Each week, Yardbarker highlights the most important people driving this week’s NFL action.
From players to coaches, here are the 10 most important people to watch in Week 11.
TE Travis Kelce | Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce said on Wednesday’s episode of his podcast “New Heights”: “I’m trapped” Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills (8-2).
The Chiefs are 9-0, but it wouldn’t be shocking if they lost in Buffalo. The Bills are tied for third in the league in points scored (29 PPG) and won last. 3 regular season games Against KC, according to Pro Football Reference.
After a slow start, Kelce has been on a tear over the last three games. hourE Has 32 receptions for 254 yards and two touchdown catches during that span. Perhaps he’ll keep the hot hand against Buffalo’s 18th-ranked pass defense (212.9 YPG).
LB Micah Parsons | dallas cowboys
After a 34-6 loss to the Eagles in Week 10, Parsons said, “I think he’s going to have a lot of fun,” said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. “He can go wherever he wants.” Of course, McCarthy is in the final year of his contract and could end up in the hot seat after a 3-6 start.
On Tuesday’s episode of his podcast. “Edge” “Parsons said he modified his HC rather than throwing it under the bus. Still, it wasn’t a good look for an underperforming pass rusher. He has just three sacks in five games.
Parsons could face more criticism if he struggles in Monday’s home game against the Houston Texans (6-4), who are allowing the league’s highest pressure rate. (29.8%)According to Pro Football Reference.
QB Anthony Richardson | Indianapolis Colts
Colts head coach Shane Steichen after two straight losses with starting QB Joe Flacco. presentation They will return to Richardson on Wednesday. The second-year QB said sitting on the bench for two games helped him.
“I feel like these two weeks have definitely opened my eyes and allowed me to delve deeper and look into myself and see who I am.” Richardson told the press wednesday. “So I’ve been grateful for the past two weeks and quietly grateful that it happened.”
Richardson will have to prove he deserves a second chance in Sunday’s road game against the New York Jets (3-7). He completed a league-low 44.4% of his passes for four TDs and seven interceptions through his first six games. He also substituted himself in a loss to Texas in Week 8 because he was “tired.” which painter Steichen and Colts center Ryan Kelly.
If Richardson learns his lesson, it will help the Colts (4-6) get back in the playoff hunt.
QB Caleb Williams | chicago bears
tuesdayThe Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and replaced him with passing game coordinator Thomas Brown. Williams said Waldron’s firing wasn’t his choice, but acknowledged Chicago’s offense could improve under Brown.
Rookie QB: “I think we can put everything together and do well.” spoke to the media on Wednesday. “Make everything look the same and then from there you can get a few easier passes and a few more layups.”
The coaching change better kicks off for the Bears (4-5) with Sunday’s home game against the Packers (6-3). Otherwise, Williams could continue to regress.
The 2024 No. 1 overall pick completed 50.5% of his passes for 468 yards and was sacked 18 times. Last three games.
QB Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers
Could Herbert jump into the MVP conversation if the Chargers (6-3) beat the Cincinnati Bengals (4-6) on “Sunday Night Football” at home?
If Herbert records his 10th straight 90+ passer rating on Sunday, he could join that elite group. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers are the only players to reach that mark with nine or more starts since the 1970 merger. (via Kevin Patra of NFL.com)
Herbert averaged 209.9 passing yards per game, but coach Jim Harbaugh expects him to do more against Cincinnati’s 23rd-ranked pass defense (220.2 YPG).
WR Diontae Johnson | baltimore ravens
Johnson, who played for the Steelers from 2019 to 2023, returns to Pittsburgh on Sunday.
tuesdaySteelers coach Mike Tomlin said he had not considered Johnson’s return and that the Ravens had “more important pieces” that would attract his attention.
Since being traded from the Carolina Panthers, Johnson has had one reception for 6 yards in two games against Baltimore. However, Ravens coach John Harbaugh hinted that he is increasing his workload during his playing days. Monday press conference.
tuesdayJohnson said he would like to return to Acrisure Stadium. Track him to see if he explodes from the ground he once trod.
HC Sean Payton | Denver Broncos
Can Payton and the Broncos regroup after their crushing Week 10 loss to Kansas City? With 0:01 remaining and the Broncos trailing 16-14, Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal blocked kicker Wil Lutz’s 35-yard field goal attempt.
“The sky is not falling,” Payton said Monday. No Melendrez Stapleton From the Associated Press. “Obviously there is a lot of work ahead. (7) There are still games left. I think this team is resilient. The sky is not falling for our season and schedule. We’re sitting here 5-5. Obviously, we wanted to win 6-4, but the focus is on the next game.”
Payton will have to make sure the loss doesn’t affect the team’s spirit before Sunday’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons (6-4). This could impact postseason aspirations.
Based on NFL.comIf the Broncos win, their playoff odds increase from 51% to 61%. If defeated, it decreases to 39%.
CB Demodore Renoir | San Francisco 49ers
Lenoir — Has not allowed a TD catch in nine games. Per Pro Football Focus — signed He signed a five-year, $92 million contract extension Tuesday. San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan seems very pleased with the move.
“He’s exactly what we want as a Niner.” Shanahan told the press wednesday. “His style of play, how good he has become and how much he actually loves football.”
Lenoir could show why the Niners (5-4) made a smart move when they host the Seattle Seahawks (4-5) on Sunday. Seattle QB Geno Smith is tied for the league lead in interceptions (10 in nine games).
QB Sam Darnold | Minnesota Vikings
his last three gamesDarnold has an equal number of TD passes and interceptions (five). Despite the recent slide, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is still supporting his QB.
After Darnold threw a season-high three picks in a 12-7 Week 10 win over the Jaguars. O’Connell said. He never considered benching himself for backup QB Nick Mullens.
Will Darnold reward O’Connell for his confidence in Sunday’s road game against the Tennessee Titans (2-7)? Tennessee’s No. 1 pass defense (156.7) can present a tricky matchup for turnover-prone passers.
HC Antonio Pierce | las vegas raiders
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones We recently reported that the Raiders had an “uncomfortable” meeting during their bye week. That might be a bad sign for Pierce.
Las Vegas owner Mark Davis held a public meeting with players days before he fired Josh McDaniels last season.
athletics Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed “Speculation about Pierce’s job security has intensified,” he noted after a recent 2-7 start. Sunday’s road game against the Miami Dolphins (3-6) could be a must-win for rookie HC.
