WEEK 11 RECAP
Ravens 34, Bengals 20: Odell Beckham Jr. is the overall WR10 in standard formats (WR12 in PPR) since Week 9 with 212 yards on 10 receptions and two touchdowns in the last three games for Baltimore. We could see Beckham get a bump in playing time and target share moving forward with Mark Andrews sidelined.
Browns 13, Steelers 10: Jaylen Warren is the overall RB2 in standard formats (RB3 in PPR) since Week 9 with 318 rushing yards on 35 carries (9.1 yards per carry) and two TDs. So much for him being the receiving back in Pittsburgh, although he also added eight receptions for 50 yards the last three games for good measure.
Lions 31, Bears 26: DJ Moore has finished as the WR5, WR2 and WR6 in PPR in the last three games Justin Fields has started and finished for Chicago.
Packers 23, Chargers 20: Jordan Love has certainly been inconsistent in his first full season as a starter for Green Bay, but he’s currently the overall QB11 in fantasy through 11 weeks and surpassed 300 passing yards in a game for the first time in his career against Los Angeles. In fact, he has passed for at least 289 yards and two TDs in back-to-back games and has a very favorable schedule in front of him. Another Aaron Jones injury could mean a more pass-heavy approach going forward.
Dolphins 20, Raiders 13: After catching 23 balls on 30 targets in his first five games this season, Josh Jacobs only has eight receptions on 16 targets in the last six games for Las Vegas.
Giants 31, Commanders 19: Stop me if you’ve heard this one, but a New York football team gets carried by its defense after its offense is derailed by injuries. The Giants are the fourth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 5, producing at least 12 points in four of the last seven games.
Cowboys 33, Panthers 10: Miles Sanders has essentially been an afterthought since early October, but it appears he regained his footing in Carolina’s backfield, creating a 50/50 split in workload with Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard played 29 offensive snaps, ran 15 routes and had 12 touches (two targets for two receptions), while Sanders played 27 offensive snaps, ran 13 routes and also had 12 touches (one target for one reception). The Panthers have one of the worst schedules for running backs the rest of the season, and this split makes it an easy situation for fantasy managers to avoid.
Jaguars 34, Titans 14: Calvin Ridley has finished as the WR6, WR81, WR66, WR31, WR9, WR56, WR90, WR28, WR69 and WR1 in PPR through 10 games. Ridley’s first season for Jacksonville has been quite the roller coaster ride in fantasy.
Texans 21, Cardinals 16: Tank Dell is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) through 11 weeks and is on pace to produce 79 receptions for 1,245 yards and 11 TDs in his rookie season for Houston.
49ers 27, Buccaneers 14: Only four quarterbacks are averaging more fantasy points per game than Brock Purdy since Week 8 — Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Sam Howell and Jalen Hurts. Purdy is on pace to produce 4,525 yards, 31 TDs and only eight interceptions while completing 70.2 percent of his passes in his first full-season as a starter in San Francisco.
Bills 32, Jets 6: Khalil Shakir had 115 yards and a TD for Buffalo against a dominant secondary. Shakir’s playing time increased significantly in Week 8, and he’s the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) the last four games. He has gained 288 receiving yards on 14 receptions in that span, ranking 11th in receiving yards among wide receivers.
Rams 17, Seahawks 16: It doesn’t look like Kenneth Walker is an injured reserve candidate with an oblique injury he suffered against Los Angeles, but he’s almost certainly not playing on Thanksgiving night and may miss a few games. Zach Charbonnet is a talented rookie who got drafted in the second round and will inherit a substantial workload (he had 21 touches, including six receptions on Sunday with Walker out). It’s a brutal upcoming schedule, but fantasy remains about volume and opportunity.
Broncos 21, Vikings 20: Alexander Mattison ended up playing against Denver despite suffering a concussion the week before, but Ty Chandler still outproduced him. Mattison had 80 total yards on 19 touches compared to Chandler’s 110 total yards on 14 touches, including four receptions.
Eagles 21, Chiefs 17: D’Andre Swift’s 76 rushing yards was the most for him in a game since Week 3. It was also the first time Swift topped 100 total yards since Week 5. All of this and Jalen Hurts was kind enough to allow Swift to run for a TD inside the five-yard line.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 12:
GREEN BAY AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).
Who to start: AJ Dillon (GB) has flex appeal in deeper leagues based on volume — Dillon has double-digit touches in nine of 10 games this season. Romeo Doubs (GB) has scored a TD in four of the last five games. Jayden Reed (GB) is the overall WR10 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) since Week 7, but monitor his chest injury.
Who to sit: Aaron Jones (GB) is unlikely to play on Thanksgiving due to an MCL sprain he suffered against the Chargers. Luke Musgrave (GB) is suffering from a lacerated kidney and won’t be able to play this week. Christian Watson (GB) remains TD-dependent with only 11 receptions in the last five games. I’m fading the Packers D/ST against an offense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense that has only allowed five TDs to quarterbacks in the last five games. Both Jameson Williams (DET) and Josh Reynolds (DET) remain TD-dependent options. The Lions D/ST hasn’t forced multiple turnovers in a game since Week 5.
Sleeper: Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
WASHINGTON AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Dak Prescott (DAL), Cowboys D/ST.
Who to start: Despite a difficult matchup, Sam Howell (WAS) is still the overall QB4 through 11 weeks. Logan Thomas (WAS) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to tight ends in the last six games. Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed 39 receptions and five TDs to tight ends since Week 5.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Jahan Dotson (WAS) and Curtis Samuel (WAS) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Antonio Gibson (WAS) has been dealing with a toe injury and faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. The Commanders D/ST faces an offense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Michael Gallup (DAL) remains TD-dependent, considering he hasn’t surpassed three receptions in a game since Week 4.
Sleeper: Brandin Cooks (DAL) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
SAN FRANCISCO AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA).
Who to start: Brock Purdy (SF) had 549 passing yards and six total TDs in two games against the Seahawks last season, including the playoffs. The 49ers D/ST ranks seventh in fantasy scoring this season despite its rough patch before the bye in Week 9. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) has flex appeal in deeper leagues with at least 40 yards or a TD in six straight games.
Who to sit: Kenneth Walker (SEA) will likely miss this matchup with an oblique injury he suffered against the Rams. Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Seahawks D/ST faces an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: It’s a difficult matchup, but Zach Charbonnet (SEA) should receive the lion’s share of touches with Walker sidelined.
MIAMI AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Raheem Mostert (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Breece Hall (NYJ).
Who to start: De’Von Achane (MIA) is too good to keep on your bench if he’s active. Garrett Wilson (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to wide receivers in the last seven games. The Jets D/ST is averaging the eighth-most fantasy points since Week 5. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed at least four receptions or a TD to tight ends in eight of 10 games this season.
Who to sit: Jeff Wilson (MIA) only has flex appeal if Mostert or Achane are inactive.
Sleeper: The Dolphins D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
NEW ORLEANS AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Bijan Robinson (ATL).
Who to start: This feels like a Taysom Hill (NO) week — the Falcons are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends and Michael Thomas was just placed on injured reserve. The Saints D/ST was eighth in fantasy-scoring before it’s bye last week. Derek Carr (NO) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks — assuming he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol. Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense that has allowed 23 receptions, 258 yards and four TDs to tight ends in the last three games.
Who to sit: Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent with only seven receptions in the last three games. Jamaal Williams (NO) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Drake London (ATL) is the overall WR79 in standard formats (WR67 in PPR) since Week 7. Jonnu Smith (ATL) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in the last four games. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Desmond Ridder (ATL) only deserves consideration in superflex formats.
Sleeper: Rashid Shaheed (NO) has at least four receptions or a TD in four of the last five games and he should see a target boost with Thomas out.
PITTSBURGH AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Diontae Johnson (PIT), Steelers D/ST, Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN).
Who to start: Najee Harris (PIT) has double-digit touches in every game since Week 2 and has scored a TD in three of the last five. Jaylen Warren (PIT) is the overall RB26 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR) through 11 weeks. The Bengals D/ST has forced multiple turnovers in five of the last six games and faces an offense in transtion.
Who to sit: George Pickens (PIT) remains TD-dependent with only 15 receptions in the last five games. Kenny Pickett (PIT) has thrown for a single TD and ran for a single TD in the last five games. Tee Higgins (CIN) has missed time with a hamstring injury and now has an unproven QB under center. Tyler Boyd (CIN) is normally the third option when Chase and Higgins are healthy, but Joe Burrow was capable of spreading the love around and Cincy’s offense had a higher ceiling then I anticipate it having with Jake Browning.
Sleeper: Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
CAROLINA AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Adam Thielen (CAR), Derrick Henry (TEN), DeAndre Hopkins (TEN).
Who to start: Tyjae Spears (TEN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs, including 14 TDs in 10 games this season.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Miles Sanders (CAR) and Chuba Hubbard (CAR) against a good run defense on the road. DJ Chark (CAR) only has seven targets in his last three games. Bryce Young (CAR) has passed for multiple scores once this season. Treylon Burks (TEN) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Will Levis (TEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) remains TD-dependent with only 11 receptions in the last four games.
Sleeper: Jonathan Mingo (CAR) is averaging 5.5 targets per game since Week 8 and faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
TAMPA BAY AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Rachaad White (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: Baker Mayfield (TB) is the overall QB9 since Week 7. Cade Otton (TB) has at least four receptions in four of the last five games and faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Josh Downs (IND) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Colts D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home with an average of 21 fantasy points in its last two games.
Who to sit: Zack Moss (IND) only has eight carries and no receptions in the last two games.
Sleeper: Gardner Minshew (IND) faces a defense that is allowing an average of 321.5 passing yards and two TDs per game to quarterbacks since Week 6.
NEW ENGLAND AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Saquon Barkley (NYG).
Who to start: The Patriots D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Ezekiel Elliott (NE) maintains flex appeal in deeper leagues with an average of 10.4 touches per game. The Giants D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) remains TD-dependent with only nine targets the last three games. Hunter Henry (NE) remains TD-dependent with only 13 receptions in the last six games. Mac Jones (NE) only has five TD passes against eight interceptions in the last seven games. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) only has 10 receptions in the last five games. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 13 receptions in the last five games.
Sleeper: Demario Douglas (NE) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 547 yards and four TDs to wide receivers in its last two games.
JACKSONVILLE AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC), CJ Stroud (HOU), Dalton Schultz (HOU), Tank Dell (HOU), Nico Collins (HOU).
Who to start: Calvin Ridley (JAC) is the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) through 11 weeks. Christian Kirk (JAC) is the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) through 11 weeks. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) deserves streaming consideration in a game that should feature a lot of points. Devin Singletary (HOU) maintains his RB2 upside even if Dameon Pierce is active.
Who to sit: The Jaguars D/ST allowed 37 points to the Texans in Week 3. Zay Jones (JAC) is a TD-dependent option after he had four receptions for 20 yards against the Titans in his return from a knee injury. Dameon Pierce (HOU) is TD-dependent with the way Singletary has played the last two weeks. Noah Brown (HOU) still hasn’t practiced with a knee injury.
Sleeper: Robert Woods (HOU) garnered eight targets last week with Brown inactive and produced five receptions for 44 yards.
CLEVELAND AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Jerome Ford (CLE), David Njoku (CLE), Browns D/ST, Javonte Williams (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN).
Who to start: Amari Cooper (CLE) has at least eight targets in five of the last six games. Since the Broncos D/ST allowed 70 points at Miami in Week 3, it has actually been the ninth-highest scoring defense in fantasy.
Who to sit: Elijah Moore (CLE) is the overall WR47 in standard formats (WR45 in PPR) since Week 6. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Russell Wilson (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Samaje Perine (DEN) and Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) only have value in deeper PPR formats.
Sleeper: Kareem Hunt (CLE) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.
L.A. RAMS AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Tre McBride (ARI).
Who to start: Cooper Kupp (LAR) and Puka Nacua (LAR) are obvious starters if they’re active — Kupp (ankle) and Nacua (shoulder) are both dealing with injuries. Kyren Williams (LAR) is an obvious starter if he returns from injured reserve against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Royce Freeman (LAR) maintains flex appeal in deeper leagues with such a premium matchup even if Williams returns. Marquise Brown (ARI) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR35 in standard formats (WR31 in PPR) through 11 weeks.
Who to sit: Tyler Higbee (LAR) had two receptions for 18 yards on three targets against the Cardinals in Week 6. Matthew Stafford (LAR) has one-or-fewer TD passes in eight of nine games this season. Rondale Moore (ARI) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in three of the last four games. It’s hard to trust a banged-up Michael Wilson (ARI) against a stingy defense vs. wide receivers despite his immense upside.
Sleeper: Tutu Atwell (LAR) has had at least eight targets in every game Kupp missed earlier this season.
KANSAS CITY AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Isiah Pacheco (KC), Chiefs D/ST, Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: Rashee Rice (KC) has at least four receptions or a TD in six straight games.
Who to sit: Jerick McKinnon (KC) hasn’t surpassed five touches in a game this season. I simply don’t trust another Chiefs’ wide receiver outside of Rice. Jakobi Meyers (LV) only has 13 targets in the last four games. I’m fading a decent Raiders D/ST against Mahomes after a tough loss to the Eagles.
Sleeper: Michael Mayer (LV) is the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE7 in PPR) the last two weeks.
BUFFALO AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF), Bills D/ST, Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), D’Andre Swift (PHI).
Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) has WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: Latavius Murray (BUF) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Eagles D/ST against an offense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: Khalil Shakir (BUF) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.
BALTIMORE AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Gus Edwards (BAL), Justin Herbert (LAC), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC).
Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Roll with the Ravens D/ST despite the difficult matchup — it remains the second-highest scoring defense in fantasy through 11 weeks. Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) has at least four receptions or a TD in four of the last five games. Keaton Mitchell (BAL) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs.
Who to sit: Quentin Johnston (LAC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Gerald Everett (LAC) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in his last five games. I’m fading the Chargers D/ST against Jackson.
Sleeper: Isaiah Likely (BAL) replaces the injured All-Pro Mark Andrews and faces a defense that has allowed at least six receptions, 60 yards or a TD to tight ends in five straight games.
CHICAGO AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Justin Fields (CHI), DJ Moore (CHI), Cole Kmet (CHI), TJ Hockenson (MIN), Jordan Addison (MIN).
Who to start: Khalil Herbert (CHI) maintains flex appeal after handling 18 touches in his return from an ankle injury against the Lions last week. Joshua Dobbs (MIN) is the overall QB3 in his three games with the Vikings. Both Alexander Mattison (MIN) and Ty Chandler (MIN) have flex value against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs.
Who to sit: Monitor an ankle injury D’Onta Foreman (CHI) suffered against the Lions. Darnell Mooney (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in seven of 11 games this season. Roschon Johnson (CHI) only has value if Foreman is inactive. KJ Osborn (MIN) is TD-dependent with exactly two targets in each of his last two games.
Sleeper: The Vikings D/ST produced 21 fantasy points against the Bears in Week 6.
