NFL Reactions: Week 11

"With the first overall pick in the 2022 fantasy draft, I select Jonathan Taylor, Colts running back."

In my humble opinion, this exact refrain will be heard in fantasy drafts around the world next summer – or at least it should.

Taylor's epic performance against the Bills on Sunday inked him into the record books as his five touchdowns set a single-game franchise record. The second-year stud became only the 13th player in NFL history to score five times in a game. Taylor rushed 32 times for 185 yards and four touchdowns, while adding three catches for 19 yards and a score through the air. It was an out-of-this-world performance, but not an overly surprising one.

If Taylor is on your fantasy roster or you've had the displeasure of playing against him this season, you know that big-time performances are just par for the course for the 22-year-old.  Taylor has scored 15 total touchdowns and rushed for 1,122 yards with a healthy 5.8 yards per carry average. For reference, Taylor finished the 2020 season with 1,169 yards in 15 games. The Wisconsin product is proving to be an unstoppable force who continues to punish defenses.

I know there's a lot of season left, and we are a ways off from the "way-too-early" fantasy mock draft columns, but I can't help myself. Call this my "WAY-way-too-early" mock that focuses on just the top pick. Taylor deserves that spot, and here's why:

• Availability – Taylor has been a model of health, avoiding serious injuries in his young career. Look at the other options who likely will be considered at the top of next season's fantasy drafts: Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry and even Saquon Barkley. All of these running backs have the opportunity, but they've all been hampered by the nagging injury bug recently. When investing high draft capital, fantasy managers want a guy they can trust to be out there every week.
• Ability – Taylor's talent is top tier. His vision, speed and propensity to break tackles are impressive and make him a tough matchup for any defense.
• Role – The Colts' skill position players are solid, but they aren't absolute game-changers. Carson Wentz is who he is – an inconsistent signal caller that can do enough to win, especially with a good running game to support him. The Colts' coaching staff knows what they have in Taylor and make it a point to get him the requisite touches to help the offense move the ball. Taylor's involvement as a pass catcher is also promising, as he has the ability to be a true three-down back.

With all that said, my message to the fantasy managers who end up with the No. 2 pick in your fantasy league's 2022 draft: You're officially on the clock.

Sunday Takeaways

• Jalen Hurts threw for just 147 yards and no touchdowns, yet still finished as one of the top fantasy quarterbacks on the week. How, you ask? His 18 rushes for 69 yards and three rushing touchdowns certainly helped. Despite throwing for less than 200 yards in seven of 11 games this season, Hurts is having a solid fantasy season with the help of his legs. With great matchups to close out the year, consider Hurts a fantastic play for the remainder of the season.
• After three weeks on injured reserve with an ankle injury, Miles Sanders returned to the field and rushed 16 times for 94 yards, while also losing a fumble. Sanders and Jordan Howard split work in the first half until the latter left the game with a knee injury. Philadelphia might be content with using a full-blown committee approach, limiting Sanders' weekly fantasy potential. Fantasy managers should monitor Howard's health ahead of a Week 12 matchup against the Giants before making lineup decisions involving Sanders.
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling paced the Packers in targets and receiving yards, catching four of his 10 targets for 123 yards and a score in a loss to the Vikings. Investing in an offense led by Aaron Rodgers is usually a good bet, and Valdes-Scantling is a proven playmaker who Rodgers is not afraid to look at deep downfield.
• Kirk Cousins pulled off the upset over Green Bay, and his impressive play was a big part of the victory. Cousins threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns, tossing two to Justin Jefferson and one to Adam Thielen. Cousins can be frustrating in reality and fantasy, but he is proving that he can be a reliable streamer in 2021. With the talent around him, any week could be huge. The Vikings get a favorable matchup against San Francisco in Week 12.
• Brandon Aiyuk caught all seven of his targets for 85 yards and a touchdown in a blowout win over the lowly Jaguars. Aiyuk led the team in targets and yards on a day when fellow wideout Deebo Samuel caught just one ball for 15 yards. After a slow start to the season, Aiyuk is finally flashing the playmaking ability that had fantasy managers excited for a breakout season. The 49ers' schedule sets up for a strong finish, making Aiyuk an interesting flex option.
• T.J. Hockenson followed up his Week 10 goose egg with a respectable, though not spectacular performance in a loss to the Browns. The tight end's eight targets, six catches and 51 receiving yards led the team in all three categories with backup quarterback Tim Boyle controlling the offense. Fantasy managers should take comfort in the fact that Hockenson returned to seeing a large share of targets in the Lions' offense, and can subsequently take their hands off the proverbial panic button.
• D'Andre Swift rushed 14 times for 136 yards and Detroit's only touchdown of the day. Fellow running back Jamaal Williams made his return from a thigh injury but failed to get much going, totaling just 11 yards on seven carries. Swift is clearly the better talent out of the backfield, so the Lions would be wise to continue to get the ball in his hands as they seek their first win of the season. With Tim Boyle likely starting at quarterback again on Thanksgiving, expect to see Swift be a big part of the game plan against the Bears.
• Darnell Mooney had a monster day in a heartbreaking loss to the Ravens, catching five of his team-high 16 targets for 121 yards and a score. Mooney caught balls from both Justin Fields and Andy Dalton, as Fields exited with a ribs injury. Mooney has definite appeal as a high-upside flex play each week at the very least, especially in Week 12 when the Bears take on the Lions.
• Cam Newton said it himself. He's back. In a disappointing loss, Newton threw for 189 and two scores, while also adding 10 rushes for 46 yards and a touchdown on the ground. For a player who struggled with accuracy last season with the Patriots, he looked sharp and completed 21 of his 27 passes against Washington. If Cam Newton can continue to bring his rushing floor and make the most of his opportunities as a passer, the veteran could be a great option in Week 12 at Miami and beyond.
• Zach Ertz had his best game as a Cardinal in a win over the Seahawks, catching eight of his nine targets for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Arizona continues to operate without its No. 1 receiver in DeAndre Hopkins and star quarterback Kyler Murray, so Ertz's target share is certainly buoyed by recent circumstances. Even when Hopkins returns to the lineup, expect Ertz to succeed in advantageous matchups. The Cardinals get a bye before visiting the Bears in Week 13.
• Clyde Edwards-Helaire return from a knee injury gave patient fantasy managers a treat, as the running back hit paydirt while seeing a team-high 12 rushes for 63 yards. Teammate Darrel Williams only handled five rushing attempts, so it's possible Edwards-Helaire might still see the majority of carries for the Chiefs and avoid a split-backfield scenario. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on how things shake out after their bye, when Kansas City plays host to Denver in Week 13.

Injury Notes

• Michael Carter left the game against Miami in the third quarter with an ankle injury. In his absence, Tevin Coleman took over as the Jets' lead back. If Carter misses time, both Coleman and Ty Johnson likely would benefit in a favorable Week 12 matchup against the Houston.
• Justin Fields exited the loss to Baltimore in the third quarter with a ribs injury. Andy Dalton filled in for the remainder of the game and would likely be in line to start if Fields remains sidelined on a short Week. The Bears visit the winless Lions on Thanksgiving.
• A.J. Brown was forced from the Titans' loss to the Texans with a chest injury and did not return. The Titans continue to be plagued by injuries, and if Brown is sidelined for an extended period, Tennessee's offense will take a big hit. The severity of the injury is unclear, so it remains to be seen if Brown will miss a Week 12 matchup against the Patriots. Fellow wideout Marcus Johnson also exited the game with a hamstring injury, leaving Chester Rogers and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as the team's top receivers if both Brown and Johnson are sidelined at New England.
• Jordan Howard left the Eagles win over the Saints with a knee injury. Prior to his exit, Howard split touches with Miles Sanders. If Howard can't go next week against the Giants, Miles Sanders likely would see added work in his second game back and would provide fantasy managers with more confidence in starting him.