starting consideration in fantasy. While DeVito finished the 2023 season with an encouraging eight TD passes versus three interceptions and flashed some playmaking ability with his legs, he averaged just 12.8 fantasy points per game, only once eclipsing 18 in a game.

It remains to be seen how the change under center will impact star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Small-sample-size alert, but in the five full games DeVito played last season, a Giants wide receiver had at least 63 yards receiving in four of them.