Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we look at breakout performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy teams.
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Fantasy Football Heat Index
Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (QB – MIN)
Stats:
- 14-of-25 for 143 Passing Yards
- 2 Passing Touchdowns
- 1 Interception
- 9 Rushing Attempts
- 12 Rushing Yards
- 1 Rushing Touchdown
Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB12 (19.9 fantasy points)
Analysis: J.J. McCarthy returned in Week 9 after missing nearly two months with an ankle injury and delivered a solid fantasy performance. He completed 14-of-25 passes for 143 yards, threw two touchdowns and ran for another in Minnesota’s 27-24 win over Detroit. His red-zone efficiency and mobility helped him post 19.9 fantasy points in standard formats, placing him among the top 12 quarterbacks for the week.
While McCarthy’s passing yardage was limited, his ability to produce with playmakers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison makes him a viable streaming option in Superflex and deeper 2-QB formats. He draws a tough matchup in Week 10 against a Ravens defense getting healthy for the stretch run, but his dual-threat skill gives him a stable floor for fantasy managers navigating injuries and bye weeks.
Heat Index: 3
Running Back
Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI)
Stats:
- 26 Rushing Attempts
- 176 Rushing Yards
- 3 Receptions
- 22 Receiving Yards
Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB3 (21.3 fantasy points)
Analysis: With D’Andre Swift sidelined, Kyle Monangai stepped in as Chicago’s lead back in Week 9 and delivered one of the best running back performances of the season. He rushed 26 times for 176 yards and added 22 receiving yards on three catches, finishing with 21.3 fantasy points in half-PPR formats.
Monangai showed tremendous burst and contact balance, consistently gaining yards after contact and dominating red-zone touches in Chicago’s high-scoring win over Cincinnati. His 29-touch workload and involvement in both phases of the offense point to significant upside, especially with Swift’s groin injury still lingering.
Even when Swift returns, Monangai has likely earned a meaningful share of the backfield. With injuries and bye weeks piling up, his volume and efficiency make him a viable Flex option moving forward. He should be rostered across all formats.
Heat Index: 5
Wide Receiver
Tory Horton (Tory Horton)
Stats:
- 4 Receptions
- 48 Receiving Yards
- 2 Touchdowns
Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR6 (18.8 fantasy points)
Analysis: Tory Horton stepped up in Week 9 with four catches for 48 yards and two touchdowns after Cooper Kupp was ruled out with a hamstring injury. He made the most of his four targets, converting two into scores and flashing red-zone reliability.
Sam Darnold completed his first 17 passes and threw four touchdowns before halftime, jumpstarting a Seattle offense without its No. 2 WR. With Kupp sidelined and depth stretched thin, Horton operated as the clear No. 2 behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and showed he can be a dependable option. If Kupp remains out, Horton could maintain a steady role in a pass-heavy offense trending upward.
Heat Index: 4
Tight End
Colston Loveland (TE – CHI)
Stats:
- 6 Receptions
- 118 Receiving Yards
- 2 Touchdowns
Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE2 (26.8 fantasy points)
Analysis: Rookie Colston Loveland broke out in Week 9 with 118 yards and two touchdowns after Cole Kmet was ruled out with a concussion. He played 65 snaps, ran routes on 75% of dropbacks, posted a 21% target share and totaled 71 air yards.
Loveland showcased the playmaking and yards-after-catch ability that made him the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, including a game-deciding 58-yard score in Chicago’s 47-42 win over Cincinnati. The Bengals have struggled to contain tight ends all season, and Loveland took full advantage.
With Kmet’s status uncertain, Loveland is a top waiver wire target for fantasy managers. His usage suggests more than a one-week fill-in, especially with Caleb Williams elevating the Bears’ offense. If Loveland continues to earn targets at this rate, he offers streaming appeal in Week 10 against the Giants and potential long-term upside in deeper formats.
Heat Index: 4
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