Fantasy Football: Starts And Sits Week 11 2021
By Pat Pitts
It’s that time of the week again. Fantasy managers have to make the difficult decision on which players to slot in and out of their lineups. Superstar players return from injury lists, filling managers’ thoughts with anxiety and indecision. Here is a list of guys to help make the process a lot easier.
START
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott @ KC
Prescott demolished the Falcons defense last week in a 40 point victory. He walks into Arrowhead Stadium with another favorable matchup against the abysmal Kansas City defense. The Chiefs defense has allowed the fifth-most passing yards and eighth-most touchdowns to fantasy QBs this season, making Prescott a lock in all lineups.
Jalen Hurts vs NO
Hurts made his first career start against the Saints a year ago. He rushed for 109 yards and passed for 167 yards and a touchdown. The Saints have lost their last two games, giving Hurts the upper hand heading into Week 11.
Tyrod Taylor @ TEN
Taylor threw for 240 yards against the Dolphins but failed to find the end zone. This week, he faces the Titans, who have allowed opposing QBs to rack up the second most passing yards and sixth most touchdowns this season. He slots in as a solid stream option for teams dealing with Bye weeks.
Running Backs
Najee Harris vs LAC
Harris seemed to be the only Steeler to produce in their draw against the Lions. However, he lines up against another horrible run defense in the Chargers, who have allowed the most rushing yards and 2nd most rushing touchdowns to fantasy RBs this season, making him the potential overall RB1 in Week 11.
A.J. Dillon vs MIN
Dillon gets a matchup against a bad Vikings defense as he holds down the Packers backfield while Aaron Jones is out with a knee injury. He’s a no-brainer start.
Myles Gaskin vs NYJ
Gaskin has averaged 15 carries over the past four games but no touchdowns. The Jets defense has allowed the most touchdowns to fantasy RBs in 2021. The odds are in your favor, and Gaskin’s, with this matchup.
Wide Receivers
Brandin Cooks @ TEN
Brandin Cooks continues to be the shining light in the dumpster fire known as the 2021 Houston Texans. His matchup against the Titans makes him a must-start, as the Titans allow the most receiving yards to WRs this year. Taylor and Cooks are the only players to play from the Texans.
Deebo Samuel @ JAX
Samuel has been the model of consistency since the 49ers Bye week. He has averaged eight targets, five catches, and 108 yards over a four-game span, making him a set and forget for this week and the foreseeable future.
Devonta Smith vs NO
Smith ranks as WR24 across fantasy platforms, but needs to be considered a WR1 this week. He has finished the last two weeks with 20 fantasy points, making him a reliable start as a WR1 against the Saints even in a matchup with Marshon Lattimore.
Tight Ends
Dan Arnold vs SF
As discussed on 4th and Goal, Dan Arnold proves to be the most dependable TE in fantasy. He leads the Jags in targets over the last few weeks. His target share makes him a must-start in Week 11.
Adam Trautman @ PHI
Trautman plays the worst team statistically against TEs this season but remains available in 96% of fantasy leagues. But with Trevor Siemian under center, Trautman is more of a TE2 than a Top-12 option.
C.J. Uzomah vs LV
The Raiders rank as the second-worst team against TEs this season, giving Uzomah an opportunity to bounce back as a low-end TE1 this week after a few weeks of going ghost in the Quantum Realm.
SIT
Quarterbacks
Carson Wentz @ BUF
Wentz has been a streamable start over the past few weeks, but the Bills have the best defense against opposing QBs this season. So a QB like Jalen Hurts makes more sense to start this week.
Kirk Cousins @ GB
The Packers passing defense has been quite good over the last few weeks, making a road trip to Lambeau less than ideal for Kirk Cousins and your fantasy lineup.
Daniel Jones vs TB
The Bucs have only allowed 17 touchdowns this season to opposing QBs. Even Baby Groot can do the math here. Sit Danny Dimes.
Running Backs
Jordan Howard vs NO
The Saints have allowed the lowest amount of rushing yards to RBs this season. Howard has played well in relief of Miles Sanders while he’s been out with injury, but this is a week to try and trade Howard in your league while he’s still a hot name in the streets.
Jonathan Taylor vs BUF
The Bills have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing RBs. The entire Colts team will struggle this week, especially the backfield. Leave both Taylor and Hines on the pine.
Seahawks RBs vs ARI
Arizona’s defense proves to be a problem for their opponents this season, especially RBs as they have not allowed a rushing touchdown this season. I do not expect that to change this week.
Wide Receivers
Diontae Johnson vs LAC
The Chargers secondary has bullied WRs this season, allowing the least amount of receptions, yards, and touchdowns to the position this year. There are a lot of better options than the Steelers WR1, who could potentially be without Big Ben for a second straight week.
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown vs CHI
If there’s been one bright spot for the Bears this season, it’s been their defense. Hollywood has been the definition of inconsistency this season and shouldn’t be trusted as more than a WR3 this week.
Adam Thielen @ GB
Thielen has one 100-yard receiving game this season and has only eclipsed 80 yards twice all season. He’s extremely touchdown dependent and a date with the Packers is the last thing the doctor ordered to fix that.
Tight Ends
Dawson Knox vs IND
Knox earns the title of “Maniac Sit of the Week” with his matchup against the Colts on Sunday. Darius Leonard has been a monster as of late, forcing fumbles and pressure on offenses. Knox put up a single point against the Jets last week. Need I say more?
T.J. Hockenson vs CLE
Hockenson’s two brutal penalty calls may have him in the doghouse with Dan Campbell. The Browns defense seeks vengeance after their embarrassing loss in New England. It’s unlikely Hockenson produces well on Sunday.
Austin Hooper vs DET
The Browns are going to need to rely on their ferocious backfield to win on Sunday. Hooper will take a backseat based on the fact Mayfield will be handing the ball off rather than airing it out against the Lions.