NFL Reactions: Week 10

On a day when we watched Tom Brady and the Buccaneers lose to the Washington Football Team, it's fair to question … Are the Patriots back?

While Brady and the Buccaneers are on a two-game losing streak, dropping games to Trevor Siemian and Taylor Heinicke, New England has won four straight. If the ball bounced their way in close games against the Cowboys and the Buccaneers, it could've been six consecutive wins. Nonetheless, the Patriots will enter a Week 11 matchup with the Falcons touting a 6-4 record, which likely will be 7-4 after Atlanta.

Sunday's game against the Browns was a huge statement victory for the new-look Patriots, led by rookie Mac Jones, a strong running game and a top-tier defense. The 45-7 win over Cleveland should serve as a warning to the rest of the league: Don't sleep on the Patriots.

In a blink of an eye, New England has matched the Bills in wins, as both teams sit atop the AFC East. It's realistic to think that by year's end, especially with two games still ahead against Buffalo, New England could win the division and host a playoff game this year. Few would have bet on that at the beginning of the season, but my guess is that's exactly how Bill Belichick likes it.

Mac Jones isn't the Tom Brady we know now, but in fairness, neither was Brady when he started out with the Patriots. Brady did just enough to win in those early years, as the Patriots relied on  great defense when his long reign in New England started. Jones is showing he can do just that. He can certainly make plays when needed and is having great success with Josh McDaniels calling plays. New England's rushing attack is helping to keep the offense going and making things easier on Jones, while the defense is also coming on strong.

With so many big stories to steal our attention in the NFL from week to week, the Patriots are quietly becoming a team that most teams will want to avoid if they indeed make the playoffs. If fantasy football teaches us anything, it's that any team can make a run if they just make it to the dance. Until then — NO DAYS OFF!

Sunday Takeaways

• Rhamondre Stevenson made a statement in a blowout win over the Browns, rushing 20 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Damien Harris (concussion) missed the game, and the rookie proved he could handle the spotlight in the Patriots backfield. Stevenson likely will revert to his role as the No. 2 back when Harris returns, but he made a convincing case to earn more work in the offense.
• CeeDee Lamb was an unstoppable force in the Cowboys' big win over the Falcons. Lamb caught six of his seven targets for 94 yards and two scores. The Cowboys' offense was firing on all cylinders, and the wideout is proving he can be a true game-changer. Lamb gets a dream matchup with the porous Chiefs secondary in Week 11.
• Stefon Diggs had a huge day against the Jets with eight receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown. Diggs has not been the game-breaking receiver he was last season, but the wideout took advantage of the Jets' weak defense to get back on track in a victory. Josh Allen even connected with Diggs on a 57-yard pass, a part of their game that has been lacking in 2021. If they can get the deep ball working again — watch out.
• Anyone starting Antonio Gibson against the Buccaneers' defense likely did so with their eyes closed, but fantasy managers were rewarded for the bold move. Gibson rushed 24 times for 64 yards and two touchdowns, adding two catches for 14 yards. The running back handled roughly 70 percent of the team's rush attempts, a promising number considering he has been limited by a shin injury for weeks. Up next for Gibson is another tough matchup against the Panthers' run defense.
• In his first start for the Saints following his recent trade, Mark Ingram was a big part of the gameplan in a loss to the Titans. Ingram carried 14 times for 47 yards and a score. The veteran also added four catches for 61 yards, the second highest receiving total Sunday. If Kamara misses more time, Ingram will face an Eagles defense in Week 11 that struggles against running backs.
• No touchdown? No problem. Christian McCaffrey is back. The stud running back had a fantastic fantasy day, rushing 13 times for 95 yards and catching 10 balls for 66 yards. McCaffrey led Carolina in both categories and appears to be returning to form as the focal point of the Panthers' offense. He was rested in the fourth quarter of the blowout win, a smart move with his hamstring bothering him late in the game. McCaffrey faces Washington in Week 11.
• Just days after signing with Carolina, Cam Newton came off the bench and scored two touchdowns (one on the ground, one through the air) in the first quarter of their win over the Cardinals. In his limited action, Newton looked good. It won't be surprising if he is starting under center against Washington next week, as he likely would provide a spark for an offense that has needed it.
• DeVonta Smith had a second strong outing in a row in the Eagles' convincing win over the Broncos. The rookie wideout caught four balls for 66 yards and two touchdowns, finishing as the team's leading receiver. If Jalen Hurts can continue to improve, these two dynamic playmakers can create fantasy magic with favorable matchups down the stretch.
• Dalvin Cook had a solid day for fantasy purposes, rushing 24 times for 94 yards, while catching three of his five targets for 24 yards. Cook also hit paydirt for the first time since Week 6, punching in a one-yard run in the fourth quarter. The veteran back appears to be gaining steam entering the homestretch of the fantasy season. Cook and the Vikings play host to the division-rival Packers in Week 11, a matchup that should light up the scoreboard.
• Justin Jefferson absolutely torched a formidable Chargers' secondary in the Vikings' 27-20 win. The star wide receiver caught nine of 11 targets for 143 yards. Jefferson continues to prove he is the alpha in the Vikings' passing attack with his big-play ability. Fantasy managers should expect big things from him in his next game against Green Bay, as Kirk Cousins will need to keep up with Aaron Rodgers.

Injury Notes

• Baker Mayfield exited the Browns' blowout loss to the Patriots at the end of the third quarter with a knee injury. The injury doesn't appear serious, though Mayfield never re-entered the game. If he misses time, Case Keenum likely would get the nod against the Lions in Week 11.
• Dallas Goedert left the game against the Broncos in the first quarter with a concussion. The tight end will now enter the concussion protocol and aim to be cleared to play in Week 11 against the Saints. If he can't go, Jack Stoll is the next man up at tight end for Philadelphia.
• Ricky Seals-Jones exited Washington's win over Tampa Bay with a hip injury. Washington will hope to get Logan Thomas back from his hamstring injury for a Week 11 game against the Panthers, especially if Seals-Jones is sidelined.
• Aaron Jones left the Packers' win over the Seahawks with a knee injury. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, it is believed that Jones suffered a sprained MCL, but the running back will undergo an MRI to confirm. Assuming Jones misses time, AJ Dillon is poised to lead the Packers' backfield and build upon his recent success.