RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 11
Sat Nov 19 9:11am ET
By MIKE BARNER
Contributing Writer
Week 10 was filled with injuries to prominent fantasy players. That makes the Week 11 DFS slate a little tricky. Let’s take a look at some players to target while building your lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
Quarterbacks
Justin Fields, CHI at ATL ($7,600): Fields was able to dominate on the ground again last week, rushing 13 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions. Over the last five games, he has 555 yards and five touchdowns on 62 carries. He also has at least two passing touchdowns in three straight games, making him one of the top quarterbacks to target for your lineup.
Daniel Jones, NYG vs. DET ($5,700): The Lions couldn’t slow down Fields on the ground last week, and now they’ll face another mobile quarterback in Jones. While he’s not nearly as explosive as Fields, he does have 387 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns this season. He’s also done a great job of limiting turnovers, throwing a total of just two interceptions.
Player to Avoid
Derek Carr, LV at DEN ($5,600): The Broncos have struggled to score, but they have been great on defense. They have allowed 16.6 points per game, which is the fewest in the NFL. Part of the reason for their success on defense is that they have allowed just six passing touchdowns. No other team has allowed fewer than nine. When Carr faced them in Week 4, he came away with 188 passing yards and no touchdowns.
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley, NYG vs. DET ($8,900): Coming out of their bye week, the Giants clearly wanted to run Barkley early and often against a bad Texans run defense. He received a whopping 35 carries, marking his four straight games with at least 20 rushing attempts. He took advantage of the heavy workload, posting 152 yards and a touchdown. Another juicy stat line could be coming against a Lions team that has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game in the league.
Brian Robinson Jr., WAS at HOU ($5,300): Robinson helped lead the Commanders to an upset win over the Eagles on Monday Night Football. He was given 26 carries, which he turned into 86 yards and a touchdown. The Commanders like to get him involved when they get in close, giving him at least four red zone carries in three of their last five games. With the Texans allowing the most rushing yards per game and having given up the fourth-most rushing touchdowns, Robinson could provide tremendous value.
Player to Avoid
D’Andre Swift, DET at NYG ($6,100): The good news is that Swift has scored two touchdowns over three games since returning from injury. The bad news is that he only has a total of 22 rushing yards and 73 receiving yards during that span. The Lions continue to limit his workload, and there’s no need to push him with Jamaal Williams also in the backfield. Until he shows signs of playing more, he’s too risky at this salary.
Wide Receivers
CeeDee Lamb, DAL at MIN ($7,500): It took a while, but Lamb finally posted his first 100-yard game of the season. Not only did he hit that threshold against the Packers last week, but he finished with 11 receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns. He was targeted 15 times, marking his fifth game this season with at least 10 targets. A heavy workload like that leaves him with tons of upside against a Vikings team that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers.
Darius Slayton, NYG vs. DET ($5,000): Slayton was rumored to be on the trade block during the offseason and barely found his way onto the field early in the season. However, injuries have forced him to play more, and he’s now become arguably the Giants’ best wide receiver. He had at least 58 receiving yards in four of the last five games, and he had at least one touchdown in two of the last three games. If you’re looking for a wide receiver to stack with Jones, Slayton is your man.
Player to Avoid
Amari Cooper, CLE at BUF ($6,400): The positive news for Cooper is that this game was moved from a snowy forecast in Buffalo to a dome in Detroit. The problem is, he has crazy home and road splits. Over five home games, he has 32 receptions for 453 yards and five touchdowns. Over four road games, he has caught 10 passes for 132 yards and no touchdowns. Stay away.
Tight Ends
Cole Kmet, CHI at ATL ($4,100): With Fields thriving, Kmet has turned into a productive fantasy option. He has scored five touchdowns over the last three games, which included back-to-back games with two scores each. He also finished with 74 receiving yards in Week 10, marking his first game with at least 50 receiving yards this season. Up next is a great matchup against a Falcons team that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends.
Tyler Conklin, NYJ at NE ($3,400): Conklin had a big game against the Patriots in Week 8, catching six of 10 targets for 79 yards and two touchdowns. That was a bit of an outlier performance for him, particularly in the scoring department since he has just three total touchdowns all season. Still, he could remain productive in their rematch, given that the Patriots have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends.
Player to Avoid
Kyle Pitts, ATL vs. CHI ($4,400): The Falcons have been trying to get Pitts the ball more lately, giving him at least seven targets in each of the last three games. The problem is, he only compiled nine catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. Marcus Mariota is probably better suited to be a backup quarterback at this stage of his career, so it’s not a surprise that the Falcons have only been giving him an average of 23.1 pass attempts per game. Pitts has a ton of talent, but will remain limited with Mariota as his quarterback.
Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.
- J.J. Watt leaves door open (slightly) for potential return to Texans
- Seahawks sign first-round pick Byron Murphy II
- Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: 'No restrictions' at OTAs
- Former Giants TE Aaron Thomas dies at 86
- Michael Irvin out at NFL Network
- Bills sign Chase Claypool, Deion Jones, Dawuane Smoot
- Dolphins, Odell Beckham Jr. agree to 1-year deal
- Chargers add wide receiver DJ Chark
- Chiefs decline WR Kadarius Toney's 2025 option
- Cowboys' Dak Prescott won't face charges for alleged assault
- Ravens sign 5 draft picks, including first-rounder Nate Wiggins
- Steelers decline RB Najee Harris' fifth-year option
- Colts guarantee edge rusher Kwity Paye $13.4M, pick up 2025 option
- Packers decline CB Eric Stokes' fifth-year option
- Cowboys decline $22.4M option on QB Trey Lance
- K Joey Slye reaches deal with Patriots
- Steelers' Justin Fields in mix for returning kicks
- Gaints sign veteran defensive back David Long Jr.
- Saints signing former Lions DB Will Harris
- Chiefs TE Travis Kelce 'extremely grateful' for new deal
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Expert Rookie Mock Draft – Post-NFL Draft
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie TE Landing Spots
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie WR Landing Spots
- Fantasy Six Pack: Football Football PPR Mock Draft: Post-NFL Draft
The Paur Report
Green Bay Packers rookie safety Kitan Oladapo (toe) said he had surgery on his left big toe recently and is out for the team's offseason workouts. However, he expects to be ready for training camp this summer. Oladapo suffered a stress fracture doing drills on the turf at the NFL combine in February in Indianapolis and powered through more drills at his pro day despite being injured. Along with the 23-year-old, the Packers also took safeties Xavier McKinney and Anthony Johnson in this year's draft to help them shore up their secondary. Oladapo, who hails from Oregon State, will need to get healthy in a hurry if he wants to impress the coaching staff enough in training camp to secure a spot on the regular-season roster.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks signed undrafted free-agent linebackers Sunny Anderson, Nelson Ceaser, Easton Gibbs and Rason Williams II, quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, offensive tackle Garret Greenfield, wide receivers Hayden Hatten and Dee Williams, running backs George Holani, Kobe Lewis and TaMerik Williams, cornerbacks Carlton Johnson and Ro Torrence, defensive end DeVere Levelston, center Mike Novitsky and tight end Jack Westover on Friday. Cordeiro, who is out of San Jose State, was the Mountain West Conference's all-time leader in total touchdowns, total yards and completions. Ceaser, from Houston, was a first-team All-Big 12 selection and team captain who led his team with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2023. Greenfield was a three-time first-team FCS All-American.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets rookie quarterback Jordan Travis (ankle), who was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round last week, won't take part in offseason workouts but should be cleared for training camp at the end of July, according to head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets took the Florida State star as a developmental prospect who can learn behind Aaron Rodgers and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor. Travis suffered a gruesome, season-ending ankle injury on Nov. 18 and required surgery. He rode a stationary bike on Friday during part of practice. "He's a tremendously talented young man and extremely gifted, especially athletically. He's got a lot of work to do for sure, especially with tying his lower half to his arm and all that good stuff, but he's a gifted athlete," Saleh said. Travis threw for 8,643 yards and 65 touchdowns while finishing his career with 17 straight wins for the Seminoles.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Miami Dolphins have signed wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Beckham has been flirting with the Dolphins for weeks and now it's official. It's a one-year deal worth $3 million with incentives that can push its max value to $8.25 million. The incentives are likely going to be very tough for OBJ to meet with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle around. Still, it's another fresh start for Beckham, who hasn't had a 1,000-yard season 2019. He's still a hold in dynasty leagues but expecting a late-career renaissance seems to be asking a little too much at this point.
The New York Jets traded up to the first pick of the third round (No. 65) in the 2024 NFL Draft to select former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. In a recent media availability, Jets general manager Joe Douglas touted the rookie's run-after-catch skills and believes he's a great fit alongside Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. "He really excels with the ball in his hands. When guys are really good at running after catch in college, it usually translates well in the pros," Douglas said. "If a guy has the ability to make people miss it's because they're really an elusive high-level athlete and if they're wired to compete. Our coaches are going to use that skill to turn him into an elite route runner." Needless to say, the team has high expectations for the 22-year-old -- and for good reason. In his final two collegiate campaigns, he caught 180 passes for 2,277 yards and 22 touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Deion Jones and defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot on Friday, according to NFL.com. The team moved on from several veterans on both sides of the ball this offseason, so Jones and Smoot could compete for playing time in 2024. Jones, a former second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2017, but he hasn't lived up to his breakout campaign. In 109 games with the Falcons, Browns, and Panthers, he has racked up 731 tackles, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions. Smoot, a former Jaguars third-round pick, spent the first seven seasons of his career with Jacksonville and compiled 23.5 sacks through his first 99 games.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that there will be no restrictions for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) when Phase 3 of the offseason begins in two weeks, which consists of 10 organized team activity practices. "Once phase three hits, we're not anticipating any restrictions from what we can and can't do with him," Saleh said. Meanwhile, rookie QB Jordan Travis (ankle), is expected to be ready for training camp after suffering a devastating injury in November. The 40-year-old Rodgers is coming off a torn left Achilles that he suffered on the first offensive series of the season in 2023. The odds are against him returning to his MVP form with the Jets, but he's not lacking for offensive weapons around him if he can stay healthy in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who worked as the team's No. 4 wideout in his second season in 2023, is expected to have a bigger role in 2024 alongside CeeDee Lamb and veteran Brandin Cooks. Tolbert essentially split offensive snaps with Michael Gallup last year, but Gallup is now in Las Vegas. In 17 regular-season games (six starts) last year, Tolbert caught 22 of his 36 targets for 268 yards and two touchdowns after recording just two receptions in his rookie campaign in 2022. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of South Alabama won't necessarily be worth drafting in standard-sized fantasy leagues this fall, but if Lamb or Cooks go down with an injury at any point, Tolbert would become a popular waiver-wire pickup.
From RotoBaller
Darren Waller's expected retirement could open the door for Daniel Bellinger to become the New York Giants' No. 1 tight end in 2024 like he was as a rookie. Bellinger's receiving opportunities were limited by Waller's presence last year, but the addition of veteran blocking tight ends this offseason should allow Bellinger to be featured more as a receiver in his third season in the league. The 23-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of San Diego State has caught 55 of his 63 targets for 523 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the G-Men. If Waller hangs up his cleats as things seem to be trending, Bellinger could be a decent under-the-radar TE2 target in deeper fantasy leagues this fall.
From RotoBaller
Unsurprisingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't pick up the fifth-year option on new quarterback Mac Jones, who the team acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots this offseason. Jones was New England's first-round pick in 2021 but failed to make an impact as their starter under center. He went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021 but was merely a replacement player. Jones started all 42 games that he played for the Patriots, but the team went 4-13 in 2023 and Jones found himself on the bench for the final six games. The 25-year-old from Alabama regressed in each of his three seasons in Boston, but it didn't help that the Patriots were constantly bringing in new offensive coaches during his time there. Now in Jacksonville, Jones will operate as the clear backup to Trevor Lawrence in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken in this year's draft with the second overall pick, has the experience and ability to give him a chance to start immediately in his first season in 2024, according to multiple sources. "When that time comes, when he's ready, then that's when we'll do it. But there's no timeline on that," head coach Dan Quinn said. If Daniels doesn't start right away, the Commanders would go with Marcus Mariota. Both Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have said they want to rely on a strong defense and run game to reduce the burden on the rookie QB. The addition of veteran players like tight end Zach Ertz and running Austin Ekeler should lessen the need for Daniels to be the leader of the offense right away. Numerous NFL coaches think Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme will be good for Daniels, and while he has tons of long-term potential, Daniels will be a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Eric Gray has a clear path to a bigger role in New York's backfield in his second season in the league now that Saquon Barkley is no longer in town. The Giants signed Devin Singletary to be their No. 1 back, but he's never been the top dog and there will be room for carries for other backs now that Barkley is out of the picture. The Giants haven't signed any other veterans and didn't take a RB in the draft until selecting Purdue's Tyrone Tracy in the fifth round, which is the same spot Gray was taken in 2023. The 24-year-old had 23 touches for 70 yards in 13 games as a rookie last year, but his production should go up considerably in 2024 as long as he stays healthy. Gray won't necessarily be a draft target in standard 12-team leagues, but he'll surely be a waiver-wire target if Singletary misses time with an injury.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills signed former Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday. Even with the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, Claypool could face an uphill battle to crack the top three in Buffalo after the addition of rookie Keon Coleman with the first pick of the second round of this year's draft. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Steelers in 2020 out of Notre Dame had a career-low eight receptions on 21 targets for 77 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (two starts) with the Bears and Miami Dolphins in 2023. Claypool could connect on some deep plays down the field with quarterback Josh Allen in 2024, but unless injuries open up a starting spot for Claypool, he's a long shot for consistent fantasy production.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chargers have signed wide receiver DJ Chark,. Dynasty Analysis: Chark brings a lot of experience to the Los Angeles receiving corps but we haven't seen much from him in terms of production since 2019. After stints in Jacksonville, Detroit, and Carolina, Chark will now join his fourth team in four years, still looking to rekindle that magic. While this is clearly a "wait and see" kind of moment for Chark, it should put him back on the map now that he's paired with Justin Herbert in a new-look Chargers offense.
Dynasty | The Steelers have declined the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris. Dynasty Analysis: Harris will now be in a contract year in 2024 as he attempts to re-establish himself as a starting caliber running back in the NFL. He will again likely be deployed in a committee with Jaylen Warren and look to impress Pittsburgh or another team as he searches for a lucrative second NFL contract. He'll need to be more effective than he was last season to do so but he showed some flashes late in the season after the Steelers threatened to move Warren to the "1A" part of the committee. Regardless, Harris remains a hold in dynasty leagues as we see just what he may have to give now that he's in a contract year.
Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills have signed wide receiver Chase Claypool. Dynasty Analysis: Claypool flamed out in Pittsburgh and was even worse in his time with the Bears and Dolphins over the past two seasons. Still, we know he has talent and this is a pretty good development in dynasty circles, at least putting him back on the map. While he's far from a trade target, this could make him a decent waiver wire pickup in the hopes he can rekindle his career with Josh Allen and a depth chart pretty void of talent.
The Miami Dolphins are signing veteran free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal worth up to $8.25 million, according to Tom Pelissero. The three-time Pro Bowler has been linked to Miami for much of the offseason, and he finally found his home for the 2024 season on Friday. While this is an exciting signing for the former superstar, fantasy football expectations should be tempered. The 31-year-old has not reached the 600-yard mark in a single season since 2019, and he will now compete with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle for targets. He's a nice depth boost for Mike McDaniel's offense, but he is nothing more than a late-round flyer in 2024 fantasy drafts. Despite playing in 14 games for the Ravens last year, he caught just 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the WR63 in PPR leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers declined the fifth-year option for cornerback Eric Stokes on Thursday, according to a source. The 29th overall pick in 2021 out of Georgia, Stokes played well in his rookie season but has battled injuries the last two years. He will now be slated for free agency next spring and can make a case for a big payday if he can stay healthy in 2024. The 25-year-old played in 16 games (14 starts) as a rookie in 2021 and had a career-high 55 tackles (43 solo), an interception and 14 passes defended. However, he's played in just 12 games (11 starts) since then and has 26 solo tackles in that time. Stokes played in just three games last season. Despite his injuries the last two years, he's expected to be a starting cornerback for Green Bay in 2024 if he's healthy.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans plan to decline the fifth-year option on cornerback Caleb Farley (back), according to a source. It was the expected move for the Titans after Farley played in just 12 games (two starts) since 2021. The former 22nd overall pick in 2021 out of Virginia Tech will now hit the free-agent market after the 2024 season. Farley missed all of the 2023 campaign due to a back injury and has a total of 14 tackles (13 solo) and one pass defended in his 12 games with the Titans in 2021 and 2022. The 25-year-old defensive back will be trying to stay on the field in 2024 with Tennessee and be productive in what is now his walk year before hitting the open market next spring.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. to a one-year, $5 million contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chark reportedly visited with the Chargers prior to last week's NFL Draft. He could play a key role in Los Angeles after the team parted with both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Right now, their current depth chart is headlined by Chark, Quentin Johnston, and Joshua Palmer, as well as up-and-coming rookies Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice. Chark spent last season with the Carolina Panthers, catching 35 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns over the course of 15 games. While the Chargers lack a true alpha receiver at the moment, they have plenty of raw talent at the position, which could make it difficult for Chark to carve out a role. For now, fantasy managers should monitor his performance throughout training camp before they consider selecting him in drafts later this summer.
From RotoBaller
