This week’s Stud, Dud and Sleepers features some interesting names to say the least. Check it out before making final decision on those Week 11 fantasy football lineups.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Derek Carr – Carr has had an inconsistent season from a fantasy perspective, but he has a great matchup this week against New England. The Patriots are giving up the second most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. They’re allowing 300 yards passing-per-game. Carr and the Raiders could be trailing in this one, so I expect him to throw it a lot. He is a mid-range QB1 with upside this week.
Dud: Matt Ryan – Ryan has been underwhelming this season, but he’s thrown two touchdowns in three straight games. Seattle is one of the best defenses in the league. They’ve limited opposing quarterbacks all season and have faired well at home. They’ll be without Richard Sherman, but Ryan is a low-end QB1 that I’m avoiding in daily leagues.
Sleeper: Jay Cutler – Cutler has thrown two touchdowns or more in four-straight games. This week he goes up against a Tampa Bay defense that has played better recently, but has allowed quarterbacks like Case Keenum, Eli Manning and Carson Palmer. Cutler is a QB2 with upside this week.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Kareem Hunt – Hunt hasn’t had a rushing touchdown since Week 3. He hasn’t topped 100 yards rushing since Week 5. That should change this week against the Giants. New York is allowing 133 yards rushing-per-game. They’ve allowed the ninth most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Hunt is a top running back play for Week 11.
Dud: Chris Thompson – Thompson started off this season scorching hot, but his numbers have dropped recently. He’s a low-end RB2 in PPR leagues, but is nothing more than a flex play in standard formats. He hasn’t had more than seven fantasy points in a month and has a tough New Orleans defense to deal with this week.
Sleeper: Doug Martin – Martin has struggled this season, but the Dolphins’ run defense suddenly looks beatable. They allowed Jonathan Steward to carve them up for 110 yards last week. Martin is a RB2 with upside in an offense that desperately needs to get their rushing attack going.
MORE WEEK 11 ADVICE:
- GSI Cheat Sheet – Rankings
- Week 11 Fantasy Stock Market Report (via Pro Football Focus)
- ESPN 1530: Week 11 Fantasy Football Preview
- Week 11 Podcast – Fantasy Happy Hour
- Office Pool Picks: Week 11
WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: Tyreek Hill – Hill has had a few big weeks this season, but he’s been more touchdown dependent in standard leagues. I think he has a shot for a huge week. The Giants’ secondary has been getting toasted. They’re allowing 276 yards passing-per-game. Get Hill in your lineups, he has WR1 upside this week.
Dud: Adam Thielen – Thielen is third in the NFL in receiving yards. He’s had at least five receptions in every game this season. He has a high floor, but he’s bound to come back down to earth this week.The Rams’ defense has limited opposing wide receivers to the 7th fewest fantasy points this season. Thielen is a must play in most season long leagues, but I’m avoiding him in daily formats.
Sleeper: Dede Westbrook – Westbrook said he expects to have 200 yards in his NFL debut this Sunday. I don’t expect that, but I do expect him to have a nice day against the Browns. The Jaguars need a downfield threat and Westbrook gives him that option. I wouldn’t be shocked if he had 3-6 receptions and a touchdown on Sunday.
TIGHT END
Stud: Evan Engram – Engram has a touchdown reception in four-straight games. The Giants should be able to move the ball against a Kansas City defense that has given up plenty of yards and points this season. Injuries have contributed to that, but the Chiefs are average on defense right now. Engram is a nice TE1 play and could find the end zone for a fifth-straight week.
Dud: Hunter Henry – Henry has three receptions for 18 yards in his past two games. Philip Rivers may be out with a concussion and the Bills haven’t allowed a tight end to have 100 yards receiving all season. O.J. Howard is the only tight end to have multiple touchdown receptions against them. Henry is a risky play this week.
Sleeper: Jared Cook – Cook has a chance for a big week against the Patriots. He has 100+ yards receiving in two out of his last three games. The Raiders should be able to move the ball and Cook will be a big part of it. Cook is a low-end TE1 with upside.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: New Orleans – The Saints’ defense is legit. They’ve had a high floor all season and get a banged up Redskins team at home. Washington’s dealing with injuries at running back, wide receiver and tight end. The Saints are a top five play this week.
Dud: Dallas – The Cowboys are at home, but they’re banged up on offense and won’t have Ezekiel Elliott to run the ball. That should keep the defense on the field longer than normal and the Eagles’ offense is one of the best in the league. Bench Dallas’ defense this week even though they have an above-average pass rush.
Sleeper: Houston – The Texans have only forced two turnovers in three games. They have a chance to turn that around this week against Blaine Gabbert and the Cardinals. Arizona is turnover prone and the Texans are at home. They’re a top ten play this week.
