Lineup Prep: Week 11

Wed Nov 12 8:07am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Dowdle is setup for more success


We sure are moving right along, already in Week 11 of the fantasy football season. Standings are clearly taking shape, getting a good idea of who still has a shot to make the playoffs. If you aren’t one of those playoff teams and are in a dynasty format, don’t hesitate to plan for the future. Trade some of your players for draft picks to help prepare you for the future. Just because your fantasy season might be over doesn’t mean you have to just let the season play out and sit on your hands. Be proactive.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .

This is not a hot take but Jaxson Dart is going to have to tone down his reckless running with the football. He is not going to last long in the NFL if he keeps playing like he has to start his career. Hopefully, he figures it out sooner than later because he is a special talent. I still can’t believe what he is doing on a team with so little to work with offensively. Dart is going to be a stud for years to come. Let’s just hope he can stay on the field.

I never want to wish injury on anyone but Garrett Wilson getting hurt might be a blessing in disguise for him and his fantasy owners. The Jets passing game is absolutely awful. And while Wilson has been alright at times this year, you have to wonder if he would have been very productive going forward with how bad this offense has been playing lately. It might be good for his fantasy owners, who likely would have played him no matter what on a weekly basis because of his big-time ability. I just want to see Wilson get healthy and a good quarterback to work with in 2026. This season was a lost year for him.

The Eagles have to make some changes offensively. Their current philosophy isn’t working and they need to adjust. The offensive line just isn’t opening the holes for Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia might need to come out more pass-first to help open up the offense. If they can start making big plays down the field, that should help Barkley find more room to run. Right now, this offense isn’t working and something needs to change. Barkley has 60 or fewer rushing yards all but two games.

It is pretty amazing that Joe Burrow is already practicing on a limited basis. I would not count out a return in the near future - maybe even for the fantasy playoffs. So if he is available in your league for some reason, go grab him now. He could be a factor once again this year. The Bengals passing game has been great in recent weeks, so Burrow might end up being a difference maker before it is all said and done.

Trey McBride sure has a great connection with Jacoby Brissett. He has double-digit targets three of the four starts of Brissett. He has at least 16 fantasy points all four of Brissett’s starts. He also has found the end zone every one of those starts. The numbers don’t lie. Brissett has helped make McBride the top fantasy tight end in the game. This duo has a great connection right now.

If I’m a Saints fan, I’m encouraged with what I’m seeing from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. He is making progress each week and could be the franchise quarterback the team was searching. He still could have some bumps along the way this year, but I think new head coach Kellen Moore is doing a great job with the rookie. Things are trending up for this entire Saints offense.

On the flip side, I don’t think the Browns have found their franchise quarterback in Dillon Gabriel. He just doesn’t have the arm strength in my view to be a top-notch NFL starter. Plus, he doesn’t always make the right read and can hold onto the ball too long. And you can lack arm strength and still be a solid NFL quarterback, but those kind of guys need to be highly accurate. I don’t think Gabriel has that accuracy. Personally, I would like to see the team give a shot to rookie Shedur Sanders before the season is over. We’ll see.

News and Notes: Tampa Bay running back Josh Williams has been suspended without pay for violating the NFL's Performance Enhancing Substance Policy. Williams is eligible for reinstatement on December 16. . . . Free agent kicker Justin Tucker had his suspension end on Tuesday after the first 10 weeks of the NFL season. He was suspended for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Tucker is free to sign with any team.

HOT PLAYS

Woody Marks, RB, Texans. Marks played a season-high 80 percent of the snaps last week, emerging as the lead back for the Texans. He scored 16.1 fantasy points and had 81 total yards. Marks has 12-plus fantasy points three of four games, showing good consistency with his larger workload. We like him to play week again this week against the Titans. Marks had a season-high 27.9 fantasy points against the Titans in Week 4. Tennessee has struggled to stop the run all year, allowing the fifth most fantasy points to running backs.

Joe Flacco, QB, Bengals. Flacco is first overall in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games. He has topped 20 fantasy points all four starts with the Bengals. He had his best game of the season his last time out, throwing for 470 yards and four touchdowns against the Bears. He gets the Steelers this week, a team he scored 29.4 points against in Week 7. Look for more of the same from Flacco in this one, getting the team that allows the seventh most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

George Pickens, WR, Cowboys. Even with CeeDee Lamb back, Pickens continues to post solid numbers. Pickens has at least 13 fantasy points all but Week 1 of the season. He has been targeted nine times two straight and three of four games. He gets a ton of volume and is normally good for a big play or two on a weekly basis. Look for good things from Pickens in Week 11 against the Raiders, a team that allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers. The Raiders have allowed 30 or more points two of three games.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers. Dowdle is carrying the Panthers offense at this point. He has touchdowns two straight games and 48 touches in those games. Dowdle has 15-plus fantasy points four of six games. The Panthers are leaning on him and he is rewarding them with great play. He can have another big game this week against a Falcons team that does well against the pass but struggles against the run. Atlanta allows the fourth most fantasy points to running backs. Dowdle found the end zone against the Falcons in Week 3.

Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings. Addison had just three catches for 35 yards last week but was targeted 11 times. That is a ton of looks and very encouraging for him going forward despite his poor production for fantasy teams. If he gets double-digit targets again this week, look for big numbers against the Bears. Chicago has been dismal against the pass and allows the sixth most fantasy points to receivers. The Bears have allowed 711-passing yards their last two games. Addison can get it going this week.

COLD PLAYS   

Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks. Walker continues to split the work at running back with Zach Charbonnet. He does have double-digit carries every game this season but has not had double-digit fantasy points since Week 4. His lack of work in the passing game is really hurting his floor, making him a tough fantasy start. We might steer clear of him this week against a good Rams rush defense. The Rams allow the fewest fantasy points to running backs and haven’t given up fewer than 100-rushing yards three straight and six of seven games.

Bo Nix, QB, Broncos. Nix has played very well at times this year but struggled at times as well. He has fewer than 200-passing yards five times, including two straight games. He scored a season-low 9.5 fantasy points last week against a mediocre Raiders defense. Nix has been a mixed bag this year, failing to take that step forward you had hoped. He could have more tough sledding this week against the Chiefs, a team that allows the 12th fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Chiefs have allowed 200 or fewer passing yards three of four games.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs. There were high hopes for Worthy this year and he has done some good things at times but just isn’t getting the volume to be a consistent fantasy play. He has less than double-digit fantasy points two of three games. Worthy might be more of a matchup play than an every-week fantasy starter. And a game this week against the Broncos could be a tough one for Worthy. Despite losing top cornerback Patrick Surtain, Denver still allows the fewest fantasy points to receivers. The Broncos have allowed less than 200-passing yards two straight games.

Derrick Henry, RB, Ravens. Henry had 20 carries last week but managed just 75 yards. He is getting a lot of volume but just isn’t having the same success as last year in this offense. His numbers have been more erratic. He has not topped 20 fantasy points in a game since Week 1. Things could be tough again for him this week against the Browns, a team he ran 11 times for 23 yards against in Week 2. Cleveland allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs on the season.

Tet McMillan, WR, Panthers. McMillan is having a solid rookie year but nothing too special, mainly because the Panthers continue to get erratic quarterback play. McMillan has fewer than double-digit fantasy points two of four games. He gets his weekly looks but his yardage totals have really been held in check, topping 60 yards in a game just one time his last five games. He could have another mediocre game this week against the Falcons. He had three catches for 48 yards on eight targets against Atlanta in week 3. The Falcons allow the seventh fewest fantasy points to receivers.

SLEEPERS    

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Steelers. Rodgers hasn’t been much help to fantasy teams outside of a few games. He has less than 20 fantasy points all but two games. But one of his big games came against his opponent this week, the Bengals. He threw for 249 yards and four touchdowns against the Bengals in Week 7. Rodgers had 27.05 fantasy points in that game. So he will be a good streaming play against Cincinnati, a team that allows the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Cedric Tillman, WR, Browns. Tillman returned to the lineup last week and played 73 percent of the snaps. He got near his usual starter workload. He had just two receptions for 11 yards on four targets. But he played and got his chances, so the potential is there for the big-play target. Remember, Tillman found the end zone two straight games to start his season, including one against this week’s opponent, the Ravens, before getting injured. Baltimore allows the fourth most fantasy points to receivers and giving up at least 245-passing yards three straight. Tillman might be worth taking a chance on this week.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Steelers. Gainwell didn’t have a single carry last week but actually played the most of any Steelers back, playing 52 percent of the snaps. This was his highest snap count since Week 4. If he gets this big of a workload this week against the lowly Bengals, Gainwell might do some damage. The Bengals allow the most fantasy points to running backs and have allowed 250-plus rushing yards two straight games. Gainwell could be worth a shot in this one. He might surprise.

Sean Tucker, RB, Bucs. Tucker didn’t get a ton of work last week but led the Bucs in rushing, running nine times for 53 yards. He was the best back for the Bucs and could get even more work this week with Rachaad White doing little with his chances. Tucker has some potential against the Bills, a team that allows the sixth most fantasy points to running backs. The Bills were torched on the ground by the Dolphins last week, allowing 197-rushing yards.

Noah Fant, TE, Bengals. Fant is emerging as the top target at tight end for the Bengals. He has found the end zone two of three games. He has at least 6.7 fantasy points four straight games, showing a decent floor. Fant plays the Steelers, a team he scored 14.4 fantasy points against in Week 7. He might be a good streaming play against a team that struggles to stop the tight end, allowing the fifth most fantasy points to tight ends.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low-scoring games for the coming week. In high-scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low-scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Bengals/Steelers, Bucs/Bills, 49ers/Cardinals, Cowboys/Raiders, Lions/Eagles.

Low Scoring Games: Jets/Patriots, Panthers/Falcons, Texans/Titans, Ravens/Browns,

Bye Weeks: Colts, Saints.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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The Paur Report

Value Picks: Week 11

Player Notes
Aaron Rodgers Nov 16 8:20pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

There's initial concern that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a "slight break" in his left wrist, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter reports that Rodgers will undergo further testing on Monday, but it's "shaping up" to be Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph who gets the start in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Rodgers was forced to exit early from Pittsburgh's Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rudolph played well after taking over for Rodgers against Cincinnati, completing 12 of 16 pass attempts for 127 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. It's unclear exactly how long Rodgers will be sidelined, but it appears as though Rudolph will be forced into action in the short term.

From RotoBaller

Quinshon Judkins Nov 16 8:20pm CT
Quinshon Judkins

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins carried the ball 17 times for 59 yards and failed to catch either of his two targets in a 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Judkins was unable to capitalize on what appeared to be a good matchup on paper against the Baltimore run defense, as he managed just 3.5 yards per carry in the loss. The rookie has now been held out of the end zone in three consecutive games as the Cleveland offense continues to struggle to move the ball. Judkins will look to bounce back in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders on the road.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Nov 16 8:10pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 47 of his 57 pass attempts for 452 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 11 loss against the San Francisco 49ers. Brissett's 47 completions broke the NFL's all-time single-game record, surpassing Jared Goff and Drew Bledsoe, who both once had 45 completions. The two turnovers are a blemish on his stat line, but the veteran quarterback still drastically exceeded expectations in fantasy football, even without Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) at his disposal. He has 11 total touchdowns in five games since taking over for Kyler Murray (foot), and during that span, he ranks as the overall QB4 in fantasy points per game. He has emerged as a must-start quarterback for Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Nov 16 8:00pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride caught 10 of his 11 targets for 115 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 11 loss against the San Francisco 49ers. McBride was already the top weapon in Arizona's passing attack, but he took on an even larger role this week with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) sidelined. The tight end benefited from Jacoby Brissett completing 47 passes, which is a new NFL all-time single-game record. McBride now has five consecutive games with a touchdown, scoring six different times in that span. He'll remain a must-start, high-end TE1 even after Harrison returns to action. The Cardinals will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Nov 16 7:50pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey had 13 carries for 81 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 11 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He also caught five of his six targets for an additional 40 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The superstar running back continues to demonstrate excellence as a rusher and receiver, and his big game officially propelled him past Jonathan Taylor for the overall RB1 spot (PPR) through 11 weeks. Given that he was a late-first-round pick in most redraft leagues this year, managers are getting even more than they expected from the 29-year-old. He remains a must-start RB1 for Week 12 against his old team, the Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Nov 16 7:50pm CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson caught 15 of his 18 targets for 185 yards during Sunday's Week 11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. We knew Wilson was going to take on an expanded role with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) sidelined, but nobody could have predicted that he would be this involved and productive against the Niners. He benefited from Jacoby Brissett setting a new record for most completions (47) in a single game in NFL history. It's unlikely that Brissett throws the ball as much next week, and it's also too early to tell whether Harrison will miss additional time. Nevertheless, Wilson's big game will keep him in the WR3/flex tier with WR2 upside for Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Isaac TeSlaa Nov 16 7:20pm CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (oblique) is officially active for Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. He was listed as questionable after being a late addition to the injury report. The rookie has occupied a depth role in his first pro season, catching four of seven targets for 65 yards and two touchdowns through nine games. He remains off the redraft radar as long as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are both healthy.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Nov 16 7:13pm CT
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk ended up with a single 6-yard reception on four targets in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans.

Fantasy Spin: Kirk had three or more receptions in his first four games this season, but he has tailed off working with backup QB Davis Mills, who has subbed for the injured QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) in the past two contests. Kirk's fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper leagues, especially as long as Mills is under center.

From TheHuddle

Nick Chubb Nov 16 7:13pm CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans RB Nick Chubb rushed three times for 17 yards in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans, and he did not have a reception on two targets.

Fantasy Spin: The veteran had his shot at the workhorse job, but he has been surpassed by rookie Woody Marks, who has been much more productive. Chubb is only worth a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues at this juncture.

From TheHuddle

Danielle Hunter Nov 16 7:13pm CT
Danielle Hunter

Houston Texans DE Danielle Hunter went for four total stops, a solo tackle, 1.5 sacks, a tackle for loss and a game-high three quarterback hits in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans.

From TheHuddle

Michael Penix Jr. Nov 16 7:10pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) aggravated the same knee injury that forced him to miss time earlier this season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The second-year quarterback had completed 13 of his 16 pass attempts for 175 yards before exiting Sunday's Week 11 loss against the Carolina Panthers. Rapoport notes that Penix is headed for additional testing, but the initial expectation is that he will miss time. That would leave Kirk Cousins in line to make his second start of the season next Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The veteran went just 6-for-14 passing with 48 yards in relief of Penix this week. He led zero touchdown drives but did get Atlanta in position for two fourth-quarter field goals.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Nov 16 7:03pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz ended up with six catches for 51 yards on nine targets in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans.

Fantasy Spin: Schultz has picked up the pace with six or more receptions in each of the past three games, and he has 51 or more receiving yards in three in a row, and five of the past six outings. He has re-emerged as a low-end TE1 in PPR leagues, with slightly lesser appeal in standard play.

From TheHuddle

Dillon Gabriel Nov 16 7:00pm CT
Dillon Gabriel

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (concussion) has entered the league's concussion protocol, leaving his status for Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders up in the air. However, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski, Gabriel will remain the starter if he is healthy and clears concussion protocol. The Oregon product was replaced by fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders following his injury, but it didn't go very well as Sanders completed just four of his 16 pass attempts, took two sacks, and threw an interception. Gabriel, on the other hand, went 7-for-10 passing with 68 yards through the air, and he also led four scoring drives. Cleveland is at its best when it controls the rushing attack, which leaves Gabriel outside the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks going forward.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Nov 16 7:00pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will return to the backup role if Dillon Gabriel (concussion) clears concussion protocol ahead of Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Gabriel will be the starter when healthy. Gabriel exited midway through Sunday's Week 11 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. He had orchestrated a six-point lead, but Sanders struggled upon entering, completing just four of his 16 pass attempts with one interception and two sacks. Neither Gabriel nor Sanders is very appealing in redraft leagues, and both would rank outside the top 24 quarterbacks against Las Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Tyrell Shavers Nov 16 6:40pm CT
Tyrell Shavers

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers caught four of his five targets for a team-high 90 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His biggest play of the game was a 43-yard touchdown that temporarily gave Buffalo the lead in the second quarter. Shavers capitalized on an increased opportunity to produce with Keon Coleman (coach's decision) inactive. The third-year receiver played 53.6% of the offensive snaps, setting a new career-high. Coleman should return to action next week, but Shavers has shown that he deserves to compete for more opportunities alongside Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Joshua Palmer.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Nov 16 6:30pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had 19 carries, 73 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 11 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He was unable to haul in either of his two targets in the passing game. Etienne ceded early-game touches to Bhayshul Tuten (ankle), but then the rookie left the game with an injury, clearing the way for Etienne to re-establish himself as the lead back. The 26-year-old took full advantage of the opportunity, helping fuel a 35-6 upset victory at home. If Tuten is healthy in Week 12, we could see somewhat of a 50/50 backfield split, as both running backs have proven that they are effective and can provide a spark. In a split backfield, Etienne is a low-end RB2. However, he would jump to the RB1 tier if he operates as the workhorse or if Tuten misses time.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 16 6:23pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist) left the Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a left wrist injury, head coach Mike Tomlin said Sunday, Nov. 16. Rodgers will be further evaluated Monday. QB Mason Rudolph came on and finished up the home victory.

Fantasy Spin: Rodgers did a decent job before departing, completing 9-of-15 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown in the first half. When healthy, Rodgers is a QB2 in most fantasy leagues at this point of his career.

From TheHuddle

Calvin Ridley Nov 16 6:13pm CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley (leg) suffered a broken fibula during the Week 11 game and will miss the rest of the season, according to interim head coach Mike McCoy.

Fantasy Spin: Van Jefferson, Mason Kinsey and Elic Ayomanor are all candidates for more targets with Ridley unavailable. Ayomanor may have the most value among the three, but none of them are strong fantasy options.

From TheHuddle

Quinton Jefferson Nov 16 6:13pm CT
Quinton Jefferson

The Detroit Lions have declared CB Terrion Arnold, WR Tom Kennedy, DT Mekhi Wingo, S Kerby Joseph, DL Quinton Jefferson and RB Craig Reynolds inactive for Week 11.

From TheHuddle

Nico Collins Nov 16 6:10pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins caught nine of his 10 targets for 92 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 11 win over the Tennessee Titans. Collins paced the team in all major receiving categories, building on an equally impressive performance from back in Week 10. The Texans' top receiver has strung together three impressive games in a row, amassing at least 10 targets, seven receptions, and 14.5 fantasy points (PPR) in each of those contests. He ranks as a top-24 fantasy receiver this season, but his latest hot streak has him teetering on the edge of the WR1 tier for a Week 12 contest against the Buffalo Bills that will likely require C.J. Stroud (concussion) to throw a lot.

From RotoBaller