The 12 looks handily led the team, but it was two drops and routine plays that left a sour taste in fantasy managers’ mouths in this one. Neither instance would have taken significant points off the board considering the Raiders really only threatened paint on one drive, but it remains noteworthy that Bowers has now struggled in back-to-back games following his three-touchdown eruption in his first game back from injury in Week 9. Bowers has all the runway in the world for fantasy liftoff after the team traded wide receiver Jakobi Meyers at the deadline, but he has yet to make good on the upside case. Even so, fantasy managers can likely count on top tier production from their second round pick the rest of the way as the team has little competition for targets in its current state.

Quarterback Geno Smith was asked to throw the football 42 times versus just 12 team rush attempts as the Raiders struggled to move the football consistently throughout, initially playing the Cowboys to a tightly contested field goal battle before allowing four straight touchdowns to fall into a 31-9 deficit. The game flow significantly impeded Jeanty’s workload as the team struggled to stay afloat. Jeanty’s otherworldly talent seems to be going to waste in his rookie season considering the team’s poor run-blocking offensive line and consistently negative game script. Things don’t get any better ahead of a Week 12 meeting with the stout defensive front of the Browns, where Jeanty will be a low-end RB2.

The end line doesn’t tell the full story as Lamb was disciplined for unknown reasons to start the game, watching from the sidelines as the team went three-and-out on their first possession. He bookended the solid fantasy showing with a missed connection with quarterback Dak Prescott on a would-be walk-in touchdown late in the fourth quarter on fourth down. Even so, it was a solid showing for one of the league’s top receivers. He’ll get the surging Philadelphia defense in Week 12 at home.

The only real blemishes on Pickens’ standout performance were a 15-yard penalty following his 37-yard touchdown in the second quarter and the fact he started the game on the sidelines for apparent disciplinary reasons. Kicker Brandon Aubrey would convert the long point after try following his penalty to make it a moot point. Pickens’ 764 yards ranks fifth in the league and he has averaged more than 10 yards per reception in all 10 appearances this season, making this offseason’s coming contract discussions of utmost importance to fantasy managers and Cowboys fans, alike. Up next is a difficult matchup against the stout Philadelphia defense in Week 12.

While fantasy managers are surely giddy about the returns to end the week, Prescott missed a wide open CeeDee Lamb on a would-be walk-in touchdown on fourth down late in the fourth quarter that could have padded the counting stats for both parties. The Cowboys also started slow after going three-and-out on their first possession, turning it over via strip-sack on their second possession, and settling for a long field goal on their third possession to end the first quarter. Prescott and the offense settled into a groove from then on, finishing the next four drives with touchdowns to four different pass-catchers to take a commanding lead into the fourth quarter. Prescott and the Cowboys badly needed then win coming out of their bye before a murderer’s row of opponents, starting in Week 12 against the Eagles at home.

Sanders appears to be in line for the start with Dillon Gabriel in concussion protocol. It remains unclear which direction the team will go once Gabriel is healthy, but Sanders managed to complete only 4-of-16 passes in relief a week ago. Who starts moving forward could come down to how Sanders fares in a good spot on paper in Week 12.

Although there don’t appear to be any reasons for concern regarding Collins’ status ahead of a Thursday Night Football showdown with the Bills, the same cannot be said of quarterback C.J. Stroud, who continued to be listed as a non-participant on Monday’s estimated practice report as he pushes to clear the league’s concussion protocol. Stroud has yet to see the practice field in any capacity, something he will need to rectify if he wants to make it back in time for Thursday. He will only have two chances to do so. Tight end Dalton Schultz was also listed as limited Monday but, like Collins, appears to be trending towards suiting up against the Bills. Fantasy managers will want to track the coming practice reports diligently.

Tape don’t lie. Shortly after he denied spitting on Ramsey in Week 11’s loss to the Steelers, videos emerged that clearly showed Chase spitting on Ramsey during a scuffle between the two in the fourth quarter. Ramsey was ejected for punching Chase following the incident, but the league appears to have sided with him in this matter. Chase can and will appeal the league’s decision to suspend him if he chooses to do so, but the evidence is pretty convincing. Chase will miss Week 12’s game against the Patriots if the suspension is upheld.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Penix aggravated a bone bruise and knee sprain he suffered earlier in the season, but also added, “there has been damage to the ACL, which could mean a full reconstruction.” There’s still some uncertainty regarding Penix’s ACL injury, but we expect a more definitive diagnosis once Penix has had a chance to seek a second opinion — which he is reportedly in the process of doing. Regardless, it sounds like this is shaping up to be a season-ender for Penix, who has thrown for 1,982-9-3 this season while completing 60.1 percent of his passes. For now, Penix is out for a minimum of four games, putting Kirk Cousins in the driver’s seat going forward.

Something similar was reported on Sunday morning, but speaking on Monday, Ryans confirmed that Stroud may not return this week. The Texans’ QB1 remains in the league’s concussion protocol, but the Texans playing on Thursday night only adds to the complications. Stroud has missed two straight games due to his concussion, but the Texans have managed to go 2-0 in his absence with Davis Mills under center. Mills has thrown for 566 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in his two starts this season, but shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a desperation play in 2QB/superflex leads if he draws the start. Ryans said S Jalen Pitre, who is also in the concussion protocol, is uncertain for Thursday night’s game.