Let’s dive into some news and notes around the league, my top fantasy plays and favorite picks for Week 11.
Notes:
• The early window of games didn’t see a lot of scoring, but the afternoon slate made up for it as the Cowboys, Chargers, Lions, Commanders and Seahawks all had terrific fantasy performances. The passing game was particularly impressive for the aforementioned teams as Justin Herbert and Dak Prescott each threw four touchdowns, in addition to 300-yard passing games from Geno Smith and Sam Howell. Prescott has been a regular in the fantasy community, but it’s time to throw Howell in the discussion of starting fantasy quarterbacks.
• The Texans seem to have struck gold with C.J. Stroud, as the entire offense has flourished with him under center. Stroud had another 300-yard game, Devin Singletary led all running backs in Week 10 with 150 rushing yards and Noah Brown finished third in receiving with 172 yards. The Rookie of the Year front-runner has Houston in the playoff discussion, as the Texans are a game back from the division lead.
• Jacksonville is still atop the AFC South, but there have been concerns about Trevor Lawrence all season long and this week didn’t put any of those fears to rest. He threw for just 185 yards and had three turnovers in the loss to the 49ers, one of the worst performances of his young career. He’s thrown for more than 300 yards just once this season and has nine pass touchdowns in as many games. He’s been banged up all year and is one of my buy-low candidates as the Jaguars’ schedule becomes more favorable the next second half of the season.
• Major injuries were avoided this week, but Alexander Mattison and Derek Carr left early this week due to concussions. Ty Chandler would be the next in line for the Vikings at running back, making a FLEX option. Jameis Winston should be left on waivers unless you’re truly desperate at quarterback.
• We are nearing the return of some fantasy darlings, as Justin Jefferson and De’Von Achane are both eligible to return from injured reserve. Jefferson is an instant must-start, but Achane doesn’t necessarily need to be rushed into action with all the Dolphins running backs now healthy. You’ve got one last chance to acquire Jefferson or Achane via trade before they return to action.
• This is the time of year to start planning ahead if you’re in the fantasy playoff picture. Check your league rules regarding the trade deadline and acquiring as much top-level talent and handcuffs as possible.
• There were some high-profile players on a bye last week, but that won’t be the case in Week 11 with the Falcons, Colts, Patriots and Saints off.
Thursday Night Game: Bengals vs. Ravens
Sunday Night Game: Vikings vs. Broncos
Monday Night Game: Eagles vs. Chiefs
Top Pickups of the Week: Devin Singletary, Keaton Mitchell, Noah Brown, Trey McBride
Buy Low: Trevor Lawrence, Diontae Johnson, Dallas Goedert
Sell High: Dak Prescott, Davante Adams, Brandin Cooks, Cole Kmet
Send to the Waiver Wire: Justice Hill, Miles Sanders, K.J. Osborn
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Sam Howell
Running Back: Devin Singletary
Wide Receiver: Brandin Cooks
Tight End: Logan Thomas
Defense: Commanders
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Joshua Dobbs
Running Back: Chuba Hubbard
Wide Receiver: Odell Beckham Jr.
Tight End: Gerald Everett
Defense: Chiefs
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Will Levis
Running Back: Ty Chandler
Wide Receiver: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Tight End: Noah Fant
Defense: Titans
NFL Picks for Week 11:
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 92-58)
Ravens (vs. Bengals)
Browns (vs. Steelers)
Texans (vs. Cardinals)
Chargers (vs. Packers)
Commanders (vs. Giants)
Jaguars (vs. Titans)
Lions (vs. Bears
Dolphins (vs. Raiders)
Cowboys (vs. Panthers)
49ers (vs. Buccaneers)
Seahawks (vs. Rams)
Bills (vs. Jets)
Broncos (vs. Vikings)
Chiefs (vs. Eagles)
Five Against the Spread Picks (Season Record: 25-25)
Steelers +4 vs. Browns
Chargers -3 vs. Packers
Titans +6.5 vs. Jaguars
Seahawks -1 vs. Rams
Broncos -1.5 vs. Vikings
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 26-24)
Bengals-Ravens under 45.5
Giants-Commanders over 36.5
Raiders-Dolphins under 47.5
Cowboys-Panthers over 41.5
Eagles-Chiefs over 46.5
One Bold Prediction for the Week
Week 1: Sam Howell finishes as a top-five fantasy QB against Cardinals. (miss)
Week 2: Michael Thomas leads all players in receiving yards in the two Monday night games. (miss)
Week 3: Justin Fields leads the league in rushing yards in an effort to keep up with the Chiefs. (miss)
Week 4: Travis Kelce has more receiving yards than Zach Wilson has passing yards in the “Sunday Night Football” game. (miss)
Week 5: The Bills put up 50-plus points against the Jaguars in London. (miss)
Week 6: Josh Jacobs has more total scrimmage yards than Mac Jones has passing yards. (miss)
Week 7: The Eagles hold Tyreek Hill to under 50 receiving yards. (miss)
Week 8: The Jets and Giants score more points than the Patriots and Dolphins. The Jets-Giants total is 36.5, while Patriots-Dolphins total is the highest of the week at 47. (major miss)
Week 9: Tee Higgins leads all receivers in yardage against Bills. (miss — finished fifth)
Week 10: With Travis Kelce on a bye, a tight end leads the league in receiving. (miss)
Week 11: Jordan Love is a top-five QB in fantasy this week.
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox