Fantasy football playoffs are coming up very soon, so every week means just that much more as the standings get tighter and tighter. And for Week 11 of the NFL season, there are definitely some matchups that help – and hinder – fantasy owners in terms of the running back position.
There are going to be your run of the mill WR1 and WR2 options that absolutely should be started on a weekly basis and are matchup-proof, so the likes of Davante Adams, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins, Julio Jones, Tyler Lockett, Terry McLaurin, D.K. Metcalf, Calvin Ridley, Adam Thielen, and others are certainly going to be in there on an every-week basis in the NFL, acting as “set it and forget it” options.
But for the others, there certainly are matchups that will dictate how you should use them, whether they should exist in your starting lineup or sit this week out – take a peek at which players we think you should start and which players you should sit in NFL Week 11.
WRs to Start in Week 11
D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars
Look, playing against the ferocious defense that is the Pittsburgh Steelers is nothing short of hard for opponents, and it certainly will be a tall, tall task for the Jacksonville Jaguars when they face the undefeated Steelers on Sunday. But, as an NFL game script will most likely produce, the likes of D.J. Chark could potentially prove that losing a game can have its benefits.
Rookie QB Jake Luton seems to have a rapport with Chark, even though he did not provide a very fantasy-relevant performance last week against Green Bay. Keeping a high target share is what will keep Chark in that WR2 range, perfect for any NFL fantasy football roster looking for a high ceiling option that can also provide a decently-safe floor.
The Jags will be behind early and by a bunch, so throwing to try and get back in an NFL game in a futile act will hopefully benefit Chark, who should have a healthy volume of targets and fantasy points Sunday.
DJ Moore, Carolina Panthers
Robby Anderson may be commanding more of the NFL headlines this year for the wideouts on the Carolina Panthers, but DJ Moore seems to be just fine having another solid target to take some defensive pressure off of his shoulders.
Having led the team with 4/96/1 against Tampa Bay in NFL Week 10, Moore lines up against a beatable Detriot Lions secondary that will have its hands full all day trying to control both Moore and Anderson, on top of Mike Davis in the running game.
Something that deserves your attention all the way up until game time is the status of QB Teddy Bridgewater, who projects to be a true game-time decision for the Panthers – if he cannot go, PJ Walker would slot in, which could potentially drive down the expectations for the passing game.
Anyone on the Los Angeles Chargers – seriously
When looking at the New York Jets’ roster, it is a very clear and evident reason that hits you right in the face as to why they are still seeking out their first victory of the NFL year. Their depth chart is devoid of any serious talent, and their defense is in shambles due to injuries, especially in their secondary.
The Chargers, who obviously have had their fair share of struggles this year under rookie NFL QB Justin Herbert (after he took over for Tyrod Taylor), should be able to turn this game into an aerial showdown, boosting the stock of Allen, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry, and even some deeper guys for the Chargers, like Jalen Guyton.
Bottom line – if you could start the offensive line for the Chargers, against this hopeless and hapless Jets roster, you would do it.
Other NFL Week 11 starts – Jalen Reagor (PHI), Jameson Crowder (NJY), Amari Cooper & CeeDee Lamb (DAL)
WRs to Sit in Week 11
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
While the uncertainty of QB Drew Lock’s health this whole week prior to Denver’s NFL game against the Miami Dolphins certainly has hindered the team’s preparation, it also has put some of the Broncos' offensive weapons up in the air, as both Noah Fant and Jerry Jeudy were heavily reliant on their rapport with Lock.
While Fant is nursing his own injury but looks to be ready to go, Jeudy’s full bill of health is obviously not what is making him a non-start option this NFL week – surprisingly enough, it is that Miami defense.
Jeudy is going up against Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, and with Tim Patrick manning the other starting WR role in terms of fantasy relevance, there will be a ton of pressure put on Jeudy to get open. While this NFL game certainly is in the favor of the Dolphins, the connection between Jeudy and Lock (or Jeff Driskel if he is unable to go) will be key in how this game turns out – Jeudy could be a WR3 option this week, but count on his targets/production to be lower than what you would want out of a starting-caliber WR.
Mike Evans & Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Now, this entry is more of a lower-ceiling, lower-floor entry than a complete sit of both NFL players, but Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will very much be on a tighter leash this week against a very stout secondary for the Los Angeles Rams.
Tom Brady will absolutely be throwing the ball at an average to above-average clip against LAR, which will certainly give both Evans and Godwin their regular share of looks, but that certainly does not translate directly into fantasy-relevant NFL numbers, like receptions and yardage.
Evans is the safer NFL option of the two here, as he is solidly entrenched as the team’s WR1 and has been the healthiest of the two options lately, which is saying a lot. However, Jalen Ramsey and his secondary will be keeping tight coverage on both options all night, so temper your expectations and be comfortable with both being below season-long production, potentially.
Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns
Games of five-plus catches in 2020: 3
Games of 65-plus yards in 2020: 1
Total touchdowns on the NFL season: 0
Even with the season-ending injury to Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry’s role in the Cleveland Browns’ offense has plummeted, to the point where he is solely on your NFL fantasy roster due to name and the unwillingness to be the guy or girl who gave up on Landry the week he finally breaks out.
The Browns face the Philadelphia Eagles this week, and that secondary, led by Darius Slay, will be focusing on continuing Landry’s quiet NFL season, something that should be able to help open up running lanes for both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, elements that will hinder any sort of safe floor/ceiling that Landry would have.
Stay away from Landry until he actually puts up valuable numbers for NFL fantasy purposes, and even if he does at that point, think about continuing to stay away from putting him in your starting lineups.
Other NFL Week 11 sits – Travis Fulgham (PHI), A.J. Green (CIN), Corey Davis (TEN), DeVante Parker (MIA)
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