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B/R's Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Every NFL Week 11 Fantasy Matchup
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- Cooper Neill/ It's Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season, and that means the playoff stretch run is here in fantasy football leagues. How teams fare this week could well determine whether fantasy managers move on to the playoffs or call it a year in a few weeks. And the Week 11 slate features plenty of big matchups that will further shape the fantasy landscape. The week kicks off Thursday night with an NFC East clash between two of the league's most explosive offenses that will get some fantasy teams started off with a bang and others stuck in a hole. Sunday features a pair of massive games: The NFC North's most heated rivalry and the latest chapter in Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen. Both contests are stacked with big names who could blow up, disappoint or emerge as surprise stars. In one of the most pressure-packed weeks on the fantasy calendar, there's a tricky course to navigate. Unless, that is, you have a game-by-game map of who to start, who to sit and who could emerge as Week 11's biggest "sleeper" plays. Check your glove compartment. Or you could just keep reading.
- Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via The Philadelphia Eagles head into this critical NFC East showdown with some nicked-up pass-catchers. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith has a hamstring injury, while tight end Dallas Goedert is nursing an ankle issue. Both are questionable. The Commanders are hoping to get a player back in Week 11; after missing time with a hamstring injury, running back Brian Robinson Jr. is practicing in a limited fashion and has a chance to play Thursday night.Start of the WeekA.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,100 Most of the big fantasy names in this game are "starts" regardless of the quality of matchup. That most assuredly includes Brown, who could see a bump in targets if Smith and/or Goedert are unable to play.Sit of the WeekJayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,500]: Daniels is a hard player to sit, but the rookie is coming off easily his worst fantasy outing of the season and now has to take on a Philly defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this year.Noah Brown, WR, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: Brown was quiet in last week's loss to the Steelers, but he has become a real part of Washington's passing attack. The 28-year-old has received at least six targets in four of the past five games.Stat to Know
- Todd Rosenberg/ When the Bears take the field against the rival Packers, it will be with a new offensive coordinator after Shane Waldron was fired earlier this week. It will also be at relatively full strength, as Chicago has no skill-position injuries of note this week. The Packers are in a similar situation, albeit without the fired-coach part. They head to the Windy City without any significant injuries on the offensive side of the ball outside running back Josh Jacobs (quad), whose status isn't believed to be in jeopardy. Start of the WeekD'Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Not much has gone right for the Bears offensively of late, but Swift has been the exception to that rule. Last week's loss to the Patriots marked the first time he had been held under 80 total yards since Week 3.Sit of the WeekJayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: The Bears have been a mess offensively of late, but the Chicago defense has been stout. As a matter of fact, no team in the NFC has surrendered fewer fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season.Green Bay Packers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: For the season, the Bears rank 11th in fantasy points per game allowed to defenses. But since they came out of their bye week (where they apparently left their ability to move the football), Chicago has given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position.Stat to Know
- Brooke Sutton/Key Injuries The Jacksonville Jaguars have been blasted by injuries on offense all season, and they haven't relented in Week 11. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) has already been ruled out, and running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) is questionable. Wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) are also doubtful, but they practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday. The Lions aren't without an injury of their own this week. Tight end Sam LaPorta is considered day-to-day with a shoulder injury suffered last week, and it wouldn't be a stunner to see him held out of a game Detroit should win with ease.Start of the WeekJahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,300]: The Lions rank seventh in the NFL in rushing at 147.3 yards per game. The Jaguars rank 21st in the league in run defense, giving up almost 130 yards per game on the ground. Both Gibbs and David Montgomery should eat in Week 11.Sit of the WeekBrian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Thomas has shown considerable promise as a rookie, and the Lions are one of the league's best matchups for wide receivers. But Thomas will all but certainly be bracketed in coverage, and Mac Jones was atrocious at quarterback for the Jaguars last week.Detroit Lions Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: The Lions have some issues defensively this season, especially up front after edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson went down. But the Jaguars offense imploded without Lawrence last week, and this is a game that will likely get 16 kinds of out of hand.Stat to Know
- Ric Tapia/Key Injuries The Minnesota Vikings are in relatively good shape for Week 11, with two notable exceptions: running back Aaron Jones and quarterback Sam Darnold. However, while Jones could miss some practice time this week, both are expected to be available against the Titans. Tennessee has a banged-up running back of their own, but Tony Pollard (foot) has been playing through his injury. Other than that, the Titans' injury report is the cleanest it has been in weeks.Start of the WeekCalvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Ridley had a big game last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, catching a pair of touchdown passes. He should fill up the stat sheet again Sunday against a Vikings secondary giving up the third-most PPR points per game to wide receivers this year.Sit of the WeekJordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,100]: So much for Addison building on his 10-score rookie season—he has been all but invisible for much of the 2024 season. That will probably continue Sunday against the Titans and the league's No. 1 pass defense.Tennessee Titans Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,300]: It's been lost in a miserable season, but the Titans have quietly played very well defensively this year. For all Minnesota's success this season, it has been kind to opposing fantasy defenses. Since Week 7, the Vikings have allowed the eighth-most points per game to the position.Stat to Know Five. That's how many interceptions Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold has thrown in the past two games, including three in last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Darnold looked to have revived his NFL career earlier this season, but of late he has looked a lot like, well, Sam Darnold.
- Ronald Martinez/Key Injuries It's been another depressing season in Las Vegas, but as the Raiders come out of the bye week, they at least do so in good shape physically. No players of particular interest to fantasy managers are in danger of missing Sunday's game. The Dolphins have one major injury of note, but it's not new. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is dealing with a wrist issue and didn't practice Wednesday. Start of the WeekTua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Tagovailoa's numbers this season haven't been especially impressive, and he's 26th among fantasy quarterbacks in points per game. The Raiders, on the other hand, have surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points per game to the quarterback position.Sit of the WeekAlexander Mattison, RB, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,000]: Mattison's fantasy value has been reliant on volume and touchdowns—he's averaging less than 3.5 yards per carry this season. The Dolphins have been solid against the run this season, giving up less than 115 yards per game on the ground.Jonnu Smith, TE, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: As the season has progressed, Smith has become a bigger part of the Miami offense. The Raiders have had all kinds of trouble defending tight ends this year, allowing the fourth-most PPR points per game to the position.Stat to Know
- Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Key Injuries As the Rams head east to face the New England Patriots, they do so at the healthiest they have been in weeks. No big names at the offensive skill positions appear to be in danger of missing Sunday's game. The Patriots have struggled mightily on offense this season, although rookie quarterback Drake Maye has provided a bit of a spark. He will have his full array of offensive "weapons" Sunday. The Pats are in good shape on the injury front, although veteran tight end Hunter Henry was limited with a foot injury. Start of the WeekKyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,900]: Williams hasn't been especially efficient this season, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. But the volume has certainly been there this season, and the Patriots have surrendered the ninth-most PPR points per game to running backs this year.Sit of the WeekMatthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: At best, Stafford is a matchup-dependent spot starter in fantasy leagues this season, and the Patriots aren't a good one. New England ranks 22nd in fantasy points per game given up to QBs in 2024.Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: Henry may well be the most reliable weapon the Patriots have in the passing game this season. The Rams have been generous to opposing tight ends this season, giving up the ninth-most PPR points per game to the position.Stat to Know
- Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Key Injuries The Browns have suffered through a disastrous 2024 season, but they are at least in relatively good shape physically after their bye week. There are no fantasy-relevant injuries of note in Cleveland. The New Orleans Saints could be precariously short-handed at wide receiver again on Sunday. Chris Olave was placed on injured reserve last week with a concussion, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. is questionable with the shoulder injury that sidelined him last week against the Atlanta Falcons.Start of the WeekNick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Chubb hasn't done much since coming off injured reserve, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry over three games. But he has seen 15 or more carries in each of the last two games, and the Saints have surrendered the fourth-most PPR points per game to running backs this season.Sit of the WeekJerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: The Cleveland passing attack has been...let's be nice and go with "inconsistent." The Saints have been a solid fantasy matchup for receivers this season, but right now Cedric Tillman is the only Cleveland wideout fantasy managers can put any real trust in.Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: Valdes-Scantling exploded last week to the tune of three catches for 109 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Now he and the Saints draw a Browns defense giving up the fifth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season.Stat to Know
- Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Key Injuries When the Colts take the field at MetLife Stadium, it will be with a new (old) quarterback. After benching Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco, Indy head coach Shane Steichen has turned back to the 22-year-old in Week 11. Whether Richardson has a full complement of wide receivers remains to be seen. Michael Pittman Jr. (back/finger) missed last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills and is questionable for Week 11. The Jets have a star wideout of their own on the injury report after Davante Adams missed Wednesday's practice with a wrist injury and illness. However, his status for Sunday's contest isn't believed to be in jeopardy.Start of the WeekGarrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: Wilson may be the only Jets pass-catcher who hasn't been a major disappointment in 2024, and he faces a struggling Colts secondary that has surrendered the 12th-most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season.Sit of the WeekJosh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Downs actually benefitted from the switch to Flacco at quarterback in Indianapolis. Now he has a QB who can't throw headed into the worst fantasy matchup in the NFL for wide receivers this season.Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Given his struggles as a passer and a bottom-10 fantasy matchup for quarterbacks this week with the Jets, Richardson is a risky fantasy play. But there's a reason why so many fantasy managers believed he could be in for a breakout season in 2024: his rushing ability.Stat to Know
- Patrick Smith/Key Injuries As the Steelers prepare to host their most hated rivals in one of the biggest games of Week 11, there's trouble brewing in the backfield after starting running back Najee Harris (ankle) missed practice Wednesday. The visiting Ravens aren't without injury issues of their own. Tight end Isaiah Likely is questionable with a hamstring issue.Start of the WeekGeorge Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,000]: Pickens' numbers have taken off since Russell Wilson took over at quarterback. That should continue this week against an atrocious Baltimore pass defense giving up almost 295 yards per game through the air.Sit of the WeekNajee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: You have to think Harris will make every effort to play in this high-stakes contest Sunday. But even if he does suit up, it will be against a Ravens defense that has given up a league-low 73.0 yards per game on the ground.Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Wilson has invigorated the Steelers' passing game since taking over at quarterback. Taking on the NFL's worst pass defense, he could easily post his best numbers of the season and be the best DFS value of Week 11 under center.Stat to Know
- RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Key Injuries Atlanta heads to Denver trying to shake off last week's surprising loss to New Orleans with a couple of injury issues. Running back Tyler Allgeier (quad) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (elbow/shoulder) were both limited in practice Wednesday. The Broncos are trying to get over a devastating loss of their own, but they'll be doing so at full strength. Denver doesn't have any fantasy-relevant players in danger of missing Week 11.Start of the WeekCourtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: As Bo Nix has improved in recent weeks, so has Sutton's fantasy production. The Atlanta Falcons have been kind to opposing wide receivers, surrendering the eighth-most PPR points per game to the position this year.Sit of the WeekDrake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: London has been outstanding this season and is fourth in PPR points among wide receivers. But he's going to have his hands full this week. Denver has one of the league's best pass defenses, and he will likely draw Patrick Surtain II in coverage for much of Sunday's game.Audric Estime, RB, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Atlanta isn't a particularly good fantasy matchup for running backs. But if last week's loss to the Chiefs was any indication, Estime has usurped Javonte Williams as Denver's No. 1 running back.Stat to Know Four. The number of receptions Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts had last week, for 55 yards. His target share and production have been all over the place this season, but the Broncos have been a far better fantasy matchup for tight ends this season than wideouts. It makes sense to get Pitts more involved with the offense this week. So it probably won't happen.
- Kevin Sabitus/Key Injuries There are a couple of potentially major injuries in San Francisco, but running back Christian McCaffrey will likely be a regular on the injury report moving forward, and both he and tight end George Kittle are both expected to play Sunday. The Seahawks come out of the bye week with one major injury issue: wide receiver DK Metcalf. He has been dealing with an MCL sprain, but he practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday and is tentatively on track to play in Week 11.Start of the WeekDeebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: The 49ers are as healthy at wide receiver as they have been in some time, and that could mean good things for Samuel and Jauan Jennings against a Seahawks defense surrendering the ninth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers.Sit of the WeekJaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Smith-Njigba came up huge while Metcalf was out, but with the latter returning and the Seahawks taking on a 49ers defense allowing the eighth-fewest PPR points per game to running backs, a letdown week could be coming.Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: Smith has been inconsistent this year, and the 49ers aren't a great fantasy matchup for quarterbacks. But this is a game in which Seattle is likely going to fall behind, meaning a pass-heavy game script in the second half.Stat to Know
- Perry Knotts/Key Injuries It appears the Kansas City Chiefs might get wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster back for Week 11—he's practicing, albeit in a limited fashion. However, running back Isiah Pacheco is unlikely to be activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's clash of AFC titans. The Bills were short-handed at wide receiver last week, and there are question marks in Week 11 as well. Veteran Amari Cooper (wrist) was limited in practice Wednesday, while both wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) sat out.Start of the WeekKareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Hunt hasn't been great on a per-carry basis, but he has been a plus receiver out of the backfield and his volume has been solid. The Bills have allowed more PPR points to running backs this season than any team in the AFC.Sit of the WeekMack Hollins, WR, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: Hollins had his biggest game in a long time as Buffalo's de facto No. 1 wide receiver a week ago. With all the injuries in the Bills' pass-catching corps, it's possible he could again see an elevated target share against the Chiefs.Stat to Know
- Cooper Neill/Key Injuries After missing time with a quadriceps injury, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver got in a limited practice Wednesday. That's good news for a team whose season hangs in the balance Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. For the Chargers, running back Gus Edwards returned to action last week after a stint on injured reserve, but his ankle injury has him on the Week 11 injury report. He was limited in practice Wednesday.Start of the WeekJustin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: After a slow start to the 2024 season, Herbert's passing numbers have picked up of late. Now he gets a Bengals pass defense that was just carved up by the Baltimore Ravens and ranks 23rd in the NFL in passing yards per game allowed.Sit of the WeekChase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: With Zack Moss on injured reserve, Brown is now the unquestioned lead back in Cincinnati. But the sledding won't be easy against the Chargers—only two teams have given up fewer PPR points per game to running backs this season.Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: Johnston is finally starting to show flashes of the talent that got him drafted in the first round in 2023, including his fifth touchdown catch of the season last week against the Titans. The Bengals are much easier to throw on than run on defensively.Stat to Know
- Cooper Neill/Key Injuries The Cowboys may not want to admit it, but their season ended Wednesday. That's when quarterback Dak Prescott had surgery on an injured hamstring to end his 2024 season. The news is far better in Houston, even after three losses in four games. After a stint on injured reserve, wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) is fully expected to practice this week and return to the playing field Monday night.Start of the WeekC.J. Stroud, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Neither Stroud nor Jared Goff especially wants to remember last week's turnover-fest. But a matchup with a Cowboys defense allowing the fourth-most PPR points to quarterbacks this year could be just what the doctor ordered to get the second-year pro back on track.Sit of the WeekRico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: It's not bad enough that the Cowboys offense completely imploded without Prescott last week. But in addition to that, Dallas now faces a Texans team surrendering the fifth-fewest PPR points per game to running backs in 2024.John Metchie III, WR, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: Metchie's five catches for 74 yards and a touchdown last week was easily the best game of his career to date. Even with Collins likely to return in Week 11, it appears Metchie has carved out a role as Houston's slot receiver moving forward.Stat to Know 49. That's how many net passing yards the Cowboys had in Week 11 as a team. Cooper Rush was horrendous. Trey Lance was no better. And CeeDee Lamb caught six passes—for 21 yards. This isn't to say Lamb managers should immediately panic, but Lamb managers should immediately panic.
Read the full article:https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10143269-brs-start-em-sit-em-picks-for-every-nfl-week-11-fantasy-matchup
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