First, analytics writer Seth Walder breaks down three stat trends that could be pivotal this weekend. Then, fantasy writer Eric Moody highlights five players who are rostered in fewer than 50% of ESPN leagues as of Saturday and could be started in a jam. That's followed by NFL analyst Ben Solak's three potential surprises, NFL analyst Matt Bowen's key matchup to watch and sports betting analyst Pamela Maldonado's favorite bet for Week 15.
"The data dynamically changes and updates in real time," ESPN producer Andy Jacobson tells The Verge. "You'll see that on the screen as we've created augmented reality graphics that are embedded onto the field and constantly updating up until the snap."
Green Bay Packers wideout Christian Watson is heating up. One week after a 51-yard touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions, Watson struck from distance again Sunday in a huge NFC North matchup with the Chicago Bears. Watson caught a slant on third-and-3 from the Bears' 41-yard line in the third quarter and went into the end zone untouched. In the process, he reached the top speed of the week at 21.6 mph and helped the Packers reclaim the division lead with a 28-21 victory.
Across the NFL, players were feasting on big plays during Thanksgiving week, but the fastest time from a ball carrier in Week 13 came Sunday from a player who made headlines earlier this season for fumbling the ball out the back of the end zone without being touched. But this time, New York Jets wideout Adonai Mitchell made sure to secure his first career touchdown on a 52-yard pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor while reaching 20.97 mph in the process.
Fields is averaging 59.3 rushing yards per game, more than some of the high-profile running backs in Jets history: More than Breece Hall's average in 2023 and 2024; more than Le'Veon Bell in 2019 (and Bell was paid $13 million per year); and more than Jets legend Matt Snell in the 1968 Super Bowl season. At his current pace, Fields will finish with 949 yards, almost tripling Geno Smith's team mark for most rushing yards by a quarterback in the Super Bowl era (366 in 2013).
