Fantasy football Week 11: Start and sit

Here’s a look back at Week 10’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 10 RECAP

Ravens 35, Bengals 34: Baltimore’s streak of 42 games with at least 100 rushing yards ended on a kneel-down to end the game, leaving the Ravens with 99, and one game shy of tying the NFL record.

Panthers 20, Giants 17 (OT): Chuba Hubbard had a season-high 28 carries for 153 yards in Carolina’s victory over New York in Germany. The Panthers just signed Hubbard to a big contract extension, and he’s in the midst of a career year — he is on pace for 1,602 total yards, 51 receptions and 12 total touchdowns — so there’s no reason to risk Jonathon Brooks’ health coming off an ACL tear with nothing to play for. I don’t anticipate Carolina giving Brooks a heavy workload to begin his career, which I know will disappoint those who have stashed the rookie this entire time.

Patriots 19, Bears 3: Caleb Williams has been sacked 38 times, which is the second-most sacks for a rookie QB from Weeks 1-10 since 1970. David Carr was sacked 49 times in the first 10 weeks of the 2002 season.

Bills 30, Colts 20: Alec Pierce is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) through 10 weeks. Michael Pittman Jr. was sidelined against Buffalo with a lower back injury that has been bothering him for most of the season, and if he misses more time or is limited going forward, Pierce will benefit. Speaking from experience, as someone who has dealt with back issues since he was a teenager, they don’t just go away on their own.

Chiefs 16, Broncos 14: Head coach Sean Payton recently said Audric Estime would be taking on a bigger workload in Denver’s offense, and it appears Payton is a man of his word. The rookie had 53 yards on 14 carries against Kansas City, with Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin combining for 13 yards on only three carries. Estime is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season, but he has yet to be targeted with a pass, which makes me think Williams and McLaughlin will split duties on obvious passing downs going forward if Estime can maintain this workload.

Saints 20, Falcons 17: Marquez Valdes-Scantling had three receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over Atlanta. With Chris Olave (concussion) on injured reserve and Rashid Shaheed out for the season, Derek Carr needed a target for his 2-3 deep shots per game, and MVS stepped up. New Orleans’ next two opponents, the Browns and Rams, have allowed the fourth- and sixth-most deep receiving yards this season respectively, according to Fantasy Points Data.

49ers 23, Buccaneers 20: Jordan Mason had five yards on a single carry with Christian McCaffrey back in the lineup at Tampa Bay. It only makes sense to keep Mason if you have McCaffrey or your roster is in good enough shape to stash him just in case CMC’s Achilles tendinitis flares up again. Ditto for dynamic rookie Isaac Guerendo.

Steelers 28, Commanders 27: Russell Wilson has finished as the overall QB3, QB24 and QB9 in his three starts this season. Three of Wilson’s next six games are against either the Ravens or Bengals, who are among the five worst teams at preventing fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Vikings 12, Jaguars 7: Minnesota kicked four field goals and committed three turnovers, but somehow found a way to win. The last 147 teams who failed to score a TD and turned the ball over at least three times in a game all lost.

Chargers 27, Titans 17: The Bolts became just the fourth team in the last 40 years to allow 20 or fewer points in each of their first nine games, joining the Giants (1990), Jaguars (1999) and Chiefs (2013). The G-Men did it in their first 10 games.

Eagles 34, Cowboys 6: Jalen Hurts’ eight rushing TDs the last four games are the most by any QB in a four-game span in the Super Bowl era.

Cardinals 31, Jets 6: Trey Benson is the overall RB21 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) since Week 9 with 142 total yards on 21 touches and a TD in the last two games. Most of his work this season has come with the score lopsided, one way or the other, but it’s good to see the rookie produce.

Lions 26, Texans 23: Detroit became just the second team in NFL history to erase a deficit of at least 15 points despite throwing as many as five interceptions in the game. The 1970 Colts beat the Bears, 21-20, after trailing 17-0. Matt Ryan was the last QB to throw at least five interceptions in a game and win, when he led the Falcons over the Cardinals in 2012.

Dolphins 23, Rams 15: Matthew Stafford has thrown an interception in six straight games, which is tied for the longest streak in his career.

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 are my best bets for Week 11:

WASHINGTON AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI).

Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) has at least seven receptions, 79 yards or a TD in six of his eight games this season. Dallas Goedert (PHI) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to tight ends in the last six games.

Who to sit: Austin Ekeler (WAS) has only had one game with double-digit touches with Robinson active and faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading Zach Ertz (WAS) against his former team, who is allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. There are better options this week than the Commanders D/ST on the road against Hurts. The Eagles D/ST face an offense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.

Sleeper: Noah Brown (WAS) is the overall WR35 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) since Week 6, and has seen at least six targets in four of the last five games.

GREEN BAY AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Packers D/ST, D’Andre Swift (CHI).

Who to start: Jayden Reed (GB) was the overall WR3 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) before the Packers’ bye last week. Tucker Kraft (GB) faces a defense that has allowed 28 receptions for 357 yards to tight ends in the last four games. Romeo Doubs (GB) was the overall WR17 across most fantasy formats in his last four games. D.J. Moore (CHI) maintains flex appeal averaging seven targets per game despite his recent struggles. Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense that has allowed 31 receptions for 331 yards and a TD to tight ends in the last five games.

Who to sit: Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense that has only allowed six TD passes in nine games. Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of his eight games. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Keenan Allen (CHI) is the overall WR60 in standard formats (WR54 in PPR) since the Bears’ bye (Week 7). Caleb Williams (CHI) hasn’t thrown a TD pass in three straight games.

Sleeper: The Bears D/ST have yet to allow more than 19 points in a game at home this season.

JACKSONVILLE AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Evan Engram (JAC), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Lions D/ST.

Who to start: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Sam LaPorta (DET) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder). Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jameson Williams (DET) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Tank Bigsby (JAC) is still dealing with an ankle injury he suffered against the Vikings on Sunday, and caused him to miss practice this week. Gabe Davis (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of his nine games. Mac Jones (JAC) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed multiple TD passes to a quarterback this season.

Sleeper: Brock Wright (DET) deserves streaming consideration if LaPorta is inactive against a defense that has allowed 38 receptions for 428 yards and three TDs to tight ends in the last five games.

MINNESOTA AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Vikings D/ST.

Who to start: Aaron Jones (MIN) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ribs). T.J. Hockenson (MIN) is the overall TE15 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR) since his return in Week 9, and seems to be knocking off the rust just fine. Sam Darnold (MIN) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB12 since Week 7. Tony Pollard (TEN) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB22 in standard formats (RB20 in PPR) through 10 weeks. Calvin Ridley (TEN) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers and has 23 receptions for 342 yards and two TDs on 41 targets in the last four games.

Who to sit: Jordan Addison (MIN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Cam Akers (MIN) only has flex appeal if Jones is out. Tyjae Spears (TEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of nine games.

Sleeper: The Titans D/ST faces an offense that has allowed double-digit fantasy points in each of the last two games to inferior defenses (Colts and Jaguars).

LAS VEGAS AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Tyreek Hill (MIA), De’Von Achane (MIA).

Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) has at least six receptions, 72 yards or a TD in four of his last five games. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including seven TD passes in the last two games. Jonnu Smith (MIA) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) since Week 7, and faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Who to sit: Zamir White (LV) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 4. Gardner Minshew (LV) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jaylen Waddle (MIA) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Raheem Mostert (MIA) is TD-dependent after only receiving two touches against the Rams on Monday night.

Sleeper: Alexander Mattison (LV) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 10 rushing TDs to running backs in nine games.

L.A. RAMS AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Kyren Williams (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).

Who to start: Hunter Henry (NE) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) through 10 weeks and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends. DeMario Douglas (NE) has flex appeal as the overall WR41 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR) since Week 5. Drake Maye (NE) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB10 since Week 6.

Who to sit: Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of the last eight games. Antonio Gibson (NE) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 6.

Sleeper(s): The Rams D/ST are the highest-scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7 and face an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Kayshon Boutte (NE) has exactly six targets in three straight games and faces a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to wide receivers in the last three games.

CLEVELAND AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: David Njoku (CLE), Alvin Kamara (NO).

Who to start: Nick Chubb (CLE) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs, including 10 rushing TDs in the last six games. Cedric Tillman (CLE) has had at least nine targets in each game since Amari Cooper was traded to Buffalo, producing 21 receptions for 255 yards and three TDs in the last three games before the Browns’ bye. Jameis Winston (CLE) deserves streaming consideration based on high volume after throwing 87 passes in two starts while averaging 284.5 passing yards per game. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has surpassed 70 yards in each game Winston has started with 12 receptions on 19 targets. Taysom Hill (NO) is the overall TE10 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR) since Week 8. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including eight TD receptions in the last five games. The Saints D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Elijah Moore (CLE) only has flex appeal in the deepest PPR leagues. Derek Carr (NO) only has six TD passes in his last five games. Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: The Browns D/ST deserve streaming consideration based on Myles Garrett’s game-wrecking ability and the majority of Saints offensive playmakers being on IR.

INDIANAPOLIS AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Davante Adams (NYJ).

Who to start: Josh Downs (IND) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) since Week 4. The Jets D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against an inaccurate QB. Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed at least 280 passing yards in six of the last eight games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Anthony Richardson (IND) faces a defense that has only allowed seven TD passes in 10 games this season. Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of the last eight games.

Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

BALTIMORE AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), George Pickens (PIT), Najee Harris (PIT).

Who to start: Russell Wilson (PIT) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 21 TD passes in 10 games. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 26 receptions for 244 yards and two TDs to tight ends in the last four games. Mike Williams (PIT) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 12 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last six games. It’s hard to sit the Steelers D/ST, even against Jackson.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Ravens D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. Isaiah Likely (BAL) hasn’t had more than four targets in a game since Week 1. Rashod Bateman (BAL) is TD-dependent with five-or-fewer targets in eight of 10 games this season. Jaylen Warren (PIT) missed practice on Thursday with a back issue after practicing fully on Wednesday, which is never a good sign.

Sleeper: I anticipate Diontae Johnson (BAL) will see his workload increased in his third game with the Ravens, especially against his former team.

ATLANTA AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL), Courtland Sutton (DEN).

Who to start: Darnell Mooney (ATL) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (Achilles). Bo Nix (DEN) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including multiple TD passes in six straight games. Only the Vikings have scored more fantasy points than the Broncos D/ST this season.

Who to sit: I’m fading Kirk Cousins (ATL) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent against a defense that has only allowed five rushing TDs to running backs in 10 games this season. Javonte Williams (DEN) is TD-dependent after getting only three touches against the Chiefs. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 4.

Sleeper: Audric Estime (DEN) had 53 yards on 14 carries at Kansas City last week, and could see his workload increase further against the Falcons.

SEATTLE AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Kenneth Walker (SEA), D.K. Metcalf (SEA), Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF).

Who to start: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) was the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) before the Seahawks’ bye last week. Brock Purdy (SF) has completed 66% of his passes for 1,381 yards and 11 TD passes against only two interceptions in five career games (all wins) against the Seahawks. Jauan Jennings (SF) maintains WR3/flex upside after leading the Niners in receptions (seven), receiving yards (93) and targets (11) in his return from a hip injury last week. The 49ers D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes only once since Week 3. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 3. I’m fading the Seahawks D/ST on the road against a team that scored 36 points against them in Week 6. Jordan Mason (SF) is TD-dependent with McCaffrey healthy.

Sleeper(s): Tyler Lockett (SEA) has 41 receptions (48 targets) for 460 yards and three TDs in eight career games at San Francisco. Ricky Pearsall (SF) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed nine TD receptions to wide receivers in the last six games.

KANSAS CITY AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Kareem Hunt (KC), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).

Who to start: DeAndre Hopkins (KC) is the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR17 in PPR) since joining the Chiefs in Week 8. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Amari Cooper (BUF) could see a boost in targets if he’s active (wrist) considering all the injuries the Bills are dealing with on offense. Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR18 in PPR) through 10 weeks.

Who to sit: Xavier Worthy (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of nine games. I’m fading the Bills D/ST against Mahomes. Ray Davis (BUF) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Mack Hollins (BUF) would only have flex appeal if both Kincaid and Cooper are out.

Sleeper: Dawson Knox (BUF) deserves streaming consideration if Kincaid is out against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends.

CINCINNATI AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN), J.K. Dobbins (LAC).

Who to start: Tee Higgins (CIN) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (quadriceps). Justin Herbert (LAC) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Ladd McConkey (LAC) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) since Week 6. Quentin Johnston (LAC) is the overall WR6 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) since he returned from injury two weeks ago, and has five TD receptions in his last six games.

Who to sit: Mike Gesicki (CIN) would deserve streaming consideration if Higgins remains out, otherwise, he’s TD-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to tight ends this season. I’m fading the Bengals D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. I’m fading the Chargers D/ST against a red-hot Burrow and Chase. Gus Edwards (LAC) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Joshua Palmer (LAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of his eight games this season.

Sleeper: Will Dissly (LAC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including six TD receptions in the last six games.

HOUSTON AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Joe Mixon (HOU), CeeDee Lamb (DAL).

Who to start: C.J. Stroud (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Tank Dell (HOU) maintains flex appeal against a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in the last four games. The Texans D/ST have the sixth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 6 after intercepting Jared Goff five times on Sunday night.

Who to sit: Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Rico Dowdle (DAL) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) has had double-digit touches once since Week 2.

Sleeper(s): Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to tight ends in the last five games. Jalen Tolbert (DAL) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 15 TD receptions in 10 games this season.