Lately, the NFL has been all about the improbable. Some recent statistics are revealing just how crazy the league can be.
Julio Jones recorded his first touchdown of the season in Week 9. He failed to score a touchdown in his first seven games while having 812 receiving yards. I know it’s a common assumption that Julio can’t score touchdowns, but seven straight scoreless games is still crazy. A player as elite as him on an elite offense should be able to find the end zone at least once in that time.
The Kansas City Chiefs lost their first coin toss in Week 10. They won their first nine coin tosses, and the odds of that happening statistically are less than a fifth of a percent. The streak gets even less probable if you factor in their final three preseason games, which extends the streak to 12 games. Surprisingly, this happened not that long ago. According to Sports Illustrated, the Bears won 14 straight tosses in the 2016-2017 season.
In an article from National Football Post, it was revealed that the Buccaneers became the first team to have over 500 yards and score fewer than 6 points since 1940 or possibly earlier. Ryan Fitzpatrick himself had over 400 passing yards. I think it’s safe to say that this will never happen to him again as long as he’s starting for this offense.
Quarterback – Eli Manning
Eli Manning leads the NFL this season in sacks; he’s been sacked 32 times this season. The silver lining is that he quickened his release in Week 10 as he was only sacked once. In Week 11, Eli and the Giants get the privilege of playing the Buccaneers at home. There’s a very good chance that Eli has his best game of the season this week. I’m also interested in Lamar Jackson if Joe Flacco doesn’t play. Jackson hasn’t started a game this season, but I have enough faith in his rushing game to use him against the Bengals.
Running Back – Theo Riddick
It’s difficult for me to justify calling Riddick a running back because he hasn’t actually carried the ball since Week 5, but he’s still relevant because of his Riddickulous receiving game. In the last two weeks, Matthew Stafford has been sacked 16 times. It looks like this offense doesn’t have an identity without Golden Tate, and if Marvin Jones is still banged up when Sunday rolls around, Riddick might have a season high in receptions. The Lions return home in Week 12 to face the Panthers. Although the thought of starting Doug Martin makes me cringe, you could safely do it this week. The Raiders travel to Arizona in Week 11.
Wide Receiver – Christian Kirk
I’m all in on the Cardinals receivers this week. It’s tough not to feel optimistic about Christian Kirk when he’s up against what just might be the worst defense in football. The Raiders have the lowest sack total in the league and have only seven takeaways this season. When you play against a rookie quarterback like Josh Rosen, you have to pressure him, but the Raiders haven’t effectively pressured anyone except for defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. I expect both Larry Fitzgerald and Kirk to have productive games in Week 11. If you’re in a pinch, you could take a shot on either Chris Godwin or Adam Humphries. The Bucs’ vicious passing attack should be on full display against the Giants this week.
Tight End – Jeff Heuerman
In the one game the Broncos have played without Demaryius Thomas, Heuerman led the team in targets, receptions and receiving yards. Although the sample size is small, there aren’t any other tight end options available that look as promising as Heuerman. The matchup isn’t exactly favorable; the Broncos meet the Chargers in Week 11. If you’re really desperate, Tennessee’s Jonnu Smith might be good for another touchdown against the Colts this week.